Love In The Shadows: Christian Romance

•Twelve•

•The Living Nightmare•

Leroy and Naomi had a beautiful wedding outdoors on a sunny day. Naomi, in her pretty white dress, held onto her dad's arm, feeling very happy. Rows of white chairs were set up in a line, and her friends Michelle, Eric, and Keenly were all smiling in their seats.

The pastor began the ceremony by saying, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Leroy and Naomi in holy matrimony." Then, he continued, "If anyone present here knows of any reason why these two should not be married, please speak now or forever hold your peace."

To everyone's shock, Michelle stood up, her eyes filled with uncertainty. She trembled, her voice quivering as she yelled, "I DISAGREE!"  Gasps spread through the crowd as Michelle explained her fears and concerns about the marriage.

Michelle explained, "She is far too young and you will not marry him! As long as you are my daughter, you will never marry."

Tears welled up in Naomi's eyes, and Leroy's face turned pale. It felt like everything had stopped suddenly. Then, the sky darkened, and thunder rumbled. Rain poured down, and everyone had to run for cover. Leroy and Naomi started running together, but Michelle blocked their path. She grabbed Leroy and threw him against the wall. She looked at Naomi and said, "YOU WILL NEVER MARRY!"

Naomi suddenly woke up from her sleep, her heart heavy with disappointment. She couldn't sleep well for the rest of the night.

The next morning, she went to school feeling exhausted. Naomi found Leroy in the cafeteria, eating breakfast. She sat down across from him, and he noticed the exhaustion in her eyes. "Rough night?" he asked.

Naomi sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. "You wouldn't believe the dream I had, Leroy. It was about our wedding, and it turned into a complete disaster."

Leroy raised an eyebrow, concerned. "What happened?"

She explained the vivid details of the dream, from the objection by her mother to the sudden storm and Michelle's attacks. As she spoke, Leroy's eyes widened with disbelief.

"Not going to lie, that sounds like your mother would do that to me," Leroy replied.

"Baby this is serious!" 

"I know, I'm only kidding but listen." his voice filled with sympathy. "It was just a dream, Naomi. But look on the bright side at least you know that one day I'm going to marry you."

With excitement in her voice, Naomi asked, "You will?"

Leroy smiled warmly and responded, "Yeah, did you think I wasn't going to? I mean, not right now, but yes, I do want to make you my wife one day...that is you want to."

Naomi couldn't contain her excitement and kissed him passionately. Their lips met with love until a passing security guard interrupted, saying, "Hey, you two, cut that out!"

They laughed, Leroy, looking at Naomi and saying, "I want some more of those later. I love you."

"I love you more!" Naomi beamed.

"Liar!"

"I do!"

"Not more than me."

They playfully argued about who loved the other more, leaving the rest of the conversation to your imagination. Meanwhile, at the Church, Eric, the deacons, the Sunday school teacher, and Pamela were in a meeting to discuss Next Sunday's trunk or treat Event.

Meanwhile, at the church, Eric, the deacons, the Sunday school teacher, and Pamela were gathered in a meeting to discuss next Sunday's Trunk or Treat event.