hung across the fireplace. Margo assured the group that Jefferson would arrive shortly-getting into prison was easy, but getting out took a little longer.
Winter heard it first, running to the window to peek out and then catching a glimpse of the car that pulled into the driveway.
“They’re here!” Winter shouted, backing away from the window and falling in line with the other well- wishers.
Margo was a ball of nerves, her fists scrunched up as her excitement mounted.
“
The moment of truth. Margo pulled open the door, and there stood her man, Jefferson Myles, the one she had promised to love, cherish, and obey until death they did part. Stacy Greer stood next to him, happy for this moment, as did the twenty or so well-wishers who waited patiently to give hugs and say their welcome. Jefferson looked worn and had lost weight, but his healthy smile let everyone know that he was eager for the moment that had arrived. He was aided by a walker-a reminder of the car crash five years ago that had put him in a wheelchair-but rigorous therapy and the desire to walk again wrought the miracle Margo saw before her. Margo went to Jefferson and kissed him and then held him as he did her. Stacy closed the door behind them.
“Welcome home!” the anxious crowd shouted, then clapped for what seemed like forever.
Hugs, kisses, and even tears were passed around, each one thankful for the return of their brother. Margo was overcome as she saw Winter and Winston embrace their dad, accepting him back where he belonged, knowing that he had paid the price for his mistakes.
Jefferson held Margo around the waist as the well-wishers continued to share how they prayed for this day. Every other second, Jefferson stole glances at his soul mate, grateful for this courageous and steadfast woman who did not give up on him with all of his faults, insecurities and human frailties. He was going to do right by Margo, although he would never be able to make up the time he had stolen from her.
A frown formed on Jefferson’s face. “Where’s Malik?”
The question caught Margo off guard. She was aware that Malik wasn’t there, however, she had hoped that, with all the celebrating, Jefferson would be caught up in the moment and not give a thought to the whereabouts of his best friend. It was best that Malik stayed away, and Margo could never allow Jefferson to find out that Malik was not happy with his homecoming.
“He must be working late. He knows about the party,” Margo replied.
“I’ve got to call him. If you can get his number for me, sweetie, I would appreciate it.”
“May I get everyone’s attention,” Pastor said. Margo was thankful for the timely interruption. She would eventually have to get Malik’s number, but Pastor’s announcement would give her time to regain her composure.
“I’d like to say,” Pastor began, “that we are thankful this evening for our brother Jefferson Myles’ return home.”
“Yes!” the group yelled in unison.
“Brother Jefferson, we have prayed continuously for the day you and Sister Margo would be reconciled and resume your life together as husband and wife.”
Margo saw Winter nudge Winston.
“This is a time of rejoicing,” Pastor continued. “God saw fit to give our brother another chance, a chance to be restored…a chance to reclaim his life. We’re happy for Sister Margo and Brother Jefferson and this family, and we’re asking God to be with them, nourish them, give them peace and understanding and love for each other that will stand the test of time. We are denouncing the enemy that comes to seek, kill, and destroy, and we ask that this family continue to be covered with Your wings of protection.
“Now bless this food and let it be nourishing to our bodies. Amen. Let’s eat.”
Margo fixed Jefferson a plate and the others followed. This was the happiest moment of Margo’s life, next to the day she and Jefferson were married. She stayed close to him all night, wanting the celebration to be over so she and Jefferson could have a private celebration of their own.
He stuffed another chicken sandwich in his mouth and then turned and smiled at Margo. “Don’t forget to give me Malik’s number,” Jefferson said.
The room looked familiar. Jefferson sat on the edge of the bed and ran his hand across the smooth silk comforter. He scanned the room, reacquainting himself with his surroundings. It felt good to be home, however, the last time he had seen this room-his and Margo’s bedroom-their lives were turned upside down.
Jefferson was appreciative of all the good wishes Pastor Dixon and the others had given him tonight, but this was the moment he had looked forward to more than any other during the last five years-being alone with Margo again.
A tear rushed down Jefferson’s face. Seeing the faces of two of his children and embracing them made his uncomfortable journey back home easy. He had hurt them too, and Jefferson wasn’t sure they had forgiven him.
It was Malik’s absence that bothered him most. Malik had visited him only a few times while he was in prison. In fact, Jefferson could count the times on one hand. He understood Malik not wanting to come to the prison because it conjured up memories of his father who was serving a life sentence for armed robbery and murder, but his absence tonight was puzzling. Jefferson would try and call him once more before the night was over.
The bathroom door clicked and Jefferson looked up. Margo emerged wrapped in a purple towel from head to toe. Jefferson tensed, not sure what to do or say. Even wrapped in all that cotton, Jefferson could still see the hourglass figure which had made him fall for Margo in the first place. She was still the beautiful woman he had married years ago, and now his body ached for her.
Jefferson felt like an awkward young buck trying to get his mack on. It had been more than five years since he had touched a woman, and now this was his wife, Margo. He remained planted on the bed, following Margo with eyes that were full of longing and anticipation. Jefferson offered a smile when he saw that Margo had done so.
“Welcome home, Jefferson,” Margo said.
“It’s good to be home. So many nights I lay awake in that prison cell angry with myself for all the pain I brought upon this family and how I had hurt the most important person in my life. Margo, baby, I’m so sorry…”
“Thanks for the welcome home. It was good to see everyone, but I’m glad they’re gone. I’ve been looking forward to just you and me.”
Margo flinched. “Me, too,” she said and then looked away. “Why don’t I help you get your clothes off and get you settled into the shower?”
“I can do it.” Jefferson looked up at Margo and smiled. “You’re still beautiful, Margo.”
Margo blushed. She sat on the bed next to Jefferson with her towel still pulled around her. “We’re going to make it.”
Jefferson smiled again and placed a quick kiss on Margo’s lips, surprising her. With the aid of his walker, Jefferson got up and went into the bathroom as Margo looked on. When the door closed, Margo let her eyes fall to the floor. She clutched the towel that was still wrapped around her, and with her free arm circled her upper torso. She closed her eyes and whispered a prayer.
They lay side-by-side without touching. Their eyes were wide open, each with a different view. Margo stared at the wall, while Jefferson stared at the white cotton gown that was draped over Margo’s back. He reached out to touch Margo, but at the last minute, pulled his arm back. Her body was stark still, but his subconscious fear of rejection made him withdraw.
“Are you asleep?” Jefferson asked, a slight tremble in his voice.
“No,” came the feeble reply.
“Margo, I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect you. For the past five years, all I thought about was you. I love you, Margo, and if I could erase all the ugly things that brought us to this day, I would. I can’t, but I want a life with you. I understand that it may take some time for you to respond to me, but I want us to try. I need you.”
