Grace (BWWM)

"I'm going to take care of you and the kids, Grace." Oh. I just...I get this feeling within me that just warms me throughout.

"You already are, Joe."

"I know, but I mean in a different way. I've been doing that as an outsider. I'd like to be a part of your family."

"Joseph...you've been a part of our family for years. We've never thought of you in any other way." It's the truth. His eyebrows raise and he stares at me for a while. Then he nods. I smile gently and he kisses my cheek again then gives me a smoldering look.

"Thank you." He brings one of my hands to his lips, pressing a kiss to it, his eyes still fixed on mine. My breath catches with the intensity there.

"I love you, Grace." The sincerity in his words are as clear as day. All at once, I feel so incredibly grateful to have him in my life and I find tears springing up. His gaze softens as he sees them. Ordinarily I would try to hide this obvious sign of vulnerability, but I don't. There's no reason to with him.

"I love you too." He smiles gently and then turns his head towards my hand still on his face, pressing a tender kiss to my palm.
~~~
This is an age gap interracial (bwwm) Christian romance that involves Joe, a widower, and Grace, a widow of six years and family friend.

Joe has just lost his wife and Grace is there for him as he works through a grief that she is unfortunately familiar with. As the years go by and he continues to heal, their friendship develops into something more.