Cherished - By Kim Cash Tate Page 0,54
different, set apart.”
Brian was smiling again. “You’re hired.”
“As what?”
“My co-collaborator.”
“Uh . . . no.”
“I’m serious, Kelli,” Brian said. “I was already planning to ask you. I’d like you to collaborate with me on the writing of these love letters. And I’d like you to sing the choruses as well.”
“This is just too much.” Stephanie got up and paced the floor. “I knew it, I knew it, I knew it. I knew God was going to use your music, Kelli.” She stopped to look at Kelli. “I kept saying all things were possible, but I did kinda stop believing after Monica’s rejection. This is so awesome.”
Kelli raised her hand partway. “Before you get too excited . . . I’m not working on any more songs for the album. Not interested in any co-collaboration.”
Brian’s countenance fell.
Stephanie put a hand to her hip, staring at her. “Excuse me, Miss Thing, but did you acknowledge God while I wasn’t looking? Or are you leaning again?”
Kelli pursed her lips.
“Good point, Steph,” Cedric said. “We shouldn’t assume either way. Pray about it, Kel.” He turned to Brian. “How soon do you need to start working on the other songs?”
“Like, last month,” Brian said, “and I wish I were joking. For months, I couldn’t come up with anything that was worth anything. I couldn’t understand why God wasn’t giving me what I needed.”
Heather spoke quietly. “He was waiting for Kelli to come back.”
Everyone in the room seemed to ponder that.
“That’s what I’m starting to see,” Brian said. “Anyway, I got a couple of extensions. So now I’m supposed to turn in the album three weeks from now, at the end of August. Release date is end of October.” He cringed at the tight time frame.
“Come on, circle up.” Stephanie waved everyone forward like little chicks. “We have to put some more prayer on this album”— she eyed Kelli as she extended her arms—“now that we know what God is up to.”
Kelli linked hands with Stephanie. “Think you know.”
“Hmph.”
Brian wanted to take Kelli’s free hand, but he positioned himself between Cedric and Lindell instead, lowering his head.
“Father God,” Lindell started, “we thank and praise You for what You’ve done since last Sunday, when we prayed that You would give Brian direction. We’re praying now, Lord, that You bless the continued work on the album, and specifically, that it would be clear who is to work on it.”
Reese wove between legs, trying to find a suitable spot in the circle.
“And, Lord, just to break it down further,” Stephanie said, “if You want Kelli to collaborate on the writing and also sing on this album, I pray You would give her neither rest nor peace until she agrees.”
Brian peeked to see Kelli’s response. Her head was up, eyes narrowed on her sister-in-law.
Cyd cleared her throat. “Lord, we thank You for Brian’s heart. He didn’t want to throw any ol’ thing together on the album and call it a day. He wanted to hear from You. And we pray believing that this album will be inspired by You and that it will glorify You. We pray it goes far and wide and blesses everyone who listens.”
“Father, I’ve known this young man since he was a boy,” Cedric said, “and I’m in awe of what You’ve done in his life. Keep him humble and connected to You. And I’m praying for my sister—”
Kelli’s head popped up again.
“—that You would help her to put the former things behind her and look for the new thing You might be doing.”
Brian stared at the floor, eyes wide.
“Jesus, thank You that Kelli’s willing to be my friend,” Heather said. “And thank You for her talent. Could You love on her and do big things through her?”
Brian watched Kelli slip an arm around Heather and hug her. The room grew silent. Should he pray? Certainly, music wasn’t the only big thing looming in his world. When the quiet continued, he decided to throw in another request.
“Lord,” he said, “even if the album comes together like I’m seeing it, I’ve still got a huge issue. What do I do about school? Fall semester starts before I know it, and I need to give them an answer. Please show me Your plan. Show me what to do.”
Murmurs of agreement rose from the circle, then it grew quiet again. After several seconds, Brian wondered who would wrap it up.
Suddenly he heard sniffles and looked in Kelli’s direction. Her head sagged, and she seemed to be crying. His brow knit. Wasn’t