“Since their dad left…” Mrs. Banks softly clicked her tongue.
Mr. Banks belted out a laugh, which made Timothy jump. “Now that’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all week. I bet those hellions got a taste of their own medicine! I’m going to have to pay a visit to your friend Toby and thank him. Those boys need a wakeup call. Just because their dad left doesn’t mean they get a free pass to be trouble.”
“Couldn’t agree more.” Timothy said.
“Want some coffee sweetie?” Mrs. Banks asked her husband, before getting up.
Timothy wasn’t ready for his mom to leave his side yet. He quickly stood and pulled her in for a hug.
“Thank you mom.” He kissed her on the cheek. “For everything.”
Mrs. Banks voice wavered again. “Well Tim. I don’t know what to say.”
“Just don’t cry.” Timothy teased.
“Did you hear that pops?” Janie teased her husband. “He thinks I’m going to cry.” A tear escaped from her eye before she could wipe it away. She sniffled and pulled Timothy’s face into the palms of her hands. “The best thing I ever did was having you. You are my best work. So thank you for being everything I knew you’d turn out to be.”
Timothy’s eyes watered up. “I love you mom.”
“Me too Timothy. Now get up and get ready. I can’t have you making my eyes puffy for your big day. We gain a beautiful daughter into the family today!”
“And I want some coffee.” Mr. Banks grumbled, before sitting at the kitchen table behind them.
“Aw, get your own coffee Banks!” Janie teased over her shoulder. “I’m hugging our son right now.”
“I never get any respect around here.” Col. Banks grumbled and headed for the coffee maker, with his cane for support. He threw back a wink to his wife, and smiled to his son.
“Wow!” Timothy whispered in his mother’s ear. “He’s in a good mood.”
“Well, can you blame him? It’s not just your big day. It’s our big day. This is the day we’ve all waited for. I’ve prayed for the girl you were going to marry, since you were this high.” She put her hand down below her waist.
“Really? You thought about those things? When I was that young?” He was shocked.
“Son, when you have kids. Everything changes. It’s no longer about you and your life. It’s what life experience has brought you, so that you may teach your child. It’s being responsible for another life and how that child will contribute to society. It’s been mine and your father’s joy to see the man you’ve become. And it’s – yes – an answer to prayer to see Chastity and finally know the girl we’ve been praying for since she was little.” This time Janie was not ashamed of her tears. They flowed and she didn’t try to wipe them away. Timothy raised his hand to do it for her.
“Now go.” Janie urged her son. “Go upstairs and get ready for our big day.”
“Love you mom.” He whispered. “Love you dad!” Timothy yelled across both rooms.
“Love you too sweetie.” Janie watched him bound up the steps and walked over to the counter, where Mr. Banks was pouring his coffee. She wrapped her arms around him from behind.
Mr. Banks put his coffee cup down and turned to face her. He leaned over to kiss the top of her head, and then dipped down to kiss her lips.
“He wouldn’t be what he is without your influence.” He whispered to his wife. Janie’s jaw dropped. Flustered by his compliment, she didn’t know what to say.
“You know I like to take credit for him because to me - he’s my boy. I’m proud of my son. But all those qualities I admire in him, if I’m honest, are all yours. He’s what he is because of you.”
“No, he’s what he is because of us.” Janie reminded him. “But thank you.” She smiled and laid her head on his chest. She always loved the sound of his heartbeat. He was a good and strong man, just like their son.
Just then they heard Timothy’s laugh boom from the upstairs. He quickly bounded back downstairs with a comical look.
“Mom, you’ll never guess who called me to see what they could do to help out today.”
“Who?” She pulled away from her husband.
“Our jail birds in question.” He laughed.
“They’re already serving as ushers.” Janie was confused.
“I know. Chase called to say that he and Landon wanted to see if there was anything extra they could do to help out. Then he told me how sorry they were for last night.” Timothy shook his head. “Wow. I guess that jail cell made an impression.”
Janie laughed. “It must have because that’s completely out of character. Hmm, you did the right thing son. You know…” Her heart swelled with pride. “You’re going to make a great dad someday.”
Mr. Banks chimed in. “That’s my boy.”
Janie’s eyes darted up toward him. “Really?” She asked loudly. “Didn’t we just talk about this?”
Timothy laughed and left them to their conversation. He had a wedding to get ready for.
Chapter 48
In true fashion, if it could happen on that day – it would. Cheryl shook her head in disbelief as she pulled away from her house. The power to her home went out earlier in the morning, which left them no way to get ready for the wedding. The original plan was for her and her daughter, Whitney, to do their own make up at home and meet at the salon to get their up-do.
Now here she was running like a madwoman, trying to avoid the downed trees in the road, while keeping an eye on her rearview mirror for her daughter’s SUV. With statewide power outages, it was only a matter of time before things got a little more interesting. I should have expected this after last night. Cheryl grumbled internally. Well at least the church has power.
She knew that was no small feat. No one had any power, including her whole neighborhood. It was a miracle that Chastity’s house did.
As she carefully steered the car around another branch, her phone started humming in her purse. Without taking her eyes off the road, she pushed the answer button on the steering wheel. The wedding planner’s voice quickly tumbled through the car stereo system.
“Curtis! Curtis! Wait! I can’t hear you… slow down,” Cheryl yelled. She heard him take a dramatic sigh. Uh-oh. That can’t be good.
“You’re never going to guess. Because the salon had no power, I had to contact the limo service…cause they were originally supposed to pick up you girls at the salon.”
Cheryl’s heart sank. “Okay.” She was almost afraid to hear the rest.
“Well…shame on me for not calling them last week to confirm.” Curtis started.
Cheryl’s grip tightened on her wheel. She glanced in her review mirror once more. She was relieved to see how well Whitney was navigating through the last of the rubbish on the road.
“Well, um. I called to change the pick up destination and I got a disconnected sound.” Curtis sounded out of breath.
“What?” Cheryl almost screamed.
“I know!” Curtis did scream. Cheryl reached for the volume and turned the knob down, wincing in pain.
“Maybe you dialed the wrong number? Did you double check?”
“Honey! DO you know who you’re talking to? Of course I double and triple checked. Then I called a friend in the business who said they went out of business two weeks ago.”
“Crap! This is all she needs!” Cheryl yelled as she pulled into Chastity’s driveway.
Whitney pulled in next to her mom. All she could see was her mother waving frantically into the air. She looked like a mad woman, talking to herself. When Cheryl turned and saw her daughter laughing at her, it didn’t make matters better.
Cheryl grimaced at her daughter through the window. “Curtis! How could you not know?” She yelled.
“Don’t worry. I have it under control. She’ll have a nice ride at the church after the wedding, but you’ll have to drive to the wedding. Oh! My!” Curtis stopped suddenly. “That’s my other line. It’s the caterer. I have to grab it. Just know the flowers are
all done and I’m on everything else.” Curtis quickly hung up.
Whitney rounded her car, with her dress and make-up bag in hand. She reached her mom’s car door and opened it for her.
“What are you doing?” Whitney laughed. “What could possibly make you so mad?”
Cheryl sighed as she stepped out of her tiny car. “The limo company is standing us up.”
Whitney rolled her eyes. “Seriously? Who does business like that? Poor Chaz! Can anything else go wrong?”
“Bite your tongue child, and let’s get inside. I’ve got to figure out how we’re all going to get to the church, with a bride in a wedding dress in tow.”
Just then a large truck pulled up. Cheryl’s eyes lit up. “And I think I know a way, if the salon owner doesn’t mind being a taxi to the church.” Cheryl’s jaw was set and her eyes zoned in on the hairdresser. “Because there’s no way she will fit in mine or yours in her dress.”
Whitney laughed at her mom, as she watched her charge toward the truck. Her mom was on a mission and heaven help her if anyone stood in her way.
Anne popped outside and slung her arm around Whitney’s shoulders. “What’s up with your mom? Is she giving Delilah tips or something?”
You couldn’t hear the conversation, but could tell it was important. They saw Delilah nodding and the relief on Cheryl’s face.
“Nope.” Whitney answered. “The limo company stood us all up, so she’s asking Delilah to be our taxi to the church.”
Anne groaned and rolled her eyes. “This day gets better and better. It’s like all the powers that be are against us today.”
Anne was met with deadpan look that told her to get real. “You know that’s not true. Stuff happens. It’s how you deal with it that matters. And as long as we get our pretty Chaz to the church on time – that’s all that matters. Now come on! We can do this!”
Anne turned to go back in the house and started humming her favorite song of the day, The Chapel of Love. Whitney bumped her hips against Anne’s and started singing, “Going to the chapel and we’re gonna get maaaaarried.” They both were giggling when they went back inside.
Chastity came to the door and grabbed Whitney for a hug. “Hey beautiful.” She smiled and squeezed her tight. Cheryl popped in right behind her and waited her turn. Chastity hugged her aunt and rested into her for a few seconds.
“You okay?” Chastity pulled back and looked into Cheryl’s eyes. They moved out of the doorway to make room for Delilah and all her gear.
“Don’t mind me!” Delilah sang as she breezed in. “I’ll have you all ready to go in a jiffy.”
Chastity half smiled at her and then quickly returned her attention to Cheryl. She gave her a knowing look.
“I’m fine.” Cheryl protested. “And aren’t I supposed to be the one that asks you that very question? Come here.” Cheryl pulled her to the couch. “How are you today? It’s a big day.”
Chastity let out a calm and slow breath before smiling. “I know. I can’t wait.”
Cheryl couldn’t get over how serene Chastity looked, and was afraid her news would send her screaming in the opposite direction.
“Okay well I have some sort of bad news…but I’ve already come up with a solution.”
Chastity chuckled and threw her hands up. “Hit me.” Nothing was going to take her down today.
“Well Curtis says the limo company went out of business, and won’t be picking us up.” Cheryl sank back a bit, trying to gauge her reaction. “But! Delilah…”
“That’s me!” Delilah shouted out, while plugging in her hair curlers and flattener.
“Delilah has graciously offered to shuttle us all to the church.” Cheryl finished.
Chastity thought about it. “Well then how are you going to get a ride from the church? The limo was supposed to provide a shuttle for you at the church to come back here for your cars. Oh! Anne! Did you call Terri and tell her to come here instead of the salon?”
“Yep!” Anne hollered from the kitchen. “And I’m making more mimosas! Want one Cheryl?”
“Yes!” Cheryl called back before turning her attention back to Chastity. “You’re worried about us? Dear girl. Didn’t you hear me? Your limo won’t be picking us up here or at the church, or you and Timothy after the wedding.” Cheryl said incredulously.
Anne walked by with perfect timing and handed both women a glass. Chastity chuckled. “It’s almost like your disappointed that I’m not upset Aunt Cheryl.” Chastity patted her aunt’s hands and stood. “Curtis will figure it out. It’s what he’s being paid for, right?”
Cheryl nodded without words and took a sip of her drink. Her eyes went wide.
“Good, huh?” Anne asked laughing.
“And strong!” Cheryl sputtered.
Chastity shrugged. “Okay then! I’ve got to get prettied up for my man. The rest of you can worry about details.”
Whitney laughed from across the room. “And worry my mom will.”
Terri knocked on the glass screen door. Chastity waived her inside. “Hey there. You made it!”
“David just dropped me off … I feel a little car sick though. Maybe it’s from driving around all the stuff in the roads? It might be morning sickness. Where’s your bathroom Chaz?” Terri looked a bit green.
Anne grabbed another mimosa. It was going to be a long day.
Chapter 49
John woke up like any other day, sleep deprived and anxious. Even though his dreams had subsided, his mind wandered all night to his daughter’s wedding day. Today was the day that he wouldn’t walk his own daughter down the aisle. Today was the day he was supposed to ignore one of the biggest days in his family. John dragged himself to sit at the side of the bed and laid his head in his hands.
God help me through today. My heart aches.
Andie, freshly showered, walked in from the bathroom and wrapped her hair up in a towel. She walked to the side of the bed, ruffled his hair and leaned over to kiss him on the head.
“Morning.” He mumbled.
“Morning sleepy head. Any sleep?” Andie reached into her dresser and pulled out some panties.
John shrugged his shoulders. “A little. It’s easier than it used to be, since the nightmares have stopped but…” John’s eyes lit up when he realized his wife was naked. “Even pregnant, you’re sexy as hell.”
Andie laughed in return and handed him her panties.
“Is that an offer?” He teased.
“Yeah.” She said in the sexiest voice she could muster, before laughing. “I’m suggesting you help me put them on…not take them off. I get a bit off balance being this big.”
John laughed and stood up to kiss his wife. “Now, it’s a good morning.” He said through his lips. “Even if I can’t be at my daughter’s wedding today…it’s a good day. I’ll make sure of it.”
Andie loved the way he was trying to stay upbeat. Over the last few months John had slowly transitioned out of his martyr mentality and was truly trying to move forward. It was progress, but she knew he was struggling today.
John let his hands travel from around her waist and land on her belly. He leaned down and kissed it…once on the top and once on each side of her belly. It was as round as a basketball now and to John, she couldn’t be more beautiful.
“Any day now… I can’t wait to meet you sweet baby girl.” John whispered into Andie’s navel.
“I know it’s not the same sweetheart – but you’ll be the one walking her down the aisle on her wedding day. And little Lanie will know and love her daddy. It’s not reassurance right now, but you’ve got this baby and Chastity will come around some day.”
John lifted to stand straight. “Andie, if only I could see her on her special day. I know I can’t walk her down the aisle. I would never hope for that, but to just be able to see her get married, in her dress. To be there in some way would be so special.” He sat back on the bed and reached for her to sit down next to him. John began the task of helping Andie get dressed.
“Why can’t you?”
“Can’t I what?”
“Why can’t you see her today?”
John’s head snapped around. His face was so close to hers that she could see his pupils react with excitement to the prospect.
“But I wasn’t invited and I told Jesse I’d stay away. I gave him my word. That means something to me.” He said trying to convince himself.
“You can still honor your word. You can stay away from the bride, but you’re only a plane ride away babe. And you could sneak in the back before she comes in or after she comes in…either way, no one has to see you, but you could see her. What size church is it in?”
“It’s not huge.”
“But it’s big enough you could mix in the crowd without being seen?”
“Yes, but I may be recognized.”
“Well I’m not suggesting you stay for the reception and mingle. Just go for the service and leave out a side entrance or something before it ends.”
John sat in a stupor staring at his wife. He couldn’t believe what she was suggesting.
Andie laughed and threw her head back. “Ugh men! Okay what are you waiting for? Go! Book a charter flight to get there faster.”
“You’re due any day now Andie. You’re more important to me than anything.”
Andie smiled sweetly. “I know. Listen, you work for a security company that services the top dollar clients. You can get your hands on a charter plane fast enough to quickly get there and back. This day will never come again. … GO!” she softly urged.
John jumped off the side of the bed in a panic, looking for his phone. “Okay … I will.”
“Except will you help me get dressed first? I can’t put on my socks.” Andie stuck out her bottom lip and pretended to pout. She got the reaction she’d hoped for. He burst out in laughter and helped his very pregnant wife finish dressing.
“Thank you babe.” Andie said. “Now get on the phone and get out of here. If you leave now, you’ll make it in time.”
Facing Redemption Page 22
