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“Besides, he has a right to see his children.”
    Stiff silence filled the line until Lewis cleared his throat. “Montel hasn’t seen his father in over two years and Jaylen doesn’t know him at all. The boys were only three and one when Leon left. They don’t know him; it’s like you’re sending them off with a stranger.”
    Starla sighed. “For that reason alone, Leon needs to spend time with the boys. They need to know their father.”
    Lewis played the trump card. “Did you pray about this?”
    â€œOf course I did. I even went to his apartment and checked it out.”
    â€œDid you also check out his girlfriend?” A slight chuckle escaped. “What’s she like?”
    â€œHer name is Marlissa, and she’s not his girlfriend,” Starla reminded him. “I also met her husband. They’re actually a cute couple. I’ve been praying for things to work out for them.”
    â€œAre you still praying for your marriage to work out?”
    Starla knew that Lewis had intended to be sarcastic, but she didn’t care. “Lewis, I’m praying for the Lord’s will to be done.”
    â€œAmen,” Lewis whispered, then added, “I have to stop at the station I’m considering buying. I’ll call you later and see how the boys are doing.”
    After hanging up, Starla restyled her braids and refreshed her lip gloss. Inside her bedroom, she dabbed on her favorite scented oil and found the perfect mules to match her capri pants. Normally, the ensemble was idiotic for this time of year, but due to the unusually dry late February weather, it worked. Before answering the doorbell, Starla unbuttoned the top button on her denim shirt. After all, it was her stupid, but saved, husband at the door.

Chapter 5
    â€œM om,” Kevin called after placing his jacket on the ottoman. Normally, he’d have hung his jacket in the closet, but tonight the visit with his mother would be brief, just long enough to grab his favorite dessert.
    â€œI’m in the kitchen,” she called back.
    Kevin walked through the sunken living room, past the formal dining room, and into the kitchen.
    â€œBaby, I didn’t know you were coming by this evening,” Pastor Jennings said, looking up from her organizer.
    Kevin looked upward after kissing his mother’s cheek. “Lord, please hold the lightening until I leave.” Pastor Jennings slapped her son on the arm. “Prophetess Evangelist Preacher Teacher Pastor Jennings, you knew I’d be over here once you texted me the words ‘banana pudding.’”
    Pastor Jennings smiled, but from the doorway Kevin heard his mother’s laugh coming from another source. Not today , he thought before greeting Reyna.
    â€œReyna, how are you this evening?” Kevin smiled, and his mother’s clone nearly tripped over her own feet.
    â€œI’m fine,” Reyna said once she regained her composure. “How about you, Dr. Jennings?”
    â€œReyna, you’ve known me forever. You can call me Kevin.”
    â€œNo, I can’t.” Reyna slowly shook her head from side to side. “Dr. Jennings, a man of your caliber and accomplishments deserves the highest level of respect. You deserve the best.”
    This act was getting old, quickly. “Reyna, I’m no greater than my name. If you can’t address me by my name then don’t speak to me at all.” Kevin didn’t miss the silent eye language exchanged between his mother and Reyna.
    â€œIf that’s what you want, Kevin.” Reyna had gotten the message, and so had his mother, or so he thought.
    â€œSon, have a seat next to me. I have some dates to go over with you.”
    Kevin sat down next to his mother, and Reyna exited the kitchen, only to return seconds later with a large bowl of banana pudding.
    â€œThank you, Reyna, but I could have served myself,” Kevin said just before