Free Sister Betty Says I Do by Pat G'Orge-Walker

fashion photographer taking pictures. She looked like a cross between a doctor called in for a consultation and a runway model.
    Leotis unraveled his arms from around Sister Betty’s shoulders and stood. “Please have a seat,” he told Sharvon. “I didn’t mean that you should drop everything when I called.” He lowered his voice, saying, “I’ve been trying to reach out to you for several days, and I’m glad you took my call this time. I’m sorry for the nine-one-one text, but I just wanted you to know what was happening with Sister Betty.”
    Sister Betty hadn’t given Sharvon a second thought from the moment Freddie collapsed. Yet she was glad Leotis had had the presence of mind to call the only family she had in Pelzer. “Thank you for coming, Sharvon,” she said softly as Sharvon stood over her. “Right now I’m a mess and don’t know if I’m coming or going.”
    Sharvon accepted Leotis’s offer of his seat. Placing Sister Betty’s hand in hers, she looked her older second cousin directly in the eye. “Listen, Cousin Betty, if I were in Freddie’s condition and aware of my situation, I would not worry one bit. You have such an amazing connection to God. . . .”
    Leotis hadn’t meant to add anything but did. “Yes, you do have a prayer life unlike many I’ve ever known, and don’t you ever forget it.”
    Leotis and Sharvon spent the next few minutes tag teaming Sister Betty. Leotis quoted scriptures, while Sharvon reminded Sister Betty of the strong love she and Freddie shared. Within a short time she calmed down, but within seconds the tears came flowing down her face, ending in a tiny puddle at the base of her throat.
    Before Leotis rode to the hospital in the ambulance with Sister Betty, he’d turned the morning service over to one of the visiting preachers. He was a bright young man, an up-and-coming preacher with a renowned prophetic gift, named Elder Lamar L. Moore. He was a member of Brooklyn, New York’s St. Paul’s Tabernacle City of Lights Ministry, as well as a good friend of Leotis’s. Moments ago Elder Lamar had arrived at the hospital with about twenty members from Crossing Over Sanctuary. He told Leotis that the Lord had laid it upon his heart to give a very short, fifteen-minute sermonette. He had obeyed and then had dismissed the church to allow all who wanted to go to the hospital to see about Trustee Noel to do so.
    As though he’d read Sister Betty’s mind, he treaded where the others had feared to go. “Hopefully, whatever the problem with the trustee is this time,” Elder Lamar calmly told Sister Betty as he smiled, “I don’t believe it will affect his ability to walk down that aisle. I, for one, was so pleased to receive an invite and can’t wait to get back here for your wedding.” He turned in time to witness the others from the church, including Sister Betty, nodding in agreement.
    Leotis rose, walked toward Elder Lamar, and tapped him on his shoulder before leading him aside. “Thank you for that. I don’t know why I’d forgotten that the trustee’s health issues have led to the postponement of their first wedding date.” He leaned in farther toward the elder, out of earshot of the others, before adding, “I’m not certain how long I’ll be here with Sister Betty at the hospital. I don’t want your trip here to be in vain. Please do me a favor.”
    â€œCertainly. What is it?”
    â€œPreach your scheduled sermon. If you need any help with tonight’s revival, I’m certain the deacons’ board will be right there to assist.”
    â€œOf course I will.” In the same quiet manner as he’d arrived, Elder Lamar turned and led those who’d accompanied him out of the waiting room and back to the church.
    Sister Betty sat surrounded by several of the church prayer team