"Thank you for a delicious breakfast, Mrs. Slater." Wren leaned back in his chair with contentment. "I'm so full. No one can beat your cooking."

Ideene Slator beamed as she removed his plate. "Well, I am so glad you liked it, Wren. You have no idea how much I look forward to the weekends."

Wren patted her wrinkled hand that had come to rest on his shoulder before glancing across the table at Pastor Slater. "You're blessed to have married such a good cook."

"That I am," Pastor Slater said, casting his wife a loving glance. A bitter-sweet emotion struck Wren.

"God has someone for you, Wren."

Mrs. Slator's understanding voice startled him, and he grinned. "Reading my mind again. You have an uncanny way of doing that."

"Are you lonely?" she asked, softly.

Glancing down at his hands, he began to fiddle with the lace table cloth. Was he?

"You know, before starting to work for Tony Kingsley, I was. Life seemed hopeless. Constantly working, but never making any real head-way for my future." He paused and looked up at his pastor. "Then, Mr. Kingsley gave me this butler position--an opportunity to settle my debt. It's almost too good to be true. To think, in a year, I can keep the money I earn and have dreams again. Maybe start saving for a house and a wife. I do want to be married, and yes, I get lonely. Although, Leah has kept me so busy lately, I feel like I haven't had time to ponder much else but taking care of her. Not to mention Samantha now."

"God always has a plan for His children," Pastor Slator said. "All things work together for good to them that love Him and are called. And I know you are not only His child, but that you also love Him. He's got you in His hands, Wren."

Wren didn't intend to be emotional, but the reality of those words touched him. "I can see God's hand in my life. Guiding me. Leading me. Even my mistakes, He's used them to grow and make me stronger. And I believe He's put me in the Kingsley Mansion for a reason too. Maybe, for more than clearing my debt. I didn't see it at first, but now..." His words trailed off as his thoughts drifted to Leah. Longing to see her touched him.

"You've fallen for someone there." Pastor Slator's words were not a question.

Wren startled again. Henry Slator never ceased to amaze him with his intuition, but he guessed it was a gift given to him for his leadership role. He sighed in defeat. "Yeah. I have, but it's for the one person I can't have."

"Leah," Ideene whispered, understanding brightening her face.

"She's young, isn't she?" Pastor Slator said.

"Yes, seventeen. Turning eighteen soon." Wren's smile as he continued. "She's young, but so bright and loving. Stubborn as a mule too, but courageous when those she loves are in danger. She's also lonely and hurt."

"Um, yes." Ideene nodded. "She carries a lot of hurt. Have you discovered the cause of it yet?"

Wren brows pulled together as he pondered the question. "Not all of it, no. I would say her dad is the reason for a portion of it."

"Poor thing." Ideene sighed. "I can see why you like her. She was such a precious child. I felt God's love for her flowing through me. She's special."

"But, I think there is an important question you both are forgetting." Henry said as he turned a serious eye to Wren. "Is she a Christian?"

"No, she isn't, and I know that's another problem keeping us apart." Wren sighed, frustration returning. "But, how do I stop these feelings?"

"You don't stop them."

Confused, Wren stared but waited.

"We all have feelings. They are what make us human, and they can be good. They spark compassion, mercy, and love. They also bring despair, but even that, drives a child of God to their knees. We will never outrun feelings, but it doesn't mean they should be followed. There will be times in life when your feelings will pull you against God's commands, and it's in those moments that you'll need to choose which God you serve: God the Father? Or, yourself?"

Wren didn't need to consider the question. "God. He's my King. I gave him my life."

Pastor Slator nodded, his eyes softening. "Marriage is forever, Son. Let God bring you a Godly woman who will pray for you every morning when no one else will, draw you closer to Him when you're weak, and guide your children in Biblical principles. God even warns us about being unequally yoked; I think you already know that though."

Wren nodded, falling silent.

He left the conversation that morning in deep thought. He sat on the edge of his former bed, glancing at the familiar walls and furniture, grateful Ideene had left it the same; it gave him something familiar to retreat to on the weekends.

The grandfather clock in living room adjacent to his bedroom donged nine o'clock, and he stood, knowing he would need to leave for church soon. But, after taking several steps, he returned to the bed and knelt beside it.

Father. He paused, heart heavy. You know I love You, and when I gave You my life, I meant it. I re-surrender my will to You. My actions, my emotions, my feelings: Take them all and conform them to Your will. Guide my steps, and when it's time, make it clear to me the woman You've chosen.

You know my heart. Emotion clogged Wren's throat. You know I care for Leah, and it seems to be growing by the day. You also know the vow I made to Tony. Please, help me. Give me wisdom and strength to handle this in a way that's pleasing to you. In Jesus' s precious name, Amen."

As Wren pulled himself to his feet, peace replaced where troubled emotions once ruled. He brushed a hand across one cheek, removing a wayward tear, and smiled small.

God's in control, he thought as he walked to the Slator's car. He returned Mrs. Slator's compassionate smile from where she sat in the front seat, and slid into the back.

"Ready for church?" Henry glanced at him from the review mirror.

Wren nodded. "Ready."

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