The Pastor's Woman

Pearl stood up, waiting for Wade to escort her to the dance floor. She walked slowly, her body swaying to the music. “I love this song.”

Wade took her to the middle of the dance floor and began moving to the music.

She was impressed. He was a really good dancer.

The song ended and another began while they were still on the dance floor. Wade didn’t guide Pearl back to their table until a slow song came on.

“I have to confess I didn’t think you had it in you.”

Stroking his chin, Wade responded, “Miss Lockhart, believe it or not, I actually know how to have a good time.”

“What constitutes a good time to you?” she questioned. “What is it that you do for fun?”

“I read.”

“Something other than the Bible?”

Wade chuckled. “I happen to enjoy mystery thrillers and I read a lot of science fiction, too.”

The warmth of his smile echoed in his voice. “Interesting. Who’s your favorite author?”

“James Patterson. I’m reading his latest novel at the moment. Tell me, what do you do for fun?”

“I love the water so I spend a lot of time at the beach during the summer,” she responded. “I’m a history buff so I’m always taking tours and doing research. And, of course, I love music.”

“I love history myself. In fact, I’ve been reading some books on the history of Detroit.”

“Have you ever been to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History?”

“I plan on going. I’ve heard the exhibits are fantastic.”

Pearl agreed. “My favorite is the one where you travel through time. You start your journey in prehistoric Africa. Then you watch the evolution of ancient civilizations. I got really emotional crossing the Atlantic Ocean—”

“The middle passage,” Wade interjected.

She nodded. “That part of our history is painful but it’s also an inspiration to me when I think of our ancestors fighting to end the horrors of bondage and striving to build a legacy of freedom for future generations. You definitely have to see it, Pastor.”

“I’d like to experience that journey.” Wade held her gaze. “Is there anything else I should see?”

“I’m sure you’ve been to the Motown Museum, right?” Pearl glanced over at his well-defined profile. Wade was a good-looking man, she couldn’t deny that.

“I have,” he confirmed. “I’ve also been to the original Dunbar Memorial Hospital.”

“When the hospitals denied care to African-Americans, several doctors formed the Allied Medical Society, who then acquired the Charles W. Warren House and converted it into a hospital in 1917. Dunbar Hospital didn’t just provide care, they also sponsored nurses’ training classes and internships for graduate students. Did you know that?”

“You really are into your history, aren’t you?”

She broke into a grin. “I told you. I love history.”

Their conversation drew to a halt when Harold and Ivy Green walked over to where they were dancing. Wade hugged Ivy and shook hands with Harold.

He then introduced Pearl.

Aunt Ivy complimented her. “You were absolutely wonderful. Your singing moved me to tears.”

“Thank you,” Pearl murmured in response. “The ceremony was very inspiring. Your daughter is a beautiful bride.” As she spoke to Ivy, she was ever conscious of Wade beside her, his good looks, his virile appeal. And it bothered Pearl. An attraction to Wade would be perilous.

“Wade,” Uncle Harold began, “I want to introduce you to a good friend of mine who’s here. Bob Whitfield used to work with me and your father. He left six months before your dad passed.”

Turning to Pearl, Wade said, “I’ll be right back.”

She was thankful to have some time alone to gather herself.

Girl, you need to get a hold of yourself, she silently chided. Stop acting like you’re in heat.

Wade returned to the table ten minutes later. “I’m sorry about that. I don’t come across many people who knew my father much.”

“I understand totally.”

The band began playing a familiar song, which Pearl sang along to. Her eyes traveled over to Wade. Giving him a sheepish grin, she said, “I love that one, too.”

Wade gave her a smile that sent her pulse racing.

It was time then for the bride to throw the bouquet.

“Shouldn’t you be up there with the rest of the single women?”

Pearl wrinkled her nose and shook her head. “I’m not about to make a fool of myself over some flowers, no matter how beautiful they are.”

“You’re not superstitious, are you?”

“Naaah.” Pearl pushed away from the table. “What I need is to get some air. It’s stuffy in here.” As an afterthought, she added, “Care to join me?”

Wade rose to his feet. “Sure.”

He followed her as she navigated through the sea of people in the ballroom. She was just a few yards from the door when a flash of vivid color floated across the room.

Pearl gasped in surprise as the bouquet fell into her hands. Wade threw back his head, cracking up with laughter.

Before she could utter a word, cameras were flashing all around her. She glanced over at Wade, who was still laughing. “What’s so funny?”

“I wish you could see the expression on your face.”

Grinning, Pearl responded, “With all these cameras I’m sure I will.” Loving the attention, she posed for a series of pictures before escaping through the nearest door with Wade.

She was still clutching the bridal bouquet when she stepped outside in her coat. “It’s cold but it feels better out here than inside.” Truth be told, she didn’t know whether she was having hot flashes or if just being around Wade was making her overheated.

“It’s nice out here.”