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know the humiliation I endure week after week.” I blinked away the tears. “I’m just tired now.”
    Joshua sat down and placed my head on his strong shoulders. He stroked my hair with his loving hands, and all my cares seemed to slip away instantly.
    â€œLet’s pray,” he said.
    â€œOkay,” although, honestly, I was too numb to have any real expectation.
    â€œDear Lord, we come before you humbly thanking you in advance for what you’re about to bring into fruition. We’ve planted the seed. We’ve been faithful and diligent throughout the process. We’re expecting a manifested harvest in Jesus’ name. We have touched and agreed that everything would be okay. We thank you that everything in this family is better than okay. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
    â€œYou’re right. Everything will work out.” That was what I loved about him. He was so secure in the things of God. I remembered when I used to be like that. What in the world was happening to me? Was I losing my faith?
    Joshua wrapped his strong arms around me, and I felt so secure in them. He touched my hair and my cheek with his fingers, and for once, I was almost able to relax.
    When the phone rang, I clung to Joshua, not willing to let go of the moment. I hesitated to answer it until I saw that it was Dr. Henley on the caller ID. Joshua and I looked at each other in silent anticipation. Could it be?

Chapter Four
    Alex
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    Too bad Dr. Henley’s phone call was nothing short of catastrophic. For such an educated man, he had bad timing and an awful way of communicating disappointing news. He stuttered and mumbled, something that was totally out of character for him. Since our last attempts of conceiving had failed, he thought it was time for us to consider other options.
    Needless to say, this upset me beyond reason. Joshua tried to smooth it away as he usually did; hugged me tight, massaged my back, and even kissed me deeply, but secretly, I wasn’t convinced.
    So I did what I always did, hid my sorrows in service. I went on with my life, serving in ministry, working, and praying, but what nobody knew was that underneath my sanctified exterior, I was a cowering shell of a woman.
    Nevertheless, I went on with the façade even while working at the church. Joshua and and I went down to Missionary to help Aunt Dorothy and Sister Trudy set up for the annual children’s health fair. Two hours after we arrived, Taylor showed up in her wheelchair, which came as a shock to me because ever since she started using the braces a few months ago, she had put it aside.
    Still, she was my beautiful sister, an almost perfect replica of me, or at least a better looking me. How my sister kept everything together from her wheelchair was a complete mystery. So she’d totally earned my respect. I could hardly maintain my figure, and I was standing on two good legs. She spoke to everyone in the room, and then rolled over to me.
    Seeing me sitting on the floor gluing letters on a paper sign, Taylor scooted out of her chair, onto the floor next to me, and immediately joined in.
    When Joshua walked into the room, Taylor asked him if he was excited about his impending graduation.
    â€œDo I look excited?” Joshua gave her a fake smile and walked away.
    â€œUh-oh.” Taylor pushed her neck back. “What’s wrong with Rev?”
    I leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Leave him alone. He’s just a little stressed out, that’s all.”
    â€œExcuse me. I didn’t know I was bothering him in the first place,” Taylor said.
    â€œNo, I didn’t mean it like that.” I looked around to make sure everyone else was occupied. “It’s just that his mom kind of has him backed up against the wall, threatening him with guilt.”
    Taylor reached into her pocket and pulled out a piece of gum. “Why is she tripping anyway?”
    â€œShe wants him to take over his