by Pat Simmons
"Good, because I was just wondering about you," Cheney said with an edge to her voice. "Are you too busy to call, visit, or email? At this point, I'll accept a letter through the mail," she fussed. "When you weren't at church, I assumed you were church-hopping with Paula."
"What are you talking about?" Hallison frowned, confused at her friend's accusation.
"Don't ‘what’ me. You've given me bits and pieces about a man who might make you forget that Malcolm Jamieson ever existed, and I don't know enough about the brotha."
Hallison accepted her chastening, but Cheney was wrong. No woman could forget a Jamieson man, especially Malcolm. "Well...."
"We need a long girl talk. You know you can come over here—"
"I don't think that's a good idea, Cheney. I feel like I'm invading on Malcolm's domain. How about we meet at a mall or something?"
"Nonsense. You and Malcolm have parted ways. I'm not expecting you to be at every family function, but don't cut us off completely."
Hallison sighed and apologized. "What's been going on in your world?"
"Pure drama," Cheney said. "Momma's gone ballistic, blaming me for moving next door to Grandma BB, as if it were a conspiracy. She's mostly concerned about their reputation if Daddy goes to jail or loses his license. I thought she was changing and wanted a deeper walk with God. This whole situation has messed all of us up."
"Speaking of Grandma BB, have you two spoken again?"
"I've tried not to talk to that crazy woman, but she's like a pimple that won't clear up. Back to you, what's his name?
Bulldog Cheney Jamieson, Hallison called her. Cheney wasn't letting go of her bone. "Derrick 'Trey' Washington," Hallison recited with pride.
"Hmm. Good for you. Then it appears Malcolm isn't the only one who's moved on. Here's a stupid question. Is he really saved and really fine?" she teased.
"Trey is a gorgeous specimen of God's creation. Muscular, long dreads, and sanctified sexy. He's a highway patrol officer who can skate his shoes off."
"Does he have a brother?"
Hallison laughed and Cheney joined her. "Sorry. Paula's got him. What about Prince Parke?"
"Actually," Cheney said, trying to contain her amusement. "I was thinking more for Grandma BB. She is always talking about dating younger men. Talk about a diversion. Okay, back to Mr. Washington."
"Let me get comfortable so this baby won't kick my bladder," she said with labored breath, moaning as she shifted her body. "So, Miss Dinkins, is he finer than Malcolm?"
"You're married to Malcolm's brother. What do you think?"
"Good point. Then he's not that fine," Cheney stated.
Hallison toyed with a stray penny on her table. "Let me put it this way. God knows how to reward for good behavior."
"There's a reason God put emphasis on obedience more than sacrifice. While you thought you were delivering up a sacrifice, you were actually obeying. I'm glad you're finally happy again, although I'm still disappointed that it wasn't with Malcolm. It must've been what God wanted. I need to do a checklist. What don't you like about him?"
"To be truthful, nothing. He enforces the law of the land. He's confident, honest, and thoughtful."
"Hmm," was all Cheney would say. "So what are you thinking?"
"Trey makes it impossible not to care about him. Right now, he's taking a nap after working all night so he can go shopping with me. Isn't that sweet?"
"Mmm-mm, like a box of chocolate."
"Yeah, chocolate-covered strawberries. Plus, he's offered to carry my baggage. I'm not talking about shopping bags, but emotional, heartache baggage."
"Keep talking. I'm taking mental notes."
"I'm beginning to care, Cheney, and I'm scared. Trey calls me before he starts his shift, asks me for a scripture, and we pray together. Now, I can't fall asleep until I've heard from him. I don't want to fall too soon, but I'm definitely slipping."
"I think Parke and I need to check him out," Cheney stated without any hesitation.
"Do you think that's a good idea?"
"Yes. Parke will feel the same way. Name the date, place, and time, and we'll meet you two there."
Chapter Twenty-two
Cheney chewed her lips after she had hung up with Hallison. She prayed that she hadn't overstepped her boundaries when she committed Parke to check out Malcolm's competition. Jamieson blood was thicker than a twelve-hour pot of coffee. She walked into their sunroom to find Parke sprawled across the sofa and the ceiling fan teasing the newspaper he'd dumped on the floor.
"Hey, sleepyhead." Cheney shook his foot. "I'm the one pregnant. Why are you taking a nap?"
"Your daughter wore me out, that's why. I picked her up from daycare, and she talked me into stopping at Wabash Park to play. I had to drag her away after an hour." Stretching, he rolled his shoulders and sat up. When she sat next to him, he rested his arm around Cheney's shoulder. "So what have you been doing while I played the unpaid babysitter?"
Cheney shoved him in the chest. "That's our daughter you're talking about so you won't be collecting any paychecks."
"Oh, yeah. She is ours." He grinned.
She waited for his goofy expression to pass. "I talked to Hali."
On full alert, Parke frowned. "Is she okay?"
"She needs us right now. I was supportive on the phone, but I need you to back me up." Cheney bit her lip, waiting. "If you don't feel comfortable, then she'll understand."
Frowning, he rubbed her stomach. "Of course, she has our support. What's going on, baby?"
"I'm glad you said that because Hali has finally met someone." Cheney paused and waited for Parke to digest the news. His face was blank. "I told her we'll meet him and check him out."
"You did what!"
Shrugging, she batted her lashes. Parke had a thing for her long lashes and shapely brows. "I couldn't help it. It was a toss-up between me being nosy or concerned. We love her like a sister."
"Umm-hmm, did you forget I love my brother like a brother?" Parke bowed his head and let his hand run laps through his hair. He sat quietly as he considered the implications of Hallison's request. "Okay, but God help me if I turn out to like the guy."
A few days later, after Parke had fasted, prayed, and talked to God a little bit more, he told himself he was ready to meet this Trey dude. Before he could get an answer from God, the devil was already calling him a traitor, backstabber, and other names that wouldn't meet God's approval. "There's no reason for me to feel guilty about meeting Hallison's new friend." After all, Parke had invited Malcolm and Lisa to an event or dinner twice. It never happened because of their previous engagements. Sometimes, Malcolm never got back to him.
Tonight was the night. He dressed for dinner with mixed emotions. Would he really be backstabbing his brother? Parke didn't voice his concerns. He smiled as Cheney walked into the bedroom with her balloon-shaped belly. Her skin glowed. Her hips were fuller, and she was downright irresistible as she carried their second child.
Meanwhile, despite Cheney's complications from an abortion several years earlier that doctors said left her sterile, she became pregnant less than a year after she and Parke were married. The pregnancy ended with a miscarriage, but they held on to their faith. Parke and Cheney were disappointed, but both were hopeful that Parke Jamieson VII would come through Cheney's womb to continue the Jamieson legacy. Parke and Cheney prayed earnestly for a miracle and tried to live righteously so their request would be granted.
Cheney struggled to wrap her arm around him. She laid her head on his back. "We can back out. Hali will understand." Parke felt her body still. He sighed as Cheney held her breath.
"No, she may understand, but our word is our word. Now." Parke turned around and patted her behind, shooing her away. "Hurry up or we'll be late."
Kami was watching a Disney movie with a babysitter when they left home. While driving to Westport Plaza, Parke contemplated how he would react to seeing another man with his former sister-in-law-to-be. Would he be jealous,
resentful, or rude? "God, help me to be fair," he mumbled.
Cheney squeezed his hand. "Lord, help us to be fair."
Parke pulled into a spot, only spaces away from an SUV that Hallison stepped out of, patiently assisted by a tall, thick guy with dreads. On the surface, the dude already didn't appear to be Hallison's type.
"He's kinda cute," his wife whispered as he helped her from their vehicle.
Grunting, Parke shut the passenger door and activated the alarm. "I'm not seeing all that. C'mon. Let's get this over with." His sole purpose was to ask questions and scrutinize Trey's answers. Lord, help me.
"Hali," Cheney shouted too eagerly for Parke.
With their hands linked, Hallison tugged Trey toward Parke. She released his hand only to hug Cheney who was giggling. Traitor, Parke thought. Somebody had to keep the tough exterior. Clearly, his wife was a goner. As Parke sized Trey up, Trey extended his hand.
"It's nice to meet you. I've heard many great things about you and Cheney." Trey grinned and slapped his hand into Parke's for a handshake.
Parke glanced at Hallison. Her eyes pleaded for him to be nice. Parke nodded. He wondered if Trey knew Hallison's ex-fiancé was his brother. Gritting his teeth, Parke expected a long, uncomfortable night. He accepted the handshake with a grip. "Please, call me Parke."
Seemingly satisfied, the women looped their arms and proceeded to the door of the restaurant, leaving the men behind. The night proved to be interesting from the moment they were shown to their booth seating.
"Please, let me treat everyone. I owe Hallison a meal anyway," Trey offered, exchanging some sort of secret with Hallison. Trey winked, causing Hallison to blush.
Parke regulated his breathing as if he were a Lamaze student. He wished they would let him in on the joke. Parke was about to let Trey know he could feed his own wife, but Cheney kicked him under the table.
"Ouch." He turned to his wife and frowned.
Cheney blinked. "Oh, honey, I'm sorry. I needed more leg room."
Trey motioned to stand. "Would you ladies like to change seats? There's more room at the end."
"Thanks, but that won't be necessary. My wife just needed to stretch." Parke squinted at Cheney, silently conveying he knew it wasn't an accident. Then he faced Trey. "You sure you want to treat? As you can see, my wife eats enough to feed a horse." He emphasized the last word as a checkmate. This time, Parke winked and blew Cheney a kiss. When her nostrils flared, Parke groaned. Cheney had just declared war.
"Parke's right. I do have a hearty appetite, but we'll treat next time at EAU Bistro in the Chase Park Plaza Hotel." She batted her lashes at her husband.
He nearly choked on his water. The prices at the Bistro were for special occasions, not family dining or buttering up his brother's competition. He shifted his foot and laid it on top of her shoe, barely putting pressure, but enough to let her know payback was coming.
"Sounds like a plan." Trey picked up the menus the hostess laid on their tables after they took their seats. "Now, let's get our ladies fed."
Everyone decided on a selection and placed their orders. Cheney and Hallison talked nonstop about everything from baby's clothes to Hallison's flattering new hairstyle, even Mrs. Beacon's name slipped in there. Parke didn't want to know if he had anything in common with Trey, so he listened to the ladies with intense interest.
When their food arrived, Parke was about to say grace when Cheney double-crossed him and asked Trey to bless their meal. Waiting, Parke expected something along the lines of a long, drawn-out, grandiose prayer; instead, it was a simple, ‘bless the food and the fellowship in Jesus’ name’. In unison, they said, "Amen."
Halfway through their meal, Parke began a slow thaw toward Trey. For a man who possessed the authority to write a ticket and put someone behind bars, he didn't boast of his power. There was no fault for Parke to find.
"In my line of work, the Lord allows me to recognize the spiritual warfare: sexual predators, missing persons, drunk drivers. The list is endless, and I've seen it all. When I put on my Missouri Highway Patrol uniform, I feel like I'm a soldier for Christ.''
As Trey captivated his audience, Parke counted the number of times Hallison reached for Trey's hand, and he welcomed her touch. So far, they were up to five hand holdings.
"Trey, tell them about the man using the bathroom on the side on the road," Hallison urged, laughing before Trey explained.
"That's right," he said, chuckling himself. "Unfortunately, one guy was so intoxicated he pulled to the side of the highway and began urinating against the rocks. The only problem was a skunk had beaten him to the spot. When he saw the critter and yelled, the skunk sprayed him."
Parke didn't want to laugh, but when the others couldn't contain their amusement, he barked out the loudest. Trey turned out to be all right. He had gained Parke's respect for his dedication to his job and the Lord. He had Parke's blessing.
Chapter Twenty-three
With the motor running, Mrs. Beacon sat in her Cadillac in front of the Jamieson house. Cheney peeked through her wood shutters, watching her every move. She could see Mrs. Beacon in her classic housedress and possibly, her Stacy Adams shoes. When Mrs. Beacon placed her cell phone to her ear and Cheney's house phone rang, Cheney picked up, but didn't say hello.
"We can settle this feud now. Step outside," Mrs. Beacon threatened, without waiting for a greeting.
"What?"
"Okay, okay ... I'm sorry I shot your father..." Mrs. Beacon paused, clearing her throat. "Thanks for accepting my apology. Now that that's out of the way, I've got new clothes for Kami. We can do this the easy way or the hard way. Don't think I won't camp out in front of your house to see my baby, or you can hand over the bundle of energy for a couple of hours for an unsupervised visit."
"Grandma BB, did you forget I don't have to answer the door?" The woman was persistent. Mrs. Beacon called Cheney with her demands in the morning and dropped off packages of goodies outside her door at night. This was her second trip around the corner to Cheney's house in one day. The woman had her faults, but she loved Kami unconditionally. "All right, all right," she said as the baby kicked. "I'll have Parke bring Miss Thang to your house later on. She's been asking for her BB anyway."
"Thank you," Mrs. Beacon whispered humbly. "How's the other baby?"
Cheney smiled at her concern. "Running out of room while practicing for the Olympics."
"It won't be long."
"No. Thank you, Jesus."
Parke was doing something he knew he shouldn't be doing in his own house. He was relaxing on the sofa with his shoes on. In a high back chair, Malcolm sat with his shoeless feet propped on an ottoman. For the past hour, they had watched the highlights on ESPN and argued about the plays.
"Malcolm, it's good to hang with you, man. It's been a while."
He grunted. "Yeah, yeah. It's my fault. Lisa and I have had this chemistry since we first met. I don't want just a fling, but man, she is hot and hard to resist! Leave it up to Lisa and my handprints would be all over her body."
"As you might recall, in the beginning that was the total opposite of me and Cheney. We had no chemistry, and the only visible handprints would've been the ones she left up side my head if I had even thought about touching her, but you know me." Parke grinned and shrugged. "I like a challenge. I fell in love with her before I knew about her past. I walked away only to come running back. I couldn't let her go."
"How could I forget?"
Parke aimed a throw pillow at Malcolm's face, which he blocked. Parke smirked. "I was pretty pathetic. At first, we argued more than we laughed, but that changed when she let me kiss her." Parke licked his lips and winked. "Seriously, Malcolm, we've never let a woman come between us. Don't start now."
Malcolm stared at his brother. "Wrong, Hali did."
"That's where you are wrong. It's Lisa. Hali became a part of our family the day we met her. We all could see the love seed was planted, and frankly, I thought you would beat me to the a
ltar."
"You'll feel the same way about Lisa once you get to know her."
"That's great, but upset Momma one more time with another one of your no-shows on family night, and you're a marked man. I'll personally take one of Grandma BB's guns and come looking for you." Parke tilted his head from side to side, trying to loosen his muscles and crack a bone. If you think I'm bluffing, try me."
"Where did all these threats of bodily harm come from, which don't faze me?"
"I was just being nice since you're a guest, you know. I was holding my tongue until after the highlights were over."
Malcolm nodded. "Just to keep peace and keep you from picking yourself up off the floor, I'll be at the next family night."
"Good. I'm glad we've reached an understanding, because I'd hate to have to go out and buy you a copy of How to be a Good Brother for Dummies."
"You're laying it on kinda thick. I said, I'll be here. Don't make me sorry I dropped by to get a free meal."
"Oh, let me give you a heads up. Since we're hosting family game night this month, Cheney and I invited Hali."
Malcolm's shoulders stiffened. Several expressions raced across his face before the wheel stopped on blank. Once he was ready to respond, he nodded. "That's cool." Malcolm reached for a sports magazine. He absentmindedly flipped through a magazine he held upside down.
"I'm glad to hear that because she's coming with Trey," Parke raced through his words, grabbed the remote, aimed it at the TV screen and changed the channel.
"Who's Trey?" Malcolm released the publication, and it flopped on the floor.
Parke cleared his throat and forced a cough through a fist he used to shield his mouth. Kami couldn't have picked a better time to make an appearance. She crossed the room toward her father, dragging her stuffed animal. Parke sighed at the reprieve.
When Kami noticed Malcolm, she raced to him. "Hi, Uncle Malcolm."
