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  Rahliem and Hammer had sent a lot of printed worship materials to occupy his mind. He read daily devotionals and Christian fiction books. As he read and took notice and did his work release, Mateo discovered a passion for writing that he never knew existed. Julio and Luisa put their money together to get him a JP4 player, which was a mini-tablet so he was able to download gospel music, rap, and sermons. They paid close to eight hundred dollars for a fifty-dollar tablet, but they were willing to do anything to help keep their brother on the right track. Listening to The Revelation, Mali Music, Erica Campbell, Lecrae, B-Wise, and the Counter Culture Crew helped keep his mind in perspective.

  True to her word, Amirah stood by his side. Sometimes, just seeing the stamped envelope with her name on the return address was enough to make him smile and get through the days.

  He learned so much about Amirah as they continued their love affair.

  Turner Mustafa Spartenburg managed to beat his attempted rape charge. Even though several people saw his near naked behind as he was lifted off the ground and arrested, it was his word—and money—versus hers. The fact that Mateo beat him senseless did Amirah no good when pleading her case, and when it came to him, Mateo almost got the Class E felony charge for intent to kill, which would have locked him up much longer.

  During the rape trial, Turner’s attorneys were able to use all the information from Mateo’s assault trial against Amirah’s character. The sex tapes only did harm to Amirah’s reputation. Amirah was made to look like a harlot before the courts. With this information, Turner was able to cast doubt that he’d attempted to sexually assault Amirah. Because he did not actually penetrate her, it was not considered rape.

  With all of this, Amirah still held strong. She was able to keep her teaching position, and she used her new platform to help rape victims stand up and speak out about the crimes committed against them. She led a new ministry that helped women in crisis, and her television show raised money for these victims quarterly.

  Mateo knew in his heart that Amirah was the right woman for him and that she’d be the one to help him lay down a Christian-based foundation for his household. It was better to marry than to burn with passion, and Mateo knew that while the love was real, so was the passion they felt for one another.

  In the men’s bathroom of Guiding Light Ministry Center, Mateo, Julio, Sonic, and Marvel were getting ready for Mateo’s big day.

  “Bro.” Julio was tying his orange-and-purple speckled bow tie in the mirror. “What Jedi mind tricks did you play on Amirah to get her to walk down the aisle with you?”

  “I didn’t know you were a Star Wars fan,” Marvel said to Julio.

  Mateo could see Sonic shaking his head out of the corner of his eye. “He ain’t no Jedi.” He smirked as he barely spoke above a whisper. “He’s just moving in God’s time, even if it seems too fast for him.”

  “Thanks, man.” Mateo appreciated the compliment. He leaned in closer to the mirror to make sure his face was right and to make sure his boys weren’t taking too long getting ready. He couldn’t believe that within an hour, he was going to be marrying the girl of his dreams. “I don’t believe in Jedi mind tricks. She warmed up to me, playa.”

  The crew was almost finished making sure they were looking right for the festivities. In a few minutes, Mateo was going to be standing next to Amirah Dalton Valdez, and he couldn’t have been a happier man.

  “You should have waited until I got married first, bro.” Julio took a rag and wiped his shoes clean.

  “You find the woman God has for you, and I’ll give you marriage advice,” Mateo offered as he stepped away from the mirror. He shook off his nervousness and was happy to see that once he stood up, Sonic and Marvel indicated they were ready too.

  Julio was stalling. He shook his head. Mateo could see he didn’t like that answer. “But on the real,” Julio said, “I know I didn’t say this when Sonic and I kidnapped you the other day for your bachelor party, but I do love you, bro, and I’m happy you found what’s yours.”

  Mateo held back a tear. He didn’t want Julio to see him losing his edge. The tough boy had to remain present at all times. “I’m happy I found her too.”

  “Y’all ready?” Hammer asked as he stepped into the room, cloaked in a white robe with dashiki trimming in the front and the sleeves. Mateo couldn’t believe that his mentor would be the one marrying him.

  “I’m always ready.” Mateo looked himself over in the mirror once again before stepping away. He started to walk out of the room, but Hammer reached out to straighten his bow tie.

  “I’m proud of you, man.” Hammer put his hand on Mateo’s shoulder. “I feel like I’m watching my son become a man.”

  “Thanks.” Mateo gave Hammer a hug.

  The two of them had been through a lot during the past few years. Mateo knew and trusted that Hammer would continue to lead and guide him in the right direction. All he had to do was follow and trust in God.

  Hammer released him from the hug. “We gotta get you in there, man, so you can get ready for your bride.”

  “Yeah,” Julio butted in. “Save the mushy-mushy stuff for Ma and Luisa.”

  Mateo shook his head. “Bro, you a mess.”

  Julio rushed to the door and opened it before Hammer could reach for it. “Married men and ministers first.”

  Hammer quickly put Julio into a headlock and rubbed his knuckles across his head.

  “Y’all stop playing,” Mateo directed. “I gotta get to my wife.”

  Hammer let him go. “Yeah, let’s make sure the man gets to his wife.”

  Mateo watched the two men walk out, and he looked up. He felt proud to be taking another step toward Christ and fulfilling his duty as a man of God.

  Thank you, he mouthed before he crossed the threshold of the door and started the first day of the rest of his life.

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  Try a Little Tenderness: A His-Love.com Novel

  Copyright © 2015 Allyson M. Deese and Isaiah David Paul

  All rights reserved. No part
of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

  ISBN: 978-1-6228-6808-7

  First Trade Paperback Printing July 2015

  This is a work of fiction. Any references or similarities to actual events, real people, living or dead, or to real locales are intended to give the novel a sense of reality. Any similarity in other names, characters, places, and incidents is entirely coincidental.

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