Count It All Joy Read Free Page B

Sometimes Kiano just got a little more attention than the others. It wasn’t intentional.”
    â€œI’ll bet.”
    â€œNow, what’s that supposed to mean? Would you have preferred we ignore Kiano and all the orphans?”
    Joshua took a step back. “Of course not. But you could’ve given me a heads-up that you and Seger had a special relationship with him.”
    â€œWe had special relationships with a lot of kids. We worked together with them for many weeks. I told you about that.”
    Joshua gritted his teeth. “But you and he apparently had a special one with this particular kid.”
    â€œOkay, so does that change anything?”
    â€œNo, but I wish you had told me,” Joshua sighed.
    â€œWell, I didn’t think it was important at the time.” I threw my hands into the air in mock surrender. “I’m sorry.”
    Joshua grabbed one of my hands as it was coming down. “I’m sorry too. Is there anything else you’re hiding about you and Seger?”

Chapter Two
    Alex
    Â 
    Two days later as I lay in my bed, I still had a bad taste in my mouth from Joshua’s question and the mean look on his face when he asked it. Despite his quick apology, my own personal time in prayer, and a seventeen-hour plane ride from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the JFK Airport, the sting of his words still rang in my ears. I was confident that with being back in New York now, away from Seger, the added tension from his presence would be alleviated from my marriage.
    With the window open, the fall breeze brushed against my skin. Fall was undoubtedly my favorite time of year. I looked over at Joshua and saw that he was still asleep. The alarm clock hadn’t gone off yet, so I decided to let him have his last fifteen minutes of sleep while I showered. Under the refreshing spray, I thought about my twin sister, Taylor. Now that I was back in the States and back to my trendy downtown Brooklyn neighborhood, I could hardly wait to see her. Ever since the car accident impaired her ability to walk, she had become a different person, a better person, and I missed her. I smiled at the thought of her finally using a walker and at the thought that she had finally found someone to love. By the time I came out smelling of tangerine body splash, Joshua was waiting for me, wearing only his little satin robe.
    â€œGood morning, sweetheart,” Joshua greeted.
    â€œMorning.” I took his hand and led him to the kitchen while he groped me at every chance. After fixing a hot breakfast of grits and eggs with cheese, and serving orange juice, I sat down to join him at the table.
    The sun flowed through the pastel blue curtains and onto the white lacquer table. I made a note to myself that I had to change the decor ASAP. Now that I was the woman of the house, definite changes were going to have to be made, starting with this dull kitchen.
    â€œWhat’s on the agenda for today?”
    â€œI’ll be at the bank ’til five. Then I have my class at Missionary.”
    â€œYep, your last one. Aren’t you excited? Can you believe it’s almost over?”
    â€œI can’t wait.” Joshua filled his mouth with grits. “Can’t wait to minister.”
    It was already October, and Joshua only had two months more of Bible school. He had worked extremely hard over the past few years, both at the bank and in school, and I was very proud of his accomplishments.
    â€œI can’t wait to be a minister’s wife.” I leaned against him, smiling.
    â€œJust a couple of months, and then I’ll be able to preach anywhere.”
    â€œYep, Missionary Church, your parents’ church, and one day soon you’ll be preaching at our own church.”
    â€œHold on, Mrs. Benning. I haven’t gotten that far yet.” Joshua tapped me playfully on the head. “I’m taking one day at a time.”
    â€œWell, don’t tell your