Facing Redemption

by Kimberly McKay

  She’d ignored him the first two mornings, but not today. This morning she quietly took her place next to him. Her eyes rested on Chastity’s beautiful smile. Andie not only ached for her husband to reunite with his daughter, but she too longed to know her. Chastity was part of John and because of that – part of her too. She smiled sweetly at the newspaper picture, thinking about how happy and hopeful both kids seemed.

  Andie turned to her husband. “Have you memorized it yet?” She asked quietly.

  “Hmm?” He barely responded. His eyes were still glued to the couples’ picture.

  “Is anything misspelled?” She said a little louder.

  “What?” John came out of his spell, confused. He turned with a frown.

  “I asked if you’d memorized it yet.”

  “You’d think so.” He said softly. “You know when Jesse sent this to me I had a million questions for him.”

  “Mmmm hmmm. Like any good dad would.”

  John shook his head. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, but I did ask him if Timothy was good enough for her. I don’t get to approve of his boy. I didn’t get asked for her hand. I’m not involved, and I understand that. I’m not complaining, but I still want what’s best for her.”

  “I’m sure he’s a fine young man. He looks like one.”

  John turned to her with sad eyes. “That doesn’t mean anything. I looked like one too. He could be a sheep in wolves clothing.”

  “True, but Jesse assured me that he was a genuinely nice guy. Jesse says he comes from a good family too. So considering our source, I’d say you have nothing to worry about.”

  John shrugged. “We also talked wedding budget, and he agreed to let me pay for most of it.”

  Andie quickly turned to face him. “What? You didn’t tell me that.”

  “It’s still okay, isn’t it?”

  Andie nodded. “Of course! I just thought you’d tell me.”

  “I planned on it the other day, but I’ve been thinking. What if I want to do more?” He lifted his eyebrow before finishing. “Jesse told me what resort they’re staying at for the honeymoon.”

  “How’d you get that info from him? That’s pretty private information don’t you think?”

  “I don’t think he meant to blurt it out or anything. I didn’t ask. It just kind of came up. Jesse was getting caught up in some of the details of the budget so we could settle how much to send him. Then he mentioned how it was a good thing the bride’s family wasn’t expected to pay for the honeymoon. He talked about what an investment Timothy was making in planning for Chastity’s and his honeymoon. He’s taking her to Oahu, where they’ll stay at the Rainbow Towers at the Hilton – and he wants to surprise her with the nicest suite they have.”

  Andie took John’s coffee mug and took a small sip before handing it back. “So what does the Hilton have to do with you wanting to do more? Unless you’re planning to? John? Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

  John looked sheepishly in return. “Do you think it’s a bad idea? I could just take care of the final bill.”

  “I think it’s a gamble,” Andie said, raising an eyebrow. “But one worth taking. The only problem is that she may feel pressure … like she owes you something. You need to be prepared for that.” Andie shrugged her shoulders. “Or it could go the other way. She may feel appreciative?”

  “In my gut, it feels it’s what I need to do. Maybe I’m being selfish.”

  “Pray about it sweetie.” Andie laid a gentle hand on his arm. “If you still feel led to do it, then go for it. You’re doing it out of love. There can’t be anything wrong with that.”

  “Well my motives may be pure – but it still could be received horribly.”

  “Pray about it.” Andie took one more sip from his cup, and leaned up to kiss him on the cheek. Then she quickly shoved him away from the counter. “Now go or we’re going to be late.”

  John turned with questioning eyes.

  “You forgot? It’s our appointment for the next ultrasound! Go! Go!” Andie laughed and shoved him.

  John flashed a smile and hurried from the kitchen. She heard him take the stairs two at a time and laughed. “We’ve got a few minutes. Don’t break your neck!” She yelled up the stairs. Andie heard his laughter in reply, and it warmed her heart. How nice it was to hear him laugh. She’d been hearing more of that in recent days, and she hoped to hear even more of it.

  Lord, please bless Chastity’s heart. Soften it if it’s your will. Because if you don’t, I have a feeling there will be a part of John that will never heal. Andie left it where it should be, in God’s hands and continued to gather her things to leave. By the time she’d grabbed her purse; her loving husband was again by her side with a smile in his eyes.

  “You ready?” John softly asked.

  “Yup.” Andie put her arms in his and started out the door. “Oh! Except I have to pee!” She turned as fast as her belly would let her and started back down the hall. She heard John’s laughter at her retreat, and didn’t want it to ever end.

  Chapter 46

  Thunder rumbled through the roof of Chastity’s home. A light rain pelted above her sending down the last remnants of the storm. Between the lighting crackling through the sky and the winds raging around her windows, she didn’t get much sleep. But to be honest she couldn’t blame it on the storms. She wouldn’t have slept even if it were calm outside.

  Chastity’s brain was on overdrive since the second she and Anne got home from the bachelorette party. After a night of dancing and crazy antics on behalf of her friend, who kept trying to get people to buy Chastity shots, she was amazed at how wearing a silly veil would make you the life of the party. It was as if the veil gave you a free magical pass for the night.

  Chastity laughed at how many people tried to talk her out of marriage. It was funny and sad at the same time. So many broken marriages left hardened hearts strung through that place last night, Chastity thought. More than one woman begged her ‘not to do it’ and more than a few guys offered to show her what fun her last night of single-dom could be. All of this came from wearing a stupid veil in a bar.

  Although it was fun to cut loose with a few of her friends, it was an eye opener to what her life could be like as single girl and how different it would be after today. How many times had she ever garnered that sort of attention as a single girl? Now as an almost married girl, it was almost overwhelming… and not in a good way. She had no doubts about her life with Timothy and if anything, last night cemented that. She saw just how many lonely people there were in the world, and it made her want to marry Timothy even more. He was her forever, and the more protests she received from random strangers, the more she knew it was the right for her.

  Once home, her mind continued spinning throughout the night about how different her life would be after tomorrow, which was now today. From here on out she would be Mrs. Chastity Banks.

  Chastity smiled and rolled over, snuggling the pillow next to her. She scanned the room and could just make out the outlines of her sparse belongings as the early morning light trickled through the curtains.

  She surveyed what was still left around her. It was as minimal as she’d seen it since she’d lived here. She and Timothy decided to keep his house once married…so she’d started moving little bit by bit into his house.

  Before she could wrap her brain around what the morning schedule was her phone started vibrating on the nightstand. Chastity smiled, thinking it would be Timothy, but saw a number she didn’t recognize.

  “Hello.” Chastity yawned.

  “Hey Chaz. This is Delilah.” Her hairdresser sweetly sang.

  Chastity sat up and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. “Mmm-hmm.”

  “Well I hate to bother you, but I had ya’ll scheduled to come in at 9:00 this morning.” Delilah’s thick southern accent, normally so fun to listen too, gave Chastity pause. Her heart sank when she heard those words.

  “Had?” Chastity repeated.

&
nbsp; “Well darlin’ the storms knocked out my power and I can’t do your hair for the wedding with no power. I’m sorry!”

  Chastity darted out of bed and looked out her window. Trees and branches were down and scattered along her street. Her mouth went dry and she started to panic.

  “Delilah. Don’t you have a generator?”

  “Honey, I own a hair salon – not a mall.” She drawled that last word out for emphasis.

  “Okay, think Chastity – think.” She talked aloud and paced her room.

  “What? I think we have a bad connection.”

  “No, Delilah. I was, um, talking to myself.”

  “Well I know it’s your wedding day but you must get a hold of yourself. If you’re talking to yourself, you may need to sit down and rest. Your nerves are getting the best of you.”

  Chastity’s mind was spinning. The salon’s power was out. Her street was littered with downed branches and a tree.

  “Delilah?”

  “Yes?”

  “What kind of car do you drive?”

  “A Mustang. She’s a sweet little ride too.”

  “How are the roads where you are?”

  “Not bad. A little thrashed but I can get around easy enough – cuz I borrowed my husband’s truck to get to the salon today.”

  “Great! How would you like to earn a big tip?”

  “Well Chaz. You know what I do is more about the art of beauty…”

  “Yeah yeah…” Chastity cut her off. “I don’t live far from the salon. Would you consider coming here to do my hair and the girls?”

  Delilah squealed. “Of course! Give me directions and I’ll be there!”

  After giving her hair stylist the best route to take, Chastity hung up exhausted and it was only 7:30. She sat back down on the side of the bed, and pulled her legs into her chest. One down, a million to go.

  Chastity knew she hired a great wedding planner, but there were so many things she knew would get thrown her way today. She had a feeling the weather was going to throw a kink in where it could today.

  “Okay God.” She looked up. “Get me through today because all that matters at the end of the day is that I have my man and we get married with no drama.” And with that simple prayer, Chastity let go of the stress and a gentle calm centered in her chest.

  “Knock knock.” Anne peeked her head in. “I come bearing gifts.” Anne walked in with two champagne glasses, filled with what looked to be orange juice, but Chastity knew better.

  “You didn’t?” Chastity flashed a grin.

  “I did.” Anne laughed. “I simply could not start off the best day of your life without a proper toast.”

  Chastity teared up. “What would I do without you?”

  Anne wrapped her free arm around Chastity shoulders, knowing what was to come next. She heard Chastity sigh and braced to support her weight. Anne’s heart hurt for her friend.

  “I know.” Anne whispered, letting a tear escape. She set her glass down on the nightstand, to wipe her face and then wrap her friend in a hug. “She’s looking down on you right now and is crying tears of happiness.”

  Chastity pulled back and half laughed and cried. “Well someone should tell her to stop because she caused some storm out there.” Chastity’s tears finally won out. She softly laid head on Anne’s shoulder. “I miss her. I’ve tried to focus on all the family and friends I have here with me today, but there’s no denying it any longer.”

  Anne and Chastity sniffled in unison and pulled apart. Anne nodded her head and said no words. She and Chastity had that in common. It would never get easier without your mom. All the milestones, as happy as they were, were a bit painful without mom.

  “I’m glad I have someone to go through it with though. Not that I’m glad you understand, because I wish you still had your mom…but,” Chastity’s voice trailed.

  “Sweetie. It’s okay. I do know how you feel. And you’ll always have me, but you have a wonderful man to lean on now.” Anne lifted her friend’s chin up to face her. She gently brushed the hair back from her face, and wiped the last few tears from Chastity’s face. “You have Timothy. Let’s focus on that hot man you’re about to marry, because your mom wouldn’t want you to be sad today. She would have loved the idea of you two. Heck!” Anne threw her hands up. “She does! Isn’t she the one who suggested he contact you in person after the financial part of her estate was over? She hired him as her lawyer and wanted him to stay in touch with you - right?”

  “Yes.” Chastity giggled and sat up a little straighter. “She did like him. And I’m not sad. I just miss her. So thank you for letting me get a little bit of my pity party out of the way.”

  “Well then. I say let’s toast to your mom and to your beautiful rainy wedding day.” Anne grinned and lifted her glass.

  Chastity nodded and brought her glass up. “To mom.” She started.

  “To Kylie.” Anne said.

  “Thank you for sending me the love of my life.” Chastity looked up. “Even if I didn’t figure it out until after you passed.”

  They clinked their glasses and drank down their morning cocktail. Chastity’s eyes went wide as she brought the glass down from her lips. She looked to Anne, who gave her a mischievous grin.

  “A bit strong?” Anne laughed.

  “Yeah, you could say that, but I should have known.” She put her empty glass on the dresser, and tried to pull up her friend. “Come on. The hairdresser called and we have to get ready for the day.”

  “What about the hairdresser?” Anne loosened her hands from Chastity’s grip and plopped back on the bed. “We don’t have to be there till 9:00.”

  “Nope. Her power went out, so now she’s coming here.”

  Anne groaned and pulled a pillow over her head. “Ugh. Really? If that’s not a bad premonition of what’s to come, I don’t know what is.”

  “No, I don’t believe in those…and get up. Get up Anne!” Chastity jumped on the bed, trying not to step Anne’s legs. “I’m getting married today.” She jumped one last time and landed on her rear, right next to Anne. She shook her friend’s shoulders so hard she almost gave Anne whiplash. “I’m getting married!” Chastity screeched.

  “I know! I know!” Anne laughed and yelped out, partly in pain. “Get off me! I’m up! I’m up!”

  Chastity grabbed Anne in a full force hug, and this time it wasn’t out of sadness for her mom. It was out of joy.

  Chapter 47

  Timothy’s iPhone alarm went off promptly at 6:00 a.m., but the smell of coffee had awoken him a bit earlier. He stretched and listened to the quiet puttering of his mom in her kitchen. Instead of sleeping at his house, which would now be his and Chastity’s, he decided to come crash on his parent’s couch. He wanted to sleep in his family’s home for the last night of his single life.

  Mrs. Banks shuffled her house shoes across the kitchen floor toward the couch. Timothy lifted up to look behind the couch to see her bringing two mugs of hot coffee.

  “You might need this. You didn’t get in till late.” Mrs. Banks smiled and sat at the far end of the couch after handing him his coffee.

  Timothy lifted the mug up to his nose and breathed it in. “Mmm. You always make the best coffee mom. Come here and sit closer.” He patted the space next to him.

  The two snuggled next to one another. This was time for just mother and son, which was rare for them. It pulled at Mrs. Banks heart. “You’re a fine man, my son. And Chastity is lucky to have you.” Her voice wavered.

  “Are you going to cry?” Timothy asked in awe.

  “No! Don’t be silly! I’m just tired. How late did you get in?”

  “Late. I had to go bail the boys out of jail.”

  “What? Your friends? What happened?” Mrs. Banks sat up a little straighter.

  “No! Your great nephews…the ones you made me take along last night.”

  Timothy’s mom groaned. “Oh no. What happened? I’m so sorry. You know ever since their dad left them, they’ve b
een suffering along with their mom.”

  Timothy filled her in on their behavior and the decision he made to let them get carted off to jail. He delighted in telling the latter part of the story.

  “You mean you let them go to jail? That’s cruel Timothy.” She scolded her son.

  “No, it’s something that will stick with them. And they need to learn that their actions have consequences. And if they’re old enough to act like idiots, with no care for others around them, then they’re old enough to get caught and punished.”

  She couldn’t fault him in his logic. She knew her son was right. Her heart broke for her family though. Those young men had been reeling since their dad essentially abandoned them. Who knew…maybe it was the best thing for them.

  “Well the timing of it all sucks.” She finally said.

  “Couldn’t agree more, which is why I couldn’t let it slide.” Timothy urged further. “So after the game, I took Guy and Scott to my favorite sports bar to watch the game highlights in high def.”

  “You didn’t go to the jail to pick them up?” Mrs. Banks was shocked.

  “Yes, of course I did! After a couple hours…” Timothy delighted in hearing his mom chuckle. “I got to the jail around 1:00 am. And mom…you should have seen them.”

  Mrs. Banks laughed so loudly he was afraid she’d wake up his dad. “Shhh!” He warned.

  “Aw, I’m up!” Timothy heard his gruff father’s voice, as he shuffled in the kitchen. “You two make enough racket to wake the neighbors.” Mr. Banks flashed a smile at his family. “What’s this I hear about Chase and Landon in the tank?”

  “It was so funny when the guys and I went to go pick them up. They looked like scared little puppies. I don’t know what they saw or experienced there last night, but my friend, Toby, the cop, must have put the fear of God in them, because they didn’t say a word on the way home.” Timothy laughed. “And when dropped them off at their hotel, they jumped out and said ‘thank you’ to me. I’ve never heard them say thank you to anyone – not for a long time.”