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  “Did they tell you how they found you?” Eric asked.

  “Officer Scott said that Wayne gave them the plant phone number, which led them here.”

  “How did he get my number?” Toby asked. They’d never spoken until that day.

  McKenzie closed her eyes and sighed. “I wrote it down after you gave it to me. It must’ve fallen out of my things.” Her eyes shone. “Oh God, I hope my mistake didn’t cause you troubles.”

  He kissed the top of her head. “He doesn’t know it’s me. They came here looking for answers, not for me. God has his angels protecting you.”

  “Where were the angels when that bastard was hitting her?” Eric glared at Toby.

  McKenzie could feel his pain. The death of his mother was still evident in his words. Once, she’d questioned the same thing. Where was He when she was crying out for his help? She moved away from Toby’s embrace and smiled, now looking at Eric. “He never left my side. Because of him, I’m still alive.” she glanced away. “I believe there is always a reason behind what happens to us in life.”

  “Really.” His nose flared. “What was the reason my mother had to die?” Eric walked away, down the hall.

  “Eric, I’m sorry.” McKenzie was about to go after him.

  “Let him go cool off.” Toby clutched her wrist, making her flinch, and he immediately backed off his grip. “McKenzie, I’m not him. My hands will never hurt you.” He caressed her skin with his fingers. “You’ll always be safe with me.”

  McKenzie picked up her diaper bag. “Let’s go home.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  It took McKenzie a couple of weeks to convince Toby to accept the invitation from Monique and attend the church a couple of miles away. She was hesitant at first, afraid of being seen, but she had to admit that was just an excuse.

  Toby played with his tie. “This is too tight,” he grumbled, as McKenzie came out of the bedroom, and paused. “You look gorgeous.”

  He wouldn’t stop staring, making her more nervous.

  “Thank you. It’s only a skirt and blouse.” She glanced away, looking at Caleb. Toby had dressed him in a collared shirt and shorts. He looked so cute, like a lil’ man.

  “McKenzie, you’re beautiful. You’d be beautiful even if you wore a sack of potatoes. Or that trash bag you wear over your head when you take a shower.”

  She chuckled, making the baby giggle as well. “That was once. Now I wear a shower cap.”

  “It’s still plastic, and you wear that black scarf, too.” He winked. “You’re beautiful, babe, no matter what.”

  Toby always found a way to make her feel like she was the most beautiful woman in the world.

  “I will tell you how pretty you are every chance I get. Because you are!”

  She couldn’t help but smile.

  “Thanks for deciding to join us.” She picked up her purse off the table.

  “I mean the roof might cave in as soon as I put one foot inside, but for you, I’ll risk it.” He continued to play with his tie.

  McKenzie moved in front of him, took the silky material in her hand, and slipped it off. She fixed his black dress shirt. “There you go. You don’t need that. No matter what you have on, your still handsome. Now let’s go.” She smiled and picked up Caleb. “We’re going to give thanks for His many blessings.”

  Toby parked his truck in the church parking lot. “I warned you.” He got out of the truck, took Caleb out first, and then opened her door.

  “About?” She smiled. “Stop it. This church is built on a solid foundation.”

  They walked up to the small, family church. As he opened the door, he pulled her back playfully and handed her the baby.

  “Watch out…did you feel that?” He chuckled. “The ground moved. Let me go in first, just in case I cause the church’s roof to—”

  “Stop that!” McKenzie smacked his arm, stepping in front of him.

  “Ouch,” he rubbed the spot. “Did you see that, little man? She hit me in church!”

  Monique grinned when she saw them enter. Dressed in her choir garment, she waved from the side of the pulpit.

  “Well, well, lookit here,” Albert said from behind them. “I’ve invited him to church for years and he always had excuses. Comes along a pretty young thing ask him once, and here he is.” He smiled.

  Toby’s face turned a hue of pink. “I’m here, right?”

  “No judging, Albert,” McKenzie scolded the older man. “Do we sit anywhere?”

  “Yes.” He walked them up the aisle and she chose to be seated in the middle.

  Caleb stretched his hands out for Toby and he gently took him, kissing his cheek. “The roof is still standing, buddy.” Caleb twisted his head and slobbered on Toby’s nose. “Ugh!” he wiped his face. He placed him over his shoulder and patted his back. They sat down and read over the pamphlet Albert had handed them. Today’s service was only praise and worship.

  The choir began singing “Every Praise”. McKenzie stood rapidly and started clapping, and singing along. The entire congregation stood in praise. A few women started dancing.

  Toby was a bit confused. The churches he’d attended as a child were nothing like this. People had their hands up in the air, honoring and worshiping the almighty. McKenzie swayed from side to side with a grin on her face as she sang. He glanced around the church. Even though he was one of the few white people there, he felt so welcome.

  An older woman stretched her arms toward Caleb. “We have a nursery.” McKenzie’s baby boy cried out as soon as the woman picked him up. “He’ll be okay. Enjoy the service.” She walked to the back with Caleb. Toby just stared. The woman hadn’t even asked permission.

  “He’ll be fine,” McKenzie whispered, then continued singing.

  A few minutes later the choir started singing “No Weapon”. He’d heard her singing that song to Caleb as she rocked him to sleep.

  The music and the wonderful people lifted his spirits. He sang along to the words on the projector. Toby finally felt why Albert had wanted him to visit and feel the joy. He was touched by everyone’s kindness. Toby wasn’t holier-than-thou, but he gave thanks where they were due. It was divine intervention that he met the wonderful woman beside him. Wayne had thrown away God’s blessing, and if God was willing, she would be Toby’s treasure. His blessing.

  Monique stepped up to the mic and began singing “He’ll Take The Pain Away”. Tears began rolling down McKenzie’s beautiful face, and then she started sobbing. Toby didn’t know what to do. He hadn’t seen her cry this hard. He placed his arm around her shoulder and she cried on his chest.

  “Let it go, child. Let go of the pain and suffering.” Albert came over with a box of Kleenex.

  Toby grabbed the tissues from his longtime neighbor and thanked him. He rubbed McKenzie’s shoulders to comfort her. He guessed she must need this release, after everything she’d been through at the hands of that fool.

  McKenzie took some tissues from him and wiped her face, and she must have seen his concern. “I’m so happy,” she whispered, her lips curling upward with fresh tears. “He didn’t abandon me…”

  “No, he didn’t, and he won’t.” He squeezed her hand.

  “I was meant to go through this, for a reason I may not know why yet.” She sniffled. “I will find out soon.”

  Toby’s heart filled with joy as her smile finally reached her eyes.

  “I know he will take away all the pain in His time.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Toby flipped the burgers over as his brother James interrogated McKenzie. James was a little overbearing. Who could blame him, after the way they’d grown up. His parents had raised them to the best of their abilities. They were dirt poor, but they were happy. Toby’s older brother worked double shifts to help him get through college. Sure, Toby had government assistance, although sometimes it wasn’t enough.

  “Uncle Toby!” Jonas ran up with a paper plane in his hand. “Look what McKenzie made for me!” He threw it in the air and ran after it. “It flies longer than Daddy’s.”

  His niece Andrea held Caleb and turned in circles, making him giggle. The faster she went, the louder came his laughter.

  “Dad.”

  James took a gulp of his beer. “It’s, ‘Excuse me, Dad.’” He eyed Andrea. “I was speaking.”

  “It’s okay.” McKenzie took a sip of her fruity, alcoholic beverage.

  “Nah, it’s not okay. She knows better,” James said. He stared at his daughter. “Yes?”

  “Nothing, sir.” She was about go into the trailer but James stepped in front of her.

  “Talk.” His voice was softer now.

  “I was just gonna say that I would like a baby brother,” Andrea calmly stated.

  “You must be crazy,” James blurted out. “You and your brother are enough. Maybe McKenzie would let you come over and you can act like he’s your baby brother until I come get you.” He laughed, looking at his daughter and raising an eyebrow.

  “Fine, I’ll ask Mom.” She gave Caleb raspberry kisses on his neck.

  “You do that.” James walked over to Toby. “Your girl seems okay.”

  “She’s not my girl,” he said, gazing at McKenzie speaking to Albert and wondering if he was finally getting to her, until he heard them laughing.

  “That’s not what Eric told me.”

  “He needs to mind his damn business.” Toby pulled down the cover, watching as his neighbors started coming out of their homes. When someone started a grill, it turned into a block party.

  “If you kept shit to yourself, we wouldn’t know. We’re just looking out for your ungrateful ass.” James picked up a hot dog and took a bite. “I heard what happened with Albert a couple of weeks back. Don’t pay that old fart no mind. He loves u
s like we were his own fucking nephews. What you may not know about raising that boy, Albert is right next door.” James inched closer to Toby. “If you or Eric ever disrespect that old man again, I’m kicking your asses. He means well.” He walked off. “Albert, come here.”

  Albert and James strolled down the dirt road. He assumed he was going to give the old man the same speech he’d just received.

  “He’s harmless.” McKenzie walked up behind him with a twinkle in her eyes. “But it’s been over a month. It’s time for me to get my own place.”

  Toby grabbed a beer out of the cooler. He wanted to say “Hell no, I don’t want you to leave,” but instead, he nodded. “Did you like the last apartment we saw?”

  The twinkle in her eyes disappeared. “I did.”

  “When do you want to sign the lease?” He tried not to show how disappointed he was at the fact that she was moving out. “I’m off next Tuesday.”

  “That’s fine.” She gazed at him. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and Caleb.”

  “Stop thanking me, McKenzie.” He stared back at her, his heart racing. “I would do it all over again if I had to. I did it because I…forget it.”

  “You what?” she whispered.

  “Nothing.” He grabbed a hot dog. McKenzie wouldn’t stop staring at him, causing his manhood to jerk. She was driving him fucking crazy. “What did the lawyer say about your divorce?”

  “Wayne doesn’t want to sign the divorce papers.”

  “Why the fuck not?” He didn’t mean to raise his voice. “Do I need to pay the motherfucker a visit?” Toby clenched his jaw, and the veins in his biceps swelled as he balled his fist and punched the hot grill, making McKenzie flinch. She inched back. His brother and cousin looked over at the ruckus.

  Her eyes widened, making him feel like fucking shit.

  “Babe.” He took two strides and wrapped his arms around her. “Shit. I’m sorry,” Toby whispered against her temple. He watched Albert, shaking his head. “I would never hurt you. I’m not him.” Every time he did something foolish around her, he found himself apologizing, assuring her that he wasn’t anything like her husband.

  McKenzie circled her hands around his waist, apparently not caring who saw them. “I know… It’s an instant reaction. I’m working on it.”

  He leaned her head against his chest. McKenzie had crawled into his heart.

  “Please let me handle Wayne.” She looked up at him. “This is my battle and I’m going to win. If I need you to step in any further, I will let you know. Promise me that you will not intercede on my part again.” McKenzie pleaded with her eyes. “Please.”

  Toby kissed her forehead, and against his better judgment, agreed. “I promise, beautiful, I will let you handle your husband until you decide you need me to step in.” Toby had planned to visit the man, but now he would step back. This was part of her healing process. At this moment, she didn’t need a superhero. She would eventually see that she had been superwoman, all along.

  “Thank you.” McKenzie felt so right in his arms.

  Eric backed up his truck, and turned up the music. The neighbors started gathering around, and before everyone knew it, the simple barbeque had turned into a block party.

  “Take Your Time” by Sam Hunt blasted through the speakers. Toby was a bit tipsy. He gazed over at McKenzie, talking to the mother of James’ kids, and started singing. He walked up to her, taking her hands in his. He began stepping from side to side. She chuckled, following his lead.

  “Damn, Toby.” Albert laughed. “I didn’t know you had it in you. You got soul,” he said, taking his wife’s hand. “Let’s show these young bucks how’s it done.”

  They began dancing to the music. As the night went on, Toby fell deeper for the woman in his arms. McKenzie had all the qualities he’d been looking for in a woman, but it had taken one punk to tear her down, and now he was paying for the jerk. All things in time, he said to himself.

  “I’ll wait…”

  “For?” McKenzie stopped dancing, and stared up at him.

  “You take as long as you need.” Toby cupped her face. “I’ll be here waiting for you…”

  Her eyes shone with unshed tears, and she placed her soft hands over his. “Be patient…”

  His lips curled up. She hadn’t said no.

  “Boot Scootin Boogie” by Brooks and Dunn started playing.

  “You know how to line dance?”

  “No, but I can electric slide all night.” McKenzie stepped to the right and then to the left.

  Toby chuckled. “This dance is called the Cowboy Boogie. Follow my steps.” He grapevined to the left, followed by a half-step with his knee up, and then he did the same to the right. McKenzie glanced at his feet, and counted out loud. Toby took three steps back and hitched.

  “Boogie…” He shook his hips as he stood in place, and she twisted her hips.

  McKenzie’s ass jiggled every time she boogied, and then she stepped to the left, hitched, and repeated the steps. Toby felt all tingly inside as he watched her laugh and have fun. It was like everything that had happened to her ceased to exist.

  A red car made a turn in to the trailer park as they danced. Toby widened his eyes when he saw it was Kiki driving up in her brand-new car. She parked and slowly opened the car door when she saw everyone staring at her, then waved her nicely manicured fingers. “Howdy… Y’all…”

  Toby swallowed. What the hell was she doing here? Kiki was the woman he’d gone on a date with, months ago. He hadn’t called or texted her after her comments about his home. She’d put him down on the sly, but in the same sentence, she’d said she was looking for something serious. At the time, he hadn’t been interested in anything serious—or maybe it was because he was already falling for his chat boo.

  “Cat got your tongue?” Kiki asked, coming up to him and McKenzie.

  “What are you doing here?” Toby kept moving to the music, even though McKenzie stopped swaying. When she went to step away, he gripped her wrist. “We’re not done dancing.”

  Kiki crossed her arms over her big chest, glaring at him.

  “Give me a second.” He winked at Kiki, and continued to have fun with the only girl who had his attention.

  Toby wiped the sweat off his forehead. “This will only take a minute,” he said, walking up to Kiki.

  Her lips drew up into a smile as he moved closer. “Toby, who is that?” Kiki pointed at McKenzie.

  “You mean McKenzie? She’s a friend.” He grabbed a soda out of the cooler. “You want one?”

  “Oh.” She chewed on her gum a little too hard. “No.”

  “What can I do for you?” He popped the can open, and took a chug. McKenzie was now dancing with Albert and his wife Monique. The married couple were night and day. Monique was very quiet and shy, and Albert could be a jerk at times, but as James said, he meant no harm. Albert had retired from working at the plant and Monique was a nurse at Mercy Hospital.

  Kiki inched closer, nearly touching his face. “I was wondering if we could hang out tonight?” She caressed his biceps.

  Toby almost choked on his drink, and stepped back. “I’m kinda busy.”

  “Too busy for this?” She grabbed his hand and placed it on her ass.

  Toby didn’t want to hurt her feelings as he retrieved his hand. “Kiki, I can’t tonight.”

  “Then when?” She gazed at him through green irises.

  “You just show up at my house without even warning me? What if I was with someone else?” Toby asked.

  She placed her hand on her hip. “First of all,” she lifted her index finger, and raised her voice, “this isn’t a house, it’s a trailer, and you never mentioned anything about you seeing someone else.”

  Toby went to walk away and she grabbed his arm. He took a deep breath. “Kiki go home. If I led you on in any way, that wasn’t my intention. If you weren’t talking about yourself all night that evening, you would’ve heard what I said.”

  Kiki released him, and McKenzie strolled up. “Is everything okay?” She stared at Toby then at Kiki.

  “Everything is peachy,” Kiki snapped. “Is this your special new friend?”

  Toby thinned his lips, trying really hard to keep composure. He hadn’t done anything to this lady that she hadn’t wanted done.