Brian didn’t know he could love God any more than he did at this moment. He looked over at Karlie and mouthed, “Thank you.”
She nodded but addressed Kyle. “For God so loved the world, meaning you, that He gave His only begotten son, and if you believe on Him, you will be saved. Do you believe Jesus is the Savior of the world?”
Kyle nodded. “I believe. I want God to fill my heart. I haven’t felt this…light in years.”
“Hallelujah!” Brian said.
Karlie went to unlock the door. “I’m going to the restroom.” Brian suspected she was giving them a private moment and he loved her thoughtfulness.
Brian went over to Kyle and hugged him. “I’m happy for you. Welcome to the fold, my brother.” And, father. His words were muffled on Kyle’s hospital gown, but Kyle heard him.
“You had to bring a woman to do the job,” he said.
Brian chuckled. “She’s amazing, isn’t she?”
“She’s a keeper.”
Brian stepped back to look at Kyle. “I’m your son.”
Kyle’s face transformed. His eyes grew wide and his skin reddened. “What? I think I misheard you.”
Brian licked his lips. “I’m your biological son.” He held his body stiff and waited for his words to sink in. “I’m Patricia’s son.”
“Patricia,” Kyle breathed. He grabbed Brian’s hand and then assessed him from the top of his head to his feet. “You’re Patricia’s son. Of course I knew that, but…the timing…it didn’t occur to me you could be mine…” He said it more to assure himself, but Brian nodded.
Brian’s palms felt sweaty. He wished he could read Kyle’s thoughts. Was his mother Kyle’s mystery woman? The one who had hurt him and changed his life forever. He chewed on his lower lip. Kyle was going to reject him, have him thrown out of his room. His heart raced. He made a move to pull his hand out of Kyle’s grip.
Kyle tugged Brian toward him with surprising strength and hugged him instead. “My son. My son.” His body shook. “I have a son.” He kissed Brian’s cheek. “I have a son.”
Brian’s eyes filled. He had been prepared for rejection. Instead, his father received him and blessed him with a kiss. Brian relaxed in his father’s arms. His heart surged. It felt like home.
The men pulled away from each other.
“I’m coming to your wedding,” Kyle said.
Brian shook his head. “You’re recovering from a gunshot wound. I’ll send you the video of the ceremony.”
Kyle jutted his jaw and tossed off the covers. “I’ll release myself against doctor’s orders if I have to, but I’m not missing my son’s wedding.”
Brian hunched his shoulders and folded his hands. “Your health is more important.”
“Looks like we’ll have another guest,” Karlie said behind them. “We’d better get back to the island. I’m meeting the ladies at Sugarplum to purchase our gowns off-the-rack.” She dabbed at her eyes.
“You saw us?” Brian asked.
Karlie nodded.
“I hope this isn’t the beginning of my being outnumbered,” Brian said with a grin.
Kyle smiled. A real one. “I’m sure Patricia will take care of me. Will she be there?”
Brian saw the hope on Kyle’s face and nodded. “She’ll be there.”
Then a new worry set in.
What if his mother wasn’t happy to see Kyle?
Ch. 29
“He looks adorable.” Ryan said, wrapping the bow tie around Cooper’s neck. “He’s going to be the best ring bearer in town.”
Megan nodded. “I have to agree.” She touched her stomach and smiled at Cooper.
Ryan felt a jolt. He would love to see Megan’s stomach rounded with their child. “You’re beautiful,” he said, and then he shook his head. “Beautiful isn’t a strong enough word. Exquisite.” Ryan eyed her gray strapless gown with embellishments. Her lush figure made him remember their night—and morning—together.
“Thank you.” She blushed.
“Don’t get all shy now, Lioness.” He had given her the nickname during their night of lovemaking. Megan had proven a bold and generous lover. Ryan had told her he loved her numerous times throughout the night. She hadn’t returned the sentiment, and Ryan didn’t mind. Megan would come to love him. He would make sure of it.
“You look good as well. Definitely not old enough to be a father-of-the-bride.”
Ryan’s chest puffed. His heart had swelled when Karlie asked him to walk her down the aisle. Neil would be performing the ceremony. Everything had worked out for his good. And, Karlie’s. He ran his hands over the black tux and matching gray tie. “Thanks for coming with me.”
“I’m glad to celebrate other people’s love, and your daughter’s a sweetheart. I felt honored Karlie invited me to go dress shopping.” She smoothed her gown. “I didn’t expect she would plunk down almost seven hundred dollars on this gown, though. I could’ve worn something out of my closet.”
“She was happy to,” Ryan said. Especially since it was his money. Ryan had expressed to Karlie he wanted to pay for his wife’s gown and made her promise not to tell Megan. He didn’t want Megan wearing anything Jackson had purchased. He didn’t need her reminiscing on the husband-of-the-past. He was her present and intended to be the one who filled her thoughts—and other places.
“I can’t wait to help you out of it later,” Ryan said.
Megan smirked. “What makes you think you’re getting another sample? Last night was a one-time thing.”
Ryan raised an eyebrow. “And what about this morning?” She had initiated their sunrise tryst. He had awakened to her lips and hands doing all sorts of magic.
“That was a pre-breakfast snack.”
Ryan nodded. “Okay, I’ll respect your wishes.” He saw her shoulders droop and hid his smile. He wasn’t sure how she felt about him, but Ryan knew Megan appreciated his skills. When it came to loving, he held nothing back.
“I hope things won’t be awkward with Patricia there.” She licked her lips and fussed with the curls in her up-do.
Ryan rushed to her side. “Patricia is my past. You’re all I care about.”
“I’ve seen enough drama and don’t want any problems with the exes.”
He chuckled. “Trust me when I tell you Patricia won’t be concerned with either of us. She’s bringing a date, and Brian’s father will be there. She’s the one who should be worried about drama. Not you.”
Her mouth popped open and her eyebrows shot to her forehead. “Two of her exes under one roof plus a date? Maybe I need to bring popcorn.”
“Just bring those luscious red lips. That’s all I need to keep me entertained.”
Megan slid her glance from his and squirmed. Ryan knew she wasn’t comfortable with his flirting and innuendos outside of the bedroom. He cautioned himself to move slowly, but he couldn’t help but lavish her with compliments. He only told the truth. He kissed her earlobe. She might not like him too much, but her body did. Even now she pressed her ear closer to his and her body curved into him.
Ryan kissed his wife. She returned his kiss and pulled out of his arms with reluctance. Then she bent to retrieve Cooper. Ryan knew she was putting distance between them, telling him he would have her body but not the most intimate part of her.
Megan cleared her throat. “I think I heard a honk. The limo might be outside.” She moved to grab Cooper’s baby bag, but Ryan stopped her.
“I’ve got it.”
“Okay, don’t forget the car seat.” She scooped Cooper into her arms and exited, leaving the door ajar.
Ryan’s cell rang. “Today is not a good day.”
“We have to talk,” the voice said. “I want what you promised me even if I have to help you keep it.”
Ryan’s heart thumped. “Listen, I hired you and the job is over. I have the right to change my mind. I told you I was done with all this.”
“I did as you asked. Now I want what you promised.”
“I can’
t find the—”
The line went dead.
Ryan’s hands felt numb. He could lose everything. Ryan couldn’t allow that. With shaky fingers, he sent a quick text.
We need to talk. Need an update.
In less than five seconds, Ryan received his answer:
Name the time.
Ten o’clock.
Don’t be late.
“We’re waiting.”
Ryan jumped at Megan’s voice behind him. He almost dropped his cell phone. She adjusted Cooper in her arms. “I’m coming. I had a phone call.”
She eyed him. “Whatever it is can wait for a few hours while we celebrate your daughter’s wedding.”
It really couldn’t wait, but Ryan had to attend Karlie and Brian’s wedding. If he missed this occasion, neither one would forgive him. Especially Brian. Their tenuous truce would be null and void.
Ryan tried to focus on a heart-warming thought.
Megan had said, “we.” Ryan didn’t know if it was a slip-up, but he liked the connotation. He hurried through the door with the car seat. Deep trouble lay ahead, but he could handle it. He would party now and plan later. His temples pounded as he wondered: What if my plan failed? Ryan pushed that ominous thought aside.
It wouldn’t.
He would make sure of that.
Ch. 30
“Unbe-weave-able.” Merle mumbled under her breath and coughed. “Who did your hair?”
Sister Inez had departed from her signature bob and styled her hair in curls.
Merle forced a smile and invited her inside. She regretted her decision to ask Sister Inez to attend Karlie’s wedding. Sister Inez had popped over to talk about their women’s group when Karlie called with her impromptu wedding news. She had invited Sister Inez because Myra would be there, and Merle didn’t want to have to make nice with Neil’s wife. She also wanted Sister Inez to see how she lived.
Sister Inez patted her hair. “My grandson gave me money to get my hair done. That girl worked magic in my hair.”
Where’d that girl learn her magic? Hogwarts? “It’s definitely different,” Merle said, running her fingers through her bangs. She had opted for a light bun to accompany her periwinkle gown. Merle loved the hand-beaded and three-quarter sleeves. The empire bodice and gathered skirt made her feel like a celebrity.
“I’m worried about messing up this dress. I didn’t take the tag off,” Sister Inez said.
“You’ll be fine. It’s yours to keep. And no more talk of returning it.”
Merle had convinced Sister Inez to try on a taffeta sequined dress with the matching bolero jacket. Sister Inez had balked at the $800 price tag, but Merle had pooh-poohed her concerns. She simply added it to Karlie’s bill.
Sister Inez dabbed at her face. Her makeup needed freshening. “May I use the restroom? I don’t want to have to go during the wedding.”
“Down the hall, first door on the left.”
Merle smiled. She had chosen the right dress for Sister Inez to wear. It flattered her figure and took years off her age.
Merle thought of the dress Myra had chosen. She smirked. Myra’s dress made her look like the purple Teletubby. It did nothing for her curvy figure, but Merle wasn’t about to offer fashion advice.
She sashayed to the window and looked through the blinds. The limousine was scheduled to pick her up at five p.m. Merle took deep breaths. She didn’t want to return to the house she had shared with Clifford. She knew Tiffany had remodeled, but Merle hadn’t seen the finished product. For Merle, the memories of that home were painful, but for Karlie, it had been home.
Sister Inez returned. “The limousine is late.”
Merle eyed the clock. They had ten minutes, but Sister Inez liked to be early. “It should be here soon.” Merle nodded in the direction of the kitchen. “I’ve got carrot sticks in the refrigerator if you want to munch on something.”
“Thanks. I’ll have a couple.” Sister Inez sauntered to the kitchen.
Merle fussed with her gown and checked her hair in the hallway mirror before returning to the window. She tapped her toes hoping her special guest would arrive before the limo. When Karlie had called to say she was getting married today, Merle had panicked. She had grabbed the phone and made a call. Her shoulders sagged when the person answered.
“Can you come today? There has been a change of plans. I’ll pay all your costs, but I need you at that wedding.”
There was a groan. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Oh no. You’re not backing out now. I paid you three thousand dollars, and you’ll get the other three when the deed is done.”
“This was supposed to be months away. I don’t know if I can get away.”
Merle spoke through her teeth. “Enough with the excuses. I’ll pay you double to cover any inconveniences. You’re my plus one.” Her heart raced.
“Okay. I’ll be there.”
She did a fist pump. “Be here at five sharp.”
And he had kept his word. At five p.m., the doorbell rang.
“Hello, Jamaal,” Merle said. She eyed his fitted suit. It was worth the money she had spent.
“Hi. For the record, this is a bad idea.”
“Nonsense,” she said. “This is your last opportunity to win Karlie back. I’ll make sure you see her before the wedding.” She had established a connection with Karlie’s ex-boyfriend through Facebook. She didn’t like his trifling ways, but he was a much better match than Brian was. Brian was a bit too observant.
“That sounds like a plan. I pictured a way different entrance.” He chuckled. “Like making a scene when the just cause question is asked.”
Merle rolled her eyes. “Please. That would be too cliché. I have too much class for that tacky move.”
Jamaal hunched his shoulders. “There’s something I think you should know—”
“I know you’d better do what I paid you to do,” Merle interrupted. “You upped the price to twelve thousand, so there’s no backing out.”
Sister Inez came out of the kitchen. “Is the limo here?”
“Yes, it actually just pulled up,” Merle said. She made the necessary introductions and then scurried both of her guests through the door. She chattered on the way to her old house to keep her nerves at bay.
Her conscience pricked and Merle touched her chest. Karlie might never forgive her. She might see Merle’s intervention as meddling. Merle shook off the doubts. Karlie loved her and she loved God. Merle planned to use Karlie’s love to her advantage. She leaned back into the luxurious seat and willed herself to relax. When this day was over, Karlie would be thanking her.
A grateful Karlie was a giving Karlie.
She glanced at Sister Inez and Jamaal. Sister Inez was preaching about his coming back to Christ.
Merle tuned them out. She closed her eyes and went over her lines. She couldn’t have any hesitation when it came time for her spiritual revelation. Merle thought of Neil, Brian, and Sister Inez—modern-day Sanballats and Tobiahs, whom Pastor Blake preached about in Nehemiah 4. Those men had tried to sabotage Nehemiah’s effort to build a wall. She clenched her fists. She would make them see. They would rue the day they doubted her. But after today, there would be no doubt in their minds she was meant to be an oracle of God.
Ch. 31
“I’m honored you asked me to stand in for you,” Kyle whispered, “Though I’m confined in this contraption.”
“Thank you for stepping in,” Brian said. “I hope this isn’t too much for you. Remember, the doctor only discharged you because you agreed to use the wheelchair.”
“Humph. I’ll stand when you recite your vows.”
The two men waited underneath the wedding arch. Brian had a half-hour before his bride would make her way down the aisle. There were a dozen white chairs on each side for the select number of people who had been invited. Guests had been told to sit anywhere. Karlie was inside the house being prepped by the best in the fashion industry. Winona had outdone herself
with the decorations. The arch was filled with wine red and white roses.
The reception tables were covered with wine-colored tablecloths with orchids as the centerpieces. Their vases were engraved with Brian and Karlie’s name and would serve as keepsakes. Brian looked at the flowers and the rose petals on the aisle runner. One would never know this affair had been put together overnight.
“Are you nervous?” Kyle asked, swatting at a small gnat. “You’re sweating up a storm.”
“No, you know July is one of the hottest months.” Even with the tent, the sun’s rays scorched his skin. “I know Karlie is the one. I’m eager to make her my bride and spend the rest of my life with her.”
Kyle squeezed his hand. “That’s good for you.”
A couple of men came to set up a projector and a huge screen. Brian directed them where to go and told them to check the audio before leaving.”
“What’s going on?” Kyle asked.
“I have a special surprise planned for Karlie. I was up with Neil most of the night but we got it done,” Brian said, refusing to elaborate. One of the men handed him the remote, which he tucked into his pocket.
“Seeing how you feel about Karlie makes me wish for things I shouldn’t,” Kyle said, looking over at Patricia.
Brian watched as Kyle locked eyes with Patricia, who had arrived solo. She was dressed in a figure-hugging floor-length gown. Brian wanted to laugh, but Kyle looked as if he was in a desert and had just seen a fountain. Kyle licked his lips but didn’t leave Brian’s side.
Brian waved at his mother. Patricia strolled over with a wineglass in hand. Brian knew it held wine country soda. Neither he nor Karlie wanted alcoholic beverages at their wedding.
Patricia greeted Brian with a kiss on the cheek. “Hi, honey. You look so grown.” She held back tears. “I’m so proud of the man you’ve become.”
Kyle cleared his throat.
Patricia slid a glance his way. “Hi, Kyle. I see you’ve aged well.”
Brian rolled his eyes at her not-so-coy greeting.
His father straightened in the chair. “I see you haven’t aged at all.”
A Reason to Sing Page 15