Facing Redemption (38 page)

At that point, it was apparent that Timothy and Chastity had everything thrown at them. The day of mishaps hadn’t melted them down.  It hadn’t torn them apart.  Everyone was still standing and Chastity was especially glad Terri was.  No one had killed each other, but Timothy gave Scott and Guy until after the ceremony to blow up again.

It was a beautifully orchestrated ceremony with the end result they’d been planning for months.  There’d been a hundred detours, but they’d found their way to a beautiful wedding and a great start to marriage.

Chastity was content through all the drama because in the end she knew she had her man, and was walking toward a wonderful marriage.  She never doubted that for a second with any issue over the last couple days, that she wasn’t meant to be Mrs. Timothy Banks and at the end of the day that’s all that mattered.

After they lit their unity candle and said the Lord’s Prayer, the only thing left was their kiss.  And this was something Timothy had been waiting for.  When the Pastor gave permission, he wrapped his arms around his new wife and leaned her back for a dip and kissed her with as much passion as if they’d been alone.

This too, brought laughter from the congregation and the pastor.

“Okay, son.”  The pastor cleared his throat, bringing Timothy back to the present. “I still have a job to do here.  You can do yours later.”

More laughter erupted from the crowd, as Timothy sheepishly grinned and lifted Chastity back up to face the church.

“I’d like to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Banks.”  The pastor bellowed to the church.  In response she heard the music cue up, and she and Timothy stepped down to take their first step toward their life together as husband and wife.

This time walking the aisle, she looked to the crowd, smiling at Cheryl and Dave and her new in-laws.  She smiled at Jesse.  She and Timothy saw many familiar faces and sent them warm smiles of thanks.

When they almost made their way toward the end, she caught a glimpse of a man she swore she knew.
But it couldn’t be
?  Chastity squinted her eyes, trying to figure it out.

Timothy squeezed her hand in excitement.  “Can you believe it?” He asked in excitement.  She turned toward him and smiled. 

She was eager to return his sentiment but couldn’t get the nagging question out of her head. 
Was that John?
Before they exited the church, she looked one more time to be sure, but the face that haunted her was gone.

Chapter 54

John was so elated he didn’t even remember most of the flight home.  He unbuckled as the pilot taxied into the terminal at the end of the small runway.

“Have a good rest of your day Mr. Mikale.”  The pilot said before John exited the plane. 

“Will do.”  John reached for his jacket and slipped it on.  “Thanks for getting here on such short notice.  Please tell Mr. Simon that I’m in his debt.”

“My employer told me if you mentioned anything like that, to tell you that you’re even now.”

John smiled knowingly.  “Thanks anyways.”  He stepped down and jaunted to his car.  He pulled out his cell to text Andie a picture, which he’d taken from the ceremony.  He started his engine, and stared at Chastity’s image on his iPhone.  He thought she looked like an angel, and looked to be so much in love.

This was the first time he’d been this close to her since she was seven years old.  He’d dreamed of this day his whole adult life.  To be close enough to get this picture on his cell, without reaching out and spending time with her killed him.

He was jealous of Timothy and tried hard not to be too judgmental.  He couldn’t help but wonder if he wasn’t good enough for his daughter.  Before the ceremony, John kept his gaze on Timothy, as the young man expectantly waited for Chastity.  It wasn’t hard to notice how much emotion Timothy was holding in.

Any misgivings he had about the man, who was about to marry his daughter, slipped away as the ceremony went on.  It wasn’t lost on John how gentle Timothy was when he reached for her hands, or how loving his tone was toward Chastity during their vows. Timothy’s voice even broke half way through.  It made John’s chest grow tight to see the love they shared.

For a split second, he looked to the ceiling of the church wondering if Kylie was watching from above.  He squirmed uncomfortably knowing that Kylie wouldn’t have approved of him being there spying on their daughter.  He didn’t approve of himself being there.  He felt like a stalker, sneaking into a wedding uninvited and his guilty conscience started to make him feel inconspicuous.

He tried to leave before they finished the ceremony, but he couldn’t tear himself away.  He was only a few yards from his own flesh and blood, and before he knew it Timothy leaned in for their first kiss.  John’s eyes grew misty.  His daughter belonged to Timothy, and he shouldn’t be here any longer. 

John sat strategically by a side entrance to the atrium so he could slip out unnoticed, but it was too late now.  The lustrous couple had already started up the aisle, and to get up now would get him noticed for sure.  He had to time it just right …

Instead of looking for his window of opportunity, John kept looking to his daughter’s face.  She was beautiful, and they belonged together.  And it was more confirmation that he didn’t belong in the middle of it.  It hit him like a ton of bricks.

No matter how much I want a relationship with her … she has her own life and a fresh start. I have to let her go.

John’s view was no longer skewed by his own selfish desires.  He knew what he had to do.  He let go of the guilt of being somewhere where he wasn’t wanted.  He let go of the desperation to have a part in his daughter’s life, and felt peace settling into his heart.  He knew he would be giving her more by giving her a happy life … one without his intrusion.  She was happy and John needed to leave it that way.

John knew he’d never have this chance again, and wanted to savor being this close.  Timothy and Chastity were almost to the end of the aisle, getting closer to where he sat.  With as many people seated around him, he knew she’d never see him where he was.  John had chosen to sit on the end of the pew farthest away from the aisle, feet away from the side entrance.  He felt secure that he had his exit strategy if he needed it, but was confident she’d never pick him out in the crowd … until she did.

John’s heart was in his throat.  Their eyes connected for a second and he felt like his skin was on fire.  For one second her eyes held a glimmer of recognition.  John felt like he just might throw up.  Then Chastity turned her head to Timothy in an instant, giving John the chance he needed to make his escape.

What should have been a sad moment, as he walked away from his daughter was one of sweet joy. John knew Chastity had a good start to life, and he was happy to give that to her without interruption.  So he quietly made his exit and drove to the small charter airport only miles away.  And now he had completed his return flight and sat looking at her picture, he knew it was one he’d take out often to reminisce over.  Chastity was his daughter, whether she accepted him or not…and he loved her enough to let go.

Chapter 55

“Here we go! Let the craziness begin.”  Timothy squeezed her hand and led her toward the reception hall. They’d finished the family pictures in the atrium and were about to be announced.

             
Curtis held the doors closed so they could make their grand entrance.  He looked at the couple with expectant eyes.  Timothy looked pumped, but Chastity wasn’t as happy as she should be.  Timothy noticed as well.

             
“Hey, are you okay?  Having second thoughts already?”  Timothy teased, but his anxious gut kicked in.  He prayed she wasn’t.

             
Chastity shook her head vigorously and grabbed his hands, and pulled them around her.  “Of course not!  Forgive me.  I just thought I saw someone when we were leaving – that shouldn’t have been there.  And it has me rattled.”

             
Timothy stared into her eyes, and could see she was truly troubled.  “If anyone is here that shouldn’t be, and I think we both know who we’re talking about, than I will have them taken care of.  You just focus on us right now.  We’re all we need.  Okay?”

             
Chastity leaned into his broad frame and felt his arms tighten around her.  He made her feel like nothing could touch her.  “Thank you,” she sighed.  “I love you.”

             
Timothy kissed the top of her head, and then started sputtering.  “Blech!”  He exclaimed.  “What do you have in your hair?”

             
Chastity belly laughed.  It was just what she needed.  “Delilah put some glitter sparkles in my hair…” She wiped off his lips. “And now it’s all over your lips.”

             
“Are we ready you two?”  Curtis quietly urged.  “Your fans are waiting.”

             
Chastity looked up to Timothy.  Her eyes were clear and bright.  Whatever was holding her back before was gone.  They both took a step forward and Curtis opened the door with mic in hand, to introduce them again to the 400 plus waiting to swarm the couple.

             
Curtis held true to his word.  He worked a miracle with the room.  And what had been just a plain room was transformed into a beautiful oasis.  He brought columns to set around the dance floor, which were wrapped in the same floral spray that mirrored the atrium.  Hundreds of twinkle lights illuminated any structure that he could wrap.  The tables were set perfectly in tune with the décor of the wedding.  Chastity walked in and felt like a princess, even though she wasn’t a princess kind of girl.  But for one day, she was and loved every second.

             
Curtis warned them they wouldn’t be able to eat or relax.  Not everyone from the wedding stayed for the reception, and she was secretly glad.  After entertaining 400 or more in the reception line, she couldn’t have imagined the original 500.  

When it was all said and done, they shook hands of and accepted the greetings of political figures, professional co-workers, and family member after family member.  It amazed her away that Timothy’s family was so large. He introduced her to cousin after cousin, uncle, aunt and even step-cousins.  She was blown away with what a big family she was now a part of and to think, just a couple of years ago, it was just she and her mom.  She knew her mom would be happy for her.

Watching them from across the room, it was easy to see that they were getting a bit tired.  Curtis did his best to prep the tail end of the group, who were waiting to visit with the happy couple.  He hurried the last few along, telling them to let the happy couple get off their feet.  They’d been standing for nearly two hours just visiting.  Curtis knew Timothy and Chastity were famished, and he was trying to handle crowd control as best he could.

Man that guy’s good. 
Guy thought watching Curtis move around like a busy bee. Guy’s eyes rested on Chastity.  Even though it was apparent they were beginning to tire, there was no doubt how beautiful she was.  Although content not to be tied down, Guy’s envy re-surfaced.  Timothy and Chastity’s connection was to be respected.  Not many people find that kind of love.

The vibration in his jacket pocket quickly interrupted his thoughts.  Guy pulled out his phone and saw Ned’s number on his caller ID.  Ned couldn’t make it in for the wedding, but wouldn’t be able to stand not knowing how the day went.  It was no surprise that he’d be calling Guy now. 

Ned was the third part of their trio in college.  One did nothing without the other two.  Whatever Ned did, so did Guy and Tim, and it worked the same for any of them.  They were inseparable in school, but now here they all were with high-powered careers and separate lives.  It was nice to know after all these years, they still kept in contact – even if Ned couldn’t make it to the wedding.

“Hey dude what’s up?  Timothy miss me yet?” Ned started in before Guy could even say hello.

             
“Ah not so much,” Guy responded, taking in his friend’s smile at his new wife.  “He’s too busy mooning over his new wife to think about you.”

             
“Lucky bastard!  Is she hot?”

             
“Oh way hot, but she’s a married woman now.”

             
“Those are the best kind.”

             
Guy laughed at his friend’s rude joke.  “Dude seriously. Now that’s just wrong.”

             
“I know.  You know I don’t mean it.  I can’t believe Banks bit the dust and left us to fend for ourselves.”