Count It All Joy by Ashea S. Goldson Read Free Book Online Page A

walked toward me with open arms and hugged me as if I were her own son.
    â€œThank you.” The vision was all coming to pass.
    Then Sister Winifred waltzed over with her lips pursed tightly. “Deacon Joshua. So glad you made it through, dear. I was a little doubtful about you being called at first.”
    â€œHello, Sister Winifred. Thanks for coming.” I was determined not to let her get to me.
    â€œMany are called, son, but few are chosen.” Sister Winifred looked around. “Where is your wife, dear?”
    I pointed over to Alex. “My wife is right over there.”
    â€œI see her now. Looks like she gained a little weight.” Sister Winifred adjusted her glasses on her nose. “You two aren’t expecting, are you?”
    I took a deep breath before answering. “No, ma’am, we are not expecting.”
    â€œWell, I guess I should go over to say hello.” Sister Winifred left me and walked in the opposite direction. Her smell of Bengay ointment made my nose tingle, reminding me of my great-aunt Mildred in Chicago, the one who carried hot sauce around in her purse.
    The crowd remained lively up until the time we dispersed for the graduation luncheon back at the church. Everything was decorated nicely with black and green balloons, compliments of Sister Dorothy and Sister Trudy, the official hospitality team from Missionary. If there was ever an occasion to make guests feel welcome, these two ladies were on it.
    Alex came up and put her arms around me. “I’m so proud of you, Minister Benning.”
    â€œAnd I’m so glad I have you to share all of this with.” I looked into her dark eyes. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”
    I knew that at this moment the only thing that mattered was getting this family thing right, no matter what I had to do.
    The next day I was still high from yesterday’s events. At the job I did my usual prayer before I got started, and then settled down in front of my computer screen. As the assistant vice president of loan accounting for the retail loan department, it was my job to approve new loans and also to check on those accounts. When I did my checks and balances, I noticed a few figures were out of line, but not necessarily enough to become alarmed. I double-checked the columns just to make sure I was seeing right. I was used to handling multiple financial transactions and everything coming up straight. So I made a mental note to go back to the beginning of each transaction and check everything more thoroughly. Since my boss, Simon, the president of loan accounting, was a cool guy, and it was only he and I who had access to this information, I knew that it was probably just a computer glitch. Yet, when I took one final look at the spreadsheet, something in my spirit told me trouble was coming.

Chapter Six
    Alex
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    On Christmas morning Joshua and I were awakened by Lilah jumping into our bed. She was wearing Winnie the Pooh-footed pajamas, and her hair was standing wildly on top of her head in several puffs.
    â€œWake up! Wake up! It’s Christmas, Daddy.” Lilah landed on top of her father.
    â€œMerry Christmas, sweetie,” Joshua said.
    I touched the top of her fuzzy little head. “Merry Christmas, Lilah.”
    â€œMerry Christmas. Now, come on. Let’s go.” Lilah grabbed her dad’s hand and pulled.
    â€œOkay, okay. We’re coming.” Joshua smiled as he slid his feet into his slippers.
    Lilah looked at me and smiled. “Come on, Sister Alex.”
    My heart fell.
    â€œSweetie, didn’t we have a talk already about you not calling Alex that anymore?” Joshua sighed. “We’re married now, so Alex is your new mommy, remember?”
    â€œIt’s okay, Josh.” I shook my head to indicate my disapproval of him reprimanding her. I could tell by the look on Lilah’s face, the title would have to be earned.
    â€œBut Grandma said that