Trusting in the Faithfulness of Protection

Protection Series:

#9 ~ Trusting in the Faithfulness of Protection

(Each novel in this series does stand-alone, but they also relate to each other.)

By Andie Renee

Copyright 2015 Andie Renee

Smashwords Edition

In regards to my Protection Series:

I have more than surpassed the required waiting years, in regards to writing, which I had agreed upon at the time of my resignation from the United States Secret Service. I have not divulged any top secret, classified, or sensitive information regarding the government, nor any government agency, nor have my books revealed any specific names. They are not meant to disrespect any particular person, agency, or representatives. They are fictional characters involved in fictional and imaginary, life-changing events. I am hoping that you enjoy the unique family bond that this agency actually has amongst its agents. This set of books may be really different from what you normally read, but I am hoping that you can enjoy the uniqueness and interesting situations that they all find themselves in and how Jesus heals their ways and works in each of their lives.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

eBook Cover Designer~Andie Renee

Main colorful celestial lights photo: CanStockPhotoInc./ Lonely11(csp 11220478); Shield and Sword photo: CanStockPhotoInc./ VIPDesignUSA(csp 12604741); Gold Cross photo: CanStockPhotoInc./ paulista(csp 12537033); Oyster Shell photo: CanStockPhotoInc./ hypermania (csp 6422297);

Star Image Designer~Andie Renee: Panther: CanStockPhotoInc./ dagadu (csp7909419); White House: CanStockPhotoInc./ Alperium (csp1845848)

When you read this book you will be experiencing...

Trusting in the Faithfulness of Protection, a novel about Desiree McKenney, a woman who radically lives in Jesus, and is intimately aware of His deep abiding love for her. She is no longer easily offended, nor does she cower over weighty issues and circumstances, because at the slightest shift from peace within, she immediately turns to her Savior while the Holy Spirit securely balances her. She is an obedient warrior for Christ, who fiercely protects her heart, her mind, and has boldly declared, Jesus, my life is your doorway, it is no longer mine to open and close. We are united as one, and you, alone, are Lord of me. What you lead into my life I will accept and take care of, but I will let go of whatever you send out of it, regardless of my desires, feelings, and emotions. It is your doorway to protect, I live in you, alone. Through multiple struggles, she has intimately learned that being fully yielded and fully dependent on God is the only way to truly live, and she knows that her Savior will always victoriously lead her, so why would she need the endearingly handsome, devoted man of God, with the powerful strength of a warrior, to come through the doorway into her private life?

United States Secret Service Special Agent Jonathan Zeak, of the Counter Assault Team, has protection on his mind when he finally encounters a woman that makes his heart erratically beat. Her contagious laughter calls to him, and when her joyful eyes finally rest upon him, all he can think to do is draw her in even closer to him. But he soon finds himself questioning: Is he there for her protection, or is she there for his?

Chapter 1

"Why aren’t you listening to me?! Bridget stomped her foot, Again... You are not going to make it, Aunt Desiree!"

Desiree’s eyes narrowed with determination, isn’t my niece supposed to be on my side? I will so make it! Her arms tightened, all through your help, Jesus. I will make this climb.

Bridget cupped her hands over her mouth, and screamed louder, "Aunt Desiree! I said, you aren’t going to maaakkkke iiiitttttt!"

For what seemed like the hundredth time, her niece’s singsong voice, again, reached all the way up to her on the climbing wall, only this time... Desiree softly shook her head, it was super loud.

Jesus, please give me strength. Her voice even echoes through the entire building! Desiree allowed her blink to last a little longer than normal while she took another deep, steadying breath. And this is a huge building, with a lot of people milling in and out of it. Frustrated, she looked straight to the gritty cement of the hard rock wall in front of her. The tips of her fingers continued to dig into the climbing holds, and she loudly and very firmly growled down to Bridget, "Why? Because I’m vertically challenged?!"

No! Bridget’s face scrunched up in confusion. "Wait, vert...ic. challe... what?!"

Desiree rolled her eyes, briefly wanting to actually bang her head against the wall. "Never mind. I can’t talk right now. Trust me. This is not a good time!"

But you are not going to make it!

Overcome with curiosity, along with a strong desire to let Bridget speak so that she could finish her climb, Desiree moved herself one more time up the wall, then kept her legs taut, and loudly grunted while flexing her upper body muscles to help maintain her hold even more. "Okay! Why won’t I make it?!"

Stomping her foot for the hundredth time, Bridget cupped her hands around her mouth and yelled up to her overly determined aunt. "Because your shoe is untied. She shook with frustration and animatedly pointed to her aunt’s shoe while jumping up and down. Mommy says that you can’t do anything right when your shoe is untied! And yours is!"

Desiree heavily sighed and looked to the ceiling far above her, Okay, I so did not see that one coming! By quickly coming to a negative assessment of why my niece is telling me that I won’t make it, I just stabbed myself with yet another useless arrow, didn’t I, Jesus? And here, all she had wanted to do was help me. Jesus, when will I learn?

‘You are learning.’

She brightly smiled, praise you, Jesus, I really am, aren’t I? It is just another learning step, and another step closer to victory for that area in my life. And thank you, also, that Shayla is not here today. I surely would have lost it had I even heard her laugh, because after hearing that firm declaration from her daughter directed towards me, while I am up here on this wall? Oh boy... Shayla’s laughter would have relentlessly come out in full force!

Intently reaching out for the next climbing grip, confusion creased her brow when various degrees of laughter from down below, unexpectedly surged towards her...

Bridget angrily frowned when her aunt didn’t even try to tie her shoe. "Aunt Desiree! It’ll be okay. Trust me! Just tie your shoe and then you’ll make it!"

Apparently, my blocking-out skills have some serious issues right now!

Desiree couldn’t help but amusingly sigh, but then, again, I guess it would all be better, and set to right, if I would just tie my shoe! Another giggle escaped as the absurdity of her situation struck hard and fast. Oh no, oh no, Desiree’s rapidly thinking mind emphatically struggled to control the desire to giggle, but it was no use. She quickly found that even with a helmet on, she was still in danger of smacking her face and sliding it against the wall. Only able to provide herself with enough protection to not let that happen, her laughter continued to ring out.

Not even the thought of the terrible, tiny indentions the paint mixed with sand would have left on her face, could stop her from laughing, nor did the minor irritation of experiencing another endless reminder of how all of her motor functions radically stops functioning when her laughter kicks in. Nor could the belayer, ordering her to stop laughing and help him out a little, have any affect. Her niece’s laughter floated up to her, feeding her own. "I can’t... I’m so sorry... Hahahahahaha... Because my shoe is... Desiree continued to mentally struggle for composure. Oohhhh, praise Jesus for the full harness!"

And as expected, she instantly fell to the floor the moment her feet touched the padded surface.

Her rubbery legs were definitely no match for gravity!

Brent wiped the sweat from his brow, and took a moment to bask in the relief that the woman was finally, safely down on solid ground. Praise Jesus for the assisted-braking device! A thousand thoughts of what could have gone wrong raced through his mind, robbing him of even the smallest amount of humor in this whole ridiculous situation. With his jaw clenching, he closed his eyes and aggressively wiped his face. Not again. I don’t care how much she is willing to pay, nor that she is so small. I will not be her belayer again.

Bridget swiftly ducked under the ropes, roping off the climbing area, and standing over her giggling aunt, she matter-of-factly spoke, "I told you that you wouldn’t be able to make it. See... Mommy is always right. You didn’t make it."

Desiree rolled over onto her knees, and breathed through the contractions racking her body. "Oh my. Oh my!"

Patting her on the back, Bridget leaned over even more. It’s alright, you can do it again after you tie your shoe.

"No! No, not today, no way."

The belayer’s loud voice and quick rejection of that happening made her groan, and trying desperately to get a grip on her laughter, Desiree regretfully smiled at him. I’m so sorry. I really, really am, so, so sorry. But the apology carried no weight at all because of her accompanying laughter. Holding up her hands, she tried again, I’m really so sorry.

He shook his head, "Might I suggest to you, that you never actually go real rock climbing? In fact, when you climb, make sure that you have two top ropes, a full body harness, and an auto belayer. That will be perfect for you."

She covered her mouth, trying to still her giggles, You mean like what is over there, around the corner, on the wall that is smaller, and safe enough for a child?

Yep, that is exactly what I mean.

Desiree nodded, and with his help, stood while he immediately started taking off her gear. I’m so sorry, I really am. Releasing more giggles, she dreamily looked up the forty foot climbing wall, I was almost there, wasn’t I, Jesus? Her eyes reverted to her niece’s, and she could actually feel her heart heating from the inside out when her niece’s eyes revealed the deep love she had for her aunt, and for just being in her presence. Praise Jesus. Our shared laughter is better than what that brief moment of victory would have given me. She thought of her sister, and all of the laughs they always share together... It truly is priceless, and something I no longer take for granted.

‘A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones.’

Desiree’s breath caught. Proverbs 17, verse 22. The precious verse she had been led to read this morning.

Her smile lifted and she gazed up at the tall wall, again. You are letting me know that you are already in my next moment in time, another confirmation of why I am not allowed to worry. You fed me that scripture just this morning in order to be able to teach me on it now. And right now, I am reminded that a brief moment of shared laughter not only heals the moment, but it also conveys limitless healing for many hours, days, and years to come. It is a unique, enjoyable strength you gift us with, because we need it during this battle strewn world.

Her arm fell around her niece, hugging her close.

Finishing up, Brent straightened and smiled, holding out his hand. "Desiree, I’m glad that you are safely down...on the ground."

Nodding, Desiree shook his hand and giggled. Me too. If I ever come back to try and tackle that wall again, then I will make sure that you are working because, well, you work well under pressure and did all you could to see me safely to the ground. Thank you. Laughing at his horrified expression, she quickly walked away waving goodbye.

But her feet soon faltered when her eyes helplessly looked at the large crowd that had gathered all around them, and who were all now laughing and clapping for her. Covering her red face, Desiree looked back to Brent, I’m really so sorry for causing such a scene.

No problem. Chuckling, Brent shook his head and turned back around, hanging up the harness. Looking up when he heard his name being called, he instantly smirked. The humorous expression on his longtime friend’s face, combined with his body language, said it all. Stripes had not only witnessed it, but had thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the woman’s climb. Quickly walking over and greeting him, along with his friends who were standing by and still laughing, Brent casually leaned against the wooden fence used as a barrier. I take it, you guys just witnessed all of that?

Stripes held up his phone, Along with getting great video footage of it!

Brent’s mouth dropped open, "Nu-uh, all of it?"

"Yep, all starting with that little girl’s very first few yells up to her climbing aunt. The way that little girl was adamantly calling to her, I just knew something hilariously funny was going to happen. He shrugged and raised his arms, It had to!"

Joining in with their laughter, Brent wiped his sweaty brow again. "I sure got my workout in today on that climb. Man, I’m worn out."

Aunt Desiree, I think thousands of people are laughing at you.

Desiree leaned in closer to Bridget while they continued to navigate their way through the crowd, No. No, they aren’t. She giggled, and continued only looking straight ahead, while her peripheral vision clearly saw an overly joyful, sea of faces, very obviously looking at them. "They are laughing with me. She inwardly groaned when the heated flush on her face intensified. But nonetheless, we really need to get out of here. I really don’t care for crowds."

But I want to look at the animals.

Are you sure?

Yes!

Okay. But first, I need to buy a hat.

Why?

To go incognito.

Bridget’s brows drew together, and her voice rose, "What?"

"Shhhh. To go incognito. To use it for a disguise so no one will recognize me." Swiftly grabbing two neat looking baseball hats, she quickly rushed over to purchase them and almost wished she hadn’t!

Embarrassingly nodding, Desiree could barely believe that even the cashier, way over here, had witnessed her laughing episode on the wall.

Well, Desiree amusingly shrugged, at least Shayla wasn’t here.

After their purchases were made, and their hats were securely on their heads with their ponytails sticking out the back of them, Desiree put her sunglasses on and looked to Bridget. So? How do I look?

Funny, because you are wearing sunglasses inside. How do I look?

Perfect. Grabbing Bridget’s hand, Desiree began to walk to the petting zoo. Okay, let’s go check out the animals, and it is a good thing I have my shades on because some of them are located outside.

Bridget laughed, and swung their entwined hands, That’s true. You won’t look so funny out there, so let’s go outside.

Half an hour later, Desiree leaned against the railing, laughing at Bridget, who again fell to the floor of the goat pen. Don’t let him eat your hat.

I sincerely hope you are not relying on those hats to effectively hide yourselves from the public eye.

Despite the frown that abruptly replaced her smile, Desiree couldn’t ignore the overly aggressive goosebumps that rose on her skin in direct response to the stranger’s gruffly enticing voice that spoke to her from right beside her. Her eyes slowly followed his tanned, muscular forearm resting next to hers, all the way up to his short sleeved t-shirt, and even farther up. Her throat thickened.

He is certainly a big, big man.

The moment their eyes collided, her heart completely dropped to the pit of her stomach like she had just free-fallen from the sky. And just as she had suspected, his striking appearance perfectly matched his alluring voice!

Chapter 2

His deep brown eyes marginally brightened, while the crinkling around them subtly revealed the humor he was successfully holding in check.

Was he holding it back for her benefit, or his? Her eyes narrowed, you are noticing way too many details about him, Desiree.

Desiree’s jaw clenched and she looked back to her niece. Way too many details are being calculated inside my head! Thankful that her voice was able to actually get out of her thickening throat, she uncomfortably looked to the railing, W-why would you say that?

Jonathan shrugged, Just checking.

Why? A little bit aggravated at his quick, but spot-on observation, Desiree couldn’t help but keep the sarcasm in her voice as she looked at him from below her eyelashes. Are you an expert in the field of disguise, or something?

Jonathan broadly smiled and casually leaned against the railing, moving a little bit closer to the beautiful, intriguing woman, whose left ring finger was thankfully bare. Kind of.

Kind of? Her puzzled expression sharpened and she quickly looked to him, What kind of answer is that?

It is the only answer I can give you.

His adorably masculine look instantly soothed her slight irritation, making her shyly smile instead of coming up with some sort of sour retort. Quickly turning her attention back to Bridget when she heard her saying goodbye to the animals, Desiree gratefully stepped away from his dynamic presence, and towards her niece. Ready to go?

Yeah. Holding up her hat, Bridget proudly smiled, "See. Everything is alright Aunt Desiree, because I saved my hat, and that means our disguise is still working."

Desiree rapidly squeezed her eyes shut, oh no she didn’t, just say that. Especially now, in front of... Her hands flew to her face when what sounded to be a mixture of throat clearing and a deep enticing chuckle, rose from the strange man who was standing a little too close to her. And, again, an unpredicted ripple effect of pure awareness strove through her in response to his nearness.

It was a feeling she hadn’t felt in a really long time, and even then she was positive that it hadn’t been quite like this.

Bridget’s eyes narrowed and she tilted her head to the stranger standing directly behind her aunt. Who are you? Are you a cop?

Not one who is easily surprised, Jonathan’s eyes widened, knowing full well she couldn’t see his gun that was hidden. "Now, why would you say that?"

Because my mommy is a State Trooper, and so is her boyfriend, who I am praying every night to become my new daddy. And well, you look like you could be one of them. She tilted her head and looked to his hair that was shaved really short, Maybe you are in the military. That’s what my daddy did, and that’s how he died. In war.

Taken slightly aback by the straightforwardness of the adorable little girl, Jonathan sympathetically smiled, Well, you are very inquisitive, and very astute.

Is that good?

Jonathan chuckled and knelt before her, Very. He held out his hand for her to shake, Hi, I’m Zeak.

Zeak. Whoa! How can both, strength and authority, be associated with just the sound of a name? Desiree’s eyes again rested on him, okay, now, stop. Just stop kneeling like that in front of my favorite little girl. Oh, please stop! She forced her eyes to look away from the striking image of such a big guy tenderly talking to a little girl. How could anyone’s heart not melt when seeing such a thing?

Bridget’s eyes sparkled. "Zeak? I’ve never heard of that name before. Is that really your name?"

Well, actually my first name is Jonathan.

Oh, hi Jonathan, I’m Bridget, and this is my favorite aunt, Desiree.

Desiree shyly smiled, Don’t let her fool you, I’m her only aunt. Instinctively stepping back, Desiree racked her brain trying to figure all of this out. Tim, her sister’s boyfriend, was a big guy, but she had never before been this affected whenever he had lovingly held Bridget, nor knelt down to talk to her about something conspiring for her mom.

Helplessly rolling her eyes, Desiree again fixed her sunglasses that were already resting perfectly on her face. There is just way too many feelings being analyzed... and way too much information being calculated! Again!!

Bridget put her hat on her head. Jonathan, did you see my aunt fall off that big wall?

Jonathan chuckled, "Uh, yeah, I did."

Well, she would have made it if her shoe was tied.

Yes, I’m sure she would have. Jonathan quickly looked up, enjoying every moment of the deep red flush covering Desiree’s beautiful face. Jesus, she is so beautiful. Just like her name. Not to mention the fact that she is joyful, and is quick to see the humor in things. She thoroughly enjoys life, and it is already so obvious that she clearly knows where that joy comes from. You.

Uncomfortable because of his piercing perusal of her, Desiree stepped around him and took her niece by the hand. It was nice to meet you, Jonathan, but we are leaving now.

Jonathan shot to his feet. Uh, can I take you both over there and treat you to an ice cream, or something?

Bridget excitedly nodded, Yes!

Desiree frowned, "No, you don’t have to do that, we..."

He leaned in closer, "I know I don’t have to. His eyes slowly held onto her dark blue ones the moment she lifted her shades. I want to. Reigning in his desire to pull her closer to him... Jonathan unconsciously squeezed his hand into a fist before he did something that would scare her. Clearing his throat, Jonathan pleadingly tilted his head. Please?"

The puppy dog look? Oh, come on! How can a man his size make his eyes go all soft like that? Desiree’s eyes shifted, how can I possibly say no to him? Especially over something so innocent and selfless like treating us to ice cream? Nervously smiling, she nodded. Okay.

But she soon found herself regretting her decision, because agreeing to it, and doing it, were two completely different and separate things!

Swallowing with difficulty, Desiree instinctively moved her arm away when his grazed against it. Why is standing next to him in line like this so hard to do, Jesus? I don’t even know him. She gratefully smiled when Bridget continued to talk a mile a minute, which inadvertently took the pressure of striking up a conversation with him off of her. I just don’t understand this.

Hearing the worker ask what type of cone they would like, Desiree suddenly saw another crazy funny scene before her, and she swiftly stepped forward. Uh, no cone for me, please.

But Aunt Desiree you always like the cone. That’s your favorite part!

She shook her head, No, that’s fine. Not today, Bridget.

Jonathan leaned down to her and whispered, I won’t laugh if the scoop would fall off. I’d just buy you a new one. So, why don’t you go ahead and get one? I want you to enjoy this treat.

Her mouth dropped open in shock, how could he possibly know what I am thinking? Their eyes met...and for the first time, ever, she felt like she was in a tunnel, only able to clearly see what was directly in front of her. Him.

As if in a trance, all Desiree could do was nod in agreement. And before he corrected the order, he quickly winked at her.

Her hand flew to her stomach. Oh boy.

Grabbing as many napkins as she could, Desiree went to find a seat for them while Bridget and he grabbed the cones. I know you are helping me through this, Jesus. And I am so thankful that we are just eating ice cream, or I am positive that I would probably choke on my food. Trying to settle her nerves, Desiree concentrated completely on Jesus. I’m such a mess inside right now, and I really don’t like it!

Here you go.

Warmly smiling, Desiree nodded without meeting his eyes. T-thank you.

Immediately sitting next to her, Jonathan smiled. You are very wel...

Hey, I have some more napkins for you. Stripes perceptively smiled as he loudly slammed down a huge metal container in the middle of the round plastic table, making Desiree jump and Bridget giggle. "You know, just in case."

Desiree’s eyes widened, and her hand flew to cover her mouth so that she wouldn’t accidentally spit out her ice cream when at least ten men purposefully sat around them, encircling them.

Bridget calmly sat there eating her ice cream, while slowly looking to each man. "Jonathan, I sure hope you know these guys, because we don’t, and my mommy will not be happy if you don’t, neither. Nor will Tim be. He will be really mad at you, because he protects my mommy and me very much. No matter where we are, he has friends everywhere! Her eyes narrowed to his, Trust me."

Stripes chuckled while reassuring the informative little girl. It’s alright. We are all Zeak’s friends.

Jonathan groaned, and muttered, "Not if I don’t claim you right now."

Ignoring his harmless threat, Stripes amusingly leaned over the cute little petite woman that was already making Zeak’s overprotectiveness to be on full alert. With a smirk, Stripes looked to her shoes, then looked back up to the woman who was failing miserably at trying to ignore all of them. At least he had been able to send off the great video footage of her climb to some of the guys at work before Zeak’s protective order had come through. And never one to miss an opportunity to needle someone, Stripes gave her his most heartwarming smile. "Nice to see that you finally tied your shoe, Aunt Desiree."

And down goes the scoop! I knew it!! Grabbing a lot of napkins, Desiree nervously laughed while she rapidly tried to clean up the mess she had just made. Yeah, uh, well, uh my sister always does have such great advice.

"Yep, my mommy is always right, and Aunt Desiree should have checked her boots before she even tried to climb that huge wall! She loudly blew out her breath, and rolled her eyes. She will next time though. I think she learned her lesson."

And the embarrassment continues. Shaking like a leaf in the autumn wind, Desiree was so thankful that Jonathan took over the cleanup for her, but was also slightly dumbfounded by his help. She watched while he threw away the napkins, and then walked right over to the vender before she realized what he was doing. His promise, he was really going through with it, and ordering her another one!

Hastily getting up, and rushing over to him, she quickly tried to stop him. "Nnnnoooo, Jonathan. I don’t want... Her breath caught when her fingers unconsciously fell on the unmistakable feel of hard steel against his side. Painfully taking a step back, and jerking her hand away as if it had been burned, the color immediately drained from Desiree’s face. Uh, I’m sorry, but we’re going now."

Rushing away, Desiree stopped behind Bridget. Okay, Bridget, let’s go. I need to make supper and your mom will want to spend some time with you before her shift starts.

"But..."

No, come on. We’ve got to go. Without looking to any of the men, Desiree hurriedly said goodbye and led Bridget away, not stopping until after Bridget was securely in the backseat getting buckled up.

That was so much fun. Thank you for taking me, Aunt Desiree.

Her niece’s kind, adorable words instantly healed the anxiety hounding her. She smiled as she felt the hastiness within her body immediately settle down, and leaned against the door looking at her overly excited expression.

Every time, every single time, she melts my heart. You’re welcome, Bridget. I had fun being with you, too.

After sneaking in a kiss, she shut the door and turned. Her eyes widened, and her breath caught when she found Jonathan quietly standing by, staring straight at her... only a few feet away.

Jonathan lifted his shoulder, Uh, could I get your phone number, or maybe take you out on a date some time? He shoved his hands in the pockets of his jeans, while his eyes expectantly stared at her.

For a brief second, Desiree was completely stunned by his behavior. His hands are in his pockets while a gun is on his hip?

She still didn’t know whether or not he was a cop, but she did know that when one of them was carrying a weapon, their hands were always supposed to be free. He was placing himself in a vulnerable position, and asking her for a date?

Oh, how many times can a tender wave of awe, strum through her? But... He is a stranger, Desiree!

Nervously smiling, she looked to the ground. I, uh, don’t even know you.

No, but Jesus does. I heard you on the wall praising Him. He shrugged, If you trust Jesus, maybe He will reveal to you that you can take a chance on getting to know me.

Desiree was at a loss for words when he adoringly stood before her, expectantly waiting for her response. The way he lifted up his shoulders reminded her of how a little school boy would act over wanting a cookie before supper. So adorably cute! And that, combined with how he spoke of Jesus, in a way that revealed an intimately private relationship with Him, further moved her.

But before she could respond, she watched him take out his phone.

Maybe you could give me your number, and then in the meantime, pray to Jesus about me. And then when I call you, you could tell me yes or no? And if I call too soon then you could just tell me to try back.

Uh, well... her eyes looked to his finger waiting and without even thinking, she uncharacteristically rattled off her cell phone number. Her eyes rounded when the realization of what she had actually done settled into her mind. Quickly turning around and opening up her car door, Desiree continued to berate herself. What did I just do?! What was I thinking?

Bye, Desiree. I will talk to you later, okay?

She closed her eyes, and nodded, Uh, yeah, okay. Bye. Her weak sounding voice was really not her... Was it? She barely looked his way, and instead, painfully smacked herself upside the head. What was I thinking?!

Jonathan frowned, and turned back around, oddly looking at her. "Hey, did you just smack yourself?"

He saw that?!

Jonathan chuckled when he easily read her expression. "Yep, you did. I see it all in your face. And, you just did that because it finally dawned on you that you actually gave me your phone number, right?"

She forced a smile to her face, "I’ve really got to go, goodbye Jonathan!" Slamming the car door shut, she quickly locked all of the doors, and actually groaned out loud when his laughing voice only made her even more furious.

Her jaws clenched, well, she didn’t care that he heard that quick locking sound! You never know who is crazy, and who is not!

Jonathan satisfactorily watched her leave. Praise Jesus. The phone number she gave me is legitimate. And regardless of how my body and mind is reacting to her, Jesus, I trust only in you. Please reveal to her what you would like her to know about me. I like her, Jesus. His eyes briefly closed. Is it finally time?

Looking to her quickly retreating vehicle, he swallowed with difficulty, and sadly turned, heading towards Stripes’s vehicle. Just when I had been completely at my wits end...

He shook his head, it is almost too good to be true.

‘O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.’ (Isaiah 25:1)

Jonathan immediately stopped when the Words of life flowed through him, and looking back towards the direction she had taken, he warmly smiled.

Praise you, Abba, a reminder to me that you certainly do fulfill all of your promises, and another undeniable truth that I can only trust in you. Jonathan’s mind instantly thought back to four years ago when he had been powerfully woken up in the middle of the night with prayers for his nameless, future wife flowing from his mouth, and lodged into his thoughts. Before that night, he had never really even thought on his future, much less a wife. He had been too into enjoying just being an agent, and a dating bachelor.

But from that point on, he had almost seemed completely, irrevocably connected to whomever would become his future wife, which had thoroughly robbed him of the enjoyment in just dating around. A bond had been established.

A spiritually formed bond. Jesus, that knowledge hadn’t come from me, because I wouldn’t have ever thought on that on my own, only you could have fed me that desire, and that strength of purpose regarding her. And, in retrospect, you didn’t even need me, but instead, you chose to humble yourself, and have me partner with you, Lord, in praying for her. It was as though my mind could only focus, and veer down that one narrow path, leading straight to her.

Protection. Jonathan’s eyes narrowed as he heard his mouth vocally release that one powerful word. That’s what it had been about. I had prayed for her safety, and her protection, specifically praying that you would manifest yourself to her and Divinely intervene with whatever was wrong. His chest and jaw simultaneously tightened, what happened in Desiree’s life to have caused that to have happened in mine?

Wait. What am I doing? Jonathan viciously shook his head to relieve himself of his wayward thoughts. This is ridiculous, there is just no way... A tiny thread of hope buried deep within his mind strengthened, giving him pause.

Taking a slow, steadying breath, Jonathan continued to vacantly stare straight ahead while he turned to Jesus within. Can it really come to pass like this, or is it my mind, again, tripping me up, because of my deep desire for it to be true? Whatever is the case, I’m trusting in you, Lord. Please feed me with the truth...

Pivoting around, Jonathan groaned when he finally realized where his hands were.

He looked up and wryly smiled. Yep, and he was about to get an ear full. The look on his friends’ faces told him they hadn’t missed any of his actions. And just as he was climbing into the front seat of Stripes’s truck, his phone immediately went off. Jonathan laughingly shook his head, And it starts.

Stripes laughed, But of course. How do you like my quick artwork, by the way?

Jonathan chuckled while he looked to the uploaded photo of himself with his hands fully stuffed into his jean pockets and a caption under it reading, ‘Agent training 101: what not to do!’

How many guys did you send... And as if on cue, the shocked, hilariously colorful collective responses began... Jonathan held up his phone, wiggling it. Never mind.

Having nothing better to do then to scroll and read through each comment, Jonathan suddenly froze.

His heart immediately slammed against his chest, causing his blood flow to increase and a slight dizziness to assail him when he read Luciano’s response. Wanting only to read it again, Jonathan’s eyes soaked up the words, ‘Praise Jesus. Prayers are always answered, and sometimes we are unconsciously led to do something we have never done before in order to see that. Although what appears to be a wrong move in the flesh, with Jesus it may actually be a right spiritual move for us.’

Jonathan leaned back, and absently looked out the window. It not only answered my wondering questions, but maybe by me doing that, it also spoke to her in a way she needed to hear? According to the guys and what they had found out from her niece, her sister was a cop, her sister’s boyfriend, and apparently her dad had been one at one time, too. Surely she would have learned a few things by being around a lot of cops, and could easily tell that I was acting in a manner uncharacteristic of me, and my lifestyle. Maybe that will help her to consider giving me a chance. Use what you need to Lord. I trust only in you.

He closed his eyes, I didn’t come out and tell her I was one, but, I can still feel her soft hand accidentally brushing against my side and then my gun. And I won’t even try to speculate why her face had turned white and she had rushed off. She had to have felt something. I certainly did.

Jonathan looked back to Luciano’s message, unable to dislodge the weighty feel of what it truly meant. His mind instantly veered back to his emotionally charged talk with Luciano on Liam’s back deck a few weeks ago, when he had lost control of the reins on his innermost thoughts, and had actually vocalized those thoughts without expecting to. Nor wanting to.

His breath stopped, and he read it again. Relief flowed across him and he turned his attention to the passing scenery, while within he was shouting for joy. Thank you, Jesus, it is possible. How could I possibly even doubt it, with all that I have seen and been through with you, in my past? All things are truly possible for me, because I am led by my limitless Shepherd, who is way more powerful than all limits of this world. My Abba knows the ending from the beginning, and my life is in His sovereign will, because I am His child, fully yielded, and fully dependent on Him.

I cannot wait to see her again. Her cute, highly intoxicating laughter clouded his mind, as his fingers itched to hide themselves in her thick dark hair. How long really is her thick, gorgeously curly, head of hair?

Inwardly groaning, Jonathan scratched his sweaty head, I sure can’t wait to find out.

Having wasted no time in leaving, Desiree found herself not breathing normally until they were not only on their street, but were actually pulling into their garage. After putting it into park, she immediately leaned her head back against the headrest, and wiped her sweaty palms on her shorts. Jesus, praise you for always being right here, healing me, while the Holy Spirit balances me and settles the attack of my rapid