Church Folk - Michele Andrea Bowen [58]
"Ummm . . . and, church . . ." Theophilus said, pausing as Essie shifted in her seat, accidentally exposing the lower part of her thigh. He stopped short for a moment, forgetting where he was, and then recovered himself, throwing her a slick wink that was not missed by a single soul sitting in the sanctuary.
Mr. D.S. Thomas leaned over toward his wife and whispered, "You know something? I think the Pastor got his mind on something other than Jesus."
Coral nodded in agreement. She had told the Pastor he needed to take some time off before coming back to work from his honeymoon. Theophilus was a young man with a strong nature, and it would take him a little extra time to get used to having Essie sleeping next to him every night. And if he had listened to her advice, he wouldn't be standing here messing over that sermon and carrying on like he was.
Theophilus composed himself and mercifully wound up the sermon without any more lapses. By the time the doors of the church were opened and the benediction given, his passion had risen, calmed, and subsided—only to start up all over again when Essie reached him in the receiving line. Wrapping her up in an embrace that was more like a lover's than a pastor's, he kissed her on the lips.
Essie pulled away from him and placed her hand on his cheek, giving him what she hoped was a sweet, "remember we're at church" first lady smile. But he bent down and whispered in her ear, "I wish you were a member of the Pastor's Aide Club because I sure do want some 'aid' when we get home."
Coral and D.S. Thomas, standing behind Essie, watched Theophilus flirt outrageously. It was kind of fun to see a pastor take such obvious delight in his wife. Coral thought to herself how rare it was to see this side of a preacher, because the pastor and the first lady, whether they liked it or not, set the model for married life in the church. What better example could a pastor set for the husbands in his congregation than such an open demonstration of how much he loved and desired his wife.
Theophilus kissed Essie on the side of her mouth, telling her to keep the kiss in that spot until later, so he could move the receiving line along. Coral Thomas then stepped up to him, with a big mischievous grin spread across her face, and said, "Now, Theophilus, if I didn't know better, I'd swear you were more inclined to being frisky with your bride than giving us this week's message from the Lord."
Theophilus was mortified to think that, as fresh as he had been with Essie, the congregation had been able to read the feelings between the lines of that sermon.
"Now, see here, D.S. honey," Coral said, winking at her husband, "our young pastor didn't think that us old folks could still hear passion in a man's voice. And don't you just have to wonder what he thinks really got some of those good sisters to shouting this morning. I mean, even Sister Clayton was hollering and we all know she full of the devil!"
Coral leaned over toward Theophilus and whispered low enough so she wouldn't be overheard, "So, Pastor, are you and Miss Essie coming to our house for dinner before or after that little bit of 'pastor's aid' you were mentioning? I just need to know what time to put my rolls in the oven."
Essie started laughing. Miss Coral was the only person bold enough to say something that embarrassing to Theophilus. With a twinkle in her eye, she said, "Why don't you answer Miss Coral, Theophilus? What's wrong, cat got your tongue?"
"Well, Miss Coral," Theophilus said, grinning at Essie as he turned the tables on her, "I'll have to call you and tell you what time to put those rolls in the oven. Because frankly, I don't know how long I'll be getting me some of this aid. Ain't that right, baby?
"But first," he added frowning, "I have to meet with Sister Clayton."
Willie Clayton was