Dave shook his head, “My point is this: being together, having fun and smiling is not all love is about. Love is about understanding each other, bearing with each other and still smiling. I think you should go and pray again to be sure of what you want, if you still want to marry me.” He stopped, to allow his words sink in …

Teni drew in a calming breath. “OK Dave, I’m sorry, but i must confess that i feel hurt about what you have just said. I thought you understood me, understood all that i told you about my past. Your mother doesn’t accept me, she doesn’t like me …”

“I’ve told you several times that you’ll just have to learn to trust God and forget about being rejected. You should forget about your past and move forward, not live in it. So maybe we should have a rethink about the whole thing. You can get in touch with me when you are ready.”

Teni’s eyes grew wide as she stared at him as if he had suddenly developed two heads. What is he trying to say?

Dave went on, ” You need to get the point I’m making, you need to know the kind of home i want and this is not because I’m a pastor. I want you to respect me just as I respect you. If I’m upset and you tell me ‘Dave, calm down’, I should listen to you. That is respect!”