Finding Us (Christian Interracial Romance)

A Step Towards Faith

Jeremy

The house is alive. Voices overlap, laughter rises above the clatter of dishes, and the scent of breakfast fills the air. It's exactly how mornings should be when the whole family is together.

Today is special—Mom and Dad's 40th wedding anniversary. June 17, 2023. Forty years of love, partnership, and raising a family that has only grown larger and louder over time.

I step inside, greeted by warmth, both from the early summer sun streaming through the windows and the chaos of my family already gathered in the living room and kitchen. The table is packed with food—pancakes, eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and more. Mom went all out, as always.

"Jeremy!" Mom's voice rings out from the kitchen. "You're late!"

I smirk, walking in and wrapping her in a hug. "I'm not late. You just start the day too early."

Dad, standing by the coffee pot, chuckles. "That she does. Always has."

Across the kitchen, Dylan leans against the counter, sipping coffee like he's been up for hours. He gives me a knowing look. "Some things never change."

"Good morning to you too, big brother," I say, rolling my eyes.

The house feels smaller with everyone packed inside, but it's a good kind of crowded. Athena is on the couch, bouncing Annaliese, on her lap while her fiancé, Dax, watches them with a soft smile. Amber hovers nearby, trying to snap the perfect picture. Thomas stands by the window, scrolling through his phone, probably checking sports scores. Bradley and Ellie are already bickering over something—most likely the last pancake.

"Kids, share," Renae says as she walks past them, setting a plate down on the table.

Her four kids are scattered around—Montana is glued to her phone, scrolling with practiced boredom. Delilah and Aimee, are giggling together, their identical curls bouncing as they whisper about something only five-year-olds understand. Dylan Jr. is strapped into his high chair, gleefully slapping his hands on his tray.

The door swings open and for a moment, the energy shifts.

Cecilia steps inside with a small, wrapped box in her hands. Her long black hair, silk pressed to perfection, flows past hr shoulders with soft movement, side swept bangs framing her face. Her makeup is a flawless 90's inspired neutral look—sharp arched brows, soft matte skin, and her lips lined in a deep brown with a lighter shade blended in. 

She's dressed in a black graphic tee with a portrait of Michael Jackson from his celebrated Thriller album cover, tucked slightly into her high waisted jeans that hugs her curves. She's wearing black and white Jordan 1's, gold hoops, and a thin chain necklace with a small cross. She always has that mix of cool and effortless confidence.  

Mom's face lights up, looking towards the entryway. "Cecilia!"

She smiles warmly, the kind of smile that makes it impossible not to smile back. "Happy anniversary!"

Mom pulls her into a tight hug. "Oh, sweetie, you didn't have to!"

"It's nothing big," Cecilia says, but I catch the way her eyes shine. She means it. She cares.

Dad grins and greets her with a hug. "Are you sticking around for a while?"

Cecilia shakes her head. "I wish, but I'm on my way to my cousins' podcast."

Mom beams. "That's amazing! Congratulations."

"Thank you," Cecilia says, her gaze flickering toward me for a second.

I smile at her, just a little. She returns it before adjusting her bag. "I'll see you all later, okay?"

"I'm looking forward to it," I say. And I mean it.