Divine Intervention

by Lutishia Lovely

  “I’ll continue to pay the rent on your condo—”

  “This isn’t about money, Obadiah! I love you. I want you!”

  Obadiah placed a hand to his cheek, surprised to find that it was wet with tears. “I hope that someday you’ll find it in your heart to forgive me, Dorothea. I feel bad, girl, but there was no way that somebody wouldn’t get hurt in all this. I’ve hurt everybody, made a mess of things. Now it’s time to make amends. Goodbye, Dorothea.” He waited for a response and, hearing none, slowly placed the phone on its receiver.

  In Texas, Dorothea stood clinging to her cell phone, long after she’d heard the call disconnect. “No,” she whispered, sinking to the floor. “No!” She landed in a heap, cried her heart out, cursed Obadiah, God, and the day that Mama Max had been born. It’s over, he said. Just like that. And having someone else come get his things? He didn’t even have the decency to come in person to break my heart.

  Dorothea wasn’t sure how long she lay on the floor. But the longer she did so, the madder she got. So angry that by the time she sat up she was filled with malice—and a plan.

  “I might go away, Obadiah,” she spat, angrily swatting away the remaining tears as she stood. “But I will not go quietly.”

  48

  Falling

  King was texting someone he shouldn’t, but looked up as his assistant, Joseph, came away from the carousel at baggage claim with his luggage. He hurriedly typed the last line:

  You deserve better than me. Stay beautiful.

  “Car’s waiting for you, Doc,” Joseph said, once he reached King’s side. “Barbados is paradise, but I bet you’re glad to be home.”

  King didn’t know how he felt about being home, or anything else right about now. But he provided an answer that sounded nice. “You know what they say. There’s no place like it.” The two men headed toward the door. “Thanks again for all your hard work,” King continued. “Especially the three days while I was away, visiting Derrick in LA. Hadn’t been for all you and Benjamin did, they would have wanted me to stay another week.”

  “I never thought we’d find someone to replace Lavon when he left. But Ben’s one heck of a media director. And he loved Barbados. Don’t be surprised if we’re looking for someone to replace him soon.”

  King gave Joseph a sideways look. “You know something I don’t?”

  Joseph shrugged. “I know brothah man was feeling that sistah with the golden voice. The one who looks like Rihanna and sounds like Yolanda?”

  “Yeah, I bet a bunch of brothahs are feeling her.”

  “He was eyeing the pastor’s daughter, too, with her fine self.” King congratulated himself on appearing nonchalant. “I’m not surprised. But he may have to get in line.” They reached the car. “All right, then,” King finished, giving Joseph a soul brother’s handshake. “Take off the next couple days. Get some rest. I’ll see you after that.”

  “Thanks, boss. Call me if you need me.”

  King got into the luxury Town Car and settled back against its soft leather seat. It had only been two weeks, but felt more like a lifetime since he’d been home. He knew why. Everything had changed. King looked at the passing scenery as the car merged from the I-29 onto the I-635. He took in the flat landscape dotted with hotels, restaurants, and office buildings. That’s what was in front of him. But in his mind’s eye he was seeing turquoise blue waters, powdery white sand … and Charmaine.

  Ah, man! How’d you get back here, huh? You said you weren’t going to do this again. Ever! You promised Tai, promised God. And for almost three years now, he’d kept that promise. With the way women threw themselves at him it hadn’t always been easy. But he’d turned into the dick dominator and forced himself to say no to the offers he’d gotten. Right before the trip to Barbados, he’d had a wealthy Kansas City realtor offer him carte blanche to her millions to be a chick on the side. And he’d said no. Before that it had been a well-known gospel singer and before that it had been the new, attractive, thirty-something member who tithed into the thousands, attended church every Sunday, sat in the third row, and ate him up with her eyes. And those were just the serious offers. There was something about this six-foot dark chocolate brother with the hulky build and husky voice that drew the women better than a magnet did steel. Until two weeks ago, his resolve to remain faithful had been as strong as steel. And then came a game changer with long, thick hair, velvety skin, and a sultry voice that spoke what was on her keen mind. King had been blindsided, and even though he’d said no the first time she’d offered her virginity, had told her to find a man who could love her in the way she deserved, it had not been enough. She’d kept coming, Derrick had insisted that he finish his work on the island, and her father had—gasp, sputter, and gasp again—given somewhat of a blessing on seeing his daughter. “I’ve always respected and admired you,” her father, Wesley Freeman, had said. “And since even before becoming an adult, my daughter has always loved you.” He’d then pierced him with an unreadable look. “God’s will be done.” King didn’t know whose will it was; all that he knew was that he was lost and turned out like a mutha—Bzzz. The vibrating phone interrupted the quiet. King felt a myriad of emotions as he looked at the ID.

  “Hello, Tai.”

  “Hey, King. You’re back?”

  “Just landed not too long ago.”

  “Are you on your way home?” In the past, it hadn’t been unusual for King to arrive from out of town and head straight to the church. The staff was plentiful and capable, but King had been hands on from day one. “I’m asking so that I can know when to serve dinner.”

  “I’m on my way; should be there in about thirty minutes.”

  A pause and then, “How are you, King? You sound distracted.”

  “Just tired, Tai. From Barbados to LA back to Barbados again, and all of the work that happened while there—it was a grueling two weeks.”

  “I can only imagine. Did you guys get done what you set out to accomplish?”

  King nodded. “Pretty much. I was able to meet with ministers from more than a dozen Caribbean and African nations and the evening services were standing room only.”

  “The one and only King Brook was in town. What did you expect?”

  The smile in Tai’s voice made King’s heart clench. Damn! In this moment, he hated himself for being weak, for having given in to his flesh and the lure of a woman’s lusciousness. There was more to it, King knew, but he refused to think about that now. He refused to give in to any flights of fancy about what could happen and who it could happen with, refused to entertain the carrot that Wesley and his contingent of ministers had dangled in his face: heading up a new organization of ministers and church leaders representing African, Asian, and Caribbean nations, an organization with millions of dollars and a blank slate. And most of all, he refused to give in to his strong feelings for Charmaine Freeman. Another day, another time, and who knows what might have happened. But King didn’t live in “another.” He lived in now: as the married father of four children, the senior pastor of a thriving ministry, and a core member of an American ministerial organization called Total Truth. And he intended for things to stay that way.

  “King? Did you hear me?”

  “I’m sorry, baby. What did you say?”

  “Never mind. I’ll let you go.”

  “Sorry, baby. I’ve got a lot on my mind. When I get home, I’ll tell you all about it.”

  “Okay, bye.”

  King had barely disconnected that call before his phone rang again. “Hey, Dad.”

  “Son,” Obadiah said.

  “Tai said that you’d driven back to Kansas City. Are you still here?”

  “Yes, and I plan to stay here. I plan to reconcile with your mother … if she’ll have me.”

  King closed his eyes in relief. “That’s great, Dad!”

  “Well, now. Don’t put the cart before the horse. She hasn’t taken me back yet.”

  “Hey now, you think I don’t know who I’m
talking to? It’s just a matter of time.” Until now, King hadn’t realized how badly his parents being separated had made him feel. But now he had something to compare it to: a heart bursting with joy. King leaned forward and pushed the button to close the partition. “So how’s that going—you being at the house but not yet back in Mama’s good graces?”

  Obadiah cleared his throat before responding. “Would you believe that woman won’t let me back in my own house?”

  “What!” King sat up straight. “Are you at my house?”

  “No, son. You know how I like my own space; I didn’t feel comfortable staying there this long.”

  This long? “How long have you been here?”

  “About a week.”

  “Where are you staying?”

  “One of those extended stay places.”

  “Daddy, that’s a shame.”

  “Naw, it’s all right, son. Really, it is. Come to find out, I’ve needed this time to myself, time to think and reflect. Time to get my priorities straight and my house in order.”

  “What about … the other woman?” King knew Dorothea’s name, but he rarely said it. “She all right with this?”

  “Ain’t none of us all right. Son, I know I haven’t always been the best example and for that, I sincerely apologize. But if you ever hear anything that I say to you, hear this: love your wife. Honor your marriage vows. Because outside of them is just a bunch of pain and heartache. You hear me?”

  “I hear you, Dad.”

  The two men talked for a while longer, until King was just five minutes away from his home. He’d come close to disclosing his own recent discretion, but figured if anybody ought to hear about it first, it should be his wife.

  King Brook, son of the Reverend Doctor Pastor Bishop Overseer Mister Stanley Obadiah Meshach Brook Jr., was the epitome of an apple who hadn’t fallen far from the tree. But unless his wife showed him grace and mercy, King would fall some more.

  49

  This Is My Confession

  King opened the door to a quiet home. He was still getting used to the sound of it. Tai had been six months pregnant when they married over a quarter century ago. Their last kids, twins Timothy and Tabitha, were six years younger than their oldest, Michael. Princess was in between them. So, basically, they’d had children in their house their whole marriage. Until now. For the twins, their best friends had long ago replaced Mama and Daddy as who they’d rather hang out with, and when home, they stayed holed up in their rooms. In three short months, Tabitha would be moving to Los Angeles to attend UCLA and Timothy would follow Michael’s footsteps to Northwestern University in Chicago to study law. King and Tai had often talked about how they’d celebrate their empty nest. King could only hope that after the conversation he had with Tai … there’d still be reason to party.

  After allowing the driver to place his luggage in the foyer, offering a generous tip and sending the man on his way, King walked down the hallway into the living room. “Tai!”

  “I’m upstairs. I’ll be down in a minute!”

  King followed the delicious smells into the kitchen. He peaked through the oven glass and smiled. Braised short ribs was one of his favorites. He lifted the lids to one of the pots on the stove. Umm. Garlic mashed potatoes. He lifted a final lid. Fresh green beans with corn on the cob filled the pan. Dang, woman, you threw down!

  “Like what you see?”

  King turned around. As he took in the vision before him, the quick retort he’d prepared died on his lips. Tai was leaning against the doorjamb in a saucy pose, her full hips and generous breasts on full display beneath a thigh-high caftan. Its silky fabric, emblazoned with bold, geometric shapes in primary colors, was very forgiving of the extra pounds Tai carried, and the inch-high, satin mules that covered her feet emphasized her strong, shapely calves.

  King’s eyes traveled from the tip of her toes to the top of her curls before he looked in her eyes and warmly responded, “I like what I see … very much.”

  Tai pushed away from the door and entered the kitchen. King took two steps and was enveloped in her open arms. “I very much like what I see … very much.” How could I ever have jeopardized this? We’ve worked so hard….

  “You’re a pretty nice sight for sore eyes, too.” She hugged him, snuggled into him, loving the feel of his hard shoulder beneath her cheek, and the scent of his cologne.

  King pulled back, once again looking into Tai’s eyes as he traced her face with his finger. “I like your hair short like this. It emphasizes your cheekbones, those beautiful brown eyes … and these.” He leaned over and placed a whisper of a kiss on Tai’s lips. She moaned, placed her arms around King’s neck and deepened the exchange. Opening her mouth, she molded her body against that of the only man she’d ever known intimately, the only man she’d ever truly loved. He responded by sliding his hands down to her backside, giving each cheek a generous squeeze as he ground a quickly hardening erection against her willing flesh.

  “Umm …” Tai’s head fell back against the wall, leaving a perfect opening for King’s tongue to slide across her cheek, down her neck, and into her bosom. “The food’s ready,” she managed to whisper, as her nipple hardened into a perfect peak.

  “You’ve awakened a different kind of appetite.” King’s tongue formed a trail from one nipple to the other. “Where are the twins?”

  “Won’t be back until late,” Tai managed, her breath coming heavier, her body on fire.

  King lifted Tai into his arms and walked them over to the breakfast nook.

  “The food,” Tai whispered, as he gingerly set her down. “Turn off the burners … and the oven.”

  King walked over to the stove and made quick work of her request. When he turned back to look at his wife his eyes were black with desire, his dick ready to burst out of its trouser confines. He unbuckled his belt, unzipped his slacks, and let them fall right there on the kitchen floor. Still staring at Tai, he stepped out of them, his shoes and his boxers. Mr. Happy was delighted and Miss Kitty purred her appreciation. Tai was glad that she’d not bothered to put on underwear. It was one less piece of clothing she’d have to take off. “Come here, baby,” she said, her voice as slick as her nana with wanting. “Come get this.”

  “Your wish is my command.”

  He sat down, and guided Tai onto his fully engorged shaft. A satisfied hiss escaped her mouth as she aligned her body with his, and they began a lover’s dance. She ground herself against him, and he raised himself for deeper thrusts. No words were spoken. But none were needed. Their bodies were communicating messages that no language ever could. They reacquainted themselves with each other’s anatomy: breasts, chest, arms, thighs, lips and tongues that swirled in the same motion as their lower bodies. Ecstasy came quickly, full and complete.

  “Oh, baby!” Tai exclaimed, as her body shattered into a thousand pieces.

  King grunted, increased his speed, and soon he too was spiraling over the edge … into an erotic paradise, an Eden of their own.

  Some time later, King and Tai sat at the dining room table, enjoying the meal that Tai had earlier prepared. Tai watched King put a short end bone into his mouth and pull it out clean. She laughed, dotting his mouth with a napkin and removing sauce from his lips. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” she playfully said.

  “I must admit…I’m enjoying this meat almost as much as I did that earlier course.”

  The smile on Tai’s face slipped away, replaced by a look of subtle remorse. “I enjoyed it, too, baby. And I need to apologize for how rare that dish has been lately.”

  King frowned. “What do you mean?” True, he and Tai hadn’t shared many intimacies as of late, but with the wedding, Derrick’s illness, and the state of his parents’ affairs … a lot had been going on and he told her so.

  “I’m glad that you feel that way, but I know you’re a man with a voracious appetite and I plan to focus more on that in the future.” She leaned over and kissed him on the mouth. “I love you, Ki
ng Brook.”

  “I love you, too.”

  After a rare occurrence of King helping Tai clean up the kitchen, the two lovers retired to their master suite. They showered together, both anticipating another round of lovemaking before the night was through. Tai asked about what had transpired in Barbados and King gave her the short version. “They want me to head up this new organization,” he finished.

  “But you’re already so involved with Total Truth.”

  “I know. I’d definitely have to reorganize my priorities.”

  “So you’re thinking about doing it?”

  “I probably shouldn’t.” He tried, but couldn’t look Tai in the eye.

  Her antennae went up immediately, even as she scooted closer to his side. “Baby, what is it?”

  “Nothing.”

  He said this, but Tai noted the sudden tenseness of his body, and how the hands that not long ago had played a beautiful melody on her body were now removing her arm from around him. What is going on?

  King sat up in the bed as another heavy breath escaped him. He blinked his eyes rapidly.

  Tai became worried. Wait, are those tears he’s trying to hold back? She couldn’t imagine what could have changed the mood so quickly, what it was about his possibly working closely with Wesley Freeman and other international ministers that would cause her husband such angst. “Baby, you always weigh everything out and make the right decision. This time will be no different.”

  It already is, is what he thought. “You’re probably right,” is what he said. When Tai tried once again to comfort him, he moved away from her and got out of bed.

  “King, what’s going on?”

  He stood with his back to her before turning around. Once he did, his chocolate brown eyes bore into hers for a long moment. “I love you so much, Tai. All that you are, all that you’ve been to me and this family. I never would have become who I am without you.”

  “Oh, baby, don’t worry about me. I’ll do whatever I can to support you, even if—”