Ellie's Answer

My house is around the corner. We stop at the stop sign, and Jude reaches over and pulls me closer by my neck. Lips to my ear, he whispers, "I'll be waiting," then exits.

I quickly park my car. By the time I jumped out, Jude had disappeared between my neighbor's bushes. Shrugging, I stare in his direction, wondering what he meant.

Confused, I got back into my car and drove home. To my surprise, multiple vehicles were in my driveway and in front of my home. As soon as I parked and exited, Winnie exited her car.

"What's going on? Did I forget it was my birthday?" I tease.

With a straight face, Winnie answers, "I asked some of our members to help you deliver Jude."

As several church members gather near and on my porch, glancing back, I chuckle, "Did you ask the whole church?"

No one laughs, then Winnie asks, "May we go inside?"

"Uh, sure."

Brother Charles tells me, "Sister Ellie, we brought water and juice. May I bring it inside?"

Nodding, I answer, "That's fine."

Everyone greets me wit