Permanent Resident at the Altar

by Keisha Bass

Genres: African American Christian; African American Women's Fiction; Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

If Ava has to wear her fake smile one more time while standing in a wedding party, she might come unglued. She and her boyfriend, Kevin, have been seriously dating for a year. As she approaches the marriage-ripe age of thirty-one, she can’t help but count down the days until her wedding day. It seems like everyone in her immediate world is getting hitched but her: cousin, friend, and even a co-worker who is shacking up while Ava’s trying to live life on the straight and narrow. Kevin is the man of her dreams, but his mother doesn’t believe Ava is the woman of his. Two of his sisters seem to be on the same page with their mother, treating her like an outcast every chance they get. Ava’s only ally in Kevin’s world is his baby sister, Tweet, a drug addict who takes up a lot of his time. Trusting God is all Ava can do as she hopes for the best, but if Ava and Kevin are meant for each other, then why is it such a struggle to get down the aisle? What’s wrong with Ava? What’s wrong with Kevin? Or is Kevin’s mother the one calling the shots?

Release date: September 1, 2015

Publisher: Urban Christian

Print pages: 288

Sample

It had been a year since Ava had given it all to God for guidance through her life. He had led her into accepting what she could not change and forgiveness for herself and others. She glanced at Kevin, her boyfriend, and thought back to all she had been through.

How could she have been so easily turned to the enemy? Ava’s one mistake led her into a tailspin of lows. The impulsive behavior caused her to almost lose her best friend forever. As much as she wanted to blame the entire incident on the alcohol she had consumed, she couldn’t. Sleeping with her best friend’s fiancé was only the start of stepping down the hill onto the path of transgression and ultimate betrayal.

When she received news of her pregnancy, a result of her undeniable mistake, her life turned into pure devastation, and she felt unwilling to go on. Her closest friend pushed her into getting the help she needed. The CCC became her refuge in her time of turmoil and uncertainty. After a few months of therapy and group sessions with prayer, she finally learned to forgive herself and let God handle her mayhem within, including her self-esteem, something she had struggled with most of her life.

Putting God into her life, to let Him lead her where she needed to be, gave her great pride. She had her biggest believer on her side, and she had confidence that He would only lead her in the right direction. Because she let God lead, she was blessed with the man she imagined having for the rest of her life. God is good, all the time; All the time, God is good.

Butterflies break danced in Ava’s stomach as she and Kevin traveled, fingers intertwined, to his mother’s house. Looking forward to meeting the woman she hoped would one day be her mother-in-law depleted her emotional bank account. Only withdrawals were made and nothing was deposited. Excitement, nervousness, hope, and apprehension all flooded out of her heart.

Three months before, their first official date occurred at her girlfriend Toni’s vow renewal ceremony. Ava and Kevin danced the night away, and had spent almost every day together since that evening. Things between them blossomed perfectly according to Ava’s schedule, and now she was headed to meet Gladys, Kevin’s mother, for the first time.

What would his mother think of her? How much did Kevin tell her about how they met at the Christian Counseling Center under very unfavorable circumstances? Did she know what had happened to Ava? Did Kevin let her in on everything? Did Ava wear the right outfit that exuded a humble confidence and said, “I’m the perfect woman for your son”?

Glancing at Kevin’s handsome, chiseled profile calmed Ava’s anxieties. He had proved to be the real deal, what her heart needed and had been waiting for all her adult life. God had brought them together, and what God put together, no man or woman, even a mother, could pull apart. Right?

So why was Ava so uneasy? Why did she feel the need to have Kevin stop the car and head in the opposite direction? He would surely be mad.

Her thoughts were interrupted by her cell phone vibrating through her purse. She located the phone and read the text message.

“Who’s that, babe?” Kevin’s concern made her feel special.

“Just my mother. She’s reminding me about my cousin’s wedding next Saturday.” Ava tossed the phone back in her handbag. “Like I’d forget I’m a bridesmaid. Why wouldn’t I show up? I didn’t buy the hideous dress for no reason.”

“Oh, yeah.” He chuckled. “I almost forgot.”

“You did?”

“No, I’m just joking. I can’t wait to get all beautified up with you and have a nice time.”

“I don’t know how much of a nice time we’ll have. My mother and aunt aren’t that close, so my cousin and I aren’t either. I think I was chosen because I was one of only two girl cousins in the family.”

Kevin soothingly caressed her hand. “Well, at any rate, you and I will have a good time gettin’ our dance on and our eat on. We’ll just focus on that. Deal?”

“Deal.” Ava loved how he could always look on the positive side of situations. She needed that in her life, and she needed him in her life. Hopefully, his mother would see it that way too. Her nerves bubbled over. Ava should’ve taken a shot of something before Kevin picked her up, but it was too late now. Ms. Gladys would get 100 percent her. Hopefully, that would be good enough.

“You okay, Ava?”

She giggled. “Why, is my unusual silence a giveaway?”

“You just seem deep in thought.”

“I’m sorry.” She rubbed her hands together. “Just a bit nervous.”

“You don’t have to be sorry. Or nervous.” He grinned. “My mom will love you.”

“Did you tell her how we met?”

Clearing his throat, he moved his hand and held the steering wheel firmly with both hands. “Well, she did ask. And I’ve never lied to my mother a day in my life.”

Her head dropped.

“But that shouldn’t matter. She loves me, and I love you, so that’s all that matters.”

Ava was sure her smile could be seen from down the street. “You love me?” This was the first time she’d heard those words flow out of his mouth. They sounded beautiful.

“I sure do.”

“I love you too, Kevin.” The red light provided the perfect time for the couple to meet in the middle for a passionate lip lock. Her heart danced. “I think that’s why I’m so nervous. I really want her to like me.”

“Just be you and she will.”

There were his sweet, simple, comforting words. God had answered every one of her prayers concerning a man. Kevin’s personality filled the gaps in her life where she struggled. They were good for one another, and now, as he confessed his love for her, the day was perfect. Nothing could erase the smile on her face.

After pulling into the driveway, Kevin hopped out of the car and hustled to Ava’s side of the car. He opened the door for her and then took Ava’s hand as they walked through the front door of his mother’s house. She was hoping to transfer her nerves by touch to him so she could act like herself.

He looked left and right into the rooms decorated in contemporary décor. “Momma, we’re here.”

“I’m in the kitchen, baby.”

A stout, poised woman with full locks sauntered her way into the room with open arms. In her smile, Ava could see Kevin’s handsome face. As he embraced his mother, the love between them was evident.

“Momma, this is Ava.” He presented her as a proud child would show off his show-and-tell toy to his class.

Ava stuck out her hand. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Allen.”

His mother’s hand, rigid and unwelcoming, barely grabbed hold of Ava’s. “Nice to meet you.” She examined Ava up and down, judgmental glare included.

Ava’s nerves shot throughout her body. Don’t say the wrong thing. What’s the right thing? Lord, please help.

“So, Momma, what have you been up to since I saw you last?” Kevin gently kissed his mother’s cheek.

“Same ol’, same ol’.” She patted his back as he squeezed her tight. “Not much has changed except the doctor upped my blood pressure medicine.”

“Why’d he do that?”

“He says I need to relax more, but I don’t do nothing.”

Kevin rubbed his forehead. “When’s the last time Tweet was by here?”

Ava knew that Tweet, Kevin’s baby sister, was the main reason for a lot of the family’s stress. He never went into details, but she knew there was something more to it than a little sister hanging with the wrong crowd. All Ava could do was to keep her in prayer.

“I don’t know . . . about a week ago.” His mom placed a casserole dish on the middle of the dining table. “I called her to invite her over for dinner tonight, but no answer. So I sent her a text.”

Kevin looked conflicted about what words would come out of his mouth next. “Well, Momma, you know she only comes around when she needs something. You don’t need to worry yourself about that. Let me worry for you. That’s what the doctor is talking about. Try to relax. I’ll take care of Tweet.”

“I know, baby, but you have enough going on.” His mother fidgeted with the place settings. “I’ll just keep sending up my prayers and try not to worry so much, but I can’t help but think of all the danger she could be into out there running those streets.”

Ava walked toward the kitchen where Kevin and his mother now stood. “Is there anything I can do? Pray? I can put her on the prayer list at church.”

His mother put her hand on her hip. “That’s sweet, Ava, but this is a family matter, and you’re not family.”

Okay, won’t offer ever again. Ava turned her head away from his mother and pursed her lips.

“Momma, don’t be ridiculous. Ava doesn’t have to be family to pray for Tweet.” Kevin strolled over to Ava and reached for her hand and squeezed it tight. “Besides, she may be family one day, and you know Tweet could use all the prayers she can get.”

Ms. Allen, seeming ashamed of her response, smiled. “Of course. I apologize, Ava. Just not myself lately.” She touched Kevin’s shoulder as she passed by him. “I’ll be right back.”

Waiting until she was out of sight, Ava gritted her teeth. “Your mother doesn’t seem to care for me too much.”

“Don’t worry, babe.” He put his arms around her waist. “She is just so stressed out. I can tell.”

Ava melted into his warm embrace. “I feel helpless not able to do anything, but I will continue to keep her in my prayers.”

Kevin stepped back and rubbed his massive hand over Ava’s back. “I appreciate you, but Tweet is a whole other story. I know you are familiar with bits and pieces of her story, but she has created enough havoc for a lifetime. Right now, we’re not sure where she’s living or who she’s with.”

Ava leaned in for a hug. “How old is she?”

“She’ll be twenty-five this spring.”

“Well, I know you care for her, but she is a grown woman. You all shouldn’t put that much pressure on yourselves. She’s gonna do what she wants to do whether you say anything to her or not.”

Kevin walked over to the dinner table and slid into a seat. “But you don’t understand. She’s my only little sister.”

Ava followed, taking the seat next to his and placing her hand on his leg. “Well, help me to understand.”

He took a deep breath. “All right, here goes.” Kevin hesitated.

Putting her hand under his chin, Ava turned his head and looked straight into his eyes. “You know you can tell me anything, right?”

“Yeah, I know.” He took hold of her hand and rubbed it in his hands. “When I was in college and she was a freshman in high school, I thought it was funny to let her smoke weed every once in a while with me and my buddies.” He threw his hands up. “I know; I’m a terrible big brother.”

Ava squeezed his hands. “You’re not a terrible brother or person. Things happen. Everyone makes mistakes. You were young.”

“And stupid.” He scoffed. “And the worst part is when I started dabbling in cocaine, Tweet followed suit.”

“Mmm. So you feel like it’s your fault?”

“Of course I do. But she didn’t stop there. She moved on to meth, has done Ecstasy here and there, and will do just about anything she can get her hands on now. A friend of mine told me he saw her with what looked to be some crackheads hanging downtown.”

“That’s enough of telling your sister’s business.” His mother rushed out of the kitchen. “If Ava wants to pray, that’s fine, but she doesn’t need to know all the details. Like I said, this is a family matter.” His mother peered into Ava’s eyes.

Ava surrendered her hands in the air. “No problem. I don’t want it to be an issue. Just talking to Kevin about what’s bothering him. Seeing as he listens to everyone else’s problems at the center, I’m just trying to be here for him. Not looking to cause any trouble, ma’am.”

“Yeah, Momma, we were just talking.”

“Well, find something else to talk about.” She picked up the casserole from the table and headed back toward the kitchen. “In fact, y’all can let yourselves out. I don’t feel much like eating anymore.”

“We’re not gonna have dinner, Momma?” Kevin stood and walked over to his mother.

“You can have it all you want, but I’m going to my room. Eat. Don’t eat. Doesn’t matter to me.” She sulked as she headed out of the room. “I’m going to lie down. Nice to have met you, Ava.”

“You too, Ms. Allen.” Not.

“I’ve never seen her like this. Maybe I should go talk to her.”

“Do what you need to do, Kevin. I’ll be here”—Ava folded her arms—“waiting.”

His forehead wrinkled in despair. “I’ll just come back and check on her later. Let’s go to our favorite restaurant.”

Ava breathed a sigh of relief. She didn’t want to stay there a minute longer. One big question that loomed in her mind was how could Kevin, so sweet and a man of impeccable character, ever come out of the womb of that woman? Stressed out or not, she didn’t have to treat Ava that way, or be so rude to the woman her son was in love with.

Sure, his mother knew that Ava and Kevin met under less-than-favorable circumstances, but God had done a miracle in Ava’s life as He continued to move her forward in her walk with Him in a positive manner. Didn’t that count for anything? Ms. Allen could at least take time to get to know the woman in her son’s life before passing any judgments.

Ava was definitely falling for Kevin. In fact, she had fallen and hadn’t been able to get up. Kevin was it for her, the man she had been waiting for all of her life, but this gigantic red flag with Kevin’s mother’s face as the symbolic crest aggravated everything she felt for him. Would they be able to move forward, or should Ava move on? Was this the sign she shouldn’t ignore?

Not ever being one to back down from a challenge, Ava tossed thoughts around that this particular situation might prove to involve a little more than she was willing to deal with. She pictured herself more than once walking down the aisle to Kevin, but not one time did she imagine the mother of the groom sitting in the front row wearing a look of disapproval on her face. A great relationship with her future mother-in-law and someone who approved of her and wore a smile on her son’s wedding day was what Ava had always had in her visions of the life-changing day.

Ava would have to do some rethinking along with a great deal of prayer. She wanted to be married more than anything, but after the ring was finally on her finger, she didn’t want to live in hell trying to please her mother-in-law and fight for her husband’s attention. Her dream never included a struggle of that proportion. Maybe she needed to rethink the dream in its entirety, or reconsider the object of her dream, no matter how sweet or handsome he was. Either way, something would need to change, and his mother’s attitude was at the top of Ava’s list.

I really like Kevin, but—

“Ava!” Rene clapped her hands.

How long had Ava tuned out whatever Rene was talking about? “Yes.”

Rene’s head tilted like a mother scolding her young child. “Where are you, girl? I’ve been talking to you for the past five minutes.”

“I’m sorry, girl.” She giggled. “Just mulling stuff over in my head. What were you saying?”

“Nothing much, just I appreciate you meeting me here. This is one of two places I’ve narrowed it down to for the new law office of Rene Jacobs, attorney-at-law.” She took a curtsy. “Doesn’t that sound nice?”

“Yes, it does, Ms. Attorney-at-law. I want you to know how proud of you I am. You are stepping out on faith and acting on what the Lord has put in your heart.” Ava gazed out of the front window. “I hope to do the same one day. Catering is a nice side gig, but one day soon I want to leave the probation officer thing and open my own restaurant.”

“And I believe you’ll do it, Ava. You just got to believe in you.”

“I’m trying.” She waved her hand in the air.

“Yep, all your dreams are coming true. You are healthier and happier these days, working on your restaurant goals, and let’s not forget that handsome man of God who I’m sure one day you’ll call . . .