He coughed and then cleared his throat.
"I was a fairly decent fellow even then before I knew God. My wife would pick fights and I would walk her out and wait for her to calm down. Apparently, she wanted to spur me to violence but I was not that kind of person, so she became desperate." He paused.
Erica had her eyes closed tightly but Phoebe was whispering in her ears furiously.
"Well, she wanted me out of the way so badly that she decided that she would have me locked up on sex abuse charges. So my stepdaughter was coerced to report to the police that I had been sexually abusing her."
The church gasped and fierce whispers could be heard. He waited for them to quiet down.
He looked at Erica and saw tears in her eyes. He gulped. He had wanted to tell the bare bones of the story as emotionlessly as possible but Erica's tears were getting to him.
"So, I was picked up at work by the police, fingerprinted and herded into a cell with a bunch of criminals. The police said they had evidence. My stepdaughter was adamant that I had touched her inappropriately for years and that I had threatened her if she told anyone. Her mother, my ex-wife, suddenly recalled times when I behaved in a violent manner, threatening both of them.
"I was assigned a lawyer to fight my case but my wife had meticulously planned my demise. She had emptied our joint account, prepared divorce papers and had found some legal loophole to strip me of ownership of our house.
"My family stopped visiting me—the few of them that I had. Even my father abandoned me. I was convinced that when I went to court to answer charges of sexual molestation of a minor that I would be exonerated…surely people could see the truth, I thought. The evidence was weak; they really had nothing to tie me to this so-called abuse, but my stepdaughter testified. She gave the performance of her life. Even to myself in that courtroom I sounded like a monster.
"The judge gave a swift and heartfelt sentence. She said she had no tolerance for people like me. I was so bewildered when I heard that I had gotten twenty years to life that my lawyer said I laughed.
"Let me tell you church," he cleared his throat. "It was rough the first two years in prison. I thought I would have lost my mind. I was innocent but everybody declares his or her innocence in prison. I was not alone in my pronouncement of innocence, but I knew, and God knew that I hadn't done anything wrong. Through those first bitter years, he was preparing me for greater blessings.
"A woman visited me in prison who told me that she was impressed to give me her Bible. It was one of those well-used Bibles from a woman who actually read it. It was marked-up with highlights that actually made it easy for me to follow related passages.
"I read the word, and one night I surrendered myself to Christ. I said to him, if you can get me out of here I will be ever so grateful. I felt within myself that I had to let go of the bitterness that I was feeling toward my wife, by now she had divorced me and had moved on with her new life.
"I was baptized on a Sunday in the prison chapel and I helped my fellow cellmates to know of Jesus for themselves. I had totally left my fate up to Christ and had stopped hoping for a miracle.
"But one day the legal aide lawyer, who had represented me in court, showed up with a grin on his face. He said, 'Mr. Wright, your stepdaughter went to the police and confessed that she was coerced by her mother to accuse you and that you were a good father to her. She confessed the whole thing.'
"I was ecstatic, but it took two months for all the legalities to be sorted out so that I could be set free, by then my reputation was in the toilet. The court system apologized but those people who have no idea about my story will forever tarnish me with the moniker of being a child molester."
Several persons were shaking their heads in pity when they heard this.
"There is one thing that I don't regret about prison though," he said grinning slightly. "I got to know the Lord, and I learned that this world and its materialism, our busy lives, and our fixation on self are also a prison if we do not set aside time to focus on something bigger than us. I am happy that I got to know Jesus before it was too late."
Shouts of Amen could be heard at this statement.
He was about to put down the microphone when he hesitantly brought it up to his mouth again; his hand trembling slightly. "I swore off women for years and wanted nothing to do with them. Understandably, I had trust issues."
He heard chuckles coming from the congregation.
He turned and looked at Erica. Her eyes were shining brightly, a pleased smile on her lips.
"But then I met a woman who loved me for myself and I intend to keep her."
Erica gasped.
"Erica Thomas, will you marry me, I love you."
"Awww," the church gasped.
Erica couldn't believe it. He was actually proposing to her in front of the entire church. She got up. Her legs were trembling and her hands shaking. "You bet I will."
Loud claps were heard and then there was a standing ovation from the church brethren. Lola came to hug her daughter first and then gave her a squeeze. "That's what the investigator heard. I guess he said it all. You have our blessing."
Erica hugged her Mom.
Caleb reached her next, a smile on his face as he embraced her tightly. "My Erica."
"My Mr. Wright," she whispered. "I love you too."
THE END
Author's Notes
Dear Reader,
THANK YOU for reading Loving Mr. Wright! If you enjoyed reading this book, PLEASE leave a review wherever you bought this e-book.
You can also check out my BOOK LIST, for other Three Rivers titles. You will also find other titles and upcoming books and their release dates.
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Continue scrolling for an excerpt from Unholy Matrimony Book 3 in the Three Rivers Series.
Thanks again. All the best,
Brenda
Keep reading for an excerpt from Unholy Matrimony.
Phoebe sat in the front pew of the church for the wedding ceremony and tried to look pleasant. Erica had not let the dust settle under her feet after Caleb had proposed to her in front of everyone at church.
Her friend had gone into a mad flurry of excitement and had started planning her wedding the same night. She had declared that she wanted a church wedding at twilight on a Saturday and that she wanted the whole church to attend. No invitations were necessary and none was given. Erica had posted the date on the notice board and a cheekily written invitation to a reception after the service.
Phoebe looked behind her; the church was packed to the hilt. In a bid to make up for insinuations they made up against Caleb, the ladies of the church had outdone themselves with the decorations. Erica had requested a chocolate and burnt orange theme with hints of gold and they had gone all out, some of them even wearing the same colors to coordinate with the theme. Even Phoebe had made an effort to coordinate her outfit and had haggled over the gold dress she was wearing with a store clerk who was reserving it for 'that rich lady Hyacinth Donahue.'
Phoebe had almost had a fit to get it. Once more she was reminded why rich people were better off than the poor masses. She had finally gotten the dress and had counted it a bittersweet victory. Once again she had vowed that one day, they would all be chasing her to buy their merchandise and she would shun them. Oh, how she would shun them.
The junior orchestra was playing as Erica glided up the isle in her mother's lace dress—on her father's arm.
She looked beautiful and so pleased that, for once, Phoebe felt a glimmer of happiness for someone who had the audacity to tie the knot before her. Her happy feeling didn't last long though as Tanya leaned toward her and whispered, "isn't she gorgeous?"
Pho
ebe nodded but her mood changed and she was gripped by a sudden onset of depression. When would she ever find a man who loved her as much as Caleb loved Erica, or even as Pastor Theo loved Kelly?
Theo and Kelly were sitting at the end of the same pew she was in. Kelly was beaming, her hair was tied up in an elaborate chignon and she was dressed in a chocolate brown dress with a sprig of orange flower in the bodice—Theo was holding her hand as if they were newly weds.
Phoebe noticed that they had not carried the baby; only their two older children were sitting beside them.
She sighed and Tanya looked at her, her brows raised. "It's a wedding, cheer up."
"I know," Phoebe whispered, "but it's just that Erica and I discovered Caleb. If I hadn't driven him away that could have been me up there getting married and being happy."
Tanya chuckled. "He was poor at the time of your discovery, remember?"
Phoebe snorted, "but he's not poor now, is he?"
"No he is not, but the best part of all of this for him is that he has a woman who loves him, whether he is poor or not."
"What are you trying to say?" Phoebe whispered fiercely, "that I am a gold digger?"
Tanya mumbled, "who the cap fits...now shut up, they are about to say their vows."
Phoebe felt like strangling Tanya, but she valiantly tried to tune her mind into the service. Erica declared her 'I do's' loudly and with confidence and Caleb was handsome in his tuxedo and had a pleased smile on his face.
Pastor Brick, the attendant pastor declared, "wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. I now declare you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride Mr. Wright."
The deed was done.
Phoebe watched as Caleb and Erica engaged in a deep kiss that had the congregation oohing and ahing.
Tanya looked at her and grinned. "Their honeymoon is going to be hot enough to burn."
"Shut up," Phoebe snapped.
"What's gotten into you?" Tanya's smile slipped, "usually you are more fun to hang out with. You know if you could only let go of your prejudices, you would find someone."
"Argh," Phoebe growled, then forced a smile on her face as the bride and groom turned to the congregation. "You don't know what you are talking about."
Tanya was clapping with the rest of the congregation and said to Phoebe sideways, "we'll pick this up in the church hall at the reception. Erica said she had more chocolate treats prepared than a chocolate shop."
Phoebe got up reluctantly when the usher indicated to her row first. She traipsed behind Tanya obediently and went to the door to congratulate Erica.
"Pheebs," Erica squealed when she saw her friend, "you wouldn't believe what Daddy and Mommy gave us as a wedding present?"
"What?" Phoebe asked injecting a note of excitement in her voice.
"We are going to Paris!" Erica squealed.
"Just for two weeks," Caleb said beside her.
"That's lovely!" Phoebe exclaimed, "I wish you all the best for the future… I am so happy for you."
Erica giggled. "Thank you my dear, I hope you find your Mr. Right soon."
Phoebe moved on as there was a crush behind her to congratulate the effervescent bride. She walked out into the night air and spotted Tanya who was waving to her.
"As I was saying," Tanya said when she drew near, "you need to lower your expectations a little bit."
"Never," Phoebe said, a steely finality in her voice, "there must be a tall, dark, handsome, rich man in the world for me."
Tanya laughed. "There is. He's in your dreams, so dream on."
Phoebe looked over at the crowd with a sad feeling in the pit of her stomach. Maybe she really was aiming too high. Maybe she was too picky and unrealistic, but oh how sweet it would be to go for a honeymoon somewhere far away, without pinching pennies like Erica was.
"What about that guy Charles Black, your neighbor?" Tanya asked interestedly, intruding on her thoughts. "He is really good-looking."
"Poor," Phoebe snorted. "I don't even know what he does for a living."
Tanya giggled. "What about Ezekiel Hoppings? The rich ugly guy?"
"I gave him my number last week at church," Phoebe responded sullenly.
Tanya choked back a laugh and then erupted, "are you serious? Are you really serious? The beautiful Phoebe Bridge who will not tolerate imperfection in anyone gave her number to that unfortunate looking man."
Phoebe shuddered, "I did. He asked, 'is it okay for me to call you sometime?' I said yes. End of story. He hasn't called since and I didn't take his number. So there, that's the end of that."
Tanya shook her head in awe. "I am sorry I dared to lecture you Pheebs. If you can consider Ezekiel Hoppings as a date, no matter how rich he is, I can say your standards of perfection are well and truly lowered. Let's go and have some of those delectable chocolate desserts that the groom made. Erica has been harping on about them all week."
.
OTHER BOOKS BY BRENDA BARRETT
Resetter Series
Never Too Late (Book 1)- Addi finds out she is a resetter and goes back to the summer of 92 to change her family's lives.
Never Say Never (Book 2)- Skyler's handsome college lecturer, who happens to be her neighbor, has a T in his palms. Should she tell him the significance of it. If she does, would he believe her?
Now or Never (Book 3)- Ten years later Addi and Randy meet again at Randy's engagement party. Why is it that the chemistry between them was still so potent? Can they ever have a future together? Would Randy choose her this time around?
Almost Never (Book 4)- Tech genius Joshua Porter had all but given up on love. He then meets Portia, an escapee from the female penitentiary and his life takes a turn for the adventurous.
The Scarlett Family Series
Scarlett Baby (Book 1)- When the head of the Scarlett family died, Yuri had to return home to Treasure Beach for the funeral. What he didn't count on was seeing Marla, his childhood sweetheart and his best friend's wife. And when emotions overwhelm them and a few months later Marla is pregnant, Yuri wants the impossible: his best friend's wife and the baby they made together...
Scarlett Sinner (Book 2)- Pastor Troy Scarlett realizes the hard way that some sins are bound to be revealed, like the child that he had out of wedlock with his wife's mortal enemy from college. His wife Chelsea was not happy with the status quo. She was not taking care of the son of the woman she had so despised from college. And she could not get over the deep betrayal that she felt from her husband's indiscretion.
Scarlett Secret (Book 3)- Terri Scarlett had a soft spot for her friend, Lola. She was funny and sweet and they looked remarkably alike. But when Lola's Arab prince demands his bride, Terri foolishly exchange places with her friend and they meet up on a world of trouble.
Scarlett Love (Book 4)- Slater always looked forward to delivering packages to the law firm where he could get a glimpse of the stunning female lawyer, Amoy Gardener. Unfortunately, for Slater a woman like Amoy would not take him seriously, especially when she found out that he could not read!
Scarlett Promise (Book 5)- Driven by desperation Lisa Barclay decides to make some extra money by prostituting herself after being kicked out in the streets. Her first customer turns out to be a popular government senator and then to her horror he dies...
Scarlett Bride (Book 6)- When Oliver Scarlett's missionary work in the Congo region was coming to an end, he had a decision to make, marry Ashaki Azanga and save her from being the fourth wife to the chief of the village or leave her to her fate and get on with his life...
Scarlett Heart (Book 7)- After receiving a heart transplant shy librarian Noah Scarlett started to take on character traits that were unlike him and he kept dreaming of a girl named Cassandra Green...
Rebound Series
On The Rebound--For Better or Worse, Brandon vowed to stay with Ashley, but when worse got too much he moved out and met Nadine. For the first time in years he felt h
appy, but then Ashley remembered her wedding vows...
On The Rebound 2- Ashley reinvented herself and was now a first lady in a country church in Primrose Hill, but her obsessed ex friend Regina showed up and started digging into the lives of the saints at church. Somebody didn't like Regina's digging. Someone had secrets that were shocking enough to kill for...
Magnolia Sisters
Dear Mystery Guy (Book 1)- Della Gold details her life in a journal dedicated to a mystery guy. But when fascination turns into obsession she finds herself wanting to learn even more about him but in her pursuit of the mystery guy she begins to learn more about herself...
Bad Girl Blues (Book 2)- Brigid Manderson wanted to go to med school but for the time being she was an escort working for her mother, an ex-prostitute. When her latest customer offers her the opportunity of a lifetime would she take it? Or would she choose the harder path and uncertain love with a Christian guy?
Her Mistaken Dreams (Book 3)- Caitlin Denvers dream guy had serious issues. He has a dead wife in his past and he was the main suspect in her murder. Did he really do it? Or did Caitlin for the first time have a mistaken dream?
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