A Christian Father's Day

by Pat Simmons

  Laying the money on the table, Christian stood and gave Steven a pointed look. “Salvation is Free’s church service starts at ten. But it’s going to cost you dearly to spend time with Jada—your pride and your woman.” With nothing left to say, Christian walked out the door and never looked back.

  ***

  “Whoa. That was one thing that infuriated me about Steven. He was too nonchalant about important things. Then Gina…That says a lot about the woman’s priorities.” Joy was furious as Christian recapped what was said as he drove away from the sports bar.

  I’ve forgiven you, God reminded her.

  That took the fight out of her as Joy buried her face into her hands. “I am having a hard time with this situation and my salvation. I feel like I want to push it aside and deal with it on my terms, but God is letting me know that I’m no better than that woman.”

  “Babe, this isn’t only a mental battle, it’s spiritual, too. As long as we keep listening to God, we’ll win, but I know this is hard; I wanted to reach across the table and strangle Steven because he seemed to be okay with what happened to Gina’s children, but in all honesty, we don’t know what happened. Whether she knew and turned a blind eye or if she didn’t know.”

  Joy glanced at the time. She had to meet a potential client in twenty minutes. “Babe, I’ve got to run, but one thing I do know is I don’t think God will hold it against us to watch Steven and Gina like a hawk.” She couldn’t wait for Father’s Day to come and go.

  CHAPTER 10

  Saturday morning Christian jogged downstairs, ready to meet his brothers and dad at the golf course. They had moved up their coveted time because of him. Christian was humbled as he pushed all problems aside to enjoy the day to celebrate pre-Father’s Day with his dad and brothers.

  On his way to the garage, he froze in his steps as soon as he entered the kitchen. He knew something was wrong when he saw Bethani in tears. The little ones were huddled around her, trying to comfort her. There was no sign of Joy.

  “What’s going on?” He frowned coming closer.

  Darla, Jada, and Shane were speaking at once, wanting him to see about Bethani.

  “Daddy, Bethy crying.” Shane pointed with his tiny finger.

  Jada and Darla’s eyes were wide with concern, but with a look of confidence that he could fix it.

  Assuring them that he would take care of the problem, Christian shooed the children aside. He grabbed a nearby seat and saddled it. Before he could ask what’s wrong, it dawned on him that Langston should have been there by now.

  Hiccupping, Bethani faced him. Her eyes were swollen and her face flushed. “My daddy’s not coming, is he?”

  Christian doubted it. Noting the time, he gritted his teeth and balled his fist. The distress in her voice was enough to make Christian want to whip some sense into a grown man, but he had to refrain from those thoughts. Vengeance was the Lord’s, but come on Jesus. Bethani’s mental well-being was all that mattered. He stood. “Let me find your aunt to see what’s going on.”

  “She’s calling…” hiccup, “him now. Daddy promised he was coming.” She fumbled with the meticulous gift-wrapped flat square box in her lap.

  At that moment, Joy entered the kitchen with the phone in her hand. Her expression conveyed that Langston had broken his promise. It wasn’t the first time since Christian had known the man.

  Squatting, Joy seemed to hesitate as she handed Bethani the cordless. “Here sweetie,” she coaxed softly.

  The defiant look on the child’s face was akin to asking her to hold a bug. She shook her head, an uncharacteristic act for Bethani who was compliant. She was acting out because of the sting of Langston’s rejection.

  As Christian’s heart bled for her, he stood and whipped out his smartphone. Tapping in the number, he moved a few feet away for privacy. “Something’s come up. I can’t make it, Dad. Have a good time without me.”

  “Is everything all right, son?” Philip asked.

  “Not yet, but it will be.” He offered no further explanation as he said his goodbye. His family would have to wait until he had time to tell them.

  Christian was amused as he turned around and observed Bethani’s newfound stubborn streak that wasn’t directed at him. With her arms folded, Bethani pouted. Why was his wife even bothering to subject Bethani to more of her father’s lies and excuses?

  “Talk to him, sweetie,” Joy said as if it was her last attempt.

  Finally, Bethani took the bait. “Daddy? How come you don’t love me and Darla and Shane?” Her pitch indicated it wasn’t a question, but an accusation.

  Her shoulders shook at whatever excuse Langston was spewing from his mouth. Clearly, Bethani didn’t believe it as she shoved the phone back into Joy’s hand. Pushing the chair back, she raced from the kitchen as if a pit bull was chasing her.

  Fuming, Christian was able to take matters into his own hands when Joy shook her head , then put the call on speaker.

  “Langston, you are lower than the dirt we walk on,” Joy raised her voice.

  When Christian opened his mouth to add his sentiments, Joy waved him off as she continued her tirade.

  “One of these days you’re going to need your children…one of these days. Bethani loves you despite your neglect and favoritism of Mildred’s children!”

  “Don’t put this on me,” Langston shot back in a nonchalant tone. “I walked away for good reason. The life I had with Regina died the day she died. You love those kids more than me. I couldn’t deal with a constant reminder of my dead wife. I gave up custody for a reason. I can’t be this great father they seem to need.”

  “That’s a sorry excuse, dude,” Christian couldn’t hold back as he paced the floor, wishing he was standing toe-to-toe with the deadbeat. “You give men a bad name. I pray that God torments you in your sleep at night, reminding you of the seed you are sowing into the hearts of three children. Maybe then you’ll repent and save yourself from the torment in hell.”

  “Don’t judge me, Christian,” Langston snapped. “You asked for custody to be their father, so I gave it to you.”

  Christian was having a hard time comprehending the mindset of the man.

  “Yet, you’re willing to be a father to Mildred’s children?” Joy’s words dripped with sarcasm.

  “Listen, I’ve got to go,” he said, evading the question. “Bethani wouldn’t be so upset if you’d stop putting thoughts in her head.”

  “Enough of this foolishness.” Christian ended the call. “Evil communication corrupts good manners,” he said, referring to 1 Corinthians 15:33.

  He put his thumb and finger together leaving little space, “And I was this close to losing all my home and spiritual training with that idiot.”

  They both looked at each other and took a deep breath. When Christian opened his arms, Joy stepped into them. “I just don’t get it. My former brother-in-law must be brain dead. And all these years I thought Steven was a jerk, but Langston reigns in first place.”

  She began to sob. “How can a person not care about his own flesh and blood? I thought he turned custody over to us because of finances,” she said between breaths. “I could see if he was a gambler or drug addict, but he remarried a woman with children.” She paused, then sobered.

  “You have a golf game,” Joy said with alarm, trying to push him away, but she was trapped. “You’re late.”

  He lifted her chin to look in her eyes. “No babe. You and the children come first with me—always will.”

  “I love you,” she whispered.

  “I know.”

  They gazed into each other’s eyes before sharing a few intimate nibbles. Snuggling up against his chest again, Joy said, “I know it’s going to take all of the Holy Ghost Jesus gave Bethani for her not to grow up and hate him.”

  Christian was concerned about that, too. Lord, give me a scripture to apply to this situation because I can find no words to make this situation better. As he waited to see if Jesus would speak to him, Joy c
ontinued to vent as she paced.

  “It seems like the good I’ve done and the good we’re trying to do, isn’t good enough,” she whispered.

  Having done all you can do, stand, God’s voice was like thunder, referring to Ephesians 6:13.

  Christian looked at Joy as she froze in her steps.

  She heard Him, too.

  “The Lord Jesus is truly with us,” she said in wonder, shivering. “He was actually listening.”

  “Yes.” Christian was just as amazed. In an impromptu worship service they lifted their hands in praise and began to speak in other tongues as God filled their mouths with the words. It was non-stop as Christian heard the children in the background join them. By the time their spirits settled and he and Joy opened their eyes, Bethani was off in a corner, still talking to Jesus.

  Reaching for Joy’s hand, Christian squeezed it. “Instead of celebrating Father’s Day tomorrow, let’s celebrate Kid’s Day.”

  The “Yays” ricocheted from the little ones as they jumped in place.

  Bethani flew into his arms and snuggled against his chest before lifting her face. Her tears were gone, but the puffiness remained.

  “Will you be my daddy for Father’s Day, Mr. Andersen?”

  “I thought you would never ask, daughter.” Christian held back his emotions. He wanted to be accepted and he didn’t care if it was by default.

  “Okay, Daddy,” Bethani said with such affection and she squeezed him again.

  When the rugrats left the kitchen, Joy teased, “And what exactly is Kid’s Day, Mr. Andersen?”

  “Being the best father for my children.” He pointed to the other room. “Whatever they want to do after church, we’ll do it.”

  “Anything you say, Big Daddy.” Joy laughed as she escaped his swat on her hips, running out of the kitchen. Christian was hot on her trail.

  CHAPTER 11

  “Happy Father’s Day!” The children’s singsong voices woke Christian from a slumber he craved to enjoy for a few more hours. He groaned and hid his head under a pillow. That only caused the little ones to climb on his mattress and attempt to use his haven of rest as a trampoline.

  He relinquished his pillow when it became a tug of war with them. Sitting up, Christian didn’t say a word as he gave each one “the warning look” that he had mimicked from his father when they were supposed to behave.

  His heart softened when he eyed their gifts that were barely gift wrapped: a tie, socks and cologne. When Bethani cleared the doorway balancing a bed tray, she graced him with a tender smile.

  She seemed to have recovered from the blow to her heart the day before, but Christian would do whatever was necessary to keep anyone from hurting her again: her natural father; future husband or anybody. He would always make sure that she knew how special she was to him as his daughter.

  Whipping the cover back, Christian made a beeline to his bathroom and quickly freshened up. Father’s Day, his so-called day had finally arrived. One crisis had been dealt with, now he had to face another on God’s turf and he looked to Jesus to intervene.

  Minutes later, he left his bathroom presentable and dived in his king-size bed to the children’s delight. Joy shook her head. “Only because it’s Father’s Day am I going to let you get away with that.” She wagged her finger.

  Once he was situated against the headboard, the little ones crowded his space as Bethani set the tray on his lap. Christian eyed the almost burned eggs and too crispy bacon. He identified the culprit responsible for the bites missing from the apple slices—Shane—then there were the lopsided biscuits. By his standards, everything was perfect. “Thank you.”

  He was about to say grace when Bethani stopped him. “Because it’s Father’s Day, we all practiced a prayer for you.”

  Darla patted his leg, wanting to go first. Once she had his attention, she pressed her hands together, bowed her head and said her part, watching him to make sure he was watching her. “Jesus, bless daddy because he plays with me. Amen.”

  Jada mimicked her cousin. “Jesus, please bless my daddy because he gives me hugs and tickles me.”

  Shane would not be outdone as he pushed them out the way. “Daddy, bless me. Amen.”

  Bethani giggled. “None of them said what they practiced. But we thank God that Jesus gave us a good daddy and a heavenly Father.”

  “You might want to bless your food dear, since it seems none of them did,” Joy instructed with a soft chuckle.

  Smiling, he did just that. Before he could say amen, Shane helped himself to a strip of bacon. His breakfast in bed dining experience would always be memorable: crumbs in his sheets, orange juice spilled on the comforter when Jada wanted to taste, and Shane opening his gift and attempting to put his small feet into Christian’s long socks. It was comical, but soon playtime was over and it was time to get ready for church. A place where he had to go today with mixed feelings.

  ***

  As they loaded up the SUV, Joy didn’t know how she would react to seeing Gina again, knowing she played a hand in losing custody of her two children and Steven seeming to accept her past.

  God, I know You don’t want me to judge, but how do You do it, knowing the worst about us, yet still loving us? She kept the thought to herself.

  He who the Son has set free, is free indeed, God answered John 8:36.

  She couldn’t argue with God, so she prayed that she would have compassion for Gina. She couldn’t imagine her life without Jada or Bethani and Darla for that matter. Glancing out the window at the passing scenery, Joy shut out other concerns and thought about the smile on her husband’s face as he shared his breakfast with the children and acted surprised at their simple gifts. The moment was priceless.

  Since it was his day, Joy ran his bath water and catered to his every whim, and told him about their bed and breakfast two-day getaway. “How soon can we leave?” He half-joked. They both needed to get away.

  Earlier when it came time to dress for church, she gave him the honor of choosing her attire. She smoothed the skirt of her black polka dot two-piece top and skirt with a white designer blazer. Her hem flirted with her knees and more than once he had glanced her way.

  Arriving at church, Christian parked then reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. “Thank you for making me a father from the bottom of my heart.”

  Her vision blurred as she sucked in her breath. “How can you love me through all this craziness?” she whispered. 1 Peter 4:8 came to mind. She couldn’t quote the entire verse, but she remembered the part about love covering a multitude of sins. Maybe that was how Steven felt toward Gina.

  Christian nodded at the same time the children became antsy to be free of their car seats. As they strolled toward the building, Joy admired Christian’s build in the tailored black suit. They usually coordinated their attire, so to match her outfit; he would have worn his black polka dot tie.

  Instead he was boasting a Superman print, courtesy of Darla. Jada had picked out a pair of hundred and fifty dollar shoes. Joy steered her toward socks instead. Her daughter liked the striped stocks, and he was proudly wearing them.

  “What are you snickering about?” Christian asked as he followed the direction of her stare. Looking down at his shoes, he pulled up his pants to flash the socks.

  Joy fell out into a fit of giggles.

  “You can laugh all you want, but when Mother’s Day comes back around, it’s payback with cartoons underwater for you,” he threatened softly against her ears.

  She laughed harder. “Sorry, babe. They don’t make them in my size.”

  Shifting Shane in his arms, and making Jada stay at his side, he and Joy escorted their family to the front door. “It doesn’t matter. All I have to do is buy a jumbo box of crayons and the children will color on anything.”

  “You wouldn’t dare.” Joy gasped, wondering if her husband would do something that naughty. Wiggling a brow, Christian grinned and switched into church mode. After a few “praise the Lords” with other
members, they were about to head to the sanctuary when Joy heard her name called.

  She tensed at the sound of Steven’s voice. She glanced over her shoulder and noticed he was alone. Where was Gina?

  His eyes strayed to Jada first before speaking to her and Christian.

  Squatting, he lowered his voice, “Hi Jada.” She hid behind Christian’s leg and snuck a peek.

  Shane, who was now on his feet, wasn’t shy when he blurted out his name, which caused Darla to identify herself, while Bethani quietly observed.

  Straightening, Steven shrugged. His expression seemed to accept that he was indeed a stranger to his own biological daughter. Joy felt sorry for him—a little. “Come on. We’re just in time for praise and worship.”

  Jada latched on to Christian’s hand as they walked to the familiar section where the Andersen family was saving seats for them. Joy waved at her mother-in-law. Nathan looked over his shoulder. David was whispering to his girlfriend.

  “Is Gina coming?” Christian asked. “You two are welcome to sit with my family.”

  Steven debated and then declined. “Gina’s not going to be able to make it.” He scanned the seats and pointed a few rows ahead. “I’ll sit over there.”

  Since Christian had shared with his family the heartache Steven was causing Joy, the Andersen clan followed his every movement.

  As the praise and worship began to unfold, Joy caught Steven looking back, not at her, but at Jada who was sitting on her mother-in-law’s lap.

  “O magnify the Lord with me,” one of the praisers broke through her reverie. “Let us exalt the name of Jesus together!”