Bayou Judgment

by Robin Caroll

  Felicia lifted a handkerchief to her eyes. Spencer noticed CoCo and several other ladies doing the same thing. He had to continue.

  “He attacked the killer. Tried to strangle him. Wanted to kill him. But he didn’t. The police arrested him. He pled guilty and went to prison.”

  Emotions clogged his throat. Lifting the goblet, he took a big sip. He set it back on the podium, then dipped his fingers into the grape juice. Over his heart, he wiped his fingers. Purple spread over the white cotton. Even the children’s stares focused on him.

  “He had sin staining his heart. The sin of violence. The sin of wanting to murder. The sin of not loving others as Jesus loved the church.”

  He continued to dip his fingers in the goblet and smear streaks of purple across his shirt. The fabric clung to his skin, the cool dampness spreading across his chest.

  “But in prison, God met the man. God put a call on his life to follow Him. The man accepted Jesus into his heart on the cold concrete floor of a twelve-by-twelve cell.”

  Slipping his hand into his pocket, he withdrew a small packet and tore it open. “He confessed his sins to God and asked for forgiveness.”

  He pulled the stain remover wet sheet free from the packet. “Now, some may say that this man in prison for a violent crime couldn’t be forgiven. Couldn’t be used by God. But here’s the neat thing…” Spencer dabbed at the stain with the wet sheet. “See, God doesn’t judge a man by his past actions. First Kings eight, verse thirty-nine says, ‘Forgive and act; deal with each man according to all he does, since you know his heart (for you alone know the hearts of all men).’”

  The grape juice disappeared as Spencer continued to cover the area with the wet sheet. “God saw into the man’s heart. Saw that he truly was sorry for his sin and repented. God saw a heart made pure again by the blood of Jesus Christ.”

  The stain gone, Spencer balled up the wet sheet and shoved it into his pocket. “God saw a man he could use.”

  He gazed over his congregation and realized he’d made his point. Now it was in God’s hands.

  “That man was me.”

  Sniffling surrounded her. Felicia glanced around. Almost all the women blotted their eyes daintily so their makeup wouldn’t run. The men swallowed hard.

  Spence continued his story, telling of his time in prison and the results of his first congregational confession. Members nodded as he spoke.

  “I finally have learned that God forgives us the minute we ask, if we truly have repented. We don’t need to punish ourselves, beat ourselves up or try for some earthly atonement.”

  A couple in the back said a hearty “amen.”

  Spence smiled. “I learned if He can use me, He can use anybody.” He pointed toward the church members. “He can use every one of you, every experience you’ve ever had—whether you think it’s bad or not, for His will.”

  This time, more people hollered out “amen.”

  Felicia thought her heart might burst, so much love and pride filled her. But also, she felt her load had been lightened by Spence’s heartfelt words. She wouldn’t have to carry around guilt with her for the rest of her life. All she had to do was give it to God.

  As the organist moved into a popular hymn, Felicia bowed her head and left her burdens at the foot of the throne.

  TWENTY-FOUR

  Tangled nerves sprang in her stomach like a bungee cord.

  “You look beautiful.” CoCo carefully turned her to face the mirror. “Happy Fat Tuesday, Fels.”

  Although she’d be given clearance by her doctor to put weight on her leg, Felicia took extra care with her movements. She used her cane to balance and then met her reflection in the glass. Her breath caught. “That’s m-me?”

  Tara laughed, full and throaty. “Who else would it be, silly?”

  The two LeBlanc sisters had definitely worked wonders.

  “You have such an amazing complexion,” CoCo commented as she tickled Felicia’s nose with the powder brush. “I wish my skin was as fair.”

  “Stay out of the sun,” Tara retorted.

  CoCo stuck her tongue out at her little sister and fiddled with Felicia’s hair. How’d they gotten all the Mardi Gras beads to stay put in her baby-fine hair, Felicia would never know.

  “Being in that airboat all day long is turning your skin to leather,” Tara continued. “You’re gonna look like tanned hide at your wedding.”

  Felicia smiled, enjoying their banter.

  “Oh, put a lid on it.” CoCo helped Felicia move from behind the vanity. “Let’s get you into the dress. I can’t wait to see it on.”

  “Tara, I can’t thank you enough for letting me borrow it on such short notice.”

  The youngest LeBlanc waved away Felicia’s gratitude. “I wasn’t wearing it, anyway.” She spun around in the room, her skirt filling as she moved. “I still can’t believe I found this one on sale. It’s perfect.”

  Felicia couldn’t argue. The gold lamé clung to Tara’s body before dipping into a full floor-length hem from the waist. “You are a vision, Tara LeBlanc.”

  Tara giggled and grabbed the dress from the hanger on the back of the bathroom door. “Let’s see how this one looks on you.”

  The sisters gathered the full skirt and helped Felicia step inside. CoCo drew it up and secured the back. It felt as if it’d been made for Felicia. She faced the women. “How do I look?”

  “Oh, my.” CoCo pressed her hand to her chest.

  “What?” Felicia’s heart thudded. Did it not fit? Did it look bad on her slight frame?

  “You’re a knockout,” Tara proclaimed and moved from in front of the mirror.

  Felicia couldn’t breathe. The purple sequin sash draped over one shoulder, swathed to the waist. The other shoulder remained bare. Green seed pearls decorated the bodice to meet a dropped waist, then the taffeta material flowed down to a straight skirt.

  “I can’t believe that’s me.”

  “Oh, you’d better believe it,” Tara announced.

  “Wait until your mother sees you. She’ll be delighted at how stunning you are.” CoCo adjusted the shoulder strap.

  Felicia smiled at her friend. “I don’t know how you managed to get your grandmother to pick her up for the ball, but I’m very appreciative. She’d have been hovering, and I couldn’t have enjoyed my time with y’all.”

  CoCo squeezed her in a quick hug. “I just asked Grandmère to occupy Hattie while we got ready here. Simple.” She smiled at Felicia in the mirror. “And look how scrumptious you are.”

  “Spence is gonna have his world rocked tonight, baby!”

  “Tara, don’t be crass,” CoCo chastised.

  “Well, he is.”

  A knock sounded on Felicia’s bedroom door. “Ladies?”

  “Just a minute,” CoCo answered Luc. She grabbed her mask and affixed it over her face. Her purple satin evening gown swished as she crossed the room and opened the door.

  Luc’s eyes darkened with love as he stared at his bride-to-be. “Aren’t you a vision of loveliness?” He planted a kiss on her temple. “I’m scared I’ll muss you.”

  “She needs to be mussed. Anyone who has curls like that deserves being mussed up.” Tara practically floated to the door. “For those of us with straight hair, it’s poetic justice.”

  Luc laughed. “But you’re looking quite beautiful as well, Tara. I’ll be the envy of every man at the ball with you two beautiful ladies on my arm.”

  “One man will give you a run for your money in the envy-meter department.” CoCo tilted her head.

  “Yeah? Who?”

  “Spencer Bertrand.” Tara swooshed out of the way so Luc could see Felicia.

  His mouth hung open. “Oh, Boo…you’re so beautiful.”

  Heat fanned Felicia’s face as she smiled. “You’re my brother. Of course, you’re supposed to think that.”

  Luc shook his head, mouth still gaping. “It’s the truth. Good thing your heart’s already gone, or I’d have to carry a stick to bea
t off all the young men tonight.”

  Felicia giggled. “How you do go on.”

  CoCo nudged her fiancé. “Close your mouth—you’re gonna catch flies.”

  A knock sounded at the front door.

  “I’ll get that.” Luc strode down the hall of the LeBlanc home.

  “That’ll be Spence.” The bungee cord in Felicia’s stomach sprang loose. Why was she so nervous?

  CoCo laid a hand on Felicia’s bare shoulder. “Don’t be nervous. You’re beautiful, you’re going out with the man you love and you’ll have a wonderful time.” She helped Felicia with her mask, straightening the purple and green feathers.

  Felicia gave a curt nod. CoCo squeezed her shoulder again before leaving the room.

  After straightening her own mask, Tara faced Felicia. “Look, I’ve seen the goofy look of love on both Luc’s and Jackson’s faces when they were with my sisters. Spence has the identical expression when he looks at you.”

  Words wouldn’t form.

  “He loves you, just like you love him. Stop worrying.”

  “I’m not so sure.”

  Tara cocked her eyebrow and hip. “Trust me. I know these things. Spencer Bertrand is as in love with you as Luc is with CoCo.”

  “Felicia?” CoCo yelled from the living room.

  “Guess it’s time, yes?” Felicia grabbed her cane.

  “Knock his socks off, girl.”

  Oh, my, I’m a goner.

  Spencer’s heart twisted into a pretzel. Felicia glided into the room, looking so serene and beautiful, as if she belonged atop a wedding cake. His knees turned to mush.

  Head down but an inch, she gazed up at him through lowered lashes. “Good evening, Spence. Happy Fat Tuesday.”

  This woman before him…this dream of purity and hope, left him speechless. He fought to form words, but cotton had taken up residence in the back of his throat.

  Luc’s laughter, followed by a hand clap on his shoulder, broke the moment. “Steals your breath, huh?”

  Like some little boy with a crush, Spencer couldn’t take his eyes off of Felicia. He nodded, not trusting himself to try to speak.

  Then she smiled at him.

  His world tilted on its axis. “You…you’re beautiful. Words don’t do you justice.”

  Pink decorated her cheeks just below the eye-area mask. “You look mighty dashing yourself, Pastor Bertrand.”

  He extended his arm. “Shall we?”

  Her gloved hand tucked inside his elbow. Using her cane, she smiled at her brother and CoCo. “See y’all there, yes?”

  “We’re right behind you,” Luc said.

  “Tara!” CoCo yelled.

  Spencer paid them no mind. All he could think about was the woman on his arm. His lady. Well, he’d sure try to make her his. Forever.

  For once, the weather smiled down on Lagniappe. Stars adorned the clear sky, twinkling like glass squares on a disco ball. The full moon filled the night with light beams. Even the air felt cooler, cleaner.

  He sat her in the passenger side of the truck before rushing around to slip behind the wheel. He found himself forcing to keep his focus on the road. “So, uh, what time does Luc’s band play?”

  “He didn’t say for sure.” She fiddled with the silver handle of her cane.

  “That’s, uh, a beautiful dress.”

  Her smile lit up the vehicle’s cabin. “Thank you. Tara let me borrow it.”

  “You look much better in it than Tara ever could.”

  She laughed, the tinny sound causing his heart to somersault.

  All too soon they parked at the community center. Ornate Mardi Gras masks hung on the double doors. Little strings of purple, green and gold lights illuminated the walkway. Spencer escorted Felicia to the door, treating her as if she was priceless.

  Wasn’t she?

  Zydeco music squeezed into every corner of the large building. The aroma of spices from all the dishes lining the long buffet mingled together to make mouths water. Dresses swished as couples executed the Virginia reel. Every woman wore a mask—some covering their whole faces, some just between brow and cheekbone.

  Spencer leaned so his mouth was at Felicia’s ear. “Would you like some punch?”

  She shook her head and smiled. “I’m fine now, merci.”

  Several members of his congregation rushed forward to shake his hand in greeting. Other community members addressed him and Felicia both. The feeling of belonging nearly overwhelmed him. Finally.

  Thank You, Father.

  “Would you like to go out onto the veranda?”

  Felicia nodded, flashing him her shy smile. He led her through the throng of people to the side French doors. The veranda’s rails were decorated with strings of lights shaped like Mardi Gras masks. A nip hung in the air. Gentle breezes whispered sweet promises.

  “Would you care to sit?” He pulled out one of the chairs draped in gold material.

  “I’d really rather gaze out over the bayou, if you don’t mind.” She leaned against the rail.

  His heart would explode if he didn’t act. No time like the present. He sure wouldn’t get a more opportune moment. Even the moon complied, reflecting off the bayou and shimmering like a teardrop solitaire. He drew in a deep breath. “Felicia, there’s something I need to tell you.”

  She shifted ever so slightly, so that their bodies were parallel, and removed her mask. “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m going crazy.” He took her free hand in his.

  Confusion skidded across her face.

  “Because I love you, sha.”

  Her big blue eyes blinked. Once. Twice. Then they filled with moisture.

  His heart sputtered, and he held her hand tighter. “I love you with everything I am, every part of me. If you’ll have me, I’m yours.”

  Tears streaked down her face. She leaned her cane against the rail and lifted her hand to cup his face. “Oh, Spence.”

  His heart threatened to pound right out of his chest. He lowered his head and kissed her. Softly, gently. He wound their joined hands between them as he kissed her with all the love in his heart.

  She broke off the kiss.

  Spencer froze. Did she not want his love? Maybe he shouldn’t have just blurted out his feelings without having talked with her first. Doubts circled his heart like a gator after a crane.

  “Do you know how long I’ve wanted to hear you say that?” Her voice quivered. “How I’ve prayed you’d say those words to me? But never in my dreams was it put as poetically as you just did.”

  Hope flared in his chest.

  “Spence, I love you with everything I am, every part of me.” She sniffed. “If you’ll have me, I’m yours.”

  He could almost hear his heart singing. His words, her voice…He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in for another kiss.

  A kiss that’d last a lifetime.

  EPILOGUE

  April

  Could someone explode from pure happiness? Felicia didn’t know for sure, but if it were possible, she’d be a prime candidate.

  The spring breeze danced across the backyard of the Trahan home, carrying the sweet scent of azalea and honeysuckle on its wings. The sun had already begun its descent and soon would melt behind the tree line of the bayou. Crickets and cicadas chirped in harmony.

  Beautiful bouquets of magnolia blossoms draped from the end chair on each row, fastened with white satin ribbons. A white runner down the middle of the rows boasted a trim of gold on the edges. At the end of the runner stood a gazebo, especially constructed for this happy event. White latticework covered the back, and English ivy had been threaded throughout the intricate design. Large boughs of magnolia blooms and leaves decorated the top of the arch.

  Felicia stared out the window as people took their seats in the white chairs. She gripped the handle of the flower bouquet and turned to face the women in the room.

  Tara, looking absolutely breathtaking in the yellow dress that perfectly contrasted with her tanned
skin, lifted a veil. Alyssa, who had recently eloped with Jackson Devereaux, looked positively radiant in her matching yellow dress. She helped her younger sister settle the veil with pouffy netting on CoCo’s crown.

  Mrs. LeBlanc mopped at her eyes. “You look so much like Mother LeBlanc, your grand-père’s mother.”

  Sitting at a brass vanity, CoCo smiled at her grandmother through the mirror.

  The older woman planted a whisper of a kiss against CoCo’s cheek. “You’re darling, ma chérie. I wish your parents could be here.”

  CoCo grabbed her grandmother’s hand. “In my heart, they are here.”

  Mrs. LeBlanc patted CoCo’s shoulder before heading to the door. “Time for me to take my place. I’ll see you outside.”

  Felicia lifted the hem of her own sunshine dress and stood behind the LeBlanc sisters. Her eyes met CoCo’s in the reflection. “I just wanted to tell you now, before it all gets hectic, how incredibly happy I am to have you as a sister.” She blinked back tears and included Alyssa and Tara in her warm gaze. “And I thank you both for sharing this wonderful woman with me and my family.”

  CoCo joined her grandmother in blotting her eyes while fanning herself with her hands. “Oh, shush now. You’re gonna make me cry and make a big mess of my makeup. What’ll your brother think if I walk down the aisle looking like I have two black eyes?”

  Tara and Alyssa laughed, but not Felicia. She dabbed at her own tears. “He’ll think he’s the luckiest man in Lagniappe. And he’ll be right.”

  CoCo stood and moved from the vanity. She gave Felicia a side hug, then pulled her sisters into the embrace. “I’m so blessed to have each of you in my life.”

  Each woman hugged tighter. No words were said. None were needed.

  A knock rapped against the door. “Everybody decent?”

  Tara replied with an “as decent as we can be” before Jackson stuck his head inside. “Hey, ladies. It’s about time to get this show on the road.”

  Alyssa scooted her new husband out the door. “Give us a second. We’ll be out in just a minute.”

  He waggled his eyebrows at his bride. “Sixty seconds, and if you aren’t out in the hall lining up, I’m coming in after y’all.”