My Steps Are Ordered (23 page)

“Is he out of his mind? This is just plain tacky.” Michael couldn't believe his brother's gall. Keith had sent him an invitation to his and Gina's upcoming nuptials in Arizona.
The ink on our divorce papers hasn't even dried yet. They should elope or something,
he scoffed silently. The invite was a lame attempt at burying the hatchet and letting bygones be bygones—an olive branch of sorts.

He resisted the childish urge to tear the paper into small pieces and burn them. Instead, he threw the invitation in the trash basket and turned on his computer. But his eyes kept straying to the five-by-seven card with the date November 17 so prominently displayed.

Throwing his hands into the air, Michael admitted that it was pointless to try to get any work done. His mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Keith and Gina. It shouldn't have surprised him that Keith and Gina would make their adulterous affair legal. This must be Keith's way of making things right with God. Well, he didn't see how God would ever be right with a man stealing another man's wife.

He reached up to touch his now bare chin. In an act of defiance, Michael had shaved his goatee. He knew how much Gina loved it, and he hadn't wanted any reminders of her. He kind of missed it, though.

There was something else that Michael missed. Or, rather, someone else.

He pulled open his desk drawer and stared at the picture he kept there. He missed his son. Michael stared at the picture of Trey and Epiphany. His chest deflated with emotion. He even missed Epiphany.

Michael had had no idea that he would feel this way. Regret tore at him. He should have thought of the agony of losing his children before choosing this path.

Correction. Keith's children.

Michael drummed his fingers, feeling misery creep up his spine and twist around his heart. There was something in the deep recesses of his mind that puzzled him. Something that he hadn't considered. He strained to bring the missing piece of the puzzle to the forefront. He closed his eyes. He could recall in stark detail holding Trey as a newborn in the hospital . . . changing his diapers . . . watching as he took his first steps.

He'd been a good father! Michael thought, consoling himself. He had signed those papers and had taken care of . . .
That's it! The papers!
Michael sat ramrod straight as everything fell into place. He whooped with delight. His laughter sounded maniacal as it echoed off the walls in the otherwise empty house.

Michael placed a call. He was going to give Keith and Gina a wedding present they would never forget.

 

 

Gina opened her father's front door. She screamed and launched herself into Colleen's arms.

“When we received your invitation, we couldn't wait to book our flights. I'm so thrilled for you,” Colleen declared.

“Sorry for such short notice,” Gina said.

Colleen flashed her hands. “Girl, please. After eight years, I'm surprised you waited this long.”

Gina grinned, echoing her sentiment. “If it were up to Keith, we would be at the justice of the peace.” She stepped aside to let Colleen and her husband inside. She noticed Terence's less than enthusiastic response. “Terence, what is it?”

Terence shrugged his shoulders. Patting Gina's shoulder, he said, “I'm happy, but I'm a little . . .” He trailed off. “I promised Colleen I would keep my mouth shut and be happy.”

With that, Terence moseyed off in search of Keith. He was standing in as best man and had to perform his duties.

“What's his concern?” Gina asked, prodding Colleen with an arched eyebrow. Her eyes scanned her friend's, trying to read her mind.

“He's being cautious,” Colleen said. Colleen held her hand and walked her over to the love seat in the living room.

“Let's hear it. What's on his mind? You'd better tell me, or I'll hound you until you do.” Gina wasn't biting her tongue. She was getting married in two days.

“He doesn't think you and Keith should've rushed into anything. I don't agree, of course. After all you two have been through, I am rejoicing.”

Gina nodded, but she needed clarification. “
Rushed?
This is eight years in the making. How can he say we are rushing?” She didn't know why Terence's opinion mattered, but it did. She wanted to know.

Colleen stammered, “He's l-looking at the fact that Keith is saved, and you're still . . .”

Gina's eyebrows shot up in warning. “Undecided?” Gina asked, supplying the word, avoiding Colleen's eyes. She would be lying if she said that she hadn't thought about that. “I think I understand his concern.”

“He said that if you and Keith weren't on the same page spiritually, your marriage might be doomed before it even begins. There's a scripture in Amos that says, ‘Can two walk together, except they be agreed?'”

Gina was on the defensive. “Keith's in love with me. When he looks at me, I see nothing but love in his eyes. I know I haven't said the words, but I do a lot to help others, and I respect everyone. I love Keith, and I want the best for him always. Nothing can come between our love.” Terence was lucky he'd left the room, or she would be on him right now.

Colleen responded, “Gina, now that we're talking, I realize Terence has only your and Keith's best interests at heart. Keith loves you, but he will be miserable in the long term if you don't accept Jesus as your personal Savior. That goes against everything Keith stands for and upholds. I know from experience that love is not the only ingredient that holds a marriage together. God is the secret ingredient.”

Gina's shoulders drooped.

“Salvation is a gift. It's one you have to choose to accept. What's so hard about it?”

“There are Christians out there who are unforgiving and hypocritical, even though they're saved. But me, I'm a good person,” Gina said. The words sounded hollow to her ears, but she was stubborn.

“Being good won't save you. It's not enough,” Colleen admonished. “I love you so much, Gina. Please believe how hard it is for me to say this. But why can't you admit that you need God in your life? We all do. Everything that's happening to you is because of Him. He's working everything out for good in your life. He orders our steps and knows what is best for us, even when we don't have a clue.”

Colleen slid to her knees and pulled Gina down beside her and prayed. Gina didn't argue, but deep down all she could think was,
What do I really need God for?
She had Keith, and he was all she needed. She wasn't letting him go.

The day of the wedding was picture perfect. It was sunny, and the temperature was in the upper seventies, which made for a perfect fall wedding. Gina had even lost the ten pounds she needed to shed in order to fit into her wedding dress. She was ecstatic. Looking into the full-length mirror, Gina beheld her reflection with amazement.

She looked gorgeous, and she felt it. Gina beamed as she imagined the look on Keith's face when she entered the sanctuary. She did a girlish twirl, letting herself go as she relished the rare feeling of exultation that she had gotten her heart's desire.

She saw Colleen enter the room and stop short. “You're a vision, and your gown is off the charts. Plus, your hair is gorgeous. Shelley hooked you up.”

Gina smiled. “When I saw it, I knew it was perfect.” Her Vera Wang wedding gown looked deceptively simple but it accentuated every nuance of her curves and flowed with her every movement. The train would make Cinderella proud. But it was the shoes that were going to be the star of the show. They were smoking-hot glass shoes, guaranteed to make any man salivate.

Colleen's eyes ran down Gina's gown, widening when she saw her shoes. “Those shoes are so you. I'm keeping my eyes on Keith when he sees those peekaboo hooker shoes. He's going to have a conniption.”

Gina shivered and clapped her hands with delight. “I couldn't resist them, and wait until he sees my matching see-through lingerie. It makes these shoes look like playthings.”

“Well, they are so you.”

“Thanks. You look amazing.” Gina eyed her friend. Colleen was wearing the floor-length red gown that Gina had chosen for her to wear. It was one-shouldered, but it came with a small cape, which she would wear in the church. Colleen had searched for but couldn't find matching stilettos. She'd settled instead for a pair of black shoes that would be hidden under her gown.

“Might I say that you are my favorite matron of honor,” Gina declared. “And you look good in red . . . again.” Colleen had worn red for Gina's marriage to Michael too.

Colleen rolled her eyes. “I'm also the sole bridesmaid. Terence should be here soon.”

Gina made a face.

“Please, don't be mad at him.”

“I'm not—not really,” Gina said. “I can't be mad at his opinion, but if he feels that way, then why is he here as Keith's best man?”

“I asked him the same thing. He said that he's not about to do God's job for Him. God's got it, so in the meantime he will be here for both of you.”

Keith and Gina had wanted a simple private ceremony that they could cherish together. They declined the network's offer to air the wedding live. But after much pressure from the network, they had acquiesced and given permission for one cameraman and one commentator to tape the wedding, which would be aired at a later date. They would have the final say in the editing process.

Second Chances with Pastor Keith Ward
test runs had catapulted to top-billing status. His ratings were climbing, even with the overwhelming number of reality shows. His viewing audience had written in by the droves, begging to see the wedding ceremony live.

“What a beautiful day.” Gina hugged Colleen with excitement. “I can hardly wait to walk down the aisle, or to enjoy my wedding night. Keith's going to flip when he sees me, or rather, what I have on underneath.” She wiggled her hips.

Colleen laughed. “I'm liking this carefree Gina, the one who is rambling on and prancing around the room. You're usually so reserved, matter-of-fact, and cynical that it's a relief to see you so giddy. I've never seen this unabashed joyfulness in you. Ever.”

Gina blushed.

The door burst open, and Epiphany and Trey entered the room. Tears came to Gina's eyes at the sight of her children. She exclaimed, “You look like angels!” Trey, the official ring bearer, looked like a smaller version of Keith, and Epiphany, a mini bride. The little girl wore a white dress and red baby doll shoes.

They ran over to Colleen for a hug and would have toppled their mom over had she not reined them in.

“We're here to get you, Mommy,” Epiphany said, jumping up and down. “I'm a fairy-tale princess, and Daddy fainted when he saw me. But he's okay, though.”

“Yeah, Daddy said to hurry up, woman.” Trey cracked up as he delivered his father's message verbatim.

Gina and Colleen laughed and scooped up the items they would need.

“Here I go again, girl,” Gina said.

Colleen smiled. “Yes, but this time it's right.”

Colleen retrieved her bouquet of red lilies, and Gina grabbed her bouquet, which had a mixture of red and yellow flowers. They hurried out. Gina knew Keith was not known for his patience or decorum. He would come and get her caveman style if she didn't get a move on. Gina balked at the thought of going down the aisle bottom up.

Colleen took her place with Epiphany and Trey.

Jeff came over to assume his position. He crooked his elbow and waited. Feeling shy, Gina placed her hand through her father's arm. When she asked him to walk her down the aisle, he cried, confessing that he had been afraid that Gina wouldn't want him to. She'd been surprised by his response. “You're my father. I wouldn't want anyone else to take your place,” she told him. He had been overcome with emotion then at her heartfelt words.

As they were about to enter the sanctuary, Keith's mom came over to Gina. Gerry looked her in the eye for several seconds. Then she enfolded Gina in a hug and whispered, “Welcome to the family again, Gina.”

Gina relaxed. That was the best she could ask for, considering. Gerry remained gracious to her, even though for all intents and purposes, she should hate her. Her love and admiration for Keith's mother intensified at that moment.

With Gerry's blessing, and her father at her side, Gina walked down the aisle to marry the man of her dreams.

As she walked by, Gina nodded at Natalie and smiled at Kelly and Kendall, who looked so handsome in his little suit. When he saw Gina, he stretched his pudgy arms toward her. Gina blew him a kiss.

Regina sat in the front row. Gina gave her stepmother a tender smile. She wished her mother were here, but she couldn't complain. All was well in her world.

There wasn't a dry eye in the place when Keith and Gina said their vows. Their love and devotion for each other was evident. Everyone present was awed by the sincerity displayed, knowing that they were getting a glimpse of a mutual, transcendent love that was ordained by God.