Not Guilty of Love

by Pat Simmons

  Cheney grabbed his sleeve. "What, Parke? What's wrong?"

  Parke ended the call. His eyes watered as he stuttered, "That was the private investigator. He's almost ninety percent sure he's located my son, the first Parke K Jamieson VII."

  Tears flashed in Cheney's eyes. "Oh, Parke, praise God. Where is he? We can leave now and get him." Cheney hurried around the kitchen to grab her purse, but Parke stopped her.

  "There's one issue, baby. He's being adopted."

  "What?"

  "That means nothing to me. He's a Jamieson, and I'm going to get my son—our son. Count on it."

  Chapter Thirty-seven

  Malcolm sat in his office, smiling and sipping on a cup of decaf. Everything was okay in his world. His love for Hallison was stronger than ever. His commitment to God was sweet and calming, not as confined as he had first believed it would be. Malcolm had just hung up from telling her good morning... again. Grinning, he opened the St. Louis Post-Dispatch newspaper.

  Lisa had been charged with arson in the fire that engulfed five buildings and caused millions of dollars in damages. The state fire marshal's investigation had uncovered hundreds of lit candles and highly flammable items in one area of her store. At least three firefighters were injured, one critically. Lisa's bond was set at five-hundred thousand dollars.

  Malcolm shook his head in disbelief. Why would she destroy something that had been handed down in her family? Briefly, Malcolm wondered if Lisa was performing some type of ceremony. He didn't want to know. Malcolm shrugged. He was glad he'd come to Jesus when he did. Prior to his salvation, Malcolm had believed that witchcraft in sitcoms and the sorcery in children's books were harmless and sensationalized. At first, he hadn't noticed anything out the ordinary or sensed any flashing warning lights with Lisa, but every time he thought about his relationship with Lisa, maybe the signs were there, but his spiritual eyes weren't open to see them.

  He had shared Lisa's admission with Parke; however, they agreed that knowledge was the key to arm themselves against that form of wickedness. Malcolm stopped daydreaming when he heard voices outside his door.

  Folding the paper he wasn't reading, he saw Trey in his uniform, clearing Lilly's office area and heading straight toward him. Malcolm groaned. He hadn't been saved a month and his first confrontation with his nemesis was moments away.

  "Can I help you?" Lilly blocked Trey's path. "Is this a raid? Do you have a search warrant? I don't know anything about my son's criminal activity. I can be granted impunity—"

  "Immunity," Trey corrected. "Actually, I'm here to see him," he said, tilting his head toward Malcolm.

  Lilly sighed, but didn't move. "He's in a meeting. You can have a seat."

  Malcolm was going to have to talk to Lilly about lying, especially in association with him.

  "He doesn't look like he's in a meeting to me." Trey squinted around Lilly, making eye contact with Malcolm.

  Fastening a hand on her hip, Lilly tapped her shoe on the carpet. "Well, I'm about to meet with him, so you can have a seat."

  Malcolm stood to intervene, waving his assistant off. "It's okay, Lilly. I can take care of this. Trey, I'm telling you right now, my fist is in retirement. I don't want any trouble."

  Stepping around Lilly, Trey proceeded to Malcolm's office and took a seat without an invitation or permission. He crossed his ankle over his knee, making himself comfortable. "I'm here for a peaceful resolution."

  "Umm-hmm." Malcolm didn't believe him. Hallison was permanently off the market to Trey or any other man. Malcolm perched on the corner of his desk, folded his arms, and nodded for Trey to explain.

  "Listen, man. This is going to sound unbelievable. I still can't believe God played me, but He never intended for Hallison to marry me." He grunted and shook his head. "It would've helped to have known that before I fell in love with Hali and asked her to marry me." Trey paused and took a deep breath. "My sole purpose in my relationship with Hali, I guess, was to be some sort of middle man to protect her physically and encourage her spiritually until you got your act together and repented."

  Malcolm stood abruptly. He wasn't about to allow Trey to point fingers at him.

  "Watch yourself, man." Trey cautioned. "You're at a disadvantage because I carry a gun. Anyway, you have Hali, leaving me empty-handed. To be honest, if I want to see Jesus, I had no choice but to obey God, even though the whole thing didn't make sense to me." He grunted. "It still doesn't. I began to pray for you because God wanted you to see the difference in an ungodly woman and a woman after God's own heart. "Personally," he said, shrugging, "I thought you were too slow to see it. I did."

  Malcolm laughed. "Are you kidding? Lisa was crazy. If I had known up front what I know now, I could've saved God the trouble."

  "Believe it. Our ways are definitely not His."

  Malcolm grinned as their fists met in agreement. "No hard feelings, man." Malcolm retook his seat behind his desk. He should've, but he didn't feel one ounce of guilt for Trey forfeiting Hallison. "What do you get out the deal? The least I can do is set you up."

  "That's okay." Trey shook his head then shrugged. "Who knows God's mind or His plan for me? Somehow, I believe she ain't meek and humble. God hinted she's already been selected, but she's still in the oven. If I didn't have so much confidence in God, I would run the other way from His matchmaking scheme. Hopefully, I can put in a request for what I would like." Trey chuckled as his mind seemed to wander.

  Saved or unsaved, Malcolm wasn't giving Trey any pity. "Better you, man, than me."

  "Don't think I won't specify a tall, shapely woman, honey-tone skin, shoulder-length hair, almond-shaped eyes—"

  "Watch it, Trey. That sounds too much like Hali, and she doesn't have any sisters."

  Trey dropped his foot to the floor and leaned closer to Malcolm. "Hali is one beautiful woman. Don't mess up again, Jamieson. God doesn't always give second chances."

  "I know."

  Chapter Thirty-eight

  Two months and not a day later...

  Malcolm stood at the same altar for a second time.

  The first time, he dedicated his life to Christ. Now, he would profess his love to Hallison until death they would part. Malcolm was praying for a long life as he glanced at his watch. Hallison should've walked down the aisle three minutes ago.

  Parke, Malcolm's best man, taunted him with a snicker. His younger brother and lone groomsman, Cameron, cleared his throat in amusement. Minutes earlier, Cameron had escorted Hallison's best friend, Octavia, down the aisle. She looked healthy and happy. Hallison still continued to pray for her body and spirit.

  Malcolm took a deep breath to regulate his nerves. Cheney winked as she walked down the aisle as Hallison's matron of honor. Despite the loss of another baby and the family drama, Cheney appeared happy. Malcolm prayed she would hold up during the trial that was set to begin soon.

  Malcolm's drifting mind came back to the moment. Hallison Dinkins was now five minutes late. She had better not leave me standing at the altar, he thought, reflecting on his second proposal. It was different. It was bold, and it could've backfired.

  The Sunday after Malcolm had received the Holy Ghost, the pastor invited all converts, if they chose to do so, to testify to the congregation about their Holy Ghost experience. Malcolm was the third person to accept the microphone handed to him while he and ten others were lined up behind the pulpit.

  "To the saints of God, I can truly say God is merciful and very real. He's not in some far-away land or place. I'm still in awe about His presence, His closeness, and His power to show me He's in control." He gathered his thoughts.

  "I praise God today that He chose me by giving me His spirit with the evidence I had once read about in the Bible, and honestly, didn't believe." He had taken a deep breath as his eyes skipped over faces and pews until he found her. "Hallison, you were right about salvation, and I was wrong about God. I have come humbly before God, repented, and received His invitation into the kingdom. The one
thing I need before Jesus comes back is you. Hali, will you marry me?"

  The congregation had gasped at his unexpected declaration. From the pulpit, Malcolm got on one knee and pulled out a black velvet ring box. When he flipped it open, God gave Malcolm a little help—the Lord blinked, allowing the diamond to sparkle like a star for the audience, including Hallison, to see.

  She stood, with her hands clasped. The air ceased as the congregation waited along with him for her response. "Yes, Malcolm, I would be honored to be your wife."

  The cheers were louder than the fans at a football game. That was the only encouragement he needed.

  "I've got a wedding to plan," Malcolm mumbled into the microphone before shoving it into the hands of the next convert.

  Later, she teased him. "What if I had said no or let me think about it?"

  His nostrils flared with passion as he winked. "Baby, have you ever heard of a late dismissal? I wasn't going anywhere."

  The wedding guests stood as the sanctuary doors opened, alerting Malcolm of Hallison's entrance. Angels must have dressed her, Malcolm thought. She was already gorgeous, but wings were the only things missing. Her face glowed along with her ballroom gown. He hoped Hallison's hairdresser, Alexis, hadn't weighed down Hallison's fancy hairdo with hair pins, because the curls were coming down.

  Hallison's uncle escorted her down the white runner, crushing the random piles of rose petals Kami had dropped in her haste to get to her father. If their hired photographer didn't capture that vision, Malcolm would re-stage the moment.

  Malcolm huffed. Hallison was torturing him by walking much too slow. He didn't recall Hallison's stand-in during the rehearsal walking so slow. If she didn't pick up the pace, he would go and get his bride himself. She didn't need an escort, anyway. They could've walked in together as far as he was concerned.

  Once she read his expression, Hallison appeared to miss a step. When she was within three pews of the altar, Malcolm made good on his threat, leaving his post to meet her.

  Wrapping his arm securely around his bride's waist, Malcolm glanced over her shoulder and caught Trey's eye with an unreadable expression. Malcolm nodded and Trey returned the gesture.

  * * *

  Hallison sucked in her breath. Thank you, Lord, for my blessing. Although Paula remained skeptical about whether Malcolm's conversion was genuine, Hallison knew in her heart that no man could make a stubborn Jamieson man do anything, but God knew how to bring a man down to his knees. She made eye contact with her mother, who blew her a kiss. Hallison smiled brighter.

  Lord, teach me how to be a good, saved wife, she prayed as Malcolm came to her and possessively took her away from her uncle, who relinquished his duty, once he recognized Malcolm's determination. She loved that about Malcolm—his public and private shows of affection. "You couldn't wait? I was almost there," she teased, whispering.

  He rubbed his mouth against the veil near her ear. "I could've married you the first day I saw you." Falling in step with the music, Malcolm laid her lace-covered arm on top of his. With a flare of dramatics and precision, he escorted her the remaining distance to the altar.

  Once they stopped and faced each other, Hallison leaned in and whispered, "Thank you for saying yes to Jesus."

  "I'm going to say thank you to Pastor Scott once he says I can kiss my bride." They shared soft chuckles until Mrs. Beacon made her presence known.

  "I had trouble finding a parking space. Scoot over, Charlotte," Mrs. Beacon ordered Malcolm's mother. "I'm the fairy grandma. I bought this new digital camera just for this. I want to get Malcolm fumbling over his vows for YouTube. Have you seen those 'Oh Glory' wedding videos? Mine will trump theirs."

  Charlotte hushed Mrs. Beacon as the minister began, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today... you may now recite your personal vows."

  Malcolm gathered Hallison's hands and brought them to his lips. "I love you."

  Hallison gazed into his eyes. "I love you."

  He whispered again, "I love you," with more power to his declaration.

  "I love you," she repeated with the same determination.

  The minister cleared his throat. "Recite your vows, Mr. Jamieson." The guests chuckled.

  Frowning, he turned to Pastor Scott. "I'm trying, but I love her."

  "Yes, you've established that, and we're your witnesses," he advised.

  "This is good stuff. I told you that man would forget his vows," Mrs. Beacon stated, adjusting the camera to zoom in.

  Reluctantly, Malcolm broke eye contact with Hallison. First, he turned to Mrs. Beacon and winked for her camera. He faced his bride again. "Hallison, Hali... God knows what's best for me, and He gave me you and the Holy Ghost. I promise to fulfill your desires, dreams, and needs. I promise to pray for direction and understanding in our marriage. I promise to be true to you and place your happiness above mine. Again, I profess my love to you."

  When the pastor instructed Hallison to go ahead, she didn't blink. "Malcolm, I'm so blessed that God chose me to be your helpmate. I love you so much. I will trust you, honor you, and obey you." Hallison wasn't among the women who were afraid to obey their husbands because they didn't trust them to do right. Malcolm wouldn't dictate to her. She knew he would consult with her, and together they would make decisions.

  "By the power God has given me, I now pronounce you husband and wi—"

  Malcolm threw back Hallison's veil. His touch was so tender Hallison didn't care about ruining her makeup—well, maybe a little for pictures' sake. She waited for Malcolm's lips. He was torturing her as he stared as if deciding how to tackle the task. The kiss came and lasted until Parke attempted to pull them apart. Malcolm let go of her lips, but not Hallison. He kept her in his embrace.

  Parke smirked as Malcolm fed his wife cake. Some of the children's antics at the reception briefly distracted him. When he looked back, the newlyweds were escaping. He was glad his brother and Hallison were finally married. They had more drama than he and Cheney. He prayed, when the time came, Cameron would elope.

  "Beatrice, I tell you this has been a year for everyone. I think you need a man to keep you out of trouble," Charlotte joked as she introduced Mrs. Beacon to other family members.

  Mrs. Beacon waved in the air. "I've already got one."

  Several heads turned in sync. "Huh?"

  "Yep, I've got to have some fun before my trial starts, which is weeks away, but I ain't worried. I got this. If you ever need to spice up your love life, then you've got to enter second life—the high-tech video world. Girl, let me tell you, I'm dating a thirty-something Italian tycoon, and—"

  EPILOGUE

  Malcolm and Hallison Jamieson's marriage was blissful. They shared indoor and outdoor picnics and movies on Saturdays. They never missed church on Sundays. Breakfast in bed on Mondays was mandatory. Love lunches on Tuesdays were expected.

  Lessons at Bible class on Wednesdays were thought-provoking. Pampering on Thursdays was for downtime. They didn't lose their competitive edge at family game night on the fourth Friday of every month.

  Nothing trumped pillow talk every night of the week with a goal of starting their own little dynasty—Malcolm Jamieson, Jr.

  Excerpt from Still Guilty

  -Chapter One-

  How did my life become so complicated? Parke

  Kokumuo Jamieson VI wondered. He was the firstborn son in the tenth generation of descendants of Paki Kokumuo Jaja, the chief prince of the Diomande tribe of Cote d’lvoire, Africa. Parke was destined to procreate the eleventh generation.

  It was an honorable task that Parke had relished fulfilling, until he met Cheney Reynolds. He had tossed caution, common sense, and responsibility to hurricane- strength winds. Cheney was his destiny, and Parke was determined to have her even after being advised that she was sterile. Addicted to her strength, determination, and beauty, Parke proposed anyway—more than once.

  Six feet without heels, Cheney’s height complemented his six-foot-five frame. Her long lashes and s
hapely brows were showstoppers, but it was Cheney’s delicate feet that were his weakness—after her hips, of course. Her feet were always manicured and soft, and they seemed to nurture a slight bounce to her catwalk.

  Cheney’s skin held a touch of lemon coloring, and her lips were a temptation for kisses. Within a year of their marriage, God performed a miracle against medical odds.

  Cheney became pregnant twice. Both times, they lost: the first through a miscarriage, the second—a precious son— delivered stillborn.

  Late one night, while studying his Bible, Parke petitioned God for a sign as to whether a son would ever come through his seed. He stumbled across Genesis 16— the story of Abram; his wife, Sarai; and Sarai’s handmaiden, Hagar. Parke read the passage three times.

  “What are you telling me, God?”

  With his sharp intellect, Parke interpreted that Cheney portrayed Sarai. Although Parke had just turned thirty-six, he prayed his reproduction bank wasn’t as dormant as Abram’s, in order for God to perform a miracle. He wasn’t asking for anything major like the parting of the Red Sea; just something on a smaller scale. Maybe there was hope.

  Closing his Bible, he slid to his knees and prayed, then climbed into the bed and wrapped his arms around his wife.

  As he reached to turn off the lamp, he wondered, for argument’s sake, if he was Abram and Cheney was Sarai, then who was cast as Hagar?

  An answer from God came the next day when his private investigator called. “I hope you’re sitting down.”

  Sipping his cup of coffee, Parke stood, leaning against the kitchen counter, when he was eating breakfast on the run. As a senior financial analyst, he was mentally contemplating his workload for the day. Clients were clamoring for his attention to review their personal portfolios and make recommendations concerning safe investments. Parke didn’t answer him right away. “Nope.