Crowning Glory

by Pat Simmons

  “Did you get some rest last night?” Levi kept his eyes on the road, massaging her fingers.

  “As a matter of fact, I did, once you let me off the phone.”

  They shared a laugh. “I told you that cell phone was for dual purposes and selfish reasons.”

  Finally, they arrived at the Missouri History Museum. The massive building stood as a gatekeeper to one of St. Louis’s best known tourist attractions, Forest Park. It was boasted as one of the largest urban parks in the country, outshining Central Park in NYC. The park was a full day of free adventure: the art museum, science center, zoo, Jewel Box greenhouse, and the Muny—an outdoor theatre, skating rink, and fishing ponds.

  Amazingly, Levi snatched a newly vacated parking spot near the entrance. Getting out, he walked around and helped Karyn. Once outside, she began to slip on her gloves, he grabbed her hand. “I’ll keep them warm.”

  “Both of them?” She didn’t hide a mischievous grin. “How?”

  “Yep. I can walk backward—” He gave her a quick backpedaling demonstration.

  “Stop it.” She giggled, slipping on one glove, and using her uncovered hand to take Levi’s. They sprinted for the entrance in sync. A receptionist at the welcome desk directed them to Katherine Dunham’s Beyond the Dance exhibit.

  Once inside, Karyn unzipped her coat, Levi was behind her to retrieve it. “There’s a free public coat check.” He was already removing his Cardinals Stadium jacket.

  “Someone might steal them,” she whispered.

  “Good reason for me to buy you a new coat.” Levi wiggled his brow and adjusted his glasses. He meant it. Karyn was different. She didn’t come off as a woman who wanted something from him, which made him more determined to give her things.

  She elbowed him. “I’m serious.”

  “Me too.” He took their coats and put them on one hanger. Inside the exhibit, they strolled from one unbelievable display to another. Each showcased Dunham’s elaborate costumes, which her husband, John Pratt, designed just for her.

  “Wow.” Karyn read one of the descriptions. “I knew she formed the first black dance company. I didn’t know she added Caribbean and African movements to classic ballet.”

  “She was larger than life, and the Metro-area had her right in our backyards. There’s more to the Eastside than crime. Track legend Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Tina Turner met Ike here, Miles Davis lived in East St. Louis. It makes sense to rebuild some communities.”

  Levi realized he was rambling until he faced Karyn. They were locked in a moment until someone pounded on one of the African drums on display. Startled, she jumped, and Levi wrapped his arm securely around her waist. Pulling her closer, he rubbed a kiss in her hair, then guided her to the Rites de Passage exhibit.

  “These are the most beautiful enslaved people I’ve ever seen,” she said of the depiction of Africans crossing the Atlantic Ocean for the New World. In place of chains around their wrists, the creators used wide bands of cloth that resembled thick bracelets.

  It took an hour for them to work the room. Levi would read aloud the tidbits. Both alternated between admiring memorabilia and each other.

  “Hungry?” He hugged her again. When she nodded, they left the room and headed for the coat check. He grimaced. Their jackets were still on the hanger. He wouldn’t have minded an excuse for purchasing his and her Stadium jackets.

  Since they were close to Washington University’s campus, Levi took her to the Loop in U-City, a popular hot spot for students and locals. Inside the restaurant, Karyn excused herself. At the restroom door, she pulled out her cell phone.

  CHAPTER 24

  Karyn’s counselor was not in a good mood. Monica said no twice to the abrupt change in her scheduled locations. When she prayed for grace Monica had a change of heart, but warned any other requests that day would be a mark against her.

  Exhaling, she thanked God then Monica. Sooner or later, she would have to come clean with Levi. Either he would or wouldn’t understand. She better prepare for the latter.

  She mentally regrouped, then rejoined Levi. They were seated, and perused the menu before deciding to share a hamburger thin crust pizza and salads.

  “You looked so stressed at work yesterday and tired. I didn’t like it and I don’t care for your coworker,” Levi said as they waited for their orders.

  Karyn smiled at his compassion. “It’s December and the first of the month. That combination is a nightmare on my feet.”

  Reaching across the table, he played with her fingers. “Why do you work there?”

  “I need a job like thousands of other Americans. Once I graduate, I believe God will open doors.”

  “I can open one on Monday, in an office, behind a desk where you will be off your feet.”

  Right. His goodwill gesture for a better job would mean completing an application. The question about whether she was ever convicted of a crime was standard. To lie or tell the truth would result in rejection or termination after the background check.

  Hmm-mm. Cinderella had a prince, but Levi was her king in disguise. His offer was so sweet. Their waiter arrived with their orders, saving Karyn’s mood from souring.

  Before he said grace, he leaned closer. “I’m not trying to overwhelm you, but I mean every word I say. Remember that.”

  “I will.” She bowed her head as he blessed their food. “…and Lord, please reveal Your will in our lives.”

  Karyn swallowed and her heart raced. And what would be Levi’s response once the Lord revealed her hideous crime? He might think she was teasing. Once the truth set in and his shock wore off, he would walk out of her life forever.

  “…in Jesus’ name. Amen,” Levi ended the blessing, prompting Karyn to say Amen on autopilot. He had survived a horrific tragedy, and God appeared to have restored him, so how could she shatter his peace with her storm?

  I have cleansed your hands and you have shown Me a pure heart. You shall receive blessings from me, God whispered Psalm 24:1.

  God’s words were comforting. Without knowing the cause behind it, Levi returned her smile. His dimples winked at her. They shared their food in relative silence, leaving Levi to guess at her thoughts while she tried to accept God’s Word at face value.

  Once they finished, their next stop was Levi’s parents’ house. She tried to calm her nerves when he turned on a block of majestic, well-maintained brick houses that had to be prime real estate in their heyday. Turning off the ignition, Levi faced her.

  “I do apologize if I come across as overbearing. I care about you and want to drive a hundred miles an hour to get to a certain point in our relationship, but I need to respect that you’re more comfortable cruising at thirty.”

  She teared at Levi’s sincerity. She reached up and massaged his jaw. “I’m just scared. You just seem too good to be true.”

  “You’re the one,” he said, his voice low and serious.

  “All I ask is that you slow down to…maybe fifty miles per hour.”

  He nodded. “Okay. I’ll reduce my speed, but did you know I could get a ticket for driving under the speed limit?”

  “I need day by day. Okay?”

  “You’ve got it. Come on.” After Levi helped her out, he gave her a tight squeeze before they climbed the steep steps to a long walkway to the front door.

  Her heart continued to pound harder as she wondered what his parents would say about his choice of a date. As they stepped onto the porch, a fair-skinned woman opened the door. The petite woman’s height matched hers.

  “Karyn, I’m Sharon Tolliver. I’ve been peeping out the window, waiting,” she confessed excitedly. “Come in.” She stepped back and led them to a room with a high ceiling and impressive woodwork, especially around the fireplace mantel, which was easily the focal point of the room. “My son said you were pretty, but you’re beautiful.”

  A bear of a man stood from a sofa. He was darker than Levi with gray hair and a full trimmed gray beard. “I’m Victor. Welcome to our home.”
He gave her a kind smile and a gentle handshake.

  Mrs. Tolliver edged Levi out the way. “Would you like something to eat or drink, dear? Cake, cookies or black-eyed peas, perhaps?” She winked.

  “Black-eyed peas with dessert?” Levi had told her about one of his favorite dishes. She eyed him as he concentrated on removing her coat and hooking it on a coat rack.

  “Of course,” Mrs. Tolliver answered for him. “It was nothing for me to make a big pot for dinner. I just started early.”

  How many times could a person’s heart melt? Levi Tolliver and family were going for a record. Two things could happen. She could believe the scripture where it stated He who the Son has set free is free indeed, or let the devil wag his crooked finger in her face and make her feel guilty for the blessings in her life. She chose freedom.

  However, she couldn’t afford to allow the warm and fuzzy feeling to cause her to shun her responsibilities. She had to check in with Monica and give her the Tolliver’s exact address. Her counselor had allowed Karyn the waiver on the stipulation to notify her once she got to her destinations. “Do you mind if I use your ladies’ room?”

  “Right this way,” Mrs. Tolliver said, showing Karyn the way down a hall, then stopped. “While you’re freshening up, I’ll warm up those peas.” She grinned.

  Karyn performed the task in no time and retraced her steps back to the room where two TV trays were set up in front of Mr. Tolliver and Levi. He patted the space next to him on the loveseat as his mother came in with snacks, a small bowl of black-eyed peas and a chunk of cornbread. Suddenly, Karyn was starved despite the fact that they had not long ago eaten. Once she sat, Levi pulled her closer and surprised her with a kiss in her curls.

  After blessing her food, Karyn moaned her pleasure with the first mouthful. “Umm. This is good.”

  “See what you missed on Thanksgiving?” Levi whispered.

  Mrs. Tolliver seemed genuinely pleased as she joined her husband on the sofa. “Karyn, I want you to enjoy yourself and come back, so we can really chat. I don’t have any daughters—”

  “But you’ll soon have a daughter-in-law,” a voice stated before a man appeared in the doorway. Another resemblance to Levi was unmistakable with the same skin color—a sibling, she guessed. A woman with a beautiful engaging wide smile and expressive eyes was with him.

  Levi stood and pulled Karyn up. “This is the younger of my twin brothers, Seth, and his fiancée Tia Rogers.”

  Tia bumped Seth out of the way and greeted Karyn with a warm hug. “Another woman in the house. Yes.” She pumped her fist in the air. “Good.”

  Was everybody in his family this jovial and down to earth? They practically accepted her at face value like Levi. Lord Jesus, am I dreaming?

  No good thing will I withhold to those who walk upright before me, God spoke.

  For the second time that day, God made Karyn smile as she and Levi took their seats. Without warning, Levi scooped up the last bit of peas. Karyn pouted and he laughed. Then he stretched his arm across the back of the sofa, inching Karyn closer.

  Tia became the center of attention—briefly—as plans for her nuptials took dominance in conversation. Seth said very few words, but it was evident he was enamored with his fiancée. Levi had the same look of adoration when Karyn caught him staring at her and he didn’t try to mask his happiness.

  “Baby, I don’t care what color scheme you pick as long as the ceremony doesn’t last more than fifteen minutes, so we can get out of there. Waiting a year is torture enough,” Seth said, shaking his head folding his arms.

  “You’d better learn now, son, how to bow out. Women rule.” Mr. Tolliver chuckled.

  “Karyn, we’ll need all the help we can get with our wedding. Consider yourself invited to join in the fun,” Tia offered.

  “It’ll be a candlelight service,” Mrs. Tolliver added.

  “As a matter of fact, Macy’s is having its last girls’ night out bash for the year. We can sample makeup and other products. You’ve got come. It will be fun—”

  The doorbell rang, which gave Karyn time to think of an excuse as Mr. Tolliver went to answer it. She couldn’t say yes without getting that approved. Suddenly, Dori ran into the room, heading for her grandmother until she saw Karyn, then she made a detour. Another woman was with her.

  “Aren’t you going to give your favorite uncle a kiss, or are you going to stay with Karyn?” Seth teased, crossing a black leather boot over his knee.

  Dori shook her head, not budging.

  “Well, who do we have here?” The woman was tall, dark, lovely, and voluptuous. She also looked deadly, eying Karyn, apparently expecting her to answer.

  Do not be afraid. This is bigger than you. You will not have to fight this battle, but you must not back down, God spoke a portion of 2 Chronicles 20:17.

  Levi tensed beside her as his mother did the introduction, “Karyn, this is Jesetta, my late daughter-in-law’s sister and Dori’s only aunt.”

  “Not for long. This time next year, she’ll have two aunts,” Tia said as she moved toward Dori and tweaked her nose. The girl giggled in response.

  Levi stood. “Jet, Karyn Wallace is a very special lady in our lives.”

  Karyn also rose to her feet. From the vibes she was experiencing, it didn’t appear Jet was interested in a hug or a handshake.

  “Hmmm.” Jet strolled further into the room, slipping out her coat and scarf as Karyn began to unzip Dori’s jacket. “How special?”

  “Very.” Levi’s tone hinted there would be no further discussion about Karyn.

  However, Jet didn’t back down. Scanning Karyn from head to toe, Jet wrinkled her nose. “So Karyn, how old are you, and what do you do for a living?”

  Levi balled his fists at his side. Dori yanked on Karyn’s hand for her to sit. When she obliged, Dori climbed on her lap.

  “Watch it, Jet. This is not an inquest. Karyn is my guest in my parents’ home,” Levi warned then faked a smile. “Try not to become a party pooper.”

  “Oh, poo-poo,” she replied with a roll of her eyes.

  “I’m a bookseller at Bookshelves Unlimited,” Karyn answered for herself. Size didn’t matter, but the woman’s spirit was worth being on guard.

  “Ooh, I love bookstores.” Tia beamed.

  “We know. I can’t keep you out of them,” her fiancé teased.

  When the doorbell rang again, Mr. Tolliver disappeared to get it. Karyn sucked in her breathed. What character was entering the play now? Heavy footsteps turned the corner and Levi’s cousin, Minister Rossi Tolliver, stood larger than life. He worked the room multitasking: exchanging hugs, kissing the women and removing his coat.

  Levi mumbled, “Might as well have gone to the mall—everybody picked today to drop by. Who’ll be coming through the door next, Santa Claus and his reindeer?”

  “Never existed.” Rossi included Karyn in his greeting with a kiss on her cheek. “Praise the Lord, sister. Good to see you again.” His smile was minus the dimples.

  Bless him, Karyn thought. His presence seemed to deflate the devil’s plot.

  “What are you doing here?” Levi asked.

  “Hush. Our nephew doesn’t need a reason to stop by. Who knows? Every now and then, we might need to conduct a prayer meeting,” His mother told Levi.

  “Actually, I invited myself to get a home-cooked meal.” Rossi chuckled.

  Leaping up as if she had been summoned, Mrs. Tolliver’s eyes sparkled in delight. “Well, there’s plenty in the kitchen.” She rushed ahead of him.

  From the corner of her eye, Karyn could feel the daggers Jet fired her way, but she physically felt Levi’s reassurance when he drew her closer under his arm.

  “So, back to the girls’ night out bash. You’ve got to come. We’ll have fun and get a chance to compare notes on these Tolliver men,” Tia pressed.

  “If Karyn wants to know something about this Tolliver man, she can ask me.” Levi thumped his chest.

  “So, Karyn, how did you and
my brother-in-law meet?” Jet started a new topic.

  “The particulars don’t matter. I’m in a perfect place right now,” Levi warned. “Leave it at that.”

  “Jet, come taste this,” Rossi yelled from the kitchen.

  “I’m not hungry!” Jet seemed rooted in her spot.

  “Good. You can come and watch me eat.” Rossi quickly reappeared and gently tugged Jet from her perch. Hesitantly, Jet stood and left the room with Rossi.

  Karyn didn’t have to compare notes with Tia. She was taking her own, and from where she sat, there were no bad Tolliver guys, only a menacing sister-in-law.

  CHAPTER 25

  “I owe you, man. Your timing couldn’t have been better to distract Jet, I actually feel the dark spirit swirling around her,” Levi said that Sunday morning over the phone.

  “Ah, cuz, I wouldn’t call the kettle black. It wasn’t too long ago when you were ready to bite off someone’s head if they smiled too long. A shadow was cast over you.”

  Levi grunted. “I wasn’t that bad.”

  “Would I lie to you?” Rossi queried.

  “I have to say no, only because you’re a minister,” Levi argued as he chose a suit for church. For the second Sunday in a row, Levi was attending Karyn’s church.

  “That, too, but mainly us Tollivers have each other’s back.”

  Rossi had a gift to listen and remember the smallest details. That talent seemed to always give him a heads-up when they were younger.

  “Karyn is doing something to me. When we’re not together, I’m thirsty for her. Then when I’m with her, I have to hold her hand, play in her hair or hug her. She fills me.” When Rossi didn’t respond, he continued. “I’m going back to Crowns for Christ today for a couple of reasons—Karyn and the preaching.”

  Rossi grunted. “Karyn and Karyn.”

  “Cut me some slack. I’m a single man—not by choice. I loved Diane, but her presence is starting to fade with each new day, and I’m realizing that in her death, we parted. I want time to stop when I’m with Karyn, then I look at Dori, and wish God would rewind the clock.” He rubbed his head in frustration. “But God left me with Dori and an overbearing sister-in-law. That woman bugs me with her foolishness, demanding every other weekend visitation rights with Dori as if we’re a divorced couple.”