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🌿 Chapter 1 — Sunday Voices
The church smelled like lemon polish and old hymn books, sunlight spilling through the stained-glass windows in gold and red.
Sarah's voice rose with the choir — clear, soft, steady — though her palms were damp.
Her parents sat in the second pew, her mom mouthing the lyrics, her dad's hands clasped tight.
To their right sat Kim and Samantha, whispering about something that was definitely not Jesus.
And behind the drums — Eli Carter.
The boy who made rhythm sound like heartbeat.
Basketball captain. Local golden boy. Trouble in sneakers and a smile.
He was tapping his sticks lightly during prayer, like he couldn't help it. Sarah tried not to look, but she did anyway — once, twice, and again when he caught her.
He grinned. Not cocky — just knowing.
Her heart stuttered.
After service, the air outside was full of chatter and car engines. Sarah was carrying a tray of cupcakes to the bake sale when Eli appeared beside her like he'd been waiting.
> "Hey, Choir Girl."
She blinked. "You talking to me?"
> "You sang like an angel up there. Nervous angel, but still."
She gave him a look. "You're not supposed to be teasing in the church parking lot."
> "Guess I'm not supposed to steal cupcakes either." He plucked one from the tray and bit into it, grinning.
Sarah shook her head, but her lips curved anyway. "You're impossible."
> "Nah," he said, brushing crumbs from his shirt. "Just confident."
From across the lot, her mom called, "Sarah! Help your sisters with the bags!"
Sarah sighed. "Duty calls."
> "See you Wednesday?" he asked.
> "For rehearsal?"
> "For whatever," he said, smiling.
She turned away before he could see her blush.