Love In The Shadows: Christian Romance

•Twenty three•

Is it really Christmas?

It was Christmas Day, and the whole town sparkled with cheerful lights. But for Naomi, the holiday warmth felt a bit sad. She missed the family she used to have. Holding a red velvet cake, a sweet gesture in her hands, she walked towards her home.

In the car, Leroy and Ms. London patiently waited, knowing how complicated this moment was for Naomi. She took a big breath, feeling her heart beat faster, and knocked on the door. Keenly, opened it, looking surprised and excited.

"Naomi! What are you doing here?" Keenly asked with a big smile.

"It's a Christmas surprise," Naomi said, showing the cake. "Can I come in?"

Keenly nodded happily and ran to tell their parents. Eric and Michelle, still figuring things out, came to the door with a mix of curiosity and caution.

Seeing Naomi, Eric's face lit up. He hugged her tightly. "Naomi! Babygirl! I've missed you so much," he said, tears forming.

"I missed you too, Daddy!" Naomi replied, placing the cake on the table. Michelle, initially speechless, finally spoke up.

"I thought we'd never see you again," Michelle admitted, her eyes showing regret.

Naomi, feeling the weight of the moment, started to explain. "You weren't going to... but out of kindness and with God guiding me, I wanted to come and-"

Michelle, realizing Naomi's gesture, interrupted, her voice softer. "No, Naomi, I'm sorry. I should be the one apologizing. I love you so much. I never meant what I said at the funeral, I love you more than you know. You're my daughter and-"

"-Our daughter!" Eric intervened.

"Our daughter!" Michelle continued, "I only said that out of spite of the situation at the time. I don't like how disrespected us but I get it, we weren't the easiest to deal with and I'm so sorry. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive us." Tears rolled down Michelle's face, and Naomi hugged her.

Then, another knock echoed through the house. Keenly rushed to the door, swinging it open wide. Leroy and Ms. London entered, greeted by the teary eyes of Eric and Michelle.

Feeling a sense of responsibility, Michelle apologized first, "Leroy, I want to say I'm sorry for everything. It wasn't fair to judge you without really knowing you."

Eric chimed in, "Yeah, Larry, I-"

"-LEROY!" Everyone corrected.

Eric apologized, "I'm sorry Leroy! We were just doing what was best for our daughter. But that doesn't men's we did everything right but you. To be honest...we didn't know what to think when found out about Naomi's Journal or when we found out about you. But we now realize that we were wrong, I just hope you understand where we were coming from as her parents. We've got a long way to go but I'm going to trust my daughter's decision about you."

Leroy shrugged, "It's all good, man."

Eric suggested a hug then they hugged and everyone cheered. After the hug, Leroy asked in a playful tone but a serious question. "So, does this mean I have your blessings to marry your daughter one day?"

Eric replied with a series voice, corrected him, "Leroy."

Leroy, realizing his slip, chuckled. "Right, don't push it."