by Pat Simmons
Soon the first wave of the Tolliver maternity squad reported for duty. Karyn had barely begun to show when hot dinners were delivered, errands were ran, and she was ushered away to girls’ night out events.
On subsequent visits to Dr. Hayes, Levi was tempted to take copies of Karyn’s answers to the same questions he asked them during every appointment. Nothing seemed to change.
One night, about five months into the pregnancy, when Levi came home, Karyn ran him a tub of bath water. She poured a little of her bubble bath in it as a joke. He complained he’d rather his wife smell good. He was a man’s man.
Afterward he climbed into bed where Karyn was snuggled under the covers, waiting for him. He smothered her with tender kisses and hushed words of love.
“How you feeling, baby?”
“Nervous.”
“Remember, without a test there is no testimony. We can do this.”
EPILOGUE
The fireworks exploded on July 4th as Levi Thomas Tolliver Jr. entered the world at seven pounds and three ounces. Gifts, calls of congratulations, and visits were constant. Levi didn’t leave Karyn’s side throughout the twelve-hour delivery. Not to break the cycle of bonding, he was determined to spend the night in the hospital room on a cot.
“You’re not going to be comfortable. Go home and get some sleep. I have the nurses here to help me,” Karyn said in wasted breath.
He twisted his body. His face told the story that it was useless to argue. “It’s not about that. I don’t want to be home without you, even if I don’t get any sleep.”
Every few hours, the nurses returned to the room to check on Karyn’s vital signs or for the baby’s feeding. Levi didn’t stir. She and the nurse exchanged amused smiles.
For the next few months, the Tollivers kept their word. Tia, who was getting married in a few months; Nalani, who had relocated permanently to the Metro East; Buttercup, Mrs. Tolliver, and even Mother Caldwell circulated a sign-up sheet for shifts.
Karyn didn’t have to lift a finger. They cleaned, cooked, and watched LJ during the day so Karyn could take naps. When Buttercup and Halo weren’t working at Crowning Glory, they came and washed and shampooed Karyn’s hair.
Acting as a nurse’s aide, Buttercup would arrive with a clipboard and ask questions.
“Good evening, Mrs. Tolliver.” She would grin and wrinkle her nose. “Any feelings of depression or sadness?”
“Nope.” Karyn beamed, rubbing her baby’s back.
“What about irritability?”
“Only if you keep this up.”
“Humph. You know I’m not scared.” Buttercup rolled her eyes and smacked her lips. She looked down at her checklist and scribbled. “It must be your hormones raging out of control.”
“Thanks to my family and friends, that isn’t happening. Levi has a maid come in twice a week. Mom Tolliver cooks meals. You make sure my hair is curled and nails painted—at least you mastered that,” Karyn couldn’t help but rib her friend.
“Rossi is making sure I’m covered under daily prayers. And Tia and Nalani are my fashion gurus to make sure I’m stylish even if I’m just lounging around the house. I say I’m covered with blessings from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet. I am so blessed.”
BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS:
1. Why did Karyn feel she didn’t owe Levi an explanation about her past?
2. What was Rossi’s mission in the book?
3. Talk about Jesetta. Could you relate to her emotions or was she too far gone emotionally?
4. How did you view ex-offenders before you read the story? Did the book change your view of the life of ex-offenders? Why or why not?
5. How much do you know about postpartum depression?
6. Is there a sin or criminal act you couldn’t forgive? Be honest.
7. Women are the fastest growing members of the prison population. Why?
8. Talk about someone you know who is a victim of crime or a recent story in the headlines.
9. Discuss Tia’s interaction with Karyn.
10. Discuss Nalani’s determination to confront Jet before she knew she was getting baptized. Would that classify as presumptuous sin?
Author’s note about Crowning Glory
I’ve written 30 titles, but this story has affected me the most. In 1987, a shocking news story made national and St. Louis headlines. Seven employees who worked at one of the now defunct National Supermarkets were shot; two survived. I will never forget that story or some of the victims. One was a sixteen-year-old male who worked as a bagger and had dreams of becoming a surgeon. Another was a cashier close to retirement. It was this horrific crime that was the backdrop of Jet’s anguish.
On June 28, 2008, Jimmy Brand’s murder didn’t make national headlines. Television and newspapers carried the story of yet another senseless crime that shattered lives. Unlike the grocery store, he wasn’t gunned down in a public place. The crime scene was at the front door of his home. When I interviewed the deceased’s wife, Ella whispered she might not ever get over the senseless act.
It is my desire that we reach out to survivors of all victims of crime for their lives are forever altered.
Thanks for reading! Please consider posting a short honest review on Amazon and Goodreads. Thanks in advance, I would greatly appreciate it.
Get ready for the sequel, Love Led by the Spirit, but first, Jet has a lot of explaining to do, so join the wait list for Jet The Back Story.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pat is the multi-published, award-winning and bestselling author of 30 Christian romance titles and is a two-time recipient of the Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance—Crowning Glory and Still Guilty. She is known for her authentic and topical work.
As a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth, Pat is passionate about researching her ancestors and then casting them in starring roles in her novels. She describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as “an amazing, unforgettable, life-altering experience,” and credits God as the Author who advances the stories she writes.
An entertaining, lively and frequent talk show guest, Pat actively tours the country on behalf of her books at churches, community centers, libraries, military bases, and bookstores. She has been a featured as a workshop presenter at various venues across the country.
A mass communications graduate of Emerson College, Boston, Massachusetts, Pat worked in the news business for over 20 years as writer and assignment editor in the television, radio, and print media industry. She also serves as publicity coordinator for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions.
Pat converted her sofa-strapped, sports fanatic husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, GPS-guided chauffeur, and administrative assistant who is constantly on probation. They have a son and a daughter.
Read more about Pat and her books by visiting www.patsimmons.net or on social media.
Other Christian titles include:
The Guilty Jamieson Legacy series
Book I: Guilty of Love
Book II: Not Guilty of Love
Book III: Still Guilty
Book IV: The Acquittal
Book V: Guilty by Association
Book VI: The Guilt Trip
Back Story to Free from Guilt
Book VII: Free from Guilt
Sandra Nicholson: Backstory to The Confession
Book VIII: The Confession
The Carmen Sisters
Book I: No Easy Catch
Book II: In Defense of Love
Book III: Driven to Be Loved
Book IV: Redeeming Heart
Love at the Crossroads
Book I: Stopping Traffic
Book II: A Baby for Christmas
Book III: The Keepsake
Book IV: What God Has for Me
Book V: Every Woman Needs A Praying Man
Making Love Work Anthology
Book I: Love at Work
Book II: Words of Love
Book III: A Mother’s Love
Restoring My Soul series
Book I: Crowning Glory
Jet: Back Story to Led by the Spirit
Book II: Love Led by the Spirit
Single titles
Talk to Me
Her Dress (novella)
Holiday titles
Love for the Holidays (Three Christian novellas) (Book 1 Andersen Brothers):
A Christian Christmas
A Christian Easter
A Christian Father’s Day
A Woman After David’s Heart (Valentine’s Day) (Book 2 Andersen Brothers)
A Noelle for Nathan (Book 3 Andersen Brothers)
Christmas Greetings