Facing Redemption Read online

  John’s heart was in his throat. Their eyes connected for a second and he felt like his skin was on fire. For one second her eyes held a glimmer of recognition. John felt like he just might throw up. Then Chastity turned her head to Timothy in an instant, giving John the chance he needed to make his escape.

  What should have been a sad moment, as he walked away from his daughter was one of sweet joy. John knew Chastity had a good start to life, and he was happy to give that to her without interruption. So he quietly made his exit and drove to the small charter airport only miles away. And now he had completed his return flight and sat looking at her picture, he knew it was one he’d take out often to reminisce over. Chastity was his daughter, whether she accepted him or not…and he loved her enough to let go.

  Chapter 55

  “Here we go! Let the craziness begin.” Timothy squeezed her hand and led her toward the reception hall. They’d finished the family pictures in the atrium and were about to be announced.

  Curtis held the doors closed so they could make their grand entrance. He looked at the couple with expectant eyes. Timothy looked pumped, but Chastity wasn’t as happy as she should be. Timothy noticed as well.

  “Hey, are you okay? Having second thoughts already?” Timothy teased, but his anxious gut kicked in. He prayed she wasn’t.

  Chastity shook her head vigorously and grabbed his hands, and pulled them around her. “Of course not! Forgive me. I just thought I saw someone when we were leaving – that shouldn’t have been there. And it has me rattled.”

  Timothy stared into her eyes, and could see she was truly troubled. “If anyone is here that shouldn’t be, and I think we both know who we’re talking about, than I will have them taken care of. You just focus on us right now. We’re all we need. Okay?”

  Chastity leaned into his broad frame and felt his arms tighten around her. He made her feel like nothing could touch her. “Thank you,” she sighed. “I love you.”

  Timothy kissed the top of her head, and then started sputtering. “Blech!” He exclaimed. “What do you have in your hair?”

  Chastity belly laughed. It was just what she needed. “Delilah put some glitter sparkles in my hair…” She wiped off his lips. “And now it’s all over your lips.”

  “Are we ready you two?” Curtis quietly urged. “Your fans are waiting.”

  Chastity looked up to Timothy. Her eyes were clear and bright. Whatever was holding her back before was gone. They both took a step forward and Curtis opened the door with mic in hand, to introduce them again to the 400 plus waiting to swarm the couple.

  Curtis held true to his word. He worked a miracle with the room. And what had been just a plain room was transformed into a beautiful oasis. He brought columns to set around the dance floor, which were wrapped in the same floral spray that mirrored the atrium. Hundreds of twinkle lights illuminated any structure that he could wrap. The tables were set perfectly in tune with the décor of the wedding. Chastity walked in and felt like a princess, even though she wasn’t a princess kind of girl. But for one day, she was and loved every second.

  Curtis warned them they wouldn’t be able to eat or relax. Not everyone from the wedding stayed for the reception, and she was secretly glad. After entertaining 400 or more in the reception line, she couldn’t have imagined the original 500.

  When it was all said and done, they shook hands of and accepted the greetings of political figures, professional co-workers, and family member after family member. It amazed her away that Timothy’s family was so large. He introduced her to cousin after cousin, uncle, aunt and even step-cousins. She was blown away with what a big family she was now a part of and to think, just a couple of years ago, it was just she and her mom. She knew her mom would be happy for her.

  Watching them from across the room, it was easy to see that they were getting a bit tired. Curtis did his best to prep the tail end of the group, who were waiting to visit with the happy couple. He hurried the last few along, telling them to let the happy couple get off their feet. They’d been standing for nearly two hours just visiting. Curtis knew Timothy and Chastity were famished, and he was trying to handle crowd control as best he could.

  Man that guy’s good. Guy thought watching Curtis move around like a busy bee. Guy’s eyes rested on Chastity. Even though it was apparent they were beginning to tire, there was no doubt how beautiful she was. Although content not to be tied down, Guy’s envy re-surfaced. Timothy and Chastity’s connection was to be respected. Not many people find that kind of love.

  The vibration in his jacket pocket quickly interrupted his thoughts. Guy pulled out his phone and saw Ned’s number on his caller ID. Ned couldn’t make it in for the wedding, but wouldn’t be able to stand not knowing how the day went. It was no surprise that he’d be calling Guy now.

  Ned was the third part of their trio in college. One did nothing without the other two. Whatever Ned did, so did Guy and Tim, and it worked the same for any of them. They were inseparable in school, but now here they all were with high-powered careers and separate lives. It was nice to know after all these years, they still kept in contact – even if Ned couldn’t make it to the wedding.

  “Hey dude what’s up? Timothy miss me yet?” Ned started in before Guy could even say hello.

  “Ah not so much,” Guy responded, taking in his friend’s smile at his new wife. “He’s too busy mooning over his new wife to think about you.”

  “Lucky bastard! Is she hot?”

  “Oh way hot, but she’s a married woman now.”

  “Those are the best kind.”

  Guy laughed at his friend’s rude joke. “Dude seriously. Now that’s just wrong.”

  “I know. You know I don’t mean it. I can’t believe Banks bit the dust and left us to fend for ourselves.”

  “Shut up, you know you’re next!”

  “What? You don’t want to tie the knot?”

  “I’d prefer to get tied up but not in those specific terms.”

  Ned laughed. “You’re never going to grow up, are you?”

  “Too many hot women and not enough time my friend.”

  “Well tell Banks I’m sorry I couldn’t make it but my taping of the new season is in full force and duty calls.”

  “Well, you are the producer. So I guess your excuse will fly.”

  “Seriously, do you know who we’ve got as the bachelor this season?”

  “You know I don’t pay attention to that stuff.”

  “What? Reality TV? It’s hot, Guy! How do you not know about this stuff? This season we’ve got Chad Chambers, and he’s genuinely looking for love.”

  “Whatever! Those guys are all acting. You and I both know it.”

  “I thought you didn’t watch this stuff!”

  “I um, hear about it from the um, nursing staff on rounds.”

  “Yeah right. Listen we’ve got women from all over the world submitting their applications, which is great on one hand … but on the other.”

  “Hmmm?”

  “Well we need a little controversy to spike the ratings. I mean what woman wouldn’t want Chad Chambers? So far I’ve not had any apps come in that would be a challenge for him. I need my ace in the hole.”

  Guy looked across the floor, with the phone to his ear. He motioned to Anne silently asking her to dance. She smiled like a smart ass, and then turned back to the couple at her table.

  “I may have just the girl for you Ned.”

  “You’re nominating someone you know? I thought all the women you knew were the hot nurse types who’d be exactly the kind I already have lining up.”

  “No really. Just trust me! I’ve got exactly what you’re looking for.”

  “She’s got to be pretty Guy.”

  “Oh she’s a knock out in a natural beauty kind of way…very unassuming and in control.”

  “Okay.” Ned was interested. “Get her picture to me as soon as you can.”

  “It’s on the way. Hold on.” Guy hung up and waved at Anne fro
m across the dance floor. Now he was intent on trying to get her to smile for a picture. Or maybe a serious look would do.

  Anne turned her back to give Guy the brush off and continued talking to Cheryl and Dave. She shook her head in spite of herself and blew some air out.

  “I swear that guy.”

  “Isn’t that his name too?”

  “It’s not what I call him.”

  Dave laughed so hard it could be heard over the live DJ’s newest mix. “Now don’t be so hard on him. He’s just a normal red-blooded male trying to pick up a bridesmaid at his best friend’s wedding. What single guy hasn’t had that fantasy?”

  Anne rolled her eyes. “Puleeese! He was even on his cell. He was probably talking to his latest conquest on the phone while trying to hit on me from across the room.”

  “I resemble that remark.” Guy said deeply from behind Anne’s chair. During the conversation, he had walked across the floor to talk with Anne. He came up on the tail end of it, and beamed when he knew was the subject of her chat. It gave his ego a huge boost to know he was getting to her at least on some small level.

  “Don’t get a bigger head than you already have.”

  Cheryl tucked her hand over her mouth to cover her giggle. Dave stood and took his wife’s hand.

  “Shall we dance my dear,” Dave asked Cheryl innocently enough. The couple gave Anne all the space she needed to do her dirty work.

  Guy nodded to them as they took the floor. He promptly sat next to Anne without an invitation.

  “Are you always this rude? Do the women you date fall for this stuff?”

  “Oh, so are we on a date now?”

  “No! That’s not what I meant,” she said flustered. Guy thought she was cute when her face turned pink. “You know that’s not what I meant.”

  Guy decided to make it easy on her, even picking on her was way more fun. “I know. Settle down. I’m not here to hit on you. I promise.”

  Anne gave him a daunting glare, to which Guy put his hand up in pledge.

  “I swear. I just thought maybe you’d like to dance. If not, maybe I can just get our picture and say we danced when I get back home.”

  Anne closed her eyes and slowly shook her head. “I swear if it weren’t my best friend’s wedding I’d get up and leave right now, but I don’t want to make a scene.”

  “So does that mean I at least get a picture?”

  “Yes!” She said a little too loud. “Get your stupid camera and I’ll even smile pretty.”

  “You can do that? I’ve never seen you.”

  “Careful you’re stepping on my bad side again.”

  “I didn’t know I’d been anywhere but…” Guy smiled brilliantly and grabbed his iPhone from his jacket. He pushed it out away from them and she leaned in to fit the frame.

  “Say cheese little Annie.”

  “Don’t call me that.” She said through her teeth, as she smiled.

  “Thanks doll. I owe you one.” He said and leaned in to kiss her cheek after he was done.

  Anne sighed, grateful to see Dave and Cheryl heading back to the table.

  “Run along now Guy. There are many hot debutantes here that are more your speed.”

  “Ouch.” Guy laughed and popped up from the chair, and pulled it out for Cheryl.

  “Thank you,” Cheryl offered while sitting.

  “Anything for a lady,” Guy said before quickly retreating to the lobby of the church. Anne let out a disgusted sigh.

  “You play right into his hands you know. He only wants to get a reaction from you.” Cheryl surmised. “But I have to say I find it all pretty funny.”

  Anne shrugged her shoulders in return. “Maybe.”

  Guy stood outside in the hall, watching the party inside. He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and sent his picture to Ned’s phone with the attached message: ‘Here’s your next ace in the hole. Her name is Anne LaSal, and she’s a spitfire – and trust me she has the body to go with the face.”

  Grinning he slipped his phone back in his pocket, and walked back into the reception. Anne watched him approach Timothy and Chastity, as they finished their last slow dance. Guy pulled Timothy a deep hug and kissed the new bride on her cheek. Anne could see he was sincere in how much he cared for his friend, but still wondered how Timothy ended up being friends with such an egomaniac.

  Guy pulled his cell phone from his jacket to check an incoming message. He beamed from ear to ear, before looking up into Anne’s eyes from across the room.

  Probably another girl. Anne assumed and looked away.

  What she didn’t know was it was a text from the producer of ‘Broadcast Affair’ and she was now officially a candidate for the show.

  Chapter 56

  Curtis had the whole room fine-tuned, and nothing happened during the reception that would have given Chastity any indication of any of the fires he was dealing with earlier in the day. He buzzed from place to place to consolidate, clean up and wrap up the evening.

  “Do we get to eat?” Chastity turned to Timothy, realizing most everyone had eaten except them. “It looks pretty picked over.” She looked across the room.

  “I hope so. I’m hungry, but I’m also so happy to have changed out of that tux and into something more comfortable.” Timothy pulled at his collar.

  “Now you sound like Alex.” Chastity smiled. It conjured an image in her mind of what their child would look like some day.

  “And I enjoyed helping you out of your dress, and into this lovely little number.” Timothy leaned down to brush his lips across hers. Chastity blushed but pulled him in for a deeper kiss. “I love you wife.” She looked up to him lovingly. She didn’t have to say it back. He knew.

  “Okay Mr. and Mrs. Banks. It’s time!” Curtis was so quick that he snuck up next to him without being noticed. He ushered the couple out the door of the church to a large crowd cheering them on.

  Jesse watched his niece and her husband run through a cascade of bubbles floating through the air. He stood by Timothy’s car to ensure he would get to say goodbye. Since Timothy had asked Jesse’s permission to marry his niece and it was his responsibility to take the role of father for today. So as soon as the kids left to change, he planted himself by Timothy’s car. Jesse would not miss out on this moment.

  When he saw them step closer to the car, Jesse opened his arms. Chastity got caught in his big hug. He squeezed her so tight, she didn’t think he was going to let go.

  “I’m so proud of you.” Jesse finally released her and reached for Timothy’s hand. “Take good care of her.”

  “I promise, sir.”

  “Thank you for all you did … for all of this.” Chastity waved her hand toward the church. “I appreciate all you have done.”

  Jesse nodded, not able to tell her that he didn’t pay for any of it.

  Timothy opened his wife’s door, and helped her in. He laughed as he ran around back to get in his side. His car had been shoe polished and pimped out. Aluminum cans and condoms were tied to his bumpers, and ‘Just Married’ was written on the back window.

  “We love you man.” Guy yelled from the crowd. He heard a few laughing in response. Timothy looked up and crossed his chest with his arms and then pointed with both toward his friends. With a final wave, he got in and leaned across to kiss his new wife.

  “Look!” Chastity squealed. “Curtis packed us doggy bags! Love him!”

  Timothy thought she was getting ready to cry. “Let’s get you out of here. You’re getting delirious.” He laid his hand on her leg and drove off with his new wife.

  Anne stood and waved goodbye a little longer than the rest, realizing just how different her friendship would be with Chastity. It wouldn’t be just the two of them anymore, but different was good … especially if it made her best friend one of the happiest women in the world.

  There’s no one that deserves it more than you. A few tears escaped, as she watched them drive out of distance. Terri pulled her into her side and hugged her.


  “Well girl. I’ve got to get back to my hotel. I’m pooped.” Terri grabbed her husband’s hand and turned to leave. Anne could have gone with her, but she wasn’t ready to go inside to gather her things yet. So instead, she sat on the steps leading up to the church.

  “Here.” Scott sat down and handed her a hanky. She took it with a big sigh.

  “Thanks.” She sniffled.

  “Always a bridesmaid - never a bride huh?” Guy walked past them as he made his way back in the church. She ignored the silly look on his face.

  “I really should have punched him when I had the chance.” Scott grinned.

  “Me too. There’s still plenty of time.” She laughed. “So what’s your story? Not that I’m not all that, but you’ve not tried to hit on me while dufus back there has a one track mind.”

  “I’m in love, and I’m kind of a one woman guy.” Scott said sadly.

  “Oh. Well don’t sound so excited about it. Is she?”

  “Not yet.” Scott said determined. Anne nodded and leaned her head on his shoulder. “She’ll come around.”

  “Sure she will, Scott.” Where was this kind of guy when she was looking? “Want some advice?”

  “Sure.” He casually swung his arm around her, like a big brother would.

  “Don’t make it so easy for her. If you make her work for it, I bet she’ll come around faster than you’d think.” Anne lifted her chin, kissed Scott on the cheek, and stood to gather her things. It was time to go home to her empty house.

  Chapter 57

  Chastity dug her toes in the sand and listened to the ocean’s roar as it attacked the shoreline. She sat up from her beach towel and leaned her face toward the warm sun, as it shone down on them. This is heaven, she thought and stretched.

  Timothy sat up to apply suntan lotion across her shoulders, and began rubbing it in. He loved the way her slick skin felt under his fingers.

  “I told you I’m not going to burn.” She giggled.