by Amanda Tru
She hadn’t heard his vows before now. As he spoke, the words went through her heart and resonated with truth and love. She felt an unexpected sting of tears in her eyes as she looked up at him and smiled.
“Travis, I fell in love with you the day you kicked me in the chest and didn’t apologize. Knowing that a man could respect who I was as a human being first meant a lot to me. Knowing we shared a love for God and could serve God together sealed the deal for me. I vow to love you, respect you, and submit myself to you in a way that brings honor to God and our name.”
His eyes widened, and his mouth opened and closed as he took a deep breath. Thankfully, Gary spoke again, asking for the rings. This time, in place of silicone, he placed on her finger a simple platinum band, which matched the larger band she slid onto his ring finger.
When his lips met hers, her world started spinning and spinning until she felt she would need to clutch him to keep from falling. Their first married kiss. Sealing the deal. The roar of her pulse in her ears nearly drowned out the sound of applause. As soon as he lifted his head, she felt laughter bubble up her chest as streamed down her cheeks.
Still clapping, the audience in the church came to their feet, cheering and celebrating the new union. She’d come up that aisle unaccompanied, but as they left, she held her husband’s hand, no longer alone, no longer apart, now one with the love of her life in the eyes of God.
Traci had changed out of her dress and those terrible shoes and into a summer dress and a pair of flat sandals. She’d tried to make the dress a pair of shorts, but her mother, Travis’ mother, his sisters—no one approved. She’d consented to wearing the dress just to prevent it from becoming a hot topic.
Travis had changed out of the tuxedo and into a pair of khaki slacks and a lavender golf shirt that matched the flowers on her dress. They stood together on the lawn of the church, surrounded by the family and friends who had come to celebrate their wedding with them.
Travis held a white netted cage filled with butterflies. Traci reached over and untied the purple bow. “My mom has been planning this wedding since she was a little girl,” Traci said, addressing the crowd. “She’s always loved weddings, and never did get one of her own. So, she set about making everyone else’s wedding day into a perfect day. Including mine. Every page of my wedding plan had some form of a butterfly on it, from the design of a dress, the arrangement of flowers, or even just scribbled in the corner of the page. I know they mean something to her.”
She and Travis lifted the lid of the basket, and dozens of butterflies escaped into the air. Travis said, “Michelle, these butterflies were the perfect way to show you how much we love you and how much we appreciate every single detail you put into this day.”
The guests clapped, and Michelle hugged Travis then Traci. She framed Traci’s face with her hands and looked into her eyes. “You didn’t have a thing to do with this part, did you?”
“Actually, I did.” Traci grinned slyly at her mother. “I approved it.”
Laughing, Michelle hugged her again, and Traci took the chance to breathe in her perfume, to feel her hair against her cheek. “Are you sure you’re good with us leaving?”
“Of course, silly.” She gestured at Donetta. “Donetta and I will be sitting on my porch, waiting to hear about your adventures.”
Traci glanced at Travis then back at her mom. “Where are we going?” she whispered.
“To the airport,” her mom whispered back, then stepped away.
Travis took Traci by the hand and slipped her wedding ring off. “You don’t want this on where we’re going,” he explained, then slid the black silicone band onto her finger in its place. She noticed he wore one very similar. He kissed her, then handed the platinum rings over to Michelle. “For safekeeping. We’ll get them back in a week.” He looked back down at Traci. “Well, Mrs. Seaver, are you ready to go?”
With a grin, she said, “For an adventure? Always.”
They waved goodbye as they got into Travis’ truck. As she buckled her seatbelt, she smiled at him. “Happy?”
“Enormously.” As he started the truck and drove away, he asked, “You?”
“Surprisingly, yes. I’m out of those shoes. We’re married and headed to an adventure. My mom lived to see the wedding. Today has been one win after another.”
He laughed and reached for her hand, placing a kiss over her ring. “It’s like one win after another.”
She laced her fingers with his and settled against the car seat, feeling her body relax for the first time in days as the truck ate up the miles to Louisville.
The End
Suggested discussion questions for Black Belt, White Dress by Hallee Bridgeman.
When asking ourselves how important the truth is to our Creator, we can look to the reason Jesus said he was born. In the book of John 18:37, Jesus explains that for this reason He was born and for this reason He came into the world. The reason? To testify to the truth.
In bringing those He ministered to into an understanding of the truth, Our Lord used fiction in the form of parables to illustrate very real truths. In the same way, we can minister to one another by the use of fictional characters and situations to help us to reach logical, valid, cogent, and very sound conclusions about our real lives here on earth.
While the characters and situations in The Dixon Brothers Series are fictional, I pray that these extended parables can help readers come to a better understanding of truth. Please prayerfully consider the questions that follow, consult scripture, and pray upon your conclusions. May the Lord of the universe richly bless you.
But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
—1 Corinthians 7:8-9
Travis makes it clear that one of the reasons he wants to marry Traci is because he is ready for the next step in their physical relationship.
1. Even though they have been together for over two years, it is made clear that they have not engaged in premarital sex. Do you think this is realistic for a young couple in today’s world?
2. Traci suggests that her parents were not married, so if Travis sought a sexual relationship, why let their unmarried status stop them? Do you think a couple in a committed, loving relationship requires a wedding license for sexual intercourse to be “sin-free”?
Ryan, the pastor of Travis’s family church and his one-time school friend, makes it clear that Travis needs to take a leadership role in his marriage. Travis first disregards the advice, but obviously researches it to the point that he can see what Ryan meant. Ryan’s perspective is shared by Gary, the pastor who eventually performed the marriage ceremony for Travis and Traci.
3. Travis and Traci both knee-jerk with the idea that male leadership in the home is an antiquated, patriarchal concept. Do you think modern families should be constrained by a hierarchy established more than 3,000 years ago?
4. Do you think modern marriages are capable of establishing that hierarchy?
5. Do you think that the establishment of such a hierarchy still applies to a childless marriage?
It is often said that the husband must be the three P’s in a family: Pastor (spiritual leader), Provider, and Protector.
6. In Traci and Travis’s situation, she is a law enforcement officer. Do you think that supersedes the responsibility of Travis as protector of his family?
7. If so, what do you think of how he worded his vows?
Traci has no respect for her mother at the outset of the story.
8. What part of Michelle’s heart and health issues had to do with changing Traci’s attitude so dramatically?
9. Do you think the immature concept that our parents are bulletproof and will always be with us is what gave her the freedom to treat her mother so disrespectfully?
10. The Bible tells us that we are to honor our mother and father. Do you think that Travis’s obje
ction to the way Traci treated her mother had anything to do with the fact that her attitude was sinful?
Suggested luncheon menu for a group discussion about Black Belt, White Dress by Hallee Bridgeman.
Those who followed my Hallee the Homemaker website know that one thing I am passionate about in life is selecting, cooking, and savoring good whole real food. A special luncheon just goes hand in hand with hospitality and ministry. I love including hospitality, food, and the enjoyment of food into all of my books. The recipes that follow were inspired by scenes in the story.
Crown Roast of Lamb
2 lamb rib racks, frenched (they will be about 1.5-2lbs each)
3-4 stems fresh rosemary
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp Kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Preheat oven to 375º degrees F (190º degrees C)
Strip the rosemary leaves from the stems. In a miniature food processor, add the rosemary leaves, peeled garlic, salt, and pepper. Process until the garlic is finely chopped. Add the olive oil and process until well blended.
Rub all over the lamb racks.
Bend each rack into a semi-circle. Using kitchen twine, bind the racks together so that they form a full circle. Place in a Bundt pan.
Bake until the center of the internal temperature of the meat reads 130º degrees F degrees(55º degrees C). Remove from oven. Let meat rest 15-20 minutes. Using kitchen shears, remove the twine.
Cranberry and Pecan Wild Rice
2 medium onions
3 stalks celery
1/2 tsp dried sage
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups wild rice blend (I use Lundberg Wild Rice Blend)
3 cups vegetable stock
3/4 cup pecans
1/2 cup dried cherries
1 cup scallion greens
salt and pepper, to taste
Heat a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pecans and toast about two or three minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and roughly chop the pecans. Chop the cherries. Slice the scallion greens.
In a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and celery. Cook, stirring regularly until the vegetables are translucent. Add the salt and the sage. Mix well.
Stir in the rice and cook for two or three minutes to toast it. Add the vegetable stock. Add the pecans and cherries. Bring to a boil. Stir and cover with lid. Reduce heat to low.
Cook for 45 minutes. Add scallion greens Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
About 1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts
about 1 TBS extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp Kosher or sea salt
1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
Heat oven to 450º degrees F (230º degrees C). Place rack on lowest position.
Cut each Brussels sprout in half. On a large baking sheet, toss the sprouts with the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Place on lowest oven rack. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until sprouts start to brown, stirring about every 5 minutes.
www.halleebridgeman.com
With more than half a million sales, best-selling Christian author Hallee Bridgeman writes action-packed romantic suspense focusing on realistic characters who face real world problems. Her work has been described as everything from refreshingly realistic to heart-stopping exciting and edgy.
An Army brat turned Floridian, Hallee finally settled in central Kentucky with her family so she could enjoy the beautiful changing of the seasons. She enjoys the roller-coaster ride thrills that life with a National Guard husband, a daughter away at college, and two middle school aged sons delivers.
A prolific writer, when she’s not penning novels, you will find her in the kitchen, which she considers the “heart of the home.” Her passion for cooking spurred her to launch a whole food, real food “Parody” cookbook series. In addition to nutritious, biblically grounded recipes, readers will find that each cookbook also confronts some controversial aspect of secular pop culture.
She is the Director of the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference (KCWC), a Gold member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), a past American Christian Writers (ACW) member, and Secretary of the board for Novelists, Inc. (NINC). A long-time member of the Published Author Network (PAN) and past president of the Faith, Hope, & Love chapter of Romance Writers of America (RWA), she discontinued her RWA membership in 2019.
Hallee loves coffee, campy action movies, and regular date nights with her husband. Above all else, she loves God with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength; has been redeemed by the blood of Christ; and relies on the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide her. She prays her work here on earth is a blessing to you and would love to hear from you. You can reach Hallee via the Contact Link on her website or send an email to [email protected].
Sign up for Hallee’s monthly newsletter! When you sign up, you will get a link to download Hallee’s romantic suspense novella, On The Ropes. In addition, every newsletter recipient is automatically entered into a monthly giveaway! The real prize is never missing updates about upcoming releases, book signings, appearances, or other events.
Newsletter:
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FICTION BOOKS BY HALLEE:
Red Blood & Bluegrass Collection:
Book 1: Black Belt, White Dress (in The Wedding Dress Yes, a Crossroads Collection)
Book 2: Blizzard in the Bluegrass (in When Snowflakes Never Cease, a Crossroads Collection)
The Dixon Brothers Series:
Book 1: Courting Calla (in Out of the Blue Bouquet, a Crossroads Collection)
Book 2: Valerie’s Verdict
Book 3: Alexandra’s Appeal (coming soon)
Book 4: Daisy’s Decision (coming soon)
The Jewel Series:
Book 1: Sapphire Ice
Book 2: Greater Than Rubies
Book 3: Emerald Fire
Book 4: Topaz Heat
Book 5: Christmas Diamond
Book 6: Christmas Star Sapphire
Book 7: Jade’s Match
Book 8: Chasing Pearl (in Yesterday’s Mail, a Crossroads Collection)
The Song of Suspense Series:
Book 1: A Melody for James
Book 2: An Aria for Nick
Book 3: A Carol for Kent
Book 4: A Harmony for Steve
The Virtues and Valor Series:
Book 1: Temperance’s Trial
Book 2: Homeland’s Hope
Book 3: Charity’s Code
Book 4: A Parcel for Prudence
Book 5: Grace’s Ground War
Book 6: Mission of Mercy
Book 7: Flight of Faith
Book 8: Valor’s Vigil
COOKBOOKS BY HALLEE:
Parody Cookbook Series:
Vol 1: Fifty Shades of Gravy, a Christian Gets Saucy
Vol 2: The Walking Bread, the Bread Will Rise
Vol 3: Iron Skillet Man, the Stark Truth about Pepper & Pots
Vol 4: Hallee Crockpotter, & the Chamber of Sacred Ingredients
Hello Crossroads Reader!
I know you cheered for Traci and Travis as they found their well-deserved happily ever after, and felt the love and respect Traci and Travis had for their mothers. And for each other!
It is now my true honor to introduce the fourth book in this collection, Sewn Together by the unequivocally talented Alana Terry. I have known/worked with Alana for several years. We have worked on many group projec
ts together, and our paths cross in the writing world all the time. She is someone for whom I have such great respect and admiration in the way that she crafts a story with truth and without fear.
In Sewn Together, Alana throws the reader into a dramatic world where you will find a family torn apart, a pregnancy that's expected to end in heartache instead of joy, and miracles that spring up in response to a parent’s deep and abiding faith.
Please let this story bless you because, despite hardship and trial, hope abounds in this heartwarming and inspirational novella full of love, faith, and miracles.
Author of Black Belt, White Dress
a novella by
Copyright Notice
Sewn Together
First edition. Copyright © 2019 by Alana Terry. All rights reserved.
Note: The views of the characters in this novel do not necessarily reflect the views of the author, nor is their behavior necessarily condoned.
The characters in this book are fictional. Any resemblance to real persons is coincidental. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form (electronic, audio, print, film, etc.) without the author’s written consent.
www.alanaterry.com
Each book in this collection is the intellectual property and the copyrighted material of the respective author and/or publisher and is reprinted as a part of this collection (anthology) only once and only by permission of the owners. The publisher makes no claim on, or to, the property of the owners which exceeds that permission. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the authors’ imagination or intended to be used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, organizations, places, or persons living or dead is purely coincidental and beyond the intention of either the authors or the publisher. The characters are products of the authors’ imaginations and used fictitiously.