Page 36 of A Taste of Grace

Jolt

Grace never left home without leaving a note for the girls or me but didn’t leave one today. Her car, suitcase, and toiletries were gone, too. I huffed, ticked that her behavior mirrored Madeline’s on a day that was meant to honor mothers.

I was the common denominator in this fiasco.

Madeline and Grace were opposites, yet they behaved the same when it came to me.

As much as I believed I was a good communicator, it had to be a lie.

God made me a shepherd to his flock at Haven of Hope and Blessings, but I repelled the women I married. That was foul.

The girls played board games after lunch and their call with Grace then took a nap. I called Grace in the evening, but she refused to speak with me. I finally gave up and settled into my nightly routine with the girls.

Around 7:00 p.m., a knock at the door pulled me from a random nature show I was watching. I laid the remote on the coffee table and checked my watch. I wasn’t expecting anyone this late on a Sunday. When I peeked through the peephole, I saw Aunt Nita with an overnight bag on her shoulder.

“Auntie!” I opened the door and gave Aunt Nita a huge hug.

“My darling Caleb.” She held me tight like she did when I was a little boy.

Her hugs always transported me to a safe space.

“To what do I owe the pleasure? Where’re you going with that bag?” I took her bag from her as she crossed the threshold.

“I’m spending the night with the girls.”

I frowned, genuinely confused.

“Why? Is everything okay at your house?”

She patted my arm and held it, her eyes boring into mine.

“Of course, but all is not well in yours.”

I stepped back and stared at Aunt Nita. I knew instantly she was aware of the continued turmoil between Grace and me. Like when I was a boy, I felt defensive and wanted to explain myself.

“I apologized, but Grace refused to talk about what happened. I’m sorry you’re involved in our fight.”

Aunt Nita didn’t bat an eye as she held my arm firmly.

“Pack a bag and go to your wife.”

“I’m not flying to DC.”

“You don’t have to. Go to her place across town.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“I’m not trying to say anything. Go to your wife and your child.”

I shook my head. My mouth opened.

“Grace flew out today.”

She closed the distance between us and spoke with increased firmness in her voice.

“Go to your wife and your son, Caleb. Grace needs you.”

Everything in me wanted to argue, but I remembered Elder Peyton’s words. It was no coincidence that two of my spiritual mentors referred to me having a son with Grace.

I stepped back and pulled out my phone, dialing Grace’s number. When she didn’t answer, I shook my head at Aunt Nita.

“She’s not answering.”

“Go to your wife.” Aunt Nita’s elevated voice worried me.

Grace’s house was a short drive away. If Grace were there, the possibility of her being pregnant might be very real since Aunt Nita was a seer.

“Give me five minutes to pack some stuff. The girls are in their rooms. You know the routine.”

“Okay. Treat your rib with care, baby.”

If Grace was still in town, I would prove to her that she would always be my priority, even when the storms of life came our way.