Not Guilty of Love

by Pat Simmons

  "Trey, since this is your first visit in our home, please offer a blessing," Cheney requested.

  Trey's thumb brushed against Hallison's hand when she bowed her head and closed her eyes. Malcolm chided himself for caring.

  "Father, in the name of Jesus, bless this home. Bless the hands that prepared the meal. Sanctify it and bless our bodies to receive it. We speak peace in this place. Let everyone say, Amen."

  Begrudgingly, Malcolm did as Trey instructed. Lisa returned to his side with a smile. No words were exchanged as they piled food on their plates. The men went for seconds as the women talked between bites. Kami knew better than to ask for more dessert, when pasta and chicken drumsticks remained on her plate. Malcolm smirked as Kami stole a cookie when she thought no one was looking. Crumbs exploded on the table like a waterfall, exposing Kami's deed. After everyone was stuffed and groaned at the mention of more food; Parke cleared the table of their potluck dinner. His father engaged Trey in conversation. Traitor, Malcolm thought, stewing.

  Kami raced behind her father into the kitchen and returned with a large garbage bag. Starting with her grandmother, Kami walked around the table and collected trash. She received accolades for being a big girl and Mommy's helper.

  Parke returned with a board game. He kissed the top of Kami's ponytail for pitching in before he unloaded the contents from the box. "While buying Kami some toys, we came across this game. This one seemed interesting. Hmm. Black, Bible, & Family Trivia."

  Sighing, Lisa crossed and uncrossed her legs. Malcolm concluded this was not going to be her cup of tea. She leaned closer to Malcolm's ear. "We would've had more fun at an arcade or casino."

  "Baby, you'll enjoy this. You'll see," Malcolm assured Lisa.

  "I'm from Missouri. Show me," she said, paraphrasing the statement tattooed on every state bumper sticker.

  Malcolm backed off from an argument. They had had enough of those lately. Plus, he didn't want to make a scene in front of Hallison, suggesting all wasn't well in Malcolm's paradise. When he winked, Lisa smirked as he stretched his arm across her chair, nudging her closer. When he glanced across the table, Trey had Hallison's attention as she almost relaxed in his arms—almost. "Okay, let's get this show on the road. Lisa has an early day tomorrow," he lied, and Lisa grinned.

  It took Parke less than five minutes to assemble the three-dimensional pop-up board game. Kami had her own miniature pop-up picture book, which Parke had brought to occupy her.

  Three stacks of cards were positioned in different places, forming a triangle. Parke unfolded the instructions. "I've only skimmed through it. The object of the game is the first person to answer five correct questions from each stack wins, and..." He held up his finger. "Cheney found this small, engraved trophy. We can pass it around to the winning family member each month. We thought it would add a little heat to the competition."

  Mr. Jamieson chuckled. "Like any of us need the incentive." After spinning a wheel to select the first player, Mr. Jamieson started. "Okay, hit me with a card from the Black category. This will be a breeze." He flipped it over and recited the challenge. "Name the first colony to abolish slavery." He stroked his chin as if he were perplexed.

  "Stop playing around, PJ. We all know the answer," Charlotte fussed at her husband.

  "Pennsylvania was the first state in 1780, but Vermont was the first colony or U.S. territory in 1770," the elder Parke answered.

  Nodding, Cheney kept tally. "Way to go, Daddy Jamieson."

  Lisa was next. She reluctantly spun the wheel and pulled from the Black stack. "Name the first Black Miss USA," she stated as her face glowed with confidence. "Vanessa Williams. I don't know the exact year, but I think the mid-1980s."

  Flipping through the pages for the answer, Cheney was the bearer of bad news. "Nope, sorry, Lisa."

  Her frown looked as if she would challenge the answer.

  Black history was tricky. Textbooks weren't always accurate, and popular answers weren't always the right ones. Lisa's shoulders slumped as Cheney went around the table, asking for the correct answer. "Anybody can pick up an extra point. Name the first Black Miss USA."

  The room was quiet. Hallison knew the answer, Malcolm would bet on it. Not only was his former fiancée proficient at trivia games, she was well versed about beauty products, fashion, and celebrities; yet, she held her peace. As former teammates, they played to win, chalking up more victories than losses.

  "Buzz." Cheney mimicked a game show buzzer, checking the game's stopwatch. "The correct answer is Carole Gist in 1990. Gist was crowned in Wichita, Kansas. She was twenty years old and six feet tall. A year later, she was first runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant."

  Why didn't she get the point? Malcolm wondered again. Hallison wasn't six feet, but she was five-feet-eight and still gorgeous. Hallison could've easily competed in a pageant and won.

  "Okay, Mal, spin the wheel," Cheney prompted.

  "Get ready to get whipped," Malcolm boasted. Just his luck he would be the first one to pull a Bible question. Eyeing Hallison and Trey through the hood of his lashes, neither wore mocking expressions.

  "What was the name of the first woman judge in Biblical Israel?" Malcolm amazingly remembered the answer from fifth grade. At the time, he thought Mrs. Green was lying about a woman ruling men. That tidbit had stuck with him. "Deborah."

  "Correct," Cheney congratulated.

  "Yay, Uncle Malcolm." Kami clapped.

  Across the table, Hallison took a spin and playfully shoved Trey, before picking a card. "Who said, 'Is there anything too hard for the Lord?'"

  * * *

  Of all the Bible questions in the stack, Hallison pulled the scripture she had prayed many times over the past months. "God, in Genesis 19." It was also the scripture Paula shared with Hallison when she learned about the volatile situation Hallison had Trey walking into it. Paula prayed with Hallison then advised she expected a full report.

  "Yeah," Trey shouted, giving Hallison a high-five.

  "Yay, Auntee," Kami shouted, clapping again before going back to her pop-up book.

  Hallison was having a great time, and to think she was worried the night would be awkward. God had dispatched peace, and the Holy Ghost was actually allowing Hallison to experience it. Yes, both she and Malcolm had moved on. Hallison turned to Trey. "Okay, let's see what you can do."

  When Trey flexed his biceps, Hallison giggled. She didn't know if she was giddy with his antics or his admission earlier that he loved her. This was what a relationship should be, two people who loved the Lord. Although she hadn't returned his declaration, it was comforting to know how much he cared. She could build on that. The night of Mrs. Beacon's arrest, Hallison gave up hope that Malcolm would ever do an about-face and surrender to God.

  "Hmm," Trey mumbled after his arrow steered him to the untouched family trivia stack.

  "Finally, this category, I'm anxious to hear this question," Charlotte said.

  Trey's voice boomed as if he were a game show host. "How much do you know about your parents and grandparents?"

  Hallison already knew about his father and his two marriages, one ending in the death of his first wife. Hallison had met Trey's mother, Sharon, and his father, Derrick Jr.

  "I'll start with my maternal great-great-grandparents, Callie Lowe and Winston Wade. Callie was born in the Cherokee tribe, which is one of the five civilized Native American Indian tribes. All I know is Winston died while slavery still existed. Callie was listed on the Indian 1906 Dawes roll as a freed Cherokee-owned slave…"

  Trey captivated everyone as he spoke eloquently about his heritage. Hallison didn't want to rub anything in Malcolm's face, but she was glad God had sent her a good, God-fearing man.

  Charlotte interrupted, "Trey, what's the big hoopla that's going on in Congress about the Cherokee Nation wanting to cut off African Americans?"

  "The Nation amended its constitution that would revoke Cherokee citizenship to almost three thousand Black descendants, if their In
dian ancestors weren't listed on the Dawes roll. If they're successful in dishonoring our ancestors, the federal government could withhold three hundred million dollars in funding and suspend the Nation's gambling license. It's amazing how the tribe enslaved my ancestors and then basically said that if you can't prove it, then you're not entitled to all the benefits afforded the Cherokee Nation—"

  Lisa frowned and interrupted, "I never understood why tribes were considered civilized."

  Malcolm didn't seem too pleased with Lisa's sudden interest, although he wondered about the answer.

  "The White race considered the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole civilized because they mimicked the Whites' mannerisms and lifestyles, including owning slaves. The Cherokees are believed to have owned the most slaves." Trey encouraged the group to visit Cahokia Mounds. "Did you know that across the Mississippi River in Collinsville, Illinois, the only prehistoric Indian city north of Mexico still exists?"

  Malcolm cleared his throat, and Hallison pinched Trey's arm.

  "I'm sorry, I'm talking too much," he apologized.

  Hallison scrunched her nose, teasing him. "Yep." Every day she learned Trey was so much more than a man who wore a uniform, carried a gun, and worked for an agency that patrolled and protected the state's highway. Yes, the man was definitely one of God's treasures.

  "We came to play a game, not listen to a lecture," Malcolm stated as if he were the game spokesman.

  "Sorry, man," Trey told Malcolm, then faced Cheney. "Do I still get my point?" He gave Cheney a lazy grin that he used on Hallison to bribe her into getting some frozen custard.

  Out of the blue, Kami shouted, "Yeah."

  Cheney glanced around the table for the consensus. Hallison held her breath, hoping Malcolm wouldn't cause a scene. She could feel his vibes. Clearly, he wasn't happy seeing her, Trey, or both of them together.

  She did feel guilty about coming on Malcolm's turf. Why did she agree? Any other normal ex-fiancée wouldn't have yielded, but somehow Cheney's invitation gave Hallison an excuse to see Malcolm. He had a beautiful new girlfriend. She had Trey. Hallison shrugged away the discomfort. She and Trey were invited guests, and even Malcolm's parents had treated her cordially.

  The game continued until the turn fell on Lisa. "Bible trivia," she mumbled, annoyed. Lisa sighed as she reached for a card and scanned it silently before reading it aloud. "Where did the wise men come from? Hmm. Somewhere in the East," she answered with certainty.

  "Correct. Matthew 2:1." Cheney grinned.

  Malcolm and Lisa celebrated with a kiss. Hallison felt a slight prick in her heart, but she smiled anyway at the affection she once shared with Malcolm. She prayed silently as Trey reached under the table and squeezed her hand. Lord, let Your perfect will be done. Cheney called the winner at ten points instead of fifteen, allowing Parke to edge past Malcolm by one point. "This game is almost as long as Monopoly," Cheney complained, shifting a sleepy Kami on her lap around her emerging belly.

  "I got her, babe." Parke stood and lifted his daughter into his arms.

  Trey checked his watch. "Yeah, it's getting late. We'd better head out. I have a twelve-hour shift tomorrow." He pulled back Hallison's chair so she could stand.

  Hallison offered to help clean up, but Cheney waved her off.

  "I'll do it," Lisa volunteered.

  Hallison froze. She swiftly rebuked the sweeping bout of jealousy. The devil urged her to play a game of tug-of- war with Cheney's friendship as the prize. I've moved on, Lord—I guess. "Are you sure, Lisa?"

  "Yes, I am, Hallison," she said with an underlying challenge.

  What did Hallison expect? Lisa was staking her territory. "Okay. I'm sure Cheney would appreciate it."

  "Yes, she will," Lisa replied as she folded up the game. Malcolm turned around, but not without a flicker of a smirk.

  Nodding, Hallison proceeded to hug everyone, bypassing Malcolm and Lisa. Trey followed with handshakes. Once outside, Hallison looped her arm through Trey's and rested her head against him. "Trey, your love made a difference."

  Chapter Twenty-six

  Malcolm survived the night without getting into a brawl.

  He bid his parents goodnight while Lisa helped Cheney. His ex-fiancée and her Christian man bailed out first. As Malcolm peeped through the slits in the living room shutters, Malcolm calculated the bottom line of his previous relationship. Slipping his hands in his pants pockets, he huffed.

  He would always respect Hallison. She was honest, beautiful, and committed to her beliefs—whether religious, social, or family. Lilly had been keeping a checklist and so had he, but without a pad and pencil. Lisa was fresh, exciting, and a little demanding. That was a sexy quality.

  Parke stirred behind Malcolm. "Wanna talk?"

  "Sure," Malcolm answered, but didn't budge.

  "Whenever you're ready." Parke headed for the sun-porch. That's when Malcolm followed. Behind closed French doors, Parke walked to the wicker furniture and flopped down. Leaning back, he watched Malcolm pace. "What's on your mind, bro?"

  "Like you don't know." Malcolm felt like someone was slapping, kicking, and punching his emotions all at the same time. "I can't believe you invited that woman stealer in your house," he hissed to keep from shouting.

  "Didn't you accuse God of stealing your former fiancée?"

  "The board game is over, Parke. I don't feel like starting another. You broke all the rules under the brotherhood code of ethics." Malcolm rambled, rubbing his hair in frustration. "I could've been somewhere making love to my woman."

  "Don't let God stop you."

  "He already has," Malcolm snapped.

  * * *

  Flowers were delivered to Hallison's office. Without pulling the card out of the accompanying envelope, she knew the sender. Hallison picked up the phone and punched in his cell number. "Thank you," she said with a smile. "They're beautiful, Trey. I never knew there were so many colors in a rainbow."

  Trey was amused. "The colors reflect all the beautiful things God created in you."

  "I thank God for sending you into my life."

  Before Trey could respond, a radio dispatch interrupted their conversation with urgent chatter. "Baby, I've got to go. I've got an emergency call. I'll pick you up later for dinner."

  "Okay, Trey. May God keep you safe," Hallison said, disconnecting.

  Four hours later, Hallison's assistant knocked and opened the door, carrying a larger bouquet. She sucked in her breath. "Trey." Picking up the phone, Hallison pushed in his number, without opening the small envelope. As soon as he said hello, she exaggerated kisses over the phone. "Two deliveries in one day? You're spoiling me."

  "That's my intent."

  "Trey, they're gorgeous."

  "And so are you."

  "You wouldn't have said that if you'd seen me last night in the hair salon," she teased.

  "Hali, you're beautiful naturally."

  "You believe in adding whipped cream to all your desserts, don't you?"

  "Only if the waiter is serving me up some Hallison Dinkins," Trey cooed into the phone.

  She smiled. "Save your sweet talking for later over dinner. I'll be ready at seven."

  She threw him a kiss. He returned the gesture before they both disconnected.

  An hour before she planned to go home, Hallison received another floral delivery. Hallison shook her head. "Trey, you're unbelievable," she whispered as she opened the flap on the envelope. It wasn't from Trey.

  Hali, I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable at Parke's house a week ago. I tried to make you happy, but I failed. I tried to love you, but I failed. I hope Trey doesn't fail to make you happy. Malcolm.

  Hallison sucked in her breath. Her heart dropped, then bounced back in surprise. Speechless, Hallison decided it was the perfect time to head home early. She was trying to eradicate memories of Malcolm and his flowers didn't help, so she locked up. On her way out, she took Malcolm's flowers, minus his note, and placed them on Gloria's des
k.

  That night, under strategically dimmed lights and attentive service, Trey and Hallison feasted on specialty appetizers, salmon, sautéed vegetables, and garlic potatoes. Throughout the night, a mischievous sparkle stayed in Trey's eyes, causing Hallison to blush. She was falling, but was it love?

  Their server approached their table carrying a platter, showing off a selection of fresh desserts: luscious cheesecakes, a triple scoop of rich old-fashioned, homemade vanilla ice cream topped with fresh berries, and a combination sweet potato and pecan pie. Hallison eyed the cheesecake, but Trey waved the man away.

  "What are you doing? That's white chocolate and caramel cheesecake," she protested. Hallison's eyes continued to trail the server until he disappeared around a wall.

  Trey chuckled, which aggravated her more. "I have a better idea." He reached for her hands. She pulled back, pouting. Trey reached for them again, trapping her fingers in a forceful, yet gentle grip. "These are soft."

  "Thank you, but I was planning to eat cheesecake with them," she mumbled.

  Trey lifted her left hand to his lips and placed a soft kiss on it. "But one thing is missing," he paused. "My ring. Remember the night I told you I loved you?"

  Hallison nodded, swallowing. She was afraid to ask what was going on.

  "Since then, I've waited to hear those words from you, but I haven't." He shrugged nonchalantly. "It's amazing how a person's eyes speak things her mouth won't, but I see it, Hali." He took a deep breath. "If I ask you to marry me, would you say yes?"

  Would I? Should I? He makes me happy. He's saved. Go for it, her mind commanded so she nodded again.

  Moving his chair back, Trey's knee cracked as he bent. Looking up, he smiled. "I'm not quite ready for Geritol yet," he joked, and she chuckled. He wiped the humor from his face and stared. "Hallison Dinkins, I love you so much. I'm paid to protect and serve the community. It would be my honor to protect and serve the woman I love. Spend the rest of your life with me, Hali. Marry me, and I promise you'll never regret it."