Break My Fall (The Breaking Trilogy Book 1)

by M. Mabie

  “I apologize for my tardiness. I couldn’t get out of Newmecula as early as I would have liked this morning, but I made it. Praise God,” he told the collection of bidders. “I hope I haven’t missed too much.”

  My dad glanced around the room, and then answered, “No, mostly options you and I have already discussed. I was just about to bring your suggestion up, but since you’re here, you’re welcome to speak.”

  Matthew’s body language was reminiscent to my father’s, charismatic like a used car salesman. His neatly trimmed head looked side to side for an objection and landed on me where it stayed for a second as he tried to figure out who I was.

  “I know it’s been a while since I’ve attended a Leg meeting. It was before I was called to my mission in Newmecula, I think, but it’s good to see so many of my brothers here.” His arms gestured as he spoke, much like the good Pastor’s during a sermon. “I was sorry I couldn’t make it back for Jacob’s funeral last week, but God is doing so much in our sister town right now that I couldn’t get away. Like I was telling Pastor Hathaway, I believe Myra would be a blessing to our new small community. She’d be without the stigma of her situation, a fresh start, if you will. I’d take it upon myself to find her a new young husband to build our fellowship there. As many of you know, she’s a beautiful young woman, and she’d attract a man for the Lord. She’s without children, and there will be many strong, young Godly men looking for a helpmeet with her particular temperament. God could use her to show other young women the way with her helpful nature. I suggest Myra’s assets follow her to Newmecula where we are laying a foundation of prosperity for the Kingdom.”

  So basically, he wanted to auction his younger sister off to some rich guy who would slip right into their narcissistic, cult-like patriarchy in this Newmecula place outside of Lancaster.

  I hated all of it.

  “She doesn’t want that,” I announced breaking my silence. Rude as it was, I couldn’t hear any more. I’d had enough and stood to face the pack.

  Matthew laughed, pretending to be amicable. “I’m sorry, who are you, friend?”

  My aggression wasn’t as passive, and I offered no fake smiles. “I’m Abraham Hathaway, Jacob’s brother, and the Pastor’s oldest son.” None of that gave me any pride. I’d much rather had said I was, “Abe, a hard worker and a man who wouldn’t stand for this kind of treatment of an innocent woman.” But I didn’t because it wouldn’t have helped her in the least.

  I stood there, prepared.

  “And how would you know that she doesn’t want what I’ve suggested?” He asked and then glanced at my father like he was trying to smooth something over.

  “Because she doesn’t want any of this, but not one of you bothered to ask her.”

  The Pastor sat higher in his seat, but it didn’t matter how important he tried to look. He was a fraud.

  “Well, Abraham, it’s good to see you. You’ve been gone a while and should know that’s not really how things work around here,” Matthew explained. Condescension filled the room like a stench in the already bitter air, and it clung to everything.

  He didn’t intimidate me. I could squeeze his neck shut with one hand. “You’re right. I’ve been gone, but I know how things work for you. Those things aren’t working for Myra though, and that’s why I’m here.”

  “Let’s keep our civility, gentlemen,” my father said. But they didn’t have any civility in the first place, so how would they even know what it looked like when I threw mine at the wall. As far as I was concerned, not pulverizing each and every one of their small minds had been the most civil thing I’d done that day so far.

  “Yes, Pastor is right. Forgive me if I missed it, but if you have a suggestion, then I’d love to hear it.”

  My jaw hurt from how hard I’d clamped it shut. I’d given them their first, and only, chance to make the right decision before I made it for them.

  “In my opinion, she owns the house she lived in with Jacob. What I understand, he owned the home, and as his widow, she should inherit it. Likewise, her assets should be put into her care so that she can do with them what she wishes. From the conversations I’ve had with her, I think, at very least, she’d be satisfied with more time to think about what she’d like to do in the future.”

  Chaos broke out. Everyone talked at the same time. There wasn’t a single person in that room that benefitted from my suggestion, and they didn’t much like it.

  “Calm down. Everyone. Calm down.” My father firmly slapped the mahogany surface of the table before him. “Gentlemen, relax. We’re here to find solutions, not make more problems. Calm down.”

  The group’s reaction to even the prospect of Myra continuing her life, on her own, with her money, in a house that was rightly hers, wasn’t promising.

  The men argued aloud.

  “She can’t live there by herself.”

  “She can’t take care of herself.”

  “That house will go to waste.”

  “It’s not God’s plan to let women live like bachelors without a band holder.”

  A sourness spread inside me, knowing she didn’t want ties broken with these men. Men who looked out for themselves and not her. It was evil, but I held onto my temper with both hands.

  “That’s not how things work around here, Abraham. Maybe you’ve forgotten,” her brother Matthew explained. “You’ve been gone a long time.”

  This was true. It wasn’t how things worked, and I had been away. However, whether they liked it or not, she wasn’t doing anything she didn’t want to. I’d had to give them the appearance of what they wanted, but first I needed to talk to her and finally tell her my last resort plan.

  I made my way to the aisle, and my father rose from his seat at the same time. “Why don’t we take a break. Settle ourselves. Five minutes,” he suggested. “May I speak with you in the hall, son?”

  I was heading out there anyway. Before I hit the Legacies and other sheep with my plan, I needed Myra’s approval to move forward.

  It had always been a last resort, but there it was. The only solution that might get her freedom and appease them at the same time.

  I made sure to look my father in the eye before I began walking out, and I moved my band from my right hand to my left.

  I’d beat them at their own game, and they couldn’t stop me.

  22

  Myra

  After Matthew arrived and greeted me, he quickly went inside, but that had been a while ago. Although I was doing my best to be patient, I was eager to know the outcome.

  I hadn’t been able to hear anything going on, except for one time a few minutes ago when it sounded like they were shouting. Still, I couldn’t make out what they were yelling about.

  Please, be with Abraham. I repeated over and over until the door opened, and he stepped around it.

  I filled my chest with warm air, and I sat up as he closed it behind him.

  His brow was tense, and he gave off a threatening energy.

  My hands were locked together, and my grip tightened as I waited for him to tell me what my future held.

  It would be so.

  He didn’t sit with me, but stood before me, toe-to-toe. Then he knelt.

  “I didn’t know it would come to this, but I said I’d do everything I could.” His large hand scratched his beard, and for the first time, I noticed his silver band. “Myra, will you marry me?”

  For days I’d felt like I was tumbling and finally someone had broken my fall.

  He watched my face, his eyes roaming around it, and I didn’t look away. “I know you don’t know me well, but I think this is the only way. Otherwise, you’ll have to stay in some disgusting arrangement here in Lancaster or leave and possibly be banished.”

  God was so good.

  “Yes,” I answered without hesitation, as I’d promised in my prayers.

  He squinted, “Did you hear me? I asked you if you’d marry me.”

  “I said yes, Abraham.”

&n
bsp; “Don’t you need a minute?” His voice was sharp and accusing.

  His face twisted, and his confusion was nearly sweet. He didn’t understand.

  “I prayed for you,” I answered.

  He sat back on his heels, and his face relaxed. And unfamiliar urge to reach out and touch him overcame me. Already, God was working in me to be his. I’d never felt wifely or womanlier than in that moment.

  But since it was still inappropriate, especially in the church, I kept my hands to myself. I neglected the instant need to comfort him.

  All the things I’d read about in the old helpmeet manuals was true. When God presents you with your true band mate, everything changes. And it had.

  The door beside us clicked and swung opened, and Abraham rose to his feet in front of the stained-glass window. In that moment, it looked like Jesus himself was offering me the man he’d chosen for me. It was divine.

  Pastor’s voice broke through my thoughts, and I bowed my head for them to speak.

  “Son, what do you think you’re doing?”

  “I’m marrying Myra,” he announced. “I’ve just asked her, and she’s agreed.” I enjoyed how that sounded coming from his mouth. It was real.

  Before Pastor could say anything else, Abraham offered his hand to me, and his eyes demanded I take it. He was already guiding me.

  It was rough and warm, but I didn’t have long to think about it. Without saying anything else to the Pastor, who was standing there quite still, we passed him, and Abraham led me straight into the boardroom.

  There was chatter, and many familiar faces all turned to us as Abraham led me to the front of the room.

  I wasn’t scared. The Lord had rewarded me with peace by doing what I’d said I would. My faith made me strong. We faced my brothers, who found their places when we entered, and I lowered my eyes out of respect.

  Things were going well, and I didn’t want to cause any disruption.

  Pastor walked by us and rounded the desk, stepping to the center.

  “I’ve spoken to your father this morning,” Abraham announced to Mitchell who was directly in front of us. “I’m marrying Myra.”

  He’d spoken to Father? What a Godly man.

  Thank you, Jesus.

  Matthew stepped closer, not waiting for Mitchell to respond. My brothers were probably just as relieved as I was that God had worked in the most perfect of ways.

  Matthew asked, “Our father?” But his tone didn’t seem pleased. “He doesn’t even know who he is, let alone you. Let alone give anyone permission to marry his only daughter.”

  Abraham’s grip on my fingers tightened, and I squeezed back reflexively. It was wonderful and strong.

  “I didn’t ask him for permission.”

  Matthew interrupted and walked off toward Pastor Hathaway. “He doesn’t even tithe, Bill.”

  I’d never heard anyone call Mr. Hathaway Bill like my brother did. It was rude and uncivil to speak to an elder like that, let alone the Pastor during a Legacy meeting.

  “Matthew Fox,” Abraham’s father warned, causing my brother to take a step back. “I hope I don’t need to remind you that you were invited to this Legacy meeting. You are not on the board, nor do you work here at the church. Speaking out of turn, before your eldest brother even, could be a just cause for Service and Testimony.”

  My stomach tightened at the mere mention of Service and Testimony.

  “How would you know who tithes and doesn’t tithe? You’re not privy to that information. I’m sure our treasurer, Mr. Ward, could educate you on my son’s tithing habits, which I know to be received faithfully every month.”

  Matthew stepped back in line beside Mitchell. Thankfully, not arguing.

  Abraham even tithed. He’d been judged unfairly by my family, myself included.

  “Abraham, please continue,” Pastor said. “Please tell us more.”

  “According to scripture: If a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife.” Abraham spoke the words with conviction, and it felt like blessings on top of blessings befalling me. From memory, the rest of that passage said he’d raise up his seed unto his brother. I was certain Abraham knew, although he didn’t make mention that part.

  I’d have his children for the Lord. He’d be my leader, my husband. He was already proving to be a powerful protector, and my gratitude was as big as the sky.

  He continued, “And although your father couldn’t give me permission and I didn’t ask because of his condition, it was still important for me to go to him and tell him that I’m a good man and that I’d take care of his child like any good man would do.”

  A wash of pride poured over me, and I lifted my head and set my eyes on the man beside me. Again, he squeezed my palm, and my heart leapt from my chest when he met my eyes.

  “It is my duty as Jacob’s brother, and I’m sure you’re all much aware, it’s the only Godly way.”

  “Amen,” Pastor agreed and clapped his hands. “This is truly His work. Men, I don’t think we have much more to discuss, as Abraham has offered a righteous solution that I think we can all agree on. A new banding. A new branch for our Heavenly family. A joyful event sprung from one of sadness. A rebirth.”

  “Pastor, he’s a stranger to my sister. He’s been gone for years. You can’t believe she’d be comfortable marrying a man she barely knows,” Matthew insisted.

  Abraham didn’t wait for his father to reply. Instead, he dropped my hand and moved closer to my brother. “Now you care? You were so eager to sell her off to the highest bidder before.”

  “Relax Abraham,” Pastor said. “He’s only worried for her. He’s her brother, son. Please, tell us when you plan to marry so that we can approve the banding while we’re all here.”

  “Soon,” he announced and again my chest thundered with contentment. I’d be banded and allowed to fulfill my duties. I’d live to glorify Abraham, gladly. I’d be his woman and helpmeet. I’d please him and finally live my holy purpose. It was all I’d ever dreamed of and more.

  There was chatter in the room, and Abraham fell back beside me. After a few seconds passed with Pastor Hathaway speaking quietly to the men beside him at the long table, he announced stridently as if he was speaking to a whole congregation, “I’ll do the banding, and Judge Forsythe has agreed to arrange the State’s paperwork done today. Does anyone object to the Lord’s will in this matter, if so, here and now, make it known before the Legacies and God.”

  I felt flushed in those few seconds, but no one said a word. How could they? It was God’s way, and even Pastor agreed. Maybe God had me marry Jacob first because he knew he’d pass, and that it would bring me to Abraham. It all seemed like such a heavenly plan when I thought of it that way. It also answered why Jacob and I had never consummated.

  God was saving me for Abraham.

  23

  Abe

  I was more than shocked that I hadn’t had to fight harder, which made me suspicious. I’d find out soon enough what my father was scheming, but it wouldn’t matter. As soon as possible, I’d be out of Lancaster again, and Myra would have the freedom to do what she wanted.

  If her posture beside me was any indication, she was already getting used to the idea. I hadn’t been able to explain everything with her in the hall before my father came out, but she gave me the impression that she saw my proposal as her way out too. It appeared to please her because she stood taller and fresh color had bloomed on her porcelain cheeks. Her eyes weren’t dark pools anymore, they were more like a moonlit summer night sky.

  She was glowing. Radiant. Freedom would suit her well.

  Good for her. Maybe she was ready for the outside world. And maybe she’d adjust even faster than I had, based on her eagerness to marry me so she could get the hell out of that town alone.

  “Praise be, why wait? Let’s band them now while we’re all here,” my father said. He rose from his seat and held out his hands.

  It was happening so fast, but I couldn’t find a reas
on to argue or slow it down. It was one step closer to going home. Getting Myra started in her new life. Helping her even more than Griers had helped me.

  “Let us bless their bands.”

  I wasn’t sure what to do, memories of banding ceremonies hadn’t stuck with me, but Myra stepped up and slipped her ring from her right finger where it had been earlier. I followed her lead and gave him mine as well.

  He lifted them into the air and bowed his head. Myra and the flock followed his lead. The Legacies spoke at the same time, reciting, “Heavenly Father, thank you for your beautiful mercy and bestowing this precious sacrament. Let this banding be another bridge to your Holy Kingdom. Bless this man to glorify your name. May he be a leader to this woman, spiritually and physically bringing her body to Christ. May he use her as you see fit, your precious gift of love in the flesh. She is his, as we are yours. Band them as we are banded to you. Until the end of Earthly times, and then forever. Amen.”

  Myra now stood to my left, facing me, and I pivoted to look at her head on. Her head was bowed, but her eyes were on me. They were captivating and swallowed me whole.

  Over the table, my father spoke between us to the room.

  Suddenly, I was at a wedding. My wedding. Disingenuous as it was.

  If it wasn’t for Myra’s hopeful face, I would have hesitated more, but seeing how alive she already looked, I stood there and went along with the motions. It had been my last resort plan, but I wasn’t prepared for it to seem that surreal.

  No longer did she look at my feet, but at my face and her lips bent just enough to encourage me to keep going. It was obvious, compared to that morning, that she had made a choice and leaving was what she wanted.

  The quiet, shy woman who I’d only met a handful of times was already changing.

  I was doing the right thing.

  I didn’t listen to what my Father said, I just watched Myra. Beautiful, no longer faded and lost. For the first time, she was rather breathtaking to me. It wouldn’t be a chore to watch her blossom into someone with choices and a voice of her own. No. It would be a pleasure, and thanks enough if she continued to light up like that.