Chasing Faith

  Sebastian locked eyes with me for a moment, then continued to pan the crowd. “I figured I would do it the right way, God’s way, or not do it at all. I’d want to earn the people’s trust. I’d make them glad they chose me to serve.”

  While Sebastian was speaking, I looked at the faces of the people. Every eye in the room was on my man.

  “I recently found myself in a position where I had to choose between family and a lie, and the truth. It was an extremely difficult decision. But I believe I made the right choice.”

  He looked across the room at me, and it was as though he was standing next to me, looking deeply into my eyes. “Having passed that test, I have the confidence to believe that I can be a great leader. I’m not going to compromise my dignity for anybody. In fact,” he said with a barely perceptible glance at the governor, “I was asked tonight to resign from the race for lieutenant governor.”

  People gasped.

  “If I had any doubt that I could serve the people of Georgia well, I would have withdrawn my name from the race. But I believe God has called me to do this. Whether I win or lose, I’m standing for something with my campaign—integrity.”

  The room erupted with applause. When the crowd calmed down, he continued. “There has been too much bullying and corruption and self-centeredness in our state. I want to get back to the dream I had as a little boy. In two days you will all be going to the polls to vote. I don’t know what the outcome will be, but I promise you my name will be on the ballot.”

  He received a standing ovation. I sprang to my feet and joined in the applause. My only regret was that I didn’t live in Georgia, so I couldn’t vote for this amazing man.

  When he came back to our table, I hugged him tight, the crowd still cheering.

  Election day was crazy. Calls came in constantly from all over the state, including reports of the poll results in various counties. Reporters from television stations, magazines, and newspapers were calling to get interviews.

  Sebastian granted a few interviews, then returned to campaign headquarters. Together we prayed that whatever the outcome, God would get the glory. He was still a long-shot since he had just been involved in a national scandal. But he wanted this, and he wanted it badly.

  He paced the large ballroom, passing by his campaign staff and friends. We were all watching the election results on TV. His assistant and the campaign manager and other supporters and staff members wandered in and out. I stood in a corner and prayed all day. I hoped my presence was helping him get through this.

  Every now and then he’d glance at me with those warm eyes that said things his mouth couldn’t because we were in a public place. I could tell that my being there for him relieved some of his anxiety.

  I tried calling my mom but just got the answering machine. I called Eden. Same thing. As I began leaving a message for her, she picked up and started sobbing hysterically.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked, trying to sound calm.

  “The doctor just told us we can’t have children because I have endometriosis.”

  “What’s endometriosis?”

  “It’s a condition in which tissue resembling the uterine lining is growing in my abdomen.”

  “Oh, Eden, I’m so sorry,” I said.

  “Don’t be—it’s not anyone’s fault. It just happens sometimes.”

  “Can’t they do surgery or something to allow you to have children?”

  “No, there’s no cure—only treatment.”

  Everyone around me erupted into loud cheering.

  “What’s going on?” I hollered with my mouth away from the phone.

  “The preliminary polls came out,” replied one of the campaign workers. “The margin’s a lot tighter than anyone predicted. We’re only down by three hundred votes, and the African-American precincts aren’t even in yet!”

  Sebastian rushed over to me, his face radiating joy. He picked me up and twirled me around, kissing my cheek. “I might have a real shot,” he cried, not even seeing the phone in my hand.

  I was happy for him, but devastated for Eden. When Sebastian took off, I put the phone back to my ear. “I’m back now. Sorry about that.”

  “Sounds like there’s good stuff going on over there.”

  “Yeah, there is. But what about you?”

  “Oh, don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. God knows what He’s doing.”

  I was shocked by Eden’s statement but glad she was trying to deal with the situation. “I love you,” I told her.

  “I love you, too,” she said.

  After hanging up, I hurried over to the TV to join the others. More votes were coming in for Sebastian. His numbers were going up rapidly. With forty-five percent of the votes in, the independent candidate dropped off the charts. I grabbed Sebastian’s hand.

  Three intense hours later, the votes were confirmed. Sebastian won with fifty-seven percent of the votes. The crowd went crazy, blowing on party whistles and throwing confetti in the air. Everyone yelled and screamed, celebrating the victory. His acceptance speech was excellent.

  A little later we went upstairs to his hotel suite with his press secretary and campaign manager. We all sat down and watched the presidential election on television. It took a little longer to get the presidential votes in. Reverend Stokes lost with only nineteen percent of the vote.

  “I’m so proud of you!” I exclaimed.

  “I want to call my dad,” he said quietly, obviously torn.

  “Then do it,” I suggested.

  “What should I say?” he asked, touching the hotel phone.

  “God will give you the right words.”

  Before he could use the phone, it rang. A campaign worker called to ask him to come back downstairs. As soon as we got downstairs, the press barged up to us. Loyal supporters streamed in behind them, eager to congratulate the new lieutenant governor of the state of Georgia.

  Sebastian put on a happy face, but I could tell he was sad because his family couldn’t be there to share in his victory.

  During his interview with the reporters, Savannah walked in. Sebastian’s eyes lit up—he ended the interview and hugged his sister.

  “Congratulations,” she squealed, giving him a big hug. “You made history. The first black lieutenant governor of Georgia.”

  “And the youngest, too,” he added.

  “I knew that you could do it,” she said. “Hey, I brought some people with me who want to see you.”

  Sebastian followed her gaze. There in the doorway stood his parents. Mrs. Stokes held her arms out. After the briefest moment of hesitation, Sebastian ran into her embrace, and they cried together.

  “We’re proud of you, son,” Reverend Stokes said, patting him on the back.

  Tears flowed all around the room.

  “Speech!” the crowd chanted.

  As my man took his rightful place as the center of attention, with his mom and dad on either side of him, I thanked God for bringing them back together.

  “You know, God is good,” he said.

  Several people shouted, “Amen!”

  “He has worked a miracle, done the impossible. No one thought I could be the next lieutenant governor of this state, but it seems like it’s the Lord’s will. Thank you, voters!”

  Everyone in the place shouted.

  Sebastian thanked everyone who’d helped in his campaign, including every person who had voted for him. Then he gave a passionate description of some of the initial things he was going to do in office. “Integrity at its best, working for the people, produces great results.”

  As the crowd cheered again, I saw Sebastian looking around. When they had settled down a little, he continued. “Most of you have been following the romantic adventures between myself and Miss Christian Ware.”

  “Where is she?” someone hollered from behind me.

  “That’s what I’d like to know,” he said with a chuckle.

  Everyone looked around. I raised my hand and waved. Someone nudged me forwa
rd and the crowd moved out of my way.

  When I reached the platform, Sebastian took me into his arms.

  “This lady has captured my heart,” he announced. “She’s given me back something I had lost: belief in myself. She gave me something to fight for. Thanks to her, I know I am where the Lord wants me to be. I could not have won this election if she hadn’t encouraged me.”

  The people in the room started shouting and clapping for me.

  “You know, I was so sure I’d be defeated tonight that I had planned to do something special with this young lady to take my mind off of my loss.”

  Everyone laughed and clapped again.

  “But my plans seem even more appropriate now.” He looked deeply into my eyes. “Because the only way I want to be lieutenant governor is if I have this woman by my side as my wife.”

  I gasped.

  He reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a small black box. When he opened it, I saw a gorgeous diamond sparkle. “Christian Ware,” he said, kneeling, “will you marry me?”

  The crowd held its breath. I was so choked up I couldn’t speak right away. I just stared at that beautiful ring.

  He stood, smiling into my eyes. “I know you’ve been on your own for a long time, but I think we make a pretty good team. I don’t want that to end. So I’m asking you to step out in faith. If you say yes, you’ll make me even happier than the voters of Georgia did tonight.”

  I couldn’t get the words out of my mouth because I was so choked up and shocked.

  Everyone started cheering. Someone called out, “Say yes!” A women hollered, “If you don’t, I will!” Everyone laughed. Several other voices shouted encouragements.

  “Go ahead!”

  “Do it!”

  “Go for it!”

  A few people whistled.

  It all felt like a dream. Sebastian Stokes had proposed to me! Just thinking about it sent me on a natural high.

  Chapter 17

  Peak

  The crowd was waiting for my answer. I just stood on the platform in a daze. I tried to snap out of it but couldn’t. It was as if I were watching it all happen to someone else.

  Sebastian reached for my hand. Everyone was silent, waiting for my answer.

  He slid closer, still bent on one knee, and kissed my hand passionately. “I love you more than my next breath. You know me better than any soul on earth. I simply must spend the rest of my life with you. Say you’ll be my wife?”

  With tears flowing down my cheeks, I moved both my hands to the sides of his face, bent forward, and kissed him hard on the lips. The crowd cheered our public display of affection.

  A woman from the crowd grabbed the mic. “So, what’s your answer?”

  I gazed deep into his eyes. “Yes,” I whispered. Then I yelled, “Of course I’ll marry you!”

  Sebastian picked me up and twirled me around.

  “Thank You, Lord!” I cried out, but my voice was nearly drowned out by the joyful screams of the crowd.

  Sebastian grabbed my hand and raised it in the air with his. I felt like we could do anything together. I looked at his parents, sitting straight up in their chairs, glaring at me. Their expressions of disapproval, disgust, and downright displeasure couldn’t have been more obvious.

  What in the world had I agreed to?

  I’m not marrying them, I thought. Or was I?

  The television camera got up close, and Sebastian kissed me again as the crowd cheered us on.

  Sebastian looked into the camera. “This lovely lady has always had obstacles in her way. She has overcome them, and she’s taught me how to be an overcomer, too. We both know there’s nothing we can’t do as long as God is guiding our way.” He took my hand. “The Lord put this union together, and with Christian’s help, I’m going to be the best public servant you’ve ever had.”

  The crowd went crazy again.

  “We’ll be around here until dawn, so I want every single one of you to come up and say hello, let me thank you personally, and allow me to introduce you to my fiancée. Enjoy the evening!”

  As the group applauded, Sebastian hugged me again. Then everyone started talking and dancing to the soothing sounds of the funky jazz band.

  A local deli donated food and sodas to the campaign headquarters to help us celebrate Sebastian’s win and our engagement.

  As we were in the middle of enjoying our delicious sandwiches, Sebastian’s parents came up to us. “Son, I need to talk to you,” Reverend Stokes said. He did not look happy.

  Sebastian kissed my cheek, squeezed my hand, got up, and led his father into his office. Mrs. Stokes stood there and glared at me, her mouth a thin, tight line.

  “Well, I guess I’m going to be marrying your son,” I said politely, using a napkin to wipe my mouth. “I know you don’t like me very much, but I think it’s best if we try to get along—for Sebastian’s sake, if nothing else.”

  “My son simply isn’t thinking straight right now. If he were, he would not even consider marrying a girl like you. You’re hardly his caliber.”

  I stood and faced her down. “Mrs. Stokes, if you try to come between us, you’ll lose.”

  “I am his mother. You just remember that. If you give me the proper respect, we might just be able to get along.” Mrs. Stokes pointed into the crowd. “Now, do you know that young man my daughter is talking to?”

  I looked where she was indicating and saw Savannah talking with her boyfriend, Bruce.

  “Nice-looking fellow,” I said, messing with her.

  Just as Savannah and her boyfriend were about to kiss, Mrs. Stokes left me standing there and stomped up to them. I stayed where I was and watched, hoping there wasn’t going to be a big scene.

  “Hello,” she said in a high-pitched voice. “I’m Vivian Stokes, Savannah’s mother.” Bruce took a step away from Savannah and gave Mrs. Stokes his full attention.

  “You must know my daughter quite well to be kissing her in public, but I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you.”

  Poor Savannah. She had hidden him away from her parents for so long, not letting any of her family know how much her heart belonged to him. She must have gotten swept up in the moment and forgotten that her parents were present.

  “What is your name, young man?” Mrs. Stokes asked.

  “Mom,” Savannah interjected, “this is a good friend of mine from school.”

  Bruce looked at Savannah with disappointed eyes.

  Mrs. Stokes gasped and put a hand on her chest. “You went to Morehouse? Are you in graduate school somewhere locally then?”

  “No, ma’am, I coach football at Morehouse.”

  Mrs. Stokes’s excited face fell like a soufflé. Bruce pretended not to notice. He started telling Mrs. Stokes about his hopes and dreams. Personally, I thought he was a very articulate and charismatic speaker. And I was impressed by his desire to be a football coach. He was teaching young men how to be leaders. Taking responsibility for the future is a noble job.

  “Anyone need something to drink?” he asked. Savannah requested a soda, and Bruce went to get it. Mrs. Stokes grabbed Savannah’s arm. “What do you think you’re doing?” she seethed.

  “Mom, don’t you think you need to be with Dad right now? He just lost the biggest election of a lifetime by a landslide. You should be with him, making sure he’s okay, not worrying about what’s going on with my love life.”

  “So, you have a love life now?”

  “Yes, Mother, I do,” Savannah said, rolling her eyes.

  “Coaches don’t make any money. I bet he can’t even afford to pay his rent.”

  “He makes twenty-nine thousand a year,” Savannah said.

  “That kind of salary couldn’t cover half of your mortgage payment.”

  Savannah looked like she was about to cry. “Mom, can’t you just be glad I have somebody who loves me?”

  “No,” Mrs. Stokes shouted. “What good is love if you have no money to pay the bills? Darling, I know you think y
ou’re in love with this man, but there are several delightful gentlemen here this evening that I’d like to introduce you to.”

  “Don’t you understand?” Savannah yelled, tears streaming down her face. “I’m not interested in meeting someone else.”

  Noticing that people were staring at them, Mrs. Stokes pulled a handkerchief from her bag and handed it to her daughter. “Let’s not talk about this now,” she said quietly. “We can get together tomorrow for tea and discuss this further.”

  “I don’t want to have tea with you,” Savannah cried.

  Mrs. Stokes turned to me. “You may join us if you like.”

  I raised an eyebrow, surprised she even knew I was still there, and shocked that she would invite me to tea with her and her daughter.

  “Please,” Savannah begged me.

  “Sure, sounds great,” I said.

  “I’ll make reservations at the Ritz Carlton restaurant for one o’clock.”

  I thanked her for the invitation and she took off as if she had a very important meeting to attend.

  “Thanks,” Savannah said to me. “There’s no way I could get through that tea tomorrow without you there for support.”

  “It’s my pleasure,” I assured her.

  Bruce came up with Savannah’s soda. There was a thin layer of water on top where the ice had melted. He must have been standing by, waiting for Mrs. Stokes to leave. The two of them gazed into each other’s eyes.

  “Well, if you two are okay now, I’d like to find Sebastian.”

  “Go for it,” she said with a mischievous smile.

  As I searched for my man, several people stopped to congratulate me on the engagement. As one woman babbled on about the best bridal stores and florists, I noticed what looked like a heated conversation between the governor and Reverend Stokes.

  Hoping to find out more, I excused myself from the babbler and moved a little closer, being careful to stay out of their line of vision.

  “Pity you lost that election, Stokes,” the governor said.

  “No thanks to you,” Reverend Stokes replied gruffly.

  “Don’t blame me, my good man. You did this yourself, with your lying, cheating, and stealing.”