by D L Lane
“It’s all right. You’re here now.”
“I think we should have Ms. Bauman start the process of taking applications for a nanny.” He smoothed down the dark fluff that was sticking out of Matthew’s tiny knit cap. “You are going to need help.”
“If you think that’s best.”
Thayer’s right eyebrow arched high. “No argument? Are you sure you are feeling okay?”
“I’m fine, Thayer. Just kiss me already and then say hello to your new sons.”
A smile started at one corner of his mouth, stretching to the other. “As you wish, Mrs. King.”
I lost my ability to think after that because he pressed his lips to mine and proceeded to kiss me for all he was worth.
Chapter Forty-Three
Never in my wildest dreams
August 4, 1943
I’d read about this thing called a GED, initially created for military men who’d been sent overseas to fight before they completed their high school education, which got my wheels to turning. Of course, never one to let something simmer for too long, I went to Thayer with my crazy ponderings, asking him if he thought it would ever be possible for someone like me to go to college.
“Absolutely. I see no reason you couldn’t go if you wish,” he’d said.
Seeing his enthusiasm, gave me the courage to say, “I wish.”
That’s all it took to start the ball rolling. Thayer wasted no time. He hired the best tutor for me, and after months of preparation, I took my high school equivalency test and graduated.
Walking hand-in-hand across the campus of Louisiana State University after registering for fall classes, it all sunk in. I was a twenty-four-year-old married woman, with four children, and was officially a college freshman.
With a broad grin on my face, I couldn’t erase if I wanted to, I glanced over at my husband. “I never believed, in all my wildest dreams, I’d be doing something like this, Thayer.”
Not one to care about public displays of affection, he took me in his arms, hugging me tight, and whispered, “This is just the first step of many great things to come.”
***
June 12, 1947
“You did it, love!” Thayer hugged me after handing me my diploma—he on the board of directors for LSU. “I’m so proud of you.”
As an under-educated girl from a little parish, coming from a dysfunctional and abusive home, I couldn’t have dreamed this up if I tried. Mississippi Singleton-King had accomplished something. I had graduated from college at the top of my class, having obtained my Bachelor of Science in Economics!
“You think my mama is proud of me too?” I whispered hands latched onto his shoulder blades.
“I have no doubt, Mississippi.”
Stepping back from the embrace, I glanced into the crowd where Ms. Bonny, and Ms. Bauman, who was soon to be Mrs. Charles Dillon, and Geneva, our nanny, sat with our boys, all of them grinning, clapping to beat the band.
Chapter Forty-Four
Time is running out
April 24, 1950
Pacing back and forth in the library, worry weighing me down, I stopped wringing my hands and did the only thing I could. I went to my knees and bowed my head.
“Father, God. I know James Henry has committed many sins in his lifetime, breaking one of your commands—the taking of not one but two lives. Since he has turned his life around, asking you for forgiveness, and working toward helping other inmates who are in desperate need of you, maybe it took such tragic events to bring him to your side, I don’t know. But, Father, I do know, regardless of the changes we make in our lives, we all have to deal with the consequences of our sin, and being on death row for all these years is one of his. I get that, Lord, but I ask, if it is your will, intervene. His time is running out. Please, put a stop to my brother’s execution. Allow him to live. I ask these things in your name. Amen.”
“Mississippi?”
Rising, I turned. Thayer stood there, deep grooves on his brow. “It’s time to go.”
I nodded, tugging at my earlobe—nerves once again unsettling me.
“I promised you, no matter what happens today, I won’t give up, my love. I’ll run for governor myself if I need to.”
“Thayer,” I whispered.
He placed his forehead on mine, holding my face between his palms. “I’d do anything to erase this sadness from your face. Anything.”
***
Almost two hours later, Thayer and I were seated in front of Governor Long’s desk—first, my husband, then me, pleading my brother’s case. As I relived my story of torture and abuse, the governor’s face twisted into anger on my behalf.
“I’m so sorry you suffered such horrendous atrocities, Mrs. King,” he said, running a palm down his tie.
“Thank you for your sympathies.” I inclined my head.
“And I’ll be honest; I’m not so sure I wouldn’t have done the same thing if I’d been in your brother’s shoes, walking in on such horror happening to my sister.”
He glanced at his desk, as if far away in thought. “But if I take off my father, husband, and family hats, lives were taken in a brutal manner.” He sighed. “I have much to think about.”
“I know you do,” I said.
Looking at me with sorrow in his eyes, my heart sunk. “I hope you understand what you and your husband are asking for will be a decision that requires some deep contemplation.”
“We understand,” Thayer said, getting to his feet, then holding out his hand for me, helping me from my chair. “My wife and I appreciate you taking the time to listen.”
“Of course.” The governor stood and came around his desk. “I can give you both this promise. I will do my best to come to the right decision and do so promptly.”
He shook my husband’s hand, then mine. “Thank you both for coming in. And safe travels on your way home.”
“Thank you,” I said as Thayer inclined his head.
Once outside, standing in front of the building, I leaned against my husband’s side. “I don’t know if we will get a stay or not.”
Placing his arm around me, he lifted my chin. “I wasn’t kidding about running for governor.”
“I know you weren’t, but if you want to do that to help James Henry, it will be too late.”
He nodded. “I know. I might not be able to stop the wheels of justice, but I could make a difference by helping others.”
I studied his face, the afternoon sun highlighting the shine of his hair. “Is that what you want to do?”
His eyes sparkled. “I think so.”
“What about King Enterprises and all the many offshoot businesses you are juggling?”
“I’ll turn things over to my right-hand man, Jefferson. He’s more than capable of running everything, with minimal input from me.” He shrugged. “He already takes care of King Aviation.”
Reaching up, I patted my husband’s shoulder. “If you believe Mr. Gentry can do what you say, I wouldn’t question it.”
“But my business does and always will pertain to you. I don’t want to do anything without talking it over with you first.”
“Bottom line?”
Thayer tapped the end of my nose with his forefinger. “Always.”
“I’ll support you no matter what you do.”
Bending down, my husband placed a soft kiss on my lips. “It’s settled then.”
Chapter Forty-Five
Thank you, dear Lord
April 28, 1950
James Henry’s stay of execution came on a Friday, just two days before he was scheduled to be put to death in the electric chair. A chair named Gruesome Gertie, being used many times since a seventeen-year-old colored boy named Willie Francis prepared for his final moments on May third, nineteen-hundred-forty-six.
Falling into my husband’s arms, we both went to our knees, me crying tears of immeasurable joy, while Thayer gave thanks for both of us.
“Thank you, dear Lord, for placing your mighty hand on this
situation and for giving the governor the heart to write this stay. May we never fail to give you thanks in all things. Please help James Henry to keep serving you from behind those bars he will continue to call home. Give him strength, wisdom, and love for those around him, and give him the courage it takes to listen to you and follow your will. In your mighty name, I pray. Amen.”
“Thank you, Father,” I managed, holding on to Thayer as racking sobs of relief, thankfulness, and love shook me.
Chapter Forty-Six
The office
May 19, 1952
Many of my husband’s adversaries and naysayers, in general, believed there wasn’t any way he would be elected to any form of public office, having a brother-in-law serving life in prison for murdering two men, regardless of being powerful, wealthy and the influential Thayer Drayton King. But what they didn’t realize was, with God on your side, nothing will stop you from achieving what He wants for your life. And He wanted Thayer to be Governor since he beat his opponent and won by a landslide.
“How do you feel?” I asked as we walked past the massive columns of the white house and into the mansion—the place we all would be calling home for a while.
“Pretty good.” Thayer smiled down at me. “And how is the first lady of the great state of Louisiana doing on this fine day?”
“I’m here with you, so I couldn’t be happier.” I glanced around. “But don’t call me the first lady.”
He raised a brow. “Why ever not?”
“It’s too”—I scrunched up my nose—“snooty.”
Tossing his head back, my husband guffawed. “After all these years, you are still a breath of fresh air.”
“Speaking of air,” I said, “where are those sweaty bunch of boys? I hope they aren’t making Geneva pull her hair in frustration.”
“She’s a great nanny, so I’m sure everyone is fine, and there isn’t any hair pulling taking place. Besides, let the boys tussle about on the lawn with their new puppy and wear themselves out.” He winked at me. “We could use a quiet moment without any distractions or interruptions.”
“Why, Governor King, whatever are you suggesting?” I asked with mock horror.
“Come with me and find out.”
With a tug to my hand, we made our way up the stairs, locking ourselves in somebody’s room, too happy to be alone with each other to care whose.
Chapter Forty-Seven
My cup overflowed
August 19, 1953
Isaac Drayton King was brought into this world at eleven eighteen a.m. by cesarean section. Although feeling groggy, my cup overflowed with happiness the instant I was able to look into his precious face.
“All ten fingers and all ten toes,” the nurse said to me, handing him over.
“He’s the last one.” Thayer swiped a fingertip down Isaac’s cheek. “Having him was too hard on you, and I don’t want either of us to go through that type of stress again.” With a press of lips to the baby’s forehead, he said, “So get used to having four older brothers’ little guy; there won’t be any younger siblings to boss around in your future.”
“You should never say never, Mr. King.”
Blue eyes met me. “Are you wanting to argue?”
Managing a smile, I shook my head. “I’m too tired at the moment, can we argue later?”
Following a chuckle and brushing the tip of his nose across mine, he smiled the kind of smile that could light up a room. “Rest now, Mississippi, we’ll pick up where we left off when you wake.”
“Okay,” I managed then drifted to sleep, baby Isaac in my arms.
Chapter Forty-Eight
Kings View
June 4, 1956
There wasn’t a cloud in the sky the day of the grand opening of Kings View, a treatment facility for drug and alcohol addiction, which had been a huge success. News media and several government officials came, including the vice president, Richard Nixon, which did cause quite the stir in the crowd, being introduced up close and personal to his secret service detail.
Later that night, while taking off my heels, Thayer took me into his arms. “I’m so very proud of you, my love. When you came to me with the idea of King’s View, I was impressed. But after taking a tour of the finished facility, I’m in awe of you. Not only do you help me, keep track of our household, take care of five children, but you found the time to oversee and implement something that will help countless people.”
He paused, those blue eyes of his shining brightly.
“What is it?” I asked.
“You, my dear wife, are my hero.”
“I do have help, you know. Virginia, Geneva, and others. Not to mention your support and financial backing for all my ventures.” I grinned. “But, I have to say, following through with King’s View has meant so much to me. In fact, I have another idea.”
“I’m not at all surprised.”
My eyes widened. “No?”
“Not in the least. So, let me hear it. I’m champing at the bit to know.”
Chapter Forty-Nine
Kings Corner
August 5, 1957
We opened Kings Corner, a vocational training center to help teach those who have struggled in life, helping them to learn a trade, finding viable, stable work. And I’m pleased to say many local businesses stepped up to the plate. They not only promised to send people to teach those less fortunate invaluable trades but also pledged to hire as many as they could from within our first group of graduates which would take place soon after the new year.
God is good!
Chapter Fifty
Sometimes things happen for the best
September 20, 1957
“She dumped me,” Emmanuel bemoaned, dropping his bags on the floor of the foyer, looking as if he might cry.
“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry.” I put my arms around him and squeezed.
“She tossed her engagement ring at me and said it was over.”
Stepping back, I held his hand, leading him to the less formal living room. “Did Amanda say why?”
“Apparently, she’s in love with somebody else.”
Taking a seat on the settee, I rubbed my oldest son’s muscular arm. “I know you are hurting, and if I could fix this for you, take away the pain, I would.”
He nodded, some of his dark-brown hair slipping over his right eyebrow. “I know you would, Mama.”
My son only called me, ‘Mama’ when he was hurt, sad, sick, or feeling all of those things at the same time; otherwise, I was Mother. Sometimes he sounded so much like Thayer it was spooky.
“Listen,” I said. “You can’t see it right now, because your heart is aching, but this just might turn out to be a good thing.”
A deep furrow formed on Emmanuel’s brow. “How could the girl I loved tossing me aside for someone else ever be a good thing?”
“I promise you; there is someone out there who will love you the way you deserved to be loved. Who will treat you with gentle kindness and respect, and would never ‘toss’ you aside.”
Slumping back, my son covered his eyes with the crook of his arm. “Maybe, but I can’t think about anyone else but Amanda right now.”
“I get that.” Squeezing his knee, I said, “But one day, you will see ‘the one,’ and when you do, every bit of pain you are feeling now will vanish, and Amanda will become a distant memory.”
“I can’t picture that happening.”
“Well, you don’t have to. All you need to know is sometimes things happen for the best, and it just may take a while for you to figure that out.”
“Like with you and Father?”
“Oh, yes. I sure didn’t think how our lives crossed was the best thing for me at the time, but I know now, I was wrong.”
“So, what should I do with all this pain?”
“Give yourself some time to gather your thoughts and feelings, and when you go back to the university on Monday, throw all your energy into your studies. Besides, you didn’t realize it, and it mig
ht take you a while to agree with me on this, but getting married while you were still in college wouldn’t have been easy. Now, you can take your time, ‘buckle down’ as your father would say, and enjoy every moment you spend on campus.”
Emmanuel peeked one light brown eye at me. “Where is he?”
“Probably on his flight back home from Washington. He should be here later tonight.”
“He’s going to be upset with me.”
I frowned. “Why would you think so?”
“I sort of dropped out of my classes.”
“Sort of?”
My son looked at me, mouth turned down. “I did.” He held up a hand. “But before you give me the what for, I’m not happy with my major or the university, and it doesn’t have anything to do with Amanda. Well, not really. I dropped my classes before she broke up with me.”
I took a moment to let that simmer.
“If Louisiana State isn’t the place for you, where is? What will make you happy, son?”
“I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I want to try to get into Vanderbilt and study theology.”
“You want to go to Tennessee?”
“I do.”
Both happy for Emmanuel and saddened he’d no longer be so close if he took another path, I gathered myself. “If that’s really what you want to do, then both of us will speak with Thayer when he comes home.”
Smiling, my son hugged my neck. “Thank you, Mama.”
Breathing in his masculine scent, wishing for that long lost sweet little boy smell, emotion battered my voice. “There’s nothing to thank me for.”
Chapter Fifty-One
Give me the strength
May 5, 1958
“God, help me.” I swiped away the salty-moisture flowing down my face as the rapid beat of my heart pummeled my ribcage, and a shudder of revulsion rolled along my spine.
