Faith smiled as she watched each of their faces as they stepped inside the almost-completed shop. Though not quite finished, her floors were perfect; the walls, lighting fixtures and shelving looked great. Things had come together and she was so grateful for the headaches she’d had along the way. She opened the supply/sewing room and added seating so that everyone would be comfortable for the meeting.
“Thank you so much for helping me do this. I can’t tell you how much your presence and willingness to assist means to me,” Faith said.
“We’re just doing what we’re supposed to,” Jennifer commented.
“Speak for yourself, girl. Mama told me I had to,” Patrice countered.
Everyone’s eyes were on Patrice and after hearing that remark Faith hoped her sister wasn’t up to any shenanigans today. “Really, Treecie…really?”
As Myra was getting up from her seat, Patrice chuckled. “I’m just kidding. Dang, you guys can’t take a joke.” Gesturing with her hands, she said, “Let’s get on with this. I’ve got work of my own to do.”
Faith wanted to make sure that everyone had the same vision, so it didn’t make sense to dwell on Patrice and her crazy talk. She passed out a to-do list.
“On Black Friday I will have my grand opening. I know we will be dog-tired from all those out-of-town folks coming in for Thanksgiving, so I hope this isn’t asking too much.”
Jennifer held up her hand; then Patrice swatted it.
“Girl, this is not kindergarten. Why are you raising your hand?” Patrice said to Jennifer.
“Because I’m not rude like you and wanted to let Faith know that I had something to say.” Jennifer slapped Patrice on her thigh.
Faith rolled her eyes. “Okay, Jenn, what were you about to say?”
“I was just going to say tell us what you need. We all know that Thanksgiving this year is going to be chaotic, but we’re just happy to have you home.”
Everyone chimed in with an amen.
Their support made Faith feel more confident, which gave her more energy to want to keep going and see things through. She glanced at her paper, then back at them and smiled.
“Great, I really appreciate it. I want to introduce everyone to my hostesses: Jordane, Vicki and Kim.” Faith lifted both hands and asked the girls to stand.
“They will be wearing the custom dress designs the whole day as they greet customers entering the shop.” She waved for them to come to the front.
Myra clapped her hands. “Wonderful idea, Faith, just wonderful.”
“Mom, could you decorate some pretty white baskets that will have copies of the brochure Renee is creating plus one other little trinket to be given to the shoppers?”
“Of course I will,” Myra replied.
Faith loved the ideas that she and Margaret had come up with for the girls’ hair and makeup.
“Jenn has agreed to have her best stylists do the girls’ hair for me.” Faith started pacing the floor. “Jenn and Renee will be helping the customers find things since it’s probably going to be a full house. At least that’s what I’m hoping for.”
“It will be,” Russell remarked.
“I will go over everything two hours before we open the doors, so you’ll know where things are. It’s not a large store, so we should be fine in that area. I’d want you to help the customers find things, and even to suggest things.”
“Patrice, I spoke to Mom about having some of the Good Scents products in the shop as well. Could you suggest several scents and we will keep them in stock?”
Patrice scooted forward in her chair, bent over to look at her mother. “We actually wanted to come up with a signature fragrance for your shop.”
Faith’s eyes lit up and her hand flew over her mouth. “Really! You want to do that for me? I love that suggestion.”
“Of course we do. I know it won’t be ready in time for the grand opening because we want your input, but we’ll come up with something,” Patrice said proudly.
“I’d like those scented items in the bath-and-body section,” Faith said to Patrice.
“Sure, we can do that.”
“Michael will be our official photographer for the evening. I’m not sure exactly what I want, but if you have any suggestions…”
Michael walked up to the front. “Renee, I would like to get the logo file so I can order the step-and-repeat banner to be used on the red carpet.”
“What’s a step-and-repeat banner?” Jennifer asked.
“The huge backdrop you see on TV that has whatever the name of the event and some of the sponsors’ on it repeatedly. People stand in front of it and get their picture taken as they walk the red carpet going into the event.”
“You want to do that for the opening? That sounds awesome,” Renee said.
“It sounds expensive. How much will I owe you for it?”—Faith wanted to know.
Michael kissed her lips. “You won’t owe me anything, babe. I’ll also use the banner to take photos during the opening. I think it will be a good idea for you to get pictures with as many customers as possible. I’ll bring everything for the setup and will have one of my students assist me. If you want, we can even have the pictures printed on-site if the customers want to purchase them. All proceeds would go to that charity your parents support.”
“You think of everything, don’t you?” Faith said.
“Well, I just remembered Mr. and Mrs. McClendon have been supporting Chicago Children’s Charities since we were teens.”
“Yes, and it has been fulfilling for us both,” Russell said, glancing over at Myra who was shaking her head in agreement.
“Chicago Children’s Charities help several organizations, but this year we are focusing on the Brain Injury Association of Illinois Camp Fun Zone. This camp is for Chicago-area kids who have suffered traumatic brain injuries,” Russell said.
Myra chimed in, saying, “There is nothing like it anywhere else. They will allow twenty-five children to enjoy a weekend at camp. Proceeds from this year’s New Year’s Eve Ball will be donated to them.”
Faith was so proud of her parents and of Michael. She knew in her heart that she was falling in love with him and had almost declared it the other night in the shower, and even the next morning when he’d made love to her before the sun came up.
Faith threw her arms around him and kissed him passionately. “I think I’m going to keep you.”
Faith had forgotten that she and Michael weren’t the only two people in the room, until one of her sisters cleared her throat.
“All right, you two, that’s enough,” Renee said, standing.
“Was there anything else you needed for us to do?” Margaret asked.
“Nope, that’s it for now. As long as I know you guys are here, everything will be fine.”
Patrice and their parents left while Margaret went to show the girls the dresses they would be wearing. Renee and Jennifer followed Faith to the office across the hall.
Renee popped open her laptop, spread on the table the final mock-up of the logo, brochure, ink pens and sale bags. The brilliant colors of kelly-green-and-chocolate looked so nice on everything. She was glad she’d decided to change the pink-and-black color scheme since it had been used so much at other boutiques.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve invited Lisa DeNeal, a local journalist with a Chicago online, trendy magazine, to celebrate the grand opening with us. She’s going to write an article about you and the boutique,” Renee said.
“I read her all the time,” Jennifer said.
“She brings ordinary people into the spotlight and helps them shine,” Michael said.
Renee nodded and said, “And that’s exactly why I asked her to come.”
“Oh yes, and I also have several fashion buyers who are coming as well.”
Faith hugged Renee for a while.
“I don’t know how to thank you for all the help you’ve given me.”
“Well, I told you I’m not going to charge you. But you could design a dress for me for the New Year’s Eve Ball.” She laughed.
“Of course, it would be my pleasure. Have you seen anything you like?”
Faith could see the excitement in her sister’s eyes, and she was honored to create the gown for Renee. She knew how important this year’s ball would be to her since their parents were allowing her to chair it.
There was no doubt that the McClendon girls were doing great things. Faith was just happy she had an opportunity, as Margaret would say, “to use her gift”.
Chapter Eighteen
For the last several days Michael had been thinking heavily about his future. He had a successful business, good health and he’d finally told Faith that he loved her. He couldn’t have asked for a better life, but there was still one thing missing…a wife.
Being with Faith physically connected them on a whole new level. There were no words that could describe how happy she made him feel when they were together. He wanted to make Faith his wife, but she hadn’t declared her love for him. At least not out loud.
In his heart he knew that she loved him, but there was something that seemed to hold her back from letting him all the way in. Of course, Faith seemed happy and they had lots of fun together, but there were times in which he saw the faraway look in her eyes and Michael had a feeling it was because of Kevin Harrington.
The last thing he wanted was for her to come into their marriage with preconceived notions that it would end up being like her first one. Faith had been hurt, that was a fact, but Michael hadn’t realized how much until she refused to open up to him.
Before Michael purchased the ring, he wanted to talk to Myra and Russell to let them know his intentions and maybe get some insight from them, even though she said she was all right. Maybe they’d be willing to share their feelings about her past marriage.
Thoughts about buying an engagement ring reminded Michael of a promise he’d made Faith a long time ago when they had their pretend wedding. He’d given her a lightweight gold-metal ring one sunny afternoon. Michael thought he remembered running across in his room the one she’d given him, so he went there in search of it. He opened the right top drawer of his dresser and sifted through the folded T-shirts and undergarments stored there.
With no luck, Michael went to the left side and, finally, he stumbled upon the velvet pouch. He removed it from the drawer and took it over to the bed, loosening the knot of the tie. Opening his left hand, he turned the little blue bag upside down and the gold ring fell out, onto his palm. Michael picked it up, admiring the ring in remembrance of the declaration of love he’d spoken to Faith the first time. He’d also promised her a real ring one day, and Michael wanted to keep his word.
Staring at the gold band kept him thinking that he should make a move sooner rather than later, but he still wanted to talk to her parents. Michael removed his phone from his jeans pocket, dialed Russell’s number and asked if he and his wife would speak to him at their house. They made arrangements for Michael to be there within the hour.
Michael pulled the collar on his brown-leather coat up around his neck to fend off the wind that was whipping around him as he stood on the porch of the McClendon home. He took a deep breath before punching the circle next to the front door’s frame. The conversation he was about to have with Faith’s parents would be crucial to Faith and his future.
Myra greeted him at the door. “Michael, come on in,” she said, stepping behind the opened door to allow him to enter. “Russell is in the family room,” Myra said, closing the door behind him, leading the way.
Michael had some anxiety about talking to the McClendons about Faith’s personal life, but it was the only thing he could think of to get to the bottom of her inner turmoil.
Wiping his hands against his jean-clad legs as he walked behind Myra to the basement. He closed and opened his palms quickly to release the tension that had suddenly found its way there.
Michael shook Russell’s hand and then took a seat on one end of the sectional sofa. He didn’t know how to begin the conversation, so for the first few seconds there was silence.
“Is everything all right, son?” Russell asked, leaning forward in his seat.
Michael needed to just come out and ask so he wouldn’t scare them to death. “Yes, sir, everything is fine.”
“So, what would you like to talk to us about?” Myra asked sitting next to her husband with her hands clasped together in her lap, giving him a genuine smile.
Michael appreciated Myra for making things easier for him with her pleasant attitude. He slid forward to the edge of his seat, resting his elbows on his knees, lacing his fingers together. “Well, I wanted to speak to you about Faith.”
Russell’s brows furrowed. “What about her?”
“Is she okay? Did something happen?” Myra asked, her voice shaking as she spoke.
Michael waved quickly to calm her down. “Oh no no. Nothing happened.”
“Well, what is it then?” Russell asked curtly.
“I wanted you both to know that I love your daughter very much and there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her.”
They both smiled. “We know that, Michael. You’ve always been a good friend to Faith,” Myra said.
Michael smiled, his anxiety fading slowly after their positive responses, so he pushed on.
“I love Faith with all my heart. I want to take care of her, let her know that she has nothing to be afraid of because I will always protect her—”
Russell cleared his throat, interrupting his words, so Michael started again, “One day, I would like for her to be my wife.”
With a sincere heart, Michael told Russell and Myra the truth, even though Russell continued to wear a scowl on his face. Michael couldn’t blame him for being protective of his daughter—he would probably do the same thing for his own.
Russell leaned forward. “Why do you want to marry Faith? Do you think she needs saving?”
Myra tapped her husband’s thigh and Russell gave her a sidelong glance in return.
“No, Myra, I’m serious. I gave my blessing to that other knucklehead and he broke my baby’s heart. I promised myself I wouldn’t do that again.”
“But—” Myra raised her voice, trying to get a word in.
But Russell continued his rant, “Michael, listen, you’re a good fellow, but I have to tell you how I truly feel. If you hadn’t come to us first, then I wouldn’t have anything to say because my daughter is grown. But you did,” he said, moving his finger between his wife and him.
Michael watched as Myra gently rested her hand on her husband’s thigh to calm him before bringing her attention back to Michael.
“Michael, Russell isn’t upset with you, sweetheart. We really appreciate you respectfully coming by to talk to us. Faith is a grown woman, so she can make up her own mind.”
Michael nodded. “Yes, I know, but there is just one problem.”
“What is that?” Myra and Russell asked in unison.
Michael stood, his palms sweaty once again. He didn’t quite know how to broach the subject, but that was what he’d come for.
“Sometimes I feel that she’s keeping something from me. Whenever I mention Kevin, she doesn’t want to talk about him. I want to help her heal, but if she won’t let me in, then I can’t.”
Neither Myra nor Russell said anything, but their facial expressions told him a different story.
Michael slid back to his seat, resting his elbows on his thighs. He watched them silently for a moment. “Is there something I should know?”
Myra scooted closer to him, laid her hand on top of his and said, “We know that you love our daughter, but she’s been through so much in the past couple of years.” She glanced over at Russell w
ho sat quietly, so she continued, “I don’t think it’s our place to tell the intimate details of her life. We’re not sure if we even know everything because she started to shut down on us as well.”
Michael stood. “Mr. and Mrs. McClendon, I promise to do right by her. I want to grow old with her.”
Myra’s eyes sparkled with tears, but she didn’t reply.
Russell got to his feet and extended his hand to Michael. “When do you plan to talk to her?”
Michael accepted the hand, looked Russell in the eye when he answered, “As soon as possible.”
Myra jumped up and went to him. Hugging him tightly, she said, “I’m praying for you both.”
“I appreciate you taking the time to talk to me.” Michael bent down to kiss Myra’s cheek and he shook Russell’s hand one last time.
“I’ll show you out,” Myra said, walking towards the steps.
He followed her up the stairs and she opened the front door for him.
Instead of Michael moving his car, he left it parked in front of the McClendons’ home and jogged across the street to his mother’s house. When he walked into the house, he could hear gospel music playing. Maybe he should have called his mother to let her know that he was coming over, because he was sure that she didn’t hear the door when he came in. He decided to call out to her instead.
“Mom, where are you?” he said repeatedly, hoping that in between the beats she would hear him yelling out to her.
The farther into the house he got, the louder the music, so he figured she must be in the sewing room. He called out to her again and this time she answered him.
“I’m in here, son,” Margaret replied.
A McClendon Thanksgiving Page 17
