“Oh, I wouldn’t say all that.” Mariah smiled modestly. She looked at Aaliyah. “How are you today?”
“Good,” Aaliyah replied. Her eyes were set on the television trucks parked in front of Green-Ellison House. “I’m with Shanti. This is exciting. Are we going to be on television?”
“I’d say it’s a good chance,” Mariah answered. She turned to Carson. He looked handsome as always in a dark suit, and white shirt.
He bent down and asked her, “Are you ready for today?”
“As ready as I am going to be.” Mariah sighed. “For real, I’m just as excited as the girls. My dream is coming true.”
“You should be proud and excited rolled into one. I am proud of you.”
“Thank you, Mr. Palmer,” Mariah replied with a huge smile on her face. She took his hand and the group walked across the street.
Flashbulbs greeted them when they walked in the house. Local newspapers covered the story. Rocki headed their way with Sonyell, Michael, and Sasha behind her.
The friends hugged and kissed. Everyone offered congratulations to Mariah. They walked inside the house. Mariah took the dignitaries on a tour of the home. Mrs. Palmer and Granny were now in business partnership with each other. They shared ownership of Mrs. Palmer’s catering company. The women served light refreshments.
When the tour ended the director of Green-Ellison House introduced the first occupants of the house. Eight mothers and daughters tearfully thanked Mariah for the opportunity to get their lives together.
Carson and Michael talked when there was a lull in the festivities.
“You and Sonni seem to be doing okay. I guess you two managed to settle your differences,” Carson commented to his employee.
“We’re still a work in progress.” Michael nodded with a twinkle in his eyes. “But, I think we’re going to be okay.” He whispered, “Hey, boss man, I may need a raise. I plan to ask Sonni to marry me real soon, and this time I think she’s gonna to say yes.”
“You got it. We’ll talk on Monday.” Carson held out his hand. He and Michael clasped hands.
“So when you and Mari going do the thing?” Michael queried his boss.
“Soon I hope. I was waiting on her to finish doing her thing with the home. I plan on popping the question soon. I think she’s ready too.” Carson’s eyes followed Mariah, while Michael’s were trained on Sonyell.
Everyone took a seat. Reverend Dudley read scripture and prayed for the success of the transitional home. Then, Hammond dignitaries made speeches.
When they were done, it was Mariah’s turn to speak. She walked to the podium, and adjusted the microphone. “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Today has been a dream come true for me. I’ve always had a burning desire to help people. Everyone needs help now and again. The Bible teaches us to love our neighbor as ourselves. This project of love was the result of hard work of many people. There are a few people in attendance that I’d like to give thanks to. First and foremost are my lifelong friends, Sonni and Rocki. I love my sisters from another mother. I’d like to thank the Hammond Planning Committee, for making suggestions where needed. I’d like to thank the mayor for giving the green light to implement the program.
“I have to give a shout-out to my mother.” She smiled at Rosemary, who blew her a kiss. “She molded me into the woman I am today. I also have to thank my friend, Mr. Carson Palmer. He lent me an ear to bounce many ideas off of. He was responsible for the renovations to the house. All of this”—Mariah’s arm swept the air—“would not have occurred without the blessings from the fathers. My biological one, Harold Green, and my heavenly one.” She pointed upward.
The audience applauded loudly. Mariah finished her speech and basked in the afterglow of a job well done, and the love of family and friends, especially Carson. She and Sonyell knew their men planned on popping the question soon, and like Sonyell, Mariah’s answer would be yes.
Mariah looked up and smiled. She knew her father was up in heaven, blowing kisses her way. While the other Father said, “Good and faithful servant, well done!”
Readers’ Discussion Guide
1. Should Rosemary have told Mariah about her conception when Mariah became older?
2. How difficult is it for a parent to admit parental secrets to a child?
3. Did you feel Rosemary was responsible for Cassie’s emotional problems? Did you understand Rosemary’s reasons for the deception?
4. Do you feel like Rosemary was a bad mother?
5. Did Mariah idolize her grandmother?
6. Should Carson have confessed to Mariah he knew the truth of her conception or abided by her father’s wishes as he did?
7. Should Mariah’s father had overridden Rosemary’s wishes and told Mariah that he was her father?
8. Do you feel Mariah remained rooted even after inheriting millions of dollars? Would you gift a house to your closest friends if you could afford to?
9. Was Raquel a true friend to Mariah, even though their philosophies on life were different?
10. Did Carson initially allow Lola too much leeway in his life after their divorce?
11. What did you think about Lola using her children to scheme to win Carson back?
12. Did you feel Cassie was a bad person or just misguided?
13. Who was your favorite character?
14. Who was your least favorite character?
15. Do you think if a family member knows a secret about another family member that they should tell that person? Why or why not?
16. Do you think Mariah emotionally distanced herself from meaningful relationships with men because of her unresolved issues with her father?
17. What do you think of celibacy in a relationship? Is it possible or not?
About The Author
Michelle Larks is an Illinoisan native. She was born and raised in the Windy City, Chicago, and currently resides in a western suburb. Michelle was educated in the Chicago public school system and attended the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Michelle has written eleven books since 2003. The titles include A Myriad of Emotions, Crisis Mode, Mirrored Images. (in e-book format) and Who’s Your Daddy. Michelle contributed to two anthologies, Blended Families and The Midnight Clear.
Urban Christian Books published: Keeping Misery Company, The Legacies, ’Til Debt Do Us Part, Faith, Couples Therapy, and Letting Misery Go, the sequel to Keeping Misery Company.
Michelle is married and the mother of two adult daughters.
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Blessings From the Father Copyright © 2012 Michelle Larks
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
ISBN: 978-1-6228-6102-6
This is a work of fiction. Any references or similarities to actual events, real people, living, or dead, or to real locales are intended to give the novel a sense of reality. Any similarity in other names, characters, places, and incidents is entirely coincidental.
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Blessings From the Father Page 31