by Pat Simmons
“I know.” Closing her eyes, Tabitha bobbed her head, feeling worse.
“You may be the middle child, but you can be the leader. Christ wants us to be the example. I didn’t hear everything that was said, but I heard enough to know that it was your frustration talking, and your sisters didn’t recognize it.”
Although he was right, she didn’t want to ruin her evening with bad thoughts. “Can we get back to us?” She smiled, hoping it would distract him. It didn’t.
“Most definitely, but when I take you home tonight, there will be no goodbye kiss.” He frowned, not looking happy about his declaration. “I think we should end the night with prayer.”
“Why can’t we have both?” She tried not to pout, but she would follow his lead without complaining. Isn’t this what every woman wanted—a man who took his spiritual commitment seriously?
When their evening ended outside her front door, Marcus stared into her eyes with love shining like stars. Cupping her hands, he stepped closer. Tabitha’s lids fluttered, thinking he changed his mind about their kiss as his lips moved closer to hers.
“Lord, in the name of Jesus,” his breath tickled her lips, “we stand before Your altar in need of Your guidance and mercy for whatever sins we have committed against you. Jesus, please mend broken hearts. Tabitha needs her sisters, and they need her. Satan, I rebuke you for the division you caused. God has redeemed Tabitha, and she’s taking back the joy you stole from her.”
The more Marcus prayed, the more tears cleansed her soul. When he finished, God gave her His Word.
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away. Be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as I have forgiven you, God whispered Ephesians 4:31–32, and she repeated it to him.
“So God has spoken to you.” He glanced away. “This isn’t easy for me, girlfriend, I wanted to kiss you the first day we met. Your lips were that tempting.” His nostrils flared with frustration. “Get it done, sweetheart, so I can get a goodnight kiss.” With that, he walked off her porch to the limo and didn’t look back.
Chapter 29
S
unday afternoon, Tabitha reflected on Pastor Nelson’s morning sermon from Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. “We all have a purpose in this life. If you don’t know what it is and you’re a Christian, shame on you. God’s will is perfection in our spiritual lives. Whatever is holding you back from doing something the Lord told you to do,” he wagged his finger, “don’t be afraid to do it in Jesus’ name.”
Two weeks was a long time to be angry with flesh and blood. Saying I’m sorry isn’t cowardly, she coaxed herself. Tabitha exhaled as she situated her laptop between her and Aunt Tweet, then signed into her Skype account. She connected with Rachel first. Tabitha suspected her baby sister had been going through Marcus’ brother for updates. To Tabitha’s fault, she had been too busy in her own world to ask Rachel to define her relationship with Demetrius.
“Hey, sis. Hi, Aunt Tweet.” Rachel smiled like there had been no lost time, then waved. “’Bout time you called.”
Here we go. Tabitha wanted to remind her baby sister she could have called too, but she wasn’t the one who lost control. She regretted snapping like that. Next, she added Kym to the chat.
“Well, hello,” Kym said, giving no hint of her mood or state of mind.
“Hi.” Tabitha’s vision blurred. “I’m sorry for being rude and putting you out a few weeks ago.”
Kym’s laugh eased the tension. “Correction: I packed up and left on my own.”
Ouch. Ouch. “I’m so sorry,” Tabitha repeated as tears spilled from her eyes. Someone else was sniffing, and she couldn’t make out who as Aunt Tweet fussed with a napkin to dab at Tabitha’s tears as if she was a little girl again. Her aunt was still inside, no matter how faint. “I’m sorry that my outburst wasn’t the best way to display my new salvation walk with Christ.”
“If you don’t stop crying, I’ll start,” Rachel said with a shaky voice.
Kym sniffed. “It wasn’t, but I wasn’t calling you first.” She folded her arms. “You know how stubborn I am, but I love you.”
“Yes, we know,” Tabitha and Rachel said in union. Tabitha rolled her eyes.
Clearing her throat, Kym perked up and waved at Aunt Tweet. “How are you doing?” When their aunt nodded, Kym looked at Tabitha. “Judging from the glow on your face, what has your marvelous Marcus done lately? Before you tell me, I’m sure I’ll be jealous.”
“You will.” If she had known Kym would accept her apology this easily, she would have done it sooner.
Your heart wouldn’t have meant it. You have to forgive yourself in order to forgive others, the Lord whispered.
Yes, forgiveness was a good thing. She inhaled, then exhaled, exploding with happiness. “We went on our first date...” Tabitha didn’t spare one detail as she recalled their love growing steady throughout the night until it spilled over.
It felt liberating to end the call on good terms. She grabbed her phone and called Marcus.
“Hey, baby. Thinking about you. Did you speak with your sisters?”
She nodded as if he could see. “Yes, and we’re good. So, when is our next date?” She wanted her good night kiss.
“Hmm. Getting antsy, are you?” He laughed. “If it were up to me, it would be tonight, but I doubt if we could get Miss Betty at this late notice.” He paused. “I know how hectic your weeks are. How about Friday night?”
“Thursday,” she countered and ended the call, grinning.
FOUR DAYS LATER, MARCUS sat at his desk, counting down the hours before he and Tabitha went out again. He was fumbling through his mail when a small envelope caught his attention.
His heart swelled with pride as he read the invitation that Latrice was graduating from St. Louis Community College with her nursing assistant certification. Already? He remembered when she started at his company. “I wouldn’t miss the ceremony for anything.”
Demetrius strolled into the office, flexing his arm. “Sealed the MOHELA call center deal.”
“Yes! We’ll be able to add ten to fifteen people on our payroll.” Marcus stood from behind his desk and bumped his brother’s fist before wrapping him in a bear hug. They gave each other hearty claps on the back. “The good news keeps coming.” He bobbed his head.
“Oh? What else you got?” Demetrius rested his computer bag. Leaning on the desk, he crossed his arms, waiting.
“Latrice has completed her CNA certification and is graduating at the end of the month.”
His brother’s shoulders slumped. “Is that all?” He took his seat behind his desk. “I thought it was business related.”
“Changing lives is our business, which is why we started Whittington Janitorial Services, remember?”
“How can I forget?” Demetrius said slowly, then frowned. “But you took on Latrice and Victor’s situation as if you were...their caregivers. Isn’t Tabitha and her aunt enough?”
Marcus twitched his mouth. The sisters had reconciled. He didn’t want to have a falling out with his dear brother over his girlfriend. “Don’t bring my lady into this.”
“Come on, Marc.” He didn’t back down as he shortened his name, which he very seldom did. “I wonder if you think things through before you try to rescue people. You’re essentially inviting yourself into their lives and problems.”
Yeah, maybe it was their turn for a blow up. “Family shouldn’t be the only people we care about,” he snapped.
“True, but you willingly sought a relationship with her, knowing she had nothing to give you, then you fell in love with her and Aunt Tweet. In a few short months, it will be Rachel’s turn—”
Ah, now his brother’s comments were beginning to make sense. “And you don’t see yourself coming to Rachel’s rescue.”
“Not just her, any woman in that way. Whew.”
Demetrius shook his head. “I enjoy her humor and sass, but with her aunt in the picture, it’s like dating a woman with two or three kids.”
Marcus smirked. “I didn’t know it was getting that serious with you two.”
“I’m trying my best not to—you know the age difference and all.” Demetrius tapped his pen on his desk.
Amused and showing no pity for his brother’s dilemma, Marcus turned toward his computer. His chuckle turned into laughter. “Good luck, dude. I’ve learned a Knicely sister is hard to resist.”
“Watch me.” Despite winning the new account, Demetrius seemed to be in an irritated state most of the day while Marcus was in a jovial mood. Since dates, right now, were a premium as a caregiver, he wanted to make each date count.
Later that evening, Miss Betty opened Tabitha’s door and greeted him with a smile. “Hello, Marcus. Don’t you look handsome?”
“Why, thank you,” he said, then strolled toward the kitchen. In the adjacent family room, Aunt Tweet’s eyes lit up. “Hi, mister.”
“How you doing?” He took the seat next to her, squeezed her hand and kissed her cheek.
They chatted a few minutes—or rather, he listened while she rambled on about being a teacher. She had such a flair for storytelling. He wished it had worked out differently with the children. When Tabitha appeared, Aunt Tweet’s voice faded in the background as he stood.
“Hi, gorgeous.” Marcus met her halfway and wrapped her in a hug. He kissed the top of hair and tugged her toward the door. “Come on. It’s a work night, and I don’t want to have you out too late.” He winked back at Miss Betty and waved good night to Aunt Tweet, then ushered Tabitha out the door to his car.
Once she was strapped in her seatbelt, she faced him. “Where are we going?”
“Dinner” was all he would say. Neither had eaten at the Bone Fish Grill near the St. Louis Galleria Mall, so it was another first for them to experience together.
The restaurant had an understated elegance that seemed to please Tabitha. Her eyes sparkled as she looked around. Their server pampered them with attention. “What’s the occasion?” he asked.
Marcus gave her a slow appraisal, causing her to shiver, then he faced the server. “Do you see how beautiful she is? A man doesn’t need a reason.”
Speechless, their server turned red and stuttered, “I–I agree. Would you like to see our drink menu to celebrate?” He recovered with a wide grin.
“We don’t drink, so Sprite works for us.” Next, he ordered the house signature appetizer Bang-Bang Shrimp, and their meal orders.
As Brett hurried away to do their bidding, Marcus met her stare. “What?”
“You embarrassed him. You could have said there was no occasion.”
Leaning across the table, he urged her to meet him halfway. “You’re beautiful, we’re together, so I call that a special event.” He heard her suck in her breath, and his heart skipped a beat.
In no time, the server brought their appetizer. He reached across the table. Her incredibly soft hands easily distracted him. He cleared his throat, then asked for blessings over their meal. “Lord, in the name of Jesus, I thank you for my beautiful dining partner tonight. I ask that You give her peace about Aunt Tweet, so we can enjoy the evening. Please remove all the impurities from our food, fill those who are hungry with Your manna from heaven, and help us to bless them when we have the opportunity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
She whispered, “Amen” and glanced up. “Thank you for giving me peace.”
“You’re welcome. Before we feast, let’s make sure the security video is working.”
Tabitha couldn’t contain her amusement. To ease their curiosity, she slipped her phone out of her purse and tapped her home security icon. They both released audible sighs when they saw the two women were watching television.
Their Atlantic salmon and mixed vegetables arrived minutes after they devoured the Bang-Bang Shrimp. They chatted about nothing serious, refusing to talk about work. It didn’t take long before they were stuffed. Their server insisted they sample a slice of key lime pie.
“Tonight is a celebration, right?” the server reminded them.
“Bring it on.” Marcus winked at Tabitha.
Twenty minutes later, they had no regrets indulging in the scrumptious dessert.
After paying their tab, they walked out of the restaurant, holding hands. “That was nice,” she said, patting her stomach.
He wrapped his arm around her waist, and she leaned into him. “We have a quick stop to make before going home.”
“Okay.” The detour was to the Barnes & Noble bookstore in Ladue Crossing, less than six minutes away.
“We’re stopping for a book?”
“Hmm, a little browsing.” He helped her out of his car.
Marcus had called ahead to make sure the book was in stock, so he weaved in and out of sections until his foot touched the multi-colored carpet showcasing the children’s section. To his delight, they were alone.
“What’s going on?”
He chuckled and hoped she would appreciate this date idea he had found online. He spied the perfect seating arrangement in the corner. “Why don’t you make yourself comfortable over there?” He pointed.
“We’re dressed up, and you want me to sit on a bean bag?” She shot him a bewildered look.
She hesitated until he added, “Please.”
When she complied, he scanned the selection for Rachel Isadora’s The Princess and the Pea. Taking if from the shelf, he swaggered toward her, then shifted next to her, practically sitting on the floor. “Come closer,” he said in a menacing voice.
Opening the colorful thirty-two-page picture book meant for third graders or younger, Marcus cleared his throat. “Once upon a time...” Surprisingly, Tabitha didn’t interrupt, but followed along until he turned to the last page. “And the prince and princess lived happily ever after.” He closed the book and looked down at her. “You’re my princess, and tonight, you remind me of one with your hair up.”
“Thank you. That was a beautiful story,” she whispered. She touched his jaw and brushed her lips against his. “I need the escape from reality. You’re so sweet.”
He exhaled. “You didn’t think it was corny?”
She shook her head. “No, it was beautiful.”
He had succeeded in making their brief date memorable. “It might have been a fairytale, but the reality is I love you.” Getting to his feet, he helped her up. As he was about to return the book to the shelf, she stopped him. “You’re not going to buy it for me?” She pouted, and he couldn’t resist her request.
“Of course.” They walked to the checkout counter and he purchased it.
“I want it autographed,” she demanded once they were in the car.
“Seriously, you know I only read the book, I didn’t write it.” Marcus chuckled.
“But you read it to me, so that makes it personalized.” She jutted her chin.
“Yes, ma’am.” Before he started the engine, he took the book and retrieved a pen from his glove compartment and scribbled, I’m only a prince because I found my princess. He dated it, and signed, Love Marcus.
Giving it back to her, she clutched the book as if it was worth millions. If it was a sentimental moment for her, it was colossal for him. He thanked Jesus that he had done well.
When they were standing outside her front door, Tabitha wore a whimsical expression as if she were in a daze. Was his childish gimmick the highlight of her night? It wouldn’t be as Marcus gently guided her lips to his and kissed her until they both gasped for air.
Chapter 30
“I
can’t wait to meet Tabitha,” Sylvia Whittington gushed from her perch in the backseat of Marcus’ car.
Marcus had just picked up his parents from Lambert Airport for their biannual visit to St. Louis. They always reserved a week or so in August; the other was on stand-by for any other time of the year.
“You’re going to have to p
ut that on hold, hon,” his father said from the front passenger seat. “First stop, White Castle.”
“John Whittington, I can’t believe you can still stomach those onion burgers,” his mother scolded, entertaining Marcus with their light-hearted banter.
His father had a distinguished appearance with his white hair and mustache. He stood at six-three. He worked out and was in great shape to be in his late sixties. On his mother, silver never looked more elegant on a woman. She was still stunning at sixty-five with her dab of red lipstick. No other cosmetics. Their marriage was exemplary, and Marcus wanted to copy it.
Married for thirty-nine years, the couple never ceased acting like boyfriend and girlfriend. His father called his mother sweetheart so much, he and Demetrius thought that was her name when they were small. They were nurtured in a warm and loving environment. He hoped one day to marry a woman who was his friend.
Exiting off I-170, he drove the opposite direction on Natural Bridge to the closest White Castle. His father asked for the Castle Pack 9, which contained twenty sliders and four individual fries to his mother’s dismay.
Marcus didn’t butt in. His dad would consume at least half before the evening was over, maybe sharing a slider or two with his wife. If her husband hinted of a belly ache, she would dutifully pamper him back to good health.
Releasing the lazy laugh his father was known for, John turned and faced his wife. “Sweetheart, you should talk. You know you’re craving St. Louis fried rice and a St. Paul sandwich.”
Hmph. “You got that right.” She shrugged and glanced out the window. “Whew, with this St. Louis humidity, right now I’m thinking lemonade or a 7-Eleven Slurpee—something cold. Take me back to the North Carolina beaches.” She chuckled.
“I can make a stop for you now, Mom.” When she declined, he headed home. “Would you like to see where Tab—”
“Of course!” His mother cut him off.
