Bayou Judgment Read online

  She laughed and planted a kiss on his mouth before shutting the door. “Okay, let’s do this.” She grabbed the large bouquet of white roses and handed them to CoCo. “We’ll be right in front of you. This is it, the moment you’ve waited for all your life.”

  “Haven’t we all?” Tara groaned. “Finally, Grand-mère and I will have the house to ourselves.”

  Her dry humor broke the serious moment, and all of them laughed. CoCo drew a deep breath and smiled, joy radiating from her face. “I’m so ready.”

  They moved into the hall where Jackson leaned against the wall, looking nonchalant and very debonair in his black tuxedo with tails. Tara headed through the French doors first, her spine straight as she walked. Felicia gave CoCo a quick air kiss, careful not to muss the veil, then followed Tara down the white runner. She could make out Alyssa’s footfalls behind her.

  Felicia smiled at the townsfolk of Lagniappe as she walked. Tara had taken white ribbon and tied a bow with a magnolia bloom to the cane. Felicia felt like a princess. She nodded at her mother in the front row. Hattie’s perfect face was already stained with tears.

  Then, Felicia looked up to the gazebo.

  Her brother stood in a white tuxedo, the love on his face matching what she’d seen moments ago. Beside him stood Bubba Theriot, his best man, in a black tuxedo. He looked quite dashing without his glasses and had gotten his red hair cut into a buzz.

  But it was the man in the middle, wearing a white collar and holding a Bible, that set Felicia’s pulse afire.

  Pastor Spencer Bertrand stood solemnly in the center of the gazebo. His shaggy hair had also been trimmed into a shorter cut. The result made his eyes stand out more and made his strong jaw more prominent. His bright smile caught the setting sun’s last rays. His gaze latched onto Felicia’s as she took her place alongside Tara. He winked—her heart flipped in response.

  Alyssa joined her and Tara on the edge of the gazebo. Luc’s zydeco band started on cue. The guests stood and faced the French doors just as Jackson escorted CoCo down the aisle.

  Felicia thought her heart would break from the sight of sheer elation beaming from CoCo. The bride’s stare never left her groom’s. When Jackson and CoCo stopped at the gazebo, the guests sat.

  “Who gives this woman in holy matrimony?” Spence asked, his voice calm.

  “Her family does,” replied Jackson. He slowly lifted the veil from her face, draping it over her head, and gave her a small kiss on the cheek. “You go, sis,” he whispered just loud enough for the wedding party to hear before moving to stand on the other side of Bubba.

  Felicia turned in unison with Alyssa and Tara to face Spence as Luc took CoCo’s hand.

  Spence flashed Felicia a quick smile. “Today, we celebrate not only the joining of this man and woman before God, but also the joining of these two families in love and in honor of CoCo and Luc.”

  Warm tears spread over Felicia’s cheeks, but she didn’t care. The desires of her heart were satisfied on this glorious dusk. She was acquiring not only the sister she’d always wanted, but two others as well. Her brother’s state could only be described as ecstatic. Her mother was set on the road to a full recovery from her drinking crutch. And the man she loved, well, he loved her too.

  But the most amazing aspect of Felicia’s happiness was the knowledge that God loved her. No more guilt and condemnation, only grace and love.

  She closed her eyes as Luc recited his vows.

  Thank you, God, for this day. For these people. For the love You’ve shown us through these connections.

  Spence pronounced CoCo and Luc man and wife just as the last purple streaks of the sun disappeared over the bayou. Felicia cried tears of joy from her heart as Spence introduced Mr. and Mrs. Luc Trahan to the guests. The crowd of well-wishers exploded in applause.

  Felicia caught Spence’s attention. He winked and mouthed I love you.

  Her heart fluttered and she mouthed the words back.

  God was very good, indeed.

  Dear Reader,

  Welcome back to Cajun country! South Louisiana has such a wonderful and diverse culture, even different from other southern states. With its richness and vibrancy, the bayou has been the perfect backdrop for this series.

  I’ve loved writing about the people of Lagniappe with all their struggles, and I thank you for journeying with me.

  I based the character of Felicia loosely on my niece, Krystina. Her most positive outlook on life and strong faith has been an inspiration to me. I hope Felicia’s story will encourage and uplift you.

  I love hearing from readers. Please visit me at www.robincaroll.com and drop me a line, or write to me at PO Box 242091, Little Rock, AR, 72223. Join my newsletter group…sign my guest book. I look forward to hearing from you.

  Blessings,

  Robin Caroll

  QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

  Felicia was born with a handicap that kept her from certain physical activities, yet she never blamed God. Have you ever dealt with an injury or handicap? Did you blame God? How did you endure your trials?

  Spencer had a past that he regretted. Have you ever hidden something from your past to avoid embarrassment? What did you do when the truth came out?

  Felicia’s brother was overprotective of her, out of love, and it annoyed her. Has someone who cared for you ever been overbearing? How did you respond?

  Spencer had to learn that everything, including his congregation’s reaction to his past, was in God’s hands. How do you deal with the difficulty of placing something that could affect your future totally in God’s hands?

  Winnie acted on her jealous emotions. Have you ever reacted out of envy? How did you feel later?

  Wesley was falsely imprisoned. Have you ever believed the worst about someone, only to find out later you were wrong? What did you do?

  Felicia wanted to be independent, but she needed to learn that we aren’t made to be independent of God. How do you deal with your independent streak while leaning on God?

  Spencer didn’t believe he was worthy of doing good things, yet God had a different plan for him. Have you ever thought you were destined for something, only to have God steer you in a different direction? How did you handle the situation?

  Felicia and Spencer had to learn to release guilt and pain over the past to move forward in their relationship. Has something from your past ever caused your current relationships to suffer? How did you react?

  Even though she acted in self-defense, Felicia felt guilty over harming Winnie. Have you ever been put in a situation where you had to defend yourself? How did you feel?

  Felicia’s past was riddled with pain and disappointment. Have you ever felt like that? How did you manage?

  Before Spencer turned to God, he acted in ways that he wasn’t proud of. Before you became born again, how did you act? How did you change?

  Felicia felt as if she owed it to her friend, Jolie, to bring the murderer to justice. Have you ever felt you had a “debt” to someone? What did you do?

  Felicia was surrounded with family and friends who loved her. Many would consider her blessed, despite her handicap. How can we be loving and supportive of those we cherish?

  ISBN: 978-1-4268-1727-4

  BAYOU JUDGMENT

  Copyright © 2008 by Robin Miller

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the editorial office, Steeple Hill Books, 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10279 U.S.A.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either 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.

  This edition pu
blished by arrangement with Steeple Hill Books.

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