“When I look back, I don’t know how I could have considered making that choice,” Reese said. “When you’re in the middle of it, it seems like a good idea. It seems like it will solve things.” She held Jackson close. “But I’m grateful that I made this choice. Forever grateful.”

“One day Jackson is going to look at you and tell you he’s proud of you for doing what you’ve done.”

Reese walked away and David breathed a prayer of thanks for the little life she held in her arms.

A woman approached him followed by a teenage boy. She reached out a hand and shook David’s.

“I am so glad you are telling your story, young man,” the woman said. She pulled her son in front of her. “I brought Damien with me today to hear what the speakers would say.”

“Well, I’m glad you could be here,” David said.

“You see, your story is Damien’s story too. I was being pressured to have an abortion. Even my family said I was crazy for having my child. But I want you to look into his eyes and tell me if I was crazy or not.”

Damien rolled his eyes. “Aw, Mom. Stop.”

“God has His hand on you, young man,” the woman said to David. “You be faithful to tell how good He’s been to you.”

“I will do that,” David said. He looked at Damien. “And you can be thankful for a mom who loves you enough to brag on you.”

She patted Damien’s chest and the boy smiled. “Is it true you’re going to law school?”

“LSU.”

“Then you go out there and be the best lawyer you can be for the Lord, you hear me?”

David smiled. “I’ll do that.”

CHAPTER 33

The owners of the Orpheum Theater unrolled a red carpet that was closer to orange, but to David it felt like he was living a dream he’d never dreamed. The premiere of the short film Nate had created was being shown to family, friends, and invited guests in the town.

Courtney insisted she sit by her big brother and no one on the front row would deny her. Brian and Azure sat behind them with Presley, and Melissa and Shawn were next to Courtney. There was an empty seat for Nate to David’s right—he was onstage shooting video of the event. Then came David’s parents, and beside them were Paw Paw and G.

Finally, as the moment arrived for the showing, Nate hurried to his seat—then left again, returning with a tub of popcorn big enough to feed a small village.

“Dude, you’re going to get butter on your tux,” David said.

“I have napkins,” he said. “Courtney, want popcorn?”

David’s mom leaned forward to say something. Then she shook her head and smiled at Nate.