by Pat Simmons
***
Christian didn’t know what Bethani and his wife were talking about, but if it earned him a hug from the child, he had no complaints. Walking farther into the kitchen, he reached for their plates and set the bar table for two. Bethani had opted for cereal.
After fixing his plate of eggs, toast and ham in front of him, Joy delivered a soft kiss on his waiting lips and apologized again. “I’m sorry to put you through this. I feel awful that your first Father’s Day has to be filled with so much drama.” She pouted and took her seat. Christian smirked. Jada did the same thing when she couldn’t have her way. Like mother, like daughter.
Granted, there were three father figures involved here, but he had not envisioned this mass confusion when it came to celebrating this Father’s Day. Still, he refused to indulge in a pity party.
They joined hands and silently blessed their food. Christian took the first bite and chewed. Suddenly, his big brother’s words drifted in the back of his mind. I never thought any of us would marry a woman who had another man’s kids. I guess it’s the relationship norm of the day.
Christian hoped not. He had three little girls to rear and he wasn’t about to allow them to become a second generation of single mothers. He didn’t realize he had zoned out until Joy nudged him and said that they better hurry up and finish breakfast so they could get to work. They both had morning meetings.
“Do you really think Steven is going to take the bait and come to church on Sunday?” Joy slid into her heels. He never had to worry about her height in heels. He towered five plus inches over her easily. Christian also appreciated the classy suit she was wearing that complemented her assets. He blinked to clear his mind so he could pay attention to her question.
“Ah, well. It will be his loss on both fronts, getting a scolding from God about the responsibilities of being a father and seeing his daughter for the first time in more than three years.”
Joy nodded, swiped her purse off the counter and left out of the kitchen door to enter the garage.
Minutes later, the doorbell rang. It was Mrs. Thomas arriving to babysit the children. As Christian was cleaning up his mess, Gina came to mind. She had basically been part of the landscape during the discussions except for the one time when she tried to come to Steven’s defense, but she backed down. When Christian mentioned possible abuse, Steven’s fiancée squirmed in her seat. It was subtle, but Christian was observant when it came to reading body language. He was not going to leave one stone unturned when it came to Jada.
CHAPTER 8
“You’re only as good as your last big bonus,” Kara griped, walking in step with Joy as they exited the morning meeting with big wigs from the corporate office.
Agreeing, Joy could feel a tension headache coming. She sighed. “I know. The downside with sales is the more the team soars, the higher management wants the numbers to go.” Joy didn’t have a problem coming up with a new strategy for next month’s goals, but not now when she already had too much on her plate.
Kara nudged her. “Hey, you seemed a little distracted. What’s going on? How did the meeting go with Steven? Is everything in place for Father’s Day? What are—”
Joy cut off her friend’s endless questions with a wave of her hand. “I’d actually be okay if I could take a raincheck for Father’s Day this year.”
“What?” Kara hissed, almost stumbling as they entered Joy’s office. “You’ve put so much planning into this.”
“Well, everybody didn’t get the memo, maybe except Steven who wants a slice of the Father’s Day pie, and Langston who I wish would read the memo…speaking of which, I better call him and see what his intentions are concerning Bethani, Darla and Shane. My poor niece. All she wants is his love.” Joy shook her head at the same time as Douglas Branson, the company’s regional director, stuck his head in her office.
“Miss Kennedy, may I speak to you for a moment?” The stone face he held in the meeting was gone, and unless Joy was misreading him, his commanding persona seemed a bit off. He barely held a stare with Kara.
Realizing that his request put Kara in a panic, he explained. “Nothing bad. I was hoping we could have lunch together, so I can hear some more of your sales pitches that have put you on top for the last two months.”
Kara exhaled and gave him a tentative smile. When he backed out the office, Kara turned to Joy who had a lifted brow waiting for her. “Something tells me Douglas will let you order anything on the menu.” Joy winked and reached for the phone.
Once her office door was closed, she punched in Langston’s work number. Surprisingly, he answered after a couple of rings.
After the pleasantries of asking how he and Mildred were doing, and telling him about the children, Joy got to the purpose of her call. “Have you returned Bethani’s call yet?”
He stuttered, “Ah, no…listen, Joy, I was hoping your new marriage…”
Listen scumbag, Joy wanted to say. “Langston, I love you because my late sister loved you, but I won’t cover for you. Bethani, Darla and Shane are your children first, not Mildred’s. I don’t speak against you, but neither will I stand up for you. It’s your responsibility to keep from breaking your little daughter’s heart.”
Langston cleared his throat. “Isn’t your husband raising them?”
Joy almost crossed her eyes looking at the phone. “What is the real problem here?” She gritted her teeth.
“I love Mildred and I’m trying to make a new life. I can’t feed five mouths.”
“That’s a sorry excuse. Were you cheating on my sister with her?” Joy blurted out, then waited to see if he would answer. He didn’t but he changed the subject.
“I’ll call Bethani!” His disconnection was quick.
Massaging her temples, Joy felt she had aged five years since Steven called and since her call to Langston. “Jesus, what is wrong with these men?” she mumbled as she prepared to refocus and signed onto her computer.
As her fingers tapped on the keyboard, she couldn’t help but wonder if she was being a hypocrite, trying to make her sister’s husband see his children, but pushing back Steven’s effort to see his child.
Her Outlook alerted Joy of new email. She clicked on the one from Christian.
Hi babe, I had a little down time. Something about Gina kept bugging me so I Googled her. Check out this link. I don’t know why I was looking up public records, but it appears Gina had two daughters removed from her home and placed in foster care. There were allegations of sexual assault and abuse from a boyfriend—
Joy’s heart crashed to the bottom of her stomach at the mention of sexual assault. Of all of the responses that came to her mouth, she fought to choose the one where she wouldn’t have to repent later.
Cast down every high thing that exalts itself against Me and bring into captivity every thought to My obedience, Christ swiftly directed her.
Closing her eyes, Joy prayed, “Jesus, I need You. It seems like my life is out of order and I’m trying to do everything as a Christian, but this is too much…” Joy stopped when the tears were ready to fall with a blink. “Help me God, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Without reading the remainder of the email, Joy signed off. She had to concentrate on her business and not her personal obstacles. Sometime later, Christian texted her.
Did you read my email, babe?
Yes, but I can’t handle anything else right now; I need to try to get some work done. The big bosses are here, she texted back.
Then remember I love you and we will talk about it at home.
Despite her unbelievably hectic day, Joy was about to leave the office on a positive note, as long as she didn’t think about that email. Kara breezed into her office almost dancing on her feet.
“Douglas—I mean Mr. Branson—asked me out to dinner!” Kara glowed. “I can’t believe it! The big boss is interested in me and I didn’t even have to bat an eye.” She lowered her voice, “I always thought he was kind of intimidating.”
Sm
iling, the two hugged before Joy said goodnight and headed home. “Lord, You bless the sinners and the saints, the believers and unbelievers, so whatever category Kara is in, please bless her,” she prayed quietly as she got into her vehicle.
Thirty minutes later when she walked through the kitchen door, Bethani screamed, almost giddy. “My daddy called! He’s coming to get us and we’re celebrating Father’s Day tomorrow!” She grinned so hard that her eyes shut.
Saturday, not Sunday, is definitely better than not at all. Christian was nearby with Shane in his arms who gripped a Lego piece. For the second time that day, Joy had something to make her smile. “That’s wonderful news, sweetie.”
Father’s Day was taking on a life of its own and Joy couldn’t wait for it to be over. Once Bethani was out of sight, Joy exhaled and put on a game face to tangle with the devil. “Now, what’s this about Gina and her bad choices in men?”
“Later,” he whispered in her ear to her impatience as he put Shane down so he could finish setting the table for the dinner he and Bethani had cooked.
“I’ve waited all day to discuss this. As soon as we finish eating, the children will have kitchen duty and I don’t care how much of a mess they leave. This is a priority,” she let him know.
CHAPTER 9
It was hours later before Christian could have some alone time with his wife, and Joy was antsy, ready to talk. “Okay listen, babe, I think the public record I found on Gina should be a concern since she is his fiancée,” Christian said as he and Joy watched the sunset from the balcony off of their bedroom.
Leaning over the wooden rail, Joy shook her head. “There’s no way I’ll subject my baby to becoming a victim for the sake of being fair to Steven.”
“You know it.” He anchored his elbows on his knees. Linking his hands together, Christian was in awe of God’s beauty, but couldn’t comprehend the ugliness that He allowed to take place in it. Did Jesus allow him to stumble across the information for justification to tell Steven a flat out no?
“Steven and I need to talk and that discussion will take place tomorrow.”
Joy turned around and sat in the brown wicker chair next to him. She wouldn’t glance his way as she pulled her legs up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. “There is nothing he can say in defense of Gina’s actions. If you still want to go through with his requests, not only should his visits with Jada have to be supervised, but I don’t want Gina around our daughter,” she said with such fierceness that it was as if she was daring him to disagree, so he didn’t.
The next morning, Joy gave Christian his marching orders before he headed to work. “Dear, I know you’re a man of God and kindhearted, but as the commercial says, ‘Just say no.’”
He stared at his wife who was looking for his confirmation. “Babe, I’ll see what the Lord says.”
She groaned in frustration. “You are one longsuffering man.”
After kissing her waiting lips, Christian lifted his car keys off the wall hook near the door. “Don’t think for one minute I haven’t gone back and forth with God over this situation. You know it’s God’s way. I’d rather have a few choice words in a dark alley with the guy who abused Gina’s daughters.” Shaking his head, Christian was always amazed at how God had been longsuffering with him before and after he committed his life to Christ. “But God cleans us up real good. I won’t lay a hand on the man.”
Joy tilted her head and stared at him. Her eyes let him know she was thinking something good when her lips curled into a smile.
“What?” She was teasing him and he knew it.
“Do you know how attractive you are as a godly man? With your money and looks, you could have had any woman you wanted and would not be dealing with this drama.”
“And I chose you.” Delivering a quick kiss, Christian winked and headed out the door.
Once he was in his office, he told his assistant not to let his brothers disturb him. He wanted to get the conversation with Steven over with. After a quick prayer, Christian took a deep breath before punching in Steven’s work number.
“Steven Larson.”
“Christian Andersen.”
“Good morning. In case you’re checking, Gina and I plan to be at your church Sunday. Maybe we all can go out to dinner…” he rambled on as if they were old friends.
“Maybe we need to discuss why Gina lost custody of her girls.” He nipped Steven’s plans in the bud.
Silence. Then Steven lowered his voice. “I prefer not to talk about this over the phone.”
Too bad, Christian thought. “You’re not going to see Jada without explaining. You can do it by email, text, or snail mail, but there’s no way you’re coming near my little girl until you do.”
“Ah,” he stuttered, “I’m free for the next few hours. Can we meet somewhere?”
Christian mentally calculated the agenda for the day. Whatever was pressing, his brothers could handle it. “I’ll meet you at Highlander Sports Bar near the St. Louis Science Center in half an hour. You can GPS the address.”
Ending the call, he got to his feet and grabbed his keys off the desk. Nathan and David were coming into his office as he was leaving. They were laughing about something until they made eye contact with him.
“What’s up? Where are you going?” Nathan gave him a suspicious look as Christian jingled his car keys.
“We’re scheduled to review the Millers’ budget for the expansion,” David advised.
“I’ve got to take care of some family business,” Christian said as he strolled passed them without breaking his stride.
“Not Langston again,” David called after him.
“Nope.” Christian stepped into a waiting elevator. “Steven.”
His older brother shook his head as the doors closed. Nathan’s look of pity made Christian utter something he never thought he would say, “I didn’t sign up for this. Baby-momma drama has nothing on me.”
Taking Highway 40, Christian turned onto Oakland Avenue in less time than expected. His speed and little traffic definitely were factors, but wanting to know the circumstances on how a mother could fail her child propelled him. He parked and turned off the ignition. He stared out the window, thinking about the picture perfect day where children were visiting the zoo or exploring space in the nearby science center. Too bad Steven was about to ruin it.
As he got out of his SUV, Steven pulled up in the spot next to him. Both exchanged nods. In the light of the day, Christian observed him as he approached. The confidence he flaunted at dinner was no longer apparent. His eyes shifted as if he didn’t want to make eye contact. He acted like a totally different man.
Good manners dictated that Christian extend a handshake. He couldn’t bring himself to do it. Opting to stuff ten fingers into his pants pockets, Christian headed toward the entrance. “Shall we?” He led the way.
The double door opened and the hostess greeted them with a smile that Christian struggled to return. “Good morning, gentlemen. How many in your party?”
“Two.” Christian followed the woman to a table with a window view across the highway at Forest Park. The restaurant’s mid-morning crowd was sparse, so neither had to worry about a lack of privacy.
After ordering a cup of coffee, Christian got down to business. “What’s going on, man?” He hoped he’d given Steven a crazy “Jaime Foxx” mug shot expression, complete with the crossed eyes and bucked teeth.
Steven appeared deep in thought as he looked out the window. Turning back to face Christian, Steven took his time in answering. “That was in Gina’s past just like bad decisions I made in my past relationships.”
How could this man calmly look him in the eye and equate a bad decision with violating young girls. Christian twisted his mouth so he could remain as calm as Steven appeared to be. Folding his hands, Christian straightened himself as if he was conducting an interview. “Bad decisions are spending too much money or failing to stop at a stop sign, not letting someone molest your daughters.
..”
Steven cringed. “Those were allegations…”
“That happened to be…” Christian coaxed him to tell the truth. “If Gina lost custody of her girls, then the evidence was there. Are you are okay with Gina’s lack of parenting skills?” He frowned. “So why drag my baby into this mess?”
“Gina lost custody of her children and I gave up my child. Although I never had any intention of marrying Joy—”
Squinting, Christian felt his nostrils flare. “Watch it,” he said slowly. “You’re talking about my wife and how you mistreated her and that’s where I draw the line. Nobody disrespects her—nobody.” Either he shot darts from his eyes or fire came out his nose like a dragon, but Steven leaned back as far as he could in his seat as if to put distance between them. Christian growled anyway.
However, the man seemed to recover quickly. Steven nodded to himself. “I have that same love for Gina and the person she’s become despite the adversity she faced, but she can’t get her girls back or have any more children. We want to start our marriage off with a child—sharing custody of Jada.”
Lord, I am so not feeling this or willing to agree with this. Christian didn’t respond right away as he waited for God to speak a word into his heart. “If you want to start your marriage off on solid footing, you don’t need Jada. You need Jesus. My advice would be to keep the appointment you have with Him on Sunday. You’ll get a two-for-one deal—Jesus and Jada, but at this time, I feel your contact with my daughter should be limited and with supervision.”
“You know, man, I was hoping I would get some compassion from you and Joy as Christians,” Steven snapped.
What made that attitude rear its ugly head? “Playing the Christian card doesn’t work with me. The devil can’t tempt me to be a fool. Compassion is giving you the time of day when legally I don’t have to. Wisdom is making sure Jada is safe by any means necessary.” Christian didn’t ask for the check as he reached for his wallet and pulled out a five dollar bill for a two dollar cup of coffee. Let Steven foot the bill for his own coffee. Christian had given this man enough of his time.