A Moment of Weakness: Book 2 in the Forever Faithful trilogy

by Kingsbury, Karen

  “God is good, Mrs. Eastman. Good to both of us.”

  When she was finished showering, Marti helped her dry off and for a moment Doris remembered how independent she’d been, how proud and hard hearted.

  Now she was grateful for having help in and out of the shower. Although she missed her vitality, she knew better than anyone that the true condition of her heart was worlds better than it had been before the heart attacks. And for that she thanked God constantly.

  Marti slipped the robe back over Doris’s shoulders and eased her into the chair once more. “I’ll be all right, Marti. You go ahead and get ready. I need some time with the Lord.”

  The girl smiled and then dashed out the door down the hall toward her room. When she was gone, Doris closed her eyes and thanked God for his faithfulness. He had brought Tanner and Jade back together, where they had always belonged. He had spared her life long enough to allow her to repent and tell Tanner the truth. And he had done something she still couldn’t believe.

  He had spared Tanner’s career.

  From the hospital bed set up in her Los Angeles condominium, Doris Eastman had scrutinized every article and news story she could find about her son. The newspapers had been so shocked by Tanner’s revelation that at first their stories seemed almost ambivalent.

  What had happened over the next weeks and months had been nothing short of a miracle. Rather than rail against Tanner for his immorality years earlier, the media learned the story behind Tanner and Jade and embraced him as a modern-day hero. A man of faith with whom the people could relate. Not perfect, but perfectly committed to God.

  Since August, editorials in the Los Angeles Times had described a major groundswell of public support should Tanner Eastman decide to run for state senator. Tanner had talked about it with Doris during one of their visits, and for the first time he thought serving in a public office might actually be the path God was choosing for him.

  “Matt’s ready to take over the CPRR office.” Tanner had been unable to hide his grin. “Who’d have thought there’d come a day when the idea of public office actually appealed to me.”

  Doris had enjoyed his easy banter. The two were much closer than they’d been before the heart attacks, giving her yet another reason to be grateful. “I always knew you’d be on the ballot one day. But of course you had to do it your way.”

  In reality she knew that though she would probably not live to see her son elected to office, or the children he and Jade might have in the future, she was no longer concerned with the choices he made. He had chosen to follow God’s path, and from where Doris sat now, she would be eternally grateful.

  She thought about the wedding and the fact that sometime later that day she would face Jade. It would be their first meeting since that afternoon in Portland. And then … she would meet her grandson for the first time. What if Jade hates me? What if she asks me to leave? Doris wanted nothing more than to make peace with Jade, but in that instant she was struck by a palpable sense of doom.

  My precious daughter, remember nothing is impossible with God.…

  The words filled her mind and brought with them an unearthly peace. Yes, that was it. With the Lord, nothing was impossible.

  God had given Tanner the strength to follow him.

  Now it was her turn.

  The ceremony was to be held west of Los Angeles at Chapel in the Canyon, a stucco building with a Spanish tile roof situated amidst rocks and wild brush. The view from the courtyard was breathtaking, and Jade stood outside savoring a moment of solitude before the wedding began.

  In a million years, she would never have dreamed that this was what God had planned for her … that this was the future she—

  “Jade.”

  The voice was weaker than before, but it was distinct all the same. Jade’s heart skipped a beat. No, it can’t be … not now … She spun around, her veil swishing gently behind her. “Mrs. Eastman.”

  A younger woman waited in the distance as Tanner’s mother took slow, shuffling steps toward her. What was this? She had come after all. Despite her failing health and adamant refusal to receive visitors, Tanner’s mother had come.

  “Jade, I know you weren’t expecting me today.” She was out of breath, and Jade could see something different in her expression, something soft and genuine that had been missing the last time they spoke. Tanner had told her a dozen times how different his mother was, how her faith was new and alive and how everything about her had changed as a result. Now Jade could see that for herself.

  Jade’s heart pounded, and she struggled for the right words. “No … I mean, yes … we want you here, Mrs. Eastman. I’m so glad you could make it.” The woman’s eyes told Jade she had nothing to worry about. This was not a trick or a trap like their last meeting. Mrs. Eastman was a changed woman.

  Mrs. Eastman moved closer still and placed a hand tenderly on Jade’s arm. “You’re a beautiful bride, Jade. Tanner is a lucky man.”

  Jade was speechless, overwhelmed by the power of God’s love and forgiveness.

  “I’m sorry, Jade.” There were tears in Mrs. Eastman’s eyes, and Jade began to tremble. “I’m old and worn out, but God has been merciful. He allowed me to be here and tell you to your face. I’m so very, very sorry, Jade. What I did was … it was shameful. There’s no other way to say it. I’ll be sorry as long as I live.”

  The confession seemed to add years to Mrs. Eastman’s countenance, and her shoulders drooped as she stepped back. “I won’t bother you anymore. If you don’t mind, I’ll go inside and watch.”

  Too full of emotion to speak, Jade took Doris Eastman’s hand in hers and squeezed it gently. “We all paid a price for what happened that summer.” Tears sprang to Jade’s eyes. “But God, in his mercy, has worked it out for good.” Through watery eyes, Jade smiled her forgiveness at the woman. “I told you in my letter that I forgave you, Mrs. Eastman. And I do. The past is over.”

  She led Tanner’s mother to a side door near the back of the church and flagged down Matt Bronzan. “Get Tanner, please.” Jade squeezed Mrs. Eastman’s hand gently and smiled at her. “Tell him his mother is here.”

  Jade entered the building on Matt Bronzan’s arm, and Tanner had to remind himself he was not dreaming. Jade was stunning in a simple, straight-cut ivory gown, and in her eyes he saw a love for which he’d gladly wait a lifetime. When he thought of Jade now, it wasn’t with remorse for the years they’d lost. Rather it was with gratefulness to God for bringing them back together.

  The minister was telling their few close friends the importance of keeping God in their marriage, and Tanner exchanged a brief smile with his mother, who was seated in the front row, in the place of honor that was rightfully hers.

  “The Lord is more than a wedding guest,” the minister was saying. He was a somber man, and his message hit the mark for Tanner. “He wants to be part of the marriage.”

  He told them that Scripture teaches how a cord of three strands is not easily broken. “With God at the center, you will build a marriage that will be a beautiful thing, a union that will draw people to the Lord.” He looked at Jade and Tanner and smiled. “Why? Because the world so desperately wants what you already have.”

  Ty stood beside Tanner as his best man, and Tanner’s heart swelled as he glanced at his son. He had taken Ty fishing and to breakfast and even hiking in the past week. After months of phone conversations and letters, the child willingly accepted Tanner as his father. The road ahead looked promising for all of them.

  It was time for the vows, and Jade and Tanner turned to face each other.

  They had agreed to say their own vows, rather than repeating something read by the minister. Tanner went first.

  “Jade, you are the treasure of my heart, my friend, my lover, my past, my future.” Tanner tightened the grip he had on Jade’s hands. “I promise before God and our friends, to love you, honor you, cherish you now and forever, no matter what bends appear on the road ahead. God created man with a missin
g rib, a missing part.”

  Jade’s eyes glistened and she tilted her head, her eyes locked on his.

  “You, Jade, are that missing piece, the part I have searched for all of my life. From this day forth I will cling to you and you alone. From this day forth I am whole.” He slipped a gold band on her finger and saw tears glistening in her eyes. “With this ring, I, Tanner Eastman, do thee, Jade Conner, wed.”

  Jade swallowed hard, and Tanner could tell she was struggling to speak. He squeezed her hands gently, encouraging her, and she gave the slightest of nods. Then she stared at him; her eyes lit up from all she was feeling inside.

  “You, Tanner Eastman, are the one with whom my soul rejoices. You have given me hope when I had none, life when I was dying, and love when I thought I would never love again. On this day, with God as our witness, I promise to love you, cherish you, honor you, and respect you all the days of my life.” Her hands trembled as she slipped the ring on his finger. “With this ring as a token of my promise, a reminder of my unending love, I, Jade Conner, do thee wed.”

  And in that moment, Tanner knew that whatever else lay ahead, they would never again be alone. Because God had brought them back together, and one day, in the sunset of their lives, God would lead them home.

  The reception took place at the Bronzans’ house in Malibu, with a view overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A seafood dinner had been catered in for the occasion, and Hannah Bronzan had decorated the house beautifully.

  It was three hours into the party, and many of the guests had already left, but still there was no sign of Doris Eastman. Her nursemaid had taken her home moments after the ceremony with promises to bring her back for the reception if she was feeling up to it. Tanner had tried to call her twice, but there had been no answer.

  “I’m worried about her.” Jade found Tanner in the kitchen and leaned up to kiss him. “She should be here by now.”

  Tanner shrugged. “I’m not sure she’s coming. She wasn’t supposed to be at the wedding. Doctor said no outings until she’s stronger.”

  “Well, I want her here. She wasn’t in any of the pictures and …”

  “And?” Tanner pulled her toward him and kissed her tenderly.

  “She didn’t get to meet Ty yet.” Jade gazed out the window toward the ocean. “I want her to meet him before—”

  Tanner held a finger to her lips. “God knows that, Jade. Don’t worry about her. She’ll probably be here any minute.” He kissed her tenderly. “Have I told you lately how beautiful you are, Mrs. Eastman?”

  Jade’s heart soared and she returned his kiss. The nearness of him made her long for the morning, when they would leave for four days in Cabo San Lucas. Ty would stay with the Bronzans, and after that the three of them would spend a weekend in San Diego, deep-sea fishing off the coast.

  “Have I told you how much I’m going to enjoy being Mrs. Eastman?” Jade snuggled closer to him.

  “Okay, okay, break it up.” Matt bounded into the kitchen with Hannah and Ty in tow. He wore a conspiratorial grin, and Jade couldn’t help but smile. The Bronzans had become very dear friends, and she was sure they would only get closer in the years to come.

  Matt and Ty squared up a few feet away while Hannah shrugged sweetly in the background. “Now—” Matt poked an elbow at Ty, and the child grinned—“Your son has a special request. Something about checking out the fishing equipment in the garage.” Matt held up his hands in mock surrender. “I know it’s not appropriate to talk about fishing on your wedding day and all, but.” He grinned at Jade. “If I could borrow Tanner for just a few minutes.”

  Jade laughed. “Go ahead. Hannah and I will stay here and talk about the joys of cleaning fish.”

  The last guests had gone home, and only Hannah’s daughter, Jenny, remained in the other room studying for a high school English exam. The women watched as the men disappeared into the garage, talking all at once and sounding like three children on the verge of a great discovery.

  When they were gone, Hannah leaned against the kitchen counter and smiled at Jade. “Congratulations.”

  “Thanks. You guys have done so much for us.…”

  Hannah cocked her head. “You know, in some ways you and Tanner remind me of Matt and me. Love forged out of pain.” Hannah hesitated. “Know what I mean?”

  Jade knew pieces of Hannah’s background, but not the whole story. She nodded. “Yours was much more painful, though. Tanner’s told me about what happened. The collision.”

  There was a long-ago kind of sadness in Hannah’s eyes as she gazed at Jade. “My husband and daughter were killed by a drunk driver.” She paused, and Jade could see she was at peace with this. But it was painful all the same. “Matt prosecuted the case.”

  Jade reached out and squeezed Hannah’s hand. She had the distinct feeling this woman was going to be a close friend someday. “Tell me about it, okay? When the time’s right.”

  Hannah returned the squeeze and smiled. “It’s an amazing story of God’s faithfulness.”

  Jade nodded thoughtfully. “He’s definitely that.”

  The men returned, and Matt carried with him a dusty guitar.

  Hannah laughed. “I thought you were looking at fishing poles.”

  “We were. But we found my old guitar. Isn’t that great?”

  Hannah exchanged a look with Jade, and both women giggled. “You planning to use it as bait?” Hannah walked to Matt and ran her hand over the neck of the guitar.

  Matt looked hurt. “No.” He turned to Tanner. “Actually it was Tanner’s idea.”

  “What?” Jade moved between Ty and Tanner and put her arm around them both.

  Tanner kissed her cheek. “I thought we could sit on the deck and sing while Matt plays.”

  Jade smiled. It was a warm evening; the sun was just beginning to set. “Perfect.”

  Hannah wrinkled her nose. “Matt, I haven’t cleaned the chairs out there in weeks.”

  Jade cut in. “It’s okay, Hannah. Really. It’ll be the perfect ending to the most perfect day.” She smiled at Tanner and then Ty.

  “Do I have to sing?” Ty looked worried, and the adults laughed at his sincerity.

  “No, son.” Tanner tousled Ty’s hair, and Jade felt as if her heart would burst. Any concerns she’d had about whether Tanner and Ty would bond had long since dissolved. Tanner led the way outside and the others followed.

  When they were seated, Tanner grinned at Ty. “Of course, you haven’t heard me sing before. We just might need your help.”

  The ocean stretched out toward the horizon, gentle swells glimmering under the setting sun. Matt tuned his guitar and then called for requests.

  “I have one.” Hannah gave Jade a knowing look. “My favorite song.”

  “Ah, yes …” Matt practiced a few cords. “ ‘Great Is Thy Faithfulness.’ ” He looked at the others. “You guys know it?”

  Jade nodded and wove her fingers through Tanner’s hand. It was the perfect song for her. And Jade had the feeling it was equally perfect for Hannah.

  It had been a day to remember, but still it had been hectic at times. When Matt began playing the song, the strains carried on the breeze and soothed what remained of the wrinkles in Jade’s soul.

  “Great is thy faithfulness, Oh, God our Father, there is no shadow of turning with thee. All I have needed thy hands hath provided; Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.…”

  They had just begun the second chorus when Doris Eastman and her nurse appeared at the foot of the deck. A broad smile filled Tanner’s face, and he rose to meet her. While the song played on, he helped his mother up the three wooden steps to a cushioned seat. Doris’s nursemaid took the spot beside her, and Tanner returned to Jade’s side.

  “Great is thy faithfulness, great is thy faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see.…”

  Ty tapped Jade’s arm and motioned toward Mrs. Eastman. Jade nodded, and the boy crossed the deck and gently hugged the grandmother he’d never known. She held him
close, her frail arms shaking, and then she moved so that he had room to sit down. Smiling innocently at the older woman beside him, Ty took her fragile hand in his and joined in the singing. Somehow the song magnified the beauty of the moment, and Jade’s voice grew stronger.

  At that moment, Tanner’s mother caught Jade’s gaze, and her eyes spoke volumes. Jade nodded to Doris and smiled. The old woman wanted to be her friend. Jade could see it clearly, and her heart melted. They were finally, completely at peace with each other, and, God willing, the future would hold many chances to talk.

  Jade savored the words to the song, singing them in a prayer to God alone. As she did, Doris closed her eyes and raised an unsteady hand toward heaven, adding her voice to the others. “Great is thy faithfulness, great is thy faithfulness.…”

  Jade understood. The song belonged to Doris, too. It belonged to all of them. God had kept his promise and given every one of them a hope and a future. All because his mercies truly were new every morning.

  Jade clung to Tanner’s hand and closed her eyes as the final strains of the song drifted out to sea.

  “All I have needed, thy hand hath provided.… Great is thy faithfulness, great is thy faithfulness, great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.”

  Dear Reader,

  First, you must know what a privilege it is to have been handed several hours of your time as you followed the story of Jade and Tanner. I hope you have received much in return as you traveled with them through the abysmal pit of sin and regret to the peace-filled plains of God’s mercy and forgiveness.

  As with each of my novels, it is my prayer that A Moment of Weakness did more than entertain you. I pray it helped you—as it has me—to grasp one of God’s many truths. In this case, God’s truth about sin.

  There are obvious lessons in A Moment of Weakness for those tempted by sexual sin. But perhaps you cannot relate to this temptation. Maybe you are one who has—with good intentions—stood in judgment. Someone in your church family or even your immediate family has succumbed to a moment of weakness in his or her own life, and you, like Doris Eastman, have led the contingent in seeing that he or she receives punishment in full.