Love On The Double Decker

Chapter 15

The morning bustled with activity as everyone got ready for school. Leah and Luke chatted excitedly about their day ahead, while Clayton and Everett packed their backpacks with books and lunchboxes. Hannah and Faith helped Nicole make breakfast, scrambling eggs and toast. Reginald poured orange juice and handed out cups. "Have a great day, everyone!" he called out as they headed out the door. Nicole smiled, feeling grateful for this lovely family of hers.

The bus pulled up to the curb, and Luke, Leah, Clayton, and Everett grabbed their backpacks and headed out the door. "Bye, Mom!" they called out in unison. Nicole waved goodbye, smiling as she watched them climb the steps and find their seats. Hannah and Faith stayed behind, helping Nicole with laundry and tidying up the living room. They chatted about their day ahead, and Nicole listened attentively, happy to spend quality time with her girls.

Reginald grabbed his briefcase and headed out the door, giving Nicole a quick kiss on the cheek. "Have a great day, love," he said, smiling at Hannah and Faith. "I'll see you all tonight." Nicole watched him go, feeling grateful for her hardworking husband. She turned back to the girls, who were busy folding laundry. "Let's make some lunch, shall we?" she suggested, and they nodded eagerly.

Hannah and Faith sat down at the kitchen table with Nicole, who had made them sandwiches and fruit salad. "Mom, can we talk about last night?" Hannah asked, her eyes serious. Nicole nodded, taking a bite of her own sandwich. "Of course, sweetie. What about it?" Faith spoke up, "We prayed about getting baptized, and we both felt like we should do it." Nicole's heart swelled with pride. "That's wonderful, girls! I'm so happy for you both."

Nicole smiled warmly at her daughters. "That's wonderful, girls! I'm so happy for you both. When were you thinking of being baptized?" Hannah and Faith looked at each other, then back at Nicole. "How about next Saturday?" Hannah suggested. Faith nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, that would be perfect!" Nicole's eyes misted up with tears. "Next Saturday it is, then. I'll talk to Dad and we'll make arrangements."

Nicole pulled out her phone and started typing away. "I'll text Dad now and let him know. He'll be so excited!" Hannah and Faith giggled at their mom's enthusiasm. "Can we invite our friends?" Hannah asked. Nicole looked up from her phone. "Of course, sweetie! The more the merrier. Let's make it a special day to remember."

Nicole's fingers flew across her phone's keyboard as she texted Reginald. "Hey love, Hannah and Faith want to be baptized next Saturday! Can you talk to Pastor John and arrange everything? Love you!" She hit send and looked up at her daughters, who were both smiling eagerly. "Dad will be thrilled," she said. "He'll make sure everything is perfect for your special day."

Nicole smiled at her daughters. "How about we go shopping for your baptism dresses today? Something beautiful and special for your big day." Hannah and Faith squealed with excitement, hugging each other. "Yes, yes, yes!" they chimed in unison. Nicole laughed, happy to see them so thrilled. "Let's go to that cute little boutique downtown. They have the prettiest dresses!"

Nicole pulled into the boutique parking lot, and Hannah and Faith bounced out of the car, eager to start trying on dresses. Inside, they found rows of gorgeous gowns in every color imaginable. Nicole helped them pick out a few favorites, and they took turns trying them on in the dressing room. Hannah emerged first, wearing a stunning white dress with intricate lace details. Faith gasped. "You look like a princess!" she exclaimed.

Hannah blushed at her sister's compliment. "Thanks, Faith! You're going to look amazing too." Faith nodded, disappearing into the dressing room with a pale pink gown. She emerged moments later, looking ethereal. Nicole beamed with pride. "My beautiful girls," she said, hugging them both tightly. "You're both going to steal the show at your baptism!"

The sisters giggled at their mom's teasing. "We're just happy to be doing this together," Hannah said, smiling at Faith. Nicole's heart swelled with love. "Me too, sweethearts. Me too." She helped them pick out matching veils and shoes, and they left the boutique feeling like royalty. "Let's go home and show Dad our dresses!" Faith exclaimed. Nicole nodded. "He's going to be so proud of you both."

When they arrived home, Reginald was sitting in his favorite armchair, reading the newspaper. Hannah and Faith ran to him, eager to show off their new dresses. "Dad, Dad, look what we got!" they chimed in unison. Reginald looked up, surprised by their excitement. Then he saw the dresses and his face lit up with pride. "Wow, my beautiful girls! You both look stunning."

Hannah and Faith beamed at their dad's praise. "Thanks, Dad! We love them too," Hannah said. Reginald smiled, putting down his newspaper. "I'm so proud of you both. Your mom told me about your decision to get baptized. I'm honored to be a part of it." He hugged them both tightly. "Let's take some family photos after the ceremony. I want to capture this special day forever."

Hannah and Faith nodded eagerly, hugging their dad back. "We'd love that, Dad!" Faith exclaimed. Reginald smiled, feeling grateful for these precious moments with his daughters. "I'll talk to Pastor John about arranging a photographer. Let's make this a day to remember!" Nicole entered the room, a warm smile on her face. "I think we're all set then. Let's get ready for next Saturday!"

The family chatted excitedly about their plans for next Saturday, making sure everyone knew their roles and responsibilities. Hannah and Faith helped Nicole prepare a delicious dinner, their minds still on their upcoming baptism. After dinner, they sat around the table, hands clasped together in prayer. Reginald gave thanks for his loving family and their decision to follow God. Nicole added a prayer for guidance and protection. Hannah and Faith simply said "Amen."

As they finished their prayer, Hannah and Faith looked at each other with excitement. "Only a few more days until our baptism!" Hannah whispered. Faith grinned. "I know, I'm so ready!" Nicole smiled, overhearing their conversation. "Me too, girls. Me too." Reginald chuckled, putting his arm around Nicole. "I think we're all ready for this special day."

As they lay in bed, Hannah and Faith couldn't shake off their nervousness. They had always been excited about their baptism, but now doubts crept in. "What if we mess up?" Hannah whispered to Faith. Faith bit her lip. "What if we're not worthy?" Hannah sat up, looking at her sister with concern. "Faith, we're doing this because we believe in God's love. Remember that." Faith nodded, taking a deep breath. "You're right. Let's pray together."

Just then, Leah knocked on their door and slipped inside. "Hey girls, I heard you talking. Everything okay?" Hannah and Faith looked up at their big sister with tears in their eyes. Leah immediately knew something was wrong. "Tell me," she said gently. Hannah and Faith poured out their fears and doubts. Leah listened attentively, then took their hands. "Let's pray together. God will give us peace." The three sisters bowed their heads, Leah leading them in a heartfelt prayer.

As they prayed, a sense of calm washed over Hannah and Faith. Leah smiled, squeezing their hands. "Feel better?" Hannah and Faith nodded, smiling back. "Thanks, Leah," Hannah said. Faith added, "You always know how to make us feel better." Leah hugged them both tightly. "That's what big sisters are for. Now get some sleep, okay?" Hannah and Faith nodded, snuggling under their blankets. Leah kissed their foreheads and left them to dream of their special day.

Leah smiled, remembering a special scripture that always brought her peace. "Girls, listen to this." She opened her Bible and read from Psalm 46: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea." Hannah and Faith looked up at Leah with wide eyes, feeling a sense of calm wash over them. "Thanks, Leah," Hannah said, snuggling deeper into her blanket. Faith nodded, already drifting off to sleep.

Leah smiled, tucking the blankets around her sisters. "Sleep tight, girls. God's got you both in His arms." She kissed their foreheads and turned out the light, leaving them to dream of their baptism and the love of God that surrounded them. As she left their room, Leah felt a sense of peace settle over her too. She knew God was always with them, guiding and protecting them.