Texas Weddings 3 & 4

  “How did you manage to pull this off?” she whispered in his ear.

  “I had a little help.” He gestured to their parents, and her cheeks reddened once again. She looked at her mother in shock. “You knew about this?”

  Mrs. Alexander nodded. “Sure did.”

  “And you?” Shauna looked at his mother, amazement sweeping over her like a flood.

  “Yep.” Laura Dougherty flashed a broad smile.

  Shauna looked down at her finger then back up at Kent. “I’m so happy, I just don’t know what to say.”

  “Hey now, I thought I was the one who struggled to come up with the right thing to say.” He wrapped her in his arms.

  “You’re great with words,” she reminded him. “Remember that awesome poem you wrote me?”

  Kent groaned. “That was awful.”

  “No.” She looked at him with great seriousness. “It was beautiful. And you know what else is beautiful?”

  “What?”

  “She is.” Shauna pointed down to the end of the table, where Charity sat eating her piece of cake. “Our daughter.”

  Our daughter. Kent’s eyes filled up nearly as quickly as the idea registered fully. Charity would soon have a mother. And he would soon have a wife.

  epilogue

  “How are you feeling, son?” Kent looked up as he heard his mother’s voice.

  “I’m great.” In fact, he didn’t remember ever feeling more joy or peace.

  “Where are all those groomsmen of yours? Did they chicken out?” She looked around the room.

  “I have a sneaking suspicion they snuck out to sabotage my car.” Kent looked at his watch. “They made a commitment to be back in the room in five minutes.” He fumbled with his necktie, but nerves got the better of him. He couldn’t seem to get it straight, no matter how many times he tried.

  His mother came closer to help him out. “I just came from seeing Shauna.”

  “You did?” His heart felt as if it had elevated into his throat. “How is she? Is she nervous? What does she look like? I’m sure she’s beautiful.”

  “Whoa, whoa!” His mother laughed. “Too many questions. And I’m not giving away a thing. You’ll discover all of the answers yourself in just a few minutes.”

  Kent sighed. “Okay.”

  She continued to work on his tie as she spoke. “You should hear all of the conversations going on out in the sanctuary.”

  “Are there a lot of people?”

  His mother smiled. “I think you’re going to be stunned. The place is packed out. And they’re still coming in, if you can believe it.” She continued to maneuver his tie as she spoke.

  “Really?” Kent looked at his watch. “It’s only a quarter till three. We don’t start for fifteen minutes.”

  His mother shrugged. “I know. But they all are entertaining themselves by watching that photo slide presentation you and Shauna put together on the overhead projection screen. I’ve never heard so many chuckles, especially when they saw that picture of you in first grade with no teeth.” His mother stepped back to examine the tie then untied it and began again.

  Kent groaned. “I didn’t want to use that picture, but Shauna insisted. She thought it was cute.”

  “It is,” his mother agreed. “You were adorable then, and you’re adorable now.” She gave him a pat on the shoulder.

  “I thought you said I was a tough case as a kid,” he reminded her.

  “True.” She spoke with a hint of laughter in her voice. “But time has affected my memory.”

  Her words struck a chord. “Time has affected my memory, too,” he had to confess. “My painful memories of losing Faith are fading. New memories are taking their place. I’m so grateful for that. I don’t ever want to forget Faith—and I’m sure I never will—but I’m happy to forget the pain. I really think the worst is behind me now. I feel like I can look to the future without that”—he stumbled a bit over the words—“without that lump in my throat. You know?”

  “I do know.” His mother reached to hug his neck then spoke with tears in her eyes. “I can’t help but think that time is a part of God’s plan to extend mercy to His children. How else could we walk through such stormy times and still come out on the other side with so few scars? Time heals our wounds. It presses yesterday further away and brings us one step closer to tomorrow. It gives us hope to dream again, to believe again.”

  Kent thought about her words for a moment before responding. “Mom, sometimes I think you missed your calling.”

  Her eyes narrowed in confusion. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean,” he looked at her with as serious a face as he could manage, “that you should have been the preacher, not me.”

  She chuckled then responded with a hint of laughter in her voice. “Are you kidding me? I can’t imagine handling a job like that. No, thank you!” Her expression suddenly grew quite serious. “But I know that you can because you were called to this. God called you to lead this particular flock, and you answered the call. I’m so proud of you, and so blessed and honored that you love the Lord and serve Him with your whole heart.”

  Kent shook his head in disbelief. “The whole thing just boggles my mind, especially when I think of where I’ve come from.”

  “It shouldn’t.” She took him by the hand. “Look to the Bible as your example. God took ordinary men—men who had made mistakes, no less—and used them. That’s how He works. If we waited for Him to use perfect people, we’d be waiting a mighty long time.”

  “You’re right. He’s a God of second chances.” Thank You, Lord. Thank You for not giving up on me during the teen years. Thank You for not giving up on Josh Ebert. Thank You for not letting me give up on Charity during the terrible twos. Thank You for giving a second chance at love. Thank You for bringing Shauna into my life and for giving me the courage to dream again, to hope again. You are an awesome God!

  His mother looked him in the eye. “And He’ll give you even more chances when you make mistakes in the future. His grace is sufficient, even for that.”

  Kent nodded in understanding. “That’s what gets me through. That, and the love of the people in this church.” His heart swelled as he thought about the people in his congregation. Young and old, they had embraced him with their love, their understanding, and their enthusiasm.

  “They love you,” she said. “I hear their comments. They’re amazed at all you’ve accomplished in such a short time. And they adore Shauna. She’ll make a perfect pastor’s wife.”

  “I agree.” How could anyone not love her? She’s unbelievable.

  “Her love for children is evident. You should see how many toddlers you’ve got in attendance today.”

  Kent chuckled. “Should make things exciting.”

  “No doubt. But speaking of children, did Shauna say how she felt about your suggestion to start a Mother’s Day Out program at the church next year?”

  “She loved it.” Kent couldn’t help but smile as he remembered Shauna’s joyful expression. “And she’ll make an awesome director.”

  “I’m sure of it. When I see how wonderful she is with Charity, I can’t help but think she’ll make an awesome mother, as well.”

  “She will.” He smiled. “But even if she struggles a little with that, it won’t make any difference. She loves Charity, and that’s what matters.”

  “Speaking of Charity,” his mother interjected, “did you remember to pack her bag?”

  “Yes. And I can’t thank you and Andrew enough for keeping her while we’re on our honeymoon.”

  “It’s not Charity I’m worried about.” His mother groaned. “It’s that new puppy of hers.”

  Kent grinned. “He’ll grow on you. I’m sure of it.”

  “That may take some doing, but if you say so. . .”

  The door swung open and five anxious groomsmen entered the room, faces blazing with excitement. Kent couldn’t help but wonder what they had been up to. His mother said her good-byes and turned to
walk out of the door.

  Kent’s heart beat with excitement as he faced his friends. They spent a few moments together in prayer with his friend and mentor Pastor Meeks leading the way. As they walked together toward the sanctuary, Kent brushed tears from his eyes. How could he contain such joy?

  ***

  Shauna fumbled at the iridescent pearl buttons on the back of her white lace wedding dress. The organist began the familiar music.

  “Are you ready?” Her father beamed with pride as he reached to take her by the arm.

  Shauna nodded with a full heart. She had always dreamed of a June wedding. And a big church wedding, no less!

  As the doors to the sanctuary opened, the somewhat-nervous bride let her gaze focus on Kent. Her heart skipped a beat, anticipating the moment when they would be husband and wife. God had given her the desires of her heart—a husband and a precious daughter.

  Kent had already taken his place at the front. He looked more handsome than she could have imagined. His eyes widened as Shauna made her way down the aisle in the white Victorian lace dress.

  “New beginnings. . .” the Holy Spirit whispered to her heart.

  Shauna marched slowly, methodically, eyes twinkling beneath the lace veil. Kent’s mother and father sat in the front pew, holding little Charity.

  “Mama!” the youngster shouted loudly as Shauna passed by.

  Several members of the congregation let out a chuckle. A few even laughed out loud.

  “Shh!” Laura Dougherty warned, putting her finger over Charity’s lips.

  Shauna winked at the precious little girl who was soon to become her own daughter. “I love you,” she whispered.

  Charity giggled and hid her face behind her hands. “Wub you!”

  Shauna fought to stay focused, though the giggles of her many students kept a smile on her face. Who cares if they’re a little disruptive? She loved them all and wouldn’t have let this day go by without even one.

  Pastor Meeks took his place front and center as Shauna’s father placed her hand in Kent Chapman's. “The scriptures tell us ‘One can put a thousand to flight; but two can put ten thousand to flight,’ ” the elderly pastor reminded the congregation. “And that’s why we’re here today.”

  For the next few minutes, Shauna lost all track of time. She also lost track of those around her. Her gaze met Kent’s in a magical connection. His eyes seemed to dance with joy.

  She and Kent shared handwritten vows publicly, each pouring out their heart to the other. The carefully crafted vows brought tears to the eyes of many in attendance, but Shauna and Kent shared something far more intimate between the two of them. They shared a private communication that superseded anything yet spoken.

  I’m really no good at putting words on paper. She could practically hear Kent speaking the now-familiar phrase.

  Oh, yes you are. She sent the message through her smile. I can read your heart right now, and I love what I’m reading.

  “You may kiss the bride.” The pastor spoke the anticipated words, but it was too late. Kent had already taken her in his arms, their hearts and souls linked. They shared the joy of the moment as the pastor continued on: “I would like to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Kent Chapman.”

  The congregation began to celebrate aloud. The couple faced the crowd, and Shauna’s heart soared. From the front row, her beautiful daughter let out a squeal and sprang from the pew to join them at the front of the church. Kent attempted to scold the youngster but seemed unable to calm her down. He looked at Shauna with an apologetic shrug.

  Shauna took advantage of the opportunity to reach down and scoop up Charity, her sweet Charity. With her daughter’s arms encircling her neck and her husband’s hand firmly clasped in her own, they made their way down the aisle—stepping out of the past and into the future.

  TEXAS WEDDINGS

  BOOK FOUR

  Banking On Love

  By

  Janice Thompson

  DEDICATION:

  This book is dedicated to the memory of my beautiful niece, Shannon, who suffered a significant brain injury as a result of a head-on collision. She fought the good fight and taught us how to stay strong, even in the midst of tragedy.

  Table of Contents

  Banking on Love

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  one

  Kellie Fisher pulled the keys from her purse and sprinted across the parking garage in search of her new sports car. “I was on level two.” She looked around, confused. “Right? Or was that yesterday?” Her days, filled from morning to night with work, all seemed to run together into a dizzying haze. She could hardly remember her own name, let alone where she had parked the car.

  She glanced at her watch and groaned. 6:47 P.M. In exactly thirteen minutes, in a beautiful downtown hotel ballroom, her husband would be honored for his work at Siefert and Collins, one of the busiest oil and gas accounting firms in the state of Texas. He would deliver a speech that she had helped him craft. And she would miss it, if even the slightest thing went wrong. Finding the car was critical to her survival.

  She took the elevator to the next level and located the vehicle at once. The beautiful silver sports car gleamed—a gem among the oceans of cars in the parking garage. Still, it was little consolation for her tardiness. “Please Lord,” she prayed aloud as she climbed inside, “Please don’t let there be any traffic. Just this once.”

  The new car started with ease and Kellie eased her way through the traffic in the parking garage, fingers gripping the steering wheel. As she pulled out onto Westheimer, one of Houston’s busiest streets, a sea of cars greeted her. Horns honked. Drivers shouted. An officer, face etched with frustration, directed traffic at the corner.

  Kellie slapped herself in the head. “Not tonight. I can’t be late. I just can’t.” If she missed even a minute of tonight’s event, she would have a hard time forgiving herself. I can’t let Nathan down. I just can’t.

  Then again, maybe she could use this time wisely. Kellie glanced in the rearview mirror and groaned. Her short blonde hair needed a good brushing and her cheeks, usually tanned and healthy, looked as if they hadn’t seen the light of day in months. I’ll have to get to the tanning salon. Soon. In the meantime, a little blush would have to do.

  She stuck her hand in her purse and fished around for the tiny hairbrush. Once found, she pulled it out and ran it through her hair. She opened a tiny silver compact and swept soft rosy blush along each cheekbone. “There. Much better.”

  A whistle blew several times and Kellie realized she’d been holding up traffic. She groaned and shot forward a few short feet, waving her apology at the police officer.

  “It’s not like we’re really making progress,” she grumbled. And it’s not like I’m going to get there by seven, either.

  In the three years since she and Nathan had been married, Kellie rarely made it to an event on time. Her reputation for being fashionably late irritated Nathan, but what could she do about it? Since taking on the job at Walsh and Weston, Houston’s largest full-service brokerage firm, she scarcely had time to breathe, let alone eat or spend quality time with her husband. Her emotions ran up and down with the stock market, the highs and lows nearly taking her captive at times.

  “We’ll have more time together once things settle down.” She spoke the words aloud to reassure herself, as always. In the meantime, she and Nathan would continu
e to build bank accounts, develop portfolios and elevate their status on the job.

  “Everything in its time.” And time was critical, especially now.

  She took a quick left onto a back street and wound her way through an upscale neighborhood, shooting for the tiny street that would empty into the west end of downtown. Kellie looked at the homes in awe as she sailed past them. One day she and Nathan would own a house like one of these. They would sell their condominium and move up. When the children came.

  “Everything in its time.” She repeated the words again and glanced at the clock. 6:57. Three minutes. She focused on the road and forged ahead. Gratefully, traffic seemed to be of little issue now.

  Kellie allowed her thoughts to ramble a bit. She offered up a scattered prayer for Nathan, knowing his nerves were probably a jumbled mess as he prepared to face the crowd to speak. He always seemed to struggle with recognition and notoriety. As they had worked together on his speech late into the night, she could sense his edginess and slight embarrassment.

  “You’d better get used to it,” she had encouraged. “By the time all is said and done, you’re going to be CEO. You’ll be giving lots of speeches.”

  He responded with a shy smile and a slight shrug. “You’d better be praying a lot, then.”

  “I am.”

  And she did pray for him. Every day, in fact. As she traveled back and forth to work, Kellie offered up words of thanks for the awesome man the Lord had dropped in her lap three years earlier while living in the Dallas area. At the time they’d met, Nathan had been engaged to someone else.

  But God. . .

  The Lord clearly had other plans. And the Lord had led them every step of the way through these first few years of marital bliss. He’d opened doors for them to move back to Houston, prepared the way for her job at Walsh and Weston, and had ultimately swung wide the doors for Nathan to move up quickly at Seifert and Collins.

  Kellie was extremely proud of her husband’s accomplishments, especially his ever-growing desire to help the underdogs he encountered along the way. She saw his commitment to the firm—and to her—and thanked God that they had found one another.