Also by Lutishia Lovely
Sex in the Sanctuary
A Preacher’s Passion
Heaven Right Here
Published by Kensington Publishing Corporation
Love Like Hallelujah
LUTISHIA LOVELY
KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.
http://www.kensingtonbooks.com
This book is dedicated to all the readers who choose
to look at the love in their lives;
from family, friends, lovers, strangers,
Spirit…and rejoice!
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
With Gratitude…
The dictionary defines gratitude as being grateful, thankful, appreciative. I define gratitude as pure joy, because that’s what I feel when I think of all the people who, in one way or another, helped this story get told.
Of course, a shout out to family: Mama, Daddy…everybody! And to friends who said, “Girl, I can’t wait to read the sequel.” Kai, Fadzo, Sherri, my sister Cella, and all the Sex in the Sanctuary readers who contacted me about this book’s release. Here it is, y’all!
To my Kensington/Dafina family: Selena James, you are a writer’s dream as an editor and, job aside, a wonderful person. For your spirit, positive energy, smiling personality and priceless editing…thanks. To everyone I met while in New York attending BEA—how great was that, huh? Hillary, Jessica, Adeola, Mercedes, Joan, everyone in sales. Wal-Mart reps, and the Zacharius family…you’re the best! To Kristine Mills-Noble for another stunning cover design, and to Superstock for the delicious photography. Also to the people at Kensington I didn’t meet, who I don’t know, but who helped turn this “possible” to “actual”…thank you.
To the fellow Dafina writers I’ve met and whose works I’ve either already enjoyed or look forward to reading in the future: Paula Chase (I’m not getting it twisted!), Mary B. Morrison, Mary Monroe, Daaimah S. Poole, Gwynne Forster, San Culberson, Pat G’Orge-Walker, and Angie Daniels. Actually to all writers everywhere…it is an honor to be counted among you.
To my wonder-woman agent and friend, Natasha Kern. What a gem I found in you, Janice, and everyone at the agency. Here’s to years as a successful team…l’chaim!
To all the fabulous readers; we writers are nothing without you. Much love to book clubs, both in-person and on-line: you guys hold it down! Clubs like CushCity (hey Gwen!), MosaicBooks, Rawsistaz (what up Tee C?!), Sistahs Sippin’ Tea, APOOO, People Who Love Good Books, Baton Rouge Barnes & Noble Urban Fiction Book Club (headed by fellow writer Naiomi Pitre…shout out!), and every single book club on the planet. Nothin’ but love for you guys! Also to libraries everywhere and the readers who use them…muchas gracias!
To friends who I presently or in the past have shared lessons in love, and/or hallelujah good times: Evan (I don’t know…but I’m gon’ sho’ find out!), Holly, Charmaine, Ladymac, Carla, Ava, brothah-man, Lightfoot, and his “hallelujah,” Debbie.
To Nabil Issa, a brilliant contributor to the earth’s positive vibration. Much success with your book, Untapped. It’s time for the world to “get tapped” baby!
As always, to Spirit, with whom I have the continuous, illustrious pleasure to co-create; with every fiber of my being…merci beaucoup.
Contents
1. Remember to Forget
2. God, Always with You…
3. From Dreams to Reality
4. That’s What Friends Are For
5. Tootie Says Hi
6. Mercy…Peace…Love…
7. It’s Still Good
8. Big Booty Tootie
9. Worth the Wait
10. The Sanctity of Sisterhood
11. One Way or Another
12. Open Arms
13. Personal Matters
14. Compromising Situations
15. Precious Lord…
16. The Man of Her Dreams
17. The Past Is Back
18. Manly Men
19. Just Bring You
20. Chocolate Cake, Anyone?
21. In the Name of Jesus
22. A Pentecostal Handshake
23. Mama’s Got a Feelin’…
24. Air for Breathing
25. Enjoy Your Time at Kingdom Citizens
26. My Man’s Bone
27. Pastor Jack
28. Strictly Business
29. What’s Done in Darkness…
30. To Friendship…
31. No Mountain We Can’t Climb
32. Looking for Love
33. Game On
34. No Place Like Home
35. Good Night, Theodore
36. One Big Mess
37. Wait on God
38. The Truth Is the Light
39. A Father’s Pride
40. Satisfied
41. Divine Daughters
42. God’s Work
43. Hallelujah
1
Remember to Forget
Cy moved with calm precision, feeling perfectly at home among Victoria’s Secret’s wispy feminine apparel. Not the most traditional gift to give his soon-to-be wife, but Cy couldn’t think of anything he’d rather see her in than a silky negligee, except her bare skin. He knew her body would show off to perfection the diamond necklace he’d just purchased at Tiffany’s, and he wanted a delicious piece of lingerie to complement the eight-carat teardrop. He couldn’t help but smile as he fingered the delicate fabrics of silk, satin, and lace, unmindful of the not-so-covert glances female shoppers slid his way. It hardly mattered. His fiancée, Hope Serenity Jones, had captured Cy’s attention from the moment she’d appeared at the back entrance of Mount Zion Progressive Baptist Church, a piece of sanctified eye candy wrapped in a shimmering gold designer suit.
Female admirers ogled Cy as he continued his deliberate perusal. He stopped at a hanging negligee, red and pink flowers against a satiny white background. The top had thin spaghetti straps that held up a transparent gown hitting midthigh. The thong had an intricately designed rose vine for the string, a trail he would happily follow once it was on Hope, first with his fingers, then with his tongue….
A perky, twenty-something salesclerk came over with a knowing smile. “Are roses your favorite flower?” she asked flirting.
“They could become my favorite,” Cy countered easily, “if worn on the right person.”
“That’s a very popular design,” the salesperson offered, encouraging the purchase.
“I’ll