A Match Made in Grace - Part 2

Sunday morning at Peaceful Heart Church, the sanctuary was packed. Dan wasn’t kidding when he said the church always had visitors. Aubrina, along with Tracey and Gary, sat together in one pew. Caroline and her mother, Sarah, were seated up front, as was James’ mother, Ruby. Nana Ruby kept turning around and smiling warmly at Aubrina.

“I think your Nana Ruby is thinking the same thing as you, Tracey,” Aubrina said, glancing over the church bulletin.

Tracey giggled. “Well, from the moment you and Dan walked in, you looked like a married couple. Also, Nana Ruby is an ordained minister herself. Fair warning, she will insist on performing the wedding,” she said with a playful wink.

Aubrina looked at Tracey, her eyebrows raised. “But there is no wedding,” she said.

“Not yet,” Tracey replied, and Gary snickered beside her.

Aubrina just shook her head, then looked up at Dan, who was sitting in the pulpit with the rest of the pastors and ministers. She smiled at him, and he smiled back, a silent connection passing between them.

“Maybe there is something,” she said softly, a blush creeping up her cheeks.


The service began, and the choir’s harmonious voices filled the sanctuary, creating a serene and uplifting atmosphere. After the choir sang, the Pastor begin his sermon. As the he continue with his sermon, Aubrina found herself deeply moved by the message of love and community. She glanced around, feeling a sense of belonging among the congregation.

After the service, the congregation mingled outside the church. Nana Ruby made her way over to Aubrina, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Aubrina, dear, it’s so lovely to finally meet you. Dan has spoken so highly of you,” Nana Ruby said, giving her a warm hug.

“It’s wonderful to meet you too, Nana Ruby,” Aubrina replied, feeling genuinely welcomed.

“So, am I going to get to perform the wedding?” Nana Ruby asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Dan palmed his face as Aubrina blushed. “Nana Ruby, seriously?” Dan said, his voice filled with exasperation.

“Yes, I am serious. Your father told me about what happened last night, and I am seeing it before my eyes right here,” Ruby replied, her tone firm but playful.

Dan blushed even more as he pulled Aubrina close. “Nana, please,” he murmured.

Just then, Raymond, a frequent visitor to the church who somehow felt that he and Dan were friends, approached them. “Dan, my man! We need to talk,” Raymond said, his tone overly familiar.

Raymond was taller than Dan, with dark brown hair, gray eyes, and a medium fair complexion.

“Excuse me for a moment,” Dan said to Aubrina.

“Okay,” Aubrina replied, watching as Dan walked away. She noticed Raymond wink at her and smile, causing her to cringe as her stomach turned. She looked at Ruby for reassurance.

“Don’t worry, you are not the only woman in this church who is repulsed by him,” Ruby said, her voice low.

“What do you want, Raymond?” Dan asked, his patience wearing thin.

“Look, David, Glen, and I are wondering… One: Why are you with that prude? And Two: What happened to Ariel?” Raymond asked, his tone dripping with disdain.

Dan glanced over at Raymond’s friends, David and Glen. Both men were tall like Raymond. Glen had dark skin like Dan and dark hair, while David had a fair complexion with dark blonde hair and green eyes.

“First of all, Ariel was only interested in one thing, and I am not looking for a strictly sexual relationship. Secondly, that’s Aubrina, and she’s my girlfriend,” Dan said firmly.

“Dan… dude. I get the whole act. You’re a minister in training… you have to put on this appearance of chastity and virtue. But seriously… you’re a man… you have needs. Be a man!” Raymond said, his voice rising.

Dan gave Raymond a disdainful look. “Let’s get one thing straight right now. You and I are not friends. We have never been friends and will never be friends. Secondly, my calling is no act. It’s what I have been called to do, and I am going to do it. I don’t care if you don’t believe me. Aside from my family, the only other opinion that matters to me is God’s, and you are not God,” Dan said, his voice steady and unwavering.

Raymond raised an eyebrow. “You better get off that high horse before you get knocked from it,” he said in a threatening manner.

“If my faith in God and His calling me to the ministry offends you, then why are you standing here talking to me?” Dan said loudly, drawing the attention of those nearby.

Glen made his way over to Raymond, sensing the tension. “Raymond, let it go. People are looking,” Glen said, trying to diffuse the situation.

“I don’t believe this!” Raymond exclaimed, storming off in a huff.

Glen looked at Dan, his eyes narrowing with a mix of frustration and caution.

“Before you speak, you and David better remember that your uncle is one of the associate pastors. His sister is the director of music and head of the Women’s Ministry. Both of them have warned you and David about Raymond. If you have any smarts, you better back away from me and say nothing,” Dan said, his voice steady but firm.

Glen clenched his jaw, but the weight of Dan’s words sank in. He turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Dan to take a deep breath. Aubrina, noticing the tension, approached him with concern etched on her face.

“Is everything okay?” she asked softly.

“Yeah, just a jerk who only visits because he thinks the idea of faith is a joke and that the church is a huge money maker,” Dan replied, shaking his head.

Aubrina sighed, her expression sympathetic. “I know the type. My mother is married to such a man… my stepfather.”

Dan frowned. “He’s not going to give us trouble, is he?”

“Not unless he wants my uncle to lay him out. Neither he nor my brother-in-law like him,” Aubrina reassured him.

As they spoke, Nana Sarah approached with a striking woman by her side. The woman had long, wavy hair, a deep tan complexion, and piercing green-gray eyes.

“Dan, this is Monica. She is the woman I wanted to introduce you to. She’s an international businesswoman,” Nana Sarah said with a proud smile.

Dan glanced at Monica, who was giving him a disinterested once-over. “Nana Sarah, she’s not interested in me,” he said flatly.

“Yes, she is,” Nana Sarah insisted.

“Actually, no, I am not,” Monica interjected, her tone dripping with disdain. “Honestly, I only came here to Peaceful Heart to shut my mother up since she’s been on my case to get back to church. Also to meet your grandson, since you and my mother are friends. I am already engaged, in fact… I am leaving tomorrow for Johannesburg, South Africa, to get married.”

Nana Sarah was taken aback by Monica’s tone. “Girl, you need to watch your tone,” she said sternly.

Monica raised an eyebrow. “Ms. Palmer, I am not your daughter or your granddaughter. Also, I will not allow you to speak to me as if you have authority over me, for which you do not have. As I told my mother, I have a life of my own and I will live it how I see fit. As long as I do not harm myself or anyone else and I am happy, my life is my own,” she said, turning on her heel and walking away.

“She’s right, Nana Sarah. It is her life, and secondly, since we are talking about authority, the only person who has true authority over any of us is God,” Dan said gently.

Nana Sarah looked at Dan, her expression softening slightly. “True, but it does not hurt to give God some help with those who are lost and need to be led back,” she said.

“Nana Sarah, I am not lost. I am on the path that God has put me on. The issue here is that you want to have a personal say in who shares in that path so that you can have a reason to boast to others. The path that God has put me on is not about you. It is about me doing what He has called me to do, and I willingly do so because I have realized that it is what I want also,” Dan explained.

“And what about what I want?” Nana Sarah asked, her voice tinged with selfishness.

James, who had been listening nearby, walked over and stood in front of his mother-in-law. “I just heard Dan say that the path that God has put him on is not about you,” he said firmly.

“I am not going to apologize for wanting my grandson to be successful,” Nana Sarah retorted.

“God wants that for Dan also. But again, whatever success he achieves with the help of God has nothing to do with you, nor is it about you,” James said.

Nana Sarah pouted and then stormed off. “None of you are listening to me!” she shouted.

Dan shook his head. “Nana Sarah, we are listening. It is you who isn’t listening to what is being told to you,” he called after her.

Nana Sarah said nothing as she stormed towards James and Caroline’s car. She stood there, pouting like a child with her arms crossed. Caroline shook her head as she walked over to James, Dan, and Aubrina.

“I’m sorry for my mother’s behavior, Aubrina,” said Caroline.

“It’s okay. My mother sometimes behaves like that, so I get it,” Aubrina replied with a reassuring smile.

Caroline smiled back. “Consider yourself family, Aubrina.”

“Thank you,” Aubrina said, her smile widening.

As they left the church, Dan and Aubrina walked hand in hand, feeling closer than ever. The future seemed bright, filled with possibilities and the promise of new beginnings.



It was now 3 PM, and Aubrina and Dan were on their way to the home of Jacob Duncan, Aubrina’s maternal uncle. They pulled up to a ranch-style house painted a vibrant red, standing out boldly from the rest of the neighborhood. Dan’s eyes widened in surprise as he took in the sight.

“Uh, Aub, did your uncle buy the house like that?” Dan asked as they got out of the car.

Aubrina snickered. “Nope! He and Aunt Sola painted it that color. They love bright colors,” she said with a smile.

“I’ll say,” Dan replied, still staring at the brightness of the red.

The front door opened, and out walked a woman with a deep bronze complexion. Her long, wavy black hair had streaks of gray, and her warm, brown eyes radiated friendliness. She was pleasantly plump and wore an ankle-length dress in a bright shade of orange that complemented her complexion beautifully.

“Aubrina, anjo brilhante,” she greeted.

“Olá, tia Sola,” Aubrina responded, hugging her.

“Tia Sola, this is Dan, my boyfriend. Dan, this is my aunt, Sola Duncan,” Aubrina introduced.

“A pleasure to meet you,” Dan said, extending his hand.

“A pleasure to meet you also,” Sola replied, shaking his hand warmly.

“Ele é lindo, Anjo Brilhante,” Sola whispered to Aubrina.

Aubrina giggled. “Eu sei,” she said.

Dan raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

“Sorry, Dan. Aunt Sola is from Brazil. She taught me Portuguese when I was a teenager, and we speak it fluently together. It drives my mother and stepfather up the wall,” Aubrina explained.

“Does your uncle speak Portuguese?” Dan asked.

“Yes, he does. He lived in Brazil for a time as a missionary. That’s how he and Aunt Sola met,” Aubrina said.

“That’s awesome,” Dan said with a smile.

Soon, an older gentleman stepped outside. He bore a striking resemblance to Aubrina, though his hair was completely white and his eyes a piercing gray.

“Hey, Uncle Jacob,” Aubrina greeted.

“Hello, Bright Angel,” Jacob replied.

Aubrina introduced Dan to her uncle.

“Bright Angel?” Dan echoed.

“My nickname,” Aubrina said with a smile.

“I like it. Nana Ruby calls me Malaika. It’s Swahili for angel. She visited Tanzania in her twenties as a missionary,” Dan shared.

“Does she still speak it?” Jacob asked.

“Yes, she does. Her first husband was from Tanzania, but he passed away three years after they married. Then she met my grandfather, and they had my father and Aunt Estelle. She taught them Swahili, but only Aunt Estelle speaks it fluently. My dad occasionally speaks it,” Dan explained.

Jacob smiled. “Aubrina, why are we just now meeting Dan?” he asked.

Aubrina and Dan laughed.

“We wanted to see how things progressed before introducing each other to our families. I’ve already met Dan’s family, and his sister is calling me ‘sis-in-law,’” Aubrina said.

“Well, consider yourself a part of this family, Dan,” Jacob said with a warm smile.

“Thank you, Mr. Duncan,” said Dan, his voice filled with gratitude.

“Oh, don’t call me that… Uncle Jacob or Jake will do fine,” Jacob replied with a warm smile.

Dan chuckled and glanced at Aubrina. “I know, I know… next time we visit, I’ll call your dad by his name. Unless he wants me to call him Dad,” Aubrina said playfully.

“Either works for him,” Dan said with a smile, feeling more at ease.


Inside the house, the atmosphere was inviting and cozy. Warm shades of red, yellow, brown, and green adorned every corner, creating a vibrant and welcoming environment. The living room featured a plush sofa set in deep burgundy, while the dining room was a burst of sunshine with its brightly painted walls and colorful table and chairs. Dan marveled at the array of hues, thinking even Nana Ruby’s home, known for its love of color, paled in comparison.

As they settled in, Dan met the rest of Aubrina’s family. Her younger sister, Catherine, and her husband, Jason, greeted him with open arms. Her cousins, Inez, Sophia, and Jorge, each a unique blend of their parents, added to the lively mix. Aubrina’s mother, Abigail, and her husband, Scott, completed the family circle. Abigail, however, eyed Dan skeptically and soon pulled Aubrina aside.

“Where did you meet him?” Abigail asked, her tone cautious.

“He and I live in the same apartment building,” Aubrina replied calmly.

“And what does he do for a living?” Abigail continued, her eyes narrowing slightly.

“He’s an accountant and he’s also studying to be a minister. In fact, he’s a minister in training at his church,” Aubrina explained, her voice steady.

Abigail glanced back at Dan, who was now engaged in a lively conversation with Jason and Jorge. “Aubrina, forgive me for saying this… but I don’t feel that he is right for you,” Abigail said, her concern evident.

Aubrina sighed and looked at her mother. “Mom, don’t start,” she said, a hint of frustration in her voice.

“This is not about his ethnicity. This is about where your life is going and what it would be like if you married him,” Abigail insisted.

Aubrina took a deep breath. “Mom, every couple has their obstacles. I’m well aware that Dan and I will have ours. Nevertheless, he and I have a lot in common. We both love dogs, our families are friendly with some exceptions. But best of all, he loves God and so do I,” she said firmly.

Abigail rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with disdain. “I will never understand what loving God has to do with loving someone else. God can’t pay your bills, God cannot give you a nice expensive car and provide you with the things that you deserve,” she said, her tone sharp and dismissive.

Aubrina raised an eyebrow at her mother, her patience wearing thin. “First of all, I have a job that God helped me find. Therefore, my bills are being paid. Secondly, where in the world did you get the idea that I wanted an expensive car or anything else extravagant, like that Gucci purse you have? Mother, I am not you, and I don’t want to be you either. I am who God made me to be,” she said firmly, her voice steady and resolute.

Abigail’s face twisted with irritation. “You sound like your father! So sanctimonious!” she spat.

“Dad was not sanctimonious. He judged no one, criticized no one… that was you. All Dad did was love everyone and help anyone he could. He loved his faith as much as he loved his family,” Aubrina retorted, her eyes flashing with a mix of sadness and determination.

Abigail stormed off, unwilling to listen to any more of what Aubrina had to say. Catherine, sensing the tension, came over and hugged her sister.

“Mom go into her tirade about expensive cars and things that you deserve?” Catherine asked, her voice soft and understanding.

“Of course,” Aubrina sighed.

“Keep in mind, she did the same thing to me when she and our stepfather met Jason. All she did was complain about him being a police officer. She expected me to marry a highly successful businessman. I ignored her and married Jason anyway,” Catherine said, a hint of defiance in her voice.

Suddenly, there was shouting coming from the back sitting room. Catherine and Aubrina exchanged worried glances and hurried towards the noise.

Dan and Jason were standing outside the sitting room, both silent and tense.

“What happened?” Catherine asked, her voice filled with concern.

“Long story short, your mother came into the sitting room and started criticizing me, Dan, and Aunt Sola. She was going on about how people in her life just settle for what she considers mediocre crap and never try to achieve the finer things in life,” Jason explained, his frustration evident.

Aubrina and Catherine just shook their heads in disbelief.

“Your mother sounds like my Nana Sarah,” Dan said, trying to lighten the mood.

“I told you,” Aubrina replied, a small smile tugging at her lips.

“Mom complains about everything. Even when she’s given the finer things in life, she finds something to complain about,” Catherine added, her voice tinged with exasperation.

“No kidding! She managed to get the car she wanted… that Mercedes Benz Maybach, and she still complained about it,” Jason said, shaking his head.

Dan raised an eyebrow, his expression thoughtful. “Sounds to me that no matter what is done to appease her, no matter how nice something looks, she is never going to be happy or satisfied,” he said.

“Exactly!” Aubrina and Catherine said in unison, their voices filled with a mix of resignation and understanding.

Suddenly, the doors to the sitting room burst open. Abigail stormed out, her heels clicking sharply against the wooden floor, with Scott trailing behind her, his expression a mix of resignation and concern. Without a word, they exited the house, the door slamming shut behind them.

Inside, Jason, Dan, Aubrina, and Catherine exchanged uneasy glances before stepping into the sitting room. The atmosphere was heavy with tension. Jacob sat with a stern expression, while Jorge and his sisters comforted their mother, who was visibly upset.

“There’s a reason why your mother and I never got along,” Jacob said, breaking the silence.

“We know,” Aubrina and Catherine replied in unison, their voices tinged with a mix of frustration and understanding.

“Mulher ingrata, egoísta e imatura,” Sola muttered, shaking her head. “She will never be happy. No matter what is done for her, she will never be happy or grateful for anything.”

Aubrina took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting a determination that contrasted with the sadness in the room. “She wants us to want what she has always wanted. But Catherine and I are not like her. Yes, we have our own desires and dreams, and we believe we deserve more in life. But unlike our mother, we are willing to work for it, strive for it. And even if it is given to us, we will be appreciative because it is something we wanted and God gave it to us.”

Jacob nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Exactly! That is what your father taught both of you. It’s why your father so loved and why, when he passed away, everyone was saddened. I don’t think your mother ever understood that. Then again, Abigail is just like our father. Nothing was ever good enough for him. Our mother, on the other hand, always got the things she wanted, whether she earned them herself or God gave them to her because she was appreciative of how God was always there for her. That’s why she was always happy.”

Catherine sighed, her voice soft. “I don’t know if Mom will ever figure that out.”

“We can always pray that one day she will,” Aubrina said, her tone hopeful.

Dan nodded in agreement. “Pray for those who give you grief. Even if they never change, pray for them anyway.”

Jacob smiled warmly at Dan, then turned to Aubrina with a twinkle in his eye. “So, when is the wedding?”

Laughter erupted in the room, breaking the tension. Dan and Aubrina exchanged a look, their cheeks flushing slightly, but they couldn’t help but join in the laughter, feeling a sense of relief and unity amidst the family turmoil.


Back at Neighborly Heights Apartment Homes, Aubrina opened the door to her cozy apartment, and Barney, bounded towards them, barking excitedly. His tail wagged furiously as he greeted Aubrina and Dan, jumping around in circles. Dan and Aubrina exchanged amused glances as Dan bent down to scoop Barney into his arms, hugging him tightly.

“Hey there, Buddy,” Dan said, his voice warm and affectionate. Barney responded with a joyful bark and a flurry of wet kisses on Dan’s face.

Aubrina chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “He really likes you,” she observed.

Dan grinned, his eyes never leaving Barney’s. “He’s adorable. Would you mind if I ‘adopted’ him too?” he asked, his tone half-joking but hopeful.

Barney barked again, as if he understood the question and was giving his enthusiastic approval. Aubrina smiled, her heart warming at the sight of the two bonding.

“I don’t see why not,” she replied softly. Their eyes met, and in that moment, a silent understanding passed between them. Without another word, they leaned in and shared a tender kiss.

Barney’s bark interrupted their kiss, but they continued to gaze at each other, their smiles widening.

“I had a great time today,” Dan said, his voice filled with sincerity.

“Me too,” Aubrina agreed. “And I guess we should consider ourselves ‘parents’ of Barney now.”

Barney barked again, as if to seal the deal, and they both laughed.

“Yep,” Dan said, nodding. “I get home from work at 5:30 PM.”

“I’m usually home by 5 PM,” Aubrina added.

“How about we take turns making dinner at each other’s place?” Dan suggested, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

“You bet,” Aubrina replied, her smile growing.

They kissed again, a promise of many more shared moments to come. As they pulled apart, an idea struck Aubrina.

“I have an extra bed and food bowls for Barney if you want him to crash at your place sometimes,” she offered.

Barney barked in agreement, and Dan’s face lit up with a smile.

“You bet,” he said, his heart swelling with happiness.


For three weeks, Aubrina and Dan took turns making dinner at one another’s place, often ending the night with sleepovers. Barney was always part of their evenings, adding a sense of warmth and companionship.

On a crisp Saturday afternoon, the trio found themselves at the local park. The leaves had begun to turn, painting the landscape in shades of amber and crimson. As they strolled along the winding paths, Aubrina suddenly tensed.

“What’s wrong, babe?” Dan asked, noticing her change in demeanor.

“My former friend, Victoria,” she pointed out.

Victoria, spotting Aubrina with Dan, began to approach, curiosity evident in her stride.

“She’s coming this way,” Dan noted.

Soon, Victoria stood face to face with Aubrina, Dan by her side, and Barney sitting silently, observing the interaction.

“Hey Brina,” Victoria greeted, her tone a mix of surprise and familiarity.

“Hello Vicki,” Aubrina replied, her voice steady.

“It’s been a while,” Victoria remarked.

“Yes, it has. I heard that you got another job,” Aubrina responded.

“Yes, I’m working for Ironside Logistic now. Much better pay and benefits. The commute is long, but it’s worth it,” Victoria explained.

“Understandable,” Aubrina nodded.

Victoria’s gaze shifted to Dan. “Who is this?”

“This is Dan Bennett, my boyfriend. Dan, this is Victoria Thomas,” Aubrina introduced.

“Nice to meet you,” Dan said, extending a hand.

Victoria looked him up and down, a slight smile playing on her lips. Aubrina noticed and subtly shook her head. Dan, too, caught the hungry-eyed look Victoria gave him, a look he didn’t appreciate.

“How did you two meet?” Victoria asked, her curiosity piqued.

“We live in the same apartment building and share responsibility for Barney here,” Dan said, squatting down to pet Barney.

Victoria raised an eyebrow. “You actually got a dog?”

“Yes, his name is Barney, and he loves Dan just as much as I do,” Aubrina said, and Barney barked in agreement.

“You like dogs?” Victoria asked Dan.

“Yes, I do,” Dan replied.

“What do you do, Dan?” Victoria inquired.

“I’m an accountant and also a minister in training,” Dan answered.

Victoria’s eyes widened. “You’re studying to be a minister?”

“Yes, I am. Just this past Sunday, I delivered a sermon at my church. Aubrina was there,” Dan said, standing up.

Victoria looked at Aubrina. “It was a wonderful sermon. It was about accepting the changes that God wants to make in your life and letting go of things that hinder you from accepting that change,” Aubrina added.

Victoria crossed her arms, taking a deep breath. “So, are you taking floral design classes at the local community college?”

“I actually forgot about that. I’ve been so busy with work, Dan, Barney, and ministering to the residents at Serene Haven Nursing Home,” Aubrina admitted.

Victoria’s eyes widened again. “You are actually visiting old people?”

Dan raised an eyebrow. “It’s a ministry.”

“Whatever! Look, I’m glad you found someone. Maybe one day, we could catch up,” Victoria said, her tone dismissive.

“That would be fine. Why don’t you come to church tomorrow, my church…Valley of Faith?” Aubrina suggested.

“Hard pass! Me and church people don’t get along. I’m too blunt for them,” Victoria said with an attitude.

“Or maybe their love for God is too much for you,” Dan retorted.

Aubrina held back a snicker, and Barney, sensing the tension, let out a howl. Victoria, clearly not amused, walked away.

“Maybe I’m crazy, but I think Barney’s howl was his way of saying ‘ooh burn,’” Aubrina giggled.

Dan laughed. “You’re not crazy. I honestly feel that’s exactly what the howl was.”

They both laughed as Barney barked and hopped around, the autumn leaves swirling around them.

It was a serene night, the kind where the city lights twinkled like stars and the gentle hum of life outside was a comforting backdrop. Dan and Aubrina were nestled in the cozy warmth of Aubrina’s apartment, having just finished a delightful dinner. Now, they were cuddled up on the couch, the soft glow of the TV casting a gentle light across the room. Barney, their loyal and ever-energetic dog, sprawled contentedly across their laps, his presence a comforting weight.

“Aubrina, will you marry me?” Dan’s voice was soft but filled with earnestness.

Aubrina turned to him, her eyes sparkling with joy. “Yes, I will marry you,” she replied, her smile radiant. Barney, sensing the excitement, barked happily, his tail wagging furiously.

Dan’s face lit up with relief and happiness. “Look, my Aunt Estelle is leaving soon to travel around the world for a year with her new boyfriend. She’s looking for someone or a couple to rent her three-bedroom house. What do you say?”

Aubrina’s eyes widened with interest. “Does the backyard have space for Barney?”

“Plenty of space,” Dan assured her. “And she doesn’t mind animals as long as they are cleaned up after and any damage that is done is fixed.”

Aubrina chuckled. “Well, with Barney, the issue of him damaging anything won’t be a problem.”

Dan nodded in agreement. “I agree.”

Aubrina’s face softened with affection. “Then I guess we call Nana Ruby and ask if she would like to officiate our wedding.”

Dan laughed, the sound warm and infectious. “Yeah, and by the way, Nana Ruby owns a flower shop. She’s been looking for a new employee to train as her assistant. The job is full-time, and she’ll teach you how to make floral arrangements and designs if you like. She has a good eye for floral design.”

Aubrina’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Well, then when God brings forth the opportunity, take it!” she said, and Barney barked again, as if in agreement.

Dan and Aubrina shared a tender kiss, their hearts full of love and anticipation for the future. Barney, sensing the joyous moment, hopped out of their laps and began running around in circles, his excitement palpable. Dan and Aubrina laughed, the sound filling the room with warmth.

“Sometimes I think Barney is heaven sent,” Dan mused, watching their dog with a fond smile.

“Honestly, I think that he is,” Aubrina agreed, her eyes soft with affection as they both looked at Barney.

Barney, ever the center of attention, sat down and barked at them, his eyes bright and full of love.


The wedding was a perfect balance—not too big, not too small. Dan and Aubrina opted for a simple yet elegant theme: Dressy Casual. Aubrina looked radiant in a light pink halter dress that gracefully fell to her knees, paired with white pumps. Dan complemented her beautifully in a dark gray blazer, white polo shirt, dark gray pants, and black loafers.

From Dan’s side, the guests included James and Caroline, Tracey and Gary, Estelle and her boyfriend Marcello, and a few members from Peaceful Heart. Aubrina’s side was represented by Jacob, Sola, and their children, along with Catherine, Jason, and their sons. Members of Valley of Faith were also present. Unfortunately, Nana Sarah, Abigail, and Scott chose not to attend despite receiving invitations.

Nana Ruby, beaming with pride and joy, officiated the ceremony. After the vows and rings were exchanged, she declared, “By the power now vested in me by God, I happily pronounce you husband and wife. Kiss each other already!” Her playful command brought laughter from everyone as Dan and Aubrina shared their first kiss as a married couple.

The reception, held at the local park, was a lively affair. Guests danced, chatted, and enjoyed a delicious spread while showering the newlyweds with blessings. Amidst the celebration, a couple who were not on the guest list approached Dan and Aubrina.

“Hello there,” the woman greeted warmly.

“Hello,” Aubrina replied with a smile.

“I’m Minister Kallista Krovorg, and this is my husband, Minister Gideon Krovorg. We were just passing through the park and saw the reception. I hope we’re not intruding,” Kallista said.

“Oh, no… you are welcome,” Aubrina assured them.

“Yes, welcome,” Dan added.

“Congratulations to you both,” Gideon said sincerely.

“Thank you,” Dan responded. “It’s funny, Aubrina and I have always known each other since we lived in the same apartment building. It wasn’t until I needed a girlfriend to convince my maternal grandmother to stop playing matchmaker that I truly noticed Aubrina. I discovered we had so much in common.”

Gideon and Kallista smiled knowingly.

“Let me guess, God said to both of you: ‘You found each other,’” Kallista said with a smile.

“Oh yes!” Aubrina and Dan said in unison, laughing together.

“Trust me, Kallista and I understand. We met at a Christian Convention, and the moment I laid eyes on her, I knew we were meant to be,” Gideon said, gazing lovingly at Kallista.

Kallista smiled warmly as she linked her arm through Gideon’s. “Definitely. Although, God had to confirm it for me. I had a tough time finding someone who shares my faith and loves me for all that I am—flaws, merits, and quirks,” she said, gazing lovingly at Gideon.

Gideon returned her smile, his eyes twinkling. “Baby, I love your quirks. I have mine too,” he said, his voice filled with affection.

Kallista smiled as she laid her head on Gideon’s shoulder, feeling the warmth of his embrace.

Aubrina and Dan, standing nearby, exchanged knowing smiles.

“Dare we ask?” Dan inquired, his curiosity piqued.

“Private joke between us,” Gideon replied with a mischievous grin, causing Kallista to laugh.

Aubrina and Dan joined in the laughter. “We understand,” Aubrina said, nodding.

“So, you’re ministers. I’m going into the ministry as well,” Dan shared, his eyes shining with excitement.

“That’s wonderful. Never underestimate how God brings things about,” Kallista said, her voice filled with conviction.

“Amen to that,” Dan agreed.

“We just wanted to give you both our well wishes. May God bless you and your ministry,” Gideon said sincerely.

“Thank you,” Aubrina and Dan replied in unison.

“You’re welcome,” Kallista said as she and Gideon made their way out of the reception.

As they walked away, Aubrina turned to Dan. “Funny, I was going to mention to you, Dan. I want to join you in your ministry. I feel that God has a place for me in it,” she said, her voice filled with determination.

Dan smiled broadly. “I was going to ask if you wanted to join. I’ve seen how spiritual you are. It’s no coincidence that God brought us together,” he said, his voice filled with admiration.

“Same here,” Aubrina said, and they shared a tender kiss.

Suddenly, Barney, their loyal dog, barked and hurried over to them. Everyone laughed as Barney finally made his way to Aubrina and Dan. Dan scooped him up into his arms.

“There’s room for you too, Barney. Our heavenly sent fur-baby,” Dan said with a smile.

“Yes, there is,” Aubrina agreed, and Barney barked in response.

What did he say: Praises be to God!