Stiles was deep in the throes of preaching. “She’s moved on to her eternal home. If you don’t have your life in order, if you haven’t given your life over to the One who is the giver of eternal life, I suggest you do so today. Right here, right now. We don’t know the second, minute, or hour when our number will be called and death comes to greet us. You don’t have to wait until you’re doing better, or until you have your act together, or until you stop cussing or stop your sinful lifestyle. God wants you to come to Him just the way you are. He said that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
At the close of service, several people came forth and gave their lives to Christ.
Detria stood next to Stiles at the exit doors of the church, shaking hands and greeting members of the congregation.
“Pastor, do you want to go out to dinner with me and Detria?” Stiles asked after the crowd of members in line to shake hands with him, Pastor, and Detria finally dissolved. Stiles wrapped his arm comfortably around Detria’s waist. “I know you told me that you’d spoken to Francesca and she’d said something about the two of you meeting up at . . . Was it the Olive Garden? Is that still a go?” he asked as they departed the almost empty sanctuary and entered the parking lot.
“Yes, she called before I left for church to confirm that I was still coming. She’s leaving this afternoon, around four thirty, heading back to Newbern,” Pastor told Stiles. “I’m meeting her at the one on Winchester near Germantown Parkway.”
“Do you want us to go with you? That’s a pretty long drive to take by yourself.”
“Stiles is right, Pastor,” Detria told him. “You don’t need to be driving that far by yourself. If you don’t want us to stay with you, the least we can do is drive you to the restaurant. Stiles and I can eat somewhere close by and then come back to get you. All you have to do is call.”
“That sounds good. But I don’t see why y’all can’t have dinner with us,” Pastor suggested.
Stiles spoke up. “We can. It’s no problem for me. I just don’t know what frame of mind my darling sister is going to be in, and since she hasn’t called me in some time, I don’t want to intrude on your time with her. I’m just glad to know that she’s reaching out to you more,” Stiles said.
“Me too,” Detria agreed.
“Your sister has changed. I don’t see her having a problem with you all taking me to where she is and staying to eat. I’m not an old man, not by a long shot,” Pastor joked, “but I do need a little assistance here and there.”
“Then it’s settled.” Stiles looked down at Detria and tightened his grip on her waist. “Honey, do you mind driving Pastor’s car to the house? Pastor and I will follow you, and off we’ll go to Olive Garden.”
“Sure. Pastor, will you give me your keys?” Detria asked.
Pastor reached inside his pants pocket, pulled out his keys, and passed them to Detria. “You’re going to be a wonderful wife to my son. I thank God for you,” he told Detria.
Detria leaned over and kissed Pastor softly on the cheek. “Thank you, Pastor. It means a lot to have your blessing. I’ll see y’all in a few minutes,” she said and headed to Pastor’s shiny black Buick.
Stiles walked slowly next to Pastor, looping one arm inside his father’s. Pastor used a quad cane. It was a blessing that he could still drive himself places. Stiles led Pastor to his Chrysler sedan, parked in a reserved, covered space. He remotely unlocked the car and assisted Pastor as he slowly climbed inside.
They drove the short distance to Emerald Estates. “I can’t wait to tear into that bottomless salad and bread they have at the Olive Garden,” Stiles said and started licking his lips.
Pastor chuckled. “You always have loved to eat. After hearing God’s Word today, I feel like I can eat a little something myself. I’m proud of you, son,” Pastor told Stiles and reached over and patted his hand.
Stiles shifted his gaze momentarily over to Pastor. “Thank you, Pastor. You’ve been a great example to follow,” he said and returned his focus on driving, but he kept up his conversation. “I praise God for your wisdom and guidance.” Stiles’s voice softened. He watched as Detria drove in front of them. “I know today’s message may have been somewhat difficult for you because it was hard for me to preach it, but like I said, and you know this better than anyone, I have to be obedient to God.”
“Yes, I know that, son. God knows exactly what He’s doing. I do miss your mother. I’ll miss her for the rest of my life. That’s a given, but death is something we all have to face one day. Thank God my dear Audrey was ready.” Pastor’s voice weakened and trembled slightly.
Stiles changed the subject. “We’re finalizing the wedding plans, Detria and I.”
“When is the wedding again? I forgot the date.”
“Next month. On the twenty-first. I’ll be jumping the broom again. But this time, I believe the Lord has given me another chance to be the husband I should have been when I was with Rena. I’ve learned a lot from the mistakes of yesterday. I’ve learned how to be more forgiving, more loving, and more accepting.”
“God doesn’t waste any opportunity to teach you, son. No matter how bad the situation, God can use it and work it out for your good. I have to remind myself of that sometimes when I’m in the house alone and I’m thinking of your mother. But, like you said, we all have to answer the call of death. I just wish I’d been the one to go first.”
Stiles heard Pastor’s voice break. “Pastor, I haven’t mentioned this, but I guess this is as good a time as any,” said Stiles. He turned behind Detria as she entered Emerald Estates.
“What’s that, son?”
“Detria and I have been looking at some houses.”
“I already know that. Are you getting absent minded like your ol’ man?” Pastor asked and grinned.
“No, I know you know that. But that’s not what I wanted to tell you. We’re going to stay close by in Whitehaven, so we’ll be near the church.”
Pastor nodded.
“We want you to think about coming to live with us. And before you say no”—Stiles waved one hand and pulled in the driveway behind Detria—“tell me that you’ll pray on it. That’s all I’m asking.”
Stiles put the car in park and shifted his body toward Pastor. Pastor returned his son’s gaze with a questioning look. “Son, you don’t need an old man living in the house with you and your wife. I can take care of myself. I do just fine. And whether you believe it or not”—Pastor looked at Detria as she stepped out of the car and reached back inside for her purse—“Detria is not going to want me hanging around.” Pastor laughed.
“That’s not true. Detria is fine with it. As a matter of fact, it was her suggestion.” Stiles and Pastor waited for Detria to get inside the car. “We know you’re capable of staying alone, but that’s one of the reasons Detria and I”—Stiles patted his chest—“think you might begin to feel better if you’re around family a little bit more. We’re family, Father.”
Detria opened the back door and climbed inside. “Honey,” Stiles said as Detria closed the back door.
“Yes, what is it?” Detria responded.
“I was just telling Pastor about our discussion concerning him coming to live with us after we get married.”
“Oh, yes, I hope you’ll give it some serious thought, Pastor. We’d love to have you with us. I can prepare your meals, and you can have your own father-in-law wing.” Detria sounded excited.
“Son, what are you planning to do with your house? Have you decided to rent it out or sell it?”
“I’m selling it. It’s already on the market. My Realtor said we have someone who’s put a contract on it. I hope, if it’s God’s will, they’ll get it. Actually, it should have been up for sale soon after the divorce, but it never became an issue between Rena and me,” Stiles explained. “But all of that’s in the past. When the house sells, Rena and I will split the profit down the middle. That includes furniture and everything.” Stiles waved his hand. “Whe
n she moved back to Andover, she never addressed the specifics of the divorce, and neither did I.” Stiles spoke in a serious, monotone voice.
Detria spoke up. “But all of that will soon be in the past, and Stiles and I can be free to move on with our lives together. Isn’t that right, sweetheart?” She leaned forward and looked at him with eyes shining like diamonds.
Pastor chuckled lightly. “See, that’s what I mean.” Stiles and Detria both looked confused. “You two are moving ahead into your future. You don’t need me around putting a damper on things.”
“Pastor, please.” Detria patted his right shoulder. “We want you with us. Don’t turn us down without at least considering it,” she urged.
Pastor looked over his shoulder at her. “Okay, I give in. I’ve always been a sucker for a beautiful woman. And you, young lady, remind me of my darling Audrey. When that woman had her mind set on something, nothing could make her change it. She became stubborn as a mule,” Pastor said, and the three of them laughed. Pastor turned back around and rested his head against the headrest. He sighed before he said, “I tell you what. I’ll definitely pray on it. But I will say this. I am truly blessed. God is showering me with His favor. Who knows, once you two get married and return from your honeymoon, you might change your minds and decide that you don’t want this old man around, after all.” Pastor laughed again.
Francesca looked awkwardly surprised when she saw Pastor walk in with Stiles and Detria. As they neared the long table where she and her church group were seated, Francesca actually smiled. No use getting bent out of shape about my brother and his new lady coming along. Might be kinda nice.
Stiles approached the table, with Pastor and Detria right behind him. “Hello, Francesca,” he said and leaned down to kiss his sister. “Hello, everyone,” he said to the eleven other people gathered in the small family room of the restaurant.
“Hi, Stiles. Hi, Pastor, and I’m sorry, is it Detra? Detria?” Francesca asked politely.
“You got it right the second time. De-tri-a,” Detria pronounced.
“Well, come on around. I’ll ask the waitress for a couple more chairs. I wasn’t expecting the two of you.”
Stiles gestured with his hand. “Don’t worry. I’ll handle it. Just get Pastor seated, and I’ll go get chairs for Detria and me.”
“She can take my chair,” said one of the men at the table. “I’ll go with you to get the chairs.”
“Thank you,” Detria said and went to the empty seat the man pulled out for her.
Pastor sat down. He was equally glad that there was a gentleman at the table who knew the proper etiquette when it came to women and men.
Francesca waited until Stiles and the church member returned with two chairs. Once they sat down, Francesca asked everyone to introduce themselves. After introductions, lunch was ordered while everyone munched on salad and bread sticks.
Surprisingly, Francesca had a great time. There was no bickering or backbiting. Stiles, Pastor, and Detria interacted extremely well with everyone. Francesca felt proud, and it seemed to show in the way she talked openly at the table about her ministry.
“Francesca, I hope you’re going to be at the wedding,” Stiles stated more than asked.
“I plan on it. I think you’ve found a nice woman,” she said. She didn’t smile. Instead, she looked at Stiles eye to eye.
“I know I’ve found the right woman,” Stiles returned with just as much seriousness, but not in a defensive manner.
“Yep, I think he’s got a winner here,” Pastor chimed in.
“I’m happy for you, then,” responded Francesca.
The group continued to laugh, eat, and talk for at least two hours, until the bus driver said it was time for them to get on the road.
Everyone expressed their gratitude for having met Stiles, Pastor, and Detria. Francesca stood up from the table while Stiles opened his wallet and placed enough money to pay for his, Pastor’s, Detria’s, and Francesca’s meals; plus he left a generous tip.
“Thank you for bringing Pastor and for paying for my lunch,” Francesca told Stiles.
Stiles looked with gentle eyes at his sister. It was like he could see the pleasant change in her. She looked happy, sounded happy, and the permanent limp she sustained as a result of her car accident wasn’t as pronounced as it used to be.
They all hugged one another. “Francesca, anytime you’re down this way, you have to come by,” Detria offered and stepped up to hug Francesca.
“I will. I most definitely will,” replied Francesca. She felt good about Detria, and she was sincerely happy for Stiles.
Next, Francesca hugged Stiles, and then saved the best for last. “Pastor, I’m so glad to see you. You look well. And I’m so glad you came. What do you think about the ministry?” she asked.
Pastor placed one hand on Francesca’s shoulder. “Darling, I’m so proud of you and the work you’re doing for God. You’re a changed woman. And only God can do that.” He took the back of his hand and lightly stroked his daughter’s cheek. He leaned in and kissed her on the same cheek. “I love you, sweetheart. And I’m so proud of you. Now, you be careful, and we’ll see you in a few weeks.”
Francesca walked slowly toward the exit.
“Hold up, Francesca,” said Stiles. “There’s something I want to tell you before you leave. Detria and I asked Pastor to move in with us after we get married. We thought it would be a good idea because that way Pastor would have someone around most of the time. What do you think about it?” Stiles asked.
“I think that’s a fantastic idea.” Francesca turned to Pastor. “And you? What do you think about it?”
“I’m praying about it. That’s all I can say right now,” Pastor answered.
“Well, like I said, I think it would be good. We wouldn’t have to worry about you so much. You could put the house up for sale or rent it, whichever,” Francesca said. “But we’ll talk about it. I need to get going,” she said when she saw the rest of the group heading toward the bus. She pecked Pastor on the cheek again. “I love y’all. We’ll talk again real soon, Pastor. You, too, Detria and Stiles.” She blew them a kiss and left to join the rest of her church group.
Chapter 3
For it was not into my ear you whispered,
but into my heart.
It was not my lips you kissed,
but my soul.
—Judy Garland
With each day that passed, Detria found herself more excited. The thought of becoming Stiles’s wife was like a fairy tale. She believed it would include living happily ever after. If only Audrey was still alive, then everything would be perfect.
Detria was on her way to do some shopping at the local mall with her three bridesmaids, Lisa, Shanté, and Sonia, and her sister, Brooke, the maid of honor. The wedding was less than three weeks away, and Detria still had quite a few things to finalize.
“I don’t know what I would do without y’all,” she told the women as they rode in Brooke’s Infiniti sedan. “I would fall apart,” she said nervously. “I know it.” Detria searched inside her purse until she pulled out a bulletin from Sunday’s service. She began to fan herself.
“Girl, what’s wrong with you?” Brooke asked. “I know you aren’t having hot flashes already. You’re still in your twenties.” Brooke giggled and so did the other women.
Detria kept fanning. “I told y’all, but you don’t believe me. I’ve got the wedding jitters or something.” The air conditioner was on inside the car, but Detria felt sweat forming on her forehead. It was the first of July and hot outside, but no one else was perspiring. The four of them sat comfortably in the luxury car with the air blasting and the radio bumping to a Tye Tribbett tune on the gospel station.
“Detria, everything is going to be fine,” Lisa told her.
“Yeah,” said Shanté. “You do have wedding jitters. It’ll pass once you say ‘I do.’”
“What?” Detria turned toward the backseat and focused on the three women with
a frown. “Are you telling me that I’m going to feel like this until after I get married? Now I’m really freaking out,” Detria said. The others laughed.
Brooke came to the rescue. She leaned over enough to touch Detria’s hand as it lay on the console. “Sis, it’s really not going to be that bad. Take it from me. I have been married for five wonderful years. When I was planning my wedding, I went through the same thing you’re experiencing right now. You should remember that.”
Sonia nodded in agreement. “You’re marrying a fine-as-wine, eligible bachelor. Who wouldn’t be nervous? And you’re a prize for him. Remember what his first wife put him through?”
“From what I’ve heard, she was a downright slut and a lesbian. How nasty is that?” Lisa chimed in.
“I don’t like to pass judgment on anybody,” said Detria with a slight frown on her face. “God made us all. And we all have something that we’re battling against. So I refuse to talk negatively about his ex or anyone else, for that matter. All I know is that I love Stiles. He is the man of my dreams. I’m not thinking about what his ex-wife did or did not do during their marriage, or any other mess that happened when the two of them were together. It’s me that I’m concerned about. I want to be a good wife and a good first lady, like First Lady Audrey. Now, nobody is going to tell me that woman didn’t have it going on.”
“Yeah, you’re right about that. I don’t go to Holy Rock, but I’ve seen Sister Graham a time or two in her heyday,” Sonia agreed.
Brooke whirled into the crowded parking lot and drove until she reached the middle entrance of the mall. She drove slowly with her eyes fixed on the parking lot.
“See, that’s what I’m talking about.” Detria turned and faced forward. She didn’t look in the backseat at all.
“I’m confused,” Brooke said. “What are you so uptight about?”
Detria answered the question. “Because I will be the first lady. I don’t have the least idea what’s expected of me. I’ve heard my share of horror stories about the problems other first ladies encounter—late-night phone calls from church members, not having their husbands around much, and knowing that the church will always come first.” Detria twisted her hands nervously. “I pray that I can do it. I pray that I can be all I need to be in Stiles’s life, you know?”
My Son's Next Wife Page 2
