I sighed. “So, Mom if you want to come to the wedding, come. Tamar is fine with it. She’s used to being treated like trash by you. But I’m not. I’m not going to be okay with it. If you feel like you’re going to be cool with being there with my disappointment, then just come and be this person.”
My mother put down the mug. She raised her hands to her temples and began to massage them like she had a tension headache. There was nothing wrong with her head. It was her heart that needed work.
“I need to ask you for something.”
She lowered her hands and looked into my eyes again.
“I’ve been a good son to you. I wish you could just love her. I wish you could just be a mother to her. She doesn't have one. She misses her mother. And I want the mother-in-law relationship between the two of you to be a blessing to her.”
My mother frowned but said nothing.
“You have so much to offer. I’ve got dad. And I’ve got Tamar’s father. After all those years after the video when he was angry with me and now, he’s like a second father.”
Her frown deepened. I knew she didn’t like hearing that because she wanted me to belong solely to my dad as well, but I needed to make this point. She was going to have to change the way she thought, or our family would not be all that it could be.
“Did you know Pastor Johnson drove all the way from Pine back in the spring to come and talk to me?”
She shook her head and raised her mug again.
“I was depressed. Really low. He was able to talk to me in a way that no one else could. I needed that from him. Tamar could use it from you. She doesn’t need all this judgment. And you don’t need to hold all this anger and resentment toward a woman who has a completely different relationship with me than you do. So for me, can you just love her?”
“I didn’t want to lose my son.” The words squeaked out like a pained whisper.
“Are you sure you didn’t want to lose me, because it’s taken you a long time to get back over here.”
My mother laughed. I wasn’t even sure why, but it released tension in her and the tension in the room.
My mother pursed her lips. “Where is Tamar?”
“She's in Georgia for a work thing.”
“Okay. Then this has to happen by telephone.” She pointed at my cell. “Go ahead. Call her.”
My heart was pounding wildly as I walked across the room and retrieved my cell. I pushed the speed dial for Tamar and handed it to my mother after it started ringing.
“Tamar, this is Donna Pierce. Sweetheart, I owe you an apology. When I see you, we’ll have lunch, and I’ll give it to you in person, but for now if you would, dear please tell me what color my dress should be.”
I shook my head. That was the best it was going to get. It was better than nothing.
Chapter 47
The game started with all the usual dramatics that came with playing the Minnesota Vikings at home. The team came flying out of the tunnel loud and strong, and after the beating of a drum the fans shouted their beloved Skol chant. The Gjallarhorn sounded. It was game time.
I was nervous, but I was also ready. One of my teammates clapped me on the shoulder, then another, and another. Coach moved the second string running back up in my spot, but he’d only reached triple-digit yardage once this season and in the last game he’d lost 17 yards on 2 carries. They needed me.
But the thing I was most excited about was Isaiah. I looked to my left and spotted my family – Isaiah, Tamar, her father, and my parents. I pitched my head back and threw up a peace sign. Isaiah jumped to his feet and threw it back. Tamar’s smile filled my line of vision. She blew me a kiss. We only had two more weeks until she would be my wife.
I looked up and prayed, “Thank you, God, for my family. Bless me now. Protect my body and my mind and bring me victory that gives You glory. Amen.”
“That’s right, man. Give Him props,” one of my teammates said as he walked by me. This guy had always been bothered by my praying, and he made it clear on several occasions. Pastor Johnson’s words came back to me.
Can Stephen Pierce still walk through this locker room and around all this equipment with his busted leg and say, “God is good.”
My testimony before my team meant everything. Sure, I was on the field to play, but I was also on the team to be light. Football was a hard sport. It was violent. We needed light because sometimes it was dark. I was glad I’d had that talk with Pastor Johnson. It turned me around and gave me what I needed to hold my head up high as a Christian on this field.
The coin toss fell in our favor. We had the ball. In the third quarter of the game, I scored a touchdown. I dropped to my knees and thanked God again. The applause from the crowd was insane. I was back. I was better. I was the Stephen Pierce I was created to be.
Chapter 48
“This cold is so disrespectful it’s blasphemous.” Kim’s teeth chattered on every word. “I can’t believe black people live up here.”
The other bridesmaids, two of my cousins, rolled their eyes at her back. They’d been living a few towns over from Pine, with the rest of my father’s family, their entire lives.
“The snow is pretty. It’s the perfect backdrop for our pictures.” I shifted into the place the photographer’s assistant instructed me.
“Why can’t we take pictures inside?” Kim cried again. It had only been five minutes since her previous protest.
“We just came from inside.” I laughed. “Stephen and I grew up with snow. We want pictures with snow, so stop tripping.”
“I’m from New Orleans,” Kim said to the assistant. “Y’all hurry up.”
I laughed again. “Girl, you ain’t been out here ten minutes. Pull yourself together.”
“We’re ready,” the assistant said speaking into a lapel microphone. She moved off camera and the photographer took a set of group photos. When he was finished, he said, “All done for now.”
The assistant directed us inside. We hustled into the church and were met with a blast of warm air from a large heater that had been set up in the rear vestibule.
The skirt that had been clipped under my dress to protect it from the snow was removed. All of our faces were powdered again and one of the hostesses offered us warm cider.
“The next time you have an event up here, you make sure it’s late spring or summer,” Kim insisted.
I laughed. “You were one of the people encouraging me to get married where and how I wanted.”
“Well, if I had known you were going to do it on a glacier, I would have encouraged you to do a wedding moon in Jamaica.”
“We’re done with the bride, but we’ll need the rest of you to come back out for photos with the men when they’re done.”
I looked at Kim. “Do not curse in this church.”
After the men took their photos, my party went back out to join them for more pictures. In the presence of the men, I noticed Kim didn’t appear to be complaining as much. She seemed to be dealing with the temperature just fine.
“Girl, you a mess,” I whispered.
“Those two are interested in each other.” My father’s voice came from behind me.
I turned. “I didn’t know you were there.”
“Watching,” he said. “I love weddings. They’re the highlight of being a pastor.”
“So, who are the two you think are interested in each other?” I asked, looking at the small group.
“Your friend and Stephen’s best man.”
I squinted for a better look. “Kim and Clyde?”
“Oh yes,” my father said. “I’m an expert. I can always see when there’s a spark in the wedding party.”
I looked at the two of them. Kim was adjusting Clyde’s tie. Sixty-four teeth were showing between them. They had been flirting at the rehearsal dinner last night. Kim had asked me who he was.
“Hmmm…” I murmured. “I guess we’ll see.”
My fathe
r took my arm and looked me up and down. “You are a beautiful bride, baby girl.” His eyes were misty. “Your mother would be so proud.”
I wagged a finger at him. “Don’t make me cry.”
He chuckled. “I wanted to talk to you for a moment.” He reached into his pocket and removed a small pearl broach. He raised it eye-level and turned it back and forth in his hand. “Your mother wore this on our wedding day.”
I reached for it. “I remember seeing it in pictures. It’s beautiful.”
“It’s made from paste,” he said matter-of-factly. “Your mother’s dress was plain. We didn’t have any money. We stopped in Belk’s Department store and went to the jewelry counter to find something to dress it up with. They had a lot of fancier stuff, but it wasn’t in the budget.” He tilted his head. “Her family had lost all their heirlooms in a house fire when she was a teenager.”
“The one that killed her father.”
Daddy nodded. “And her mother. I mean, she was heartbroken. She didn’t live much more than a few years after he died. Heartache is poison, Tamar.”
I knew what he meant.
Struggling to wrangle his emotions, he cleared his throat. “We’ve all had our fair share of it. I’m glad you’re home. I’m glad you and Stephen and Isaiah have reunited. I’m glad you’re happy, baby.”
My eyes filled with tears. “I’m not supposed to cry.”
“I know. I’m not going to say anymore. I’ll save it for a toast. But I wanted to give you this. Something old.” He smiled again. “Love each other. Fight for the love. Never run.”
I nodded. “I promise, daddy.”
“That’s my girl.” He reached for a tissue from the nearby holder and handed it to me. “I think you’re okay, but just in case.”
I took it and wrapped my arms around him. “I love you.”
“I love you too, baby girl. I’ll see you in a few.”
Chapter 49
My chest filled with love and pride as Tamar's father walked her down the aisle. Save for the few flicks to the left and right at the guests, her eyes connected solidly with mine. Tamar and I were already joined as one. We had been since we sat on the backsteps of this church, eating Jolly Ranchers, at the age of six. I knew she was special. I knew she would be in my life forever, even then. This ceremony was important, but it was a formality. We moved through it seamlessly with me saying my vows first.
“I vow to share my life with you as both a lover and a friend, I promise to support your dreams. To share and help you achieve all your goals. I promise before God and this company that I will never allow anything to break the bond between us and God. I will live a life completely submitted to God and to our covenant. I will love and cherish you in good times and difficult times and honor you always until death separates us.”
Her eyes sparkled like the ring I slid on her finger. “I love you, Tay, today and forever. Thank you for agreeing to be my wife.”
Tamar blinked and a lone tear escaped and slid down her cheek. I raised my hand and wiped it. Tamar raised a hand to cover mine. She leaned into my hand, kissed it, and pulled it down to hold it while she said her vows.
“Stephen, you still haven’t given me my two dollars.”
I chuckled and so did a few other people in the sanctuary.
“But I owe you so much more. You are an amazing man. You’re more than I ever could have hoped for, dreamed for, or had the wisdom to ask God for. I promise to love you, respect you, honor you, and partner with you through the good days and the tough days. I will humbly and happily submit to your leadership because I know God is the head of your life. He will never fail you, and you will never fail me. We will succeed in faith together. I promise to be your biggest cheerleader. Your greatest fan, a gentle critic, and loving support to you. I will spend every day of our lives appreciating our journey together. I vow to never give up on our love.”
Tamar slid a ring on my finger.
I clasped her hands, raised them to my lips, and kissed them. A murmur of appreciation swept through the sanctuary. There were more words. Words I barely heard and then the assistant pastor pronounced us man and wife.
God, she’s my wife. “You’re my wife,” I whispered.
Tamar smiled and I leaned in for my “welcome to my world forever” kiss.
Our guest clapped and whistled. I pulled her into my arms. We walked up the aisle into our future.
Chapter 50
The limo ride from Pine to New York City wasn’t long enough for Stephen and me. We made love with our hearts and words and kisses. We napped and briefly and woke up aware that we were wearing each other’s rings and beginning our lives together.
Our arrival at the Legacy Hotel was met with a complete court press. Lights from cameras popped and bounced off the impressive rock on my finger. The large diamond earrings Stephen had given to me as a wedding present were like glittering glacial rock in the lighted tunnel we stepped through from the car to the entrance. I could see them gleaming in my peripheral vision.
Clad in a form-fitting gown in my favorite shade of deep purple, I walked down the long, white, carpeted foyer of the venue with my husband. Once inside, thousands of gold balloons and confetti fell from the ceiling and our crowd of guests applauded.
Stephen and I greeted countless people, took pictures, accepted congratulations, and we danced. There was a decadent menu. Deniece and her crew had made sure we had the best of everything. Most of the remaining cake, a pretty confection with an elaborate gold and purple trim, had been cut into pieces and boxed up for the guests to take home.
Stephen and I had just finished taking some photos for Essence magazine when one of his teammates moved to the area in front of the stage.
“Can I have your attention,” he bellowed into a microphone. Ten other players joined in around him.
He looked in our direction. “Tamar, we welcome you to the family. Let me tell you, we love you already because we can see you have made him a better man. So as part of this here Giant’s family, you have to get used to surprises.”
Stephen let go of my hand. He smiled and joined his teammates.
“What are you doing?” I mouthed the words.
He shook his head. Kim appeared behind me with a chair.
“Sit down, girl.” She was in on whatever was about to happen, so I took my seat. A member of Deniece’s staff pushed a chair next to me, and Kim sat too.
“What is happening?” I asked through clenched teeth.
“Just wait for it,” she responded.
The stage to the left rotated and the curtain opened to a large piano. John Legend and a band were on the stage.
“Oh, my goodness!” I shrieked and popped to my feet. My favorite artist.
John greeted everyone. Then he said, “This is a special version of one of my songs that I would only do for a brother as righteous as Stephen Pierce. Tamar, our congratulations on your marriage. I pray you and Stephen have every happiness.”
I covered my mouth and sat down. He was going to play for us. My heart was pounding out of my chest.
The music to “Tonight Will Be The Best You’ve Ever Had” began, but instead of using the words best you’ve ever had, John sang, “blessed you ever had.” Stephen and his team began to dance.
I hollered. They had choreographed an entire routine to the words. And they had it together - complete with all kinds of props and smooth moves.
Kim leaned over and whispered, “If you don’t introduce me to one of those Giants, I’m going to kill you.”
I laughed without taking my eyes off the show. “Are you sure you haven’t met your Giant? You seemed pretty friendly with Clyde.”
I cast a quick glance in Clyde’s direction. He was standing right near the area where they were performing.
Kim puckered her lips before speaking. “He’s good looking, and if he’s getting a percentage of Stephen’s bank, I know he’s rich, so I gave him my number
. But if it doesn’t go anywhere, I’m coming for you.”
The music keyed down. Stephen and his team were done dancing. Most of the guests were standing, but the few who weren’t now were, and everyone applauded their performance.
Stephen and John shook hands, and John came down the stage to me. I stood. He gave me a hug and congratulated me. I nearly melted. I loved his music so much.
“This was such a sweet surprise,” I cried.
Stephen raised an open hand, and I took it. Breathless he asked, “You liked?”
“I loved,” I said. “And John Legend?”
“Only the best for you,” he said with his whole heart. “I promise you you’ll never have a dull moment with me.”
I dropped my head back and squinted. “Don’t work too hard at it. I could use a dull moment with you, sir.”
He chuckled. “Well, you’re not going to get it tonight. This party is officially over for us. It’s time for the honeymoon.”
Stephen turned into the crowd. He waved. I waved. The wedding coordinator told everyone to wish us well and they did. We exited the room and the hotel through the tunnel we’d entered through. Once inside the limo, Stephen knocked on the glass partition that separated us from the driver. The music to John Legend’s “Best You Ever Had” filled the speakers. A darkened privacy glass lowered. My husband took me in his arms and whispered, “All right, Mrs. Pierce, game on.”
The end
Look for the “Winter Baby” December 2019, and have you read the first book in the Restoration Series? The Winter Reunion is available now. Read the excerpt after the Reader Discussion Guide.
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Reader Discussion Guide
Tamar had her reasons for not telling Stephen about her pregnancy. Anger, fear, and shame played a big role in her choices, but ultimately, she was protecting his football scholarship. What do you think about her decision?
The Winter Wedding Page 27