Facing Redemption Read online

  “Is it wrong that I’m a bit afraid of him?” Scott whispered to Timothy.

  “You heard me. YOU…go check on my sick bridesmaid in the pastor’s office. Since you’re the more sensible of the groomsmen, get her on her feet since all this one wants to do is get them off their feet.” Curtis poked Guy in the chest. “Now I need that shirt stat!”

  “I’m outta here. You’re on your own.” Scott whispered to Guy when he left the room.

  Guy, a bit scared himself, sat down and gave over his shirt. Curtis poured the club soda and worked his magic. “There! Good as new! Now plug in that dryer and get crackin’! We have a wedding in 30 minutes! I won’t be late!”

  Curtis clapped his hands and touched his earpiece. “Yes it’s me! Update on the sick bridesmaid! Get me info stat!” He left in whirlwind, leaving Timothy and Guy staring at each other before cracking up.

  “Who is that guy?” Timothy laughed.

  Guy shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know but if I don’t get this shirt completely dry I think he’s going to hurt me.” Guy’s eyes bulged.

  Chapter 52

  This is it. The moment it all changes for all of us. Anne smiled down to the sweetest little flower girls she’d ever seen. Then she turned softly ruffle Alex’s hair.

  “You’ve got to be the most handsome ring bearer I’ve ever seen.” Anne said softly. Jesse’s son, Alex, frowned in return.

  “This is itchy. I don’t want to look handsome.” Alex fidgeted with his tie.

  Guy came up from behind them and laid his hand on Alex’s shoulder. Alex looked up to Guy with the same frown.

  “It’s worth the price my little man. Enjoy your moment. It doesn’t happen often that you get the attention of such a lovely lady.” Guy winked down to Alex.

  Anne’s mouth fell open. Guy was almost human. She was about to say thank you but he spoiled it before she could.

  “Should I be jealous?” He asked.

  “Do you ever have a normal conversation with any female about anything substantial?” Her frown mirrored Alex’s.

  He stopped to think about it for a minute. “Most don’t care to.”

  Anne looked around wondering when Scott was going to show up with Terri.

  “She’s coming.” Curtis said as if reading her mind. “I had a Zantac in my bag of tricks and it worked. It turned out her morning sickness was triggered by indigestion. Scott is bringing her and her husband, David, from the office now.” Curtis tapped his earpiece.

  “How do you stay so calm with all this madness?” Anne asked.

  “Sorry but that’s my trade secret.” Curtis grinned. “Here she is now.”

  Anne turned to find Terri at her side. “You okay?”

  “Much better.” She sighed. Her husband kissed her cheek, and left her side to take a seat in the church.

  “Hurry.” Curtis ushered Terri’s husband, David, through the crowd to go sit inside. He then nodded his head to the sound tech at the back of the church, to give the command to start the music. Canon in D minor streamed through the church’s massive sounds system, as every head turned to face the back of the church.

  Opal reminded the flower girls to stay put. She held their hands and kept their attention until it was time. Curtis nodded and cued Timothy’s young cousins, Landon and Chase, to seat the mother and father of the groom.

  Mrs. Banks offered her hand to Landon and took the lead. Chase offered a hand to Mr. Banks, who shook it off. He was using only using a cane now, and had worked hard for this day. Mr. Banks walked slowly and proudly down the aisle.

  Cheryl and Dave stood next in line to be seated. Cheryl glanced over Dave’s head to give Anne a reassuring smile. Anne smiled back and then closed her eyes. She mentally went over her maid of honor checklist. It was then that Anne remembered, and her stomach felt like it was about to come up through her throat. She had left Timothy’s ring in the bridal room! In a panic, she ran down the hall to retrieve the ring.

  Curtis pointed after her. “We can’t have anymore mishaps! Anne!” He whispered loudly after her.

  Guy jogged after her. “Mind telling me what you’re doing? Other than giving Curtis a coronary?” Guy smiled at the idea.

  “I forgot the ring.” She panted before reaching the bridal room. Her eyes frantically scanned the room. “There.” She yelled and darted across the room.

  Guy watched it all unfold. Anne fetched the ring from her purse, slipped it on her forefinger, and quickly exited out of the room. He admired her backside and how the purple dress swayed around the tops of her well-formed legs.

  “Well that was a close one. Wait for me.” Guy called after her.

  Anne gave a backwards glance but picked up her pace to a slow jog. They had to get back in line to proceed down the aisle. “We’ve got to hurry.” Anne said as she started to pump her arms to run, and as she rounded the corner the unthinkable happened. The ring flew off of her finger and flew through the air.

  For Anne everything that came next happened in slow motion. “Noooooo!” She heard herself yell, but it sounded like it came from someone else. Anne watched in horror as Timothy’s ring bounced down the tile hall and rolled straight toward an air vent in the floor.

  It was then that Guy sprang into action. He leapt forward and in an effort to grab the ring but just missed it. Anne was mortified at the prospect of not having a ring. She squeezed her eyes shut.

  “I can’t look.” Anne whimpered.

  Guy leaned in and whispered in her ear. “Open your eyes.”

  “I can’t.”

  “Trust me.”

  “I never trust anyone who has to say those words.”

  Guy snorted. “Just do it. And remember you owe me one La Sal.”

  Anne slowly peeked through one eyelid, and saw Timothy’s ring in the palm of Guy’s hand. Anne squealed in delight and threw her arms around his neck.

  “Thank you! How’d you stop it?” She quickly withdrew her arms and put some space between the two of them.

  Guy laughed. “You were pumping your arms so hard that it had a lot of force behind it. It bounced right over the vent and ricocheted off the wall.”

  Anne grabbed the ring to inspect it. “It has a couple of scratches on the surface of the gold. Oh no!” Chastity half whined before letting out a laugh. “Can anything else happen today?”

  “Well anything’s possible. Did you just thank me and throw yourself at me? Or was that my imagination?”

  “Oh brother. Get over it. We’ve got to go.” Anne pulled Guy the rest of the way back to the atrium entrance, where Curtis looked like he was about to commit murder.

  “Where have you two been? Can’t you two wait till after the ceremony? I have enough to worry about to have to go looking for you two!” Curtis hissed, before nodding to Opal to walk the flower girls in. He smiled down at Alex.

  “Ew! No. I forgot the ring and he helped me find it.” Anne stammered.

  “Uh huh.” Curtis did not look convinced. “Because it takes two people to get a ring. Never mind ... Alex, sweetie, you’re next.” He gave Alex a little nudge, who again frowned in return.

  “Will you tell him?” Anne pleaded to Guy.

  “What? And ruin my reputation? Uh-nuh.” Guy stood a little taller and was grinning down at her. He leaned to whisper just loud enough into Curtis’ ear, so Anne could hear him. “She’s a feisty one.”

  “Well I’m sure she is honey, but I’m going to strangle you if you disappear on me like that again.” Curtis barked. “Go – it’s your turn.”

  Guy offered Anne his arm, to which she refused. They walked down the aisle next to one another, but Anne wouldn’t look at him. Guy chuckled as the church doors closed behind them.

  “What? You’re not talking to me now?” He whispered. He got no response. She cordially slipped her arm into his, but only because she had too. By the time they reached the end of the aisle, Guy was in so much pain that he was almost sorry for his smart remarks. Anne had tightened her grip so har
d on his arm that her fingernails were leaving marks through his jacket. He firmly planted his hand over her hers and pried it off his arm.

  “That’s enough Grace.” He said quietly through his smile, as they paused for Kimmy to take a shot. Anne wrinkled her nose for the picture. There was no way she was smiling in a picture with him.

  Guy let out a sigh of relief when they parted ways. He walked up a step to stand next to Timothy, but he didn’t even notice him. Timothy’s eyes were trained on the church doors, and what was to come. Guy’s eyes followed in anticipation.

  Scott and Terri were making their way down the aisle to join them, which meant Chastity was only a few minutes out. Guy saw the flower girls and the ring bearer start down the aisle. Timothy nervously straightened his jacket and shifted his weight in anticipation. He looked like he was a tiger about to pounce.

  For a quick second, Guy was filled with jealousy for what Timothy had found with Chastity. However, it was only a fleeting moment as Guy’s eyes crossed the aisle to meet Anne’s - only to find an evil stare in response. It was enough to transform that small piece of envy to a huge relief that he wasn’t the one involved in a long-term commitment. No woman was worth that.

  “Getting cold feet?” Guy whispered, trying to get Timothy’s attention.

  “Naw, man. I just don’t think I can wait one second longer.” Timothy’s raspy voice gave him away. Guy could tell his friend was having a hard time holding in all the emotions he was feeling.

  “Well I don’t think you’re going to have to wait any longer.” Scott leaned over and whispered. “Right before Terri and I came down the aisle, she walked out with her uncle. She looks amazing man.” Scott said in awe. “You’re getting ready to be blown away.”

  Timothy wouldn’t remember much. He wouldn’t remember the bridal march starting or the congregation standing in expectation. He wouldn’t even remember the sniffles he heard from across the aisle. What he would remember is the vision of his bride as the church doors were opened, and how she floated down the aisle. Chastity’s face was covered with a sheer veil, but even he could see her smile from where he stood.

  Their eyes held the entire time she made her way to him, and he swore he’d never seen anything more beautiful in his life.

  Chapter 53

  Chastity leaned into Jesse for support as they walked down the aisle. She couldn’t take her eyes of Timothy, and she didn’t want to trip over her gown.

  “You’re doing alright baby girl.” Jesse whispered for her ears only.

  “You’re going to make me cry Uncle Jesse. Don’t do that.” Chastity smiled, still never letting her eyes leave her man’s. “Doesn’t he look handsome?”

  “I don’t know. I can’t take my eyes of you.” Jesse chuckled. “Thank you for letting me have this honor.”

  When they made it to the end of the aisle, they stopped as instructed, and this time Chastity did turn to Jesse for the words that she’d felt for the last year. “You’re the closest thing I have to a dad. Thank you for all you’ve given me.”

  Pastor Allen started the ceremony by lowering his hands, to ask the congregation to sit down.

  “Who gives this woman?” The pastor’s voice boomed.

  “Her mother does…but since she can’t be here – her family accepts that honor in her place.”

  Chastity didn’t expect those words. They weren’t what they’d rehearsed. With deep gratitude, she leaned up to hug her uncle.

  “Go. Get married.” Jesse whispered and handed her over to Timothy.

  “You look stunning.” Timothy told her and he helped her up the steps.

  The ceremony went off without a hitch with the exception of a stray candle that kept popping out of the candelabra. Scott, their groomsmen, kept picking it and sticking it back in but by the third time – he left it, which caused some laughter from the church crowd.

  At that point, it was apparent that Timothy and Chastity had everything thrown at them. The day of mishaps hadn’t melted them down. It hadn’t torn them apart. Everyone was still standing and Chastity was especially glad Terri was. No one had killed each other, but Timothy gave Scott and Guy until after the ceremony to blow up again.

  It was a beautifully orchestrated ceremony with the end result they’d been planning for months. There’d been a hundred detours, but they’d found their way to a beautiful wedding and a great start to marriage.

  Chastity was content through all the drama because in the end she knew she had her man, and was walking toward a wonderful marriage. She never doubted that for a second with any issue over the last couple days, that she wasn’t meant to be Mrs. Timothy Banks and at the end of the day that’s all that mattered.

  After they lit their unity candle and said the Lord’s Prayer, the only thing left was their kiss. And this was something Timothy had been waiting for. When the Pastor gave permission, he wrapped his arms around his new wife and leaned her back for a dip and kissed her with as much passion as if they’d been alone.

  This too, brought laughter from the congregation and the pastor.

  “Okay, son.” The pastor cleared his throat, bringing Timothy back to the present. “I still have a job to do here. You can do yours later.”

  More laughter erupted from the crowd, as Timothy sheepishly grinned and lifted Chastity back up to face the church.

  “I’d like to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Banks.” The pastor bellowed to the church. In response she heard the music cue up, and she and Timothy stepped down to take their first step toward their life together as husband and wife.

  This time walking the aisle, she looked to the crowd, smiling at Cheryl and Dave and her new in-laws. She smiled at Jesse. She and Timothy saw many familiar faces and sent them warm smiles of thanks.

  When they almost made their way toward the end, she caught a glimpse of a man she swore she knew. But it couldn’t be? Chastity squinted her eyes, trying to figure it out.

  Timothy squeezed her hand in excitement. “Can you believe it?” He asked in excitement. She turned toward him and smiled.

  She was eager to return his sentiment but couldn’t get the nagging question out of her head. Was that John? Before they exited the church, she looked one more time to be sure, but the face that haunted her was gone.

  Chapter 54

  John was so elated he didn’t even remember most of the flight home. He unbuckled as the pilot taxied into the terminal at the end of the small runway.

  “Have a good rest of your day Mr. Mikale.” The pilot said before John exited the plane.

  “Will do.” John reached for his jacket and slipped it on. “Thanks for getting here on such short notice. Please tell Mr. Simon that I’m in his debt.”

  “My employer told me if you mentioned anything like that, to tell you that you’re even now.”

  John smiled knowingly. “Thanks anyways.” He stepped down and jaunted to his car. He pulled out his cell to text Andie a picture, which he’d taken from the ceremony. He started his engine, and stared at Chastity’s image on his iPhone. He thought she looked like an angel, and looked to be so much in love.

  This was the first time he’d been this close to her since she was seven years old. He’d dreamed of this day his whole adult life. To be close enough to get this picture on his cell, without reaching out and spending time with her killed him.

  He was jealous of Timothy and tried hard not to be too judgmental. He couldn’t help but wonder if he wasn’t good enough for his daughter. Before the ceremony, John kept his gaze on Timothy, as the young man expectantly waited for Chastity. It wasn’t hard to notice how much emotion Timothy was holding in.

  Any misgivings he had about the man, who was about to marry his daughter, slipped away as the ceremony went on. It wasn’t lost on John how gentle Timothy was when he reached for her hands, or how loving his tone was toward Chastity during their vows. Timothy’s voice even broke half way through. It made John’s chest grow tight to see the love they shared.

&n
bsp; For a split second, he looked to the ceiling of the church wondering if Kylie was watching from above. He squirmed uncomfortably knowing that Kylie wouldn’t have approved of him being there spying on their daughter. He didn’t approve of himself being there. He felt like a stalker, sneaking into a wedding uninvited and his guilty conscience started to make him feel inconspicuous.

  He tried to leave before they finished the ceremony, but he couldn’t tear himself away. He was only a few yards from his own flesh and blood, and before he knew it Timothy leaned in for their first kiss. John’s eyes grew misty. His daughter belonged to Timothy, and he shouldn’t be here any longer.

  John sat strategically by a side entrance to the atrium so he could slip out unnoticed, but it was too late now. The lustrous couple had already started up the aisle, and to get up now would get him noticed for sure. He had to time it just right …

  Instead of looking for his window of opportunity, John kept looking to his daughter’s face. She was beautiful, and they belonged together. And it was more confirmation that he didn’t belong in the middle of it. It hit him like a ton of bricks.

  No matter how much I want a relationship with her … she has her own life and a fresh start. I have to let her go.

  John’s view was no longer skewed by his own selfish desires. He knew what he had to do. He let go of the guilt of being somewhere where he wasn’t wanted. He let go of the desperation to have a part in his daughter’s life, and felt peace settling into his heart. He knew he would be giving her more by giving her a happy life … one without his intrusion. She was happy and John needed to leave it that way.

  John knew he’d never have this chance again, and wanted to savor being this close. Timothy and Chastity were almost to the end of the aisle, getting closer to where he sat. With as many people seated around him, he knew she’d never see him where he was. John had chosen to sit on the end of the pew farthest away from the aisle, feet away from the side entrance. He felt secure that he had his exit strategy if he needed it, but was confident she’d never pick him out in the crowd … until she did.