I'm Dreaming of a Black Christmas by GLMO LLC

I'M DREAMING OF A BLACK CHRISTMAS

I'M DREAMING OF A BLACK CHRISTMAS A Novella

DANIEL WHYTE III Essence National Bestselling Author

with MERIQUA WHYTE

I'mDreamingofaBlackChristmas by Daniel Whyte III with Meriqua Whyte Cover Design by Atinad Designs. ÂŠ Copyright 2017 TORCH LEGACY PUBLICATIONS: ATLANTA, GEORGIA; DALLAS, TEXAS; BROOKLYN, NEW YORK All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means,electronic,mechanical,photocopying,recordingorotherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner, except for brief quotations included in a review of the book. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

EPISODE 1

Chapter 1 Cassandra awakened early that morning with strong contractions. It was time to prepare to go to the hospital. Pulling herself out of bed, she knocked then pushed the door open and entered her cousin’s room. “Prudence, wake up; the baby’s coming,” she said quietly shaking her cousin out of sleep. “Go back to bed,” Prudence said sleepily. “It’s your first baby. It’s going to take some hours before it actually comes. No need to bother Aunt Nat about it. She’ll just have you in a frenzy.” “Can’t I stay in here with you?” “Yes, just as long as you don’t make any noise,” Prudence said going back to sleep. Cassandra paced the floor, hoping for the best, practicing her breathing exercises as she had been taught from her Lamaze classes. 9

............... Cassandra Nichols was an 18-year-old senior at Redding High School. She was on the cheer-leading team but had missed the last three months of practice and had to sit in the stands for the last game of the year due to her pregnancy. Cassandra lived in the well-to-do section of town with her parents and her cousin. Natalie Nichols, her mother, did not take too kindly to her daughter’s unexpected pregnancy. “Cassandra, how did you let this happen? You were just getting ready to graduate and the world was before you. Now look what you did to yourself. This has never been heard of in our family. What were you thinking?” “Look, Mom, I’m sorry. But what’s done is done,” Cassandra said. “Who’s the father?” “I’d rather not say,” she said lowering her eyes. “Cassandra, as your mother, I have a right to know, and so does your father,” Natalie insisted. Natalie Nichols was a beauty consultant and creator of her own line of beauty products. She traveled a lot, sometimes going out of the state for home parties and seminars. Cassandra often traveled with her when school was out. “Mom, I don’t mean to be rude. The fact is I am pregnant. It does not matter who the father is.” “Are you ashamed of him? You weren’t raped, were you?” Natalie questioned. 10

“No, I just don’t want you to know now...maybe after the baby is born.” “What will the people of our church and the community think, Cassandra?” “Mom, this is why I don’t want you to know who the father is yet...so you can hopefully keep your so-called reputation.” Cassandra’s father, Benjamin Nichols, was outraged. He was the pastor of the First Baptist Church downtown, a predominantly white church that had a reputation for not allowing black people to join. He was also the president of the largest bank in the city of Mason, Mississippi. “Like most of the brethren in the church my age, I look forward to being a grandfather, but not this way with a baby from my eighteen-year-old daughter and out of wedlock,” he said. “I was making big plans for you to go off to college to Ole Miss and I want you to understand, young lady, that this does not excuse you from going to college. I have saved for eighteen years, and everything is already paid for even the new red Mustang that I was going to give you upon graduation. But I can’t justify giving that to you now seeing that you can’t control yourself.” He paused before going on. “I know I have preached against this for years, but have you considered an abortion?” “Daddy, you always taught me, the church, and this community that abortion is murder. I couldn’t do that,” Cassandra said. “Besides that, I’m nine months pregnant now.” 11

“That’s right,” Benjamin said grudgingly. Although physically, Cassandra had a great nine months, the tension between her and her mother was almost unbearable. “I really appreciate you being here, Prudence,” Cassandra told her cousin one day. “You’ve been more than an encouragement during this time.” Prudence had been living with Cassandra and her family for two years. She was a sophomore at Ole Miss and was studying medicine. Her family lived in California and she returned home during the holidays. She and Cassandra became more like sisters sharing every secret one could imagine even who the baby’s father was. “I don’t know what your parents are going to say about it, but I’ll support you.” ............... In the afternoon, Prudence drove Cassandra to the hospital. Within two hours, she gave birth to a healthy seven pound baby boy. “Did you call everyone?” she asked Prudence. “Yes, Uncle Ben is on his way. Auntie will close out her demonstration in thirty minutes and she should be here in an hour. I had a hard time getting Grant, but he’ll be here shortly. He was headed to his father’s restaurant, but he’ll make his way here.” “Do you think his parents will come?” Cassandra asked.

“If he lets them know. Right now, you need to get some rest and you had better pray hard that this will be a happy meeting,” Prudence said, flipping the television channels. _______________

Nineteen-year-old Grant Barnett was nervous, but overjoyed at the news. He could not wait to see his newborn son. He called his father, Rev. Joshua Barnett, who was pastor of the Mount Shiloh Baptist Church in a mostly black neighborhood, and owner of the best soul food restaurant in Mason, Mississippi. “Can you spare me today? I just got news that Cassandra gave birth to a healthy seven pound baby boy so I am headed for the hospital right now.” “Grant, I do not like this situation,” Rev. Barnett said. “And I told you that you are not ready to be a father. But, I am glad that you were honest with me and told me about it. I’m going to go down to the hospital with you.” “Are you sure you want to do this, Dad?” “Yes, I’m sure. Swing by here and pick me up.” ............... Grant Barnett was the star quarterback for the Cougars, the Redding High School football team. He had helped bring the team to victory after victory throughout

the past two years. He was also one of the few black students to make it on the football team in the predominantly white school; but he could sense it was only because of his talent and ability on the football field and because of the many victories that he was treated with equal respect as the other team members. He had been offered a football scholarship by Florida State and planned to leave in the middle of the summer. Both he and Cassandra were in the same classes and they had developed a close friendship. One thing led to another and now they were the parents of a child. When Grant, his sister, and his father arrived at Cassandra’s hospital room, Mr. Nichols was already there. Prudence was standing beside her bed. They both looked up when the three walked in. “You folks may have the wrong room,” Mr. Nichols said quickly. Prudence spoke up, “No, they don’t. Come on in Grant.” “Hi, Grant, I’m so glad you could make it. Hi, Mr. Barnett. Dad, this is Grant and his father, and his sister, Carolyn,” Cassandra said. She pushed the call button to ask the nurse to bring the baby in. Mrs. Nichols walked in behind the nurse and gasped when she saw the Barnetts. “What are they doing here?” she asked nervously. Grant had moved next to the bed and he and Cassandra were talking quietly. Benjamin Nichols was so shocked he was speechless and he turned exceedingly red with anger. The look on Natalie Nichols’ face 14

mirrored her husband’s expression. “Mom, Dad, you know Grant plays quarterback for our high school football team. He’s also the father of our baby.”

Chapter 2 One could hear a pin drop in the hospital room. Natalie Nichols grabbed her husband’s arm as she felt her knees starting to give way. He put his arms around her to steady her. “Here, Auntie,” Prudence said sliding a chair under her. “I’m Joshua Barnett, Grant’s father,” Mr. Barnett said to Natalie Nichols extending a hand. Benjamin and Natalie ignored his gesture. “He is cute,” Prudence said in an attempt to break the ice. “He sure is,” Carolyn agreed. Cassandra handed the baby to Grant to hold as she adjusted herself in the bed. He bent down to kiss him. “I’ve decided to name the baby after his father,” Cassandra said. “His name is Grant Lee.” 17

Natalie listened dumbfounded. “Come on, Dad, you can hold him next,” Grant said, handing the baby to his father. Mr. Barnett proudly held his new grandson and prayed God’s blessing over the child before handing him back to Cassandra. “Dad, do you want to?” Cassandra asked. Mr. Nichols took Grant Lee in his arms. Swallowing hard, he muttered, “He looks more like me, Natalie,” as he bent down so she could have a better look. She was still in shock as she slowly reached out to touch the baby’s cheek. He is lovely but I can’t imagine having a black son-inlaw, she thought. Wanting to be helpful, Prudence said, “Auntie Nat, I’ll spend the night with Cassandra. You and Uncle Ben can head on home for some rest. I’ll call you if anything comes up.” Shortly after the Nichols left, Grant and his father said their goodbyes. “Cassandra, I am glad to have met you and also glad to have such a beautiful grandson. My wife is a school teacher and I didn’t want to pull her out of her class, but I’ll certainly let her know and she’ll come to see how you are doing,” Mr. Barnett told her. “Please stop by the restaurant whenever you want.” _______________ “I can’t believe this. I just cannot believe this,” Natalie said to her husband as they entered through their front door. “No wonder she did not want to tell us.

I did not even know she was talking to him or anyone for that matter. You’ve got to do something, Benjamin.” “Do something? What do you expect me to do?” Benjamin snapped at her. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to shout. This is as much a surprise to me as it is to you.” “Imagine what people will think about us. I don’t want to lose our status in this community because of this,” Natalie said, “I certainly hope she isn’t thinking about marriage.” Benjamin sighed as he went upstairs, “There won’t be any marriage. I can’t have my daughter marrying a nigger boy. I can’t and I won’t. My Confederate rebel grandfather is turning over in his grave.” _______________ Grant said to his father. “I’m glad you all got to meet each other. You know, Cassandra told me she never told her parents that I was the father.” “Well, I appreciate you telling me up-front because as you well know, I do not like surprises,” his Dad said. After driving in silence for a few minutes, Joshua Barnett asked, “How do you plan on taking care of your son? With you going off to college, you know it’s a huge responsibility.” “I’ve been thinking about it,” Grant said. “I’ve been saving the money you’ve been paying me from working in the restaurant. That will help get us started. Plus,” he said looking at his father, “money won’t be a problem

once I make it to the NFL.” “That’s a big if,” Joshua said. “Yes, I know, Dad.” “I’ll help out as much as I can,” Carolyn said from the back seat of the car. “Thanks, Carolyn. Right now, just love Grant Lee and Cassandra,” Grant said. “You make sure you spend as much time as you can with Cassandra and the baby before you take off for Tallahassee,” Mr. Barnett said. “The next three weeks are going to go by fast.” ............... Mrs. Athaliah Barnett stopped by her husband’s restaurant on her way home. She taught at one of the local high schools not too far from where they lived. “Cassandra’s parents seemed rather surprised that Grant was the baby’s father,” Mr. Barnett informed her. “I hope it’s not because he’s black.” “That’s my thought too,” Athaliah agreed. “I just hope we get along through it all.”

Chapter 3 Cassandra was home with Grant Lee within the next few days. Her mother, not able to keep her thoughts to herself, had a serious talk with her. “Cassandra, you really pulled one on us. I was not expecting this. But, now that you have had the baby, I can’t allow you to have any contact with Grant.” “Why not, Mother?” “That will not look good on us. Have you ever thought he got you pregnant because maybe he wants access to our money?” “How could you think that? He’s not that kind of person,” Cassandra said. “Besides that, they probably have just as much money as we have. His dad is a pastor as well, and owner of a restaurant. Besides, is that all you’re concerned about looking good in front of people?” “Cassandra, this is going to bring shame upon the 21

family if it gets out into the community. We have accepted the baby, but we can’t let Grant become a part of our family,” her mother said. “That is absolutely out of the question. Your father may lose his position as pastor of the First Baptist Church because you had a baby out of wedlock. But he will definitely lose his position as pastor, and lose his job at the bank, and be run out of town if we let you marry a black boy.” Cassandra could not believe what she was hearing. “Grant has about two weeks before he leaves for Florida. I want him to spend as much time as he can with his son.” “Can’t you see what is happening?” her mother asked. “He’s going to leave for Florida and will be gone for at least four years. He is going to do like all these sorry, immature, no good, black men we have heard about get another girl and forget you even exist and forget that he has a son. Then you’ll be hurt and sad around here for years, languishing and longing for something that you cannot have. Is that what you really want?” “Grant is not like that, Mother, and never will be. All I want is for you and Father to accept him as the father of our child.” _______________ Grant spent as much time as he could on the phone with Cassandra over the next two weeks. At his father’s advice, he had his mother to write a letter which stated

his intent to love, care for, and support his child financially. The letter also asked for free access to see Grant Lee from time to time. “I feel this is important for you to do because of the social stigma that is placed on young black men. You have to prove to them that you are not like many other young black men in our community. You have to go the extra mile,” Mr. Barnett said to his son. “You could tell by the look on their faces that they do not approve of you.” “Do you think it would make a difference if I go ahead and propose to her?” “No, son. Only God can change a person’s heart. What you need to do is confess your own sins and failures, ask God for forgiveness, and pray that God will work out this situation for your good, for Cassandra’s good, and for the good of your child. Let’s go. I will drive with you to deliver the letter.” ............... Mr. Nichols answered the doorbell when the Barnetts delivered the letter. “I would appreciate it if you would read it now,” Grant said. Mr. Nichols did as he was asked. He frowned as he refolded the letter and placed it back in its envelope. “Thank you,” was all he said. “Would it be possible for me to see Cassandra, sir?”

Grant asked. “She’s busy right now,” Mrs. Nichols said. She had walked up behind her husband. “If you don’t mind, Mrs. Nichols, I’ll be leaving for Florida soon. I just wanted to see my son and make some arrangements with your daughter,” Grant said. “Well, you can’t see either of them right now. Like I said, she is busy,” Mrs. Nichols insisted. “Come on, son,” Mr. Barnett said to his son laying a hand on Grant’s shoulder. Before Grant stepped into his car, he glanced up at the middle window on the second floor. He was certain he saw the curtain move back in place. Natalie Nichols took the letter from her husband and read it. She tossed it in the trash. “He’s just trying to make himself look good so he can marry our daughter.” Benjamin retrieved the letter from the trash when his wife was not looking. He placed it in his filing cabinet in his office. Natalie had a mind to take Cassandra’s phone from her but decided to let her keep it for the time being. She, however, limited her time out of the house over the next two weeks. “You can only go out if your father, me or Prudence is with you. We can’t risk you having any further contact with that boy.”

EPISODE 2

Chapter 4 That same evening, Grant gave Cassandra a call on her cell phone. Natalie Nichols, who was in Cassandra’s bedroom when the phone rang, answered it immediately. “I can give her a message,” she told him. “Well, I really wanted to talk with her about Grant Lee, and make plans as far as providing for him,” Grant said. “I’ll give her the message but you don’t have to worry about providing for him. He’ll be well taken care of here with us. Goodbye. Oh, by the way, I don’t want you calling my daughter anymore either.” Natalie Nichols ended the call. “What’s the message, mother?” Cassandra asked, stepping into the room. “Something about taking care of the baby,” her mother said. “If you ask me, it’s just a front he’s putting 27

on to get a bunch of money from us.” “Mother, I wish you would stop saying that. Grant is not like that at all. He genuinely cares for me and Grant Lee,” Cassandra said. “I’m calling him back.” “I forbid you to,” her mother said, pocketing Cassandra’s phone. ____________

“Benjamin,” Natalie said to her husband later that evening, “we have to stop that boy from calling here. I took Cassandra’s phone away. I might give it back to her after he leaves. He has called her six times in the past hour and a half.” “Don’t worry about that. I plan on going down to his father’s restaurant on tomorrow to talk with him. The problem is these black men won’t train their sons,” Benjamin answered. “Are you sure you want to go down there? That restaurant is on the bad side of town. I heard some people will rob you in broad daylight and shoot you while saying The Lord’s Prayer,” Natalie said. “You make sure you drive the oldest car down there.” “I’ll be alright,” Benjamin said. “Nobody messes with the man of God.” ____________

Benjamin was at the restaurant by nine the following morning. Even though it was another thirty minutes before they would begin serving customers, Joshua Barnett let him in. “Good morning, Rev. Nichols. It’s good to see you again,” Joshua greeted. “Come on in. Can I get you something to drink? Coffee or tea, maybe?” “No,” Benjamin answered. “I don’t plan on being long. Neither am I here to eat. I just wanted to talk about your son and my daughter. My wife told me he keeps calling the house for her even though he has been instructed not to.” “I don’t see anything wrong with a young father wanting to keep in touch with the mother of his child. That shows him to be a responsible man,” Joshua said. “I don’t think you get it,” Benjamin said. “What’s there to get?” Joshua asked. “My son and your daughter had a child together and he wants to be mature and do the right thing and take care of his child. What’s in that not to get? Now, I know this whole situation is messed up and I am not pleased with what my son has done with your daughter and I know you are not pleased either. But it was obviously a consensual relationship and it is what it is. And both of our families are going to have to deal with this unfortunate situation.” “Your son is black, my daughter is white, and the two ain’t never to mix,” Benjamin said. “There ain’t never been any mixing in this town before and I don’t want 29

any mixing to start now especially with my family and my precious daughter. Rev. Barnett, don’t you know this is going to hurt my church and possibly hurt business at my bank. Hell, once my deacons find out that my daughter got pregnant by a black boy, they may lynch me in the town square.” Joshua chuckled. “Wait, let me call Grant in here. He’s the one you should be talking to.” He left and in a few minutes returned to his office with Grant. “Grant, you remember Mr. Nichols. He wants to talk with you something about not calling his daughter anymore.” “Good to meet you again, Mr. Nichols,” Grant said. “Like I tried telling your wife, I just want to spend as much time as I can with Cassandra and Grant Lee before I leave for college.” “Well, boy, that’s my house and I don’t want you calling there; and that’s my daughter and I do not want you calling her. This is already a huge mess and it’s going to stop right here.” “With all due respect, Mr. Nichols, Cassandra is a grown woman who is capable of making her own decisions,” Grant said. “Rev. Nichols,” Rev. Barnett said, “if your daughter had gotten pregnant by a white young man, would you and your wife be as adamant about him having no contact with your daughter?” That question left an icy silence in the room. “Of...of course we would, but that’s not the issue here. I’m a pastor, and from what I understand, you’re a pastor 30

as well and right is right across the board. Cassandra and this boy here messed up real bad by getting together and then having a baby. What will our congregations think? They won’t have to think nothing if you keep your distance from us because we are more than willing to keep our distance from you. There isn’t any need to compound this problem here in, I remind you, Mason, Mississippi. Reverend, this is a bunch of bull-sheep.” Rev. Barnett chuckled. “Bull-sheep! I have never heard that in my life.” “That’s what I say when I’m trying to keep from cursing and when Christians the Lord’s sheep do really stupid things that cause serious problems,” said Rev. Nichols. “Your son not keeping his black sausage in his pants is gonna cause me a world of trouble for years to come as I try to explain to my parishioners and my customers where I got this black child from.” “Wait a minute,” said Rev. Barnett. “I could say that we would not be in this mess if your daughter did not have jungle fever.” “Wait a minute,” Grant said. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a small black box. He opened it and took out a ring. “I don’t care about any of that,” he said. “I want to give this to Cassandra. I want to marry her.” Rev. Nichols peered at the beautiful diamond ring which glittered in the morning sunlight streaming in through the window. Grant moved closer for Benjamin to get a better look. “I mean what I said. You won’t be marrying my daughter,” Benjamin said. Waving him 31

away, he knocked the ring out of his hand. The ring rolled across the office floor. Grant bent down to try and find it. “I’m so sorry. I’m sorry,” Benjamin repeated dryly, stepping aside as Grant looked all over the floor for the ring, but without success. Benjamin fished around in his wallet and pulled out $200.00 cash. “Here you go, I’m sure this will cover whatever you spent on it, but there was no need for you to do so. Under no circumstances will you ever marry my daughter. If you succeed in putting a ring on her finger it’ll be over my dead body. Understand?” Grant looked at his dad, then at Benjamin Nichols and shook his head. “Mr. Nichols,” he said, picking up the $200.00 off the desk, “that ring cost me almost $2500.00. This does not even come close to that. Here, keep your money. I don’t want it. You can’t pay me off like that.” He shoved the money into Benjamin Nichols’ hand and moved past him out the door. _______________ “Grant, I commend you for keeping your cool with Mr. Nichols today,” Joshua told his son after they related the incident to his wife. “You have to practice self restraint with these white folks. Because if you had hit him like I knew you wanted to do and like I wanted to do, we would both be in jail right now, probably never to get out or seen again. You just have to calmly state 32

your point in a respectful manner, but always maintain a cool and calm demeanor. The oldest trick in the book that white folks play on black men is to get them angry and frustrated. And you don’t want to be branded as an angry black man in this town or anywhere for that matter.” “No, you don’t,” his mother agreed.

Chapter 5 “Those black folks are just as stubborn as can be,” Natalie said after her husband told her about his meeting with Grant and Joshua Barnett that evening at dinner. “I can’t believe he even thought about marrying Cassandra.” “Let’s just say I put a stop to it,” Benjamin said. “And Cassandra, don’t you begin getting any ideas.” Cassandra picked up her plate to finish eating in Prudence’s room. She could not believe how negatively her parents talked about their grandson’s father. “Prudence, may I please use your phone to call Grant? What my parents are doing is wrong,” she said. “Sure,” Prudence replied. “You can use my phone any time. And I’ll give you a ride to see Grant any time you want to.” With only a week left before Grant had to leave for

Florida, Prudence wasted no time in setting them up. They met on the campus of Ole Miss. It was at this meeting that Grant pulled out the diamond ring which he had found after Mr. Nichols left the restaurant that day. “Cassandra, I am very serious about our relationship. I want to give you this ring as a token of our friendship which I hope will last forever. I promise to remain true to you while I am away and I promise to return to take care of our son.” “Oh, Grant, it’s beautiful,” Cassandra said. “And, Grant, I want our friendship to last forever too. I know you’ll be gone for a while and my parents are kind of standing between us now, but I promise to remain faithful to you even if it’s ten or fifteen years before we can live together.” Grant placed the ring on her finger and hugged her. Turning to Grant Lee who was asleep in his carseat, he said, “And our son is a witness to this day.” “And God also,” Cassandra added. “Yeah,” Grant said. “We had better keep God between us. Promise me you’ll take him to church while I’m away. It does not matter which church he goes to: First Baptist or Mount Shiloh Baptist or some other good church, but let him see the stained-glass windows.” “I promise.” “By the way, how are the people at your church accepting Grant Lee? Because if they are reacting like your parents then that’s not a good situation for him to grow up in.” 36

Cassandra sighed. “I was hoping this would not come up, but I have not been in church since I was pregnant. I hate to say this, but I think my parents are trying to figure out how best to tell the people at the church about our baby. I think they are embarrassed because my father is the pastor and...and you’re, you know, black...and...because...the pastor’s daughter really shouldn’t have gotten pregnant.” “I know, but it happened. I wish you had told me this before,” Grant said. “How did your family take it? I know your dad’s a pastor too,” Cassandra said. “Certainly better than your parents,” Grant replied. “When I told him I got you pregnant, he immediately wanted to meet you. He told me he was not mad; he was more disappointed considering all the Bible he preached into me. But he also told me there was no need to try and hide the deed. This past Sunday, he told everyone at my church, but he asked them not to condemn me or him as my father and their pastor. He just asked them to pray for us. So they’re praying for you too.” Cassandra smiled. “Here comes Prudence,” she said. “I’ll get her to take a couple pictures of us to remind us of this day.” Grant said a final goodbye to Cassandra and Grant Lee. “I will return,” he promised. ____________

Benjamin and Natalie Nichols sat in his home office, partly relieved that Grant finally had left for Florida. “That’s half our worries gone at least for now,” Natalie said. “Now we just have to figure out what to tell people when they begin asking about Cassandra again. The few who asked about her when she didn’t turn up for church these past few months, I told them she was spending the summer in California. It was my intent to send her there to make my statement true but...” “What do you suggest we do?” Benjamin asked. “Brad, the McKays’ son, has always expressed interest in her. He’s in college and you have already given him a job at the bank. If we could push them together and somehow get them married, we can just tell everyone that they adopted the baby,” Natalie told her husband. Benjamin Nichols stared at her like she had lost her mind. “Do you have any idea what you’re saying? You’re suggesting that we lie to the people of God at the church. Now, we’re sinful people, but we don’t lie to God’s people. The truth of the matter is, both you and I are reaping what we sowed. Do you remember when you admitted to me after we got married that you had sex with Derek Johnson, that black high school football star? And, do you remember, that I had to confess to you after that that I too had sex with one of the black workers on my dad’s farm? In the words of Rev. Barnett, Grant’s father, you and I had some jungle fever.” “Jungle fever? What is that?” said Natalie. “I guess it’s when white people have a desire to have 38

sex with black people,” Benjamin said. “At least that was the context that Rev. Barnett put it in. And, besides all of that, do you remember that Cassandra, our precious daughter, was conceived before we got married?” “Benjamin, I have another confession,” Natalie said. “This has been troubling me. It is something that I have never told you. Derek Johnson got me pregnant, but, my dad made me kill the baby by having an abortion and I have regretted it every day of my life. I prayed and prayed that what happened to me would not happen to my daughter, but I guess you’re right, I’m reaping what I have sown.” “You what?” Benjamin said, turning extremely red. He got up and paced across the room. A few minutes later he sat back down. “Back to the here and now,” Natalie said. “This still does not solve the problem of what we are going to tell the church. The congregation will not like finding out that their pastor’s daughter has a baby at nineteen with a black boy in this town. So if you can’t think of anything better, my plan will have to be implemented because once they get through with you over Sunday dinner, it’s going to also affect business at the bank, and we’re going to be in the poor house.” Benjamin rubbed his hand over his face and sighed. “I think I’ll go and pray before I lose my mind.”

Chapter 6 A week after Grant left for Florida, he sent a postcard to Cassandra. Natalie, being the one to pick up the mail, noticed the postcard and instead of giving it to Cassandra, she put it away safely.’ The less they hear from each other, the sooner they will forget each other, she thought. Cassandra eagerly awaited a card, a letter, a note from Grant anything to say he had arrived safely. In the meanwhile, Natalie began to put her plan to work. “Cassandra, you remember Brad, don’t you?” she asked her daughter one evening. “He’s been expressing an interest in coming over to see you. He’s also the kind of young man your father and I would love to see you marry. He’s smart, he’s respectful, he’s responsible...” “He’s white,” Cassandra interjected. “What are you talking about? Of course, he’s white,” 41

Natalie said. “Mother, you know full well what I’m talking about,” Cassandra replied. “Well, I think it’s time for you to move on from that other boy and move on with your life, so I’ve invited him over for dinner tomorrow. You had better be on your best behaviour,” her mother told her. “Besides, you need to start thinking about a father for Grant Lee.” “He already has a father Grant Barnett.” “A father who just left and who may never return,” her mother said. “You know how those black boys are.” “Does Brad know I have a child a black child?” Cassandra asked. “Benjamin’s already spoken to him about it. He’s more than willing to marry you (if you were to say yes) and be Grant Lee’s father. He’ll be telling the truth when he says he adopted Grant Lee.” “And do you expect me to say I adopted my own son?” Cassandra asked. “How long have you been trying to set me up? You and dad are unbelievable. He’s the pastor of our church and what you both are planning is nothing but a big old lie. Why not do like Grant’s father and just tell everyone at First Baptist what happened and be over and done with it?” Grant Lee’s crying interrupted their conversation and Cassandra turned to get him from the nursery upstairs. She stopped halfway up the stairs, “By the way, Mother,” she said, “I’ll be in church this Sunday with Grant Lee and you can cancel your dinner date with Brad. 42

I’m not interested in him anyway.” ____________ “Can you believe my own parents are willing to lie just to save face?” Cassandra said to Prudence later that evening after she had returned from school. “I am very interested to hear where they told everyone I was for the past few months.” ____________ That evening Cassandra, against her mother’s wishes, took Grant Lee outside for a walk in the yard. “It’s too cool to take him outside just for a walk,” Natalie said. “He may catch a cold.” “No, mother, you’re afraid the neighbors will begin whispering,” Cassandra said. “Plus, it’s the end of August and warm enough.” Cassandra and Grant Lee walked along the fence around the large back yard. Their neighbor’s gardener, old Mister Briley, was outside working in the flower beds. His back was slightly bent and for as far back as Cassandra could remember, he had been gardening for Mrs. Casabelle. Mister Briley’s serene countenance showed he had walked with the Lord many years. Mrs. Casabelle had been born in Spain. Her husband had died many years back and she now lived alone. Every Christmas and several other times throughout the year, Cassandra would notice visitors who she assumed to be family would

spend a few days with her. As she always did, Cassandra waved and said ‘hello’ to Mister Briley. Mister Briley would always respond with a wide smile and a hearty ‘hey.’ On three occasions when Grant had given Cassandra a ride home without her parent’s knowledge, she noticed that Grant would stop and talk with Mister Briley. “He goes to my church,” Grant had told her. Mr. Briley shuffled slowly over to the fence when he saw Grant Lee. “Oo, a cute one you gat there, Miss Cassie, and mighty big too. What’s his name?” “Grant Lee,” Cassandra answered proudly. Natalie watched from the window with sheer displeasure at what was taking place. “And does Grant Lee be your son?” Cassandra nodded yes. “Lemme pray a prayer over him for God to bless him real good.” Cassandra felt renewed in spirit as Mister Briley laid two dirty fingers on Grant Lee’s forehead and prayed for him and Cassandra. “A little dirt ain’t never hurt nobody,” he said with a chuckle. “Thank you Mister Briley,” Cassandra said. “Let me walk him some more and then take him in.” ____________ “Say, Mattie,” Mister Briley said to his wife, Matilda,

that evening as they had their dinner. “Did you know that Pastah Nichol’s daughter done had a baby boy? Said his name was Grant Lee.” “No, sir. I did not never know nothing about that. But ain’t she too young to have a baby?” “All these yungins today know nothin’ about commitment. But either way, he’s a cute one,” Mister Briley said. “Did I tell you I saw Pastah Barnett and his son over at dat house? Didn’t look like a good meeting if you asked me. Their expresshuns were all wrong.” “How can you tell expresshuns from way over in the other yard?” “I was up by dat fence, that’s how. Plus, I got 20/20 vision,” Mister Briley chuckled. “I bin watchin’.” “You ain’t got no darn 20/20 vision. You can hardly see in front of your face,” Matilda laughed.

EPISODE 3

Chapter 7 Prudence took Cassandra down to the photo shop to pick up the pictures. “You three make a beautiful family,” Prudence said as she looked at the pictures. “Are you going to keep all five?” “No. One’s going to Grant; one’s going to Rev. and Mrs. Barnett; one is for you,” Cassandra said handing one to Prudence. “And I’ll keep the other two,” Cassandra said placing the pictures in her pocketbook. “In fact, why don’t we swing by the restaurant so that I can give it to Rev. Barnett myself.” “Thank you so much, Cassandra,” Rev. Barnett said as he looked at the picture. “It’s beautiful. If my wife and I can do anything for you, please let us know.” “I will,” Cassandra said. “Have you heard from Grant?” she asked. 49

“Why, yes, we have. We received a phone call and a postcard from him,” Rev. Barnett said. “He said he tried calling you, but got a message saying your number had been changed. If you have a new number I can give it to him.” Rev. Barnett could not say for sure, but recalling the not-too-cordial meeting he and Grant had with her father, he had no doubt that her parents had something to do with her number being changed. Plus, the surprised look on her face was a dead giveaway that she knew nothing about it. Cassandra could not hide the disappointment on her face as Rev. Barnett continued speaking. “He said he sent you a postcard to let you know he arrived in Tallahassee safely. Did you receive it?” Cassandra shook her head no. “You might want to check with your parents,” Rev. Barnett said. ... “You know Athaliah,” he said to his wife later that evening, “I wouldn’t put it past her parents hiding the postcard Grant sent. We got ours. There’s no reason she should not have received hers.” ____________ That same evening, Cassandra asked her mother about the postcard and her number being changed. “No, Cassandra, I did not pick up a postcard from

Grant in the mail. And, yes, I did have your number changed so he would not keep calling you. Your father has already spoken to Rev. Barnett and we do not want that boy calling here.” “Mother, how could you? You know that is the best way for Grant to keep in touch with us. Don’t you think he will want to know about his son? I mean, what harm can a phone call do? I’m going to tell Dad when he comes home.” “There’s no need to, honey. Your father is the one who does not want you and that boy to have any contact whatsoever. It’s best for you and the baby to break all ties with that boy now before you end up getting hurt in years to come. Trust me, we have your best interest at heart.” “No you don’t. You have your own best interest at heart; certainly not mine and Grant Lee’s. And Grant is not a boy; he’s proving to be more of an adult than you and Dad put together.” ____________ Rev. Nichols left early for church on Sunday morning to put in some extra studying in preparation for the services. He expressed concern to his wife as they sipped on coffee around the kitchen table as to how to best tell the congregation about Grant Lee without lying and without causing a stir. Neither of them heard Cassandra coming down the stairs to warm the baby’s formula.

Cassandra stopped at the bottom of the stairs and listened. “There is nothing you could do to prevent her from coming to church?” “No. She’s dead set on coming,” her mother said. “Well, this day was bound to come,” her father said. “We could only hide her pregnancy and Grant Lee for so long.” “We could make her take the baby directly to the nursery or have Prudence to take the baby to the nursery and pick him up a little before the services are over with,” her mother suggested. “That’s a thought,” Rev. Nichols said. “But someone’s bound to ask whose baby he is, then what will we tell them? I don’t know what led that child to go get pregnant and by a black boy. Can you imagine what this will do to my standing as pastor? And if word gets around town, I could possibly lose customers at the bank. Do you have any other solutions?” “We could send her off to California for good. Prudence is living here and...” “Or,” Cassandra said walking in, “you could do like Rev. Barnett did and just tell the people the truth: the great Rev. Nichols’ daughter got pregnant and instead of having an abortion, she had the baby. And if you still want to protect your good’ name and maintain your position as a pastor, you do not have to tell them the baby’s father is black. Is that okay with you all?” “I did not hear you come down,” her father said 52

surprised. “No, and neither did you know I have been listening to you both plotting and planning for the past few minutes. You ought to be ashamed of yourselves because I am beginning to be ashamed of you both. What kind of grandparents are you going to be to Grant Lee?” Going to the stove to warm up the baby’s formula, Cassandra said, “By the way, Mother, I will be riding with Prudence to and from church, and, no, I will not leave Grant Lee in the nursery. He will be staying with me during the services.” Cassandra and Prudence arrived at the church about five minutes before her father took his position at the podium to preach. They quietly slipped into a pew. Cassandra’s eyes met her father’s. “Ladies and gentlemen, before I preach this morning, I have a confession to make. Some of you may have noticed my daughter has not been attending services for the past few months. Some of you have asked about her and my wife did tell you Cassandra was off to California. Well, that was our intent, to send her to California for the summer and possibly off to school there. Well, she never made it to California. We’ve been keeping her at home because, and I am ashamed to say this, but she got pregnant. Anyway, thank God she did the right thing and she went ahead and gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. So if you see a baby in her arms, he’s my grandson, Grant Lee. Please forgive me for taking so long to come out with the truth.” 53

There were some whispers in the auditorium. Some nodded their heads; others strained their necks as they turned to see the grandbaby. Cassandra was met with hugs as the ladies greeted her after the services. She even noticed some of the congregants congratulating her parents as they passed by them on their way out the door. “See,” Cassandra said to them at the dinner table, “people really don’t care what you do as long as you tell the truth.”

Chapter 8 Cassandra took a day off to go on campus at Ole’ Miss to register for college. Being good in math, she decided to pursue a degree in Business Administration. “I’ll watch Grant Lee for you,” her mother offered. “I need to spend some time alone with my grandbaby.” “Are you sure, Mother? I mean, that would be a big help while I register,” Cassandra said, “but I do not want to be a burden to you.” “Sure. You go on ahead. I still remember how to change a diaper and take care of a baby,” she said with a chuckle. ... Natalie sat on the couch cradling her grandson. As she looked down at him unresolved issues from her past flooded her mind. 55

“You know, Grant Lee, you’re the child I never had. You’re the child I aborted years ago. No one knows this but your grandfather. Derek Johnson was something else. Just like your daddy, he played football too. The only difference is, Derek Johnson pushed me to have the abortion to protect his name as he rose to fame in the football world. I have not seen him nor have I heard from him since then.” Natalie sniffled. “I hate him to this day for what he did to me,” Natalie whispered to her grandson. “I have nothing but bitterness towards him for what he made me do. And do you know what, Grant Lee? He told me if I aborted the baby we would remain friends and he would treat me as though nothing happened. He told me he would come back and marry me. Well, I believed that lie. As soon as he learned I killed my baby, our baby, his baby, he turned his back on me. He would not talk to me anymore. I saw him in the store one day and he told me I was nothing but a baby killer. Can you imagine that? He went off to play football and he never returned to marry me.” Natalie cuddled her grandson. “He lied to me, Grant Lee. He lied to me...and I will never forget it. I hope he is shrivelling up in a hole somewhere. No, I will never forget the hurt he brought me, even to this day. I hate him.” She spat out those last few words vehemently. “That’s why I am so hard on your mother. I guarantee you, your father will never come back. That’s typical of black men and that is why I don’t want your mother to get her hopes up.” 56

It’s like I am reliving a portion of my life through my daughter, she thought. ... Cassandra returned home in time to check the mail before her mother did. She bounced through the front door into the living room and up the stairs calling, “Mother, Mother,” as she waved a letter. Natalie rose from her nap with a start. “I’m in the bedroom. What seems to be the matter?” “I told you he would write,” she said entering the bedroom. Grant Lee was asleep. “I thought I would take a quick nap while he slept. You knew who would write?” her mother asked reclining back on the pillows. “Grant. This letter’s from Grant,” Cassandra said tearing the envelope open. She sat down to read it. Dear Cassandra, I hope this letter finds you and Grant Lee doing well. You have not responded to my previous letter or to the two postcards I sent. I hope they did not get lost in the mail. Anyway, I miss you and Grant Lee so much. I think about you both every day and I say a little prayer for you each day. I also look at our first family picture every day. It’s taped up in my locker where I can see it. We talked about you going to college. I hope you have not changed your mind. Please let me know how things are going as far as that goes. How was Grant Lee’s first day at church? I

can only imagine how big he’s gotten. Keep me informed as to how he is doing and let me know if you need anything. Cassandra... Natalie listened. Cassandra read the rest of the letter in silence. Her mother saw a smile spread across her face. “What’s he saying?” she asked. “Mmm, personal stuff,” Cassandra said refolding the letter. “He sends his greetings to you and Dad and Prudence.” “Yeah, right,” her mother said. “And what family picture is he referring to. I never knew you took any kind of picture with him. Did you sneak off and do that behind my back?” “Don’t worry about it, Mother,” Cassandra said. “Don’t worry about it? As your mother, I demand to know.” “Mother,” Cassandra said looking her mother in the eye. “I do not have to answer to you about anything regarding Grant. You can at least be happy he’s staying in touch and is inquiring about his child.” “Yes, but for how long will he keep doing that? Until he finds another girl to impregnate?” “How dare you speak about Grant like that!” Cassandra said trying not to raise her voice. She walked over to her bedside table and pulled a picture out of the drawer. “Here, Mother! Here’s the family picture. Me, Grant, and Grant Lee. Are you happy now?” Cassandra shouted. Natalie took a good look at the picture. “When did 58

you take this?” “Does it really matter when?” Cassandra said. “Mother, you need to get rid of the bitterness and hatred you have toward Grant because he has not done you any wrong.” “Yes, he did! He got me pregnant.” Natalie said. “O my soul! What are you talking about?” Cassandra said. “Mother, please just go to your room and lay down a bit longer. I didn’t know keeping Grant Lee would stress you out so much. I should have know better than to leave him here with you.” ... Cassandra shared the letter with Prudence when she came home from spending all day at the hospital completing her training. She was in her third year pursuing her medical degree. “I had no idea he was a romantic,” Prudence said with a giggle. “You hang on to him. What did Aunt Nat have to say about the letter?” “She didn’t say much of anything except to get mad at the family picture. I think she’s a little disappointed his letter got through.” ... Rev. Nichols remained neutral when Cassandra gave him Grant’s message. A flood of guilt rested upon him all evening as he tried to relax in his office after dinner.

Grant was showing him up not only by that letter, but by the letter he and Rev. Barnett had dropped off before Grant left for Tallahassee. Grant promised he would take care of his daughter and grandson and he placed his signature beside that promise to show how serious he was. I did not even have the character to do that after I got that black girl pregnant on my fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farm. All I did was deny it and deny it, even leaving the farm so as not to face up to my responsibility. I made that girl promise not to tell, even telling her I would take care of her if she remained silent. She kept her end of the bargain; I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. Rev. Nichols sighed deeply. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as though I am reliving a part of my life through my daughter. Grant Lee is like the son I refused to accept.

Chapter 9 Mister Briley was by the fence pulling the weeds out of the flowerbeds in preparation for the autumn season. He was humming and singing alternately. Dis joy dat I have, da worl’ didn’t give it to me Dis joy dat I have, da worl’ didn’t give it to me Dis joy dat I have, da worl’ didn’t give it to me Da worl’ didn’t give it, da worl’ can’t take it away No, Siree Da worl’ didn’t give it, n da worl’ can’t take it away. His rich baritone voice echoed across the fence. “Hello, Mister Briley.” “Well, a mighty big hello to you too, Miss Cassie,” he said looking up. “You kinda snuck up on me,” he 61

chuckled. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you,” Cassandra said. “How’s the little un doing?” Mister Briley asked standing and peering across the fence at Grant Lee. “He sure have gottin bigger. He’s like a little tank.” “Yes, he eats like a little man.” Mister Briley cooed at Grant Lee for a few seconds. “No offens’, Miss Cassie, but he mus’ look like his daddy. I mean, he gots some of your color and everyt’ing, but his fechures mus be dat of his daddy. He has im some strikin’ fechures.” Cassandra laughed. “Well, yes, he looks just like his daddy.” “Mighten I ask who his daddy is?” Mister Briley said. “Sure, Mister Briley. It’s Grant Barnett. He told me you go to his church Mt. Shiloh, where his daddy, Rev. Barnett, is the pastor.” “An a mighty fine lad he is dat Grant Barnett,” Mister Briley said showing no surprise at the news. “I hears he’s away at college; gat im a football sch’lorship.” “He sure did, Mister Briley,” Cassandra said with pride. “I bet you misses im. We misses im too down dere at da church.” Natalie Nichols watched the exchange between her daughter and Mister Briley. She hated the way they laughed so freely with each other. I have to put a stop to this. I sense nothing but trouble. I can’t allow her to have any contact with their kind. 62

Natalie raised the window. “Cassandra,” she called out to her daughter, “it’s time to come in. Dinner’s ready.” “Okay, Mother. In a minute.” Cassandra turned her attention back to Mister Briley. “I’m thinking of coming to Mt. Salem soon. I want Grant Lee to know the other side of his family.” “Well, dat be mighty nice of you, Miss Cassie, an’ he should know,” Mister Briley said. “You know Rev. Barnett did tell us ‘bout his son gettin’ a young girl pregnant. Dese t’ings happens. But we jus love on Grant, an’ we be a prayin’ for you and the little un.” “Thank you, Mister Briley,” Cassandra said, “and you have a great night.” Mister Briley returned to his gardening. “May the good Lord have mercy upon us,” he muttered. Cassandra hurried into the house as Prudence was pulling up into the driveway. They quickly got ready for dinner. Rev. Nichols said the blessing. “A tasty meal, Nat,” he said to his wife after taking a few forkfuls. “How was your day, Cassandra? When I came home you were outside with Grant Lee.” “Great, Dad. Grant Lee’s been keeping me busy but I managed to get some studying in.” “Whenever you get ready, I have a position for you down at the bank.” “Thanks, Dad. I just hate to have to get a babysitter for Grant Lee at this young age. I don’t want to be a burden to Mother having to leave him with her all the time,” Cassandra said. “But I am thinking of taking you up on 63

the offer, Dad.” “Your mother told me she was concerned about how much time you were spending talking with the gardener next door.” “Are you talking about Mister Briley? Dad, I’ve been saying hello’ to Mister Briley ever since we moved here. He’s just a friendly old man who couldn’t hurt a fly if he wanted to.” “Well, I think you need to stay away from him completely,” Natalie said. “He’s going to be a bad influence on you and Grant Lee.” “Mother, maybe you need to spend some time talking with Mister Briley,” Cassandra said. Before her mother could answer, the doorbell rang. “I’ll get it,” Cassandra said handing the baby to Prudence. She opened the door to see Carolyn Barnett, Grant’s sister, with a medium sized box in her hand. “Grant sent this for you, Cassandra,” she said with a smile. “He wanted us to give it to you. Are you doing okay?” “Yes, I sure am,” Cassandra said setting the box just inside the door. She turned to give Carolyn a hug. Athaliah Barnett was waiting in the car. She tooted the horn and waved to Cassandra. “Hi, Cassandra. How are you doing?” “I’m doing fine,” Cassandra said returning the wave. “How’s Grant doing?” Cassandra asked Carolyn. “He’s doing great. You have not heard from him? He 64

told us he would limit calls to you because he did not want to upset your parents any more and that he’s been corresponding with you by mail,” Carolyn said. Lowering her voice, she added, “In fact, I told him I was more than willing to deliver any messages he may have for you as long as your parents don’t get upset at that.” “Thank you, Carolyn,” Cassandra said. “I’m sure he’ll be writing you soon. He’s always been slow when it comes to writing letters,” Carolyn said. “If you need anything, please let us know.” “I will,” Cassandra said waving goodbye to Athaliah Barnett. She returned to the dining room just in time to hear her mother saying, “You have to put a stop to it, Benjamin. These old black men know all about segregation and all that and they are just full of bitterness because they feel they never got equal rights. I guarantee you that old man has something sinister in his mind.” Natalie watched Cassandra place the box on the table. “Who was that at the door?” she asked. “It took you a mighty long time to get back.” “It was Carolyn. Grant’s sister.” “What’s she doing over here? Benjamin, you have to speak to Rev. Barnett again. Soon we’ll have the whole black community coming over here like this is some place for a community gathering,” Natalie said. Ignoring her mother, Cassandra said, “Grant sent this 65

for them to give to me. She stopped by to drop it off.” I bet you he did, Natalie thought. Cassandra opened up the box to find a toy and some clothes for Grant Lee. At the bottom of the box was a small box. I’ll look at this later, she thought. “Those are beautiful,” Prudence said. “You’ll be looking mighty sharp for church on Sunday,” she said to Grant Lee while glancing up at her aunt who was staring disapprovingly at the gifts. I do not like this at all. That boy is defying our wishes. We have to end this, Natalie Nichols thought.

EPISODE 4

Chapter 10 Cassandra and Prudence finished off their meal then retired to Cassandra’s room for the evening. “Do you think Grant sent the box to his parent’s home in error?” Prudence asked. “No. I think he did it on purpose to ensure that I received it,” Cassandra said. “Anyway, I wanted to show you this.” Cassandra reached into the bottom of the box and brought out a smaller rectangular box. “Wow!” both her and Prudence exclaimed as Cassandra removed the cover to reveal a beautiful diamond necklace with a cross and a heart pendant. Next to it was a locket to alternate with the heart. Cassandra opened the locket to find the picture of Grant and her that they took on prom night inside. “That Grant is serious about you,” Prudence said smiling. “This is expensive stuff,” she said touching the 69

jewelry. “Come on. Help me put it on,” Cassandra said. “How do I look?” she asked fingering the necklace. “It’s beautiful, really beautiful,” Prudence said. Reaching into her bedside table drawer, Cassandra pulled out the ring that Grant had given her before he left. She slipped it on her finger. “Don’t they go well with each other?” she asked, proudly laying her hand with the ring across her chest next to the necklace. “Are you going to show Aunt Nat and Uncle Ben?” “Yes and no,” Cassandra said removing the jewelry, and placing it back in the box. “I’ll be wearing it to church on Sunday for sure; and you, Grant Lee, will be wearing one of your new outfits,” she added as she tickled his chin. ___________ It was cloudy on Sunday morning but that did not dampen the joy in Cassandra’s heart as she hurried to the breakfast table. Rev. Nichols had already left for the church. Prudence was already seated at the table with Cassandra’s mother. “I’ll fix your plate for you,” Prudence offered. “You take care of Grant Lee. Doesn’t he look sharp in his new outfit, Aunt Nat?” Natalie reluctantly agreed as she looked at Grant Lee with a smile. Her eyes quickly darted to the necklace around Cassandra’s neck as rays of light glittered on the

diamonds. “Where in the world did you get such a beautiful necklace, Cassandra? It looks very expensive,” Natalie asked her daughter. “It is expensive and Grant sent it. It was at the bottom of the box with Grant Lee’s clothes,” Cassandra beamed. “Do you like it?” “I have to admit, I do. But, really, it looks so expensive,” Natalie said. “Did he say where he got the money to buy it? I mean, he just started college, he’s not working anywhere, are you sure– “ “Mother, are you trying to imply that he stole it?” “Oh, I am not trying to imply anything. I was just wondering,” Natalie said. “Well, eat up. You both can ride with me if you want to.” Cassandra felt good being back in church. She beamed with pride at the many compliments the churchgoers paid her about her necklace. “And that’s a beautiful ring,” one of the ladies said to her, lifting Cassandra’s hand to get a better look. Natalie Nichols, who was talking to another one of the church members, swung around when she overheard the words. “Ring? What ring?” “How come I never saw that ring before?” she asked Cassandra on the way home. “And I notice that you’re wearing it on your ring finger. Where did you get it from? Is it that Grant boy again?” “Yes, Grant gave it to me before he left.” “What?” Natalie exclaimed. The car screeched 71

around the curb as she rapidly hit the brakes after accidentally pressing on the accelerator pedal. “Cassandra, answer me truthfully? Do you have any idea where he’s getting the money from? Are you sure that boy is not selling drugs or something?” “Mother! Of course not! Mother, Grant is an honest Christian man. Whatever he gets, he gets it by honest means,” Cassandra said. “And have you forgotten his father is not only a pastor, but he also owns his own restaurant and they have another one across town. Both are doing extremely well. Grant was employed there before he left.” “Well, you can be sure that we’ll be talking more about this when your father comes in,” Natalie said as she put the car in park after pulling up in their garage. The family sat down to their Sunday dinner after Rev. Nichols came home. His wife wasted no time in getting to what was on her mind. “Benjamin, have you noticed the necklace and the ring Cassandra’s wearing?” “You have great taste, Cassandra,” Rev. Nichols mumbled hardly looking at the jewelry as he placed a large piece of the roast in his mouth. “No, Benjamin. Take a real good look,” Natalie said. “She says that Grant gave them to her before he left.”

Chapter 11 Benjamin Nichols let his fork clatter to his plate. “Let me see that ring, Cassandra,” he demanded. Cassandra held her hand out for him to see. “You say Grant gave this to you before he left?” Benjamin asked recognizing the ring as the one Grant had shown him when he stopped by the restaurant. Cassandra nodded. “I can not believe this,” he said slamming his hand down on the table. It caused such a noise that the sleeping Grant Lee awakened from his nap with a frown on his face. “He showed me this same ring the morning I went down to the restaurant to speak with his father. The ring fell out of his hand and somewhere on the floor. I thought he could not find it, so I offered him some money to replace it. I was surprised when he refused to take the 73

money.” Cassandra held her head down to try and hide the smile creeping up on her face. Grant has too much class and smarts for you to try to buy him off, Cassandra thought. And that’s why I love him. Benjamin Nichols continued. “Just like a black man, he disregarded my wishes and went behind my back to do something like this with my family. I told him he was not giving my daughter any ring and that he would not be marrying her. I also told him in front of his father not to have any contact whatsoever with Cassandra. This is disrespectful to me as the head of my household. I tell you what, next time I go over there and talk with them, I’m going to take my shotgun, and I’m not taking it over there to try to get a shotgun wedding either.” He glared at Cassandra. “How did you get this ring?” “He gave it to me just before he left,” Cassandra replied. “Did you two go down to the courthouse and get married behind our backs as well? Because if you did, as far as I am concerned, it is an abomination before God and very disrespectful to me and your mother and to the people at First Baptist.” Natalie nodded her head in total agreement. “You ought to give it back at once. In fact, you can just give it to me and I’ll make sure it gets back to him,” she said. “Dad, it’s just a friendship ring,” Cassandra said ignoring her mother’s comments. “I thought I ended that friendship’ a long time ago, 74

Cassandra!” “You still have not told us how that boy gave you this ring,” her mother said sharply. “We had someone watching you up until the very day he left. Unless” “Don’t even think of bringing Prudence into this,” Cassandra snapped, quickly stopping her mother in midsentence as she looked across at Prudence. “Prudence has nothing to do with what goes on between me and Grant. And, frankly, neither do you.” Cassandra excused herself from the dinner table as did Prudence. She cut them both a huge slice of the lemon cake which they took up to Cassandra’s room. “You know, Prudence, I’m thinking of moving out of here soon. I wish I could get in touch with Grant to let him know my plans.” Prudence smiled. “I’ve been thinking of staying here in Mississippi after I get through with my four year nursing program instead of returning to California. I only have one more year. Then, I can get my own place. We could room somewhere together. I’ll have to think about it some more though, because I am certainly saving money staying with your folks.” “Yeah, I better think about it some more, too. I’m going to take Dad up on his offer to work at the bank, that way I won’t be totally dependent upon them.” ___________ “I guess neither Rev. Barnett nor Grant took you

seriously,” Natalie said to her husband after the girls left the table. “Like father, like son,” Benjamin said. “Both are stubborn as mules. Look at what that is doing to Cassandra. She has never disobeyed me; it’s as though she is in cahoots with them.” “Well, if you don’t go down there and talk to Rev. Barnett and lay it all out before him, I’m going to have to do it myself, and I’ll have them charged for trespassing,” Natalie said firmly. ___________ Monday morning found Benjamin Nichols down at the restaurant before opening hours. “Rev. Nichols, it’s good to see you again. What brings you here so early?” Rev. Barnett greeted him. “Good morning, Rev. Barnett. I’m pretty sure you know why I’m here,” Rev. Nichols said. “Your son did not take heed to my direct orders for him not to have anything to do with my daughter, and that is disrespectful to me and my wife.” “As far as I know, Grant has not had any contact with your daughter, Rev. Nichols. He’s been gone since the end of summer.” “Well, he’s had some contact with her, because he managed to get that ring he bought to her, even though I forbade him to give it to her. I’m going down to the office of vital records, and if I find out that somehow they

secretly got married at the courthouse, the next time you see my face will be in the courtroom, and I’ll also be suing for trespassing on my property, among other things. You people are going to learn one way or the other,” Rev. Nichols said. “You people? What do you mean by ‘you people’?” Rev. Barnett said. “I do not appreciate the way you address me and my son. It just so happens that the people in my family are law-abiding, respectable citizens just as you and your family, so don’t you dare come into my business and disrespect me and my family with your words.” Rev. Nichols started to turn red as he clenched and unclenched his fist. “Are you getting ready to hit me?” Rev. Barnett asked. “Because if you are, I would advise you not to especially on my property and that is not an idle threat, but if you want to, I say ‘lay it on,’ ‘cause I can show you better than I can tell you.” Rev. Nichols stepped towards the door. “Barnett, my property is my property and my daughter is my daughter, and I don’t want you people” “My name is Reverend...Reverend Barnett. Not ‘you people.’ And until you learn to address me in a respectful manner and tone of voice, I don’t ever want to see you on my property either. Good day, Rev. Nichols, and don’t let that doorknob hit you in the back.” ___________

Athaliah had herself a good belly laugh after her husband told her about Rev. Nichols’ visit. “These white folks are something else. It’s time to move past the days of slavery, segregation, and all that mess. What in the world is Rev. Nichols holding on to those things for?” she questioned. “Well, I understand where the man is coming from. There are some race issues involved, but he is just upset because his daughter had sex with a boy and got pregnant and messed her life up,” Rev. Barnett said. “The thing that has kept me calm is putting myself in his shoes. How would we feel if his white son had gotten our daughter pregnant and then ran off to college? Anyway, next time we speak with Grant we must tell him to respect Rev. Nichols’ wishes while his daughter is still living in his house. Right is right and wrong is wrong.”

Chapter 12 Mister Briley could not wait to get home to his wife. “May da good Lord ave mercy upon us,” he said as he kissed her. “Wat don’ happen now?” Mrs. Matilda said. “Rememba’ when Rev. Barnett told us his son, Grant, got dis girl pregnant? Well, I knows who da girl is. It’s Rev. Nichols’ daughter, Cassie,” he said. “You know Rev. Nichols, da pasta’ of da First Baptist Church where all da white folks go.” “I knows who he is, but how you com’ by dat news?” his wife asked curiously. “Mattie, I don’ tol’ you I been watchin’ an’ observin’,” he said sticking his chest out. “Things been hap’ning ova at Rev. Nichols’ house. Anyways, I wuz in da garden when young Miz Cassie come into da yard, walkin’ her son. She always greets me. An’ we gat to talkin’ an’ I ask 79

her outright who da father is, an’ she tells me her very words Grant Barnett.” “Lord ave mercy, you don’t say!” Mattie exclaimed. “Now you know dat’s goin’ to create some problems with dem white folks, especially if he gonna want to marry er,” Mister Briley sighed. “Anyways, now, don’t you go spreadin’ it to anyone, cause I don’t wanna be in da middle a some mess.” “Oh, you don’t hafta worry, honey. My lips are sealed,” Mattie said setting the dinner on the table. “Dat chicken and mashed potaters and collard greens with dat ham hock in it and cornbread shure smells good,” Mister Briley said. Halfway through their dinner, Mrs. Mattie said out loud but more to herself, “I’s wonda’ how things gonna work out between dem two? He’s all da way down South in Flor’da an’ she still ere in Ol’ Mississippi.” “All’s I know is from what I seen and heard he trying to do da right thing. I tol’ you he and Rev. Barnett were ova at the Rev. Nichols’ house,” Mister Briley said with his mouth full of cornbread. “If’n I know Rev. Barnett, I’s know he tol’ Grant to do da right thing an’ marry er, or at least take care of der child,” Mattie said. “Well, all’s we can do is to pray for dem,” Mister Briley said. “Dese young folks need a lot of prayin’ fo’ now a dayz.” Mattie nodded her head in agreement. ___________

Rev. Nichols left the restaurant in anger. He called his wife and told her to check at the vital records office for any marriage records between Grant Barnett and Cassandra Nichols. “They have no records of any such marriage,” his wife told him when she called back. “Did they get the message this time?” “I believe so,” Rev. Nichols told her. “I told him if his boy does not leave my daughter alone, or if any of them come on our property, I’m going to sue them for trespassing.” “Sometimes you got to crack down on these black folks. That’s the only way some of them will learn,” Natalie said smugly.

EPISODE 5

Chapter 13 Rev. Barnett wasted no time in calling Grant the next day. He shared with him the conversation he had with Rev. Nichols. “Grant, I think it is best for you to put an end to all contact with Cassandra at this time,” his Dad told him. “I can’t do that, Dad,” Grant said firmly. “Grant Lee is my son and I have every right to see him and to keep in touch with his mother whenever I deem it necessary. It’s not like I’m over there everyday. I’m not even in the same state. All I want to do is be able to call Cassandra up and talk with her about our son, and to see him on special occasions like Christmas and Thanksgiving and Easter. Is there anything wrong with that?” “No, son, and I understand, but Cassandra’s father does not see it that way.” “I mean, Dad, I left him a signed note that I would 85

take care of my son and that I accept full responsibility for my son, and that I want to marry Cassandra,” Grant said. “Any man in his position, I think, would be happy to hear that.” “Grant, I understand, but right now, he only sees Cassandra as his daughter living under his roof.” “Yes, but she is nineteen years old getting ready to turn twenty She is an adult and capable of making her own decisions.” “Yes, Grant, but as long as she’s living under her father’s roof you have to respect his wishes,” Rev. Barnett said. “Anyway, I can’t allow Carolyn to drop off any more packages or to deliver any more messages. He’s threatening to sue us for trespassing if he sees any of us on his property.” “What if Cassandra were to stop by the restaurant for any messages or gifts I send to her?” Grant asked. “I wouldn’t do that either, Grant, and I am not going to allow that. Rev. Nichols wants no contact whatsoever as long as she’s living under his roof.” “Well, then, I will tell her to find her own place and I’ll help her to pay for it,” Grant said adamantly. “Calm down, Grant,” Rev. Barnett said firmly. “The Bible says, ‘the discretion of a man deferreth his anger.’ Grant, I know you are upset at this, but I would advise you to use discretion in this matter and not get angry. Pray about this situation and leave it in God’s hands. He sees the whole picture. Only He knows why the Nichols are acting the way they are acting. There might be more 86

to this than what we are seeing on the surface.” “It’s not right, Dad, and you know it.” “Whether we think it’s right or not, we are going to respect Rev. Nichols’ decision,” Rev. Barnett told his son. “And we are going to stay away from his daughter because I sure do not want us to end up in court. This situation could get blown out of proportion.” Grant sighed. “The Bible says to trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path.’ It also says to seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you,’” Rev. Barnett said. “Grant, God knows you want to do the right thing and the right thing to do right now is to respect Rev. Nichols’ wishes and pray about it and let God change his heart. Our going against his wishes will only make him stand firmer in his decision. Okay, son?” “Okay, Dad,” Grant said reluctantly. “But if this was to end up in court, couldn’t we get a lawyer to fight this thing for us?” Rev. Barnett chuckled. “We already have a lawyer – God, and nobody can top Him.” “You’re right, Dad,” Grant replied. Grant chatted with his mother and sister before hanging up the phone. In spite of the conversation he had with his father, Grant was still thinking of how he could have some contact with Cassandra. This is just not right, he kept thinking. By the end of the week, he 87

decided he could not wait on God through prayer; he was determined to do something about it. ____________ “Jake. Jake Seymour, what’s been happening? I haven’t heard from you in a while. What’s up?” “I have been around,” Jake replied. “I’m getting ready to start my own business. My uncle pulled some strings for me and I have some government funding coming in. Next time you return home, I’ll be sitting like a king in my executive office.” Grant laughed. “I knew you’d make something of your life.” “So how are things down there in Tallahassee? Are you getting ready to hit it big in the NFL soon?” Jake asked. “I hope so. Things are going quite well now and I’m training hard. Anyway, I was wondering if you could do me a favor. You remember Cassandra Nichols, my girlfriend from high school?” “Yeah, I remember her. I’ve seen her around a few times with the baby. She doesn’t come out much.” “I need for you to do me a favor. I lost contact with her somehow. The letters I’ve been sending her have been coming back to me without a forwarding address. I need to keep in touch with her for the sake of our son. I just need for you to be the go-between for us – you know – give her any messages I have. Give me your address

and I’ll correspond with her through you. Is that all right with you?” “Sounds like an easy enough job,” Jake said. “She lives on the rich side of town in that brick mansion set back from the road. I remember us swinging by there one time to pick Mister Briley up from where he does his gardening.” “Yes, that’s it. Mister Briley does gardening at the Spanish looking house next door,” Grant said. “I’ll pay you well for your troubles.” “Stop right there. That’s what friends are for. Only one question,” Jake said. “Wouldn’t it be easier if your mother or sister did this?” Grant sighed. “That’s it. Cassandra’s father does not want to have anything to do with our family. To be honest with you, he does not want me to have anything to do with Cassandra, but I have to do the responsible thing and keep abreast of my son’s well-being. You don’t have to have any contact with Cassandra, just drop off the letter or card or package that I will send at the door and then disappear.” Jake laughed. “So you’re asking me to spy a little and play detective. What if her parents...?” “You can do it during the night time when they’re asleep.” “I hear you. I’ll help you out,” Jake said. “You can reward me by going pro and bringing home a lot of money.” “I appreciate it, Jake. I’ll call you back to let you know 89

when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve sent my first message.â&#x20AC;?

Chapter 14 Cassandra decided to visit Mt. Shiloh Baptist Church without her parents’ knowledge. “Grant Lee needs to know about his other side of the family. Plus, they may have heard from Grant. I have not heard anything from him for a while now,” Cassandra said to Prudence as they headed in the direction of Mt. Shiloh. “What are you going to tell Aunt Nat and Uncle Ben if they ask what you’ve been doing all day?” Prudence asked. “I’ll tell them the truth. I am not violating their rule. I am not meeting up with Grant.” They arrived at Mt. Shiloh at exactly 11:00 to find the praise and worship team leading in the singing and offering up of praises to God. “First Baptist Church cannot top this,” Cassandra 91

whispered to Prudence. “Let me raise my hand like everybody else,” Prudence said with a smile as she lifted her hands in the air. About thirty minutes into the praise and worship time, Rev. Barnett took his place at the podium. The congregation fell silent as he led them in prayer. Athaliah Barnett who was sitting in the choir box, slipped her husband a note: Cassandra and Grant Lee are in the crowd. After the preaching, Rev. Barnett made a special announcement. “Sisters and brothers, I don’t mean to keep you here longer than is necessary, but I feel led of the Lord to do this especially as we draw closer to the Christmas season, so bear with me a little longer. It’s been a long time since we had a baby dedication. I want all parents with children under four years of age to bring the little ones to Jesus. Come on up to the front so that I can offer up a prayer for them.” Cassandra looked at Prudence who nodded at her to go ahead. Cassandra shook her head no. “You don’t have to be a member of our church. When Jesus said, Suffer little children to come unto Me and forbid them not,’ He did not put a limit on who could come. So I invite you to bring all the little children to Jesus.” Athaliah left the choir box and went down to where Cassandra sat with Grant Lee. “Come on,” she motioned with her hand. 92

Athaliah gave Cassandra a hug as she escorted her to the front. “Give a round of applause for all our little children here today. These are the ones who will be leading this church, our community, and this nation in a few years. I’ll ask my wife to stand here so she can hand me the babies. I know she will love that,” Rev. Barnett said smiling with his wife. “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord and the fruit of the womb is His reward. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them.” Rev. Barnett prayed over each child for God’s blessing and protection to be on them as he made the sign of the cross with anointing oil on each child’s forehead. Athaliah took the sleeping Grant Lee from Cassandra and handed him to her husband. “Here’s a big one for you, Pastor.” “Jesus loves all the children,” Rev. Barnett said as he anointed Grant Lee’s forehead, “no matter their race or color.” Mister Briley and Mrs. Mattie nudged each other as Rev. Barnett prayed over Grant Lee. “Most gracious heavenly Father, we do thank You for loving us in spite of ourselves. We ask that You put an extra covering, an extra blessing upon Grant Lee Nichols. And, Lord God Almighty, as You lead him through the vicissitudes of this life, I pray that he would learn to look to You. I pray that he would fear You, love You, honor You, obey You, and be faithful to You all his life. Amen.” 93

“Amen!” the congregation said. Rev. Barnett walked in front of the pulpit still holding Grant Lee. “Let me leave you with these words of Jesus Christ: Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.’ Come and greet these parents; love on them and encourage them because you know parenting is not easy. Amen? You’re dismissed.” Mister Briley and his wife made their way up front to greet Cassandra, Prudence, and Grant Lee. “Miss Cassie, it’s a surprise seeing you ere. Dis is my wife, Mattie. An’ how are you, Miss Prudence?” Both Cassandra and Prudence hugged Mrs. Mattie. “We love you so much.” Mrs. Mattie made her way over to Rev. Barnett. “Let me see dis little fellow you seems to be protectin’,” Mrs. Mattie said with a smile. “Yes, I’m protecting him, Mrs. Mattie,” Rev. Barnett said with a laugh. “This little fellow is my grandson.” “I sees the resemblance now,” Mrs. Mattie said. “Bless you, little un. God bless you.” Cassandra’s eyes filled with tears. She felt genuine love and knew she had a family for life at Mt. Shiloh. Her heart was even more overjoyed at the good news she heard about Grant. “Grant sends his love,” Athaliah said quietly to her. “He’s wondering why he hasn’t heard from you. Just about all the letters he’s sent to you have been returned.” 94

“I will have to look into that,” Cassandra assured her, taking Grant Lee from his grandfather. Jake Seymour stopped Cassandra as she was about to exit the auditorium to enter the vestibule. “Hey, Cassandra, wait up. I have a message for you from Grant,” he said slipping her a letter. “I was going to drop it off on my way home from church. You just saved me a trip.” Cassandra tore the letter open as soon as she got into the car. “Listen, Prudence,” she said reading the letter aloud. “Cassandra, my love, I hope all is well. I miss you so much. I am sorry our contact has been so erratic, but I want you to know you are still my number one. By the way, do you have a new address? Most of the letters I have sent to you have been returned marked undeliverable as addressed.’ If nothing happens, I should be home for Christmas this year. Could you meet me at the restaurant on Christmas Eve around eight? My father told me that your father told him I could not stop by any more or have any further contact with you. I don’t think that is right considering Grant Lee is my son. Anyway, I hope it will all work out. Remember, Christmas Eve at eight. Much love, Grant.”

Chapter 15 Cassandra and Prudence made it home about thirty minutes after Natalie arrived home. “Where have you two been?” Natalie asked. “I didn’t see you in church. Neither did I see Grant Lee in the nursery. You had me worried.” “We went to Rev. Barnett’s church,” Cassandra stated. “You did what? Now why did you not let your father and I know?” her mother asked. “I kind of did it on the spur of the moment,” Cassandra said. “You just wait until your father gets home,” Natalie sighed. “I don’t know what got into you, Cassandra.” Rev. Nichols returned home while the three were setting the table. “I am famished. I tell you what, preaching sure does

take a lot out of you. Those who have never preached before think it is glorious, but if they only knew,” Rev. Nichols said taking his place at the table. Deciding to beat her mother to the punch, Cassandra said, “Dad, I visited Rev. Barnett’s church today. Before you get upset, he did not know I was coming and Grant was not there, so I do not want you to think I was sneaking around.” Rev. Nichols continued chewing his food but at a much slower pace. The minute he took to finally swallow what was in his mouth seemed like an eternity to Cassandra who braced herself as she waited for his response. “Why would you defy us, Cassandra? You know we don’t want you to have contact with themnot now anyway,” her father said. “I just told Rev. Barnett I’ll sue them for trespassing if they keep coming over here. I don’t want them to turn the tables on us.” “Dad, I just visited the church. As a pastor, certainly you do not have a problem with me doing that. I saw a few other white people there so I did not stick out in the crowd.” “But why would you want to do that?” “That Grant fellow probably put it in her head,” Natalie said. “Have you been communicating with him?” “No, Mother. I have not had any contact with him; neither have I been receiving any mail from him even though I know he has written to me,” Cassandra said. “I visited the church because I felt Grant Lee needs to know 98

about his father’s side of the family whether you want to accept it or not.” “He’s a bit young to understand his other side,” Rev. Nichols said. “Anyway, I’ll control how much and when he learns about his other side of the family. Trust me. I know what I am doing as far as that goes.” “How soon will that be?” Cassandra asked. “It depends on whether or not the Barnetts comply with our wishes and,” her father added, “you can speed that up by doing what your mother and I tell you regarding this matter.” Cassandra opened her mouth to protest, but Prudence forcefully cleared her throat causing her to stop. “Can you believe that?” Cassandra said to Prudence later on. “It’s a sticky situation, but hang in there and things will work out,” Prudence assured her. ____________ Over the course of the next few weeks, weird things began to happen at the Nichols’ residence. Someone would ring the doorbell after hours and leave before anyone could answer. Packages would be left at the door without a name attached to it. There would be no return address. On two occasions, when Rev. Nichols was up late into the night studying, he heard the front gate slam shut; he looked out his study window just in time to see

a black car speeding away from in front of his house. “Benjamin, I do not know what is going on, but someone has been calling from an unidentified number and hangs up as soon as I pick up the phone,” Natalie informed her husband one evening. “This is the fifth day this has happened. You don’t think Rev. Barnett has anything to do with it, do you? You know, trying to intimidate us.” “I don’t believe so. I think he got the message the last time we spoke,” her husband said. “But to be sure, I’ll double check with him.” ____________ “No, Rev. Nichols, that’s equally a mystery to me,” Rev. Barnett said. “My wife and daughter have not been over to your house at all, and especially at the late hours you mentioned. I have informed Grant not to have any contact with your daughter by mail or by phone.” “Are you sure about that?” Rev. Nichols asked askance. “Now why would I lie to you, Rev. Nichols?” “You have every reason to lie.” “Listen, Rev. Nichols, my son and your daughter had a child together and by right he should be allowed free access to them whenever he chooses especially seeing that your daughter does not object and he plans on marrying her. Have you forgotten the signed letter my son showed you before he left stating that he would take

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care of his son and your daughter?” Rev. Nichols sighed. “We don’t need to go there right now. Just make sure you all stay off my property.” “You might want to question your daughter. Just maybe she has a secret admirer,” Rev. Barnett said before hanging up the phone. ____________ “I don’t know what’s going on, but I aim to get to the bottom of this,” Rev. Nichols told his wife. “Cassandra answered the phone twice today and whoever it was did not hang up. She said it was a friend,” Natalie said. “That’s probably coincidental,” Rev. Nichols said remembering Rev. Barnett’s last words. “She left the house after both calls. Don’t you think that is weird?” “Did you ask her about it?” “Yes, she said she had to run an errand,” Natalie said. “She may have a secret admirer,” Rev. Nichols said with a smile. “If that is the case that would bear well for us.” “Well, you might want to get the police in on these weird happenings just to be on the safe side,” Natalie said. “I really don’t want the police involved. I am looking into other things so don’t worry about it anymore,” Benjamin told her.

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EPISODE 6

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Chapter 16 Rev. Nichols did not waste any time in carrying out his plan. “Deacon Klipspringer, it’s been a while, what’s been going on?” “Not much, Rev. Nichols. I’m just trying to enjoy my early retirement. Sometimes I’m tempted to go back to work.” “Well, I have a little job for you,” Rev. Nichols said. He shared with Tucker Klipspringer the things that had been going on at his house. “So, what do you want me to do?” Tucker asked. “I just want you to survey the place and find out who’s trespassing on my property and shake them up a little.” Tucker Klipspringer laughed. He was a retired police officer with a degree in criminal justice and a former 105

deacon of First Baptist Church. “Once you find out who it is, I can take it from there,” Rev. Nichols told him, after which he shared the situation between Cassandra and Grant Barnett. “I don’t think it’s him because he’s away in Florida and I’ve already spoken with his father about them staying away from here. But you can start by keeping an eye on the Barnetts. The father is Rev. Barnett of Mt. Shiloh Baptist. He owns the soul food restaurant across town.” “I got you,” Tucker said. After about a week, Tucker reported back to Rev. Nichols. “I can assure you, the Barnetts are not involved. They lead a quiet life go to the restaurant, go home, go to church, go home, go to the store – you know, everyday stuff. We’ll be watching your house more closely now.” “Okay, Tucker. Keep me abreast.” ____________ Jake Seymour received a package from Grant for Grant Lee. As previously discussed, Jake was to remove the outer wrapping with the name and address of the receiver as well as the sender and drop the package off with discretion. He dropped it off at about 2:30 the next morning. Unknown to Jake, Tucker Klipspringer was parked at the end of the street keeping an eye on the Nichols’ household. All he saw was a tall figure with a coat and hat on.

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Early that morning when Cassandra was leaving to take Grant Lee to the babysitter so she could attend classes, she noticed the package which she dropped inside the door. “Mom, there’s an unmarked package. I’m leaving it inside the door, I have to go.” “I’ll get it,” Natalie said walking out of the kitchen. Natalie opened up the package. It contained six little boy outfits. No doubt these are for Grant Lee. But who could have sent them? she thought. Grant’s not around. Surely Cassandra’s not seeing someone else. She showed her husband the contents of the package and voiced her thoughts to him. “It would be best to ask her than to be here guessing and assuming things that might not be true,” her husband told her. Whatever it is, she thought as she took the package up to the attic after re-taping the opened side, these will be safe up here. When Cassandra returned home, she denied seeing anyone stating, that she was not interested in having a relationship with anyone but Grant. ____________ Tucker Klipspringer hired a friend, Jimmy Adair, to keep an eye on the house during the daytime. “Someone comes at different times throughout the week and places something in the mail or on the porch,” Jimmy reported

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to him. “Can you make out who it is?” “Kind of hard to tell. Whoever it is has a cap pulled down over his forehead, with a coat on and his car windows are tinted. It looks like a dark skinned person.” Tucker reported this to Rev. Nichols. “I want you to get him as soon as you can. We have to find out who it is and why he’s doing what he’s doing, because Cassandra has no idea who it is,” Mr. Nichols told Tucker. “These letters they have dropped off are typed and signed a friend’,” Natalie said to her husband after retrieving some unmarked mail from the mailbox over a week’s time. “They are definitely for Cassandra.” Natalie showed Cassandra a couple of the letters, but Cassandra insisted she did not know who it was, but she later told Prudence, “I am thinking that somehow Grant may be using a different strategy to stay in touch with me. I can’t say for sure, though. There’s no return address or name.” During Wednesday night prayer meeting, while the Nichols’ family was away at church, Jake dropped off a medium-sized box. His shoe lace had become untied as he hurried back to his car. Opening up the driver’s side, he rested his foot on the seat and bent over to tie his lace. A car pulled up behind him with its headlights on high beam. “Hey, you!” someone shouted getting out of the car. Jake jumped into his car and quickly took off with the other car following close behind. Darting in and out 108

of traffic he cut across the railroad tracks to the other side of town where he turned his car lights off, but still drove on. Knowing the neighborhood like the back of his hand, he soon lost his pursuer. “That was close,” Jake sighed. “I’ve got to be more careful.” ____________ Natalie took the box to her room. “It’s probably some more cosmetics,” she told Cassandra and Prudence on her way up the stairs. “Just as I thought,” Natalie said to her husband as she took some toys out of the box. “More stuff for Grant Lee.” Before Benjamin could answer, the phone rang. “Hello, Nichols’ residence.” “Hello, Ben, this is Tucker. Got something for you. My partner, Jimmy, chased someone away from your house tonight over to the black side of town, so whoever it is, he’s from over there.” “Thanks, Tucker. Great work. I’m going to try and stay up some nights in case the culprit comes by again.” On Thursday night, Rev. Nichols stayed up in his office waiting. He heard the front gate creak open. He glanced discreetly through the curtains to see a figure come up the front steps, quickly loosen the lightbulb to put the light out, then do what he had to do. Rev. Nichols phoned Tucker who was waiting inside the garage.

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Tucker called Jimmy who was laying low in his car a few houses up from the Nichols’ residence. Rev. Nichols quickly left his study to look out the small window above the front door. Through the window, he saw a man’s dark face in the moonlight. He was trying to stick a letter in the screen door which was locked. Tucker quietly came through the side door of the garage. Once he reached the front steps, he flicked his flashlight on and shone it directly into Jake’s face. Jake was caught off guard, but he quickly recovered and was about to dart down the steps, but Tucker was on the middle step, blocking his path. “Don’t move, or you’re dead,” Tucker said. Jake took a step back, and grabbing the iron rail on the side of the steps, he swung his feet over the rail to land in the flower bed. Tucker seemingly reading his mind stepped to the side of the steps behind the rail. Jake kicked at him as he landed in the flowerbed and sent Tucker flying backwards towards the ground. Jake then jumped over him and made a run for his car. Tucker pulled out a gun and, rolling over onto his knees, fired a shot which shattered one of the side windows of Jake’s car. Jimmy backed up and turned his car across the road, blocking Jake from driving off, but Jake jumped into his car, put the car in reverse, then sped forward onto the sidewalk knocking down a part of Mrs. Casabelle’s wooden fence. He sped off down the road. Jimmy took off 110

after him. Tucker followed in his car which was parked across the street. “We’ve got to get him, Jimmy. Anything goes,” he said over his cellphone. “Sure, I got him.” Just as Jake crossed the tracks, a shot rang out, shattering his rear window and grazing him on the right side of his neck. He yelled as he placed his hand up to his neck. He swerved his car to the right, then to the left to shake Jimmy off. He took his eyes off the road for a split second to glance over his shoulders when he hit a huge ditch. His attempts to drive out failed. By the time Jake struggled out the driver’s side, Jimmy had caught up with him. He pulled Jake out of the car and threw him to the ground. “I’ll teach you not to trespass on private property,” Jimmy said slamming his fist into Jake’s jaw. “You stay on your side of the tracks where you belong, boy.” Jake fought back as hard as he could but collapsed to the ground as a blow to the head knocked him unconscious.

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Chapter 17 Early Friday morning before the Nichols household started to stir, Tucker Klipspringer left a message on Rev. Nichols’ cell: “Don’t worry, Rev. We got him on the other side. You shouldn’t have anymore problems.” “Did you shake him up a little?” Rev. Nichols asked Tucker when he returned his call later that day. “More than a little. But don’t you worry. He won’t be bothering you folks anymore.” Rev. Nichols knew exactly what Tucker meant so he did not ask any more questions. “Thanks, Tucker. I owe you one.” ____________ Rev. Barnett sat in his office at the restaurant to listen to the evening news and to rest his feet awhile. A special news flash came on: 113

The body of a young black man was found hanging from a noose in the woods behind the Pembrooke Apartments about ten minutes ago. The two teenagers who found the body said they were headed for the creek to swim when they saw it. The police searched the body for any identification and found the name Jake Seymour written on a piece of paper with the letter X’ written under it. The police said it could be anything from foul play, drug related, or suicide. One officer said the style of the noose fits the one they teach military students how to make. The death is still under investigation. Rev. Barnett sat up in his chair. Jake Seymour. “Hey, Athaliah,” he said after calling his wife up on the phone. “Turn to the local news channel. Keep watching. There’s a news piece about Jake Seymour’s body found hanging in the woods behind Pembrooke Apartments. Listen and see if it’s Jake from the church. Call his parents and see if they have heard from him lately.” Athaliah returned his call after about five minutes. “The Seymours have not heard from Jake since Thursday evening, but they’ll give us a call as soon as they hear something. I’ll listen in on the news.” Jake Seymour’s death seems to be foul play, police are saying. Seymour had a busted lip, swollen jaw, and swelling on the back of his head. He was hit on the back of the head with a hard instrument. The police also noticed a bullet wound on his neck. Stay tuned for further updates. The Seymours called Rev. Barnett. “We’ll be going down to the police station to identify the body.” Rev. Barnett waited anxiously to receive a phone call 114

from them. He thought about what a good person Jake had been. Jake went to high school with Grant, and was a faithful member of Mt. Shiloh. He was a young man who could be depended on and had a promising future before him. The Seymours placed a call to Rev. Barnett expressing their worst fears. “The body is Jake’s, Rev. Barnett,” Mrs. Seymour sobbed. “Like we told the police we have no doubt his death has nothing to do with drugs, and it is definitely not suicide. That boy had Jesus written all over him.” Rev. Barnett wasted no time calling Grant. Grant could not believe it. “No, not Jake Seymour! He was on the road to success,” he told his dad. By the time they hung up the phone, Grant had no doubt Jake’s death had something to do with the secret visits he was making for him to Cassandra’s house. He shuddered at the thought that that could have been his sister, Carolyn, or even his mother, or possibly his father. After all, Rev. Nichols did say he would sue them for trespassing if they came on his property. Guilt immediately overtook him. Jake is dead because of me. This thought ate at him throughout the next week leading up to the funeral. Jake’s death was a shocker to Cassandra as she listened to the news on Friday. “Jake Seymour went to school with us,” she shared with her parents and Prudence. “I wonder what happened.” Rev. Nichols knew exactly what happened even though Tucker did not fill him in on the details when he 115

told him we got him on the other side.’ That meant it was a colored person who was trespassing. Cassandra’s reaction also confirmed she had no knowledge of what had been taking place. To smother his overwhelming guilt he gave Cassandra permission to attend the funeral when she expressed a desire to do so. “I may even attend myself,” he told her. ____________ “This is a tragic situation,” Rev. Barnett said as he preached at Jake’s homegoing service. “The loss of a life at such a young age. Jake had the world before him. For those of you who may be wondering where Jake is right now, for those of you who may be wondering what happens after death, let me tell you. Jake is in Heaven right now. I have no doubt about that because I had the privilege of leading Jake to the Lord myself. What happens after death? You go to one of two places: Heaven or Hell. To go to Hell, you do not have to do anything; just continue living as you are, ignoring God and doing your thing. “To go to Heaven, you must believe on Jesus Christ; you must call upon the name of the Lord. As Jesus says in John 3:15, Whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ Jesus goes on to say, for God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.’ Simply believe, folks.”

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What was a homegoing for Jake was a homecoming for others as many accepted the invitation to give their lives to Jesus Christ. Cassandra and Prudence also rededicated their lives to Christ. The day following the funeral, Grant gave his father a call. Immediately, he broke into tears. “Dad, I have a confession to make,” he cried. “I could have made it to Jake’s funeral, but I chose not to. I just could not face him or Mr. and Mrs. Seymour, and neither could I face you.” “What are you talking about, Grant?” “Dad, I feel responsible for Jake’s death. In fact, I know I had something to do with it.” Rev. Barnett waited for his son to continue. “After the conversation we had where you told me not to have anymore contact with Cassandra and just to pray about it and leave it in God’s hands, well, I did pray about it, but I did not leave it in God’s hands. I called Jake up and basically hired him to drop off letters and packages for Cassandra at the Nichols’ house. I told him to do it secretly. He did it as a friend, not expecting anything for it. Dad, I’m so sorry for disobeying you. Dad, please forgive me.” Grant’s voice cracked under the guilt he had been carrying all week. His father listened to him crying for a few minutes. Rev. Barnett did not know what to say. He prayed silently for wisdom. “You know, Grant,” he began softly, “I’ve never known you to be an outright disobedient child, but as 117

I’ve shared with you in private as well as from the pulpit, when you reach a certain age, your disobedience is between you and God. I believe God has dealt with you harshly for disobeying Him by allowing Jake’s death. What you did smacks of selfishness; you wanted what you wanted right now. You were not willing to wait, and a lot of life as a Christian is waiting – waiting on God, waiting until God gives the go-ahead or puts His stamp of approval on something you’re involved in.” “Yes, Dad,” Grant agreed meekly. “I appreciate your coming clean, and I forgive you, son. I know God has forgiven you. Just don’t do something like this again.” “I won’t, Dad.” “Now, understand that even though God has forgiven you and I have forgiven you, there are still consequences for disobedience. As to what that may be, I can’t say for sure. But whatever it is, God will let you know. Anyway, we’ll let the police handle the situation right now until God leads us otherwise. Okay?”

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Chapter 18 Natalie felt in her spirit that Grant Barnett had something to do with Jake dropping off the gifts and letters, but she kept her thoughts to herself. Two days after the funeral, she went up to the attic where she had hidden all correspondence from Grant to Cassandra over the past two years. She copied down Grantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mailing address. This letter to Grant should put a stop to everything, she thought as she sat before her typewriter. Short and to the point, she reminded herself. Dear Grant Barnett, I hope this letter finds you doing well. Cassandra and Grant Lee are doing great. We heard about the death of your friend, Jake. Please accept our condolences. I am writing this letter at this time to inform you that Cassandra will be getting married soon. She tried to get in touch with you but was unable to. Now that I have found your address, I will pass 119

it on to her. You should be hearing from her soon. Being that you had ceased keeping in touch with Cassandra, we felt you shunned your responsibility to her and to your son, so we told Cassandra that it would be best for her to go on with her life rather than waste her best years hoping for something that will never happen. I am sure you will be happy to know that she will be marrying someone who is mature, responsible, disciplined, and hard working, and who will be and already is a great father to Grant Lee during these critical years when he needs his father in his life. With her getting married, there is no need for you to try to keep in touch with her anymore, even for Grant Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sake. As I stated, her husband whom Grant Lee already loves and adores will be a great father. I wish you all the best. Mrs. Nichols Natalie sealed and sent the letter certified mail. Grant was very hurt after he read the letter. He felt now more than ever that Jake lost his life for nothing. How could Cassandra do him like that, when both had promised to remain true to each other, and if either of them were unable to, they would let the other know? He angrily pulled his ring off his finger and, after turning it around for several seconds, tossed it on his bed. So much for that, he thought. 120

____________ The days turned into weeks, the weeks into months, and the months into years. Before anyone really thought about the years, twelve of them had passed. Cassandra spent another year living with her parents. She accepted her father’s offer of a position at his bank. When Grant Lee was three going on four, and after Prudence had returned home to California, Cassandra moved out to live on her own not too far from her parents’ home. She got tired of their – especially her mother’s constant scrutiny. She tried to keep up with Grant by stopping by the restaurant every now and then for some soul-food, which Grant Lee loved as well. Every once in a while she visited Mt. Shiloh. She did not tell Grant Lee who his real father was fearing that Grant would not stay true to his word. Grant Lee grew to be mature beyond his years. He was a loveable child. Football became his passion and he looked more and more like his father each day. Rev. and Mrs. Barnett always had a kind and encouraging word for Cassandra whenever they saw her. Her inquiries about Grant grew less and less as the years went by. She had just decided to remain true to her promise to him, trusting God for the final outcome. But even though she had good intentions, unable to stand up against her mother’s prodding anymore, she consented to marrying Paul Nielson, a member of First Baptist Church. Although her heart was not one hundred 121

percent with it, she forced herself into thinking Grant Lee needed a father after fourteen years of not having one. But, even at that she always kept hope alive that Grant would return, hopefully before she and Paul would be married. Rev. Benjamin Nichols felt guilt rise up in him every now and then, as the thought of his part in Jake Seymour’s death still plagued him. He still was not sure what exactly happened the night of his death, and would never know as Tucker Klipspringer had died of a sudden heart attack a couple of months afterwards. As for Jimmy, he had no idea who he was. Natalie Nichols, at every turn, tried to talk Cassandra into marrying and not waiting for Grant. “You’re pining away and wasting your young life. He’s not staying true to his word, just like I tried to tell you.” She introduced Cassandra to just about every possible suitor there was in the church, inviting them over for dinner on the Sundays Cassandra and Grant Lee would come by. While in his last year of college, to his great delight, Grant Barnett won the Heisman Trophy. Once he left Tallahassee, he was drafted by the Denver Broncos, leading the team to the division championship in his first two seasons before being drafted to play for the Oakland Raiders. He was still with the Raiders when he received the disturbing phone call from his father four days before Christmas which he felt for sure would be another bleak holiday.

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EPISODE 7

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Chapter 19 Cassandra and Grant Lee were spending the Thanksgiving through New Year holidays with her parents as had become their tradition since moving out to be on her own. They had just finished watching the Oakland Raiders play another game. “I’m going to play on a great football team like the Raiders one day,” Grant Lee said. Cassandra tousled his hair. “I know you will,” she said. Grant Lee did not yet know who his father was. Cassandra did not feel the need to tell Grant Lee that Grant Barnett was his father since he was not around. She had not heard from Grant for over twelve years, and she did not want to disappoint Grant Lee by getting his hopes up. “Oh, you don’t want to be a football player,” his grandmother said to him. “It’s too dangerous. Do you

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know how many players have gotten hurt playing that sport?” “Oh, Grandmother, you worry too much,” Grant Lee said hugging his grandmother. “I’ll run so fast they couldn’t tackle me.” “Which reminds me,” Cassandra said, “you do have another practice after school on tomorrow.” “What? You never told us he had started playing. You kind of tossed it out as a possibility, but I thought you all had changed your mind,” Natalie said. “Yes, I signed him up in the middle of Spring,” Cassandra said. “I knew you’d worry and try to talk us out of it as you’ve done before. But this is what he kept telling me he wanted to do.” “Okay, if you say so,” Natalie said raising an eyebrow. ____________ That night, Natalie voiced her thoughts to her husband. “Benjamin, I don’t have a serious problem with him following in Grant’s footsteps, but what if he finds out after these many years that Grant Barnett is his father? Grant Barnett is already his idol; he might start Googling him. You know he already has a poster of him on his bedroom wall.” “Don’t worry about a thing. He won’t find out anything,” her husband assured her. “It’s been, what, thirteen years now? And he’s never really asked who his

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father is. As far as he knows, Grant Barnett is just another great quarterback; someone to look up to for inspiration.” “Benjamin,” Natalie said quietly, “Do you think we acted kind of rashly? I must admit Grant has proven himself. He’s won the Heisman trophy. He’s the starting quarterback for the Oakland Raiders. All that took hard work, determination, sacrifice, a winner’s mentality, and of course God’s mercy and grace, because we know his father is a praying man. Do you think we did wrong by him and Cassandra?” Benjamin sighed. “Yes, I’ve thought about that down through the years as I’ve watched him play, but I still think we made the right decision. Playing pro football and taking care of a child and wife are two different things.” “But he did try to take care of them,” Natalie reminded him. “We prevented him from doing so. Plus, don’t forget the lynching.” Benjamin looked at her like he had seen a ghost, but didn’t say a word. Each time they watched Grant play they were both convicted of what they had done in their past, but both were too proud and ashamed to admit they were wrong. ____________ “Athaliah!” Joshua Barnett shouted to his wife. “Come quick! Grant is about to score the winning

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touchdown!” Athaliah made a beeline from the kitchen into the family den just in time to see her son lead the team to victory. “That’s my son,” Athaliah said proudly. “Do you think Grant Lee ever watches his daddy play?” “I don’t know,” her husband said. “After all this time, I would think they would at least let him do that. Grant says he has not heard anything even though he’s still hoping things will work out. We will just have to continue to pray for them.” “Dad, they are interviewing Grant,” Carolyn said. “Grant, how do you feel about leading the Oakland Raiders to victory once again?” an interviewer asked. “I give God all the praise,” Grant said. “I play for His glory and for the team to come out victorious.” As he started to walk away from the camera, he quickly added, “And I just want to say hi’ to my mom and dad and sister watching at home, and to my son and his mother. I love you all.” “That’s my son,” Athaliah said giving her husband a hug. “What about our son?” Joshua joked returning her hug. ____________ Cassandra smiled as she listened to Grant’s words. She had heard him say that more than once. Those words

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helped her to remain hopeful that they would meet again. “Okay, Grant Lee, the game’s over; time to get ready for bed. See if you can beat your time tonight. I’ll have a sandwich ready for you as soon as you get done.” “Okay, Mom,” Grant Lee said taking off for his room shouting, “Touchdown!” “I wouldn’t smile so wide,” Natalie said as soon as her grandson left the room. Rev. Nichols had fallen off to sleep in his La-Z-Boy chair. “What are you talking about?” Cassandra asked. “At what Grant Barnett said – sending a ‘hi’ to you and Grant Lee.” “Well, at least he still acknowledges us,” Cassandra said. “Are you still wearing that thing?” her mother asked as she noticed her daughter twisting the ring on her finger. “Yes, Mother. I’m still wearing the ring. Is anything wrong with that?” “Listen to me, Cassandra. Grant is just saying that to protect his name. If he was still that interested in you, he could have tried to get in touch with you via the church. He could have sent all correspondence to you through the church. He was just using you.” “That’s not true and you know it. You and father did all you could to keep us apart for whatever reason. But the damage has already been done, so why can’t you just leave him alone now?” “Because you are holding on to something that is 129

never going to happen. I’ll bet you Grant has a girlfriend somewhere; oh, he’s told her about you and Grant Lee, and when he marries this girl and news breaks out about his son – and the media has a way of finding out about your personal life, past and present – then it won’t be a shock to the world. What he’s doing is telling on himself little by little. And don’t continue to fool yourself; after thirteen years he has a girlfriend somewhere who he’s keeping in the shadows.” “And how do you know all these things?” Cassandra asked. “That’s not too hard to figure out,” Natalie replied. The two stopped talking as Rev. Nichols stirred in his chair. Cassandra kept hoping her mother was wrong. Since she had not heard anything about Grant getting married or about him having a girlfriend, and since she had not received the ring back from him as they both promised they would do if should either of them become interested in another person, there was still a glimmer of hope in her that they would meet again.

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Chapter 20 Mister Briley finished digging up the last of the flower beds to bring them inside for the winter. “I do thank ya for ya help, little Grant Lee,” he said to Grant Lee. “An ya be sure to tell ya Mama I says thanks for allowing ya to come by.” Whenever Cassandra stopped by to visit her parents, she would allow Grant Lee to visit with Mister Briley. Grant Lee took a liking to Mister Briley and often helped him with the yard work. He especially liked it around the holidays because he could visit almost everyday, all day. “You’re welcome, Mister Briley. And thank you for spending some of your time with me and teaching me about gardening,” Grant Lee said. “Say, Mister Briley, did you watch the football game yesterday? I’m going to be just like Grant Barnett. He’s the greatest.” 131

“Well, I’s been around a long time and I’s seen some great ones, but Barnett is certainly a good one,” Mister Briley said with a grin. “An what’s mo’ important is he gat Jesus in his heart. I knows he gat somebody praying for him.” Mister Briley thought it was a shame that no one told him yet that Grant Barnett was his father, but he decided to keep his mouth shut and stay out of other people’s business. “I pray for him, too, Mister Briley,” Grant Lee said. “I pray that he wins every game.” Mister Briley laughed. “Ya never knows what a little prayer can do. Ya help me take these flowerbeds inside da house an’ we’ll be all finish here.” Grant Lee helped Mister Briley take the flowerbeds inside Mrs. Casabelle’s warm and cozy house. Mrs. Casabelle had two cups of hot tea waiting for them along with some Mexican cupcakes. “Well, Grant Lee, I’ll be off for da Thanksgiving week and for most of da winter. But if’n da good Lord does not take me home, I’ll be back during da spring to tend to my flowers again.” Grant Lee laughed. “Mister Briley, you always say that.” “Well, I’m a getting on up in years. I don’t know how much longer da good Lord is a going to keep me here.” “Well, I’ll be praying for you to come back,” Grant Lee said giving him a hug. ____________

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Natalie still did not feel one hundred percent comfortable with Grant Lee spending as much time as he was with Mister Briley even after fourteen years. “He might tell him things that he shouldn’t know,” she shared with Cassandra more than once. Cassandra always shrugged her off. “Oh, Mother, he’ll be alright. Mister Briley could not hurt a fly even if he tried. He’ll be a positive influence on Grant Lee.” Natalie’s mind was never set at ease until she asked Grant Lee about what he and Mister Briley spoke about almost every time he visited him. “Grant Lee, I don’t see why you want to spend so much time with an old man like Mister Briley when you could be out with your friends having fun. What’s there for you and him to talk about so much?” “Good stuff, Grandma. He tells me all about growing plants and about his church and about his family. Did you know his great-grandfather worked as a slave for a while before President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation? He says his great-grandfather shook hands with President Lincoln. I have learned more history from Mister Briley than I have learned in class because he makes it interesting,” Grant Lee said. “That is interesting,” Natalie said. “Has he asked you anything about our family?” “No, he’s only told me to tell you all hello every time.” “Just remember,” his grandmother reminded him, “never discuss family matters with strangers.” “Okay, but Mister Briley is not a stranger; he’s a good 133

friend,” Grant Lee said. ____________ The Nichols had a great Thanksgiving. Paul was one of their dinner guests along with Prudence and her family. Prudence had been married now for seven years and had been blessed with two sons. “Paul and Grant Lee seem to get along well,” Prudence noticed. “Yes, Paul’s great with him and Grant Lee respects him,” Cassandra told her. “You still have not heard anything from Grant?” “No. Mother’s probably right,” Cassandra sighed. “He’s probably moved on with his life. And I really can’t blame him. I just wish he would let me know something.” “I see you’re still wearing the ring he gave you and the necklace,” Prudence said. “Yes, I still keep hoping he’ll turn up,” Cassandra said. “Well, I give you credit. You waited for fourteen years; that says a lot about your character,” Prudence said. “When do you plan on telling Grant Lee who his father is?” “Definitely after the wedding.” “It won’t be long now. There’s nothing like a December wedding.” ____________

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Cassandra and Grant Lee stayed for Thanksgiving through the New Year with her parents. One early December morning, Rev. Nichols decided to start putting the decorations on the tree. Grant Lee was helping him. “Grant Lee, I’m getting too old to climb up the stairs to the attic,” Rev. Nichols said to his grandson after the garden shop delivered their Christmas tree. “I’ll get it, Grandfather,” Grant Lee offered. Grant Lee searched around in the attic and brought down four medium sized boxes of Christmas decorations. Christmas was his favorite time of the year. “I think I got everything, Grandfather,” Grant Lee said setting the last box down. “Do you mind if I poke around a little in the attic? I saw some army things in a box that I would like to check out.” “Sure, go ahead. When you return, I’ll tell you some stories about your great grandfather; he was a military man.” “I can’t wait,” Grant Lee said as he ran up the stairs to the attic. Grant Lee examined the medals and pinned a couple of them on his shirt. He even found an old rifle. Laying in the bottom of the box was an old Confederate uniform. Grant Lee held it up and wondered how it must have been to fight in a real war. He was getting ready to place everything back in the box when he noticed a folded white sheet of paper laying against the side of the box. He eagerly opened up the paper and began to read. 135

Dear Rev. and Mrs. Benjamin Nichols: I am writing this letter to let you know that I have every intention on taking care of my son, Grant Lee. I wish you would give me this honor especially seeing he is not your responsibility. Yes, he was conceived out of wedlock, but he has a father who loves him and who will not shun his responsibility to take care of him. I am also asking for permission to marry your daughter, Cassandra, the mother of my child. I am serious about this. This is the right thing to do and I hope you will agree. Grant Lee’s eyes scrolled to the line at the bottom. It was signed with a signature he could not quite make out except for a capital G’ and a B.’ The rest of the letters were wavy lines. The date was June 20, 1999 – fourteen years ago.

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Chapter 21 Grant Lee read the letter two more times. “This has got to be my dad,” he said to himself. As he thought about it, he had never inquired as to who his father was except for once, maybe twice, when he asked his grandmother since his mother always seemed reluctant to talk about it. “You don’t need to worry yourself about him,” his grandmother had said. “He left you and your mother shortly after you were born and has not returned. He’s just not responsible.” This letter sure says differently, Grant Lee thought. I’ll definitely ask Mom about it after I look around up here some more. He folded the letter and placed it into his pocket. Picking up the box with the military items, he took it down to his grandfather. “Here, Grandfather,” he said setting the box by Rev. 137

Nichols’ chair. “I’ll be right back to listen to your stories.” Grant Lee hurried to his room where he hid the letter in his bottom drawer. Right now, I’ll help decorate the tree and listen to war stories. “You know, Grant Lee, your great grandfather owned a farm and he had slaves who worked for him. I visited his farm many times. Those slaves are some of the most hardworking people I know, and they are people of their word. I must confess to you that back then I used to make fun of them. But I did not know any better.” Natalie walked into the room and listened to the story. “Well, my experience with blacks has not been a good one. They don’t keep their word,” she said. “All of them are not like that, Grandmother,” Grant Lee said. “Some of my friends at school are black and they keep their word. They help me with my school work many times.” “Just like some whites are good and some whites are bad,” Cassandra said walking in with warm apple cider for all four of them. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Natalie asked. Cassandra decided to take charge of the conversation. She did not like the words her mother had just said to Grant Lee and decided to turn the conversation on a different route addressing an issue she had been concerned about lately. “Grant Lee, there is some good in all of us and there is some bad in all of us no matter our skin color. The 138

Bible does say that all of us are sinners – makes no difference the color of one’s skin. And as you have heard in Sunday School, and definitely from your grandfather’s preaching, there is a price we all have to pay for our sins. I cannot pay for my sins, and you cannot pay for your sins, and definitely not now since you are old enough to make your own decisions.” Cassandra turned to address her father. “Dad, you can take it from here? I want you to have that honor.” Rev. Nichols smiled in surprise. “Thank you, Cassandra.” Turning to his grandson he picked up the conversation. “Yes, Grant Lee, all of us have sinned. Romans 3:10 says ‘There is none righteous, no not one.’ In fact, Isaiah says all our righteousnesses or all our good deeds are as filthy rags. And when something is filthy or dirty, you throw it in the trash. Our sins have made us filthy before God and we deserve to be thrown into hell.” Grant Lee listened intently. He had heard this before at church, but somehow, tonight, it sounded different. “But God loved us so much that He made provision for our sins. He provided us with the only way to clean up our filth. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins. It had to be someone who had never sinned. Jesus had never sinned. So Jesus came down to earth and died for our sins, because as the Bible states, without the shedding of blood there can be no payment for our sins. All God wants us to do now is accept Jesus’ payment for our sins. Do you believe you are a sinner, Grant Lee?” Grant Lee nodded. 139

“Do you believe Jesus Christ died for you?” “Yes,” Grant Lee said. “Do you accept Jesus’ death and payment for your sins?” “Yes,” Grant Lee said. “Are you willing to pray and tell Jesus these things and ask Him to save you from your sins and to prepare you a home in Heaven?” “Yes,” Grant Lee said. “Let’s pray.” A smile came across Cassandra’s face as she silently prayed for and with Grant Lee. “Holy Father God, I come before You realizing that I am a sinner and on my way to hell. Thank You for sending Jesus Christ to die for my sins. I accept Him as my Saviour. I now invite Him into my heart to live with me for ever. Amen.” “Come give me a hug,” Rev. Nichols said opening his arms wide. “Oh, praise the Lord. I love you so much, but more importantly, God loves you.” Rev. Nichols looked across the room at Cassandra. She had initiated something that he should have done himself because of his position as head of the house and as pastor. He would never again take it for granted that someone was saved just because that person was in church every Sunday or because that person was from a good home, or because that person had parents who were Christians. Natalie and Cassandra both hugged Grant Lee. “God 140

bless you,” Natalie said. “I love you, son,” Cassandra said. I wish Grant was here to witness this moment, she thought. “This Christmas should mean a lot more to you, Grant Lee. Jesus was born on Christmas so He could die for us. So whenever you think of Christmas, think of your Savior; you can never separate the two.” “I will, Mom,” Grant Lee said. ____________ Before retiring to bed, Rev. Nichols asked his daughter, “How did you know this was the right time to talk with him about salvation?” “I didn’t really know,” she said. “Maybe it was just a mother’s intuition. I couldn’t recall a time when he asked Jesus Christ to save him. I had to know for myself.” “Well, I do thank you for giving me the honor,” her father said. “Now we need to get him baptized.”

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EPISODE 8

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Chapter 22 Grant Lee had forgotten about the letter stashed away in his bottom drawer. When he reached into his drawer to pull his pajamas out, the letter fell out. Laying in bed that night, he wondered what he should do. Why would Grandfather keep this letter for fourteen years if, as Grandmother says, my father was not a responsible person? Whose initials are G.B.? I think I will ask Mister Briley how best to go about this. He has a lot of wisdom. “Dear God,” he prayed, “please show me what to do about this mystery before me. Please have Mister Briley to come by soon so I can ask him.” Grant Lee stayed in his room most of the next morning playing fantasy football on his computer. Hearing a car door slam, he jumped up to look out his bedroom window. He saw Mister Briley slowly and carefully making his way across Mrs. Casabelle’s driveway 145

and up to her front door. “Mom!” he called darting out his room with his jacket in his hand after shoving the letter in his pocket. “May I please go say hello’ to Mister Briley? He just stopped by Mrs. Casabelle’s. I may not see him again before Christmas.” “Go ahead. Tell him I say ‘hello’,” Cassandra said. Grant Lee hurried over to Mrs. Casabelle’s house and knocked on the door. Mister Briley answered the door. “Why Grant Lee, surprised to see ya here,” Mister Briley said trying to stifle a cough. “Come on in.” “Hi, Mister Briley. I saw you through my bedroom window and I came over. I wanted to talk with you about something.” “Ya could have called me. Ya still got my number, don’t ya?” “Yes, Mister Briley, but I wanted to show you something as well.” “I came to check on da flowers we brought in out of da cold an’ to make sure Mrs. Casabelle is doing okay. Her family is suppose to be a coming down for Christmas. Ya can help me.” As they watered the flowers and adjusted the fluorescent lamps Grant Lee shared with Mister Briley how he got saved about a week ago. “Well, mercy me. Much praises to God in Heaven. I guess I’ll be a seeing ya up in Heaven on dat glorious gettin’ up morning.” After they finished watering the plants and making 146

sure Mrs. Casabelle was comfortable, Grant Lee showed Mister Briley the letter. “What do you think, Mister Briley? My name’s Grant Lee, just like in the letter, and I was born about two weeks before the letter was signed. I can’t make out the signature though. Are you okay, Mister Briley? That’s a nasty cough you got. Hold on and I’ll get you some water.” Grant Lee returned with a glass of water. “Thank ya. God will bless ya for dat glass of water,” Mister Briley said. He straightened his glasses up on his nose as he thought about what he should say. He remembered Grant Lee had never said anything to him about knowing who his father was. “I can’t quite make out da signature. It’s written to ya grandfather for sure. Did ya asks him about it?” Grant Lee shook his head. “Not yet.” “Did ya asks ya mother? Dat’s probably da best thing to do. Better yet, ask God about it. Ya is saved now; ya can asks Him anything. He’ll be a telling ya what to do.” “Mister Briley, if that is me in the letter and they hid it for these fourteen years, what’s to say they won’t lie now?” Grant Lee asked. “Son, I is sure there is an explanation for it. Don’t eva cut people off til they explain themselves.” Grant Lee nodded then asked, “Do you have a ride home, Mister Briley? My mother will be glad to give you a ride home. You need some rest yourself.” “No, no need to. I’ll be a callin Rev. Barnett to come get me. I’ll be a going to da restaurant for lunch with my 147

wife.” “My mother will take you home. It won’t be a bother. You stay right here.” Grant Lee hurried out the door and was back with his mother within a few seconds. “I’ll take you home, Mister Briley. It’s no trouble at all. Grant Lee tells me you have to go by the restaurant first. We’ll take you there.” “God bless ya, Miss Cassie. God bless ya for ya troubles.” “It’s no trouble at all, Mister Briley. Let me stop and get you some medicine for that cough. It sounds awful,” Cassandra said. “Can I stop by and visit you, Mister Briley?” Grant Lee asked. “Sure. Ya is both welcome to stop by anytime. Rev. Barnett can tell ya wheres at I live. Grant Lee, ya still have my number?” Once at the restaurant, Cassandra and Grant Lee walked with Mister Briley into the restaurant. Mrs. Mattie was waiting for him. They chatted with Rev. Barnett for a few minutes. “Mister Briley has a real bad cough,” Cassandra told Rev. Barnett. “He needs to go to bed and get some much needed rest. Here’s some cough medicine I picked up for him,” she said handing him the medicine. “Thank you, Cassandra. We’ll see to it that he gets some rest,” Rev. Barnett said. “Hang on for a few minutes and we’ll fix you both a take out dinner. Anything in particular you want?” 148

“I’ll take some oxtails, Rev. Barnett,” Grant Lee said with a grin. Cassandra drove by Mister Briley’s house and then drove by Rev. Barnett’s house as well. “Like I told you before, Grant Lee, if anything ever happens to me or to your grandparents, you get in touch with Rev. Barnett. They are good people. They’ll look out for you,” Cassandra reminded her son. She drove by Mt. Shiloh Baptist Church and got lost in her thoughts. Grant Lee patted his pocket with the letter; he was engrossed in his own thoughts as well. He was determined to visit the attic again. ____________ “It was so good to see Cassandra and Grant Lee again after some months. He’s growing to be just as tall as Grant,” Rev. Barnett said to his wife later that night. “It’s a pity Grant missed out on Grant Lee’s childhood,” Athaliah said. “I can’t believe the Nichols are still holding on to whatever they are holding on to after fourteen years. Grant and Cassandra could have had a great life together. Did you notice a ring on her finger?” “Now why would I go looking for a ring on her finger?” Rev. Barnett asked. “The things you women think about.” “The things you men don’t think about,” Athaliah said. “If you had noticed a ring on her finger, then we

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could tell Grant to go on with his life instead of waiting and hoping for something that, and I hate to say this, but hoping for something that probably will never happen.” “One thing I can say for sure, and that is he is a better man than I am. Not too many men would wait fourteen years to marry someone. I know I wouldn’t.” “Well, Jacob waited fourteen years for Rachel,” Athaliah reminded him with a smile. “Yeah, but while he waited, his physical needs were being met by Leah and the maid. I know Grant is struggling in that area. He’s shared that with me more than once,” Rev. Barnett said. “All I could tell him was just to pray hard and ask God to remove any desires for sex until he got married. He’s still holding out for Cassandra. We’ll just have to help him keep that dream alive.” “Well, what about Cassandra? Do you think she’s being faithful to him?” Athaliah asked. “I believe so. I think she drops by the restaurant every now and then not just for the food, but to let us know that all is well with her in hopes that we will at least pass that on to Grant. I believe she’s resolved to leave the matter in God’s hands as well.” “I hope so.”

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Chapter 23 Athaliah and her daughter, Carolyn, stopped by the Brileys to make sure they had all they needed for the fall and winter. They brought them a pot of hot vegetable soup from the restaurant along with some other items. “This ought to keep you for a few days,” Athaliah said to Mrs. Mattie as she served her and her husband each a bowl of soup with crackers. They all sat in the bedroom so Mister Briley could remain in bed. “I’m going to make an appointment with my doctor, Mister Briley. You need to have someone check out that cough. It seems to have gotten worse,” Athaliah said. “I’ll be alright, Mrs. Barnett. I goes through this every winter season.” “But it’s never bin this bad,” Mrs. Mattie said. “Don’t worry, Mrs. Mattie, I’ll be making the 151

appointment as soon as I leave here. In the meantime, he’s to stay in bed.” “You go ahead, Mom. I’ll stay here and help Mrs. Mattie get her washing done,” Carolyn offered. After Mister Briley finished his soup he said to them, “Ya know I bin forgotten all about dis, but Grant Lee is a beginning to search for who his daddy is. He has some idea. Does he knows ya is all his family?” Athaliah answered with surprise. “To be honest with you, Mister Briley, we don’t even know for sure. Why do you ask?” Mister Briley told them about the letter Grant Lee showed him. “I remember typing up that letter,” Mrs. Barnett told them. “If that letter has him asking questions then they have not told him anything about us or about Grant. We’ve kind of stayed out of their way these past fourteen years especially after Rev. Nichols threatened to sue us if we came on his property and after the death of Jake.” “Well, somebody needs to tell im something soon because he’s a searching for answers,” Mister Briley said. “He’s a smart un an’ he needs to be told; not have that burdening im down.” ____________ “There’s not much we can do but to keep praying for the situation,” Rev. Barnett said after his wife shared with him the conversation she had with Mister Briley.

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“Surely after fourteen years Rev. Nichols should be more open. His heart can’t be that hard,” Athaliah said. “He’s probably forgotten what this was all about in the first place.” “What are you suggesting, now?” “I’m not suggesting anything,” Athaliah said. “I’m simply saying we ought to do the mature thing and reach out to them so that we can mend this mess. Grant and Cassandra are losing out on the best years of their life. The Bible says how can we come before God and offer up gifts to Him when we are at odds with our brother, meaning...” “You don’t have to tell me what it means. I’m the preacher, remember?” Rev. Barnett said. “But you’re right. Even though some folks can and will hold on to a grudge for years, as Christian families, we should have tried to make amends years ago.” “We can start by giving the Nichols a phone call,” his wife said. “Let’s do this for Grant and Cassandra, but mostly for Grant Lee.” “I’ll pray about it some more. Fourteen years is a long time. I’ve kind of accepted things as they have turned out.”

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Chapter 24 Grant Lee visited the attic again that week to see what other mysteries it might hold. Taking Mister Briley’s advice, he had been praying about the matter, but God did not seem to be giving him a clear answer. Once in the attic, he started to open up all the boxes. Some just contained bedding, old clothes, books and papers of no interest to him. Stacked away in the far corner of the attic were some other boxes. “I did not see these last time I was up here,” Grant Lee said inching his way over to the boxes and shining his flashlight on them. The first box he opened contained some boy’s clothes. The second box had some baby clothes. The third box was smaller and flat and had a beautiful silk nightgown with a note attached to it: “For the love of my life, Grant.” Grant Lee opened up a fourth box. It was half filled with letters and postcards. He started to close the box 155

but pulled out one of them; it was still sealed. The letter was addressed to Cassandra Nichols. It was from someone named Grant as were all the other letters. Looking at the post mark, Grant Lee noticed some of them dated as far back as fourteen years ago. All the letters were signed Grant,’ GB,’ Grant B,’ or Special friend.’ The three letters he opened mentioned him, Grant Lee. That Grant Lee has to be me, Grant Lee concluded as he stuffed some of the letters inside his shirt; he planned on reading all of them. Grant Lee spent the next three days reading the letters at nights when everyone was asleep. His curiosity peaked even more as to who his dad was. Whoever he is, he sure loves my mother and has been making some effort to let her know. But why would the letters be up in the attic unopened? Did they have an argument that led them to separate? “Grandmother, who is my dad and where is he at?” Grant Lee asked as he helped his grandmother put more candy canes on the tree. “Like I told you when you were smaller, Grant Lee, you don’t need to worry about who your daddy is. We have not seen nor heard from him in years.” “Grandfather, who is my dad and where is he at? Is he in jail?” he asked his grandfather. “Now why would you want to think something like that? No, he’s not in jail, but he may as well be. It’s Christmas time and your momma is engaged to be married to a wonderful man who will be your daddy and who will take better care of you than your real daddy ever would. 156

You just think about the upcoming wedding and your new daddy. From now on, Paul is your daddy.” It’s time for me to start getting some answers, Grant Lee thought as he drank down the last of his eggnog. He thought about Mister Briley’s advice to him and went to ask his mother. “Hey, Grant Lee, what’s on your mind?” Cassandra asked him after he entered her room. Grant Lee handed her the first letter he found. He waited for her to finish reading it. “Where did you find this?” she asked. “It’s addressed to your grandparents.” “I found it in the attic among some other things,” Grant Lee replied. “I have something else to show you. It’s in my room.” Cassandra followed her son to his room. He closed the door behind her before pulling the small box out of his closet. “Here, Mom, I believe this was for you.” Cassandra eagerly pulled the cover off the box to reveal a beautiful silk nightgown in her favorite color – turquoise. She read the note: “For the love of my life, Grant.” “Grant Lee, where did you get this?” “In the attic,” Grant Lee answered. “You don’t know anything about this?” “No, I don’t, but I have an idea. You stay right here while I speak to your grandparents.” “Dad, can you read this please?” Cassandra said 157

handing her father the letter. “Why didn’t you tell me about this? Grant gave this to you soon after Grant Lee was born, didn’t he? But you and Mom kept it hidden from me. You refused to give him a chance to prove himself.” Grant Lee did not want to miss anything so he came out of the bedroom and stood by the living room door. “Fourteen years, Dad. Why?” “I did it for your own good, Cassandra. He was not right for you. I wanted to cut the relationship off between you two before he broke your heart.” “No, Dad,” Cassandra almost shouted, “you did it because he’s black and you were embarrassed and did not want to accept that I got pregnant by a black man.” “That’s not true!” “What’s not true?” Natalie asked walking in the living room from her home office where she was addressing Christmas cards. Her husband reluctantly handed her the letter. She quickly read it before blurting out, “I thought I threw this away. How did you come by it?” “Does it matter how I got it? And what else of Grant’s have you hidden?” “Now why would we hide anything?” Natalie retorted. “Trust us, Cassandra. What we did in keeping you two apart was for your own good.” “It couldn’t have been. What about Grant Lee? You’ve cut him off from his own father,” Cassandra said. “Look, Cassandra,” Natalie said in a more controlled 158

voice, “you will be getting married in a few days to a wonderful person. Paul will be a great father to Grant Lee; they both get along fine. There is no need for you to complicate things. Paul is more than willing to pick up where Grant failed.” “Failed? How can you say that when you never even gave him a chance? I have something else to show you,” Cassandra said. Grant Lee hid behind the wall as his mother went up stairs. She returned with the small flat box. Grant crept up to the living room door again when he heard her speaking. “Why didn’t I get this?” she asked, pulling the nightgown out of the box. “It’s from Grant. How long have you had this hidden, Mother? Or were you both in on this?” she said looking from one face to the other. “I believe Grant has been trying to keep in touch but you somehow did something with the mail such as hiding it. Why, Mother? Why, Father? What kind of people are you?” “We did it for your own good, Cassandra.” “I am sick and tired of hearing for my own good.’ What kind of Christians are you? And you call yourself a pastor and a pastor’s wife!” Cassandra grabbed up the box. “You need to get ready because there may not be a wedding,” she said storming out the living room in time to see Grant Lee hurrying up the stairs two at a time. “Grant Lee, wait up!” she called. 159

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Chapter 25 Rev. Nichols and his wife looked at each other as Cassandra hurried after her son. She banged on the door for him to open up. “Go away! I don’t want to talk right now. You all have been lying to me.” “Grant Lee, I can explain everything,” Cassandra said through the locked door. “Open up so we can talk. I knew nothing of this letter or this nightgown. Please believe me.” “But you know who my dad is,” Grant Lee said. “You can go ahead and marry Paul if you want to, but he’s not my dad and I will not listen to anything he tells me. Have you also forgotten my dad is black and not white? Go away. You all have been lying to me.” All attempts to get him to come out of his room failed. “Your dinner is right here by the door,” Cassandra 163

said to him around six that evening. Around seven, Grant Lee called Mister Briley on his cell phone. “Hello, may I please speak with Mister Briley?” he asked Mrs. Mattie. “Who’s this calling? I may have to give him a message.” “Tell him it’s Grant Lee and that I must speak with him. Please?” Mister Briley was on the phone within seconds. “Grant Lee, is alls well?” “Yes, Mister Briley. I just needed some more advice.” Grant Lee told him all that took place including the conversation he overheard between his mother and his grandparents. “Why did they lie to me like that for so long, Mister Briley? What did I do for them to do this to me?” “Son, calm down. God is still in control. Do ya believe that? Have ya bin a praying about it? If’n ya have bin, din trust God ta work it all out, but ya have to do ya part. Remember, always let people explain themselves before ya cut them off. Ya owe that to ya family. An’ always remember there is place for forgiving. Ya promise me ya will do that?” “I promise, Mister Briley,” Grant Lee said. “Are you doing okay, Mister Briley? You don’t sound too strong.” “Only da good Lord knows, but I’ll be a praying with ya.” Grant Lee retrieved his dinner from outside the door after he said goodbye to Mister Briley. He was in deep 164

thought as he ate his food. “Dear God,” he prayed as he knelt beside his bed later that night, “if my dad is still alive can You bring him home for Christmas so this Christmas won’t look so bleak? And if he’s alive, then I don’t want my mother to marry Paul. I want her to marry my dad. Did I do something to cause this? Help me to do what is right. I love You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” After laying in the bed for a while and unable to go off to sleep, Grant Lee got up and took some of the letters out of the box he had brought down from the attic to his room and began reading them. One stood out in particular. G.B., Grant B, he kept thinking as he walked over to his computer. To his surprise, when he googled the name Grant B, the top search result showed up for Raiders quarterback Grant Barnett. A few more clicks gave him further information that left him no doubt Grant Barnett was his father which made Rev. and Athaliah Barnett his second set of grandparents. I can’t believe this. He quietly went downstairs and returned with the family album and the letter which had been left on the side table. Thumbing through the album, he noticed that in three places the pictures were missing. Hope was renewed in him. But why didn’t they tell me? What could have happened for them not to even attempt to tell me who he is. Mom has constantly evaded the question whenever I’ve asked her. He must have really hurt her like Grandmother said. In spite of going to bed late and having these 165

unanswered questions on his mind, Grant Lee had a peaceful night of sleep. He awakened before everyone else and helped himself to a bowl of cereal, buttered toast and a glass of orange juice. It was eight before his grandfather came down to the kitchen for his morning cup of coffee. “Want to join me, Grant Lee?” he asked. “No, thank you,” Grant Lee answered. Benjamin sipped at his coffee quietly. He always placed extra sugar and real milk in his coffee. “Grant Lee, I hope you’re not mad at me. I owe you an apology and a long explanation. Will you give me a little bit more time to think things through?” “Grandfather, you’ve had enough time to think about everything.” Benjamin sighed. “Well, remember that your mother’s wedding rehearsal is at ten this morning. I’m sure you’ll be there.” Grant Lee didn’t respond. He left the table and went back up to his room. While everyone else was getting ready for the rehearsal at church, Grant Lee pulled out the boxes he had brought down from the attic and placed them on his bed with a note to his mother: Dear Mom, I found these in the attic. Please read them. I read most of them. I’ll be back later. Go ahead on without me. I love you. Grant Lee. He quietly slipped out the front door and taking his bicycle, he headed for Big Mama’s Soul Food Restaurant.

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___________ “Grant Lee, we’re ready to go,” Cassandra called. “Grant Lee!” she shouted going up the stairs to his room. Pushing his bedroom door open, she was surprised not to see him there. What’s this? she thought as she walked over to his bed to survey the boxes on top of his bed. She read the note. She quickly rummaged through the boxes. “What are these?” she said holding up the clothes as she pulled them out of the boxes piece by piece. Cassandra sat down as she took the letters out of the box. Noticing each letter was addressed to her she started reading them. “What in the world is going on here? There has got to be over one hundred letters addressed to me. Grant’s name and address is on just about all of them,” she said to herself. “Cassandra, we’re ready to go,” her mother called from the bottom of the stairs. “Just a minute, Mother,” Cassandra replied as she tore open the fifth letter. Dearest Cassandra, it read. Her eyes scrolled down to the closing signature: Your one and only, Grant B. “Cassandra,” her mother said entering the room. “Is Grant Lee with you? What do you have there?” Cassandra tore open a sixth letter. The salutation and closing signature were the same. “What’s that?” Natalie asked as Cassandra picked up 167

a post card and read: Cassandra, I wish you were here with me. I miss you and Grant Lee so much. Did you get the clothes I sent for him for his first Christmas? I hope they fit. Did you get the nightgown I sent for you? If you feel okay doing this, please tell your parents I say hello. I love you so much, Grant B “So he did write me,” Cassandra said looking up at her mother. Rev. Nichols walked into the room. “What’s the hold up? We’re running late, ladies.” “Grant was writing me, Dad,” Cassandra said looking at her father. “These are all letters he’s sent to me. They were in the attic.” Cassandra looked back at her mother. Natalie swallowed hard. “Do you know anything about these, Mom? Or about these clothes that should have been given to Grant Lee?” As Cassandra pulled the clothes out of the boxes, her father cleared his throat. “We should be going. We have a wedding rehearsal to go to and we are already running late. We’ll talk about this when we return.” Looking around he asked, “Where’s Grant Lee, anyway?” “Oh, my goodness! Grant Lee! I forgot all about him,” Cassandra said. “He left this note.” Cassandra read the note to her parents. “All I know is, there will be no rehearsal until we find him,” Cassandra said.

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Chapter 26 “I must get to the restaurant,” Grant Lee said to himself as he pedaled furiously out of the neighborhood making a right turn on to the main road. “Rev. Barnett will take me to Mister Briley’s house for sure. I must talk with him.” Rather than make the left turn at the intersection, he continued straight ahead and came to a sudden stop at a pedestrian crosswalk where he made the left turn as soon as the light changed. I’ll just take the back road in between the buildings. I should get there just as fast. Please, God, please get me there safely. In a short while, Grant Lee was discreetly parking his bicycle at the back of the restaurant. He hurried into the restaurant which was already filled with customers having breakfast. “Is Rev. Barnett in?” he asked the lady at the cash register. “Please, I must speak with him. Tell him it’s 169

Grant Lee.” Rev. Barnett was at the register within seconds. “Grant Lee, is everything alright? What’s wrong?” “Can I talk with you, Rev. Barnett? Something came up.” “Sure. Come back into my office,” Rev. Barnett answered. Once in his office, Rev. Barnett closed the door. “What’s up, son? You look distressed. Is everything alright at home?” Grant Lee nodded. He showed him the letter he had shown Grandfather Nichols and his mother. Rev. Barnett immediately recognized the letter but acted as though he had never seen it before. “You must take me to see Mister Briley. You must, Rev. Barnett. I believe he can help me solve this mystery, plus he’s the only one I trust right now,” Grant Lee said. Taking a deep breath he continued, “Grandfather Nichols won’t say anything yet, and neither will my mother. They keep telling me to wait until after the wedding. Did you know my mother was getting married in a few days? In fact, she did not even know anything about this letter until I showed her. Her and Grandfather and Grandmother were arguing about it yesterday. Apparently they lied to her about my father saying he ran out on her and now she’s getting married to somebody and I don’t want another father; I want my real father, and...!” “Slow down, son,” Rev. Barnett said. “Let me get you 170

something to drink and then you start from the beginning. Trust me, I will answer any questions you have after that.” When Rev. Barnett returned to his office with a glass of orange juice the phone rang. It was his wife. “Yes, Athaliah...Before going to the hospital, why don’t you and Mrs. Mattie stop by here first. There is nothing she can do for Mister Briley right now until he recovers...Get here as soon as you can; something very important just came up...Bye now..Love you.” “Did you just say, Mrs. Mattie’? Is Mister Briley in the hospital?” Grant Lee asked. “He can’t be. I just spoke with him last night.” “Sorry, Grant Lee,” Rev. Barnett said softly. “Last night we had to rush him to the emergency room. We believe he had a mild heart attack. He had a triple bypass surgery early this morning, but thank God he’s doing better. The doctors said it all went well and he should recover without any problems. My wife and Mrs. Mattie and myself were going to stop by and pay him a visit, but we’ll take care of you first.” “Can I come with you all, Rev. Barnett? I must see Mister Briley. He’s not going to die, is he?” “No, I don’t think so, Grant Lee. Mister Briley is a fighter. He’s still in intensive care, so I’m not sure about you coming right now. I don’t think they allow minors on that floor. Now tell me everything from the beginning.” ____________ 171

Cassandra checked next door with Mrs. Casabelle to see if Mister Briley had stopped by and Grant Lee went for a quick visit. “No, he’s not here,” the housekeeper informed her. “I remember him. Trust me, I have four boys and they love to take off exploring, so he’s probably exploring somewhere. Give him a couple hours.” “Thank you,” Cassandra said. After checking with three more of the neighbors who Grant Lee had befriended, she said to her parents, “He couldn’t be too far away. He’s on foot.” “No, he’s not,” her father said. “His bike’s missing.” “I checked the attic and he’s not there,” her mother informed her. “Does he have his phone on him?” “No, he left it on the kitchen table,” Cassandra said. “What do you think made him leave like that without letting us know?” Natalie asked. “Mother, I am surprised you can’t guess at that,” Cassandra said. “I have no doubt it all has to do with the things he pulled down from the attic. What did you expect him to do after finding out we have been lying to him all these years? I believe he left to find his father.” Rev. Nichols’ phone rang before anyone could reply. “Hi, Paul...Well, we were headed on out to the church for the rehearsal, but something came up. Is Grant Lee there by any chance? We don’t know where he is...Okay, Paul. I really appreciate it,” Rev. Nichols told him. “We’ll see you later.” Upon hanging up the phone, he said, “Paul says 172

Grant Lee is not at the church. They’ve put the rehearsal on hold.” “Well, I can’t just sit around hoping he’ll turn up,” Cassandra said picking up her car keys. “I’m going to drive around to some of his friends and see if he is with them.” “Why don’t you ride with Cassandra,” Rev. Nichols told his wife. “I’ll ride around, too. If we don’t find him by four, we’ll call the police. Keep your phones on.” ____________ By the time Athaliah and Mrs. Mattie got to the restaurant, Grant Lee was telling about his mother getting married. “Come on in. Grant Lee and I were just talking,” Rev. Barnett said opening the door to his office. “Grant Lee, how have you been doing? It’s been a while since we’ve seen you,” Athaliah said giving him a hug. “How’s your mother doing?” “She’s doing fine. Hi, Mrs. Mattie,” Grant Lee said. “Have a seat, Mrs. Mattie. I’ll get someone to bring you both something to eat. In the meantime I have to speak with my wife about something very important,” Rev. Barnett said to them. “Sure, Rev. Barnett. Grant Lee and I have a lot to talk about. I have not seen him in a while,” Mrs. Mattie said making herself comfortable in Rev. Barnett’s leather chair.

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“Is Mister Briley going to get better?” Grant Lee asked as soon as the Barnetts closed the door. “Oh, sure. He’s in God’s hands. We’ve lived a good many years together. I jus’ don’t feel in my bones God is ready to take him on home yet. So how have ya been doing?” “Good.” The two ate their meal quietly until Mrs. Mattie said, “Ya knows, Grant Lee, sometimes da Lord allows things to happen in our lives for a good reason. Mos’ times it is so we can better ourselves and have more faith in Him. An’ I say all that to say this, son, I knows who ya daddy is.” Grant Lee stopped eating. He stared at Mrs. Mattie. “You do, Mrs. Mattie? Who is he and how do you know?” Mrs. Mattie laughed. “Ol’ folks liken me knows a lot of things; we jus’ don’t tell a lot. Anyways ya daddy is a great football player Grant Barnett, Rev. and Mrs. Barnett’s son.” I knew it! Grant Lee thought as he remembered what he had found out from searching Google. “Are you sure, Mrs. Mattie?” “Yes. As sure as I is black. Listen up real carefully. My husband asks ya mother, Miss Cassie, when ya was a baby who ya daddy was, an ya mother she says ya daddy was Grant Barnett. An’ Rev. Barnett told me ya was his grandson on da day ya mother came to da church at Mt. Shiloh and Rev. Barnett blesses the babies. On top of that, ya look jus’ liken ya daddy – only some shades lighter.” 174

Mrs. Mattie waited for him to respond. “Ya sure don’t look surprised,” she said. “That’s because I just found out myself that Grant Barnett is my dad. Nobody would tell me anything. I figured it out myself and you just confirmed it, Mrs. Mattie.” ____________ “I have to make this quick, Athaliah.” Rev. Barnett said. He told his wife all that Grant Lee had shared with him. “I’ll fill in the details later. Cassandra is supposed to be getting married in a few days...” “Wait a minute. I thought Grant told us her mother sent him a letter shortly after Jake Seymour’s funeral telling him that Cassandra was getting married and for him to cease all correspondence with her,” Athaliah said. “Grant said that he had questioned that letter since Cassandra had not written it herself, especially since they had agreed that if any one of them were to get married they would return their commitment ring.” “I really do not know exactly what’s going on,” Rev. Barnett said. “All I know is we have a grandson in my office who is hurting for his father and we are going to help him by first telling him who we are. It’s way past time that somebody told him we are the missing half of his family. “The reason I was behind Grant making things right and trying to be with his son years ago is because we in

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the South, both black people and white people, have been lying and covering up these kinds of things for a long time. And when the children grow up and find out the truth, it always turns into a big mess and causes irreparable damage to the child. I remember years ago, there was a young man who turned eighteen and his grandmother popped on him that he had a half-brother who lived nearby who was a priest. That young man said, No, he’s not my brother because I don’t know him.’ We need to stop doing this to our families because it always comes back to bite us in the butt.”

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Chapter 27 “Speaking of Cassandra, she just entered the restaurant with her mother. That is her mother, right?” Rev. Barnett asked his wife as he slid out of his seat. “Now don’t let on,” he said. “Don’t you worry about a thing,” said Athaliah. “Cassandra, it’s so good to see you again,” Rev. Barnett greeted her. “Hi, Rev. Barnett. I don’t know if you remember my mother,” Cassandra said. “Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Nichols. This is my wife, Athaliah. Will you be dining in?” “Oh, we’re not here to eat, Rev. Barnett. I stopped by because I was wondering, have you seen Grant Lee? We can’t find him,” Cassandra said. “What do you mean, you can’t find him?” “Well, I don’t know if you know this or not, but I am 177

supposed to be getting married soon.” “Congratulations!” Rev. Barnett and his wife said. “Thank you. Anyway we were getting ready for rehearsal and Grant Lee just walked out of the house. He left a note saying he’d be back later. Some other things came up about Grant. It would take too much time to go into all that right now. I’m thinking he went off to search for his father.” “Does he have any idea where Grant is? And does he even have any money to take a trip anywhere?” Rev. Barnett asked. “I really don’t know if he’s figured out that Grant is his father,” Cassandra said. “I am ashamed to say this, but I have never told him that Grant was his father; there was just so much going on about that, and there is still much going on, but that’s another story. Right now I have to find him.” “Have you checked in at the bus depot or with the taxi company?” Rev. Barnett asked. “I did not even think about checking those places,” Cassandra said. “Thank you so much, Rev. Barnett. We’ll look into those places right now. And please be praying that he will return safely. Here’s my number if you hear anything.” “I have a good feeling he will be returning safely,” Athaliah said as Cassandra handed her her cell number, “especially since you have your wedding coming up.” “Well,” Cassandra said, “there won’t be any wedding if we don’t find him.” 178

Rev. Barnett and his wife gave them time to leave the restaurant. “Something is definitely off here, Joshua,” Athaliah said to her husband. “Grant definitely told us Cassandra was getting married years ago; that’s why he stopped trying to get in touch with her even though he has been waiting to hear from her himself.” “She may have gotten a divorce or maybe her husband died. A lot can happen in twelve years, you know,” her husband said. “Well, let’s go take care of Grant Lee.” Once back in his office, Rev. Barnett said, “Grant Lee, I have something to tell you.” “I already know,” Grant Lee replied. “Both of you are my second set of grandparents, and your son, Grant Barnett, is my dad.” Mrs. Mattie smiled as her eyes met Rev. and Mrs. Barnett’s. “Grant Lee, please forgive us for being dishonest with you these many years. It was wrong,” Rev. Barnett said. “But why did you wait until I found out about Grant being my father? I’ve been around several times and neither of you let me know,” Grant Lee said. “Well, there were some negative issues between your other grandparents, Rev. and Mrs. Nichols, and us,” Athaliah explained. “Before we tell you what caused our son not to be in your life this long, I think it would be best if we all sat down so that you can hear everyone’s side of the story.” 179

“I can’t believe Grant Barnett is my dad. No wonder he’s my favorite and no wonder my mother watches him almost every time he plays,” Grant Lee said. “Well, I have been thinking this situation over and I have a plan that I hope will bring everyone together before Cassandra’s wedding,” Rev. Barnett told Grant Lee. “Right now, you are going to go to the hospital with your grandmother and Mrs. Mattie to visit with Mister Briley. He had major heart surgery so you’ll have to be extremely quiet and just pray for his healing. In the meantime, I’ll try to get in touch with Grant and let him know what’s going on. Is that alright with you?” Grant Lee nodded. After praying together and making sure the three were safely on their way to the hospital, Rev. Barnett set about the business of getting in touch with his son. It took him some time, but after about forty minutes Grant answered his call. “Dad, is everything alright?” Grant asked sounding like he was out of breath. “Everything’s fine, son. Things could not be better. I have some great news for you. Do you have time to talk?” “Sure, Dad. Hold on, let me get a towel. I just came in from practice...Okay, Dad, what’s the great news? I sure could use some right now.” Rev. Barnett shared with his son all that had taken place over the past few hours. “You mean to tell me Cassandra is getting married again. I thought she got married years ago,” Grant said. 180

“That’s what we thought too,” Rev. Barnett said. “Like I shared with you before, if she did get married, I am sure she would have said something to me or to your mother as many times as she has stopped by the restaurant and visited the church. The times we have seen her it has been just her and Grant Lee. I am thinking she would have at least brought her husband by the restaurant, but that’s another story.” “Yeah, I knew her to be an upfront person,” Grant said. “All I know is,” Rev. Barnett continued, “Grant Lee is not too pleased with what is going on. He is determined to meet you; he does not want Cassandra to marry someone else. So right now, we need to focus on Grant Lee. Son, I believe God is getting ready to do something.” “How so, Dad?” Grant asked with anticipation. “Just trust me, son,” his father told him. “Do you think you can get an emergency leave and catch a flight out of Oakland this evening? This would mean so much to Grant Lee.” “Let me talk with Coach. You know we play in five days. He’s a family man, so he’ll probably understand,” Grant said. “This would be a quick trip if I am going to make it back in time to play.” “Like I said, I believe God is about ready to do something,” Rev. Barnett said. “You go talk with your coach and I’ll go talk with God. Call me back as soon as you can.”

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EPISODE 10

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Chapter 28 Cassandra and her mother called her father after leaving the restaurant and asked him to meet them down at the bus depot. “Bring the latest pictures we have of Grant Lee,” his wife instructed him. The people at the ticket counter did not recognize the photos of Grant Lee; neither did the travelers who were waiting around. “You both head on back to the house in case he turns up,” Rev. Nichols said. “I’ll stop by the taxi depot and ask around and I’ll continue searching for him.” “Okay, Dad. I’ll swing by my place first,” Cassandra said. “He may have gone by there.” On the way to her house, Cassandra received a call from Paul. “Any luck?” he asked. “No, nothing so far,” she sighed. “Can you meet us at my parents’ house? Wait until we get there in case 185

Grant Lee turns up. Mother and I are swinging by my place and I’ll be taking a few minutes to check with the neighbors.” “Okay, Cassandra. I don’t think he’s too far away. Everything will work out.” “I hope so.” On their way back to her parents’ house, Cassandra asked her mother about the things Grant Lee had brought down from the attic. Natalie sighed deeply. “I’m so sorry, Cassandra, but I am the one who put them there. I was so disappointed when I found out Grant was the father and I did not want you to get hurt. You know the stereotypical thinking, that black men tend to shun their duty to take care of their children, and...” “And that is all it is – a stereotype,” Cassandra almost snapped at her mother. She was already stressed out from not hearing anything about Grant Lee. “Mother, I can’t believe you would stoop so low. You’ve been lying to me all these years. You did not even give Grant a chance. You would rather have your grandson live without ever knowing of his father. That’s just plain selfishness and racist.” “What was I supposed to do? Let him hurt you?” “What do you mean let him hurt me’?” “Cassandra, you and Grant were not married. You’d have his child; he’d take off to play football making it big; you wouldn’t hear from him because he used you; he’ll turn his attention to some other girl forgetting about you and Grant Lee,” Natalie said with a quivering 186

voice. “You know what, Mother? Maybe, just maybe, you should have risked him hurting me then that would have justified what you did. But every letter in that box proves you were wrong about Grant Barnett.” “I’m surprised he did not ask you to abort Grant Lee,” Natalie said softly. “What are you talking about?” Cassandra said glancing across at her mother. “And what are you about ready to cry for?” “Cassandra, you’ll never understand,” her mother said quickly wiping away a couple of teardrops that were trickling down her cheeks. Cassandra pulled into the driveway. “We’ll talk more about this. Paul’s waiting for us. I don’t see Grant Lee with him.” After greeting Paul, Cassandra hurried to unlock the door upon hearing the phone ringing. “Hello,” she said grabbing the receiver. “Grant Lee?” “Cassandra, this is Prudence. Just calling to see how things are going...What’s wrong? You sound down.” “It’s Grant Lee. We can’t find him...No, he was not kidnapped; he walked out.” Cassandra shared with Prudence all that had taken place. “I’m believing he left to go find his dad. We’ve looked everywhere. As of right now the wedding’s on hold until we find him.” Paul raised his eyebrows at hearing this. “You know, Cassandra, I told you that he should have known about Grant earlier. At a young age they can 187

handle things like that much better, but I’ll pray for him to return safely,” Prudence said. After saying goodbye to Prudence, Cassandra started to pace the floor while waiting for her father to call. “Cassandra, why don’t you go and lay down,” Paul suggested. “You’re going to wear yourself out worrying and that’s not going to help anyone. I’m sure Grant Lee will turn up before the day is over.” “Paul’s right,” Natalie said. “He might be planning some surprise for the wedding,” Paul said. If you only knew everything that’s going on, Cassandra thought of telling him but changed her mind. “You’re probably right. I’ll lie down as soon as I call Dad.” “He’s on his way home. He says he just called the police and he’ll be stopping by the station to drop off a picture of Grant Lee,” Cassandra said. Cassandra went to Grant Lee’s room. She sat on his bed and began reading all the letters Grant had sent to her. ____________ Rev. Barnett called his wife as soon as he got off the phone with Grant. “He’s going to try and make it,” he told her. “Don’t say anything to Grant Lee. I’m on my way there.” Mister Briley’s operation had gone so well he spent less than twenty-four hours in the Intensive Care Unit.

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The family sat with him until late in the evening. At around six fifteen, Rev. Barnett received a call from Grant. “I’ll be on American Airlines flight 621 in about three hours. The plane should land around twelve midnight. I can only spend a day. I did some other things, but I’ll talk with you once I get there. I have a few more phone calls to make.” “Okay, Grant. We’ll meet you by luggage claims at around twelve,” Rev. Barnett said flashing Grant Lee a smile. “Well, Grant Lee, it seems like your dream will soon become a reality. You can relax and don’t worry about your mother. We’ll let her know you are doing well at the right time. Just keep on praying hard.” “Mrs. Mattie, we need to get you home so you can get some rest. From what the doctor says, your husband should be out of here in no time,” Rev. Barnett said. Grant Lee reached over and placed his hand on top of Mister Briley’s hand. It felt warm. “Ya can talk to im. He can hear ya even though he cannot answer ya back yet,” Mrs. Mattie said. “Go ahead. Talk im back to good health.” “Mister Briley, this is Grant Lee. Guess what? My father, Grant Barnett, is coming home. I’m going to meet him for the first time. You have to get better so you can see him again.” “Go ahead. Keep on a talking,” Mrs. Mattie said. “Talk im back to good health. If’n ya wants to, ya can read im the twenty-third Psalm. That’s his favorite.” 189

Grant Lee reached into the bedside table drawer and pulled out the Bible. Turning to the twenty-third Psalm, he started reading. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

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Chapter 29 Not much was said between Rev. Nichols, his wife, and Paul as they listened to the local news channel for any clue as to Grant Lee’s whereabouts. Officer Campello called to inform them that they had a search party out looking for Grant Lee. Natalie’s mind was filled with guilt. If I had not been so hard on Cassandra this probably would not have happened. If I had not taken out my guilt, my hurt, my anger, my disappointment, and my failure on Cassandra this would not have taken place. Cassandra’s right. Because of what took place between me and Derek Johnson years ago, I stereotyped Grant. “Are you alright, Mrs. Nichols?” Paul asked. “Yes, Paul. Thank you for asking,” Natalie said. “Grant Lee’s my only grandchild and I love him so much.” “I promise you, I’ll take good care of Cassandra and Grant Lee once we get married. He’s like a son to me.” 191

“I know you will, Paul. You’ve already proven that,” Natalie said with a forced smile. “Honey, why don’t you go check on Cassandra. She’s been up in her room for a while,” Rev. Nichols said to his wife. Natalie found Cassandra asleep in Grant Lee’s bed with one of the letters in her hand. Her face was stained with tears. Natalie opened one of the letters and read: Dearest Cassandra, I trust that you and Grant Lee and the family are doing well. Things are going well here in Tallahassee. I truly wish you both were here with me. As I expressed to your parents before I left, it is my desire to marry you so that we can truly live as a family and so that I can take care of Grant Lee. Some of the letters I sent you have been returned. Please let me know what’s going on. Christmas is going to be a little dark without you around. I love you both. Grant B Natalie took a deep breath as she refolded the letter and placed it back in its envelope. Derek Johnson never did anything like this and would never have done anything like this, a voice said from deep within her. Natalie glanced at Cassandra’s finger; she was still wearing the commitment ring Grant had given her as well as the necklace. Instead of the locket, the cross with the 192

diamond in its center was hanging from the necklace. Natalie smiled. She had never doubted Cassandra and Grant’s love for each other. How she wished Derek Johnson had returned her love for him. Cassandra stirred as Natalie pulled the clothes out of one of the boxes and examined them.What harm would it have done if I had let Grant Lee have these clothes? None at all. As she refolded each piece of clothing and set it neatly in the box, Cassandra opened her eyes. “Mom, has Grant Lee returned yet?” “No, not yet,” Natalie said. “These are fine clothes. Grant has good taste.” Cassandra’s eyes opened wide. Those were the first kind words she had heard from her mother about Grant, and she felt they came from her heart. “Cassandra, you’re right. I was prejudiced towards Grant. Could you please forgive me? You know,” Natalie continued, “it’s amazing how God allows you to re-live some of your own life experiences through your children to help you sort through things in your life and to help you face your own failures.” Cassandra sat up with a puzzled look on her face. Natalie spent the next hour sharing with Cassandra her past relations with Derek Johnson. “Cassandra, up until this day, I am still hurting over it, but I took it out on you and Grant Barnett, and that was not right. I did not want you to end up getting hurt as I did. I’d do anything to fix it right now. I don’t see how you can ever forgive me for standing in the way of your happiness for 193

fourteen years.” “Oh, Mother,” Cassandra said laying a hand on her mother’s trembling hands. “Of course, I forgive you. I wish you had told me this earlier. I would have understood. We could have worked it out.” “To think I ruined fourteen years of your life – your best years. But when God begins to convict you about things, after a while you have to fix it,” Natalie said. “I’m trying to fix it right now.” They hugged each other and shed more tears. “Come on, let’s go downstairs and join your dad and Paul in prayer,” Natalie said. “Because I got things right with you, I feel in my spirit that Grant Lee will return to us safely and everything will work out fine.” ____________ “Grandpa, can you tell me all about my dad?” Grant Lee asked Rev. Barnett after Athaliah and Mrs. Mattie left to go home. “Sure, Grant Lee,” Rev. Barnett chuckled. “He is something else. I knew he would be a great football player because even at two years old, he wanted to take a football to bed with him every night, and he would pitch a fit if we did not let him.” Grant Lee and Rev. Barnett talked way into the morning when they left to go to the airport. They waited by the baggage area. Grant Lee was too excited to keep still.

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“Say, Grant Lee, look to your left,” Rev. Barnett said to him after they had waited for a few minutes. Grant Lee turned to the left to see his father, Grant Barnett, walking towards him. Grant Barnett dropped his travel bag and stood with open arms to receive his son – Grant Lee – the son he had not seen in fourteen years. Grant Lee sprinted the few steps between them and fell into his father’s arms. “Dad! Dad! I can’t believe it. You’re here. You made it!” Grant Lee exclaimed. Neither could Grant Barnett. He hugged his son tight not wanting to let him go. “Thank You, God,” he said over and over. “I love you, son. I love you so much.” Rev. Barnett approached the two as he silently praised God. He would never forget the picture before him. He gave Grant a firm handshake. “Thanks, Dad. Thank you so much. Thank you for hanging in there with me,” Grant said. “You are more than welcome. Like I told you, when you take it to God in prayer and leave it there and just trust God, love God, fear God, obey God, and wait on God, He will answer your prayers and bless you more than you could ever imagine.” Grant Lee nearly talked his father’s ears off. “Wait until my friends meet you. Can you get all of us tickets to one of your games, Dad? Are you going to marry Mom now, Dad? Paul is okay, but I want to live with you; and I think Mom would much rather marry you, and Dad...” “Whoa, slow down, Grant Lee,” Rev. Barnett said 195

with a smile. “Give your dad some time to settle in and get some rest.” Grant Lee fell off to sleep on the couch next to his father as the adults discussed their next move. “The next move is yours, Grant. Do you feel up to going over to see the Nichols tonight? Or would you rather get some rest and wait until tomorrow?” Rev. Barnett asked his son. “I am sure they are still up worried about Grant Lee.” Looking across to his wife, he said, “Athaliah, I don’t know if I told you, but this is a twentyfour hour stay. Grant has to return in time to play his last game for this year.” “Which reminds me,” Grant said leaning forward to open up his travel bag. “I have a surprise for them and for you if you want to go seven tickets to the game and plane tickets for everyone including Grant Lee and Cassandra.” “Glory be!” Athaliah exclaimed. “Wait until Grant Lee hears about this.” Grant handed the envelope with the tickets to the game as well as plane tickets to his mother. “Do you think Cassandra will come?” “I tell you what, Grant, I’m not even sure what is going on with them,” his father said. “For Grant Lee’s sake, I’m sure she’ll try to make it. If she does go on with her wedding plans to Paul, hopefully they’ll at least let Grant Lee go to the game. We can only pray for God’s will to be done.” “Say Grant, who are the other two tickets for?” his 196

mother asked. “Well, I kind of figured that Rev. Nichols and his wife might want to come,” Grant said with a grin. “I wasn’t able to get everyone on the same flight at such short notice, but I got everyone a round trip ticket. I figured Mom and Carolyn can travel back with me. Dad, you can come later the same day. Cassandra and Grant Lee can come the next day, and the Nichols can come the day before the game. It’s going to be tight but it should all work out.” Rev. Barnett was silently praying and thinking. After leading the others in prayer, he said, “I believe the Lord would have us to take another route. At first I was going to have us all stop by the Nichols with Grant Lee and get to the bottom of this fourteen year long fiasco, but I sense the Lord leading us in another direction. It seems farfetched, but we don’t know the mind of God. Here’s the plan.”

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Chapter 30 Rev. Barnett placed a call to Cassandra on the number she had left him when she stopped by the restaurant. “Grant Lee, is this you?” she asked as soon as she picked up the phone. “Hello, Cassandra, This is Rev. Barnett. I take it you have not heard from Grant Lee, yet?” “No, not yet, Rev. Barnett,” Cassandra said. “I don’t know what else to do.” “I know where he is. He’s right here with us. He’s been with us the whole time. Forgive me for not letting you know and for causing you unnecessary worry, but he was all stressed out and needed someone to talk with as well as get some rest.” “Thank God he’s alright,” Cassandra said. “When can I come and get him?” 199

“That’s what I wanted to talk with you about. Are you somewhere private?” Rev. Barnett asked. After reassuring Rev. Barnett that she was alone, he continued. “If you don’t mind, could he spend this entire day with us? He needs some rest and a change of pace right now. He shared with us all that has taken place the past two days or so – the finding of the letters and the clothes and the conversation he overheard between you and your parents, plus the information he gathered from the internet, so he came over here to find out the truth about Grant. He was really headed for Mister Briley’s, but ended up here. I don’t know if you have heard, but Mister Briley’s in the hospital; he had heart surgery. Anyway, my wife and I figured it was long past time for him to know the truth, so we told him about us being his grandparents and Grant being his father.” “Rev. Barnett, thank you so much for what you did,” Cassandra said. “You know, I felt guilty each day I let go by without telling him about Grant. I keep hoping Grant will turn up but at the same time I don’t want to get Grant Lee’s hopes up. I hope you understand even though there was no excuse. I guess I was not trusting God enough.” “I understand,” Rev. Barnett said. “Anyway, I heard from Grant. He sent us free tickets to his game on the twentieth; he sent enough tickets for you and Grant Lee and for your parents as well.” “Are you serious, Rev. Barnett?” “Everything I just told you is the truth. He was disappointed when I told him you were getting married 200

within a few days, so he’ll understand if you can’t make it. But he’d love for Grant Lee to come. And don’t worry, we’ll take care of him,” Rev. Barnett said. Cassandra was quiet for some seconds before quietly asking, “Rev. Barnett, has Grant said anything to you about him getting married or having a girlfriend or anything like that?” “No, he hasn’t, Cassandra. He told me he was still wearing the commitment ring and would do so until he heard from you directly.” Cassandra fell silent as she listened to Rev. Barnett. “This is the last game of the season. That’s why he wanted you all to come,” Rev. Barnett said. “It would mean a lot to him.” “I’ll pray about it, Rev. Barnett, and if I don’t make it, I will make sure Grant Lee makes it.” “Don’t you worry about Grant Lee. Let him spend the day with us and we’ll bring him home along with the tickets,” Rev. Barnett said. Athaliah, who was listening in on the phone conversation, tapped her husband on the shoulder. “You should tell her not to say anything to the Nichols about the tickets,” she said. “She should be just as surprised as they are.” “One other thing, Cassandra: my wife suggests that you do not tell your parents about this conversation,” Rev. Barnett said. “Sure, Rev. Barnett, and thank you again for everything.” 201

Cassandra let out a sigh of relief. Rather than awaken her parents, she lay in the bed thinking. Thoughts of her upcoming wedding kept colliding with her thoughts of Grant. ____________ Grant Lee was excited about spending the day with his dad and he was even more excited about taking the trip to California to watch his dad play. “Wait until my friends hear about this! Can you come meet them, Dad?” “After Christmas, Grant Lee. Today, I just want to rest and spend the day with you,” Grant told his son. “And, Grant Lee,” Athaliah said after showing him the tickets, “promise us you will not tell your mother or your grandparents that you saw your father. You can tell them how you found out who he is and get their side of the story, but do not tell them that he was here.” “I promise, Grandma,” Grant Lee said. Early the next morning as Grant Lee and Rev. Barnett said goodbye to Athaliah, Carolyn and Grant at the airport, Grant Lee said to his father as he gave him a hug, “I’m going to keep my promise, but do you promise me you’ll return after the game? You have to because Mom’s still getting married to Paul and I don’t want her to.” “We’ll work it out,” Grant said looking across at his father. ____________

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“Remember our secret now,” Rev. Barnett reminded Grant Lee as he rang the doorbell to the Nichols’ residence. Cassandra answered the door. “Thank you so much, Rev. Barnett,” she said as she gave Grant Lee a hug. “Grant Lee, what made you do a thing like that? You had us worried. Don’t you ever pull a stunt like that again.” Rev. Barnett handed Cassandra the envelope with the tickets. “Thank you for bringing him back, Rev. Barnett,” said Rev. Nichols from behind Cassandra. “You are all welcome,” Rev. Barnett said. “Have a good night.” After Grant Lee had gone off to bed, Cassandra showed her parents the tickets. “Well, what do you think?” ____________ Rev. Barnett made it safely to California to join his wife and daughter. “No, Grant, I have not heard from Cassandra since I dropped Grant Lee off,” he said over the phone. “You just focus on the game ahead of you. Just trust that God’s will will be done.” “Okay, Dad,” Grant sighed. “You know, Grant, oftentimes we lose hope and think God has forgotten all about us and our dreams and desires when He just wants us to give up and let Him do what He has to do.”

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“Kind of like Moses?” Grant said. “Exactly. Moses tried to help God bring deliverance to His people by killing the Egyptian.” “Kind of what I did by trying to help God by hiring Jake and defying Rev. Nichols’ wishes,” Grant said. “Right. So God brought about events where Moses had to go into hiding for forty years thinking God had forgotten him.” “Yeah. That’s how I felt the past fourteen years. I thought God had forgotten me,” Grant said. “But after Moses humbled himself and realized that God is God all by Himself and did not need any help to carry out His will, that was when God was able to use Moses to perform His original plan for the Israelites.” “I tell you what, Dad, like I have shared with you in the past, that letter from Mrs. Nichols was like someone three times my size had punched me in the stomach; it hurt, but it humbled me and taught me never to try to help God.” “Yes, son, sometimes God has to knock us down before He can raise us up,” Rev. Barnett said. “Well, these fourteen years have been a humbling experience for me,” Grant admitted. “Grant,” Rev. Barnett said, “Would you be willing to lose Cassandra to someone else without a fight, accepting it as God’s will?” “It would be tough, Dad, especially after waiting this long, but, yes, I would be willing to lose her if it’s God’s will.” 204

“Amen. That’s the place God wants to get you to. That’s the place He wants to get each of us to, where we do not have a will about the outcome but that only His will be done. And strangely, once we get to that place, that’s when God is able to move on our behalf.”

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EPISODE 11

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Chapter 31 The day of the game arrived. The crowd was in a frenzy. Grant Lee was beside himself. Cassandra was just as excited as her son. Rev. Nichols and Natalie remained quiet. The crowd was talking and laughing in anticipation of a great game between the Oakland Raiders and the Washington Redskins. Fans painted in the colors of their team gulped down hotdogs, fries, and sodas as they waited. Late comers were scrambling to their seats. Cassandra and Grant Lee sat next to a Raiders fan. “That’s my dad, number seven,” Grant Lee said proudly to the man sitting next to him. “Say what?” the man said reaching across to shake his hand. “Pleased to meet you. That Grant Barnett is something else.” The Barnetts and the Nichols cheered along with 209

everyone as the players jogged on to the field. As the referee flipped the coin, the crowd fell silent. The kicker from the Redskins kicked the ball off, and the game began. Grant Barnett twisted his ankle during the second quarter and had to sit out the third quarter. By that time, the Redskins were leading by a few points. Grant Lee looked disappointed but joined the crowd as the Raiders’ fans started shouting, “GB! GB! GB!” Grant Lee and Cassandra chanted along with the other fans. Cassandra kept glancing back and forth between the exit through which they had taken Grant and the big screen. She hugged Grant Lee. “He’ll be back,” she kept telling him but more to convince herself. The Barnetts who were sitting behind them, tapped them both on the shoulders. “He’ll be back. He’s a fighter,” Athaliah said. “The famous Grant Barnett, number seven, is back on the field,” the commentator said as the screen zeroed in on the tunnel entrance to reveal Grant Barnett jogging onto the field. “Yeah!” shouted the crowd in a wild frenzy. Grant Lee jumped to his feet. “Go, Dad! Go, Dad!” Grant Lee, Carolyn, and Cassandra shouted until they were hoarse as Grant Barnett made a pass to the wide receiver who ran to the end-zone for the winning touchdown for the Raiders. “That’s my boy,” Rev. Barnett shouted. “He’s one of a kind,” Rev. Nichols agreed quietly. “We’ll stay right here until the crowd thins out,” Rev. 210

Barnett said as the crowd started to chant, “GB! GB! GB! We love you!” Cassandra beamed with pride as she watched Grant jog across the field congratulating his team members. He lifted his hand up to Heaven, giving God the glory as the camera zeroed in on him. Rev. Barnett hugged his wife and daughter. Rev. Nichols hugged his wife. Cassandra hugged Grant Lee. ____________ Grant Lee? Cassandra? She made it! She made it! “Yes!” Grant shouted as he noticed them on the huge screen. He then sprinted towards the tunnel that led to the locker room. He was compelled to return to the field after spending some time with his team rejoicing. Glancing around the stands, he saw his family and the Nichols walking towards the exit. Cassandra happened to look back. She waved. Grant returned the wave. “Yes, Lord, I am willing to give her up, if that’s Your will,” he silently prayed. ____________ Both families returned to the hotel. “I’m giving Grant time to get with us,” Rev. Barnett told them as they all prepared to go to their individual rooms. “It seems like the Nichols enjoyed themselves,” Athaliah said to her husband once they got to their room. “I believe so. I am so glad they came,” her husband

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replied as the phone rang. “Dad, it’s Grant,” Carolyn said handing the phone to him. “Hey, son, you did it again. Congratulations, and I’m glad you gave God the glory,” Rev. Barnett said. “He’s what it’s all about,” Grant said. “Well, do you want to go eat something now or do you want to talk and clear things up with the Nichols?” Rev. Barnett asked. “I can get everyone to come to our room; we can all fit in here. By the way, thank you for the suite.” “You’re welcome, Dad. Give me about fifteen minutes and I’ll be over there.” ____________ “Natalie,” Rev. Nichols said after they got to their room, “what the Barnetts did for us these past few days shows genuine love. We have wasted fourteen years letting our past control us and, quite frankly, acting like old-fashioned racists. We need to apologize to them and especially to Grant, Cassandra and Grant Lee.” “You’re right,” Natalie agreed. “Now is as good a time as ever.” ____________ “Mom, wasn’t that a great game?” Grant Lee said to his mother. “And wasn’t Dad great?” “He sure was.”

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“Do you think we will see him tonight?” “I don’t know,” Cassandra said. “He might need to get some rest. He played hard today, plus he probably has his ankle in bandages right now.” Grant Lee thought for a while then said, “Mom, I wish you would reconsider and marry Dad. Paul’s an alright person, but I want to live with my real Dad.” “We’ll see, Grant Lee.”

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Chapter 32 When Grant made it to the hotel, he tried not to stare at Cassandra. She’s still beautiful after fourteen years, he thought. His love for her had never died out. Cassandra stole a few glances at Grant. She could not believe the overwhelming feelings she was having for him. “Why don’t we pray and thank God for a blessed day and for this blessed reunion,” Rev. Barnett said. After a short prayer, Natalie cleared her throat and was the first to speak. “Grant,” she said, “I have a new respect for you. Let me be the first to apologize to you for trying to keep you and Cassandra apart. I spoke with Cassandra and she has forgiven me. I had some issues in my past and allowed a root of bitterness to develop in me. I allowed that bitterness to eat away at me down through the years, and quite frankly, that bitterness 215

clouded my better judgment, but God gave me the grace to face those issues when we thought Grant Lee had run away. It’s a little late seeing the damage I allowed it to cause, but I hope you’ll forgive me.” “I forgive you, Mrs. Nichols,” Grant said without hesitation. “And I need to apologize to you and Rev. Nichols for going against your wishes. If I had listened to you and my father and respected you from the beginning, this probably could have helped prevent some of the things that took place, and probably would have shortened the time it took for us to come to this point.” “Well, you acted as a man who truly loves a woman,” Rev. Nichols said. Grant looked at Cassandra; she smiled at him. He noticed she was still wearing the commitment ring he had given to her so many years ago. He wondered about the letter her mother had sent to him. As if reading his mind, Natalie said, “By the way, all the letters you sent to Cassandra, I hid them from her. I know what I did was evil. Those letters that I did not hide, I had them returned to you. The letter I sent to you about Cassandra getting married; it was a lie. I wrote it to put an end to you bothering us.” “I never knew anything about any letter,” Rev. Nichols said. “That’s because I didn’t tell you because I knew you would probably put a stop to it,” Natalie said. “Now that I think about it, that was a stupid thing to do.” “It sure was,” her husband said. 216

“All of us here except Grant Lee have done wrong in this situation,” Grant said, “But God often uses our mistakes to teach us things. I know God used that letter to show me He did not need my help. God used that letter to humble me because I was getting a little proud for a while. He used that letter to help me realize that I was nothing without Him. It took me a while, but I got the message.” “Can’t nobody break you like God can,” Rev. Barnett said. “You know,” Athaliah said, “every time Cassandra stopped by the restaurant or the church, I would give her a report of how Grant was doing; I just felt what we were doing was wrong and I’m sorry for that.” “You may have been wrong, Mrs. Barnett, but that’s what kept me hopeful that I would hear from Grant again. Even though I was planning on marrying Paul, I still had that flicker of hope,” Cassandra said. “Well, Cassandra, I wish you and Paul all the best,” Grant said. “And I thank you for allowing Grant Lee to come watch me play.” An uncomfortable silence followed. Rev. Nichols turned to Grant Lee who had been quietly listening to them talk. “Grant Lee, I apologize for lying to you these many years and for not even at least letting you know that Grant Barnett was your father. There was no excuse for that. We at least owed that to you. Please forgive me for not coming clean with you.” “Forgive me too, Grant Lee,” Natalie said. “I am to be 217

blamed more than anyone else for keeping it from you this long. I went against every attempt your mother made to keep in touch with your father. And I am ashamed to say this, I fed a lot of negative words to your mother against your father and black men in general. I am sorry, Grant Lee, for robbing you of knowing your dad for fourteen years and for criticizing part of your heritage.” “I forgive you both,” Grant Lee said. Then turning back to his Dad, he said, “I’m glad I finally got to meet you.” Before Grant could respond, Natalie spoke again. “Grant, I don’t know how to say this, but I am the one who pushed Cassandra into accepting Paul’s offer to marry her. Cassandra was keeping herself for you, but I introduced her to just about every young man I could think of in an attempt to prevent her from marrying you. I kept telling her she was wasting her best years waiting for you to return and that you would never return. I know Paul loves Grant Lee; but in my heart, I do not really think Paul has as strong a love for her as you do, and I do not think Cassandra has as strong a love for him as she does for you.” Cassandra interrupted, “Mother, please do not speak for me or Paul. Your mouth is partly what has caused this predicament for us now.” Natalie fell silent. “You know,” Rev. Nichols said quietly, “I don’t hate blacks, never have, but I did something so sinister and treacherous years ago that to this day it still haunts me. 218

That’s why I over reacted to Cassandra and Grant’s situation.” “That explains everything then,” Rev. Barnett said after Rev. Nichols finished sharing with them his past involvement with a young black girl. “I made a promise to her to take care of the baby once it was born so she would not tell I was the father. She kept her side of the promise; I never kept mine. Now I have another daughter out there whom I may never know. I’ve felt nothing but guilt for what I did, and every now and then the whole incident flashes across my mind and I shudder. I just did not want the same thing to happen to Cassandra.” Turning to his daughter, he said, “You do have a sister, but unfortunately I have no idea where she is. I am sorry for not letting you know about her earlier. Please forgive me.” Cassandra listened as her father spoke. Shocked, she nodded as she spoke. “Dad, I forgive you,’ she said. If you had come clean earlier I would have understood and all this could have been avoided.” Athaliah reached over to hug Natalie. “I thank God that He is a forgiving God and that once He forgives us, our sins are forgotten.” “Amen,” Rev. Nichols and Rev. Barnett said. “Well, folks, if all minds and hearts are clear,” Rev. Barnett said, “let’s all go get us something to eat. Remember we all will be flying back home tomorrow.” “Grant Lee, the Lord certainly used you to bring us all together and to make this time of confessing and 219

coming clean possible,” Grant said as he hugged his son. “Do you have any special plans for Christmas?” Rev. Nichols asked him. “You could come back home and spend Christmas with us,” Grant Lee spoke up before his father answered. “All of us together as a family.” “I think I’ll be able to do that,” Grant agreed. Cassandra smiled. She would love to have Grant home again. How that would work out with her and Paul getting married, she was not sure, but for Grant Lee’s sake, she would love to have him home. “Shall we pray?” Rev. Barnett said. “Almighty and most merciful Father, We do thank You for all that has taken place over these past few days, but especially today. Thank You, Holy Father, for Your word that tells us that if we confess our sins You are faithful to forgive us of all our sins, and sometimes, Lord, that confession may involve asking others for forgiveness. We pray that You would continue Your work of grace in our lives as You conform us more and more into Your image and into Your likeness. Now grant us a safe night and a safe trip home. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.” Grant was the first to leave the hotel room and Cassandra and Grant Lee followed a few minutes later. As the Nichols were about to leave, Rev. Nichols said, “Natalie, head on out with Cassandra. I need to talk with Rev. Barnett about something.” After Natalie left, Rev. Nichols pulled Rev. Barnett to the side. “You may have forgotten about this, but it still 220

bothers me to this day,” he said. “You remember the young man who was delivering packages to my house for Grant and how he was lynched? I feel that I bear some responsibility for his death. The men that I hired to watch my house took things too far.” Before he could continue, Rev. Barnett said, “I’m glad you brought that up. But, at this point, that is water under the bridge. Grant does not need to know about that. Just make sure you confess your part in it to God, and that will remain between God, you, and me until we die.” As they parted, tears welled up in Rev. Nichols’ eyes and he walked away unable to speak.

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Chapter 33 When Rev. Nichols, his wife, and Cassandra returned home, Paul picked them up from the airport. “How did everything go?” he asked. “Things could not have gone better,” Rev. Nichols said. “God is good, Paul. God is good.” “Where’s Grant Lee? Did he decide to stay with his father?” “He’ll be flying in later with his father and his aunt Carolyn,” Cassandra told him. “Because these were last minute flights, we were unable to have all of us travel back together,” Rev. Nichols told him. Paul noticed that Cassandra was unusually quiet on the ride home from the airport. He figured that this must have been a stressful time for her meeting with Grant Lee’s father after so many years of not seeing him. 223

Cassandra was conflicted on the inside. The meeting with Grant brought back memories of the first time they met. Her love for Grant had never diminished, and now she had a strong desire to be with him. He’s the one I want to marry and spend the rest of my life with, Lord, she prayed silently. Paul has been a great person especially to Grant Lee, but why am I fooling myself, my love for him is not as strong as the love I have for Grant; it never will be. Lord, the wedding’s only a few days away, what should I do? When they arrived at the Nichols’ residence, Paul stepped in for a few minutes. Rev. and Mrs. Nichols gave him and Cassandra some time alone. “You seem extra quiet,” Paul said. “Really, how was the trip?” “I had a great time. I probably just need some rest what with getting over Grant Lee’s disappearance, a turn around flight to California, then a wedding coming up, and...” “And meeting Grant Lee’s father after so many years,” Paul said finishing the sentence for her. Cassandra nodded. “You’ve never told me much about Grant Lee’s father,” Paul said. “Please forgive me for that. There was just so much surrounding that – a lot of negativity,” Cassandra said. “This trip was more than just going to watch his father play. A lot of things were aired out and hearts were mended. It was very touching. Thank you for your prayers and for understanding why I had to make the trip.” 224

“I think what you need to do is get some rest,” Paul suggested. “On your way up, could you please let your dad know I would like to speak with him.” After Rev. Nichols came downstairs, Paul said, “I wanted to ask you something about Grant Lee’s father. You all told me that no one had heard from him in fourteen years. Grant Lee leaves to go and try to find him; then his father suddenly sends tickets to his game. I can understand you all making this trip for Grant Lee’s sake, but where does Cassandra come in? Something more had to have taken place between her and Grant Lee’s father for him to just disappear.” “Yes, Paul, a lot of things took place over the years,” Rev. Nichols said. “We do owe you an apology for not telling you everything. We had not heard from Grant Lee’s father since shortly after Grant Lee was born, but that was all our fault. He tried to keep in touch with Cassandra and wanted to spend time with Grant Lee; he even wanted to marry Cassandra, but me and my wife put a stop to it.” “Why would you do that?” “To be honest, Paul, we didn’t want Cassandra marrying a black man. We called ourselves protecting our daughter from getting hurt. Believe me, he tried all he could to get in touch with her. Forgive us for leading you into thinking it was his doing when it was all our doing. Of course, Cassandra had nothing to do with all this.” Paul nodded. “I know because she’s never said 225

anything negative about him; in fact, she’s hardly ever spoken of him.” “This trip was about Grant Lee meeting his father and in the process some confessing and forgiving took place as God worked in all our hearts.” “How did things go between Grant Barnett and Cassandra?” “Everything went well. Grant knows that Cassandra is getting ready to get married and he wishes her all the best.” ____________ Paul left the Nichols’ residence in much thought. After prayer and locating the Barnett’s residential address, he decided to visit Grant Barnett. “I’m sure you heard that Cassandra and I are engaged to get married within a few days. I came by because I feel it’s only right that we meet and at least come to some agreement about Grant Lee. I want you to know that I have no intentions on taking your position as his father from you, now that you’re back in his life.” “I appreciate that, Paul,” Grant said. “Cassandra is a great person and I want the best for her. You be sure to take care of her. I only ask that I am able to freely see my son. It was a dream come true to be able to see him after fourteen years.” “I’m sure it was. Rev. Nichols shared with me why you had not gotten in touch with Cassandra or Grant

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Lee down through the years,” Paul said. “I’m sorry it took so long for you to be reunited.” Grant removed the ring from his finger. “Here, Paul, would you please give this to Cassandra for me?” “What’s this?” “That’s the commitment ring Cassandra gave me. I gave her one as well. I won’t be needing it anymore. I am glad she’ll be marrying you, Paul; you seem to be a good man.” Paul thoughtfully examined the ring. She’s still wearing her ring; it looks just like this. I thought it was some kind of cosmetic jewelry. Fourteen years is a long time to wait for someone. Handing the ring back to Grant, he said, “Here, you keep it. After talking with you and Rev. Nichols, seeing Grant Lee’s determination to find you, and the fact that Cassandra is still wearing her ring after all this time, I can’t come between you two. I see a special love that you have a love that I could never give her nor Grant Lee, so Grant Barnett, I feel the Lord leading me to graciously step out without causing a scene. I’ll call Rev. Nichols and have him to tell Cassandra.” Grant could not believe what he had just heard. “The wedding we were planning in a few days can be yours. I wish God’s blessings upon your marriage,” Paul said. He gave Grant Barnett a firm handshake and a hug. Grant watched Paul pull out of the driveway as the

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verse from the Bible he had read during his devotions that very morning crossed his mind: “For my ways are not your ways; neither are my thoughts your thoughts.” He immediately headed for the Nichols residence after calling his parents at the restaurant and asking them to meet him over there. As they gathered in the living room, Grant asked Cassandra the question he had wanted to ask her fourteen years ago: “Cassandra, will you marry me?” “Yes, Grant,” Cassandra answered without any hesitation. Grant Lee smiled as his father, Grant Barnett, hugged his mother, Cassandra Nichols.

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Chapter 34 The original wedding date between Paul and Cassandra had been set for Christmas Eve which happened to fall on a Wednesday. Grant Lee suggested that they move the ceremony to Christmas Day. “You and Mom getting married will be the best present I receive,” he told his parents. “And since you had Grant Lee and Cassandra to yourselves for fourteen years, it’s only fitting that the wedding be held at my church, Mt. Shiloh Baptist Church,” Rev. Barnett declared laughing. “And I would count it an honor to officiate.” Rev. Nichols readily agreed to this, saying, “I’ll be honored to give my daughter into your son’s hand.” He smiled as a tear drop fell from his right eye. They gave each other a big hug. “Here’s what I suggest we do,” Natalie said. “Since 229

we already have everything paid for for the wedding, we’ll just transfer everything to Mt. Shiloh. I’ll make some phone calls to the florist, the guests, photographers, etc., and inform them of the changes, and we should be all set.” “You gentlemen,” Athaliah said speaking to both their husbands, “can help Grant recruit his friends for groomsmen and take them all to fit their tuxedos. We ladies will handle it from here. Christmas is only three days away and we have a lot to do.” Natalie, Athaliah, Carolyn, and many of the women from Mt. Shiloh Baptist worked feverishly to have everything transferred from the sanctuary of First Baptist to Mt. Shiloh Baptist. The staff of Big Mama’s Soul Food Restaurant started planning a huge spread for the wedding reception dinner. The phone at the Nichols’ house rang amidst the flurry of activities. It was Prudence. “Just calling to let you know my husband, children, and myself are boarding a plane as I speak.” Prudence was overjoyed when Natalie told her of the changes. “God is good,” was all she could say. ____________ Grant put his arm around Cassandra as they spent some time alone. “How do you feel?” he asked her. “I don’t have the words to describe how I feel,” Cassandra said. “It’s truly a dream come true.”

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He gave her a full embrace. “I see you never lost hope.” “No. I just couldn’t. Something deep inside of me would not let me. I knew you’d return; I just did not know when. With Mother pressuring me and wanting a father for Grant Lee, I guess I buckled, but God worked it all out in the nick of time.” “You can say that again. Three more days and I would have lost you forever,” Grant said kissing her. “I love you so much.” “I love you too,” Cassandra said. “Did you ever lose hope?” “Yes, when I got the letter from your mother saying you were getting married I thought that was the end of us until it dawned on me that you may not have authorized that letter since I did not hear from you directly as was our promise to each other. I did get impatient and tried to hurry things along. I have spent these past years learning to wait on God. I am kind of stubborn so it took me a long time to learn to fully depend on Him.” Grant bent down to kiss her again. “I am so glad I waited because today you look even more beautiful than you did fourteen years ago.” “So do you,” Cassandra said. ____________ Late Tuesday night, Rev. Nichols walked into the kitchen where his wife was going over a final checklist

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for the Christmas Day wedding. “Even after years of our foolishness, it’s amazing how God is working everything out for the good of Cassandra, Grant, and our grandson,” he said. “But you know our church was expecting our daughter to marry Paul on tomorrow. Have you sent out a notice about the change?” Natalie sighed, “No, not yet. I’ve been trying to figure out just how to let them know.” “Well, I’ve prayed about it and I believe God has already told me what to do,” Rev. Nichols told his wife. He paused briefly before continuing, “When everyone comes to First Baptist tomorrow, instead of a wedding, we’ll tell them the truth. We’ve come clean about our pasts with each other, Cassandra, Grant Lee, Paul, and the Barnetts. It’s time we come clean with our church family now about everything.” “Do you have any idea how they will respond?” Natalie asked. She set her notepad down on the counter. “They’ve already accepted Grant Lee without asking questions as to who his father is and without Cassandra being married. You’ve been pastoring at First Baptist for over thirty years now. I doubt it’ll go over well that we have been lying to them for years. They could ask you to step down.” “Being concerned about what others think is what got us here in the first place,” Rev. Nichols replied. “We should have told the church about Grant Barnett fourteen years ago, instead of trying to make him disappear. We should have told the church about our past 232

relationships. If they ask me to step down as their pastor now, it will be God’s will and I will be fine with that. But we’re going to tell them the truth tomorrow, both of us.” ____________ On the afternoon of Christmas Eve, First Baptist Church was filled with congregants and visitors expecting Cassandra’s wedding. Rev. Nichols took his place behind the pulpit with Natalie beside him. “Ladies and gentleman,” he began, “I know you all came for a wedding between my daughter, Cassandra, and Paul Nielson. Cassandra is still getting married, however, it won’t be to Paul and it won’t be here today.” Gasps and whispers broke out among the guests. “Well, we’re all here,” the head deacon said. “I’m sure you have a good explanation for this.” “Yes, I do,” Rev. Nichols replied. “I know I have been your pastor for over thirty years now and my wife and I have enjoyed serving this church and community, but we have not been upfront with you for the past fourteen years about our daughter and grandson. If you recall, when Cassandra was pregnant we told you we sent her off to California for a short vacation. That was a lie. We actually kept her home throughout the pregnancy because we were too ashamed that our daughter had gotten pregnant out of wedlock. On top of that, later on, we found out that the child’s father was black and we didn’t want that to get out.

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“Natalie and I believe we are reaping what we have sown because in both of our pasts, when we were younger, we had sexual relationships outside of marriage. The two people we were involved with happened to be black. Rather than telling the truth and facing the consequences, we hid this and are just now coming clean. To make a long story short, Natalie got pregnant and had an abortion. I urged the girl I got pregnant to have an abortion but she refused. Unfortunately, I have been irresponsible and have not taken care of or seen my child. God has been dealing with both of us. We have asked Him to forgive us and we are now asking you to forgive us. There is no excuse for hiding what we did. If you want to fire me or if you want me to resign, I would be willing to do so without causing a problem. Other than some gasps and a few sniffles, the church was silent. Rev. Nichols continued. “With all of that behind us, there will still be a wedding. Cassandra is getting married to Grant Barnett, the son of Rev. Barnett of Mt. Shiloh Baptist Church, where the wedding will be held tomorrow. You are all still welcome to attend the wedding. It will begin at 12:30.” The congregation remained silent as Rev. and Mrs. Nichols walked out. The head deacon followed them. “As you can imagine,” he said, “All of what you told us is a total shock to us. I’ll have to meet with the deacon board as to what to do next.” 234

____________ Christmas Day came bright and clear. Prudence was Cassandra’s maid-of-honor. Grant Lee served as the ringbearer. Mister Briley, even though he was still on bed rest, insisted on attending. Mrs. Mattie was by his side. Athaliah and Natalie, breaking tradition, were seated next to each other dabbing at tears of joy that slid down their cheeks every now and then. Rev. Nichols proudly escorted his daughter down the aisle. Rev. Barnett delivered a charge to the entire church on the importance of keeping their word. “Just as God kept His promise to us to send us a Saviour whose birth we celebrate each year on this day, so God wants us to keep our promises or for you, Grant and Cassandra, the wedding vows that you are about to make to each other before all who are gathered here today.” Just before they were to exchange vows, the doors to the auditorium at Mt. Shiloh opened and the head deacon followed by members of First Baptist Church entered. Everyone, especially Rev. and Mrs. Nichols were surprised. Rev. Barnett smiled and waited as the newcomers found seats and shook hands with the members of Mt. Shiloh. Finally, Rev. Barnett was able to continue. “Do you, Grant Barnett, take this lovely lady, Cassandra Nichols, to be your lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; 235

from this day forward until death do you part?” “I do.” “Do you, Cassandra Nichols, take this young man, Grant Barnett, to be your lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?” “I do.” “What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. You may now place the ring on each other’s fingers. Grant, you may now kiss your bride.” The combined crowd from the two churches cheered loudly as Rev. Barnett announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Grant Barnett.” After the picture taking, the wedding party led the guests to Big Mama’s Soul Food Restaurant for the wedding reception. Once there, the head deacon walked over to Rev. Nichols and told him, “After spending time in prayer with the deacon board, we have decided to keep you as our pastor. We and the entire church family love you. You and your wife have been forgiven. None of us are perfect and we all have a past. The important thing is that if we confess it, as you did, God would have us to forgive one another.” He shook hands with Rev. Nichols and they both went to join Rev. and Mrs. Barnett, Grant and Cassandra, Grant Lee, and the other wedding guests to eat the soul food dinner that had been prepared along with the beautiful wedding cake. 236

It was the most memorable Christmas that Mason, Mississippi, had ever seen. That year, a tradition began: from that point on, the members of Mt. Shiloh Baptist Church and First Baptist Church came together to worship and fellowship every Christmas Day. THE END

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Do You Know Jesus Christ as Your Savior? A note from the publisher: Our goal in publishing inspirational fiction is two-fold: (1) To help those who know Jesus Christ as their Savior live more faithful Christian lives, and (2) To show those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Savior how they can get to know Him in the course of life circumstances that many people face. That being said, if you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior, here is how you can get to know Him today: First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s law. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 239

7: 20: “For there is not a just man upon earth that doeth good, and sinneth not.” Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…” Third, accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:28: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” The Bible also says in Revelation 21:8: “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Fourth, accept the fact that you cannot do anything to save yourself! The Bible states in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Fifth, accept the fact that God loves you more than you love yourself, and that He wants to save you from hell. “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (Jesus Christ, John 3:16). Sixth, with these facts in mind, please repent of your 240

sins, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and pray and ask Him to come into your heart and save you this very moment. The Bible states in the book of Romans 10:9, 13: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Seventh, if you are willing to trust Christ as your Saviour, please pray with me the following prayer: Heavenly Father, I realize that I am a sinner. For Jesus Christ’s sake, please forgive me of my sins. I now believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose again. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life. Amen. For more information to help you grow in your newfound faith in Christ, go to GospelLightSociety.com and read What To Do After You Enter Through the Door. Please e-mail us at gls@gospellightsociety.com so that we can send you free material that will help you grow in your walk with Christ.

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FICTION BY DANIEL WHYTE III WITH MERIQUA WHYTE FAMILY DRAMA ...And Family Drama Just Won't Stop I ...And Family Drama Just Won't Stop II ...And Family Drama Just Won't Stop III THE PRAYER TRILOGY The Unspoken Prayer Request I Need Someone to Pray With Me I Know What Prayer Can Do Charmaine The Common Prayer Not for the Righteous I'm Dreaming of a Black Christmas The Thanksgiving Letters Shaking the Gates of Hell No Time for Evil The Writer's Life All the Bishop's Children 1 All the Bishop's Children 2 TO BE A TEEN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART Zelphur GinÃ©

WITH DANIEL D.P. WHYTE IV The Prophet, the President, and the Pastor The Correction The Cover-Up (The Cover-Up, #1) The Candidate (The Cover-Up, #2) Judas Church Letters to the Supreme Court

WITH DANITA WHYTE The Great Train Ride to Liberty Mountain

WITH DANIELLA WHYTE Eden, N.C.