Expect The Unexpected (H-Town)

Preach Dino

Leah

Church felt heavier today—in a good way.

Dino stood at the pulpit like he belonged there, Bible open, voice steady. He wasn't just preaching words; he was preaching growth.

"Colossians 1:10," he said. "'So that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord... bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.'"

He paused, eyes sweeping the room.

"Growth means honesty," he continued. "Even when the truth is uncomfortable."

That line sat with me.

Leonce leaned over and whispered, "I've never been to church before."

I blinked. "Then why'd you come?"

He smiled softly. "Because of you."

Before I could respond, Dino said her name.

"Kaedi Michelle Roberts."

The room shifted.

Kaedi stood slowly and walked to the front, confusion written all over her face. That's when I noticed him—standing near the back aisle.

Hakeem.

He wasn't sitting close. Wasn't trying to be seen.

Hands folded, posture calm. He wasn't watching Dino.

He was watching Kaedi.

Dino reached into his pocket.

My heart dropped.

He went down on one knee.

Gasps rippled through the church.

"I spoke with your family," Dino said, voice shaking just slightly. "And they gave me their blessing."

Kaedi's hands flew to her mouth.

"I love you," he continued. "I want to grow with you—spiritually, emotionally, in every way. I know we're young, but I know my heart."

He opened the box.

"Will you marry me?"

Silence.

Not the awkward kind.
The holy kind.

Kaedi reached for his hands, tears spilling freely.

"Keven," she whispered. "I love you. And this means everything to me."

Dino's eyes shone.

"But I can't say yes right now," she said softly. "I'm still sorting through my feelings. I don't want to promise something this big until I'm completely sure."

You could hear someone inhale sharply behind us.

Dino swallowed, nodded once, and stood.

"I respect that," he said quietly. "Thank you for being honest."

They hugged—long and tight.

Pastor Harold stepped forward, hand on Dino's shoulder.
"Sometimes faith means waiting," he said gently.

As Kaedi returned to her seat, shaken but relieved, I glanced toward the back.

Hakeem hadn't moved.

No reaction.
No satisfaction.
Just respect.

Dino

I held it together until I got outside.

That's when my chest caved in.