A New Day

by Nancy Hopper

  The warmth that he was pouring out to Pattie could be physically felt. It was not sexual -- but it was masculine, and it was love, and compassion, and very deep caring. For Pattie.

  Pattie Danniels blinked shocked eyes, and stepped back a full foot away from Tim. Then she covered her face with trembling hands, and began to weep violently.

  "I never wanted anything from you, except for you to notice that I was alive!" she cried. "I never asked for anything in this life except for you to love me!" she wailed.

  The crowd began murmuring and staring with shocked expressions at the twosome.

  Tim reached out and put a hand near the side of Pattie's head, at her cheek, being very careful. Though her eyes were covered, and she could not see what he was doing, she crumbled at his feet. The crowd gasped.

  "So that's why you're trying to discredit my ministry, and ruin any relationship I try to have, Pattie?" he asked gently.

  "No! I'm only trying to save you from a terrible mistake! Tim, she doesn't deserve you! No one could love you the way I do! No one!"

  Tim dropped his eyes, looking tired and sad, suddenly. "Pattie, I'm sorry. I didn't want it to happen this way, but you've forced my hand. I don’t care for you in that way. I never will. I love Tasha Charles, and I’m going to marry her; no matter what you do to try to stop it.”

  Elaine‘s grip on Tasha’s arm tightened. “Charles is your last name? I thought it was Taylor?” she hissed quietly. Her eyes were wide, and searching. She looked almost afraid.

  Tasha nodded. “Charles is my maiden name; Taylor is my married name.” She replied. “Are you all right?”

  “Uh … yes. Probably just my nerves, getting the better of me.” Elaine chattered. She didn’t quite meet Tasha’s eyes. Her eyes kept moving back to Tim, and the quite incredible things happening before them.

  “The only thing that I can say to you right now, Pattie, is that you have taken your eyes off the Lord.” Tim said quietly. "You've been spending all your time trying to get to me. Because I wouldn't let you do that, you wanted to get back at me.”

  "You have drifted from His service – first to sensational reporting for money – and now, to destructive lies designed to ruin the lives of others. You're in a very dangerous place, Pattie. You need to repent. Get back to the Lord. Get down on your knees, and tell Him you're sorry. Ask Him to restore your love for Him, and for His people, Pattie.”

  He looked distraught, suddenly. "Don't let this happen to you! It isn't what He wants for you, and it certainly isn't what I want for you. Please, repent."

  "I know! Okay. I will." She blurted. She will still blubbering uncontrollably.

  People standing around watching, shot amazed and bewildered glances at one another; but Tim's eyes were fastened steadily on Pattie's head.

  "Pattie, will you please tell the truth about what you saw and heard that night, when you took those pictures? Will you please start fresh now – by telling the truth, for God's sake?" he asked forcefully.

  “I was so jealous." She wailed. "Tim, you were so kind and tender with her. I felt so wretched!"

  "So, what did you see?"

  "You went in her room, and you … you held her on your lap! And you talked to her and talked to her, so nice. She was bawling, but you stayed so calm. You followed her to the window. Then you kissed her goodnight."

  "And?" Tim prodded.

  Pattie winced. "Then you left." She whispered.

  "What did I do that was inappropriate?" he asked pointedly. "Did I look at her inappropriately? Speak to her inappropriately? Did I touch her in any way I shouldn't have?"

  Pattie shook her head slowly. "No." she shuddered, weeping copiously.

  "What were we talking about?" Tim prodded.

  "You were telling her that you needed her to be committed to God before you could marry her. And that you couldn't have any more of a relationship with her until she was ready to do that."

  "Uh, huh. And was she mad at me, Pattie?"

  Pattie looked at the floor. "Yes." She muttered.

  "I couldn't hear you, Pattie." Tim urged.

  "Yes! Yes, she was mad at you!" she wailed.

  "So there really wasn't a whole lot of love-making going on, was there?"

  Pattie swallowed hard. "No." She admitted. Her shoulders sagged. “I thought that with her so mad at you, a story would cinch it. And you shouldn't have been there with her! You shouldn't have! Not with her!” she groaned. “Oh, God.” she wailed. “I'd have given anything to be her, that night! But she wouldn't even talk to you! The way she just opened the door and stood there, waiting for you to leave! It broke my heart, I didn't feel like she deserved you! But she wouldn't stop. She wouldn't be nice to you. I could see the heartbreak in your eyes, Tim. I could see the hurt and sorrow. That's all I could think about, was her standing there, holding the door open, waiting for you to leave. And the next morning, you did leave, first thing. You went to the airport, and you flew home.”

  Tim reached down and took her hand, and lifted her to her feet. He tipped her chin up and he looked down into her eyes, so full of misery. There was nothing but compassion in his gaze.

  "Thank you, Pattie." He said humbly.

  She wept over his hand. "I am so sorry, Tim." She sobbed.

  "Don't be sorry for my sake, Pattie. Be sorry for your own sake. I want you to get this under the blood of the Lamb. Give the victory in this mess to Jesus, will you? Don't let the enemy rob you, as he tried to rob me. Do it! Get it taken care of." He advised almost harshly.

  Pattie shuddered, and nodded. The crowd stood back a step, as the authority rang through Tim's voice.

  "Will you please forgive me?" Pattie asked in a tiny voice.

  "I will. But you really need to ask that question of the person you tried most to harm." He advised.

  For the first time, Timothy looked up at Tasha. His eyes bade her to come to him.

  Tasha's feet wouldn't seem to move. She just stood there, staring at Timothy. It was too horrible to contemplate! She simply could not make herself enter that circle of suffering!

  Tim's eyes waited, unyielding and forceful. She begged for mercy with her eyes, but he slightly shook his head. She had to. The entire crowd was looking around, and one by one people were seeing that she was the one.

  She took a deep breath, and took a tentative step, feeling Elaine's reassuring fingers fall away.

  "What do you think you're doing, stepping into that three-ring circus?" a voice taunted inside her head. "You've done your part! Now, he expects you to forgive this little beast? After what she's done? After she admitted everything? This is absolutely unnecessary! Unforgivable! And you think you have to, because the world is watching! Isn't that how it will always be with this clown? The whole world watching you, making sure you're a good little girl, obeying this overbearing bull."

  Tasha stopped walking. Her stomach was twisting into a knot.

  Tim's eyes melted in compassion. She could see that he knew what he was asking her to do. They both knew that this was the true moment of decision.

  Would she step into the spotlight, and go all the way to his side? Would she minister beside him, putting aside her right to privacy, her right to be right, her right to retreat under fire? Or, would she fade back into the crowd and cling to her obscurity, and privately nurse her wounds? Would she sacrifice her needs? Or, would she rather sacrifice their relationship along with the ministry God intended them to have together?

  For suddenly, Tasha understood. Marriage to Tim was going to be no easy thing. She would not be sitting on the sidelines, cheering him on. She was meant to be by his side, out on the streets, in the auditoriums -- ministering life and love to people that were dying of cancer and other disease; people that are dirty, people smelling of urine and feces, people with sores and scabs and rancid liquor on their breath.

  These millions were all standing before her. And she was the second half of the equation. She was half of a whole. Her and Tim.

  She ha
d to be able to offer her life and love to the least of them. And all of them. All of the time.

  He waited patiently.

  Tasha closed her eyes. She felt herself trembling.

  "What if he dies? What if you can't do it? What if he leaves you for another woman? Charming bastard, isn't he? Saw a new side of him today, did you?" the voice taunted. "You think he's going to be satisfied with you, when he can have a different woman every night? He travels all the time! Surely you don't think he doesn't take what he wants to, when he's too far from home to be held accountable? A handsome man like that? Give me a break!"

  "Jesus." She begged brokenly. The Presence came, immediately, to strengthen her! Then, she opened her eyes -- and saw Tim standing there, with hope dying slowly in his eyes, looking heartbroken and very vulnerable. His heart was hanging out – and then his right arm fell off! Tasha gasped. And the Lord spoke to her:

  "You are the right arm that I have fashioned for him. You shall be his strength and you shall be his completeness, as he shall be yours."

  Tasha trembled as she realized she had been seeing in the Spirit. She opened her eyes again, and looked at Tim. Though looking grim, he was still waiting; and he still had his physical right arm. Tasha opened her spirit and let the strength flood in, as the Holy Ghost came upon her. She breathed deep, straightened her shoulders, and lifted her eyes to Tim's.

  He was still waiting -- calm, patient, expectant. But worried. Darn worried.

  She walked confidently to his side, and smiled as his arm went around her.

  Pattie Danniels felt her presence, and looked up. She saw one being standing above her. The glory of the Lord upon it was shining with unspeakable brightness. It was so heavy, that Pattie fell upon her face.

  "Oh! Please forgive me!" she begged.

  Tasha looked down upon the abject, whimpering figure prostrate before them, and felt compassion flood her being. "I do forgive you." She answered immediately.

  The crowd murmured in shock and disbelief. It was a miracle they had witnessed, and there wasn't any doubt in anyone's mind about that!

  Tim turned to Elaine with a twinkle in his eye, and beckoned her to join them. As he put an arm around each of the ladies, he turned to the camera crews who had been doing the initial interview when Pattie showed up.

  "Please, don't exploit this." He asked them humbly. "Enough damage has already been done." He smiled at their hasty agreement, and the three picked up their bags and headed for their gate.

  Tim sighed heavily and shook his head, as the two ladies tried to catch their breath. "That was a little bit intense, eh?" he asked lightly, and chuckled deep in his throat.

  When they reached the gate, they got their boarding passes out, and turned to say goodbye to Elaine. Tasha and Elaine hugged first, both of them with tears in their eyes. Then, Elaine looked up at Tim with clear trepidation in her eyes. Tim had to chuckle. She looked scared to death.

  “Elaine," he chided. "Not today, but soon." He promised.

  Elaine blushed, and stared at her hands as she nodded.

  "Big changes are coming, very quickly. Get ready." He warned her.

  Elaine clasped her hands nervously, and nodded.

  Tim hugged her shoulders soundly, and kissed her cheek. "We'll be seeing you, real soon." He predicted.

  Elaine watched them board the plane, before she wistfully turned to go home.

  As they settled in their seats, Tasha gave Tim a puzzled look. "What was that all about, with Elaine?"

  Tim shrugged. "I don't know." He yawned. "The Lord has something up His sleeve. Elaine knew more about it than I did."

  "You're saying you don't know any more than what you just said?" she asked incredulously.

  "I don't have to know everything." He protested tiredly.

  Tasha laughed and shook her head, but Timothy was already well on his way to sleep.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Tasha quickly discovered that Tim slept a lot when he was home. It made sense, given the schedule he kept when he was traveling, and the amount of sweat and blood he poured out when he ministered.

  By the time he'd had his sleep out and was ready to join the living in Salt Lake, though, she was definitely ready for him to wake up.

  She found him in her hot tub, late the following afternoon. She gave him a wicked smile, and disappeared into her dressing room. When she came out, she was wearing a strapless bikini that made him wish with all his heart that the wedding was behind them.

  With a smile curving her lips, she stepped down into the tub and snuggled into his arms. "I thought you'd never wake up." She pouted, rubbing her hands over his shoulders and kissing his throat.

  "You're going to make me pay, aren't you?" he asked with a despondent sigh.

  "Pay for what?" she asked innocently.

  "For sleeping so long. For not being married yet. You name it, I'm paying for it."

  She laughed. "Timothy, don't be so grumpy."

  "I can't help it." He protested. "My blood turns to liquid fire every time you come walking toward me in some sadistic creation specifically designed to drive me out of my mind."

  Tasha laughed. "It does serve you right." She sighed, easing back into the bubbling water.

  "Tasha, honey. Seriously, we've got to make it soon. I'm losing all reason." He pleaded. "Set a date."

  She rolled her eyes. "Is it that bad, darling?"

  "Yes." He assured her immediately. The way his eyes darkened and the husky note in his voice, took her a little bit by surprise. "I want you, and I want you now! I'm quickly losing my desire to wait for the social conventions. Give me a break, and let's get on with it."

  She laughed at him. "Oh, Timothy. Come on, now! You know we have to observe all the conventions. What would the press do with it, if we were to elope? Besides, I don't think your parents would probably appreciate it. You are their only son, I believe?"

  “Stop talking sense, Tasha, it aggravates me. Set a date."

  "Why don't you set it? Make it just as soon as you want."

  He looked at her suspiciously. "Really?"

  "Sure. Daddy and I can handle just about anything you throw at us."

  "All right. I'll go talk to him, as soon as we're done here."

  Tim quickly showered and dressed, and made a beeline for Brent's office. He went in, when Brent snarled in response to his knock, and stopped short at the sight of himself on television. The setting was the airport, and Pattie Danniels was groveling at his feet.

  "Wow. Perfect timing." Tim snorted derisively. He closed the door behind him, and sat in a chair opposite Brent's wide desk.

  "Well, check out the latest spectacle." Brent growled. "You're a lot of fun to have around, my friend." He congratulated Tim.

  "Well, at least I put an end to it." Tim pleaded. "You know, all I ever wanted was to love Tasha. Things just keep getting complicated, somehow."

  "I know. That ... Smith creature is threatening to sue me." He grumbled.

  "With his bribe hanging out there? Wouldn't be very smart, would it?" Tim snorted. "If he's gonna sue anybody, it seems like it should be Pattie, or her magazine. They're the ones that went public wit it."

  "That would make too much sense." Brent denied. "But my lawyer's working on it. I suppose I've got this coming, for ever taking his stinking money."

  "Why did you, Brent? Why didn't you just let the police handle it?" Tim asked carefully.

  Brent shrugged. "He threatened to ruin me financially. And he could have, at the time. I figured what was done, was done. It was the only way to end the thing, and keep him away from my daughter without a legal battle."

  Tim looked at his hands, and said a silent prayer before he lifted his eyes. "Brent, I want to marry Tasha."

  "What are you telling me for?" Brent snapped.

  Tim looked up at him with clear, earnest eyes. "Because you're her father. I want your blessing."

  Brent chewed on the end of his cigar and considered the young man before him. "Well,
that's an old-fashioned notion. Besides, I already gave her away, in a manner of speaking."

  Tim nodded. "But she's back in your household, and she's still your daughter."

  Brent squinted his eyes, and tossed his head toward the television screen. "Do you think you shut her filthy mouth up?"

  Tim shrugged. "I believe so. The Lord only knows, when it comes to Pattie. I did my very best to get her back on the straight and narrow."

  "Huh. Well, Timothy, marry Tasha. It'll help all this blow over. If you want my blessing, you've got it." He added gruffly.

  Tim grinned. "Thanks, Brent. I am sorry for all the upset, and I appreciate your blessing more than I can say."

  Brent stared at him thoughtfully. "What are you going to do about the kids?" he asked hesitantly.

  Tim shrugged. "Take good care of them." He answered, unsure what was bothering Brent. "Gary was one of my best friends. Every time I look at those kids, I remember him; and I love them even more. Don't worry about them."

  "Oh, I know you'll take good care of them, it's just that I'm concerned about their ability to adapt. It'll take some time for them to get used to the idea, you know? Maybe they'd do better if you took things a little bit slow."

  Tim's heart plummeted. "Brent, if things go any slower, I'll die." he protested with a meaningful look.

  Brent chuckled. "I don't mean postponing the wedding, Tim. I mean -- well, what if you all lived here for a while? Let them get used to you and Tasha being together. Maybe you could just live here, part of the time every year. You know, you're welcome to the house in Idaho, anytime you want. Or the flat in New York. There's plenty of room for you. Do you have to live in Wyoming?"

  Tim shrugged. It was hard to answer. "Plane fare could get pretty rough." He laughed uneasily.

  "Timothy, sit down and listen to me." Brent ordered. "I want you to get this through your thick head. I've got enough money to fly you wherever you want to go, every day for the rest of your life. And I wouldn't even miss it. I've got nothing better to do with my money. You're marrying into my family. Set up an office in Seattle, if you want to. I don't care. What I do care about is seeing my daughter and my grandchildren.”