The Keepsake (Love at the Crossroads)

by Simmons, Pat

  Michael accepted her gift with one hand and wrapped the other arm around her waist, pulling her closer. He rested his forehead on hers. “I love you, you know that?”

  “I do, and I love you.” She paused to soak in the moment, then exhaled. “Well, I better go.” As she turned to leave, Michael stopped her.

  “Wait. Have a seat in my office.” He winked, then glanced over his shoulder. “Byron, let’s finish our conversation out here. Janice, you and I will talk later.”

  “Sure.” Janice seemed in no rush to leave as Desi made herself comfortable in Michael’s chair. The silence between the two women stretched and strained the air until the woman spoke first.

  “So you’re Michael’s wife, huh?”

  “Yes, I am.” With her spiritual antennas up, Desi could pick up on the women’s spirit and subtle attitude. What if Janice was coming on to Michael? No, she wasn’t going to go there every time a woman was around her husband. Satan, I rebuke you. Now go! Relaxing, Desi scanned her husband’s office and was impressed with his career move.

  “I heard he was married. Is this your first time here?” she spied Desi’s finger and had the nerve to state the obvious, “And I don’t see a ring…”

  “We’re married,” Desi said with finality in her voice and a smile that was as genuine as she could muster, considering she wasn’t owed an explanation of any kind to her bold questions. Mentally dismissing her, Desi began to silently pray, Lord, here’s another one that needs to flee. Is this what Michael and I will be up against from now on? She couldn’t recall all this flirting going on when she first married.

  Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat,” God reminded her of Luke 22. But I have prayed for you that your faith will not fail.

  That was all Desi needed to know. Thank You, Jesus. Michael appeared in the doorway.

  “Sorry, babe.” As if remembering they were not alone, Michael didn’t take his eyes off her, but spoke to his employee. “Janice, would you mind helping Byron on the floor?”

  Moving slowly, Janice reluctantly agreed. Once she was gone, Michael closed the door. “Thank you for waiting. I missed you.” He tugged her from the chair and wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on top of her head.

  “Thank you for shoveling the snow.”

  “I’m here for you no matter how far away I am.” He brushed a kiss on her lips.

  “Hmm.” Desi moaned, enjoying the tender touch. “Michael, I don’t want to spoil the mood, but I don’t trust Janice around you, and I’m going to be praying for you.”

  “Thank you, baby, but I’m not encouraging her and I’ve added a weekly fast to my prayer life, so I can discern those spirits. You don’t have to worry about another woman ever.”

  “I know and to make sure of it, as the Bible says watch—I’ll be watching her—and pray—I’ll be praying for your strength.”

  “Woman, you are definitely worth keeping.”

  Desi winked. “And don’t you forget it.” She grabbed her purse. “I better go and get to work.”

  “Be careful.”

  “Yes, sir.” She gave him a mock military salute and pivoted on her heeled boots and walked away.

  ***

  Michael had put in another long week after he fired Byron for a series of offenses, including misconduct and sexual harassment to customers and one employee. The prayers he and Desi had been praying against Janice’s ungodly spirit also paid off. She quit. Michael knew as long as there was Satan, there would be a next time with the devil trying to bait him away from his vow, but it wasn’t worth it. Plus, he and Desi presented more of a united front in their marriage against the attack of the enemy.

  It was another long day, but at least he felt comfortable leaving a new assistant manager in charge of closing as he waved good-bye to his employees. He called Desi the moment he had some privacy in his car. “Hey, babe. What are your plans for this weekend? I’m off for one day, and I’d rather spend it with you.”

  “Why wait for tomorrow? Come over tonight. You can build a fire and we can watch movies.”

  “Okay. Did you cook, or do you want me to stop and bring something?”

  “Bring yourself. I made a stew.”

  “I’m on my way.” En route, Michael did make a detour to buy a bouquet of flowers.

  Before the night was over, it was like old times being in his house, watching his wife in the kitchen and building a fire. When it came time for old movies, they talked instead, late into the night.

  “You can stay here,” Desi offered.

  Those words sent Michael’s heart rate racing. He swallowed.

  “On the couch,” Desi clarified as if knowing his thoughts. “I want our time apart to mean something, so that when we are intimate, it will be like the first time. I’m not saying I want a big ceremony, but at least for Pastor Reed to renew our vows and pray for us before we go to the next level.”

  “Baby, I will call him first thing in the morning.”

  Desi laughed as she walked up the stairs to bed. “I just bet you will. Good night.”

  CHAPTER ~19~

  Desi and her family, along with Michael and Zachary, were gathered in Pastor Reed’s office. Solae was delighted to hear the news, especially after her ex-boyfriend came to his senses and they worked out their issues and tied the knot.

  To Desi’s surprised, Michael and Zachary were dressed in black tuxes and he had even purchased her a lovely wedding bouquet.

  The gesture brought tears to her eyes as they stood gazing into each other’s eyes.

  Pastor Reed cleared his throat. “On this day, we celebrate God’s grace and victory. What the devil tried to tear up, the Lord in His wondrous mercy has restored. Because of God’s faithfulness, just like in Job 42:12 where the Lord blessed Job’s second chances to be greater than his beginnings, He will do the same for the two of you.”

  Desi nodded. She believed that.

  “I believe your husband has something to say,” Pastor Reed said.

  Surprised, Desi frowned as Michael got on one knee, then her vision blurred.

  “Desiree Bishop, I have loved you since the first time I saw you modeling clothes in the store with your sisters. I’m asking you to trust me with your heart. Trust me to be faithful. Trust me to love you; trust me blindly. I promise with all my confidence in Jesus that I won’t disappoint you or God, not this time, or ever again. I’ve committed spiritual suicide once and God brought me back to life and your love has sustained me. You are my keepsake for life.”

  She sniffed as he pulled out a small box. He opened it to display a ring that was bigger and appeared more expensive than the one that had been spiritually broken.

  Tracey took her bouquet to allow for Michael to slide on the ring. Her hand shook.

  When Michael stood, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him tenderly. “I want you to be my keepsake, too.”

  Desi had forgotten about their small group of witnesses until she heard her granny and mother sniffing.

  “Brother and Sister Bishop, I would like to offer a prayer of thanksgiving.” Pastor Reed looked around the room. “I invite their family to join in as you stretch your hands toward them.”

  Halcyon seemed reluctant, but Zachary nodded and mumbled. “It’s all right.”

  Desi couldn’t keep the smile from coming. Michael’s older brother loved her sister and was a good man. Where Desi had failed in her attempts to lead her sisters to Christ, Zachary might have a chance with Halcyon.

  “With bowed heads. Jesus, we thank You for this union today. God, let this husband and wife be faithful not only to each other, but also to You. Bless their union and cause them to be fruitful as a testimony to the world and the devil that the work You began in this marriage, You will oversee the building of it until You come…” He paused. “Before I say Amen, I must add, what God has joined together, let no man or woman separate them, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.”

  After the chorus of Amen
s, the applause followed as Michael engulfed her in his arms. “Finally,” he whispered for her ears only.

  ***

  Eleven and a half months later, Michael and Desi welcomed a baby boy, eight pounds and two ounces. There had been a praise on Michael’s lips every day since his marriage was restored, but now, watching his namesake sleep in his arms, he couldn’t stop the Hallelujahs from escaping out when he least expected.

  Without reconciliation, he would not have received the greatest gift his wife could give him, a begotten son.

  About the Author

  Pat Simmons is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth. She is passionate about researching her ancestors, then casting them in starring roles in her novels. She hopes her off-beat method will track down distant relatives who happen to pick up her books. She has been a genealogy enthusiast since her great-grandmother died at the young age of ninety-seven years old in 1988.

  She describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as an amazing, unforgettable, life-altering experience. She believes God is the author who advances the stories she writes.

  Pat has a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. She has worked in various media positions in radio, television, and print for more than twenty years. Currently, she oversees the media publicity for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions.

  She is the author of nine single titles and several eBook novellas. Her awards include Talk to Me, ranked #14 of Top Books in 2008 that Changed Lives by Black Pearls Magazine. She is a two-time recipient of the Romance Slam Jam Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance for Still Guilty (2010) and Crowning Glory (2011), and the first recipient of the Katherine D. Jones Award for grace and humility as an author. Her bestselling novels include Guilty of Love and the Jamieson Legacy series: Guilty by Association, The Guilt Trip, and Free from Guilt. The Acquittal was her 2013 release; No Easy Catch is her 2014 release.

  Pat has converted her sofa-strapped, sports-fanatical husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, and GPS-guided chauffeur. They have a son and daughter.

  Pat’s interviews include numerous appearances on radio, television, blogtalk radio, blogs, and feature articles.

  Visit www.patsimmons.net or email her at authorpatsimmons@gmail.com

  Snail mail: Pat Simmons, P O Box 1077, Florissant, MO 63031

  If you have enjoyed this story, please consider posting a review on Amazon, BN.com, or Goodreads.

  Thanks for reading!

  More from the author

  LOVE AT THE CROSSROADS SERIES

  STOPPING TRAFFIC, Book I of Love at the Crossroads series. Candace Clark has a phobia about crossing the street, and for good reason. As fate would have it, her daughter's principal assigns her to crossing guard duties as part of the school's Parent Participation program. With no choice in the matter, Candace begrudgingly accepts her stop sign and safety vest, then reports to her designated crosswalk. Once Candace is determined to overcome her fears, God opens the door for a blessing, and Royce Kavanaugh enters into her life, a firefighter built to rescue any damsel in distress. When a spark of attraction ignites, Candace and Royce soon discover there's more than one way to stop traffic.

  A BABY FOR CHRISTMAS, Book II of the Love at the Crossroads series. Yes, diamonds are a girl's best friend, but in Solae Wyatt-Palmer's case, she desires something more valuable. Captain Hershel Kavanaugh is a divorcee and

  the father of two adorable little boys. Solae has never been married and longs to be a mother. Although Hershel showers her with expensive gifts, his hesitation about proposing causes Solae to walk and never look back. As the holidays approach, Hershel must convince Solae that she has everything he could ever want for Christmas.

  THE KEEPSAKE, Book III Love at the Crossroads series. Until death us do part…or until Desiree walks away. Desiree “Desi” Bishop is devastated when she finds evidence of her husband’s affair. God knew she didn’t get married only to one day have to stand before a judge and file for a divorce. But Desi wants out no matter how much her heart says to forgive Michael. That isn’t easier said than done. She sees God’s one acceptable reason for a divorce as the only opt-out clause in her marriage. Michael Bishop is a repenting man who loves his wife of three years. If only…he had paid attention to the red flags God sent to keep him from falling into the devil’s snares. But Michael didn’t and he had fallen. Although God had forgiven him instantly when he repented, Desi’s forgiveness is moving as a snail’s pace. In the end, after all the tears have been shed and forgiveness granted and received, the couple learns that some marriages are worth keeping.

  A CHRISTIAN CHRISTMAS, Book I of Love for the Holidays anthology. Christian’s Christmas will never be the same for Joy Knight if Christian Andersen has his way. Not to be confused with a secret Santa, Christian and his family are busier than Santa's elves making sure the Lord's blessings are distributed to those less fortunate by Christmas day. Joy is playing the hand that life dealt her, rearing four children in a home that is on the brink of foreclosure. She's not looking for a handout, but when Christian rescues her in the checkout line; her niece thinks Christian is an angel. Joy thinks he’s just another man who will eventually leave, disappointing her and the children. Although Christian is a servant of the Lord, he is a flesh and blood man and all he wants for Christmas is Joy Knight. Can time spent with Christian turn Joy’s attention from her financial woes to the real meaning of Christmas—and true love?

  A CHRISTIAN EASTER, Book II Love for the Holidays anthology, How to celebrate Easter becomes a balancing act for Christian and Joy Andersen and their four children.

  Chocolate bunnies, colorful stuffed baskets and flashy fashion shows are their competition. Despite the enticements, Christian refuses to succumb without a fight. And it becomes a tug of war when his recently adopted ten year-old daughter, Bethani, wants to participate in her friend’s Easter tradition.

  Christian hopes he has instilled Proverbs 22:6, into the children’s heart in the short time of being their dad.

  A CHRISTIAN FATHER’S DAY, Book III Love for the Holidays anthology. Three fathers, one Father’s Day and four children. Will the real dad, please stand up. It’s never too late to be a father—or is it? Christian Andersen was looking forward to spending his first Father’s day with his adopted children---all four of them. But Father’s day becomes more complicated than Christian or Joy ever imagined. Christian finds himself faced with living up to his name when things don’t go his way to enjoy an idyllic once a year celebration. But he depends on God to guide him through the journey.

  HER DRESS. Sometimes a woman just wants to splurge on something new, especially when she’s about to attend an event with movers and shakers. Find out what happens when Pepper Trudeau is all dressed up and goes to the ball, but another woman is modeling the same attire.

  At first, Pepper is embarrassed, then the night gets interesting when she meets Drake Logan. Her Dress is a romantic novella about the all too common occurrence—two women shopping at the same place. Maybe having the same taste isn’t all bad. Sometimes a good dress is all you need to meet the man of your dreams.

  Making Love Work, Book 1: A MOTHER’S LOVE. To Jillian Carter, it’s bad when her own daughter beats her to the altar. She became a teenage mother when she confused love for lust one summer. Despite the sins of her past, Jesus forgave her and blessed her to be the best Christian example for Shana. Jillian is not looking forward to becoming an empty-nester at thirty-nine. The old adage, she’s not losing a daughter, but gaining a son-in-law is not comforting as she braces for a lonely life ahead. What she doesn’t expect is for two men to vie for her affections: Shana’s biological father who breezes back into their lives as a redeemed man and practicing Christian. Not only is Alex still goof looking, but he’s willing to right the wrong he’s done in the past. Not if Dr. Dexter Harris has anything to say about it. The widower father of the groom has set his sights on Jillian and he’s willing to pull out all the stops t
o woo her. Now the choice is hers. Who will be the next mother’s love”?

  Making Love Work, Book 2 : LOVE AT WORK. How do two people go undercover to hide an office romance in a busy television newsroom? In plain sight, of course. Desiree King is an assignment editor at KDPX-TV in St. Louis, MO. She dispatches a team to wherever breaking news happens. Her focus is to stay ahead of the competition. Overall, she's easy-going, respectable, and compassionate. But when it comes to dating a fellow coworker, she refuses to cross that professional line. Award-winning investigative reporter Bryan Mitchell makes life challenging for Desiree with his thoughtful gestures, sweet notes, and support. He tries to convince Desiree that as Christians, they could show coworkers how to blend their personal and private lives without compromising their morals.

  Making Love Work, Book 3:

  WORDS OF LOVE. Call it old fashion, but Simone French was smitten with a love letter. Not a text, email, or Facebook post, but a love letter sent through snail mail. The prose wasn’t the corny roses-are-red-and-violets-are-blue stuff. The first letter contained short accolades for a job well done. Soon after, the missives were filled with passionate words from a man who confessed the hidden secrets of his soul. He revealed his unspoken weaknesses, listed his uncompromising desires, and unapologetically noted his subtle strengths.

  Yes, Rice Taylor was ready to surrender to love. Whew. Closing her eyes, Simone inhaled the faint lingering smell of roses on the beige plain stationery. She had a testimony. If anyone would listen, she would proclaim that love was truly blind.