Redemption, p.1
Redemption, page 1
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Epigraph
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CHAPTER NINETEEN
CHAPTER TWENTY
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
CHAPTER THIRTY
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
CHAPTER FORTY
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
EPILOGUE
AUTHOR’S NOTE
REDEMPTION
JEZEBEL
About the Author
Praise for the Novels of Jacquelin Thomas
“Bravo! . . . Sizzles with the glamour of the entertainment industry and real people who struggle to find that precious balance between their drive for success and God’s plan for their lives.”
—Victoria Christopher Murray, author of Temptation and Truth Be Told
“Jacquelin Thomas is masterful.” —Shades of Romance Magazine
“[Jacquelin Thomas] brings an African-American perspective and . . . edgier tone into Christian fiction, while keeping the gospel message up front and center.” —Publishers Weekly
“[Thomas] successfully tells a fast-paced, engrossing love story while preaching Christian principles.” —Library Journal
“Jacquelin Thomas’s novels are about heroines who survive seemingly insurmountable odds. [They] are also about self-love and being happy with the person you are.” —The Romance Reader
“Entertaining African-American Christian romance that will surprise readers . . . invigorating. Enhance[es] the Christian message with a more realistic world than usual.” —Midwest Book Review
“[Thomas] shows readers that prayer, strength, and forgiveness have the power to change everything. . . . Inspiring . . . very realistic and very touching.” —Rawsistaz
NOVELS BY JACQUELIN THOMAS
Defining Moments
Redemption
Jezebel
Copyright © Jacquelin Thomas, 2007
eISBN : 978-1-4406-3458-1
Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party Web sites or their content.
The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.
http://us.penguingroup.com
For my sister Carmen—
you are loved. . . .
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
My heavenly Father, I have to thank You for trusting me with this gift. I will always strive to tell stories that will not only entertain but also glorify Your precious Name.
Pastor Rodney and Pastor Valerie Frazier, Pastor Danny Peebles and Dr. Seymour, thank you all so much for your teachings, for your willingness to reach out and help others, and for making my family and me feel welcome at Wakefield Family Church. Thank you for showing me what it means to be a Christian. You wear your faith like a badge of honor, and because of it, my own faith has grown.
My wonderful husband and best friend, where would I be without you? I can’t thank God enough for placing you into my life. I’m a better person having met you.
My mother—this book would not have happened without your help when I needed to focus on my writing. You unselfishly moved in with us for two months and took care of my family so that I could make my rapidly approaching deadline. I thank you so much for the sacrifice you made on my behalf. I can’t wait for the time when you decide to share your stories with the world.
Alicia Thomas, Pamela Kennedy, Shatoya Johnson and JoAnn Turner, I would be remiss if I didn’t publicly acknowledge you here. You ladies read the raw manuscript and gave me some wonderful feedback and constructive criticism to help make this story better. Thanks so much for the unselfish giving of your time and your constant show of support of me and of my novels. You all hold a special place in my life.
The Lord said to me, “Go show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.”
—HOSEA 3:1 (NIV)
PROLOGUE
PASTOR WARNER GARFIELD BRICE WEDS ACTRESS MARIN ALEXANDER Los Angeles (AP)—Marin Alexander managed to find time for love amid her burgeoning career when she recently wed Pastor Warner Garfield Brice at the Victory Baptist Church in Los Angeles, CA. Brice is its senior pastor. The Reverend Andrew Maxwell officiated at the ceremony.
The bride’s father escorted his glowing daughter down the aisle. NFL legend Adrian Reed served as best man. Bridesmaids included actresses Monique O’Neill and Carol Leon-Grady, while Dru Wilkerson served as matron of honor.
“The ceremony was not only elegant, but very spiritual and sacred,” wedding coordinator Karen Jones-McBride said. The groom sang a heartfelt tune to his lovely bride. Mark Koster, of the Grammy Award-winning gospel group For His Love, performed a soulful rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer.”
Guests included several dignitaries and a host of celebrity guests, among them Starla Hancock, legendary singer Mamie Bryant, gospel musician Ben-son Taylor, Regina Hall, Lily Song and comedian Harvey Maxwell.
The groom is the son of legendary gospel song-bird Millicent Brice and actor Garfield Brice. The celebrated bride is the daughter of Judge Robert E. Alexander and Shirley Miller, the assistant district attorney handling the high-profile case of Miami Dodgers’ Roy Kelly, on trial for the murder of his ex-wife and her lover.
After the ceremony, the wedding party enjoyed a private reception at the Beverly Hills Hotel. This is the first marriage for both.
CHAPTER ONE
August
She had the type of body that could make a man forget his own thoughts. Warner Garfield Brice cleared his throat noisily as his eyes rapidly scanned the gathering to see if anyone had noticed his blunder.
The moment Marin Alexander sauntered into the room overflowing with a hundred and fifty industry types at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, Warner immediately forgot the words of his speech. The same one he’d rehearsed all week long and knew like the back of his own hand up until a few minutes ago.
Straightening his glasses, Warner stole a quick peek at his notes, relocated his place and regained his composure.
He began again.
“There are people in the world—even in your own family—who won’t understand your decision and they might try to convince you that God would never call someone to Hollywood. They might tell you that Hollywood is evil. That it’s a place filled with nothing but drugs, sex and violence.” Warner paused for effect.
“Let’s be truthful—this is the liberal mecca of the world. But let me paint you a different picture that I hope encourages you and encourages your well-meaning friends and family . . .”
Warner’s eyes settled briefly on Marin, and then moved on. “I can tell you truthfully and with great conviction that God is moving in Hollywood. I have seen God bring actors, media and other industry professionals to me that are unfulfilled, searching and spiritually hungry. I’ve had the privilege of building deep friendships with them, earning their respect and being able to share the Gospel of Christ with them.”
When Warner finished his keynote address, he was met with a round of applause and a standing ovation. He awarded them a grateful smile before taking his seat.
From his position at the head table, Warner had a clear view of Marin, who was watching him boldly, without shame.
He was the first to turn his attention away but he vowed he would not leave the room before speaking to her.
The meeting for the Entertainment Fello wship drew to a close and people swarmed to Warner, thanking him and acknowledging the truth in his words.
Every now and then his eyes traveled the room, trying to find Marin and hoping she wouldn’t leave before he could talk to her.
But Marin didn’t look like she was in a hurry to go anywhere. She stood a few yards away, waiting patiently to talk to him.
Warner relaxed.
After what seemed like an eternity, they were finally face-to-face.
“I really enjoyed your speech, Pastor Brice. It was very inspiring.”
Her infectious grin made him smile. “Thank you, Miss Alexander. I have to tell you that I really enjoyed your last movie.” Warner couldn’t stop smiling.
Marin was radiant, with sparkling medium-brown eyes, a friendly smile and a tiny spray of freckles lightly brushed across her nose.
“I’ve visited your church a few times,” she was saying. “I’m actually planning to come tomorrow, but had no idea you’d be speaking at the meeting. I enjoy your sermons, and your speech today was something I needed to hear.” A tiny smile softened her lips. “I guess this is a sign that I should definitely attend.”
Warner pushed the frame of his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “I look forward to seeing you then.”
More people had gathered behind her, waiting to talk to him, so Marin didn’t linger.
A wave of disappointment spread through Warner’s body when she disappeared through the exit doors and was gone. He wasn’t worried though—Warner knew he would see her again.
She was destined to be his wife.
God had spoken it into his spirit the moment Marin came through the doors. She was the answer to his prayers for a partner in life.
When Warner left the hotel a short time later, he drove straight to his parents’ home in Hollywood Hills. It was his mother’s birthday and his father was hosting a barbecue in her honor.
His younger sister, Chanelle, greeted him with a kiss on the cheek when he strode into the house.
“How did your meeting go?” she inquired. Chanelle waited for him to remove his jacket before taking it from him and hanging it in a nearby closet.
“Great.” Warner wrapped an arm around her. “In fact, I met the woman I’m going to marry.”
Chanelle’s mouth dropped open in her surprise. “Really? At the meeting?”
He nodded.
Their father walked out into the foyer where they stood talking.
Garfield Brice was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, best known for his role as Middleton Greene, a neurosurgeon on a popular television series.
“Chanelle, your husband’s looking for you.”
“We’re on our way out to the patio,” she responded. “Warner just arrived.”
Warner and Chanelle followed their father to the poolside kitchen and grill.
“So, tell me about my future sister-in-law.” Chanelle’s smile turned to a chuckle as she sat down in the empty chair beside her husband at one of the glass-topped tables scattered around the Olympic-sized pool. “Who is she?”
“Marin Alexander.”
Chanelle’s smile quickly faded. “Who did you say?”
“Marin Alexander,” Warner repeated. “You know who I’m talking about. We just saw her in—”
Holding up her hand, Chanelle cut him off. “I know who she is. Warner, she’s definitely not the wife for you. Marin’s not your type at all.”
Garfield turned around, facing his children. “Warner, did I hear Chanelle right? Are you getting married?”
Before he could speak for himself, Chanelle replied, “He’s interested in Marin Alexander, Daddy. Wasn’t she in Code Red with you?”
He nodded. “She’s a nice kid.”
“Beautiful, too,” Chanelle’s husband, Mitch, interjected.
Elbowing him, Chanelle said, “I was just telling Warner that she’s all wrong for him. He needs someone closer to his own age, I would think. Not ten years younger.”
Warner sat down across from his brother-in-law. “How do you know how old she is?”
“I don’t know exactly,” Chanelle admitted. “But I read somewhere that she’s either twenty-four or twenty-five. She could be older, I guess. Women do lie about their age all the time. Especially in Hollywood.”
Shrugging, he stated, “Age doesn’t matter to me. Besides, I’m thirty-five—I’m not that much older.”
“I doubt Marin can handle the responsibilities that come with being your wife. How do you know if she even has a relationship with God? Can she truly stand with you in leading your church? I don’t think so.”
“You really don’t know anything about her, honey,” Mitch said.
Chanelle sent her husband a sharp glare.
Garfield asked, “Well, how much do you know about her, Chanelle?”
“I don’t think she’s cut out to be the wife of a pastor. I’m not sure she could even act the part in a movie. She’s too . . .”
“Sexy,” Mitch offered.
Rolling her eyes, Chanelle responded, “That wasn’t quite the word I was looking for.”
A tall, striking woman with salt-and-pepper hair walked out of the house, asking, “What are you all talking about? Warner, you look so intense. What’s going on?”
“Millicent, dear, our son is interested in Marin Alexander,” Garfield announced as he handed her a glass of iced tea.
She took a deep breath and adjusted her smile. “You’re not serious, are you, son?”
Warner gave them all a look of astonishment. “What is the big problem? She’s an actress. You all act like I’ve come in announcing that I plan to marry a prostitute.”
“Some would ask what’s the difference?” Millicent responded dryly. “I can’t imagine what your congregation would think of your getting involved with an actress.”
“I’m not worried about other people or what they think, Mother. When I saw her today, God spoke to me. I told you how He’d laid it on my heart that it was time for me to take a wife. Well, today He told me that Marin is that woman.”
Warner looked from one person to the other, frowning in exasperation. “I can’t believe any of you. Dad is an actor. What makes Marin so different?”
Chuckling, his sister responded, “I think you know the answer to that. Are you sure it was God talking to you?”
Warner was not amused. “Chanelle, you know I don’t play about that.”
“Just pray about it some more, Warner,” his sister advised. “Maybe the Lord is telling you something else.”
Their parents joined them at the table.
“Marin comes from a good family,” Warner said. “You know who her father is, don’t you? Judge Robert Alexander.”
“Shirley Miller is her mother,” Millicent announced. “I met her last year at the Gospel Celebration. She’s a real nice lady. Very intelligent.”
“Warner, I have someone I really want you to meet. We went to college together and she’s a good friend of mine. Her name—”
He interrupted her. “Sis, I don’t need to meet anyone. Marin Alexander is the woman for me.” Warner pressed a hand to his heart. “God spoke it into my heart. Even you can’t argue with that.”
Marin pulled her brand-new BMW 525i into a circular driveway, parking in front of her parents’ house in Baldwin Hills. Using her personal key, she unlocked the front door and stepped inside.
“Where’s Daddy?” Marin asked, walking into her mother’s pride and joy—her recently renovated gourmet kitchen.
“He’s playing golf with some friends at the country club,” Shirley replied smoothly, with no expression on her face. “Why? Do you need money?”
Marin shook her head no. “I don’t need any money. I just wanted to see my dad. He’s been out of town the last couple of times I stopped by the house.”
“I called you earlier to see if you wanted to attend Tyler Perry’s new play with me.” While she talked, Shirley applied the finishing touches to her roast.
“At the last minute I decided to go to the Entertainment Fellowship meeting. Pastor Warner Brice was the keynote speaker.”
“Really?” Shirley replied nonchalantly while opening the oven door to check on the yeast rolls.
Marin sat down at the breakfast bar, watching her mother move about, preparing dinner. “He seems like a really nice man.”
