by Pat Simmons
Once his group cleared security and were situated at their gate, Landon observed Octavia as she chatted with Karyn about clothes, hair and other female topics that lost Landon’s attention.
Rossi and Levi suggested they take a walk around the terminal to kill time. Dori jumped up. “Can I go with you, daddy?”
Levi smiled and reached for her hand, but Landon hadn’t stirred. He was fine right where he was, sitting across from Octavia, but not wanting to come across as a sick puppy, he stood. As he trailed the cousins, Landon overheard Octavia telling Karyn, “Hopefully, I can do some shopping with you, but I plan to stay close to Landon, in case he needs me.”
Landon hid his smile. The woman gave him a level of strength that couldn’t be measured. It was a spiritual boost that only his heart could feel. Once they boarded their flight, Landon gave Octavia the window seat. As their plane took off, Landon closed his eyes, praying for mercy from those he’d wronged. He had tested the mothers of his children beyond what was humanly possible.
They will never forgive you…the devil taunted him.
As Landon rebuked the devil, Octavia squeezed his hand, then she whispered, “It’s going to be all right.”
Landon’s spirit stilled. She was that in tune with him. Opening his eyes, Landon faced her and linked his fingers through hers. “In Jesus’ name. I accept that.”
That gave him peace to doze until they arrived at Logan Airport. Landon stirred and was surprised to find he had a grip on Octavia’s hand. When he met her eyes, she was smiling.
“It’s going to be okay.”
Landon took a deep breath and looked around as passengers began to gather their belongings. “I have faith in God and hope in God, but that’s where it ends.” Landon shrugged. “My family may forgive me, but a scorned woman will be out for blood.”
“No woman deserves what you did, so I’ll be praying that the Lord Jesus gives you a double dose of grace,” she didn’t try to sugarcoat it.
They got off the plane and made a pit stop to the restrooms. When everyone was ready, Landon led the way to the baggage area. As he exited the terminal, Landon stumbled, but recovered when he caught sight of a small welcoming crew. Some held balloons and signs: Welcome home.
Landon had to will his feet to keep moving as his heart pounded. He did a quick head count as his grandfather stretched out his arms. The welcoming gesture was enough to make a grown man cry, but Landon didn’t as he loosened his hand from Octavia’s and walked into the embrace as if he was a boy again. Once Landon had reached puberty, he insisted on handshakes as the norm, but not today. His pride was gone. “Grandpa.”
One by one, his greeters bestowed him with hugs and kisses. Landon was living in the moment until he realized the attention was no longer on him. “Oh, I’m sorry,” he said, making introductions.
“Octavia, Rossi, Levi, Karyn and Dori, this is my grandpa Moses, my grandmother Queen, my mother, father and one of my two sisters.”
His grandfather stepped up and gave Rossi a hearty pat on the back. “I’ve heard good things about you. Thanks for being instrumental in my grandson’s life.”
Rossi squeezed his shoulder. “He’s like a brother to me.”
Landon had to ask, “Do the others know I’m here?”
His mother didn’t make eye contact with him as she answered, “Yes… it’s too soon. They want nothing to do with you. Sorry, son.”
Nodding, Landon accepted their rejection. He would need a triple dose of God’s grace.
Once everyone retrieved their luggage and secured a rental SUV, Landon gave them his parents’ address. The plan was for Rossi and the others to check in at the hotel then come to his parents’ house for refreshments.
Settling into the backseat of his father’s car, Landon thanked his parents for coming. Although they had spoken since he returned to God, they held back, expecting that the old Landon would probably surface. His sister, Zion, was snuggled next to him with her hands linked in his. No one would ever guess by her display of affection that she was five years older than him.
“You’re our son,” his father stated while his mother nodded. “We still love.”
“Your grandfather has called a family meeting in a few hours and advised everyone to be there,” his mother told him.
The family meeting, aka Miller tribunal, was usually called when there was bad news to deliver. Landon swallowed. He was it. “I expected as much. Rossi and the others will want to be there.”
“Of course.” His mother nodded, then angled her body to face him in the back. “Son, I’m glad you’re here and you’ve repented, but this hasn’t been easy for any of us. The Miller name is tainted at church, your cousin’s ex-fiancée made sure of that before and after she had the twins. Even though she no longer attends our church, the gossip resurfaces every now and then.” His mother had aged in the past few years from his ordeal. Although he was fair-skinned like his father, he received his “pretty-boy” features from his mother: long lashes, wavy hair and high cheek bones.
“The devil comes to kill, steal and destroy…” his father mumbled.
“Well, I’m glad Satan didn’t destroy you,” his mother said. “I’m praying that Brittani will come back to God before the devil causes her to die in her sins.”
“I don’t need to tell you that being a father is a privilege. Children have short memories. They take their fathers at face value, willing to remember the good while forgetting the bad. You can still have a place in their life,” his father stated as they pulled up in front of their Roxbury home. For once, Landon didn’t question his father’s counsel, but accepted it.
As they waited for the others to arrive, Landon was the center of attention, but not as the boastful man he once was as he shamefully disclosed all the misfortune that befell him. There were a few sniffs. He decided to wait to tell more once the others arrived. Some would be glad to see him, but probably only because they wanted to hear what lie he would spin this time. He sighed. His reputation truly preceded him.
“Even though I disowned you, I never wanted you to be homeless.” His father choked back his emotions.
“Have you reconsidered moving back here? You’ll have a place to stay until you get back on your feet,” his grandfather said, then offered his home.
He wasn’t ready for a big move just yet. “Thanks, but I have a place to stay at the men’s transitional shelter. I’m working at Walgreens in the evenings and at Rossi’s office during the day to earn enough money for three months’ rent. Octavia is going to help me find a one bedroom or a studio. Rossi keeps me busy with real projects for his firm in between assignments while I wait for something full time.”
“Do you need help?” his sister asked.
Landon smiled and pulled his sister into a hug. “I got it.”
Soon, his grandfather led them in prayer. Landon had always taken moments like this for granted. He was always a spectator when the family prayed. Now his spirit rejoiced as he lifted his voice in praise and petitions. Before long, God filled the room and began to speak to them, filling their mouths with His heavenly tongues.
When the final Amen was whispered, everyone was wiping their eyes, including Landon.
“Well,” his mother said, smiling, “I feel better. I’d better warm up the food before more family and your guests arrive.”
His grandfather held him back while the others went into the kitchen to help. “I’m not one to mince words. I know Jesus has redeemed you, but the devil doesn’t like to let go and give back, so I have to ask about Octavia. She’s very pretty. Are you using her, and I’m saying this delicately?”
“No, sir. I’m not.” Landon felt so good to confess that. “I love her.”
“I see. You’re going to have to work extra hard for her.” Moses gave him a stern look.
“I know.”
“Good. Remember, second chances are never promised or guaranteed.”
Chapter 23
Landon’s family was nothing l
ike Octavia had expected. From the moment she and Rossi’s family entered the house to a crowded room of at least thirty-plus onlookers, they were received with pleasant greetings and a couple of hugs
She came prepared for chaos, but the atmosphere was jovial. Many seemed genuinely glad to see Landon—or perhaps they wanted to see evidence of his tattered life. Before long, they had an impromptu church service with testimonies of God’s goodness and songs of praise.
Octavia said, “I know we’ve all shared testimonies, but there is one more thing I would like to say.” Landon’s grandfather consented, so Octavia proceeded while Landon eyed her with a curious expression. Octavia began to perspire as a hush swept through the room. “Thank you everyone for a warm reception.” Deep breath, she coaxed herself. “I don’t know the Landon Thomas that lived here, but I do know the one who lives in St. Louis. He’s a good man who has allowed God’s Word to take root in his heart. You may not recognize the new man, but I can’t see any remnants of what he says he used to be. Please pray for him.”
A few mumbled, “Amen.”
His grandfather quickly filled the lull. “Minister Tolliver, do you mind sharing a scripture.”
“Of course.” Rossi cleared his throat and stood. “God has laid it on my heart to remind us of Christ’s love for the church in Colossians 1:13–14: ‘For He rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.’ I can’t leave here today without commenting on the reception you all have given Landon who has become like a brother to me.” He paused and looked at his cousin. “Sorry, Levi.”
“No harm done.” Levi smirked as everyone laughed.
“We were all born and shaped in sin, but Jesus rescued us. When we live in darkness, Jesus is the light to rescue us…” Rossi said, summing up his sermon minutes after he began. “Landon’s in God’s hands in St. Louis. You all have my word that we’ll have his back and the assurance that God will supply his every need, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
“Amen,” some mumbled; others shouted and clapped.
As Octavia and the others prepared to leave, Landon grabbed her hand and pulled her to the side.
“Thank you for all the things you said about me, especially the part about me being a good man.” He bowed his head, then looked at her again. “I’ve never been a good man, and to hear someone say I am…you make me want to live up to your and God’s expectations.”
“Landon, have you forgotten the scripture about being tried by fire?”
“No, I haven’t forgotten. It’s in 1 Peter 1, and I’ve been singed.”
She couldn’t resist reaching up and touching his jaw to see if it was as smooth as it looked. Landon captured her hand with his. “I have no right to say this, but I love you, Octavia Winston.”
The soulful gaze in Landon’s eyes made Octavia want to cry. His profession tempted her to make a similar declaration, but not yet. She couldn’t, and Landon seemed to understand it.
“I guess I’d better let you go. I’m bracing for drama when I meet with the mothers of my children tomorrow. I’m having second thoughts about you coming.”
Too bad, she thought as she planted a fist on her hip. “Dear Landon Thomas, this is why Minister Rossi, Levi and Karyn, and I came. Those mothers especially need to see you’ve changed if you want to have a relationship with your children.” She paused. “Do you want a relationship?” She searched his eyes, looking for the truth.
“Yes, I do.”
She exhaled. Whether he knew it or not, his answer was the best way to show her his capability to love her. “Good night.” When she turned around, Octavia hadn’t realized she and Landon had been the center of attention. She blushed.
“We’ll be here tomorrow afternoon, bro, to pick you up. Tomorrow is your test,” Rossi said as everyone was going out the door.
“Please come early enough for breakfast or brunch,” Mrs. Thomas said.
Rossi graciously declined. “Some devils are bound by fasting and praying, so another time?”
“Of course!” Landon’s mother said, and his father suggested they all fast and pray the next day.
The family members who were still there nodded. “Consider it done.” Their willingness to fast impressed Octavia. When it came to walking as a Christian, her pastor taught her that fasting and prayer worked together for their good.
Back in the rental SUV, Octavia retreated to her own thoughts, which was a rewind of how Landon looked at her when he said he loved her. His words were so heartfelt that they over-powered her senses. In the back of her mind, a tiny voice questioned if he had ever told another woman that.
No, she didn’t want doubt to creep in. If he had, then that had been the “old” Landon. Still, her parents didn’t rear foolish women. She lived in the Show-Me-State of Missouri, and she was forming a list when they made it back to St. Louis for him to show her.
Chapter 24
The aroma of bacon, eggs and pancakes was absent in Landon’s childhood home on Saturday morning. The only scent Landon sniffed was his shower gel. “Lord, get me through this day—physically and spiritually. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Landon continued to pray after he dressed, and once he was ready, he picked up his Bible to fortify himself with scriptures until his St. Louis cartel arrived, minus Karyn and her daughter who hit the stores in downtown Boston.
His grandparents had arrived at the same time as Rossi and the others. After anointing everyone’s forehead with Holy oil, his father led a short prayer before sending them off with the old saying, Godspeed.
“So, which house are we hitting first?” Levi asked in the driver’s seat as he slipped on sunglasses.
Octavia gasped from her spot next to Landon in the backseat. “Brother Tolliver, that sounds callous, as if we’re going to drug houses or something.”
Rossi agreed while Landon kept his thoughts to himself. He had Octavia’s hand secured in his. It felt good to have an intimacy with a woman that wasn’t physical. Clearing his head, he focused on the task before him. His friends didn’t know it, but they were about to cross into dangerous territory. Landon had used these women and tossed them aside. His innocent children suffered…. He wasn’t going to rehash that.
I am no longer that man, Satan!
When Octavia covered his fist with her soft hand, he relaxed. “Brittani’s.” He sighed.
As they drove throughout the city, Landon wasn’t inclined to be their tour guide and point out all the historic landmarks of his beloved Beantown. As Levi followed the GPS, Landon’s heart pounded when the navigator said, “You have reached your destination.”
Landon closed his eyes and took a deep breath before opening his door. He had been missing in action even before he left Boston. When he had contacted the mothers of his four children earlier in the week, he got mixed responses, which was a heads-up to brace for some drama. “Maybe you all should wait in the car—”
“No!” they said in unison.
“Okay,” he conceded.
“Although this is a private matter, from what you told me about Brittani, she may be civil in front of guests,” Rossi suggested.
Landon didn’t argue as they climbed the steps to her home. He felt like he was part of a team of Jehovah’s Witnesses about to knock on her door, but they were coming in Jesus’ name. When Brittani opened the door wearing a white midriff shirt and tight jeans, he was glad for their presence. Wasn’t this woman engaged? He frowned.
She peeped around him. “I thought you were coming alone.”
“I never said that.”
Twisting her lips, Brittani stepped back and half-heartedly allowed them entrance. Landon watched as Brittani eyed Octavia. “Have a seat in here.” She pointed to a room that was tidy, even with toys stacked in the corner. “I was about to change.”
Mmm-hmm, Landon thought. He paced the room, nervous to see his sons for the first time since their first bir
thday party, which Landon had received an invite to the day before. He took the blame that he hadn’t been more involved. Landon should have gone head to head with Brittani, but with everything else going on in the family—that he was to blame—he had picked his battles.
Would Benson and Bryan remember him? Landon stopped in his tracks. Why was the house so quiet? Were the twins even there? His nostrils flared until he caught glimpse of a small photo on an end table. As if he was a military drone locked on its target, Landon walked over to it and picked up the photo: his sons. He strained his mind, wondering if he would be able to tell them apart after all this time.
“They’re cute,” Octavia said, coming to his side while Rossi and Levi remained seated.
He grinned. “Thanks. Carbon copies of me as a boy.” Landon couldn’t deny they were his.
Brittani reappeared and indeed, she had changed into something more presentable—clothes that covered her chest and stomach, and pants that allowed her to breathe.
At the same time, keys jingled and the front door opened. A tall man walked into the room and looked at each guest before focusing on Landon. Brittani looped her arm through the man’s, identifying him as her fiancé Charles.
“Sorry, I’m late, babe.” Charles kissed her on the cheek. “I meant to get here before your guests.”
Landon shook Charles’s hand, introducing himself and the others. With the pleasantries out of the way, Landon asked, “Where are my sons?”
“The proud papa returns.” Brittani snorted, then humphed. “They’re taking a nap. Chill. You’ve waited this long, you can wait a while longer.”
“Landon, do you mind if you, Brittani and I speak in private?” Charles waited for Landon to agree before steering them across the hall into the kitchen. Her fiancé seemed like an okay guy. Landon hoped Brittani would appreciate him. “Knowing the boys, they won’t stay asleep long.” He chuckled.
