Faithful Horizons

Chapter 25: Romantic Turning Point

Ethan's hands gripped the leather-bound sketchpad as he stood outside Grace's front door. His breath fogged in the cool evening air, and his heart raced as he tried to figure out what he was going to say. He'd spent all day turning the words over in his head, but none of them seemed right.

You've faced worse than this, he told himself. Just knock.

Before he could second-guess himself again, the door opened. Grace stood there, her eyes widening slightly in surprise before her face lit up with a warm smile.

"Ethan! Hey," she said, stepping aside to let him in.

The cozy warmth of her house wrapped around him like a blanket, the usual faint scent of cinnamon lingering in the air. He shuffled inside, feeling both nervous and grateful for the inviting atmosphere.

"Sorry to just show up," Ethan said, scratching the back of his neck.

"You don't have to apologize," Grace said, closing the door. "I'm glad you're here."

Her words made his chest tighten. He glanced around the living room, where a blanket was draped over the couch, and her Bible sat open on the coffee table next to a pile of highlighters and sticky notes.

"Want to sit?" Grace asked, motioning to the couch.

"Yeah. Thanks," Ethan said, lowering himself onto the edge of the cushion. He rested the sketchpad on his lap, his fingers brushing over the cover.

Grace sat down beside him, her legs tucked under her. "What's on your mind?"

Ethan hesitated, his gaze dropping to the sketchpad. "I've been thinking a lot lately. About... everything. My mom, you, God..."

Grace's expression softened, and she tilted her head slightly. "And?"

He let out a shaky breath, finally meeting her eyes. "And I think I'm ready to stop running."

Her brows furrowed slightly, her lisp parting as if she wanted to speak, but she waited.

"I've been so scared of... of believing. Scared that it wouldn't make a difference, or that it would just make me more of a failure if I couldn't live up to it," Ethan admitted. "But when I look at you, Grace, I see something I've never seen before. I see someone who knows who they are, and who trusts in something bigger than themselves. And I... I want that. I want to believe in something. I want to believe in Him."

Grace's eyes glistened, her smile soft but gleaming. "Ethan..."

"But it's not just that," he continued, his voice quieter now. "You're the reason I've made it this far. You've been patient with me when I didn't deserve it. You've shown me what faith really looks like, and what love looks like. And I-" He paused, his heart pounding. "I think I'm in love with you, Grace."

For a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Grace blinked, her cheeks flushing as her lips curved into a small, trembling smile.

"Ethan," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I love you too."

Ethan felt his chest ache, a mix of relief and joy washing over him. For the first time in what felt like forever, he felt whole.

They talked for hours, their conversation shifting between their feelings for each other and Ethan's newfound desire to explore his faith. Grace listened as Ethan shared his doubts and fears, her presence steady and reassuring.

"You don't have to have all the answers right now," Grace said, her hand resting lightly on his. "Faith isn't about being perfect. It's about being willing."

Ethan nodded, her words settling over him like a ray of sunshine. "I want to try. I don't know what that looks like yet, but I want to start somewhere."

Grace smiled, her fingers brushing against his. "Then let's start together."

As the evening wore on, Ethan pulled out the sketchpad he'd been clutching all night. He flipped to the page with Grace's drawing, his chest tightening as he handed it to her.

"This... this is for you," he said, his voice low.

Grace took the sketchpad, her eyes widening as she studied the portrait. Ehr lips parted in surprise, and her fingers lightly traced the lines of her face on the page.

"Ethan," she whispered, tears brimming in her eyes. "This is... beautiful."

"It's how I see you," Ethan said quietly. "Strong. Kind. The best thing that's ever happened to me."

Grace looked up at him, her eyes shining. "Thank you."

Ethan shrugged, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I guess it's my way of saying thanks - for not giving up on me."

Grace set the sketchpad aside, leaning closer. "I never will, Ethan."

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world outside seemed to slow and fade away. Slowly, Grace reached up, her fingers brushing lightly against his cheek. Ethan's breath caught as he leaned forward, his forehead resting against hers.

"I mean it," she whispered. "I'm not going anywhere."

Neither was Ethan.

A/N:

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