What God Has For Me

by Pat Simmons

  Right before her eyes, she had the picture perfect family she craved with the right man. Now, she just had to convince Zachary that her heart was his and Scott could not take it away.

  The next morning, Halcyon reported to work at Zachary’s house with the children. Evidently, he was still asleep, because the house was quiet when she let herself in and headed for the kitchen.

  When she reached into Zachary’s cabinet, she caught sight of the mug Ashanti had given him the previous Christmas. There was other evidence of Ashanti’s love. Pages that she had torn from her coloring book decorated his refrigerator door with pride. At the kitchen table, Ashanti went to work in her coloring book to add to Zachary’s collection as Halcyon prepared him a light breakfast of dry toast and water. According to the nurse, anything stronger could irritate his stomach.

  Finished with the task, Halcyon strolled across his living room to the other side of the house and tapped on his bedroom door. She listened for movement, but didn’t open it. “Zach, if you’re awake or hungry, I’ve made you something. Just text me if you want me to bring it in.”

  When she didn’t get a response, Halcyon returned to the kitchen, assuming he was still asleep. She was about to gather the children into his home office, so she could work, but Zachary made his way to the kitchen. Although he looked better than the day before, Zachary’s body was still was slightly bent over, instead of his tall, confident stance she was accustomed to.

  Ashanti’s eyes brightened. She was about to make a move when she glanced at Halcyon. Her daughter froze, waving instead. “Hi.”

  It was a struggle, but Zachary leaned down and kissed her and Jonathan. “Hi, princess and prince.”

  Jonathan whipped out his matchbox car that Zachary had bought him and began to slide it across the table. He placated her son as he munched on his meager breakfast. Ashanti seemed content to stay close by his side while she colored.

  Soon, Zachary looked exhausted from the minimal exertion. “I think you need to lie back down to rest and I can get the children settled. I do have a payroll and bonuses to get done.

  Zachary didn’t argue. Halcyon worked non-stop, only taking a break to feed the children and prepare more bland food for him to eat to gain his strength. Finally, when it was time to go, she tapped on Zachary’s cracked door. She peeped inside and saw him in the recliner, his television on and him asleep. He stirred, then smiled.

  “Hey, the children and I are about to head home. You’re looking better.”

  “Thank you for being here. I love you more than you’ll ever know,” he whispered as his eyes twinkled, but he still looked weak.

  Yet, nothing could take away from Zachary’s handsomeness. Halcyon had never seen him wear a beard, but the thin shadow of what was coming was alluring. As far as Halcyon was concerned, the man never had to shave again. “I do know, Zach. Yes, I do.”

  “Then marry me.” He didn’t blink as his nostrils flared, and he seemed suddenly alert and energized.

  Sucking in her breath, Halcyon held her hand to her chest as her heart fluttered. My first marriage proposal. She wanted it to be her last. “Yes.” Stepping back in the hall, Halcyon closed the door, then she heard Zachary’s weak shout of Hallelujah. She smiled. She upped his Hallelujah with two of her own. Somehow, somewhere in between her prayers, she had become an overcomer of bad relationships.

  Chapter 16

  That was the most unromantic proposal on record, Zachary thought. Evidently, it wasn’t too pathetic, because Halcyon said yes without hesitation. He would make it up to her with a candlelight dinner and a band serenading them. Grinning, he lifted a fist in the air as high as it could go without irritating his stomach muscles.

  As an officially engaged man—taken off the market—hopefully that would put a stop to Paisley and another employee’s subtle flirting, which he had ignored. The women were outstanding employees and high bonus achievers. As long as they remained professional, there never would be a problem.

  Couldn’t they see that he wore Halcyon on his sleeve? Plus, Paisley proclaimed she was getting married. Zachary felt sorry for the man. “Lord, I need a speedy recovery, please, in Jesus’ name.” He was on a mission to regain his strength.

  The morning his doctor gave him a clean bill of health, Zachary returned to work. His staff was glad to see him and all sang the praises of Halcyon for doing a good job, in his absence, of keeping the office running smoothly.

  “Well, she is my fiancée, soon to be the better half of me,” Zachary boasted to the soft pats on the back.

  “So, I guess it’s official. Congratulations,” Paisley said with a touch of disappointment in her voice.

  Zachary grinned. “Thank you. Hopefully, we won’t take our honeymoons at the same time.” He turned to walk away, but she stopped him.

  “We broke up and I moved out.”

  It was the way Paisley disclosed her news that hinted at she was now available. Too bad. He wasn’t. His brother’s lack of judgment had taught him well: keep those spiritual antennas on alert when it comes to letting women know your heart belongs to someone else. It could become a game to see if he could be lured away.

  “Good for you for moving out so God could bless. As far as your breakup, maybe he—” Zachary couldn’t remember her significant other’s name—“wasn’t the one for you,” he said and kept stepping toward Halcyon’s office.

  “Hey, babe.” He stuck his head in the doorway of her office and was struck by the large vase of flowers on her desk. Immediately, his good mood soured. “Who sent you those?” He pointed to the bouquet, walking into the room, noting that the children were down for a nap.

  Standing, Halcyon was dressed in a hot red dress and a warm smile. She picked up the vase and handed it to him. “These are for you. Welcome back.”

  Feeling ashamed for jumping to conclusions, he took a few long strides to her desk. He didn’t accept her gift right away. He just wanted a few moments to look into the face of the woman who he knew would make him happy until he took his last breath.

  Thank you, he mouthed before taking the vase from her hands and putting it aside, clearing all obstructions to her for a kiss. “I am so ready for us to get married,” he mumbled after another soft peck on her lips. “First things first, I need to put a ring right here.” He picked up her left hand and kissed her fourth finger.

  Halcyon sighed. “Why does it feel as if I’ve been wearing your ring all my life?”

  “Because you’ve always belonged to me. Now, is Mom Holland still watching our rug rats while we go take care of business later?”

  She nodded, then dug in her purse for something. “What do you want me to do with this one?” She teased, pulling out her fake ring.

  “I’ll take it.” Zachary plucked the worthless item out of the palm of her hand. “You’ll never have to buy another piece of jewelry again.” In a few hours, she would be wearing his bling.

  Late that afternoon, Zachary took Halcyon ring shopping. Since she never had worn a lot of jewelry, he didn’t really know her taste. When they entered the jeweler’s, Zachary set Halcyon free to look as he observed what garnered her attention. Funny, he knew her favorite color, birthday, children’s birthdays, but it was the knowledge of these little things about her that he was lacking.

  “I see you’re lingering over this one,” Zachary whispered close to her ear as she asked to see Actress Jane Seymour’s Open Hearts collection. Two hearts—one of sterling silver, the other 14K gold—were intertwined.

  “It’s beautiful.” She looked up into his eyes with so much love that he would have kissed her passionately if they didn’t have an audience. “It reminds me of our love. Our hearts finally aligning in perfect harmony.”

  “Love is patient,” he whispered. The price tag wouldn’t be an issue, if that was what she wanted. Turning to the sales associate, Zachary asked to see it. Once in his hand, Zachary scrutinized the ring from all angles. So this was her style—elegant, but not overstated. If there were e
arrings and a necklace in the collection, then Zachary planned to purchase them for her to wear on their wedding day.

  “We’ll take this ring.” Zachary grinned. “And I’ll take this woman to be my wife.”

  “And I’ll take him too.” Halcyon elbowed him, then brushed her lips so lightly against his that he barely felt it.

  He loved watching their love bloom a little more every day. Snuggling closer, they left the store thirty minutes later, happy with a verbal “to do list” for them to tackle. But there was one more thing for Zachary that wasn’t on their shared list, but it was his top priority.

  ***

  “Three months and counting down,” Halcyon told Desi over the phone. She could barely get her work done at the office. She was too keyed up. “Zachary wouldn’t budge on the wedding date.”

  “All this from a man who hasn’t even put a diamond on your finger.” Desi laughed.

  “Well, we picked it out. That counts.” Halcyon stuck out her tongue as if her sister could see it.

  She wiggled her bare finger, imagining the look. “I am so excited!”

  “I couldn’t tell,” her sister teased. “But are you okay with that timeframe? I know you really wanted a big Cinderella wedding.”

  “Yes, I did, but now I really want Zachary Bishop and I’m willing to downsize the event for him.” Grinning for no other reason besides she was happy, Halcyon sighed. “Plus, I have my sisters, mother and Granny Rose to help me pull it off. Zachary has waited a long time for me, and it seems like I’ve waited even longer for this type of happiness...,” her voice trailed off when she saw Zachary in the doorway. “Look,” she lowered her voice. “I’ve got to go. My boss just came into my office.”

  “Right.” Desi giggled. “Something tells me you have the boss wrapped around your little finger. Bye!”

  Disconnecting, Halcyon tried to feign an innocent expression. “Yes, Mr. Bishop, sir?” She couldn’t keep a straight face. “May, I help you?”

  Folding his arms, Zachary leaned against the doorpost. “Yes, you can. Tell me you love me.”

  Halcyon’s heart fluttered at his request. “I love you,” she said softly in awe of what she felt for him.

  “That’s all I needed to hear. Carry on, Bridget.” He winked and disappeared down the hall.

  Chapter 17

  Never before had Zachary wanted to get rid of his fiancée and his future children, but he had plans. He checked his watch again. Halcyon would be leaving soon to register Ashanti for pre-school and run other errands. It seemed like he held his breath until it was ten thirty-seven.

  “Bye, Daddy,” Ashanti said, vying for his attention when he walked into Halcyon’s office. Jonathan mimicked his sister.

  Zachary lifted them in the air with one scoop to demonstrate that his strength had returned. Escorting them to the parking lot, he made sure they were buckled in before Halcyon drove off. He exhaled, then tapped in Mrs. Holland’s number.

  “Yes, my next son-in-law,” Halcyon’s mother cheerfully answered.

  Zachary smiled, enjoying the sound of that, then he cleared his throat. “Do you have a contact number for Scott?”

  The line was so quiet, Zachary wondered if she was going to answer. Finally, she asked, “Why?”

  “Well, considering I’m about to be Ashanti and Jonathan’s father, I think Scott and I need to come to an understanding.”

  “Ah, have you and Halcyon spoken about this “talk”? My baby is in a good place. She’s happy and in love. It wasn’t easy for her to get there, and when she saw the children’s father a while back… well, I don’t want to see her upset—not now, not again.”

  If Halcyon couldn’t get closure, Zachary was determined to get his. “I need to know his intentions.”

  “He has none,” Mrs. Holland snapped, then apologized. “Sorry, sweetie. That scum rubs me the wrong way… a sorry excuse for a man and a father.” She tsked.

  “Well, I have some intentions and they involve adopting Ashanti and Jonathan. This is not about permission, but stepping up to the plate, so will you give me his contact information? I promise there will be no drama, unless he starts it.” Zachary prayed there wouldn’t be.

  “All I know is he last worked at a brokerage firm in Mid-town.” Mrs. Holland gave him the name.

  “That’s a start, and please don’t mention this to Bridget.”

  “I can’t promise that, sweetie, but I promise I will be praying that God’s will—His perfect will—shall be done, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

  “Amen.” Leave it to Mrs. Holland to sneak a prayer in there. Then to test his patience, his future mother-in-law wanted to chat about how beautiful his bride would be in her wedding dress. Zachary already knew that, but he indulged her until he could respectfully beg off the phone. Once they said goodbye, he took a deep breath and prayed, “Lord, in the end, let my actions not make you ashamed, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

  Remaining outside away from prying ears, Zachary called Frankel & Associates Investments. When the receptionist answered, he asked for Scott Taylor and was transferred without having to identify himself.

  “This is Scott.”

  “This is Zachary Bishop.”

  “Pardon me, who?”

  “The man you saw with Halcyon at the mall not long ago.” Zachary waited for it to click. Hopefully, he hadn’t erased that moment from his memory too.

  “Listen, man,” Scott lowered his voice. “I don’t want or have time for any drama. Halcyon and I are done,” he spat.

  Resist the devil, resist him in My name, Jesus whispered reassuring words.

  Zachary took a deep breath before responding. “And that is what I was counting on, because if that is the case I would like to adopt your children—Ashanti and Jonathan.”

  “Jonathan,” Scott repeated. There was a long pause. “So that’s my son’s name—I forgot.”

  Lord, keep me in Your will, because the devil is pushing my buttons. “If we can meet today after wor—”

  “Not today,” Scott interrupted. “I’ve got to get home to my family. We have plans.”

  What did Halcyon ever see in this jerk? Zachary wondered. Scott had had a wonderful family at his fingertips. “Look, man, we can either do this painlessly or we’ll have to hash it out in front of a judge. Either way, the children deserve a loving father in their lives.” He paused to keep from spewing accusatory facts.

  “Fine,” Scott snapped. “Meet me for lunch at the Horseman’s Bar & Grill on Laclede’s Landing.”

  They agreed on a time, then disconnected. The next day before leaving home, Zachary prayed for a godly attitude to replace the one where he wanted to strangle Scott for using and misusing Halcyon. Without telling Halcyon of his mission, Zachary walked into the sports bar. Zachary only wanted one thing from Scott: cut ties completely, so the children wouldn’t be living in limbo, or if the man decided to play daddy, then Zachary planned to hold him accountable even for child support, where he would put the money in a trust or college fund. He eyed Scott sitting off in the corner, sipping on a bottle of beer.

  When Scott recognized him, he waved Zachary over and stood to shake hands as if they were about to conduct a casual business transaction. Studying the man’s features, Zachary would add to his prayer list that the children would grow up to look like their mother. That was wrong. God didn’t want to hear those types of prayers, so Zachary repented. Not that their father was bad-looking, but maybe it was a bit of jealousy on his part that he wished he was their biological dad.

  “Would you like to see a menu?” Scott offered.

  “No, I wouldn’t. Thanks.” Folding his hands, Zachary leaned on the table. “So, do you plan to have any involvement in your children’s lives?”

  “I’m already involved in Brandon’s.”

  “Who?” Zachary frowned. “I’m talking about Ashanti and Jonathan.” He paused when the waitress came and placed glasses of water before them. She disappeared when they both advised they weren’t read
y to order.

  “Listen, despite what you may think of me,” Scott began as Zachary silently mouthed, not much. “Children were not part of the plan with Halcyon…”

  The waitress returned and Scott ordered a burger and fries. Zachary shook his head.

  Breathe, Zach, breathe. Pray, Zachary Bishop, pray, he coaxed himself as his hands balled into fists. Zachary had to calm down. Jesus said to turn the other cheek, not deliver the first punch. He had to stay focused. “In other words, you’re not interested in visitation or paying child support.”

  “Not unless Halcyon pursues it…” Scott paused and frowned as if he was trying to plead his case. “Halcyon and I never should have happened. She’s not the one for me. I married my soul mate.”

  Zachary released a grunt. “Well, she’s the one God has for me and those children too. Unless you plan to contest it, I’m petitioning the courts for adoption and to give the children a respectable name.”

  “Wait a minute.” Scott scowled. Zachary must have touched a nerve that caused him to react as if he had hurt feelings.

  The waitress returned in record time and slid Scott’s plate in front of him. She looked to Zachary again, and again he shook his head. He would leave her a tip anyway, just for the service she tried to provide him.

  Scott blessed his food, then picked up a fry and took a bite. He bobbed his head as if he approved of the taste. “Now, back to Halcyon. No offense, but she is the one who should have respected herself. She is the one who suggested we move in together. The woman I married is the woman I want. You can have full custody as long as you don’t bother me, my wife and my son.”

  “Offense is taken.” Zachary tapped his finger on the table. Jesus, just one hit and then I’ll repent.

  Vengeance is Mine, I shall repay, God warned him.

  “If you don’t mind me asking, is Brandon your biological son too?”

  Scott took a healthy bite out of his hamburger. He chuckled as he chewed. Zachary so wanted to knock his teeth out of alignment, but God had already referred him to Romans 12:19.