With Love as Our Guide: The Sequel to the Naacp Award-Winning Novel, Dealmonie Madigan

Copyright © 2007 by Onteaka Crayton-Scott

All rights reserved. No part of this book maybe used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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Contents

Preface

Acknowledgements

Author’s Note

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

This book is dedicated to my best friend and husband, Bruce C. Scott, Sr. Thank you for continuing to cheer me on every step of the way.

Preface

DeAlmonie Winston is the nation’s, premier fashion-designer who has it all! She’s rich but humble, beautiful but not vain, has a heart of gold and is married to one of the most handsome men on the planet. She is living the life that most women only imagine, but when tragedy strikes what will she do? Will she maintain her faith in God and look to him to sustain her in her time of despair? She will need her family as never before for support in more ways than she could have ever imagined. This refreshing tale of love and faith just may the best kept literary gem of the new millennium.

Acknowledgements

Thank you Nell Johnson for your continued support throughout this process. It was appreciated.

Author’s Note

Dialect is not heard in letters because it is written, not spoken.

CHAPTER 1

Surprise Times Two

It seemed as if the New Year had just begun, but the year wasn’t as new anymore. The year 1983 was more than half over on this autumn day of August 16th. Los Angeles always had its share of smog and today was no exception. Smog always had a way of making days in Los Angeles a bit cloudy, but it was something that you learned to live with.

Inside the heartbeat of the buzzing empire of Del Wear Ltd., the staff worked as if there would be no tomorrow. The once skeleton operation had now grown into a full-scale business with enough machinery and a talented staff to oversee it. The owner never had to show up at all, except that this was her baby. From conception until now, she had sewn everything by hand and it would take time before she would ever get used to the idea of anyone other than herself doing her job or even being allowed to have half as much input as she.

DeAlmonie Winston, formerly known to the world at large as DeAlmonie Madigan, was always fair and generous; but she now had enough experience under her belt to know that if a chance ever presented itself, that someone wouldn’t think twice about slitting her professional throat. That’s why she made her cousin an offer that she couldn’t refuse when she graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Southern California with a Masters in Business Administration. She needed to have someone around that she could trust completely if in fact the time ever came that she couldn’t be there. Her cousin, Tina Thaxton, would squash any plans of betrayal in its tracks.

It’s still so hard to believe that not too long ago I was doing all of my own sewing. My, how times have changed! she murmured to herself with a smile.

DeAlmonie paused to look at the constant reminder on her finger that shone like a beacon even in the artificial light of the office. She could never look at it without remembering how much she loved him and just how much he meant to her. DeAlmonie, like her mother, never seemed to see herself as others saw her. She was only one inch shy of six feet with light brown hair with golden highlights that shone like that sun and with green eyes that sparkled like emeralds. Her curves were in all the right places, and her beautiful smile could not be ignored. Whenever she was mistaken for the celebrity Jayne Kennedy, she would reply with a straight face and with the utmost sincerity, But she’s so beautiful!

Although she and Maxx were about to celebrate their second wedding anniversary in November, which would mark her 25th birthday as well, she couldn’t believe how fast time seemed to pass. It seemed to her that she and Maxx were a lot like her parents, who had been married for 25 years. It was all very funny since her parents married in February and DeAlmonie was born later that year in November. DeAlmonie always attributed it to the fact that they were blissfully happy. She and Maxx were friends first. They took the time to really get to know each other. DeAlmonie always knew that he was the one, but she didn’t trust her feelings because they can often time be misleading, but instead she prayed and asked God to lead and guide her and he did just that!

Oh Maxx, I thank God for you everyday, she whispered as she took her seat behind her large, contemporary desk with its leather,

wingback chair. Suddenly dizziness enveloped her as she massaged her temples.

Come in, she said quietly as she lowered her head into her hands.

Good morning, Del. Girl what’s wrong? I can’t explain it, but your eyes don’t look right. How are you feeling? Tina hurried over to her and felt her forehead not even waiting for a response.

I’m taking you to the doctor. Have you called Maxx yet, or shall I? Tina stated as DeAlmonie’s head spun like a top! She nodded for Tina to give Maxx a call as her cousin went to her closet to get her black slippers. DeAlmonie soon discarded the pumps under her desk and put on the slippers that were now next to her feet. She smiled with appreciation at the kind gesture of Tina’s placing her shoes next to her. It was nice and so like her cousin to always be there, but that’s the way they were. They were always there for each other.

How did I ever make it in Ireland without you all those years? Thanks, I really mean it. You’re always there for me, DeAlmonie said, as her tired green eyes softened toward her cousin as she helped her up.

You’ve always been like a big sister instead of a cousin anyway. It’s a small price to pay for free designer clothes, Tina joked as Maxx opened the door making his way to DeAlmonie in no time. Tina Thaxton stood 5’10" inches tall donning a long, shag hair cut that would make any hairdresser proud. From a glance, anyone would think that she worked out constantly to maintain her curvaceous frame, but it was heredity at work and nothing more. She was by all accounts a beautiful woman as she resembled supermodel, Beverly Johnson.

Baby, what’s wrong? Maxx asked anxiously noticing the look on his wife’s face and how Tina was helping her.

Something is wrong! I’m taking you to the hospital. Thanks Tina, I’ve got it from here. Tina nodded as DeAlmonie grabbed her hand on the way out and gave it a loving squeeze.

I’ll give you a call later, DeAlmonie replied on the way out while Tina smiled weakly as they wasted no time leaving the building. Tina watched from the window as they spun out of the parking lot in the black Corvette that shone like the sun.

DeAlmonie looked at him and smiled inwardly knowing that he alone held the power to make her feel better with nothing more than a smile and the mention of her name from his lips. For he alone had been the only man to ever pronounce it correctly upon hearing it the first time. Maxx was 6’3" tall and his muscular physique was evident from his broad shoulders and well-defined chest to his muscular abdomen that could not be hidden by clothes. Women had admired him from afar whenever he was around and his wife had to live with that aspect of being married to a man with such animal magnetism. He was never flirty in any way; he was just an extremely handsome man, just as she was a very beautiful woman. They mirrored each other but more than that, each complemented the other.

Sometime later, after the examination was over, DeAlmonie waited for the doctor. Although the doctor assured her that there was no reason for alarm, she insisted that Maxx come in as well before he told her the nature of her ailment. She said a silent prayer and waited. The door soon swung open as Maxx appeared with the doctor.

Dr. Hamilton, what’s wrong with me? DeAlmonie spared no time and wanted to get right to business. She had gone over everything in her head and could not for the life of herself fathom what it could be.

Maxx took a chair and pulled it close to her and instinctively laced his fingers with hers when he sat down.

Nothing is wrong. On the contrary, everything is right. You’re eight weeks pregnant. Congratulations!

DeAlmonie looked at Maxx with unshed tears of joy in her eyes. Her tired green eyes seemed to sparkle a bit after hearing the news.

Baby, did you hear that? I’m going to be a father! I love you so much Mrs. Winston, Maxx hugged her closely to him as she whispered in his ear.

I love you even more! She said earnestly.

Once she was at home, DeAlmonie was deep in thought as to how to tell her parents the wonderful news.

Since Granny and Gramps are away on vacation, we’ll have to tell them later. Honey, I still can’t believe that I’m pregnant—two months pregnant at that! DeAlmonie said as she touched her flat stomach in disbelief.

Are you all right? Are you still dizzy? Maxx asked taking her into his arms as his bulging biceps flexed with each movement as he kissed her tenderly.

You’ve made me the happiest man alive. For so long I’ve wanted us to start a family, but you had your career and I was busy opening the new fitness center that I had begun to wonder if it would ever happen. I never wanted you to feel that I was insensitive to your career. After all it took for you to get to where you are today, I’d never want to take that from you; but now that it’s happened, I’m thrilled! His arms snaked around her petite frame to hold her close to his heart. Relaxing in the moment, she exhaled heavily against him with a smile.

Later that evening, they found themselves in Brentwood sitting in her parents’ spacious living room. There were five huge bedrooms, a dining room, a den, a living room, five bathrooms, one half-bath, a library, a pool in back with a pool house, and a sun-room which was just off the gourmet kitchen that was big enough to host a celebrity party, if so desired. Elise’s pride and joy was the elaborate garden in the back yard. She considered it her sanctuary which was complete with a fish pond that displayed an array of colorful fish and beautifully fragrant plants all over the yard. She’d already planted a vegetable garden in one area next to the pond where she would sometimes sit quietly to collect her thoughts and give herself to prayer; and an herb garden in one of the far corners.

Besides the superbly manicured garden, there was also a huge barbeque grill that came along with the place that they enjoyed immensely. The hidden treasure was in the detached in-law suite in back of the house. It boasted a large bedroom, bathroom, spacious living room, and kitchen. It was a fully detached dwelling in itself with all of the privacy and comforts of home that anyone could dream of.

Once outside DeAlmonie and Maxx whispered back and forth, but soon stopped as they were joined by her parents. Ian was now back to his old self again as he effortlessly walked behind Elise. Her parents sat on the couch opposite Maxx and DeAlmonie.

It’s so good to see you two; but what’s wrong? You never leave the office like this in the middle of the day. What is it? questioned Elise Madigan, her mother, with a serious look on her face. Elise was not tall like her father, but short like her mother. She was 5’5" tall with flawless skin like rich mahogany and the most brilliant, 100 watt smile ever imagined. Her hair hung down her back far beyond her shoulders and shone like the sun. To her husband, Ian, she was his perfect, little Christmas package that he was able to admire every day, and for that he was thankful.

Ian Madigan was not the typical Irishman. Like his son-in-law, Maxx Winston, he was very handsome and still looked like the boxer he’d been many years ago. He was 6’4" tall and managed to maintain his deep tan year round which complemented his stunning, blue eyes. His light, brown hair was still cropped short crew cut style like he’d worn his entire life. He worked hard at maintaining his athletic form if for no other reason than to keep men away from his wife. In his mind, he always felt that he didn’t deserve her because he’d always been a womanizer who enjoyed liquor far more than he should have. Elise was the one who changed all of that without even trying. She was without a doubt the most beautiful woman that he’d ever seen. He was awestruck when he found out she was also chaste.

Aye, what’s the matter? Are ya all right, Del? Ian asked with a look of concern. DeAlmonie and Maxx exchanged glances as Maxx pulled her closer to him.

Maxx and I are, uhm, I’m pregnant! I’m eight weeks pregnant! Ian and Elise’s eyes widened as he embraced his daughter first. Ian is so glad that he can’t contain himself.

My Little Green Eyes is goin’ ta have a baby! You’ve made me so happy! her father exclaimed with joy. Just then Elise looked at Maxx, too.

I just can’t believe it! My baby is going to have a baby! I’m just so thrilled! Elise said as she hugged her daughter and kissed her cheek as tears of joy flowed.

I’m so happy! Tha two o’ ya will be such fine parents and o’ course we’ll be here whenever ya need us, Ian smiled as he got up from the couch and patted Maxx’s shoulder.

And even when ya don’t! Ya know, ya can always come here whenever ya feel like it. Ian said smiling.

Just then the men went outside and sat on the steps continuing their conversation.

Ya know Maxx, I never say things that I don’t mean and I mean it when I say that I want us ta be friends. I know that it may be hard ta think o’ your wife’s father as a friend, but I want us ta be. If ya ever feel tha need ta vent about Del, ya can. She’s my daughter and I love her, but I know that a man has ta get things off his chest sometimes too. Ya know, it isn’t easy being married to a beautiful woman. Men are always sizing her up like she was tha only woman on the planet and making passes at her, until they see me, that is, at that, Ian gave a sly wink and nodded.

All I’m sayin’ is that I want ya ta feel comfortable enough here that ya can visit without Del. Who knows, we might even catch a boxing match or see a basketball game one night. I know that Del has told ya that I used ta be a boxer about a hundred years ago. Maxx is completely taken aback by what he hears. He knows that Ian means it too.

Thanks Mr. Madigan. I just may do that. Ian smiled at him and gave him a funny look, which let Maxx know that something was wrong.

Ian, call me Ian … or Dad.

The two men looked at each other and burst into laughter at the same time.

Ian it is! Maxx declares as the two howl with laughter while the women peep outside. Mother and daughter look at each dumb founded. The men are wiping their eyes now and trying to catch their breaths. Maxx feels that this is the perfect time to get the answer to his burning question.

May I ask you a personal question? If I’m out of line, just say so.

This has piqued Ian’s attention, although he’s sure that he has an idea of what this is all about.

Aye, ask away, Ian assured him. Maxx looked at him and didn’t mince words. What was it about Mom, and I call her that because she reminds me so much of my mother, especially her smile. But what was it about her that made you deny your family for her? I know that things were much harder then than they are now and honestly they aren’t that good right now. But, DeAlmonie has told me about the problems with your mother, and I know that it must have been hard on you. Sure, I’ve heard the story, but I’d like to hear it from you.

Ian looked at his son-in-law with a smile and put his hand on his shoulder. Ian remembered the day that he first saw Elise and the feeling of awe that overcame him when hers eyes met his.

"That’s easy. The day that I saw Elise, I remember thinking that things just couldn’t get any better, but they did. When I saw her beautiful face and that smile, I was a goner and my heart belonged ta her. I didn’t care what she said because I knew that we belonged together, and I did everything that I could ta make her fall in love with me. When we met, I just knew that she was tha one and tha fact that she was black never mattered because I knew that she was

tha only woman that I wanted ta spend my life with. Back then, I’d had my share o’ women and I knew when tha real thing came along and Elise was definitely tha real thing!" Ian said smiling as he tried not to become too overwhelmed by the thought of her. He knew that she was all that he’d ever need.

Maxx was starting to feel a real sense of kinship. It was beginning to sound as if he and his father-in-law shared something in common. Although it was hard to imagine, but Maxx had the sneaking suspicion that there was more to his father-in-law than what met the eye.

When you say, your share of women, are you saying that you were a player too? My playing days are over. I’d never cheat on Del, but I’m talking about before Del and I got together of course. So, what about you?

Ian smiled modestly and shrugged a bit.

Truthfully, I was a bit o’ a Jack-tha-Lad to say the least. I….

Maxx’s eyes widened as a lost look registered on his face.

A Jack-the-who?

Ian laughed as he realized that he was speaking to someone who didn’t understand his terminology.

"In Ireland that means uhm, how do ya say, Don Juan. It’s like ya just said, a player. But o’ course, I never lied ta get my way. The women were just always around. All I had ta do was take my pick. It was like a smorgasbord, ya know; a different woman every night, and sometimes two or three a night, but never at the same time o’ course. Let me make that perfectly clear. There are some things that even I wouldn’t do! Anyway, once I met Elise, all that madness stopped. I was never so glad ta leave women alone in all o’ my life. When I brought Elise home with me, tha women didn’t leave me alone just because I asked them too. I always had ta tell them repeatedly that I was married and off limits. The right woman will do that for ya."

"You’re kidding, right? Three in one night? You’re more of a man than I ever was! And you just stopped cold turkey when you met

Mom? Wow! These Madigan women are something else!" Maxx marveled shaking his head.

Ian smiled when he thought of the first time that he laid eyes on his wife.

Ya can say that again! Ian agreed nodding in amazement. With that they both laughed out loud. The men were deep in conversation for some time. Finally, they rejoined the women inside.

What happened out there? Ian and Maxx shook their heads trying not to laugh.

Oh just an inside joke, eh Maxx, Maxx nodded in Ian’s direction.

Riiiight! Just between us men.

Later that night as Elise made her way to their gym, the room next to the bed-room, she stopped and stood in the doorway. She wore a pair of green satin pajamas as she watched Ian perform his exercises. This ritual was performed every morning and night. The gym was indeed a man’s domain although Elise spent time there as well, but it was where Ian truly felt alive. The gym was complete with a punching bag that was suspended from the ceiling, a body bag also known at a heavy bag that someone usually held in place as the user threw punches, a treadmill, an assortment of free weights including barbells and dumbbells, two exercise mats, and a workout bench. Ian was pumping iron and then quickly dropped to the floor to begin doing crunches.

Elise stood in the corner for a few minutes smiling at him. She silently thanked God for bringing him back to her. She was happier than she could ever express.

Ninety-eight, ninety-nine, one-hund…. Ian counted aloud as he was unaware that he was being watched. Just then he was surprised as Elise suddenly draped her body across his stomach. A huge smile formed as he pulled her closer to him.

"Ya know Lass, I think that ya don’t want me ta finish my workout. I’m just tryin’ ta stay in good shape, that’s all. It’s not vanity, ya know. I do all o’ this for ya! When a man has a beautiful woman

that men are always looking at, he has ta keep in shape just ta keep what he’s got! I’ve been out o’ your life for so long and we have so much living ta do. Darlin’ all that I want ta do is fall asleep in your arms and thank tha Lord for giving me one o’ his angels ta love," he said kissing her nose. His eyes sparkled just as they did the very first time he saw her.

Talk about me, I’m the one who’ll have to keep my eyes open! Elise said turning her head away from him as she faked being angry. He was so happy to be