A New Day by Nancy Hopper Page A

words.  “I understand.”  he whispered, aching.  “Lord, I understand.”   He knew then that he would marry Tasha.  There was no doubt in his heart that it was exactly what the Lord wanted him to do.  She was very much like the church was, to the Lord.  Yet like his Lord, he vowed he would be faithful and steadfast – and see his bride through.
         At last, Tasha stirred.  She looked around, to find Pastor Brooks sitting patiently in a chair.  Gary was standing at the window, leaning with his head against the sill, and his arms folded protectively over his chest.  She got up and went to him, feeling a great ache in him.  She wanted to comfort him.
         She put a hand on his arm, and he folded her against him, without even looking at her.  She put her arms around him, and fearfully held him.  It was different now.  Something very significant had happened, though she couldn’t decide just what it was.  She put her head on his chest.  It was wonderful, and terrible, and frightening. 
         At last, Gary looked down at her, and stroked her hair tenderly.  His eyes cut her to the quick.  It was as though he could see into her soul, and knew all that she was;  all that she’d ever been or done;  all that she’d ever thought about.  Of course, that was impossible.  She smiled up at him, and sighed.  She put her head back on his chest, and he just held her.
         Gary’s eyes met Philip’s across the room.  They just looked at one another, for a long moment.  There was no need for words between the two men.
     
         Tasha awoke feeling completely refreshed, Monday morning.  She smiled, and stretched luxuriously.  Then she remembered, and sat up slowly.  Had it really all happened?
         She got out of bed, and slipped into her robe.  The bathroom was empty, so she slipped in for a shower, and dried her hair.  She went back to her room, and chose a pretty lavender pair of bib shorts, and a striped top to go under them.  Then, she wandered down to the kitchen to find a pot of coffee sitting ready.  No one seemed to be around.
         She felt hysterical laughter bubble up in her throat as she consulted the clock.  It was only seven-fifteen!  She’d never been up at such an hour in her life!
         “ Good morning.”  a husky voice greeted her from behind.  Soft, warm lips kissed her neck, and strong arms encircled her.
         “ Gary!”  The word was a caress in her throat, so potent that Gary’s eyes darkened in quickening passion.  He slipped his arms around her, and kissed her deeply.  It took all he had, to stop.  God, he wanted her.  Right now.
         “ Gary?” she questioned uneasily.
         He looked down at her, and smiled.  “Do you know how tempting you are in the morning?” he growled ruefully.  “I’m not so sure you and I ought to be under the same roof, anymore.” 
         Tasha smiled knowingly.  “So, send me away.”  she challenged confidently.
         “ Can’t.” he admitted, as if it pained him. 
         She laughed at him softly.  “I didn’t think so.”
         “ Want a cup of coffee?”
         “ Love one.”  she admitted.
         “ Good morning, you two.”  Philip Brooks said quietly.
         Tasha almost fainted in shock, at the sound of the unfamiliar voice behind her.  She’d been so intent on Gary, she hadn’t heard him come in.  “You startled me.”  she admitted.
         He smiled.  “Is there enough coffee for three?” he asked hopefully.
         “ You bet.”  Gary assured him.  “I’ll get it right now.”
         Tasha felt out of place as Gary gathered cups, a tray, the cream and sugar.  “Carry this out while I put a shirt on, honey?” he asked hopefully.
         She looked regretfully at his smooth, brown chest and trim waist and pouted.  “I’d rather not.” she said hopefully, but her brows crashed as he shook his