Facing Redemption Read online

  “I grew up relying on few people, and never understood how or what I was missing until I learned how to love by the grace of a good woman.” Jesse looked to Lauri and smiled. He then turned to Timothy. “And when you’re lucky, you find someone to show you the way, like you have Timothy. Someone like Chastity, who is strong and gentle … who is level headed yet passionate.”

  Timothy squeezed Chastity’s hand under the table.

  “And when you find someone who turns your whole world upside down, it changes you. If you’re lucky enough, you hold on to her without squeezing too tightly. You love her without taking her for granted. And if you find that balance – and strike a partnership that is so rare that the rest of the world will be jealous, you will have a love that lasts.” Everyone started to raise their glass.

  “But most importantly …” Jesse continued, as the group brought their glasses back down. Lauri laughed at her husband, who was milking it for all it was worth. “Most importantly you take into consideration what God’s hand can do for your marriage. Timothy … Chastity … you’re both amazing young people. I would encourage you to not only look to each other in good times and bad for support but also to keep God as your anchor, in the center of your marriage. May He guide and protect you. He doesn’t promise life will be easy – but He promises to always be there for you…just as you two will, as you take your vows tomorrow.”

  Chastity’s heart swelled with pride as her uncle raised his glass higher. She mouthed the words ‘thank you’ to him and blew him a kiss. She turned to Timothy and gave him a soft kiss on his cheek. This time everyone raised his or her glass successfully in response.

  “I’m sorry your parents couldn’t make it.” Chastity whispered in his Timothy’s ear.

  Timothy slowly nodded and gave her a look of reassurance. “It’s okay. They made the rehearsal, nailed their marks according to Curtis …” Chastity giggled. “And I’m glad they’re home resting right now. It will give them more energy for tomorrow. I’m just happy that my dad is only reliant on a cane now. What a miracle transformation he’s had.”

  “True.” Chastity agreed. Having Mr. Banks almost fully recovered was an answer to prayer, and such a milestone for their wedding day.

  “Hey no more secrets you love birds. Our food is almost here…time to eat and get out on the town. What time is it? The game starts at 8:30, right?” Guy elbowed Timothy.

  Scott pulled out his phone in response. “It says it’s only 7:00. We’ve got plenty of time Guy.”

  “I say it’s time to dig in and get going.” Guy responded and picked up his fork.

  Although Anne couldn’t stand the guy, he had a point. The food was just arriving but it was almost time to cut their duties short and pull their friends out on the town. And the quicker she could get away from Guy the better. Scott was a well-behaved man. Why couldn’t Guy be more respectable?

  She eyeballed him from her chair with disdain. Chastity knew I didn’t want to be anywhere near him, and she set my place card next to his. Ugh!

  Guy sensed her from his peripheral vision and quickly turned and flashed his white pearly teeth before his next bite of steak. His lips curled up with pleasure. Anne rolled her eyes and took a long sip of wine.

  Oh brother! Anne thought, while turning the other direction.

  “Hey what’s up with Chastity’s friend over here? Is she into guys or not?” Guy whispered into Timothy’s ear.

  Timothy almost spit out his water. Chastity looked over in surprise.

  “You okay?” Chastity asked laughing.

  “Yeah, my good buddy is asking if Anne is into guys.”

  “Oh dear. Tell him just not those named Guy.” She smirked.

  Timothy turned to Guy and said with pleading eyes. “Don’t make an ass out of yourself please. Leave her alone.”

  Guy put up his hands. “Hey I’ve been nice. I’ve only tried talking to her and it’s like I’ve got the plague or something.”

  Anne leaned over. “Maybe you do.” She smiled down the table to Chastity, who was glad to see the sparkle back in her eyes.

  Timothy clasped his friend on his shoulder. “I think you’ve lost your touch.”

  “Oh no. I’ve still got it. She’s just impervious to it. Strangest thing I’ve ever seen.” Guy said slowly while taking his last bite of steak.

  Chastity giggled and downed the rest of her water before pushing her plate back. “I’m full.” She saw Anne’s questioning eyes. “Yes, it’s almost time.” Chastity confirmed.

  Anne gave her a small smile, but her face quickly fell when Guy looked at her.

  “This is the most cruel fun.” Timothy whispered into Chastity’s ear. “It’s a battle he can’t win.” Timothy nodded toward Guy and Anne. Chastity chuckled.

  Within seconds Chastity felt a hand on her shoulder. Cheryl, Whitney and Dave were behind her, saying their good-byes. Chastity arose to give Cheryl long embrace.

  “I hate to be a party pooper but it’s storming bad enough that we need to get home. Our dogs will be going crazy.” Cheryl sadly smiled, pulling away.

  “Oh! Okay. Thanks…I’ll see you tomorrow. Love you.”

  “Love you too Chaz. See you tomorrow Timothy.”

  Timothy stood to shake Dave’s hand and give Cheryl a hug. “Tomorrow!” He smiled widely. They said their good-byes to the rest of the group and left.

  Lauri waved to Cheryl as she left, and felt her cell vibrating in her purse. Frowning at the caller ID, she stood to excuse herself.

  “Who is it?” Chastity and Jesse said in unison before she could leave.

  “Curtis.” Lauri answered.

  “Hey darling.” Curtis sounded in a slight panic.

  “What’s up? Wait, hold on.” Lauri put on her best light hearted voice and stood up. She put up her finger, motioning she’d be right back.

  “Well that doesn’t look good.” Guy said to Anne.

  “Shut up.” Anne frowned. “Don’t give Chastity anything to worry about.”

  It was too late. Chastity started to stand and go after her, but Timothy put his hand on her leg.

  “Whatever it is, it’s okay. No wedding mishap will turn me into a groom-zilla! I promise.” Timothy grinned and leaned in for a quick kiss from Chastity. He could see the concern in her eyes, but nothing could faze him at this point. Timothy knew nothing could be worse than the death of Pastor Williams, who wouldn’t be here tomorrow to marry them. He was still reeling from that loss, but knew they had found a good substitute.

  Lauri rounded the corner and made sure she was out of earshot. “Okay Curtis, tell me.”

  “The reception room…you know the room that your niece really wanted - where the couple is catering 500 people tomorrow? Well, they just called to cancel as they have no power or backup generator!”

  Lauri gasped. “Oh crap.”

  “But not to worry. I did some string pulling and the church donated a room for the reception. So now if it’s storming, no guests have to leave the church – they can just stay put for the whole thing.”

  “Whew, okay.” Lauri mind was spinning. “Now I just have to break the news to Chastity. Considering the weather, with what may or may not happen tomorrow, it makes sense to stay put anyway. So it might be better to have the reception there anyway. But I know she really wanted the reception where they’d have a dance floor, so she could have a first dance with her husband.”

  “Well, we’ll work something out tomorrow. I’ll see if I can get their DJ to come to the church’s overflow room to set up. She’ll have her dance. I’ll make the décor in that plain room look like it is a garden wedding slash reception’s dream – don’t you worry Lauri. I can do this!”

  Lauri turned the corner to return to the room and realized all eyes were on her.

  She crossed the floor to sit next to Chastity.

  “Some good and not so good news. Which do you want first?” Lauri bit her lip.

  Chastity shook her head. “I have no idea. Just start
with what you want.”

  “Okay. Well the good news is that you live in Oklahoma now.”

  Chastity interrupted, “You’re not very good at this Lauri. You’ve got me worried.”

  “No honey. It’ll be fine. You’re a pro in this type of weather now and should know to expect the unexpected.”

  “Did a tornado get the church?”

  Lauri laughed at Chastity’s nervous effort at humor. “No. But the power went out at the reception hall, and they don’t have a back up generator. But Curtis is on it. The church has already donated their room and Curtis will be up all night doing the decorations.”

  “That’s it?” Chastity felt relief.

  “That’s it?” Lauri expected more of a reaction from Chastity.

  “Aunt Laur – I don’t believe in drama. Trust me. And if Curtis says it’s under control. Then he’ll make it happen.”

  Timothy leaned down to kiss his future wife on the forehead. Chastity saw Guy and Scott standing over his shoulder waiting.

  “Alright. Everyone ready?” Chastity asked lightly. “Thanks Aunt Lauri.” She grabbed her for a quick hug before gathering her things.

  “Have fun, but not too much fun.” Timothy pulled Chastity for a kiss.

  “I could say the same thing.” Chastity smiled up sweetly.

  Anne pulled Chastity away. “I’ll take good care of her. Don’t worry. Scott?”

  Scott’s head popped up. “Huh?”

  “You make sure this one…” Anne pointed to Guy. “…keeps you guys out of trouble. The last thing we need is to come bail someone out of jail for something.”

  “Me?” Guy laughed. “The only thing you need to worry about from me …”

  Scott interrupted. “I promise. Scouts honor. If I were a scout…”

  “I wouldn’t doubt it.” Guy murmured to Timothy.

  “You have my word.” Scott smiled, ignoring Guy. Scott reminded himself it was only a couple of days he had to sacrifice the presence of Timothy’s idiot friend. And he wasn’t about to let Guy ruin seeing one of his best friends get married.

  “Thank you. At least someone here is a gentleman.” Anne smiled up at Scott. “Let’s go Chaz. I have plans for us.”

  Timothy squeezed Chastity’s hand before the group headed downstairs. There was a break in the line of storms coming through. They walked out to a very dark and wet night, but no rain was currently coming down. Anne escorted Chastity to the limo she had waiting outside, and waved goodbye to the group.

  “Love you.” Chastity called out before getting in.

  “Love you too. Have fun.” Timothy responded.

  The game was only a few blocks away, so the guys walked the distance to meet up with Timothy’s cousins outside the arena.

  Guy took his place walking in between Tim and Scott, and slung his arms around both of them. “Now we’re going to have some fun.”

  The limo pulled past them and Timothy watched it turn at the next corner. There goes my future wife. He smiled and counted himself the luckiest man on the earth.

  Chapter 44

  Seconds were left on the clock, as Kevin Durant, a young yet seasoned veteran player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, lifted like a cloud in the air and dunked over Los Angeles Lakers player, Andrew Bynum. Even with a massive 7-foot tall player trying to block access to the net, Durant slid his hand around the Lakers player and slammed the ball down, scoring another two points. It sent the crowd into massive cheers and screams of joy.

  It wasn’t hard to understand how invested the Thunder fans were after seconds of being inside the arena. It was an impressive game just sitting in all this amazing energy, even if the Thunder didn’t already have a 15-point lead.

  “Now that’s what it’s about!” Timothy yelled down. “Woooo!” Timothy laughed and leaned back in his chair.

  “Wow! Now this is a game!” Scott said in amazement. “Too bad your two young cousins back there can’t chill out and watch it. It seems like such a waste.”

  Guy glanced behind them, where Timothy’s cousins were downing another beer. “How many is that guys?”

  Timothy turned in his seat. “Hey Chase…Landon. Why don’t you two knock it off? You’ve had enough.”

  “I’m only drinking your share for you cuz.” Landon snickered, while grabbing for another.

  “They’re legal right?” Scott asked. Timothy nodded.

  “Barely.” Guy said.

  “Hey, we’re over 21!” Chase exclaimed. “C’mon brother. Let’s get out of here.”

  “Where do you think you’re going? We’re your ride home. You don’t even live here.”

  “Well this is supposed to be a bachelor party and it’s lame. We’re in a big city with lots of clubs and ladies, so we’ll find our way around. I’ve got money for a cab.” Landon grabbed his last beer. “One last one for the road.”

  Timothy sighed. “I knew I shouldn’t have given in and let them come. Between them and the news at the restaurant, I’m starting to get a bad feeling.”

  Guy handed Timothy a beer. “Here buddy. It’s going to be fine. You said your wedding … planner? Is that what he’s called?”

  “Yes.”

  “You said he worked magic. So the reception hall canceled … so what? He’ll make something happen and Chastity will have her magic day. Princess fairy dancing and all that.”

  Timothy laughed. “You make her sound like such a girl.”

  Scott and Guy laughed in unison. Guy raised his eyebrows at Timothy. “Well isn’t she?”

  “Yes! But she’s not a girlie girl…she doesn’t need to be a fairy princess. She just wanted our first dance to be magical…and now it may not even happen. I know everything will be okay…I just hope she will be if it’s not what she expects.”

  Scott nodded. “Women!” He said exasperated.

  Timothy rolled his eyes at his friend.

  The three heard a loud commotion outside their suite, and the door quickly opened. Two police officers walked in with Timothy’s cousins in tow.

  “Excuse me. Which one of you is…”

  Timothy stood up before the officer could finish. He waved his hand in anticipation. “That would be me. What’s going on?”

  “Well since they’re over 21 – they don’t need a guardian. But as a courtesy, because they told me you were marrying Mr. Bank’s niece tomorrow … we came down to fill you in.”

  “What did they do?” Timothy’s voice dropped. He looked to his cousins. Landon’s face was twisted and bright red. Timothy knew he was about to pop off. Timothy shot him a warning glare. Chase’s eyes were averted and stayed there. It was if he was studying his big toe through his shoe.

  “We don’t normally offer this as a courtesy, but we’ve brought them to you to let you know that we could charge them with a drunken & disorderly. They were harassing some young ladies down the hall, in the restaurant. They mouthed off to us when we approached and then told us who you were and where to find you.” The officer paused to gauge Timothy’s reaction.

  Timothy raised an eyebrow and shook his head. He felt like throttling both of his cousins where they stood. “Thank you officer. What next?”

  “Well, as a courtesy – we could release them to you since your big day is tomorrow and leave them with a strong warning … or …” The second officer let Timothy decide what was to come next.

  “Guys? I warned you.” Timothy looked at Landon.

  “I know.” Chase mumbled. Landon shoved Chase with his elbow.

  “Don’t take that! He’s not our dad! We’re old enough to make our own choices!” Landon snapped at Chase while staring daggers through Timothy.

  Timothy sighed and looked to the officer. “They’re all yours officers.”

  The first officer nodded silently, and pulled out the cuffs. “Alright boys.”

  “What?” Landon sputtered. “You can’t do this!” He whined. He looked to Timothy for help.

  “Hey,” Timothy shrugged. “You said it…right? I’m no
t your dad. I’m not responsible for you.”

  Timothy’s friends watched in awe as their friend let his cousins get hauled off. None of them could believe it. The two boys didn’t put up much of a fight as the officers asked them to leave with them. Timothy let out a long breath, and turned to face his friends. They were shocked as not only did Timothy let his cousins get hauled off, but when he turned to face them … he was smiling.

  “Was that really necessary?” Scott asked, shocked. “That will go on their record!”

  “Hey they’re being punks. And maybe it’ll teach them a lesson.” Timothy said calmly before sitting down. “Now what did we miss? How much time is left in the game?”

  “Um, it ended three minutes ago bro.” Guy said quietly. “I mean, I know they weren’t in the right but …”

  Timothy smiled at his friends. They were such softies. “Don’t worry about it.” Timothy grabbed his cell phone from the table. He lifted it up for Scott and Guy to see. “That text?”

  Guy squinted and read it aloud. “We’ll take em down to shake em up a bit and then you can come pick them up.”

  “What the?” Guy was shocked. “You know him?”

  Timothy chuckled. “You can’t live here long without making a few friends on the force. I figured those two my try to stir something up, so texted my buddy, Toby, who was working the game tonight.”

  “Shut up man! You did not!?” Scott laughed so hard that his soda spewed out from his nose.

  All three busted out laughing and started for the door.

  “Thanks for a good time tonight guys.” Timothy grabbed the handle of the door and opened in for his friends. “Now let’s go pick up some scared little boys from jail.”

  Guy laughed. “This is a night to remember. Thank you man.” He slapped his friend on the back, and followed him and Scott through the massive crowd to leave.

  Chapter 45

  For three mornings straight, Andie found him in the same spot. John was perched, leaning against the counter staring at the refrigerator. He lifted his coffee cup to his lips without taking his eyes off the wedding announcement that was held to the freezer door.