Page 128 of Faking the Shot
Zac caught movement in the background, and saw Diana lean against the doorway. Her cheeks were wet.
“That’s real love,” Chris continued. “That takes power beyond what we can do ourselves. It takes Jesus and the Holy Spirit to help us love patiently, and with kindness, and without envy or selfishness or pride. I’ve been blessed to be married to a woman who exhibits that kind of love daily, and that makes me want to be a better husband—”
Someone who husbands her.
“—and things might be over between you and Ainsley for the moment, but it doesn’t mean it’s forever.”
“Amen,” Diana murmured.
Chris glanced behind him. “You heard that?”
She drew near, placed her arms around his neck and kissed him. “I heard the best part.”
“I love you, baby.” Chris turned and smooched his wife.
She laughed as he pulled her into his lap, and fanned her face. “Not in front of the children.”
“What children?” Chris asked.
“These two,” she gestured to Zac and Drew.
“It’s okay, we’ll get out of your hair so you can enjoy your special cuddles.” Zac smirked.
Chris laughed, as Diana blushed even harder. “And here I was all prepared to offer sympathy.”
He pushed back his shoulders. “I’m okay now.” He didn’t need sympathy. He didn’t even need Ainsley. Not really. “Chris was right. I need to remember what God’s love looks like for me, and then I can share that with others.”
And it was up to them whether they received it. Whether their names be Drew. Logan. Mitch. Ma.
Or Ainsley.
* * *
“Girl, you look sad,”Emmett said.
Ainsley instantly went to smile, then realized what she’d done, and let her face fall back into a neutral expression. Which apparently equaled sad, so perhaps not so neutral.
“You okay?” he persisted.
Ainsley shrugged. “I don’t know.” She gestured to where her brother was laughing with several friends here to celebrate his birthday. “Tonight’s about Mack, so let’s keep the focus on him.”
“Honey, I keep the focus on him all the time. It’s okay if it’s shared. You know he cares about you.”
“I do.” But she also knew that Mack needed to have fun tonight, especially with their parents unable to come, thanks to spending time with Aunty Win. Mack might fill his world with distractions and try to deny God’s reality in his life, but she could tell their aunt’s approaching death was affecting him. And while she was stressed and heartbroken and frustrated about so many things, she knew being here was important for the sake of their family, and important for Mack to know that not all Christians excluded him. If she could be here to show him she loved him, she figured that was like a little link to show God’s love.
Emmett smiled, like he understood some of her reasons. He probably would never understand all. Unlike Mack, who had grown up as a Christian then walked away when enticed into the theatrical world, Emmett had never admitted to any type of awareness about God. She knew he thought their beliefs “quaint” but appreciated that they weren’t as judgy as some. And while she knew love was the bridge to seeing both men find real peace, she couldn’t help but think about how they had gotten here. A remark here, a too-long look there, thoughts entertained, a touch, more. A heart hardened little by little until previous beliefs were dismissed or now begged to be forgiven for.
She sank into the plush sofa, a find from a leftover production, complete with gilt legs. And it wasn’t just the men here filled with pride. She saw how she was guilty of the same. How she had let thoughts in, been puffed up with pride, allowed others to shape her world and influence everything from her roles to her appearance. Zac was right. Who was the real Ainsley?
“You look deep in thought,” Mack said, plonking himself beside her. He gestured to a nearby plate of delectables. “Have some sushi.”
“No, thanks.” Her thoughts from a moment ago swung back to memory. “Actually, yes.” And before she could second-guess herself, she snatched one and stuffed it in her mouth. “Yum.”
Mack laughed. “You can eat the whole thing before offering commentary.”
She smiled, and used the proffered napkin to wipe away a few stray grains of rice. “That was so good.”
“Thank Carson over there. Hey Carson, you’ve got another fan!”