A Christmas Prayer

by Kimberla Lawson Roby

  So, this morning, while lying in bed, Alexis had made up her mind to fight her way out of her depression any way she could. Then, shortly after getting up, she’d heard from Chase. She hadn’t expected it, but he’d called her two hours ago, saying he was taking the day off and wanted to know if he could come by to see her. She’d been sort of surprised, since this was the week his company was launching its new product, but she hadn’t questioned him. She’d also wondered if Pastor Black had told him to call her, even though she’d never agreed to it, but she didn’t inquire about that, either. She was just glad he was on his way to her house, and that he would be there shortly.

  Alexis picked up a copy of the Christmas prayer she’d written. She’d read it multiple times this morning, and now she read it again. She particularly focused on the part that said I pray that You will bless others who are hurting as well, and that You will eliminate all sadness and loneliness completely. She was tired of feeling sad and tired of taking pills, and she also didn’t want to be alone anymore.

  Alexis gave herself a once-over in her large vanity mirror and heard her bell ringing. She wasn’t sure why, but she felt as though she were meeting Chase for the first time. She even felt a bit nervous and tried to calm herself. As she stood at her door, she inhaled and exhaled and then opened it. Chase looked as wonderful as ever. He had on a black wool turtleneck sweater, black dress pants, and a short black cashmere coat. And he smelled so good. She’d recognize Extreme by Tom Ford anywhere, as it was Chase’s favorite cologne. Alexis must have been a fool to break up with this man.

  “Hey,” she said, smiling.

  Chase walked inside. “Hey, beautiful. How are you?”

  “I’m well,” she said, closing the door and walking through the hallway. But before she could take another step, Chase pulled her by her arm, gently pushed her against the wall, and kissed her. Alexis didn’t bother trying to resist him, because she’d only be pretending if she did. Their kiss was passionate and intense, and Alexis prayed he wouldn’t ask to make love to her, because she feared she might be too weak to say no this time. She was so emotionally bankrupt and terribly confused about a number of things, and she didn’t trust what she might go along with. Especially since she really wanted him. It had always been a struggle, remaining celibate, because she already knew how fabulous Chase made her feel. But today, the struggle was much more challenging.

  Thankfully, Chase pulled away slightly and simply hugged her. He held her tight, seemingly not wanting to let her go.

  “I love you, Lexi. You’re everything to me, and my life just doesn’t work without you.”

  They held each other close, speaking no words.

  “We have to work this out,” he said.

  “I want that, too,” she said, “but…”

  “Let’s sit down,” he told her.

  They went and sat on the sofa.

  Chase turned his body slightly toward her. “Pastor Black told me he came by here yesterday.”

  “Is that why you called me?” Before he’d arrived, she’d decided not to ask him, but for some reason she wanted to know.

  “No, as a matter of fact, he told me he didn’t think you were ready and that I might need to give you more time. But I couldn’t wait for that. I wanted to see you now. It’s the reason I took off work, even though this is one of the worst weeks for me to do something like that. But working things out with you is a lot more important.”

  “You didn’t have to do that. I know this is a crucial time for the company.”

  “It’ll be fine. I also want you to know that I spoke to Margaret.”

  “Oh, really?”

  “I did, and she confirmed that it hadn’t been until you called my mother to say you were coming over that she asked her to drop off some clothing at the cleaners. What got me, though, was that she volunteered some other information I hadn’t asked for.”

  “What?”

  “She told me that the clothes Mother gave her had just come from the cleaners the week before, and she hadn’t worn them yet. She said when she got back that afternoon, she was in Mother’s bathroom and saw the cleaner tags in her wastebasket.”

  Alexis shook her head in amazement. “Goodness.”

  “And that’s not all. Mother also told her to then stop by the grocery store to pick up some of the same items she’d asked her to buy on Friday. She made up errands for Margaret to run so she wouldn’t hear what really went on with your visit. So you were right about everything. I’m really sorry I didn’t want to believe you. My mother has done a lot of things that I wasn’t happy about, but lying on you the way she did, that was the worst.”

  “She just doesn’t like me, and I doubt she ever will.”

  “Well, whether she does or doesn’t, I’m not giving you up. I also thought about the whole Renee thing, and I don’t blame you for being upset about her. Mother was wrong for suddenly befriending her, and Renee was wrong for hanging around the way she did. She knew what Mother was up to, and I could tell she was enjoying it.”

  “Hmmph,” Alexis said. “She not only enjoyed it, she’s still hoping she has a chance with you.”

  “If she does, she’s wasting her time, because I’m not interested.”

  “So now what?”

  “I need you to trust that I’m going to make things right.”

  “But how?”

  “I’m going to have that talk with my mother. The only difference now is that you’re going to be with me when I do.”

  Alexis wasn’t sure if she liked that idea or not. It was one thing for Chase to sit down with his mother on his own, but including her might only make Geneva despise her more. She would see Alexis as the enemy who had turned her son against her, and she would hate her for it. Geneva hated her now, but after this “talk,” her hatred would rise to an infinite level.

  “I’m not sure that’s the right thing to do,” she said.

  “If I’m going to make Mother understand how much I love you, and that it’s time she accept you as her future daughter-in-law, it’s the only way.”

  “When are you planning to do this?”

  “In a couple of hours.”

  “I don’t know, Chase.”

  “I want you there so that my mother fully understands what I expect from her. She needs to know what I won’t tolerate any longer.”

  “Okay, if that’s what you feel we need to do.”

  “It is. Although it might help if you put your ring back on,” he said, smiling.

  Alexis smiled, too, and went into her bedroom. When she returned with the ring in her hand, Chase took it from her.

  “There’s no turning back this time, so you need to be sure,” he said.

  “I’m positive. But I want you to know that I’m never going to be the diehard socialite your mother thinks I should be, and I’m never going to think that wearing high-priced clothing is important. I’m always going to be me, and money or marrying you won’t change that.”

  “I would never expect anything different. I fell in love with you because of who you already are, not because of who I want you to become.”

  Alexis gazed at him and held out her left ring finger.

  Chase slowly slipped the ring on and then leaned over and kissed her.

  “For as long as I live, there will never be another woman for me. You’ve brought a certain kind of meaning to my life, the right kind of substance, and I will always be grateful to you for that.”

  “You’ve changed my life for the better also. And I love you from the bottom of my soul.”

  “I hope you mean that, because there’s a quick stop I want us to make before we go talk to my mother.”

  “Really? Where?”

  “It’s a surprise.”

  Alexis had no idea what it could be, but knowing Chase, the surprise would be well worth her while. She was sure she would love it.

  Chapter 18

  Chase slipped his key in the lock of his front door, and Alexis stepped into the
entryway. She wasn’t looking forward to this meeting with Geneva—a meeting Geneva didn’t know Alexis was attending—and she could just about imagine how horribly this was all going to turn out. Chase was clearly hoping for the best and expecting his mother to be reasonable, but Alexis secretly remained pessimistic. Mothers like Geneva didn’t change just because someone wanted them to. Instead, they dug their heels in for all eternity. They stood their ground, made harsh demands, and expected anyone who disagreed with them to surrender. It was simply the nature of the beast, and today would be no different.

  “How are you, Miss Fletcher?” Margaret said, taking her long wool coat.

  “I’m fine, but when are you going to start calling me Alexis?”

  Margaret moved closer to her and whispered in her ear, “As soon as Mrs. Dupont moves out of here.”

  Alexis quietly chuckled, because she’d known for months that this was the only reason Margaret was always so formal with her. With Geneva, everything always had to be so prim and proper, but things would be different once Alexis and Chase were married. Alexis would see Margaret as a friend who just so happened to work for them, and she would treat her like family.

  As they walked toward the living room, Chase looked up the winding staircase. “Mother, can you come down here?”

  It took a few seconds, but then Alexis heard her say, “Coming, son. I’ll be right down.”

  Chase and Alexis sat next to each other, and Geneva finally walked in. As usual, she was all decked out in fancy attire.

  “Oh, I didn’t realize you were bringing someone with you.”

  “Not someone, Mother. Alexis.”

  Alexis knew Chase meant business because he wasn’t even using his pet name for her. At the moment, she was Alexis all the way.

  Geneva sat in the same chair she’d been in the day Alexis had come to visit her. “So, what was it you wanted to talk to me about?”

  “You’ve said and done some things to Alexis that I’m not happy about, and I want you to apologize to her.”

  “You can’t be serious?”

  “I’m dead serious. I’m in love with Alexis, she’s going to be my wife, and I need her to feel comfortable around you.”

  “So let me get this straight. You want me, your own mother, to apologize to the woman who attacked me? The woman who threatened me and destroyed a three-thousand-dollar vase?”

  Three thousand dollars? Just hearing the price made Alexis want to gasp.

  But Chase didn’t seem bothered in the least. “Alexis would never do something like that. She would never do any of the things you told me she did.”

  Geneva’s eyes turned cold. “She would, and she did, Chase. This woman you claim to be so in love with is evil, and she’ll never be a good wife to you. If you marry her, you’ll be making the biggest mistake of your life.”

  “I’ll take my chances,” he said, still not moved by her insults.

  “Can’t you see what a bad influence this woman is? Just look at you! Running around here acting like some naïve schoolboy. I mean, what corporate CEO takes the day off to spend it with his girlfriend? It’s simply ludicrous.”

  “Mother, you’ll never understand what Alexis and I have, because you and Dad had something very different.”

  Geneva frowned. “Don’t you dare bring your father into this.”

  “I’m just saying, Mother. You and Dad were married for a very long time, but you never had the kind of loving relationship a husband and wife should have.”

  Geneva seemed frustrated and embarrassed. “So now you think you can talk to me any way you want? You never did that until she came into the picture. You should be ashamed of yourself, Chase.”

  “I’m sorry, Mother, but I need you to accept Alexis as your daughter-in-law.”

  “I can’t do that. Not when she’s going to ruin your entire reputation. The woman was raised on the west side of Mitchell, for God’s sake. How can anyone accept her? Certainly not me, and definitely none of your colleagues.”

  “Okay, Mother, you know what? Here’s the deal: Alexis and I are getting married, and that’s that. It’s also time you move back to your own home.”

  Geneva covered her mouth. “Oh my God. You’ve really let this woman turn you against me. You’re actually kicking your own mother out on the street?”

  “I’m doing no such thing. You’re my mother, I love you, and you’ll always be welcome here. Nothing will ever change that.”

  “Fine, I’ll move out after the holidays.”

  “No, I’m having someone from our shipping department bring over a few boxes. That way Margaret can start packing your things for you, and you’ll be able to move back home by the end of next week.”

  Geneva stood up, flaring her hands. “Chase, please just stop it. What difference does it make if I wait until after the holidays? You’re not even getting married until June.”

  “Well, actually, there’s been a change of plans. We’re now getting married on Christmas Eve.”

  From the look on Geneva’s face, Alexis wondered if she was going to pass out. This was the surprise Chase had told Alexis about. They’d left her house and driven to the courthouse. Alexis hadn’t realized why they were there until he’d turned off his engine and said, “Let’s not wait until June. Let’s get married this month. Unless you really want a huge ceremony.” Alexis had smiled, hugged him, and told him she didn’t need all that. All she wanted was for them to become husband and wife and be happy.

  Geneva still seemed flustered, but Chase kept talking. “We just finished, applying for our marriage license. So this is a done deal, Mother.”

  “Well, if nothing else, I sure hope Jerry can get your prenup handled that quickly.”

  Chase lowered his eyebrows. “Prenup? No, Mother, I guess you still don’t understand. There won’t be one. I love Alexis, and once we get married, everything I have will become hers. I’m also adding her name to the title of this house.”

  “You’ve lost your ever-loving mind!” she shouted as if she were crazy.

  “No, I’m doing things the right way, and I really want your blessing.”

  “Well, you can just forget that, because I’ll never be okay with this joke of a marriage.”

  Chase stood up. “Fine, Mother. Suit yourself,” he said, and then reached for Alexis’s hand. “Baby, let’s go. I told Pastor Black we’d be there by two o’clock.”

  “What are you seeing Pastor Black for?” Geneva asked.

  “Since we’re moving up our date, we need to have our final counseling session.”

  Geneva shook her head in disgust but didn’t say anything else until they turned to walk out of the room.

  “You’re really breaking my heart, son. That woman just isn’t good enough for you. Do you think your father’s parents would have allowed him to marry me, had I not come from the right kind of family? Do you really think this woman could ever be a true Dupont? She’ll never fit in, and all she’s going to do is bring down our name. She’ll ruin everything we’ve worked for.”

  Chase stared at his mother.

  He and Alexis walked out and never looked back at her.

  Chapter 19

  Alexis could tell Chase was hurt and upset about the confrontation he’d just had with his mother. Alexis hadn’t been surprised in the least by her comments and responses, but she could tell Chase had truly believed that he would somehow convince Geneva to see things his way. He wanted peace within his family, and he also wanted the two most important women in his life to share some sort of bond. But that just wasn’t possible, not with Geneva making it very clear that she would never accept Alexis as her daughter-in-law or give them her blessing. Alexis didn’t want a strained relationship with the mother of the man she loved and was getting ready to marry, but she couldn’t control Geneva’s opinions or ill feelings toward her.

  They walked into Pastor Black’s executive offices, and Miss Lana smiled and stood up.

  She walked around her desk and hugged
them. “Well, hello, you two.”

  “How are you, Miss Lana?” Alexis said.

  “Doing great.”

  “Glad to hear it,” Chase told her, smiling.

  “Pastor is all ready, so you can go right on in.”

  “Thank you,” they both said.

  Chase knocked on Pastor Black’s door.

  “Come in,” he said, and Chase and Alexis entered his office.

  “Hey, Alexis,” Charlotte said, hugging her. “Hey, Chase.”

  “How are you, Sister Black?” he said.

  “Couldn’t be better, and it looks like the two of you are doing pretty well yourselves. My husband here was just telling me that you’ve worked everything out, and that you’re now getting married on Christmas Eve. I’m so excited and happy for you both.”

  “So am I,” Pastor Black said. “Not to mention, I’m a pretty good matchmaker, if I must say so myself.”

  They all laughed.

  Chase pulled Alexis toward him by her waist. “I’m laughing, but in all honesty, Pastor, you couldn’t have done better if you tried. This is the woman I’ve been waiting for all my life, and I’ll always be grateful to you for that.”

  “No thanks needed. I saw two amazing people with huge hearts, and I thought you should get to know each other.”