“I believe that our city can only benefit from the presence of Bennington Place in our neighborhood. By providing refuge for those in crisis, we are fulfilling our mandate as Christians to help the less fortunate and to act out of love and compassion, not fear or hatred. The founders of Bennington Place are doing just that. Instead of condemning women for their mistakes, they are offering them a hand up, giving the innocent children the best start in life, despite their unfortunate circumstances.” He paused, letting his words resonate like a Sunday sermon. “Two of the most powerful mandates Jesus gave us are ‘Judge not, that ye not be judged,’ and ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you.’ These are not mere platitudes. These are the cornerstones of our faith, the very foundation of what we are called to do as Christians. This is what my sister and Mrs. Bennington are doing—serving others in their community as Jesus decrees. I challenge all of you here today to do the same.”
This time the audience responded with enthusiastic applause. Several people even stood to shake Sal’s hand when he passed by.
Darius leaned back in his seat and allowed his muscles to relax. He only prayed that everyone’s combined testimonies would be enough to convince the mayor and the council members to allow the maternity home to remain open.
Then, perhaps in some small way, he’d have helped one of Olivia’s dreams to come true.
43
Olivia had been prepared for the council to defer their decision to a later date, as was their prerogative, so she was both relieved and terrified when they indicated they would vote on the matter today. The members asked for a brief recess to discuss the issue before rendering their decision.
As soon as the council members filed out of the room, Olivia rose and followed the spectators who’d chosen to stretch their legs or go out for a cigarette. Her emotions were still reeling from Darius’s and Sal’s speeches, and she needed to thank them both for their support.
No matter the outcome, she would be forever grateful for their generosity.
Out in the crowded corridor, her brother’s head was visible above the fray, and she immediately went to greet him. “Sal, thank you for speaking on our behalf,” she said. “It was so thoughtful of you.”
“My pleasure, Liv.” He gave her a quick hug. “When Darius suggested it, I knew it was the right thing to do.” He smiled down at her. “I’m sorry I can’t stay to hear the verdict, but I have to get back to work.”
“That’s all right. Thanks again for coming. I know your testimony made a big difference.” She darted glances around the hallway but couldn’t see Darius anywhere. “Do you know where Darius went?”
“He said he needed some air. Why don’t you walk me out?”
“Good idea.” She looped her arm through her brother’s and followed him out the front entrance on slightly shaky legs. The mere thought of seeing Darius again had her heart thudding loudly in her chest.
After Sal wished her good luck and set off toward the cathedral, Olivia stood on the city hall steps and nervously scanned the sidewalk below. Darius was nowhere in sight. A crush of disappointment swept over her. Would he have left before the decision was rendered? Or was he avoiding her? After all the turmoil she’d put him through, she couldn’t really blame him.
“Hello, Olivia.”
Her heart stuttered at the familiar voice behind her. She slowly turned to find Darius on the steps above her. It had been three weeks or more since she’d last seen him, and she drank in the welcome sight of him, so distinguished in his navy suit, his dark hair blowing around his forehead. When she met his gaze, those unforgettable blue eyes seemed to swallow her whole.
“Darius.” Her voice sounded breathless. “I was looking for you.”
“I needed some air. And a minute alone to pray.” He came down to her level, an unreadable expression shadowing his features.
“Thank you for being here,” she said, “and for speaking on our behalf. It was . . . good of you to come.” How lame could she sound? She twisted her damp hands together, every thought seeming to drift from her mind like the leaves blowing about the sidewalk below.
“I’m glad I could do something, though I’m not sure it helped much.”
“I think it helped a lot.” She paused, sifting through her jumbled thoughts. “But did I hear you right? Did you say you no longer work for Walcott Industries?” It couldn’t be true. Darius loved his property management job with his office that overlooked downtown.
He lifted one shoulder. “I handed in my resignation about a week ago.”
“Not because of me, I hope?”
“Not directly.” He squinted against the glare of the sun. “I just couldn’t keep working for a company that had no moral compass to guide it.”
Olivia’s stomach swooped. It had been because of her. “I . . . I don’t know what to say. I feel terrible.”
“It’s for the best, really. You and Ruth helped me see that Walcott Industries wasn’t a good fit for me.” A gust of wind ruffled his hair. “I’ll find work somewhere else. This time I hope to follow your example and put my skills to use in helping others in whatever way God chooses.”
She shook her head as a slow smile bloomed. “You might be the best man I know, Darius Reed. Well, maybe second to Sal.”
He laughed out loud. “I suppose I can’t top a priest.”
With the crowds still filing past them, he guided her to a less busy area.
“Speaking of Sal . . .” She narrowed her eyes. “I know what you put him up to with the Children’s Aid.”
He stiffened, his grin fading. “Olivia, I never meant . . . that is . . . I hope you’re not angry. I only wanted to bring you
