A Woman After David's Heart (Book #2 Andersen Brothers series) Read online

  “Hey, what are you two doing here?” David asked the man as they slapped hands in a shake. The two were about the same build and height. He made the introductions, letting her know that he hadn’t forgotten her. “Valerie, this is my other brother, Christian… and Joy Knight.”

  “We came to help.” Christian tilted his head. “Actually, it was Joy’s idea once I told her what you and Nathan were up to tonight.”

  David squinted. “I thought you had…” He cleared his throat. “Other plans.”

  “You mean like…propose?” Christian grinned and lifted the woman’s hand.

  Whoa. Valerie had never seen a diamond so big up close on a woman’s finger. “Wow, it’s beautiful.”

  Joy glowed. “Thank you.” Christian hugged her and kissed her black hair, which complemented her dark eyes.

  The two made a stunning couple. Valerie watched the interaction between them, trying to mask her longing.

  At least David’s brother was doing the right thing by marrying the mother of his children.

  “Congratulations.” David pumped his brother’s hand again, then hugged Joy and the girls once more. “But that doesn’t explain why you’re all here. Where’s Shane?”

  “With my neighbor. Since Christian couldn’t talk me out of it, he thought it would be a good idea to include the girls.” Joy paused.

  “I’m sorry, Valerie. This is my niece Bethani, her sister, Darla, and my daughter, Jada. Shane is my nephew. I know it seems odd that I would rather be here than at a romantic dinner, but I’m a baby saint in the Lord, and I’ve really learned how to serve God’s people by watching my brand-new fiancé.” She reached for his hand.

  “Uncle David is going to be my real uncle now.” Bethani grinned with worshipping eyes.

  It started to slowly sink in that Christian didn’t father any of Joy’s children. Wow. That was mind-boggling.

  She didn’t have one child, yet she couldn’t attract a man. Feeling a pity party about to consume her, Valerie excused herself. “I’d better go change my shoes,” she mumbled, escaping the family gathering.

  Her heart began to sink as she wondered how many other women had become engaged this evening.

  What happened, God? Did You forget about me? I love You, try to walk upright before You, and have no baggage, yet a woman with four children beats me to a husband. What’s the logic in that? It’s just not fair!

  I know the thoughts I have for you, God whispered words she had read in Jeremiah 29:11.

  Then God, please let me in on it. Give me hope to hold out until the end. She blinked back her blurred vision before she got to her mother, who paid her little mind as Valerie grabbed a bag that contained her shoes from under the table.

  Before any questions were asked, Valerie hurried to the ladies’ room. She not only had to change her shoes, but her attitude and when she was finished, she’d probably need to repair her makeup.

  Chapter 4

  Since her salvation, Valerie had had many prayer meetings behind the closed door of a bathroom stall. Restrooms were a perfect hiding place for talking to Jesus, whether she was on a secret fast while at work or someone had hurt her feelings at church, or like now, when she was overwhelmed by pity for herself.

  “God, please help my attitude. I know You will bless those You choose and I matter to You. I know I don’t have to compromise for companionship like I did before I repented and walked in holiness. Lord, if this is my fate, then help me to accept what I can’t change.”

  Valerie sniffed at the same time the door to the ladies’ room opened. Closing her eyes, she continued to silently petition God. She flushed the toilet to mask her sound of despair.

  While taking deep breaths to compose herself, God’s voice was unobstructed despite the voices in the restroom.

  Am I not a High Priest who is touched with the feeling of your infirmities? Trust Me, God spoke from Hebrews 4:15.

  As His Word seeped into her spirit, Valerie whispered, Thank You, Jesus. All she had to do was get past this day, then she would be on the road to recovery until this time next year.

  She paused, and considered what she’d just thought. Praying for eleven-fifty-nine on Valentine’s Day wasn’t trusting God. Sighing, Valerie yet again repented for her wayward thinking before lifting her bag off the hook. It was perfect timing, as she left the stall at the same time the occupants walked out the door.

  Valerie pumped the soap dispenser as she continued to gather her wits. That’s when chatty voices preceded more women. Oh no, Joy and her little tribe. Embarrassed, Valerie immediately scooped water in both hands and patted her face. The water was so cold that she shivered. No doubt, her makeup would definitely need repair.

  “Valerie?”

  Her body stiffened as she felt Joy’s presence coming closer. Swallowing, Valerie prayed for composure.

  “Hi again,” Joy said.

  Lord, do I have to be tested so soon? “Hello.” Valerie grabbed a paper towel and dabbed her face without making eye contact.

  She discarded the towel quickly, then opened her bag and pulled out her travel-size cosmetic bag. Although it didn’t contain all her makeup, she had enough to manage damage control for her eyes.

  “Auntie, I’ve got to go,” Joy’s younger niece said with urgency, doing a little dance.

  “Come on, Darla.” Bethani took her sister’s hand and guided her into a stall.

  “Jada, are you sure you don’t have to use the bathroom, too?” Joy looked down at her daughter.

  The girl shook her head adamantly.

  “Right. Well, you’re going anyway.”

  Perfect. Valerie smeared gloss across her lips. If she hurried, she would be gone by the time Joy came out.

  The commode flushed and Bethani reappeared. That had to be a record for a little girl using the bathroom. “I’ll take her, Auntie.”

  “Oh, thank you, sweetie. Let’s switch.” Joy and her niece exchanged the girls.

  Guiding Bethani’s little sister to the sink, Joy lathered the child’s hands. As Darla played in the water, Valerie smiled, then caught Joy’s glance at her feet.

  “I love your ankle boots.”

  Looking down, Valerie had forgotten she still had them on and that was the reason why she was there. “Thank you.”

  Joy’s compliment seemed to break the ice. “When you left, David commented he couldn’t believe you could walk in them.” She chuckled. “Me either, but they look beautiful on you.”

  Love does not envy, God reminded her of a portion of 1 Corinthians 13 she often dismissed.

  Help me, God, not to be jealous, she silently prayed and mustered a smile.

  Her day of happiness was coming—maybe, hopefully, please. Valerie relaxed and focused on what it meant to be a Christian. She couldn’t be envious of anyone who’d found love.

  Valerie returned Joy’s smile. “They are showstoppers, but only for a minute. It’s now time to come out of them.” Closing her makeup bag, she dropped it back in her purse.

  Walking to the lounge area that could rival her living room with its elegant decor, Valerie sank into the soft cushion on a long bench. As she stretched her legs to begin unfastening her boots, Joy’s niece trailed her. Quietly, she flopped beside her, seemingly fascinated. Darla was so cute with her chubby cheeks, long lashes, and thick twisted ponytails. “You’re pretty.”

  Valerie blushed at the unexpected compliment. “Thank you. So are you.” She really hoped the Lord allowed her to have children, if she ever got married—no… correction, when.

  “I know how to do that.” The girl pointed to the zipper that was hidden under the thick straps of Valerie’s boots.

  Joy appeared with the other two girls and intercepted Darla from “helping.”

  “Sorry.” Joy grinned, then reclined in a chair facing her with Darla by her side.

  “That’s alright. I can never have too many admirers.”

  Joy gave her a knowing smile, then released her niece when the others round
ed the corner to primp and pose in front of the wall mirror.

  Left alone, Valerie glanced at Joy’s finger again. “That really is a beautiful ring.”

  “Thank you.” She admired her hand, then crossed one leg over the other. Dressed in a black knee-length skirt and red jacket with a black collar, Joy was classy. “It’s unimaginable what plans God has for us.”

  Valerie wondered what God’s plans were for her. Before she could entertain different scenarios, Joy continued talking.

  “This time last year, I would’ve never predicted I had a chance at being a wife. I wasn’t saved or thinking about being saved,” Joy said more to herself. “As a matter of fact, God was an afterthought as I tried to manage day after day.”

  Since she couldn’t relate, Valerie just listened. Releasing her feet, she wiggled her toes and sighed.

  “I like your toes,” Darla said as she returned to her aunt’s side. Then she took a few hesitant steps toward Valerie, pointing to the black toenail polish.

  Smiling, Valerie thanked her and tweaked her nose. The girl giggled.

  Pulling her flats out her bag, she dropped them on the floor and slid her feet inside. She grabbed her boots and was about to stand and leave when Joy signaled her to wait, so she sat again.

  “My sister died from cancer…”

  “Oh, I’m sorry.” Valerie’s heart ached for the woman’s loss. She could relate to losing a loved one. She was close to her father, but to lose a sibling—a sister?

  That was unfathomable. Valerie wanted to ask the standard, “How old was she?” but it wouldn’t matter. The children were still motherless.

  “Regina was my only sister.” Joy nodded and checked that the girls seemed to be distracted again with the wall length mirror, then lowered her voice. “Her husband practically deserted their children as she grew worse.”

  Valerie frowned to show her contempt, but didn’t comment. She didn’t know Joy or her family dynamics well enough to give an opinion.

  “She had done everything right. Regina was a practicing Christian, she married Langston who professed to be one, and then she had three beautiful children, yet God took her too soon.” Joy paused and stared at nothing. Valerie respected her quietness as she reflected on her last moments with her father.

  Joy chuckled, but nothing was funny. “I was the sister who seemed to do everything wrong. I didn’t walk with Jesus, I wasn’t married, but had a baby as if God’s Word about fornication didn’t apply to me….”

  Why was this woman telling her business to a complete stranger? Valerie was starting to feel uncomfortable.

  She thought about excusing herself and leaving, but in the back of her mind, Valerie wondered what made a man propose to a woman with four children.

  “Well, last year, right before Thanksgiving, I met Christian…in a checkout line.” She lowered her lashes before glancing at Valerie again.

  “To make a long story into a short testimony, he is truly a man after God’s own heart. Christian’s the type to show rather than tell when it comes to the scriptures. Referencing Luke 18:16, Christian showed me what it really meant for children to celebrate Christmas.

  “The Lord’s salvation was so real that Bethani and I both received the baptism in water and spirit on Christmas.”

  “I received the Holy Ghost before Auntie,” Bethani added from the other side of the room.

  “Bethani? What did I tell you about getting in grown folks’ conversations?” Joy’s attempt to sound stern was weak to Valerie’s ears.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Joy shook her head, then whispered, “Christian wanted me and the children.”

  “Mommy, I’m ready to go back to the party,” Jada whined.

  Smiling at the girls, Joy stood. The woman seemed to have a lot of patience for each one of them.

  “I guess we’d better go. My fiancé will have the sisterhood looking for us.” Joy paused. “My fiancé,” she repeated and shook her head as if she was still trying to digest it.

  “It was so nice meeting you, Valerie. I hope we see each other again, especially at church.”

  “Bye, Miss Valerie.” Bethani waved, and the younger girls mimicked her.

  “It was nice meeting you, too.” After hearing Joy’s testimony, Valerie felt foolish for her earlier selfish thoughts.

  Here was a testimony of what any woman would see as impossible, as far as attracting a man. If God could bless Joy, then surely, He had more where that came from to bless her, too.

  ***

  Although David had listened to every word Christian and Joy were saying, his eyes had tracked Valerie’s retreat until she disappeared, then Joy took her crew to the ladies’ room. Left alone, David put Christian to work.

  “She’s very pretty.”

  “Yeah, she is.” David nodded. “I had planned to ask her out.”

  “Had?” Christian gave him a bewildered look as he bumped into a table they were about to serve. The women sitting there easily accepted his brother’s apology.

  David didn’t miss a beat as Christian trailed him, bearing the dessert platter. David took the supervisor role and told his brother which table to serve next.

  When the lights flashed, the music stopped. He and Christian quickly emptied the platter as the entertainment took center stage. The brothers stood off to the side.

  Thy Mother’s Keeper had hired St. Louis Christian comedian, Reggie Reg. Known for his antics, Reggie coaxed an elderly woman from her seat to dance with him.

  The room was in an uproar as somebody’s grandma made moves on the floor that even Reggie had to stop and watch.

  “What made you change your mind about asking Valerie out?” Christian picked up the conversation as soon as the skit was finished.

  David huffed and shook his head. “Pure willpower, bro. I was waiting until after Valentine’s Day. You know how women expect too much on this day…like a ring.”

  “For an educated man, your logic on relationships is lacking. You can’t shut down because of two horror stories.”

  “Three,” David amended, thinking about another incident.

  “Whatever, man.” Christian folded his arms. “I’m sure Joy wasn’t expecting it. That’s why I love her so much. If you don’t stop your generalizing, you may miss your blessing. Consider Valerie being here tonight as another chance to correct your mistake.”

  “Butt out,” David said, annoyed as he scanned the room for Valerie. Even though the lights were dimmed, she would glow in a crowd. That’s how she’d gotten his attention at church.

  “Okay, but I suggest you take my brotherly advice. If you snooze, you could lose out if another brother snatches her up. I see my fiancée and girls.” Christian walked away.

  Umph. If another man hadn’t taken her out tonight, then she was fair game. He frowned as he scanned the room. But where was Valerie? He strolled over to the area where her mother was sitting.

  The woman was enjoying herself, and there was no sign of her daughter. The program was almost over and neither of them had taken a break to eat.

  Thinking back to what Valerie said was one of her favorite snacks, David got an idea since most of the food was gone anyway. Retracing his steps back to the kitchen, he whipped out his smartphone and ordered two large Imo pizzas, salads and two Vess cream sodas.

  Valerie didn’t reappear under David’s radar until the program had ended and the volunteers had begun to clear the tables. She was randomly speaking to guests. He made a beeline in her direction. With determination in his steps, David didn’t slow down. It was their time now.

  Chapter 5

  Valerie could feel David’s presence behind her before his soothing, but commanding voice pulled her away from chatting with an elderly lady. “Thanks for helping me earlier.”

  She twirled around. The look he gave her was so mesmerizing that it was causing her to fantasize about what it would be like to be at a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. She snapped out of it to reply, “Sorry.” She
smiled. “I kinda deserted you.”

  David inched closer until she caught a whiff of his cologne. Without her heels, his height blocked her view of anything going on behind him. “I’ll forgive you if you’ll share a couple of pizzas with me. I ordered Imo’s.”

  The muscles inside Valerie’s stomach kicked her as if to say she’d better not say no. Before she could respond, David took the liberty to reach for her hand. Then with a firm grip, he guided her across the ballroom.

  In the midst of the stripped tables ready to be folded and put away, two tables remained draped with a tablecloth and untouched silverware. He pulled out a chair for her as if they were at some fine dining establishment. Valerie giggled at his theatrics.

  “Why did you order pizza with all this good food?” she good-naturedly scolded him.

  “Because you like pizza and Imo’s is your favorite, as I recall and unless you’ve eaten, you have to be starving like me.”

  “I am. That’s sweet of you to remember, Brother David.” So what if it was pizza, she was still having Valentine’s Day dinner with someone other than her mother—and he was handsome.

  After straddling a chair like a cowboy, David stood and waved frantically. “Our order is here.”

  Before she indulged, Valerie excused herself to check on her mother. One of the ladies had pulled out a deck of cards at the table. Her mother didn’t even play solitaire, so she was chatting with another onlooker. “Do you mind waiting while I eat something, or are you ready to go now?”

  Helen waved her hand. “I’m in no rush. I’m having a good time.” She beamed with happiness.

  “We can stay here until someone puts out the lights,” an older perky woman said.

  Valerie snickered. “It appears so.”

  “I’ll find you, dear.” Her mother dismissed her.

  Heading back, she expected to find that David had eaten half the pizza. Instead he stood by their table, waiting for her return as if he was her butler. She smiled until his intense stare made her blush.