Silver Lining (27 page)
Authors: Wanda B. Campbell
“Your mother still doesn't like me,” Marlissa said once Pastor Jennings left.
“I love you; everything else is irrelevant.”
“I love you too.” Another tap.
“May we please cut in?” It was Leon and Starla.
“Yes, you may, but I'm still going to get you guys for tricking me,” Marlissa pouted.
“Whatever, brat,” Leon said, extending his hand. “I tried to tell you it wasn't over, but you wouldn't listen to me.”
With unspoken gratitude, Kevin relinquished his wife to her friend. While dancing with Starla, he took the opportunity to thank her for helping him pull off the double ceremony.
“Can you believe it? We did it, well, God did it. He gave us more than what we had.” Marlissa beamed, falling into step with Leon.
“What did I tell you, brat? Love is always worth it.”
“I'll never doubt you again, big brother.”
“Congratulations, Dr. Jennings.” Tyson slapped Kevin on the shoulder.
“Thank you, Attorney Stokes, for everything,” Kevin said after the two shared a hug. “Especially for running your big mouth.”
“After she told me about the baby, I had to tell her before she did something crazy. You know how your wife is.”
“You knew about my baby before I did and you didn't tell me? I thought
we
were best friends.”
we
were best friends.”
“We are best friends and you can show me some appreciation for saving your marriage by naming your firstborn after me.”
“Hey, guys.” It was Reyna. “Congratulations, the ceremony was beautiful. I have never seen a wedding as romantic as this. Neither have I seen a man beg as hard as you, Kevin.”
Across the room Marlissa chatted with Mother Scott and First Lady Drake.
“Come on, Drake,” Mother Scott said, suddenly grabbing Marlissa's hand.
“Reyna, I hope you decide to visit Restorations Ministries soon, with Tyson, of course,” Kevin teased.
Reyna rolled her eyes at Kevin and Tyson pretended not to hear the wisecrack.
“Young lady, let's get one thing straight. This is his wife,” Mother Scott said, holding out Marlissa's hand to Reyna. “This ring means she belongs to him, not you. Do you understand?”
“Yes, ma'am, I do,” Reyna answered. “Hello, Marlissa.”
“Hello, Reyna.” The former foes exchanged pleasantries.
“I don't want any problems out of you,” Mother Scott warned Reyna again.
“Trust me, Mother, Reyna won't cause any problems,” Tyson assured her.
Mother Scott glared at Reyna then at Tyson. “Now what's going on between the two of you?”
“Nothing,” Reyna answered, while breaking eye contact.
“Not a thing,” Tyson validated.
“Um huh,” Mother Scott grunted.
“One Eye, leave them kids alone, and for once, mind your own business,” First Lady Drake scolded Mother Scott.
“Drake, I'm about tired of you calling me One Eye. I have two very good eyes, you can ask my doctor,” Mother Scott replied.
“You are just in time,” Kevin said to Leon as he and Starla approached. “Will you get your mama?”
“The only person who can handle her is Jesus,” Leon retorted.
“I don't have to ask your doctor nothing. I can look at your outfit and tell you can't see too well. Out here looking like the rainbow coalition.” First Lady Drake rolled her eyes and Mother was ready to let her have it.
“Don't worry about my color coordination. I can see well enough to knock your old butt around this room and back.”
“Oh goodness, they're going to fight?” Reyna exclaimed and pulled on Tyson's arm.
Mother Scott suddenly smiled. “Oh no, baby, that's my best friend in the whole world. I would never hit her.”
“That's right,” First Lady concurred. “We love each other to death.”
“We're prayer partners,” Mother Scott added. “We can pray the devil out of anyone.” She then leaned in close to Reyna, “Do you have any devils you need us to help you get rid of?”
Discussion Questions
1.
Kevin married Marlissa knowing she was an unbeliever, thinking he could change her. In your opinion, has this way of thinking added to the high divorce rate among Christians?
Kevin married Marlissa knowing she was an unbeliever, thinking he could change her. In your opinion, has this way of thinking added to the high divorce rate among Christians?
2.
Leon complained of going to church too much as a child. Do you think this is a valid point among adults who no longer attend traditional church service? How can parents find a balance?
Leon complained of going to church too much as a child. Do you think this is a valid point among adults who no longer attend traditional church service? How can parents find a balance?
3.
Marlissa was “sheltered” as a child and suffered sexual abuse as a teenager. At what age should parents begin educating their children about sex and dating?
Marlissa was “sheltered” as a child and suffered sexual abuse as a teenager. At what age should parents begin educating their children about sex and dating?
4.
Pastor Rosalie Jennings attempted to control everything and everyone around her. Why do you think this was? Was she a typical representation of female pastors? Do you support female pastors? Why or why not?
Pastor Rosalie Jennings attempted to control everything and everyone around her. Why do you think this was? Was she a typical representation of female pastors? Do you support female pastors? Why or why not?
5.
Leon and Marlissa were best friends and Christians. Do you think it's possible for male/female platonic friends to live under the same roof without crossing the line?
Leon and Marlissa were best friends and Christians. Do you think it's possible for male/female platonic friends to live under the same roof without crossing the line?
6.
Reyna compromised herself and lost her identify in order to pacify Pastor Jennings. Is her behavior common among church leader/church member relationships?
Reyna compromised herself and lost her identify in order to pacify Pastor Jennings. Is her behavior common among church leader/church member relationships?
7.
Due to her past, was Kevin justified in stringing Marlissa along?
Due to her past, was Kevin justified in stringing Marlissa along?
8.
Should Starla have let Leon back into her and the boys' lives?
Should Starla have let Leon back into her and the boys' lives?
9.
Who was your favorite character(s)? Why?
Who was your favorite character(s)? Why?
10.
What was your favorite scene?
What was your favorite scene?
11.
Which characters would you like to know more about?
Which characters would you like to know more about?
About the Author
A romantic at heart, Wanda uses relationships to demonstrate how the power of forgiveness and reconciliation can restore us back to God and one another. Wanda is a graduate of Western Career College. In addition to building a career in healthcare, she is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies. She currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband of twenty-two years and two sons.
She is an award-winning author of four Christian fiction novels. Visit the author's Web site:
www.wandabcampbell.net
or contact her at:
[email protected].
Wanda loves hearing from readers.
or contact her at:
[email protected].
Wanda loves hearing from readers.
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