How could she respond to such a question?

After staring at Gunnar shocked, Selene asked for time.

She needed to talk to God, pray, and understand what was going on.

And Gunnar understood.

There was no pressure, it was what she liked most about him.

She didn't add that pressure and anxiety were ridding her. Her father had been calling since Christmas.

She ignored it every time, but that didn't stop her from being afraid.

But it also didn't stop her from enjoying her time with Gunnar, but it was added pressure.

Along with Genesis's brash words, Gunnar's proposal was refreshing, but again, she had to think, pray, and not have a panic attack.

Now she was home.

And she was doing one of her favorite things.

'What's another word for shocked out of my mind?

Gobsmacked or something.

It works because Gunnar asked me to marry him after seeing Genesis. And I know that it was genuine, the man doesn't have a phony bone in his body.

He's been talking this way since we met, but now it's real.

Saying it here first in the privacy of my journal, I want this so badly! But I honestly don't know what to think.

I know that Honeydew and Beau were engaged quickly, but they're different. I've got so much to think of. My brain is wowed.

He said that he wants to marry me, and I know he means it. And I'm just gobsmacked, again.

What should I say? Do you think he'll be okay if I say maybe? Does that mean I'll have to give him a date soon?

It's not that I don't want it, but again, there's so much attached to me. I've been set free, but I don't know.

And what will my parents say? They don't have to know, they honestly don't deserve to know.

God, help me make the right decision.'

Selene closed her journal, and again, her father called.

And again, she ignored it.

Nothing would ruin her calm mind.

Her phone buzzed and she looked at it quickly.

Mother: Selene, your father has been calling you since Christmas. Don't ignore us, we're the only family you have. The only ones who love you. Answer the phone.

She wanted to ignore it.

But if she did, her parents would come and ruin everything else that she had left.

Maggie had already done work, but she was nothing compared to Selene's parents.

Selene: Okay.

Just as the message read delivered, her father called again.

Knowing that she had to hear his voice put fear in Selene. She felt heavy and horrified.

"Selene, I don't have time for you to dodge my calls. Your mother and I will be visiting tomorrow, you could've known in advance, but you ignored me. I will refrain from being 100% honest, but you're being a disappointment. I read the things Maggie put out, they could've been avoided had you listened to her."

Selene's breathing halted. This was listening to pure evil.

He made her feel so small.

She wanted Gunnar.

But she just held onto her pillow and whispered prayers to God to help her.

"Okay," She didn't know what else to say.

He'd been like an evil puppeteer for her whole life.

"You sound simple. Time in that hick town has been detrimental to you. We're staying in a bed and breakfast downtown. We'll have lunch tomorrow,"

Selene wanted to scream. "Okay."

She ended the call before he could say anymore.

She lay down and took time to breathe.

She was grateful for Gunnar teaching her to breathe.

She wanted to talk to him. To hear a familiar and loving voice.

But she needed God first. He was more comforting than Gunnar.

"God, I really don't know what to do. Will they ruin my progress? I don't want them, God. I don't want them at all. How can I face them?"

She took a deep breath and tried not to cry. Her father scared her so much.

She didn't want to be afraid. He couldn't keep her from God's love and His safety, nor could he take away her relationship with God.

So how could he make her feel this way? He no longer had power over her.

"Thank you for helping me feel better," She wiped her eyes and tried to sleep.

But her phone buzzed. It was a text message.

Gunnar: "Though the Lord is exalted, He takes note of the humble; but He knows the haughty from a distance. If I walk into the thick of danger, you will preserve my life from the anger of my enemies. You will extend your hand; your right hand will save me. The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me. Lord, your faithful love endures forever; do not abandon the work of your hands." Psalm 138:6-8

Gunnar: I was praying and the Lord laid that on my heart for you, dove. He's got you. And as for me, I'd like to see you soon, let me know when you can.

Selene read his messages and sighed in delight.

God always knew what she needed and she appreciated Gunnar for letting God use him.

Selene: That was perfectly timed. Thank you. I'd like to see you too, but I've got a favor to ask first

Selene: Tomorrow my parents are coming to town, they want to have lunch with me, and I would really like it if you came with me.

She didn't want to seem desperate, but she needed Gunnar with her.

Gunnar: Always, dove. I'll come with you. Whatever you need or want

"Thank You, God!" Selene said in relief.

Selene: Thank you!! My father called me, I couldn't breathe. I can't get through this lunch without you

She depended on him and he always came through.

Gunnar: Darling, remember that no matter how you're feeling, God is bigger than everything. I'm praying for you and tomorrow's outcome. I love you, get some rest.

Selene sent a hug emoji and restrained herself from throwing her phone to hide it.

She was grateful for Gunnar and his prayers.

And he loved her.

She opened her journal and started another note.

'God, thank You for always being with me.

I love You.

Thank You for Gunnar and his security.

I want to have no reservations. I just want to be with Gunnar and move away from my parent's terror.

But I have to remember, they have no power over me. Never again.

You're bigger than everything in this world that could make me afraid.

Please give me a calm dream and a nice sleep. Tomorrow is a big day. However it goes, I know that you've got me.'

-

God was bigger.

Selene kept reminding herself of the truth as she dressed with no thought of her father's judgment.

She reminded herself as Gunnar drove them to the restaurant.

The ride was almost silent as Gunnar prayed lowly the entire ride.

She appreciated his dedication.

And she felt safe knowing that God was with her and He gave her someone like Gunnar to be with her on earth.

"Dove, you squeeze my hand if you get nervous. We can leave," Gunnar said while helping Selene out of the truck.

Selene nodded and held onto him by his waist.

She wanted to go home, but maybe facing them could actually help.

Gunnar placed his arm securely around her and led her into the restaurant.

He opened the door and let her in before him.

And there stood Zachary and Hillary Brassard.

Formally known as, Father and Mother.

Zachary's haughty composure changed the moment he saw Selene, he was angry.

But as his eyes fell on Gunnar, he was annoyed.

"Selene Galia, you choose to test me every chance you get." He said sharply.

Hilary stared at Selene in disappointment.

But Selene ignored their looks and walked to their table while squeezing Gunnar's hand unknowingly.

Her parents followed silently, but their stares were speaking loud and clear.

A waiter came and took their drink orders, and just as he walked away, Zachary spoke.

"I asked you to lunch to get your career back in order, but it seems you've taken an alternate route for making money," He sneered and chuckled falsely.

Selene turned her eyes downward at the table, but Gunnar was ready to knock the evil out of the man.

"Now, look here, you ain't got no reason to talk to your daughter like that. You don't ask somebody to lunch and talk like a jackal."

Selene eyed Gunnar feeling grateful.

She couldn't speak.

Her voice was gone in the presence of her vile parents.

Zachary was taken aback by Gunnar.

He seemed tough inside and out.

"And who are you?" He asked snottily.

"Gunnar Hendrik," Gunnar answered, but wanted to just knock the man out.

Self-control.

Zachary's stare grew calculated. He hummed. "So you're taking care of my daughter now? She's a handful to deal with, but I'm sure you know by spending one minute with her. Has she told you about how difficult she's been since birth? Spare the rod, spoil the child." He chuckled. "I didn't spare a thing, neither did that old boyfriend of hers, but still, you may have to take a different approach with her too," He said as if his abusive words were only a joke.

Gunnar now completely understood why Selene had so much going on in her mind.

Her father was wicked and enjoyed laughing about his wicked acts.

Selene sat silently with her head down.

"Hush now, you fool. Selene is precious and you will treat her as such. This hot garbage ain't workin, and I'm one second away from beatin you." Gunnar said calmly.

His stare never faltered from Zachary's.

Gunnar knew his type.

He was a punk, a wiener who liked picking on innocent people.

His own daughter.

"Fine. Tell me what you do for a living, Gunnar Hendrik,"

Gunnar didn't like the man one bit.

"Why so silent?" Zachary taunted like a child.

Gunnar refrained from rolling his eyes.

"I own the auto shop in town, have for over thirty years,"

Now, Gunnar wanted to ignore Zachary, but he was still a human. God could still redeem the man, but from where Gunnar stood, the man's heart was charred.

Zachary's eyes lit up.

"Oh, so you're a businessman? I've always wanted my daughter with a man who runs things. Good choice for once, Selene." He winked at her. "She's a screw-up, but this is good." He nudged Hilary and laughed. "She did something right without our help. There is a God, but surely he's failed us with her prior idiotic decisions, and her existence,"

Hilary nodded in agreement and shook her head.

And now, Selene was angry.

"I told yo-" Gunnar said, but Selene cut him off.

"Shut your mouth right now. You've been nothing but disrespectful to me and Gunnar since we got here. We're supposed to be having a simple lunch, but with you, there's always something negative. I refuse to listen to this any longer. You can't talk about me in that way, but most importantly, about God. This is the last time you'll see me. Get a good look, because I'm done."

She found her voice and it felt amazing.

Gunnar stood up and pulled out her chair.

"I've got one thing to say. You better speak to the Lord and repent for how you've treated this woman. You ain't got a chance of seein light ever if you keep on this way," Gunnar shook his head hotly and held Selene by the waist as they walked out of the restaurant.

It felt so good.

She finally did it.

And God opened her eyes to everything she needed to do.

The things she was afraid of.

She could do it with Him.

Once they were in the truck, Selene took Gunnar's hand and pulled it to get his attention.

She was running on exhilaration from standing up to her parents, which helped with courage.

"You did so good, dove. I'm real proud of you, I know God is too," Gunnar told her with pride from the bottom of his heart.

His love was brave.

He loved her so.

Selene laughed feeling giddy.

"I couldn't have done it without you, thank you for speaking up for me. It made me realize, or it put the pieces together for me" She swallowed her nerves. She could say it. It was true.

"The pieces together for me to say that I love you and I want what you offered, Gunnar. I really do." She did it.

Woah.

The wind was knocked out of Gunnar's chest.

How on earth did God get this to happen so soon?

She hated him last month, but now she said yes to him.

And she loved him.

"A-and not to take the light off this, but I'd like to sue my parents as well, and Thomas too. I want everything to be right," Selene's exhilaration had worn off now.

She wasn't overwhelmed, by the grace of God

She was happy and jittery.

Gunnar was still processing the fact that she wanted to marry him and she loved him.

All of these good things right before the new year.

His mind was blown to the max.

However, it still worked.

Gunnar opened the mid-compartment and took out a small box.

It was a God-led buy that he made a little before Thanksgiving.

The first of many precious stones he bought for his precious dove.

Selene couldn't gasp.

Her breath was stuck.

She knew what the box held.

She knew the shape of the box.

It had to be it.

And it was probably beautiful. Something stunning.

Gunnar had an eye for treasure.

"I'm with you for it all, dove. And you will always be my first choice, my best friend, everything you are, I'll love. And you sayin yes, sayin you love me, it's the second-best news I heard. Now, I got this fore I knew you would want me, it might need refit, but it's custom for you," He told her and opened the box.

It was indeed beautiful. One of a kind.

"Your name Selene Galia, Selene means moon, Galia means God shall redeem. This got moons and crowns, this was all God cause I ain't know your real name, but God has crowned you, your heart shines bright like the moon, and I want to do the same and help you shine brighter. God, my cheeks hurt from cheesin, but I feel somethin indescribable with you, dove," He stroked her hand and slid the ring onto her finger.

A perfect fit.

"You are a special woman, Selene Galia, I'm mighty blessed to be havin you as my wife."

Gunnar was calm all over.

This was God's Word to him in spirit and truth.

Selene said yes to marrying him.

And she loved him.

-

Life was not but a dream.

Life was reality.

And for once, Selene could say that she loved every second of it.

Even the time spent with her parents earlier.

That time showed her everything she needed to see.

She looked at her gorgeous ring and screamed.

"I said yes, yes, yes, yes!" She giggled like a maniac.

But she was no maniac.

She was all sane by God's grace.

And she could be alone without panicking.

And she was healed completely.

It was time to journal.

'OMG! So as you know, Gunnar asked me to marry him or suggested it a couple days ago, but I didn't know what to say.

I had to pray and think.

And then my parents came to visit.

I lost my voice completely until my father said something about God.

It gave me courage I didn't know I had. I called them out and Gunnar.

Gunnar was better than amazing with me.

He told my father off and his presence with me just helped.

And then we left the restaurant. I decided to sue my parents and Thomas

And then I told Gunnar that I love him. Which is truer than true.

He's shown me that love is possible on earth and that God isn't the only One who can love me.

I mean, I didn't even know that God loved me, but when I learned and accepted it, I thought that he was the only One

I'd been told my whole life and it was expressed through negative actions, that I couldn't and never would be loved.

But now I know the truth.

I'm worthy of love and I love being loved.

It feels wonderful.

And having this love gets me ready for another scary thing that I think I should do.

I don't want to have any more skeletons in the closet.

And he doesn't deserve to know, but at the same time, he does.

I'll have Gunnar with me, I haven't asked yet, but I will. I'm hoping he'll come.

God, please let me know if this is a good thing to do.

It feels right because keeping a secret that a person needs to know is kind of like a lie.

I want to be right in Your eyes.

Oopsie, I think I've got the answer.

Be with me in everything I do.

Please, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, I need You all.'

She shut her journal and picked up her phone.

It was a pattern.

God always had a revelation for her, and it just so happened to always do with telling someone something.

First, she texted Gunnar.

Selene: I'm going to tell Thomas about the baby. And if he agrees to listen, I'll need you with me.

And then she unblocked Thomas's number.

Selene: It's been a while, but I need to talk to you. It's important and you deserve to know the truth.

Selene: If you want to know, I'd like to tell you in person. We can meet in San Diego, I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't think you needed to know

She put her phone down and sighed, releasing her anxiety.

It was a leap of faith.

She opened her journal again.

Part two.

'Well, this whole, walking with God thing, has been a splendid idea

but, it's a stretch for sure.

He led me to tell Thomas.

Woah.

I can only pray that God is with me every step of the way and that I stick to Him like crazy glue.'

"God, I'm choosing Your way. Your Word says the right way is narrow, and for sure, this way is narrow. But, I know that You're with me. And You've given me Gunnar."

She was majorly blessed.

"Thank You forever,"

-

Authors Note

To quote a lovely reader, "Please don't leave us hanging for long,"

I always take Saturday off from writing, it's Sabbath for me and I get to color in my Proverb and Psalm book, and watch tv. Real relaxing stuff.

How'd I do?

I'm so happy with how this chapter came together. I originally planned for Selene's parents to come later, but God worked it so well that it fits now.

Oh, the ring! It's pretty and I had a few choices, but that was the first one I picked. Nothing else lived up to it.

Anywho, well, y'all already know what time it is! What did you think? What's next? How will Thomas take the news? Will he even want to hear it? Honeydew and Beau's wedding is coming up, how's that gonna work out? And when do you think Gunnar and Selene will wed?

Bye!