My Wife My Baby...And Him

by Shelia E. Bell

  My Wife My Baby…And Him

  Shelia E. Lipsey

  My Wife My Baby…And Him

  Copyright 2014 Shelia Lipsey

  Smashwords Edition

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  Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Acknowledgements

  It goes without fail, but I will say it anyway: Thanks to ALL of the loyal, dedicated, and committed supporters along my literary journey. Thanks to every book club, every reader, and every person who has shared in my literary dreams. Thanks to every library, every bookstore, and any and every one who believes in me enough to showcase my work.

  I want to thank Lacricia Wilson of His Pen Publishing. Thank you for your professionalism, and for being real with me when it comes to editorial decisions and changes.

  Of course, I want to thank Bonita And Hodge Publishing Group for being a company where my literary dreams can be fully expressed.

  Thanks to Keith Saunders of Marion Designs for making the world’s best book covers!

  Thanks to my sons, Kevin and Jay, who support me, believe in me, encourage me, pray for me, and love me unconditionally. I will forever sing your praises.

  Thanks always to my mother and my sisters.

  Thank you to my precious grandchildren and my first great granddaughter, Harlynn Monroe. I write because of you. I write to leave a legacy for you to know that if you can Dream It, You Can Do It!

  A special thanks to Regina “aka Robinette” Dobbins for your support in so many ways.

  This literary journey has been more than I can ever think, hope, and imagine, and I give my awesome God the glory! I have not come this far without Him being my guide, my director, my forgiver, and my redeemer. He is truly blessing me each and every day with the desires of my heart.

  I want to encourage anyone reading this book, who is not living their dreams now, to start today, right now. Do not waste another second, moment or minute. You can achieve what you believe. It is already embedded in you, perfectly designed by God, the Father for you to accomplish your dreams and fulfill your passions.

  Shelia E. - ‘God’s Amazing Girl’

  Dedication

  To All Who Have Done Something In Your Life That You Are Not Proud Of

  “There is no sense in punishing your future for the mistakes of your past. Forgive yourself, grow from it and then let it go.” Melanie Koulouris

  “Do not judge someone just because they SIN differently than you.” Unknown

  Chapter 1

  “Falling in love is like jumping off a really tall building. Your brain tells you it is not a good idea, but your heart tells you, you can fly.” Unknown

  Stiles scanned the perimeter of the private dining room at Bonefish Grill. He watched the interaction of the deacons gathered around the long table for their monthly Pastor and Deacons outing. Stiles enjoyed getting the men together outside of Holy Rock from time to time where they could do more than discuss the business of the church. They could enjoy one another’s company as men.

  Looking at the deacons reminded him of Jesus and the twelve disciples because he had exactly twelve men on his deacon board.

  “So the consensus is that the position of associate pastor be offered to Reverend Hezekiah McCoy?” Stiles asked.

  “Yes, Pastor Graham. The final vote is unanimous in favor of Reverend Hezekiah McCoy,” announced Leo Jones, chairman of the deacon board and one of Stiles’ friends since back during their high school days. “Reverend McCoy has been faithful in his ministry at Holy Rock since he and his wife joined the church two years ago. I believe he loves the Lord, and he knows the Bible too.”

  Several of the deacons nodded in agreement.

  “Okay, then. It’s a go. I’ll meet with him later this evening and tell him our decision. We’ll announce it to the congregation this Sunday. Okay, is that all? Anything else on the agenda?”

  “No, that was the final item of discussion,” Leo told him.

  Stiles picked up his cloth napkin, wiped his mouth, laid it back on the table and stood up. “Great meeting. Since I’m at the mall, I think I’ll run over to Macy’s and get the first lady a little something. You know we have to keep our women happy, guys. You know what they say: happy wife, happy life.”

  Skip Madison laughed and added, “What if you’re a confirmed bachelor like me?”

  Stiles shook his head and laughed. “Man, there’s no hope for you. I wouldn’t dare send you out to get a thing. You have too many women to buy for.”

  “Ooooo,” several of the deacons said and laughed.

  “Pastor Graham, we need to help Skip get a wife,” one of the deacons said, hitting Skip on the back.

  “I couldn’t agree with you more.” Stiles chuckled, turned, and looked at Leo. “You ready?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  The two men left the restaurant, got in Pastor’s Audi A6, and drove to the west entrance of the mall, close to Macy’s.

  Stiles walked through the Women’s Department of Macy’s in search of the perfect gift for Detria. It had been a while since he’d actually bought her a ‘just because’ gift.

  “I think I’m going to try to find her this purse I heard her and Brooke talking about.”

  “What kind of purse?"

  “Uh, I think it’s called Coors, something like that.”

  They walked to the handbag section and Stiles saw the actual name was Michael Kors. He looked at the different styles. To keep from picking out something Detria might not like, he asked the sales clerk for help.

  Less than an hour after walking into Macy’s, he walked out with an iris colored Michael Kors Grab Bag. The sales clerk assured Stiles that Detria would love the purse.

  “Man, you just dropped three hundred bucks on a purse?”

  “Look, I told you I’m trying to keep the lady of the house happy. You know what I mean?” Stiles laughed and Leo did too.

  “I hear you but I hope Cynthia doesn’t see it, because next thing I know, she’ll be asking me to buy her one. And unless it’s Christmas or her birthday, I’m sorry, but the only surprise gift she’ll get from me will be a bouquet of flowers or maybe a bottle of perfume.”

  “Man, you better learn how to treat your wife good.”

  “I treat her good but my dollars are limited, you know.”

  “Yeah, I hear you,” said Stiles.

  They made small talk as they walked through Macy’s and out into the mall.

  Without reason, Stiles looked to his right over at Zales Jewelers and suddenly stopped walking. “Hold up, that looks like Detria.”

  “Where?” asked Leo.

  “Over there…at Zales.” Stiles pointed.

  “Aww, looks like she’s not the only one who’s going to get surprised.”

  Stiles smiled. He felt good inside with the thought that Detria might actually be thinking of him. The past year of their marriage had been a difficult one, and he was praying that their marriage would solidify and become even stronger since they recommitted themselves to one another. He walked toward the store.

  “You going over there?” Leo asked.

  “Yeah, but I’m not g
oing to say anything. I just want to see what she’s up to.”

  Stiles ventured toward where Detria was standing. He had a clear view of her and his daughter. Audrey was asleep in her stroller.

  It made his heart swell with joy every time he witnessed how rapidly Audrey was growing. And Detria, well if Stiles had anything to say about Detria, she had made vast improvements in the motherhood department. Maybe it was because Audrey was growing up, walking, and even talking. She was a spunky, fun, and bright little two-year old girl and Stiles adored her.

  “May I see that one right there?” Stiles heard Detria ask as she pointed to something behind the glass enclosure.

  The sales clerk reached inside the jewelry case and pulled out a black men’s bracelet. “Oh, this is a very good choice.”

  “What is it made out of?” Detria asked.

  Stiles nudged Leo and smiled. Both men maintained a proper distance so they would not be detected but were still close enough to hear the conversation.

  “This is a half carat, diamond, black titanium, and sterling silver bracelet. The retail price is eight hundred dollars, but it’s marked down to six fifty. You can get an extra fifteen percent off if you use your Zales card. Would you like me to box it for you?”

  “Umm, I don’t know.”

  “Is it for a special occasion? For your husband or significant other?” the sales associate asked while Detria looked at other pieces of jewelry inside the case.

  “May I have a closer look at it?” Detria asked, ignoring the sales clerk’s question.

  “Certainly.” The sales associate gave Detria the bracelet. She toyed with it, and examined it carefully.

  Stiles looked at Leo again and stepped back when he thought Detria was about to turn around. She didn’t.

  “You’re going to ruin her surprise,” Leo whispered.

  “No, I’m not.”

  “You know what; I think I will get it,” Stiles heard Detria say.

  “Great. I think you made a good choice. Would you like me to put it on your Zales card?”

  “No.” Detria went in her purse and pulled out her cranberry clutch, opened it and retrieved a credit card. “Put it on this.” She gave the sales clerk a MasterCard.

  Stiles turned and walked in the other direction after he saw Detria pay for the item. He felt good, real good. Detria was thinking about him just as much as he was thinking about her.

  As soon as he saw her leave, he turned back around, went into the store, and approached the sales clerk. Leo followed, shaking his head.

  “If you don’t mind, I’d like to see whatever that woman just purchased. I’m looking for a bracelet too, and I heard you telling her she made a good choice.”

  “I don’t have another one exactly like the one she purchased, but I can show you one that’s similar.” The sales clerk unlocked the glass case and removed a bracelet. “This is almost identical to the one she purchased, except it’s one tenth of a carat total weight. The one she bought was half a carat. This one is also two hundred dollars cheaper.”

  The sales clerk passed Stiles the bracelet, allowing him to get a good feel for it, hoping that she would make another easy sale.

  Stiles looked at the bracelet, and his chest puffed out at the thought of Detria buying him such a nice gift.

  “Would you like to purchase this one today? You can get fifteen percent off the price if you use your Zales card.”

  Stiles studied the bracelet again. “Ummm. You know what? I think I’ll wait. Thanks anyway.” He passed the bracelet back to the sales clerk who looked disappointed that she didn’t make the sale.

  Stiles turned to leave. “Have a blessed day.”

  “You too, and thank you for shopping at Zales.”

  “You’re welcome,” Stiles replied.

  “What was that all about?’ Leo asked as they left out the store. “Why did you want to see what she bought? It’s bad enough you spied on her.”

  “I was not spying. I didn’t know she was going shopping today, and to think my lady is shopping for me. Man, I feel real good right about now.” Stiles tapped Leo on the arm.

  ***

  “Hi,” Detria said, talking into the hands-free phone inside her car. She glanced in the rear view mirror and saw Audrey playing with her toy cell phone. “I guess you’re still in your meeting. Call me. No, on second thought, I’ll try calling you back. I’m out running some errands, so I’ll try to get with you a little later. Bye,” Detria pushed the button on her steering wheel, ending the call.

  Ever since returning from what she called their ‘patch up’ trip to Myrtle Beach almost a year ago, Detria had been trying to make things work in her strained marriage. Sure, she had been guilty of committing adultery, but Stiles had no idea about it. As for Skip, she didn’t know what it was about that man, other than she was crazy about him, and she believed he was crazy about her. She promised herself, and God, that she wouldn’t sleep with him again. That promise was short-lived, because a week after returning from Myrtle Beach, she succumbed to Skip’s demands.

  She couldn’t deny that Skip Madison mesmerized her. She couldn’t explain it, but there was just something about him. Seeing him, being around him, and talking to him made her weak for the man. He was tall, dark, handsome, and sexy with depthless grayish eyes. He had the ability to make her feel like she was the only girl in the world whenever she was with him, unlike Stiles who was the exact replica of how Pastor used to be - all about Holy Rock.

  Stiles had resigned as adjunct professor of Theology at the University of Memphis so he could spend more time with her and Audrey, but that wasn’t working out because now he was spending more time at Holy Rock. She was still stuck 24/7 on motherhood duty. Now that Audrey was two years old, walking and talking, Detria was beginning to enjoy being a mother a little more than she had in the past, but she still believed that Stiles could pay both her and Audrey more attention.

  Ring, ring.

  She looked at the console. It was Skip’s number.

  She pushed the button. “Hi, there.”

  “Hey, gorgeous. What’s up?”

  “Oh, just out and about. I left you a message.”

  “Yeah, I know. I’m just leaving Bonefish Grill.”

  “Bonefish Grill?”

  “Yeah, we had the deacon’s meeting there today. Remember?”

  “Oh, yeah. At which one?”

  “The one at Carriage Crossing Mall.”

  “I just left that mall. So you’re still out this way?”

  “Actually, I just got on the interstate. But hey, turning around is just a word.”

  “I have Audrey with me, but I still want to see you.”

  “Tell you what. I’ll turn around, and let’s see, I can meet you at—”

  “No, hold up. Never mind. We’ll just talk later.”

  “Why?”

  “I better not take the chance. Stiles or some of the other deacons could still be around.”

  “Okay, but when am I going to see you? It’s been two weeks since I’ve held you next to me. I miss you, girl.”

  “I don’t know, Skip. I keep telling myself that I have to stop seeing you, but it’s like you’ve cast a spell on me, and I can’t break free.”

  Skip laughed aloud over the phone. Detria smiled, checked her rearview mirror, and maneuvered over into the right hand lane, turned on to Forest Hill Irene and continued driving.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “You. I think you’re the one who cast a spell on me.”

  This time Detria laughed. “I know I’m laughing, but really, you know what we’re doing is not a laughing matter.” She grew serious. “I have to do something about this before stuff hits the fan. You know I don’t want to hurt Stiles or jeopardize my marriage.”

  “Tell you what. You finish running your errands, and don’t worry your pretty little head about me and you.”

  “But, Skip, I can’t help it. I feel bad about going behind Stiles’ back.”

&
nbsp; “Didn’t I say stop worrying, Detria? We’ll talk tonight at church. I’ll meet you in your office, say around seven thirty. How does that sound?”

  Detria sighed. “Okay. Bye.”

  “Bye, babe.”

  Detria made two more stops before heading home. The phone rang again as she was turning on to her street.

  “Hello.”

  “Mrs. Graham?”

  “Yes, this is Mrs. Graham.”

  “This is Riley Hollingsworth.”

  “Hello, Riley. How are you?”

  “I’m good. Thanks for asking.”

  “Do you have news about the house?”

  “I’m pleased to tell you that I do. Your offer was accepted. After we schedule the home inspection and get a thumbs up from them, then closing on your new home should take place in a few weeks.”

  “Thank you soooo much, Riley. I can’t wait to tell Pastor Graham. God bless you, and have a good day.”

  “You’re welcome, First Lady. I’ll be in touch. In the meantime, if you or Pastor Graham have any questions, just give me a call.”

  “Okay, Riley. Goodbye.”

  “Goodbye, First Lady.”

  Riley Hollingsworth was one of the daughters of Michael Hollingsworth, owner of Hollingsworth Realtors. She was Stiles and Detria’s real estate agent. Riley and her family were also longtime members of Holy Rock.

  Detria and Stiles had been house hunting for the past several months. She felt like they had outgrown their present home and to be honest, the neighborhood too. She wanted a home that they could grow into, especially since Stiles wanted more children. Detria still wasn’t too keen on having more children, but if that’s what she had to do to make Stiles happy, she told Stiles she would do it, but under one condition, and that was he would have to move her into a new house. At first, Stiles was reluctant, because Detria wanted to move out in the suburbs. He, on the other hand, didn’t want to be too far away from Holy Rock. Finally, he gave in to his wife’s desires and the house hunting started.

  Riley had shown them at least twenty or thirty houses. Stiles was ready to call it quits until last week when Detria found what she called her dream house. It was in the suburbs, of course. It was farther away from Holy Rock than Stiles wanted, but he gave in to Detria, and they put an offer in on the $475,000 southern colonial style home that boasted five bedrooms, four and a half baths, a bonus room, formal dining room, family room, separate living room, an all-season room, and a dedicated office for Stiles, plus a swimming pool. The swimming pool was already gated for protection, which made Stiles feel better, considering his daughter’s safety.