Igniting the Wild Sparks by Ren Alexander Read Free Book Online

patchwork of multiple earth tones and the sunlight shining through the painted windows casts a kaleidoscope of colors over the entire room, making the pews look as if they’re strewn with shades of confetti. It’s breathtaking.
    Finn abruptly stops at a back pew, releases my hand and kneels down, his right knee touching the floor, crossing himself before he stands back up. He again grabs ahold of my hand and slides us into the bench aisle. I’m astonished. For one, I don’t remember him doing that at the Vigil. Secondly, the sight of him on bended knee is almost too much for me to handle because I know I’ll never be on the receiving end of that.
    Rod’s right again. I’ve got to get it together.
    Kneeling down on the bench next to Finn, I take some time to reflect and pray, so it seems is the protocol, as I look to the people around us for cues. I also note that many people are dressed rather casually in jeans, shorts and T-shirts with logos. I like that Finn dressed up a bit for this. It reflects his charming personality, that is, when he’s not drinking his troubles away.
    When I stealthily glance at him, I detect him blankly staring at the altar with his hands clasped and hanging over the back of the pew in front of us. What does Finn Wilder pray for? Safe dares? To be able to jump off that bridge again? For me to make prettier pancakes or to get better acquainted with a tube of lipstick? Maybe for a nationwide ban on kite festivals?
    I say a prayer for him. I pray that Finn gets everything he wants out of life—with or without me. I don’t want to tether him from having, or not having, the things he wants most; however, I pray that it ’s me he wants, no matter what.
    I pray for my dad. Despite his recent lecture about getting married, he’s still been the best father in the crappiest of circumstances. He could’ve left, too, but he didn’t. I pray for my grandparents, as well.
    I pray for Bethany. She’s the sister I never had. I don’t know what I’d do without her.
    Next, I pray for Morgan. I’m so thankful for her friendship and sisterhood, too. I pray for a healthy baby and for a happy marriage for her and Ivan.
    I pray for Val. I’m so thankful I have a wonderful boss and friend as her. She’s such a precious jewel to me. I love her like the mom I don’t have.
    I pray for Rod and Eden. Eden because of her unfortunate lot in life, and adding the postscript that Greg Rodwell finds happiness with a woman who can tolerate his insolence. God bless whoever that dear soul is.
    Shifting up, Finn sits back on the pew and I swiftly move to join him. Instantaneously, he resituates himself closer to me, pulling my hand onto his lap, and weaving our fingers together again. I cross my legs and he angles his leg against mine, similar to last week, but this time he’s not leaving any space between us. He inclines his head to me, but doesn’t say anything. I can feel his hot breath creeping down my collar. Curious and inappropriately becoming turned on, I angle my head to look at him. His dark eyes snag mine and we stare at each other. I feel his thumb brushing my leg as a trifling, crooked smile lifts the edge of his mouth. Even the tiniest of Finn’s smiles is going to be the death of me.
    The Mass proceeds along the lines of Easter, but shorter in comparison. When it comes time to shake hands, Finn pulls me into his arms, holding me tightly to him, and moving his head to my ear. “Baby, I love you to the stars.” I smile for the time we spent stargazing and the cute trivia he conveyed to me in his mom’s backyard.
    “I love you beyond them, Sparks.” I clutch him harder, wanting him so much to feel my love. I take a deep breath, filling my lungs with his memorable scent. We strongly hug, ignoring all others around us, not caring to sha re in on our own private world.
    With less anxiety than last time, I watch Finn take communion. As he does, I gaze at all the beautiful windows adorning the walls.