Miracle awakened to the sound of her doorbell. Slowly she rubbed her eyes before opening them. Looking around, she discovered that she was in her bed...alone. Turning, she saw her phone on the nightstand and heard the bell again.
Miracle pushed away the covers and scrambled from the bed, rushing into the living room. “Corvus?”
She scanned an empty room and frowned as she walked to the door where it was now a loud knocking. She opened the door to an angry Bishop Chapman.
“Why aren’t you answering the door?” he demanded.
“Hello Daddy,” Miracle greeted. “Please come in.”
Bishop Chapman stepped inside and looked at his daughter still dressed in her clothes from the night before.
Her father looked her over and frowned. “Emanuel came to see me this morning.”
Miracle sighed. “I’m sure he did.” She closed the door and turned to him.
“I’d like to wash my face and make myself presentable, so please have a seat,” she told him.
When the Bishop was settled, Miracle made her way back to her bedroom. Quickly, she went to her phone and picked it up, unlocking it. She smiled when she saw a message from Corvus and opened it.
Hey Sleeping Beauty…you sleep really hard. I had to meet early with Ethan, so I put you to bed. I’ll be back to take you to breakfast. Don’t cook!
He’d added some hearts and she held the phone to her chest while closing her eyes for a moment.
“Oh, Corvus Shaw…”
Miracle moved to the bathroom and readied herself as quickly as possible. She washed her face and brushed her teeth before grabbing a robe to put over her dress. Her father was waiting, so she’d shower when he left.
Walking back into her living room, Miracle took a seat on the opposite side of the sofa from the Bishop. He stared at her until he shook his head.
“From the way you are dressed, I assume that everything Emanuel told me is true,” he began.
“Probably not everything.”
His eyes narrowed. “He said that you were in a club with a man. He said that you were wearing a Jezebel dress with your lips and nails painted.”
“I don’t think it’s a Jezebel dress,” Miracle commented, remembering how Corvus had looked at her when he first saw her in it.
Her father stood. “What is going on with you Miracle? This behavior is unacceptable. Do you know that man punched Emanuel in the face?”
Miracle hid a smile and shook her head. “No, I didn’t know that but to Corvus’ defense, Emanuel was being very rude and obnoxious.”
“You should not have been there,” her father told her.
“Then Emanuel shouldn’t have either.”
He gave her a stern look. “Emanuel is a man. He was going there to handle some business.”
Miracle stood. “Business in a nightclub with a date?”
“Listen, young lady…”
“I’m a grown woman, Daddy.”
The Bishop frowned. “Where is this coming from? You sound like your sister.”
She shook her head. “No, you’ve just never heard…me.”
“What has this man done to you? I sent you to make a land deal.”
“Corvus has made me happy,” Miracle said quietly.
He walked over to her. “Miracle, you don’t know that kind of man. He’s not going to do anything but hurt you.”
“You mean like Emanuel did?”
Her father ignored her comment. “Emanuel told me about Corvus Shaw’s reputation in this city with women. That’s not the man I want for my daughter,” he warned.
Miracle looked up at her father. “What about what I want? Do I ever get a say in that?”
“I’m your father and the Bishop. I know what’s best for you.”
“So you don’t want the land anymore?” Miracle questioned.
“Oh, we’re going to get the land,” he said confidently. “And you’re going to stay away from Corvus Shaw.”
Miracle felt her heart begin to race as she prepared to say her next words. Words she’d never spoken in her life.
“No Daddy…I won’t.”
******
Corvus sat in his office across from Ethan Hall. He and Ethan had met on some land development deals and became fast friends. They had a lot in common as two tall, handsome, single men managing property in Detroit.
“What’s up Ethan?” Corvus asked. “It’s pretty early.”
Ethan nodded. “I wanted to speak with you before your staff got in and before I had to be at the office.”
“What’s going on?”
“Some fishy shit,” Ethan answered. “A guy came to question me about your deals with HUD.”
Corvus lifted a brow. “What guy?”
“From the Office of the Inspector General.”
Corvus sat up. “Asking questions about me?”
Ethan nodded. “Something about a hotline tip and some fraudulent dealings,” he told him. “I assured him that everything you did with us was on the up and up, but I still wanted to give you a heads up.”
“A hotline tip? What the hell?”
Ethan looked at him. “Have you made any new enemies?”
Corvus smirked. “Possibly.”
“Well somebody’s trying to cast a shadow over your business dealings,” Ethan commented.
Corvus nodded. “Thanks for looking out.”
“Always, I know who you are and what you’ve done around here.”
“What is this guy’s next steps?” Corvus asked.
“He’s going to check into all the records we have, then he might pay you a visit.”
Rubbing his chin, Corvus said, “I’ll be ready.”
“Do you have any big land deals going on right now?” Ethan asked.
“Miracle’s father wants to buy some land I have near downtown by his church,” Corvus explained.
Ethan’s eyes widened. “Her father’s a pastor?”
Corvus nodded and sighed.
“How is that working out?”
“You know it doesn’t matter to me, but her ex-fiancé is a pastor there as well and I really don’t like his shady ass,” Corvus relayed. “I had to punch him in the face last night.”
“What? How’d I miss that?”
Corvus shook his head. “Outside in the parking lot.”
“Are you going to sell the land to them?” Ethan asked. “That’s prime property. You could develop that and retire.”
Corvus looked around his office. “I know, that’s why I wasn’t selling to just anybody.”
“But you met your woman,”
“Yeah, and I want her to be happy, but I’m not adding a bigger church to the city. I told them they have to build something that serves the community,” Corvus relayed.
“Isn’t that what they’re supposed to do anyway?” Ethan asked confused.
Corvus laughed. “Well, they’re not doing it right now and he has over four thousand square feet.”
“How does Miracle feel about all this?” Ethan asked.
“She’s cool with it, she understands where I’m coming from.”
Ethan smiled. “Corvus Shaw fell for a church girl, whose Daddy wants the most prime real estate in the city to build a bigger church.”
“You can’t even make this up,” Corvus added.
Ethan sat back. “You could work with HUD and put some apartments there. I could get you additional funding for the build.”
Corvus rubbed his head. “I’d love to put housing there, but I want to promote ownership. We need to get our people less dependent on government programs and more self-sufficient.”
“And I want to have neighborhoods where people can connect with one another,” he finished.
Ethan agreed. “Okay, let me look into what we can do and if not that land, then you have plenty.”
“Yeah, I do.”
There was a knock on the door and both men looked up. “Come in,” Corvus called and a young man stuck his head in the door.
“What’s up Eric?” Corvus asked.
He smiled. “I came in early to get the keys for that property you want me to clean out,” he announced proudly.
“Good job. They’re out on Angie’s desk.” Corvus answered.
Eric nodded. “Okay, and there’s a lady here to see you. I let her in when I came.”
Corvus frowned. “Who is it?”
Eric shrugged. “She was fine, so I let her in.”
Corvus rolled his eyes. “Thanks Eric. Don’t let anybody else in until we’re open.”
“Okay, see you later.”
The door closed and Corvus turned to Ethan. “See what happens when I work with Khalil’s kids from the center?”
“Is that where you found him?”
“We went to speak at the Pride Center and ended up with these boys. Mike was supposed to come work for me, but Lance was his idol… so then, Eric, who was a car thief, came here with me,” Corvus explained.
“He looks eager,” Ethan commented.
Corvus laughed. “He does a damn good job. I’m actually really proud of him. He could’ve taken a different turn. He just started college and is looking to buy his first little piece of property.”
Ethan nodded. “That’s what’s up. I’m glad you’re teaching these young dudes the value of land.”
“He who owns the land, owns everything…”
“Exactly,” Ethan agreed getting to his feet. “I’ll let you meet with the fine woman waiting for you.”
Corvus stood as well. “I don’t know who this is.”
Ethan looked surprised. “It’s not your woman?”
“Nah, I left her in bed.”
Ethan smiled and Corvus corrected himself. “Sleeping, she was asleep.”
The pair walked to the door and out to the lobby.
“Sylvia?” Corvus questioned.
She stood and smiled. “Hello Corvus. Hello Ethan.”
******
“Miracle Hannah Chapman, who do you think you’re talking to?” the Bishop asked.
Miracle stood as tall as she could. “I’m telling you the truth. I’ve never lied.”
“You want to ruin yourself this way?” he demanded.
She walked away. “Ruin myself? I’m already the talk of the church for being cheated on.” Miracle turned to him. “Do you know what they are saying?
“There’s more than the Church Assistant…she’s one of many, and it’s been going on for a long time,” Miracle told him. “Did you know that?”
The Bishop frowned. “Of course not! You think I would let my daughter be dragged through the mud that way?” He protested. “I’ve warned Emanuel.”
“I want someone to love me…just love me…Miracle. I don’t want to have to do everything he says, whether I agree or not. I want to be heard and held in his arms. Is that too much to ask?” Miracle questioned.
“The man is supposed to lead you Miracle. It’s his duty.”
She looked at him. “Why can’t we lead together?”
The Bishop frowned. “You were made to be the helpmeet. You know that.”
Miracle looked away. “I know a lot of things…and I’m learning new ones every day.”
“Listen Miracle, Emanuel has made his mistakes, but he is just a man. If God can forgive, you must as well.” Her father told her. “Emanuel has agreed to forgive you for last night.”
Her head snapped up. “Forgive me for what?”
“Miracle, I saw you when you answered the door. You embarrassed Emanuel with your actions and your attire.”
“I didn’t ask for Emanuel’s forgiveness.”
“But he was kind enough to give it. He wants to put all of this behind you and move forward with the wedding plans as soon as possible,” her father announced.
Miracle looked confused. “Have you heard a word I’ve said? I’m not marrying Emanuel. In fact, I have nothing to say to him.”
“This is the future of the church!” the Bishop boomed.
She looked away again. “It’s not my future.”
“Since when?”
Miracle bit her lip, then looked at her father. “Since I found love…”
******
“What are you doing here at this hour?” Corvus asked Sylvia.
She smiled at him. “I wanted to talk to you about last night.”
Ethan looked at Corvus.
“We can talk in my office,” he offered then turned to Ethan. “I’ll be in touch.”
Corvus showed Ethan to the door then returned to escort Sylvia inside his office. She took the seat across from his desk.
“What did you want to talk about?” he asked.
“I wanted to apologize for interrupting your party,” Sylvia began. “I had no idea Emanuel would act that way.”
Corvus nodded. “How do you know him?”
“He came to my office inquiring about building permits and licenses. He said their church was expanding and wanted to be up to speed on how construction works in the city,” she explained.
“How did you end up bringing him last night?” Corvus inquired.
She smiled again. “Pastor Hollins is a very persuasive man.”
“So I’ve heard.”
“Anyway, he asked if I had heard of you and I told him that we were business associates and that you had sent me an invitation to your birthday bash. He indicated that he really wanted to meet you, so I invited him along, since your invite was plus one.”
She leaned forward. “I didn’t want to come alone.”
Corvus rubbed his beard. “It didn’t matter.”
“I see,” she responded. “So you’re involved with Emanuel’s ex?”
“No, I’m involved with Miracle.”
Sylvia laughed. “It was cute how you introduced her last night. I must say that I was surprised.”
He lifted a brow. “Why”
She shrugged. “I just imagined you with someone else.”
“You should stop imagining me at all,” he told her.
Sylvia threw up a hand. “I know, I know…you don’t mix business with pleasure.”
“Not with someone who can affect my bottom line,” Corvus affirmed.
“I would never do anything like that,”
Corvus stared at her. “What else did Emanuel ask you about?”
“Your reputation…”
“In regards to?”
She pursed her lips. “What you do personally and in business...”
“And what did you tell him?”
“That you’re very good at both from what I understand.” She smiled as he gave her a look. “It’s true,” she finished then sobered.
“But I didn’t like how he talked to your girlfriend last night. That was totally uncalled for and rude,” Sylvia added. “I told him so this morning.”
“You’ve talked to him?”
She nodded. “Yes, he called and apologized for leaving me stranded last night and asked to take me to lunch.” She checked her watch. “Oh shoot, I’d better get to work.”
Corvus stood as she got to her feet. “Thanks for coming by Sylvia.” He walked her to the door.
“I want our work relationship to remain solid,” she told him. “The city needs the work that you’re doing.”
“Thanks, and have a good day.”
“You too, and take care of your beautiful Miracle.”
Corvus smiled. “I will.”
******
“Love?” Bishop Chapman yelled and Miracle braced herself.
“Yes,” she answered quietly.
He took her arm. “You are not in love with that man!”
“I want to love him,” she confessed. “Because he makes me feel like a woman who matters.”
“He only wants to fornicate with you. Don’t you see that?” he warned. “Men like that don’t marry women and become husbands. You’re easy prey to him.”
Miracle shook her head. “I’m not easy and Corvus is unlike any man I’ve ever met.”
“He’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. You went to him to make a land deal and now he’s trying to get you into his bed.”
She looked up at her father. “Corvus hasn’t tried to get me into his bed at all.”
“Miracle, don’t be like Faith.”
“What’s that? Happily married to a man that adores her and works hard to make her happy?” Miracle asked.
The Bishop released her arm and glared down at her. “Married to a man that doesn’t serve the Lord,” he corrected. “Dante doesn’t even come to church regularly.”
“He’s working to buy her a house,” Miracle pointed out. “Don’t you want your daughter to have her own home?”
“I want both of my daughters to do the Lord’s will!” he pointed at her.
Miracle closed her eyes. “I want to do that as well, but He has to show me Himself what it is.”
They both turned as the front door opened and Corvus entered with a key. The Bishop turned to Miracle with anger on his face.
Corvus closed the door behind him and looked at the father and daughter.
“Hey, you’re awake.” He told Miracle then glanced at the angry man beside her.
Walking over he extended his hand. “I’m Corvus Shaw and I’m just going to assume that you’re Miracle’s father.”
The Bishop looked at his hand then back at Miracle before shaking it tightly. “Yes, I’m Bishop Chapman.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Corvus told him politely.
“I wish I could say the same,” the Bishop responded glancing at his daughter again.
Miracle smiled at Corvus. “Hi,”
All of his attention turned to her. “I took your key because I needed to lock your door.”
“That’s fine,” she answered.
“Did you have breakfast already?” he asked.
Miracle’s gaze slid to her father. “No, my father woke me up and we’ve been having a discussion.”
Corvus nodded, picking up that said discussion was about him.
“Bishop Chapman, please let me assure you that I have no intentions of hurting your daughter,” Corvus told him.
“And I’m supposed to take the word of the man who punched my Assistant Pastor in the face last night?” the Bishop asked.
Corvus looked him in the eye. “To be honest sir, if he ever speaks to Miracle the way he did last night, I promise to do more than punch him in the face.”
Miracle looked away with a small grin.
“You want my daughter to dress like a Jezebel and take her to night clubs?” her father questioned. “That’s not the way I raised her.”
Corvus nodded. “Actually, your daughter dressed the way she wanted, and I took her to a birthday party. She was beautiful the day I met her, she was beautiful last night and she’s just as beautiful right now.” Miracle blushed.
The Bishop frowned. “I’m not going to let you ruin my daughter. Faith got away, but I promise you, I will fight you to the end for Miracle,” he vowed.
Corvus looked at Miracle as she took in her father’s words. He slowly moved to her side and took her hand before bringing it to his lip and kissing the back of it softly, while looking into her eyes.
“I’m not going to ruin your daughter, Bishop Chapman.” He told her father with complete assurance, then turned to meet his eyes.
“I’m going to marry her…”