Facing Redemption

by Kimberly McKay

  Timothy slowed his car to take another look through the crowd coming out of the sliding doors at the Southwest pick up. He immediately saw Guy, looking like he’d just showered and shaved. He chuckled to himself. He probably freshened up on the airplane. He could picture his friend taking his cordless shaver into the bathroom 30,000 feet in the air. It would be typical for Guy to make sure he was looking his best even after a rough landing.

  Timothy honked the horn and pulled alongside to help Guy load his bags into the car. Guy flashed his perfect smile down at him.

  “Hey buddy. Good to see you!” Timothy got out of his car and quickly embraced his friend. He pulled away and looked Guy in the eyes. “It’s been too long.”

  “I know. Between my job and your practice … there’s not enough time. Hey wait a minute - how’d you even find time to date – let alone get married?”

  Timothy chuckled. “I’m not married yet.”

  “Whoa…second thoughts already? You know I’m your man…I can get you out of this if you’re really interested.”

  Timothy laughed as he lifted his friend’s third bag into his trunk. It was heavier than he expected. “Man what do you have in here? One of the cadavers from your hospital?”

  Guy laughed. “Hey - a guy has to look good! I brought enough to sport for any occasion…like your bachelor parteeeyyy. We’re going out tonight, right?”

  Timothy grabbed the last bag and tossed it in his car. He gave Guy a look that left no interpretation. “Hardly.” He rolled his eyes and got in.

  Guy slid in the passenger seat and started in. “What do you mean hardly? This guy I used to know, named Tim Banks, was always up for a party. I mean he wasn’t the life of it, like I was, but he was always there, ready and willing.”

  “Well that was then…and we were in college.” Timothy drew his last word out, for emphasis.

  Guy sighed. “Okay. Boring, but okay. It’s your party dude…we’ll do what you want to do.”

  “Besides the rehearsal dinner is tonight.” Timothy tried to look stern but busted into a grin, while pulling his hand from his pocket. “But that doesn’t mean that we couldn’t go for a playoff game.”

  Guy’s eyebrows shot up, as he grabbed the three-playoff tickets from his friend. “Sweet! I knew just because you were settling down that you weren’t dying off! Playoff tickets? To the Thunder?” Guy almost shrieked.

  Timothy nodded mischievously. “You didn’t think we weren’t doing anything tonight did you? Really?”

  “Well I tried to get you to plan something tonight. I mean for goodness sakes it is your last night as a single man! But you told me NO! I wanted to call all your friends in town for one night and you said no!”

  “Well this is my surprise to you. Here check these out.”

  Guy grabbed the tickets. “These are suite passes. You got us a suite?”

  “Well it pays to be marrying a former Mayor’s niece.” Timothy winked. “They’re a gift from him.”

  “Shut up! Who’s going to be here? I see three here. Is Ned making it after all?” Guy asked in excitement. Ned was their third of the three amigos from college, and he was off in Los Angeles on the set of his latest show.

  “No. He’s knee deep in casting and can’t get away. But Scott, my former law partner … you remember him don’t you?” Guy nodded as Timothy continued. “And a few of my friends, from work, might make it. Oh, and a couple younger cousins that my mom is making me take. They’re legal, but …” Timothy’s voice tailed off.

  Guy nodded and slapped Timothy on the shoulder as they pulled out into traffic. “Who cares if we have to baby-sit a couple of kids? Let’s get this party started!” He laughed aloud.

  “Okay wild man. Let’s pick up Scott first. He texted me right after you did, so he’ll be out here any minute.” Timothy grinned. “It’s really good to see you. I missed that mug of yours.”

  “Don’t tell Chastity.” Guy laughed.

  Timothy rolled his eyes. “Oh! Hey there’s Scott, he’s the one in the khakis.”

  “He looks a bit…Yale-ish.” Guy gave him a look.

  “Take it easy. He’s a great guy. Now get out and help him with his luggage.”

  Guy gave Timothy a salute and jumped out to shake Scott’s hand. “How you doing buddy? I’m Guy. Let me get your bag.” Guy reached for the suitcase.

  “Thanks.” Scott lifted an eyebrow. “You bring your skycap?” He teased Timothy.

  Timothy walked around the front of his car and gave Scott a man hug, patting him on the back. “Good to see you? How’s the practice? How are things with Janie?”

  Scott smiled. “You too. Great and … and the same.”

  “She still doesn’t know you’re alive?” Timothy chuckled.

  “Something like that, but now that you’re gone it’s a lot easier to get her attention.”

  “What?” Guy teased, before they all got back in the car. “Banks break another heart?”

  “Something like that.” Scott answered. “Only she wasn’t in love with him…just infatuated. Once he fell head over heels for his new bride, she got the idea pretty quick that he would never take notice of her. And I knew I had my chance.”

  “How long has it been that you’ve been trying to get this girl to notice you?” Guy asked.

  Timothy answered for Scott. “Only since we hired her. Heck! That’s the reason we hired her. It wasn’t only for her skills; it was because Scotty back there fell for her at first sight.”

  “Oh man, you’ve got to be kidding me! That’s the most pitiful thing I’ve ever heard of!” Guy laughed. “There are plenty of fish in the sea. Why stick to one?”

  “Scott, don’t listen to him.” Timothy hollered to the back seat, in efforts to be heard over the storm. Now that they had left the terminal the rain was coming down harder, and conversation would be impossible. He turned his head to look for Scott’s reaction. He was staring out into the rain.

  Timothy smiled at his friend and then drove off into oncoming storms.

  Chapter 42

  Anne smiled at Chastity as she made her final spin in her wedding dress. It was a strapless spring dress with a floral embellishment along the edges of the top and waistline. It was whimsical and classy, which was a perfect combination to fit Chastity’s personality. It was perfectly rouched along her waistline that gave the effect of very feminine curves … not that Chastity needed help accentuating her positives. Anne almost started tearing up.

  “It’s perfect, isn’t it?” Chastity twirled once more in front of the mirror. Anne nodded. “And I have a little bit of a train, but not much of one … so it’s not too over done.” Chastity reminded herself.

  Anne and Chastity picked up her dress after the last fitting yesterday. Chastity had to try it on just once more before the rehearsal dinner.

  “I need to pinch myself.” Chastity whispered. She felt a sharp pinch at her arm below her. She looked down to Anne, who was sitting in the chair next to her. “Ow!” Chastity yelped.

  Anne laughed and lifted her champagne glass to her friend. “You said you needed to be pinched.” Anne laughed.

  “No, I said, I need to pinch myself. I didn’t ask you to.” Chastity teased. She rubbed her arm and reached behind her to unzip. “We’d better hurry if we want to beat these storms that are coming. It better not rain on my wedding day tomorrow!”

  Anne stood to help her friend out of her dress. “Here, I’ll unzip this. You go get dressed and then we’ll head to the church.”

  “We’re supposed to get more flash floods this evening. Think that will put a damper on things?”

  “No. It would only damper things if you change your mind about going out tonight. Terri just texted though and said she won’t be going out afterward. ”

  “Well that’s okay. She’s a couple months pregnant. I’m surprised she can still fit into her bridesmaids dress!” Chastity laughed. “I’m still up for it. Nothing crazy though, right?” Chastity said worried. Going out with flash
floods and thunderstorms was not her idea of fun.

  “No.” Anne smiled. “I promise. Also, I invited a few girls that you volunteer with.”

  “From the center? Great!” Chastity volunteered a few days a week, teaching art classes at a local center for children’s camps. She’d grown close to a few other staff members.

  Anne nodded. She had a mild night planned for her friend, starting with the dinner after tonight’s rehearsal. Then they’d meet a select few out for dancing. Anne had already packed a bag full of tricks for her friend. And to top if off, she’d hired a limo to shuttle them around.

  Chastity came out of the dressing room, with her dress carefully laid across her arm. Even though she’d changed back, she looked positively radiant. She slipped on a pair of black Capris and a loose silky top that was off the shoulder. Her dark purple top complimented her emerald eyes and dark skin. Anne felt so stark in comparison.

  “You’re a knock-out! Timothy will see you and not let you go out tonight. We may not get you out of the church…he’s going to want to marry you on the spot - even without your designer dress on.”

  “Oh no! I have to wear my dress. He’ll have to let me go. I am wearing that dress down the aisle!” Chastity was adamant.

  “Okay sunshine – let’s get you to the church.” Anne followed Chastity, with keys in hand to help Chastity put her dress carefully in the trunk.

  “Thank you for being here with me through this.” Chastity said quietly as they slipped into the car.

  Anne turned to reflect how hard this must be for her without her mom. She took her hands from the start button on her dashboard, and smiled sadly at her friend. “I’m not her, but I’m family.” Anne said sadly.

  “I’m not going to cry, …” Chastity stated firmly. “I will not cry.”

  Anne heard a sniffle and shook her head. “I know sweetheart, but it’s okay if you do. You know your mom is with you, looking down on you.”

  Chastity sighed, her chest tight. “I know. And it gets easier on the normal days, but during times like this,” she raised her hands in reference, “It’s just not easy.”

  “I know.” Anne had no words to make Chastity feel any better. “Trust me, I know.”

  Chastity turned to her friend, with who she had so much in common. “I know you do sweetie. Sometimes I feel selfish telling you how I feel, because I know you miss your momma too.”

  Both girls pulled each other into a hug. They consoled each other for a few minutes before strapping in.

  “Okay. You ready to get going?” Anne asked to be sure. Chastity nodded with a sigh. Anne looked up through the windshield, wondering if they’d make it in time.

  They pulled into the parking lot just as the storms rained down on their car. Timothy was waiting for them at the door, with a large golf umbrella. Chastity smiled sweetly at the sight of him.

  “He’s so sweet.” She waved at her fiancé through her window, as he ran to the car to walk her in.

  Timothy opened her door, and yelled into the car. “I’ll be right back for you Anne. Don’t get out.” He ushered Chastity inside and true to his word, he came right back out for her.

  Anne shook her head. That sealed it. Her friend did find the very last good guy left on the planet and part of her cringed with envy – even though she’d sworn them all off.

  Timothy grabbed her door handle and did the best he could to keep her dry. They ran to the interior of the walkway, where they were sheltered under the overhang. Anne shook off the rain, as Timothy opened the church door for her.

  “I’ll go park your car. Will you tell Chastity I’ll be right in?” Timothy hollered over the wind.

  Anne nodded and quickly shut the door. She shivered and wished she’d brought a sweater. Maybe going out tonight wasn’t such a good idea. She waved to Cheryl and Lauri as she set her purse down on the pew. Chastity was at the front of the church with her uncle and little Alex, going over the ring bearer’s duties.

  As Anne ran her hands through her matted wet hair, she felt someone walk up behind her. She turned around and bumped into Guy, who almost fell over her. He stumbled but caught them both from falling. When Anne separated herself from him, she had a second to take him in…and decided he was one of the most handsome men she’d ever seen. He was perfectly manicured … almost too perfect. He probably spends more time in front of the mirror than I do.

  “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to …” Anne started to apologize for almost taking out this random stranger.

  “The wet look suits you Grace.” Guy pushed some hair from Anne’s face and looked her over from head to toe. It made her feel completely self-conscious.

  “Grace?” Anne retorted. Who does he think he is?

  “Yeah, Grace…you know opposite of clumsy…graceful. You almost took me out.”

  “My name is not Grace.” Anne sent him an icy stare, but then she chastised herself for being rude. It’s pure coincidence that he’s calling you by your sister’s name… plus it’s a joke Anne. Lighten up!

  “Okay Grace, if you say so.” Guy winked down at her and tried to put an arm around her shoulders. Okay, this time he’s being rude! Anne shrugged off his arm and bounded down the aisle, a few steps ahead of him.

  Guy laughed and said nothing the rest of the way into the sanctuary. He liked how her back went stiff in reaction to him. She was a handful, he could tell … and a challenge. Guy didn’t back away from challenges.

  Anne, disgusted, quickly made her way to rest of the group assembled at the altar. Terri waived a hand in greeting. Anne waived back and then pulled Chastity to the side.

  “Who’s the turd in the suit?”

  Terri’s eyes went wide. “You know we’re in a church, right? And it’s lightning outside?”

  “Yeah Anne. What gives?” Chastity asked.

  Cheryl giggled as she overheard their conversation. She pardoned herself and sat in the pew with her husband, and Timothy’s parents.

  “What? I’m not cursing. I’m stating a fact. That guy is a turd.” Anne gestured toward Guy, which only resulted in giving him an ego boost. He smiled in return to her gesture, to which Anne released some sort of noise that Chastity could only interpret as disgust.

  Chastity laughed instantly. “Well that turd …” Terri nudged her laughing, and Chastity silently hoped they wouldn’t be struck down. “… is the one you’re walking down the aisle with. His name is Guy. He’s …”

  Anne interrupted. “Guy? His name is Guy?? Of course it is.” She wobbled her head back and forth. “His name is Guy.” She said in a mimicking tone.

  Chastity belted out a laugh. “What is your deal? It’s just a name.”

  “Just a name? You ever meet a guy named Guy that wasn’t an ego-centric turd?”

  “No! I’ve never met anyone with his name. And he seems pretty nice to me. He’s actually kind of funny.”

  “That’s because you’re almost married to his best friend, who has questionable taste in friends. And that’s all I’m going to say.”

  “Okay … whatever.” Chastity put her hand up in surrender. She wasn’t about to waste her time trying to pry Anne out of a bad mood. Since coming to town, Anne had pretended like everything was okay … but Chastity could tell there was a hardness about her that wasn’t there before. It worried Chastity, but tonight was her night. It was time to focus on Timothy and her wedding.

  As if on cue, Timothy walked in and headed down the aisle slightly drenched. His dark eyes met hers at the end of the aisle, which made Chastity’s heart leap. He looked so handsome in his slightly drenched khaki’s and his OU polo. Even when he was casual, he looked like a million bucks, and she knew he was someone that would always have that effect on her. She drew a deep breath in and walked toward him with her hand extended. He took her hand in his and drew her to his side.

  “Let’s do this.” He whispered and kissed her on the cheek. He led her to the altar, where the rest of the party was waiting. Scott and Terri dutifully took th
eir places, but Chastity had to glare at Anne to make her stand up next to Guy.

  Since the news of the pastor’s death, they’d asked another pastor in the church to marry them. Not only was he a friend of her Uncle Jesse, but he also knew the Banks family. He wasn’t who they’d planned on, but he was a pretty good substitute.

  Pastor Allen took his place in front, with their eccentric wedding planner, Curtis. The over emphatic planner staged the scene with dramatic flare, in an effort to paint the picture for everyone. Curtis explained everything to a detail and reminded everyone of their designated spots, as if it were a play - and they had to hit their marks. He tapped Anne on the shoulder a couple times to remind her to stand closer to Guy.

  “Where’d you find this guy buddy?” Guy leaned over and whispered to Timothy.

  “Be nice, Guy. We can’t all have the chiseled chins and manly arms like you do. He’s the best at what he does. They say he works magic.”

  Guy laughed just as the power flickered and went out. Everyone in the room gasped. “Well buddy – can he get the lights back on?”

  “Oh NO!” Chastity groaned.

  Without missing a beat Curtis, hurried up to the bride, flashlight in hand, to calm the waters. “Sweetie. This happens all the time. I bet the lights will be on any minute.” Curtis, the wedding planner extraordinaire, snapped his fingers in gesture … just as the lights came back on.

  Timothy watched Guy’s eyebrows shoot up. “He’s good.” Guy whispered.

  Timothy belted out a laugh that echoed through the room. They all joined in.

  Chapter 43

  After rehearsal, Jesse treated the group to dinner downtown, off the Bricktown Canal. Their dimly lit private dining area, decorated in tones of red and black, overlooked the restaurant from the loft above. It was as exclusive as you could get in this town.

  Jesse waited till all of them were served with their wine to stand, glass raised. He smiled warmly down at Chastity.

  “I’ll make this quick. I know you two have your individual plans tonight.” Jesse saw the exchanged looks between the young friends and the couple. What an exciting time for them all. What an exciting time for him!