“Paige, I love you, baby doll. I am here to protect you. I just need you to come to me. Let me know when someone, anyone, including my mother, has come at you wrong. I will help you fight every battle. I won’t leave you, baby. I won’t let harm come to you. I need you trust that. Can you?”
“Kevin, I want to. I really do, but what if I can’t? I know your career is in the public eye, and you need a woman that is not like me.” Kevin wiped Paige’s tears from her cheeks, pulled her up so he could sit down and placed her on his lap. She turned to him fighting back more tears. Her heart was breaking over the fact that she may lose the best man because of her lack of trust.
“Paige, I just need you to try. I don’t want what we have to end. I have been miserable without you. You bring excitement to my boring legal life. You bring me comfort with your warm embraces, and you bring happiness to my heart with your quick wit and bubbly personality. It’s just when you come blazing at people, and to your credit, it is to defend yourself or the ones you love. However, kicking butt and taking names does not work, sweetie. It must stop. You have to get help with your anger issues.”
Paige took in every word Kevin spoke to her. He was gentle and kind. She wanted to try—she had to try. There would never be another love like this. She would never find anyone else to see the true Paige. She had to work on herself.
“I will, Kevin. I will get help. I will find a therapist to talk with and continue to go to church. I love you, Kevin, and I don’t want to lose you.”
“I am here, baby doll. I’m always here for you.”
“Kevin.”
“Baby doll.”
“Can I have my cookie now?” Paige gave him the sweetest smile.
“How do you know I have a cookie for you?” Kevin stood her on her feet so that he could get up.
“Because you love me, and you know what I like.” Kevin pulled the huge chocolate cookie from the carryout bag, unwrapped the cookie, and fed it to his girl. Paige moaned as she savored the chewy delight.
Kevin bent down and kissed her on the forehead, then whispered in her ear. “I think we will make it, and I miss you moaning that way. Come home with me now.” They left Kevin’s office, and Paige followed him home where she spent the night causing the kind of explosions Kevin could handle.
Karen and Frankie’s Wedding
“One more with just the bride and groom.” The photographer called out to the wedding party. Camille walked behind Karen, Paige, Dawn, and Autumn as she scooped up Nikki who was whining because of the long day. She smiled as she looked at Karen and Frankie who had just been married by a judge in a small garden at the Memphis Botanical Garden. Karen was radiant in her silver mermaid gown. The wedding was beautiful and intimate. Camille thought Frankie’s daughters were wonderful. They were true identical twins. She could not find one difference in them. Ben came up behind her tugging on her hair while playing peekaboo with Nikki. Camille turned to see who was pulling her hair and stirring up Nikki, who had just started to rest with her head on her shoulder. When she saw it was Ben, she smiled.
“Hey, don’t stir her up. This day is getting to her, and we still have the reception in the Goldsmith’s room.”
Ben shrugged his shoulders and kept messing with Ms. Shopkin, as he called her, and pinched her nose. Camille gave him a maternal stare down that meant stop it or else. Ben raised his hands in surrender. “Fine, I will behave. How are you doing, honey? We haven’t talked much lately.”
Camille took a deep breath. She wanted to stay angry with him after their blow up a week ago. They had both been busy and had not seen each other much. Only the past Wednesday at Bible Study, and last night at the rehearsal dinner. It was not uncommon for them to go several days without seeing one another because of her responsibility to ITS, and his obligations to work. However, this was the first time their relationship to felt strained.
“I’m fine. Just working, keeping up with my physical therapy exercises, and helping Karen with the wedding. It was beautiful don’t you agree?”
“Yes, it was lovely, but I know who will make a more beautiful bride.”
“Oh, do you, now?” Camille could not let go of the sarcasm. She did not know why she felt threatened by him helping Ms. Carol. It just seemed like a betrayal, and she could not shake it off.
“Yes, I do, and I am looking at the bride–to–be right now.”
“Well, we will see,” Camille said sharply and put Nikki down as the photographer asked for the daughters to join in the pictures.
This was Benjamin’s time to get through to Camille. She had given him nothing but shade since their argument. Wednesday night he tried to speak to her, but she gave him the cold shoulder. Last night, he sat by her at the rehearsal dinner, but she tended to Nikki as though she was an infant rather than the big girl she was. He smiled as he recalled Ms. Shopkin’s screaming in her god-aunt’s face.
“Tee-Tee, I can feed myself.”
Camille had no choice but to move on to being a nursemaid to Karen. When Karen shooed her away, she then moved on to nervously picking up trash and refilling the guest’s beverages, which was absurd because Frankie and Karen had hired a caterer and servers. The woman was acting so out of character, and it was beginning to get on his nerves. He took her gently by the elbow and led her into the building, walking briskly.
“Ben, slow down. Why are you dragging me around?”
“Because I don’t deserve this shade you are giving me, it ends now.”
“What shade are you talking about, Ben? And don’t manhandle me again.”
“You know what I am talking about. This is not how we will treat one another when we don’t agree on something. We will talk about whatever is between us like mature, loving, Christian adults.”
“Ben, this is not the time for that. This is my sis—I mean, best friend’s wedding day. I will not allow the ghost of Lauren to loom over it.” Camille tried walking away. She could see the rest of the wedding party lining up, and the guests had begun coming inside. Ben would not let her go. She was not feeling all that Christian at the moment and needed for him to back off.
“Camille, I am not letting you go until you listen to me.”
“This is not the time to talk about this. I am going to line up with the wedding party as you should be doing too. We can talk later.” She wiggled her way out of his grip and made a mad dash to the wedding line.
Benjamin stood there exasperated. He was going to put an end to this standoff of hers. For goodness sake, he was just trying to help someone. Where was her compassion, and what had her stumbling over who Karen was?
“Women!” Ben walked and stood behind Kevin in the wedding processional shaking his head.
“Tee-Tee and Ms. Paige, my mommy and daddy are married. We gone live in my daddy’s house, and my big sisters are going to come see me all the time. You all can come over too and have fun.”
Camille and Paige laughed and hugged Nikki. They were both so happy for Karen’s life and excited for Nikki to have a shot at a complete family. They were all waiting to walk into the Goldsmith’s room as the bride and groom were making their entrance. Nikki was between Camille and Paige, and they were swinging her by the arms. Nikki was having a ball being a human swing and was giggling causing everyone around to smile. All of a sudden, they heard a loud shriek and ran in to see what the noise was.
Karen wiped the tears from her eyes as she saw the servers trying to save her beautiful wedding cake. Her day had been perfect. She woke up at The Peabody Hotel, where she received a makeover courtesy of Camille with a massage. She rode in a limo to the Botanical Gardens and married the man of her dreams, and the father of her child, while the sun set in, front of their guests. For late August in Memphis, the weather was unseasonably cool, only eighty degrees. The outside ceremony was perfect. The judge Kevin had suggested did a wonderful job with their vows. Due to Frankie being married before and them having a child, they did not want Pastor Caine to fill obligated to marry them. Th
ey were not the traditional couple, and she was fine with the judge. Pastor Caine and his wife attended the ceremony, though.
But now she was heartbroken that her three-tier cake had fallen apart. The caterer could not say why it was falling apart. That maybe the cakes were not cool enough to hold the icing. It looked like a melting sweet volcano, as it had chocolate, white, and red velvet cakes on each level. The cake maker had come highly recommended and made thousands of cakes a year. She was sure it was not incompetence that caused the cake avalanche. Besides, as she inspected the cake, it looked like the cake was pushed over. Who would want to destroy someone’s wedding cake?
She was snapped out of her thoughts and silenced from screaming, by realizing she was audibly sobbing. She turned and fell into Frankie’s arm whimpering. He stroked her back lightly and whispered comforting words into her ear.
“Karen, the cake is still edible. No reason to allow that to ruin our night, okay.” Karen knew he was right, but that did not stop the tears. Dawn and Autumn came up to comfort her too, asking if she needed to go out to get some fresh air. She told them she was okay, and she and Frankie could proceed to the bride and groom’s table.
Karen tried her best to shake off the feeling that her cake disaster was not a coincidence, something just felt off. And that included Camille, who had been acting so clingy the last couple of weeks, beyond the point of being a great maid of honor.
Karen had tried talking to her after the phone call with Ben. She definitely understood why Camille would be concerned about Ben being involved in Ms. Carol’s life. That lady was a nut case attacking Ben, then attempting to attack Camille. Ben had informed Karen that Camille mentioned family issues. She could only think that maybe Camille just missed Mr. James. He had stayed several weeks while she healed, which was the longest span of time he had ever visited since she had known Camille. When she asked her what Ben was referring to, Camille said it was nothing, and they would talk after her honeymoon. Surely, something that could wait two weeks was not that dire, so Karen remained quiet. But something was definitely going on with Camille. Karen again was pulled out of her thoughts as Camille and Paige came to sit with her. Paige was beaming as she reached over and gave Karen a hug.
“So, Ms. Lady, you’re married now. I am so happy for you.” Paige stepped aside so Camille could give Karen a hug.
“You know I am happy for you too, Karen,” Camille said while hugging Karen.
“Thank you both. I am so grateful. You both have been there for me over the years when I was a struggling single mom. I can’t believe we pulled this wedding off in just two weeks. I appreciate you, girls, more than you know. I would not be here if it were not for you.”
Paige chimed in. “Girl, you know we got you. Besides, who knew we would find your baby’s daddy delivering mail at Kev’s office. What were the chances of that? Something good came out of Camille being hit by that SUV.”
Camille just rolled her eyes, only Paige could say something caring, then follow it up with something so off. Karen frowned at Paige. “I thought you were working on yourself. You know, trying to show Kevin you were sophisticated.”
Paige gave a smirk. “I am a work in progress, besides Mille knows what I mean.” Paige looked at Camille for confirmation.
“Paige, you are fine. I am happy the driver is locked away for some time. I am healing fine, and Karen has found love. All is perfect.”
It was Paige’s turn to frown. “If all is perfect, then why do you have poor Benjamin looking like he has lost his best friend?”
Sometimes, Camille really wanted to deck Paige. “Ben and I are fine, Paige. You just work on your attitude, so Kevin will finally give you that ring he has had for over a year.”
Camille gave Paige a wink, and a look that Paige knew meant she was about to cross the line with her mouth. “Oh, look at who needs some lessons in etiquette.”
Before Camille or Karen could utter a word, Frankie came over and took Karen’s hand and said, “Excuse me, ladies. I would like to have a dance with my wife.” The ladies stood and let Karen go dance with her husband while the D.J. played “Here and Now” by Luther Vandross.
Kevin and Paige joined them on the dance floor. Ben had to pull Camille to the dance floor, but she finally relaxed and enjoyed the feel of his warm embrace. They swayed to the melody and lyrics—lyrics that rang true for all three couples. It talked about of looking into the eyes of one’s mate and seeing what they mean to each other. It spoke of knowing and believing in your heart that the one you are with is the only person’s love you will need. The dance floor was full of partners enjoying a night of love and celebration for the happy newlyweds. It was a night for new beginnings.
Chapter 7: Baggage Sunday
The altar at Liberty Fellowship Church was decorated with luggage of all sizes and colors. Camille looked up as she walked down the aisle and saw the suitcases displayed on stage. There were more in front of the choir and orchestra. She wondered, “What on earth has Pastor Caine planned today?”
Entering the row where Mother Ellen sat, she was greeted with a warm smile. Standing to the right of Mother Ellen was Mrs. Carol. Camille went to greet her while repeating in her head—it’s nice to be nice . . . it’s nice to be nice. However, she did not have to worry about speaking to the unfriendly woman. Mrs. Carol sat down and started rummaging through her purse to avoid talking to Camille.
Mother Ellen compensated for Mrs. Carol’s less than Christian attitude. She took Camille’s purse and bible case. “Daughter, that was some wedding you girls pulled off yesterday. It was beautiful. I can hardly wait to see what yours and Ben’s will look like in a few months.”
That brought out a genuine smile from Camille. She loved how Mother Ellen always referred to her as daughter. Before Camille could respond, Mrs. Carol looked up from her purse.
“Ellen, what are you talking about? I heard the cake fell apart. What is beautiful about that?” Mother Ellen’s eyes bulged, and nostrils flared. Camille would not have her going there with Ms. Carol.
“Mother Ellen, you are so kind. I am happy Karen has what she deserves with Frankie and Nikki. They have both gone through so much. I pray they are satisfied with their day. I am certainly looking forward to planning our wedding, with your help, of course. I am honored Ben believes I am the one for him.”
“Well, believe it, daughter, because it is true, and I believe it too. By the way, where is that son of mine?” Mother Ellen was turning and looking toward all the entrances for her son. Camille’s eyes drifted up to the overhead monitor where the media team had the countdown clock displayed. It was twelve minutes until the service began. She had not spoken to Ben since he dropped her off last night.
“I am not sure where he is, let me text him. I am sure he is in the building somewhere.” As she typed, her attention was drawn to Mrs. Carol who looked as if she had something to add to the “Where is Ben?” conversation.
“Maybe Ben would like to sit with just his two mothers today, me and Ellen. You have really inserted yourself everywhere in his life. There was a time, before you joined this church and stole him away, that Ben would sit between us. Maybe he has come to his senses, and this is a sign you need to back off!”
Mother Ellen turned and said, “Carol, that is enough! Ben can sit wherever he chooses, and he wants to sit near his fiancée. If you can’t keep your responses to yourself, I suggest—you move!” Camille, frozen in her seat, sat facing forward unable to see how Mrs. Carol responded to the scolding. Her ears were burning from being caught off guard and insulted by Mrs. Carol’s jab. How could this lady be so evil in the house of the Lord? Camille looked around the nearly full to capacity sanctuary and spotted Paige near the back. She grabbed her purse and Bible. Mother Ellen tried to stop her, and she paused. Camille gathered her emotions and addressed her with as much respect as possible.
“Mother Ellen, please let me go. I will sit with Paige and Kevin. When Ben comes, just tell him where I am.” She kissed M
other Ellen on the cheek and made a mad dash to sit with her best friend. As she greeted Paige, she tried to check her embarrassment and frustration in the aisle.
The service was to begin in five minutes when Camille noticed Ben entering to sit by his mother. She could not believe it when she saw Mrs. Carol moving over and motioning with her hands for Ben to sit down in between them. Paige, calling her name, interrupted her eye stalking.
“Camille, why are you back here, and Ben is up there?”
“Um, Err . . . I just wanted to sit with my BFF.”
“Why?”
“Because, Paige, let’s just enjoy the service. The praise and worship team is about to get started.”
*****
Ben closed his eyes, as he stood singing “Amazing Grace” along with the Praise and Worship Team. He was considering partnering with the music ministry. He needed to use the gift of voice with which the Lord had blessed him. He was late entering the service because his Sunday school class went over the time allotted. They were discussing the life of Apostle Paul, and the time had escaped them. Had he known Camille would not sit in her normal seat, by him, he would have left class early. He thought when he texted her where he was she would have sat tight. Her absence was making it hard for him to focus on the worship in the auditorium. There was also something strange going on with his mom. She seemed to be in a bad mood. Not to mention, Mother Carol trying to make him sit in between them; he hated sitting in between them. He was a thirty-something-year-old man, for goodness sake. He suffered through months of that, after Lauren’s death, and only because Mother Carol was grieving. However, enough was enough. The Lord had healed him and given him another chance at love. His mom and scripture taught him that Christians should bear one another’s burdens, but he would not be holding Mrs. Carol’s hand any longer.
When Elder John completed the welcome and said to go greet someone, he ran to Camille with his iPad in hand. Experiencing the worship service and God’s word with his lady next to his side was how Ben had started each week for the last several months. Today would be no different. He entered the row and grabbed Camille’s hand. Ben shook it as if she was the queen of England and sang the greeting song of Liberty to her.
It Won't Prosper: Parable On Infidelity In Marriage Page 17