By the time they got to the civic
center the next day, the parking lot was beginning to fill up.
“This has to be the biggest place
I’ve spoken at so far.” Kaye Leigh said amazed.
“It is and they told me everyday has
sold out.” Becki said smiling at her.
“When did you find that out?” Kaye
Leigh asked stunned.
“This morning, but don’t worry Kaye
Leigh you will be great like always.” Becki said
encouragingly. Kaye Leigh just nodded; they had sold out three
days, how many people are going to be in there?
When they got inside, it took a
little while because people would stop her, she did not mind
though, they met a woman named Lacey. She would be doing the
introduction each day. As Lacey made the introductions Kaye
Leigh was hoping, she would be able to remember everyone’s
names later.
“Is there anything you need Mrs.
Rutherford?” Lacey asked.
“Call me Kaye Leigh please. I will
need a glass of water on the stage where I can get to it
easily and I would like a quite room so I can be alone for
about a half an hour.” She replied.
“Ok if you will follow me.” Lacey
said.
“I’ll see you two later.” She said
giving Jeff a hug and a kiss.
Jeff and Becki were shown to seats in
front of the stage.
“This is a huge crowd.” Jeff said
amazed.
“She will be fine.” Becki said
nodding. A few minutes later a Christian singing group started
to perform. Then a half hour later Lacey walked out onto the
stage.
“Good morning ladies and gentlemen,
it’s great that so many could make it. I hope that you have
your tickets for all three days because we’ve sold out.” Lacey
said. Applause broke out. “I have the great privilege to be
introducing our speaker today. You will be amazed and
inspired by her story just as I was, and I know that each of
you will take something away from today.
All three of her books have sold
millions of copies worldwide and each has been on the
bestseller list. Her recently released fourth book is
following close behind. She walked through a terrible
darkness for years almost allowing Satan to take her. She
emerged into God’s holy light a remarkable woman. She
currently lives in Texas with her husband and four children.
Ladies and gentlemen please welcome Kaye Leigh
Williams-Rutherford.” As she finished applause broke out and
as Kaye Leigh walked out people began to stand up, Kaye Leigh
waved and bowed.
Kaye Leigh never stood in one place
while she was talking so she always used the hands free
microphones.
“This is a huge crowd, I am shocked!”
she said as people began to quiet down. “Thank you very much!
When my publicist told me, they sold out all three days I was
amazed. I never thought there would be this many people who
would be interested in my story.” She said shaking her head.
“Before we get started let’s take the
time to dedicate this day to the Lord because without Him I
would not be here today.” She bowed her head and the audience
followed, then she began to pray.
“Thank you again. People have asked
me what makes your story better than someone else’s does, my
answer is nothing. It’s not better or worse than anyone else’s
it’s the fact that God gave me the ability to write about it
in poetry, write about different issues that I faced in my
romance books, and to write my full story without shame. He
also allows me to get up in front of people and talk about it
in hopes that it ministers to others. Believe it or not
talking about anything in front of people is not a strong
point of mine.” She said. People laughed.
Taking a sip of water Kaye Leigh
began to tell her story. The abuse she suffered at the hands
of a neighbor during her childhood, the feelings of guilt,
shame, and anger that she buried deep within her. Hating God
for allowing it to happen, hating everyone around her, hating
herself, and feeling as if the world owed her everything. She
told them about how she went down the dark path of drinking
and sexual immorality. Kaye Leigh ended the day’s session
there. As she waved to the crowd and left the stage, she
noticed many people in the front were wiping their eyes,
including Jeff and Becki. People stood and clapped as she left
the stage, Lacey was back telling the audience to come back
tomorrow for the next part of her story.
Sam had not taken his eyes off Kaye
Leigh from the moment she walked on the stage. He did not
believe much of what she told the audience but he could see
that she was making a whole lot of money, which would be very
good for him when they were together again. In person, she
was very beautiful, he had wanted to go up to the stage and
get her, but he needed to wait until this evening when he
could drop the bombshell on her. People responded to her, she
had a way of connecting with them, he could see why they
believed everything that she tells them. He found her again
before she was leaving; she was with a man who he recognized
from the pictures, and another woman he had never seen before,
probably another one of her husband’s flings.
“You were great as always.” Becki
said.
“Thanks, for a minute there when I
first walked out there I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to
talk, there were so many people.” She said. Becki laughed.
“Let’s go guys.” Jeff said holding
the door open for them; a taxi was waiting for them.
They went back to the hotel and were
starting to get ready for Breckman’s.
“Are you sure you want to do this
Kaye Leigh?” Jeff asked when they got into their room.
“Yes I’m sure.” She said kissing him.
He did not say anything else but
watched her go into the bathroom. He wanted to just keep her
in their room all night, he was sure that this was not going
to turn out good. He did not understand why she felt she had
to do this, and he was angry that she was doing it. He
trusted Kaye Leigh one hundred percent, that was not an issue,
but he did not trust Sam as far as he could throw him.
Kaye Leigh had decided that she was
not going to dress up for a few reasons; first, she did not
want to upset Jeff anymore than he was, and second she did not
want Sam to get the wrong impression. She took a shower,
dried off, put on a pair of jeans, a shirt and her boots. Put
her hair up in a ponytail, and just a touch of make-up. Her
necklace, engagement ring, and wedding rings were the only
jewelry she wore.
When she came out of the bathroom,
Jeff was watching her.
“Are you ok?” she asked him.
“Does it really matter?” he replied.
“Yes it matters to me.” She said.
“Then don’t go.” He said. Kaye Leigh
sighed.
“Never mind I know you have to.” He
said briskly.
“Jeff please.” She started.
“Let’s get going Becki will be
waiting.” He said cutting across her words.
She looked at him, shook her head,
grabbed her purse, and went out the door without bothering to
make sure he was coming. Becki was waiting for them in the
lobby.
“Why are you wearing your boots?”
Becki asked while they were waiting for the taxi.
“I didn’t want to dress up and give
Sam the wrong impression.” She said looking down at her boots.
Becki laughed.
“Kaye Leigh even as stupid as that
man is he is still going to notice that you’re beautiful.”
Becki said.
“Well I’m only out to impress one
person, right Jeff?” she said. “Whatever.” He said as the taxi
pulled up. He opened the door and they all climbed in.
“Where are you guys going to be?”
Kaye Leigh asked lightly.
“Hopefully at a table close to you.”
Becki said.
“Wherever you decide to put us.” Jeff
put in.
“Jeff I’m sorry that you are angry
with me, but you don’t have to be a jerk.” She said angrily.
Jeff looked at her but did not say anything. When they got to
Breckman’s Kaye Leigh just walked inside and asked for Sam’s
table without a word to Jeff or Becki. A waiter led her to the
back of the restaurant where a table was set up for a romantic
dinner for two.
Jeff watched her walk away and fought
the urge to go after her.
“You know Jeff she feels like she had
to do this, like its part of the whole forgiveness thing for
her. She feels bad that obviously it’s against your wishes.”
Becki told him as they waited to be seated.
“I just don’t understand any of it. I
know that Kaye Leigh doesn’t follow orders, and I would never
tell her not to do something, but I always thought that she
would at least talk to me about it before she made up her
mind.” He said shaking his head.
“She loves you more than anything
Jeff.” Becki said.
“I know she does.” He said smiling at
her. “I just don’t trust Sam.” Becki laughed.
“Who does? I don’t even think Kaye
Leigh trusts him.” She said.
Morgan had made the reservations so
she did not understand why the table was set up like that but
she was not going to encourage Sam in anyway. Kaye Leigh
ordered an iced tea while she waited. She could not see where
Jeff and Becki were, which was probably a good thing since
Jeff was so angry with her. She put her hand on her cross and
vowed to make it up to Jeff tonight.
Kaye Leigh had been there about ten
minutes when she seen the waiter leading Sam over to the
table. One look at him and she knew he had not changed at
all. He looked the same; she wondered what it was she ever
saw in him. He still walked with the same arrogance that he
always had. Flee my child. That voice was back again, but
this time she just ignored it completely.
Sam was watching her reaction to
seeing him; he thought that he saw something flash in her
eyes..
He sat down and said to the waiter,
“I’ll take a beer and a rum and coke for the lady.”
“I’m all set!” Kaye Leigh said
quickly before the waiter left. “I don’t drink Sam.” She told
him when they were alone.
He smiled at her. “You look amazing
Kaye Leigh.” He said looking at her.
“Thank you, you look well.” She said,
she was very uncomfortable with the way he was starring at
her. “I’m glad that you and Morgan seem to be doing well. I
got remarried almost three years ago, we live in Texas now.”
She told him.
“I had heard that you got remarried,
I was surprised after all this time, and how is that working
for you by the way?” he said smiling.
“It’s great, we are very happy and I
love Jeff more than anything.” She said smiling.
He could not believe how beautiful
she was and when she smiled her whole, face lit up.
“Morgan really loves you too Sam, she
really wants your marriage to work out.” She continued.
“I’m sure she does.” He replied. He
was beginning to think that Morgan and Jeff set up this whole
thing. “When was the last time you spoke to my dear wife?” he
asked interestedly.
“Weeks ago, that’s why I am here.”
She replied. Sam watched her, she might not have initiated
this meeting, but he was going to take full advantage of it.
“She did say that now that I think
about it. I don’t have a real good memory anymore.” He said
smiling again. “So Kaye Leigh tell me about your husband Jeff,
is that his name?”
“Yes, he’s wonderful and I can’t
begin to tell you just how happy I am. He is also from
Michigan, we moved to Texas before we got married, well I
moved there, I was running and he caught up with me down
there..” she said laughing. Sam forced a laugh. “He had two
kids also, and is a doctor.” She finished.
Sam was watching her talk, poor kid
he thought. She had no clue as to what her husband was like
and he was going to take immense pleasure in showing her
exactly who he was. Then when she was devastated he would take
pleasure in comforting her, he almost laughed aloud at the
thought.
“Is he better than I was Kaye Leigh?”
he asked her.
“You two are different just like
Morgan and I are different.” She replied.
“Dance with me Kaye Leigh.” He said
standing up and holding out his had to her.
“Ok.” She said taking his hand.
Things were going good and she did not want to ruin it, she
knew that Jeff would not be happy but she would make it up to
him.
Sam let her out onto the dance floor;
he put one arm around her waist, put his other hand in hers,
and started turning with the music. He was thinking about how
good she felt in his arms, and about how perfectly they went
together. He leaned his head against hers.
“Please don’t do that Sam.” She said
putting some distance between them.
“Sorry.” Sam said.
Jeff had seen them walking to the
dance floor hand in hand, he had every desire to go over there
and pull her out of his arms.
“Why would she want him to touch
her?” Jeff said angrily.
“Jeff, she loves only you don’t ever
doubt it. I know Sam is a jerk, but Kaye Leigh isn’t.” Becki
said.
“I know that she loves me.” Jeff said
wearily. “I just want to go over there and hit him or
something.” Becki laughed.
“That might make Kaye Leigh just a
little upset.” She said. “I could go over there and do it for
you of course.” He laughed.
“You could probably take him.” He
said.
“No doubt in my mind.” She replied
laughing again.
When the song ended, they went and
sat back down at the table.
“Just like old times huh Kaye Leigh?”
Sam said.
“We’re not trying to live in the past
Sam, we’re letting it go. Would you even want to live the way
we did again?” she replied.
“Do you really want to let go of our
past Kaye Leigh?” he asked taking her hand in his.
“I’ve already let it go Sam; I am
extremely happy where I am at.” She said taking her hand out
of his as the waiter set their dinners down in front of them.
“Thank you.” She said to the waiter.
“That’s right Kaye Leigh Williams has
the perfect life now doesn’t she? A perfect rich doctor for a
husband, a great ranch, and of course the most important thing
is she has all the money she could ever want. But you know
something Kaye Leigh for as perfect as you think you are, you
are incredibly stupid.” He said looking straight into her
eyes. Kaye Leigh waited until the waiter left to reply.
“What are you talking about Sam?” she
asked.
“You think that your husband it the
perfect man. That he loves you and only you. You think that he
would never betray you or lie to you, never intentionally hurt
you?” He said harshly. Kaye Leigh was not sure where this was
coming from all of the sudden, but she was trying to remain
calm, she grasped her cross in her hand and felt comforted.
“Yes Sam I do believe that Jeff loves
only me, I believe that he would never betray me, lie to me or
intentionally hurt me.” She replied.
Sam started laughing.
“Look at these Kaye Leigh, and then
tell me what you think.” He said throwing an envelope on the
table in between them. Kaye Leigh looked at it then at Sam.
“What is that?” she asked.
“Look at it Kaye Leigh or are you too
afraid to know the truth?” he said. She picked up the
envelope, opened it, and dumped the contents out onto the
table. She picked up a receipt for a hotel in Peace Ridge, it
was on Jeff’s business credit card, and he had signed the
receipt.
Kaye Leigh was having trouble
breathing, she shook her head.
“Come on Kaye Leigh keep looking
don’t stop now, the best is yet to come.” Sam said laughing.
She looked up at him, tears were filling her eyes. Looking
back down at the things lying on the table with a shaky hand
she picked up a picture. It was Morgan and Jeff smiling arm in
arm in a motel room. They were half dressed and looked like
they were having the time of their lives. She looked at all
the pictures closely; this was her husbands’ body, how many
times had she seen it. She was looking for anything that would
show this was not really him, but she could find nothing.
“Where did you get these?” she asked
quietly still looking for something she knew she would not
find.
“Someone thought that I should know
what my dear wife was up to, and I thought you should know too
so that you wouldn’t have that false image that Jeff was
perfect.” He told her. Kaye Leigh laughed; she refused to cry
in front of Sam.
“This is the real reason that you
came here tonight isn’t it Sam? Be honest for once in your
miserable life. You wanted to make sure that I knew that I
made another stupid choice in husbands and that you two are
just alike.” She said still laughing.
“I came here tonight Kaye Leigh to
help you, to get you back and to show you that I am the only
one who will ever truly love you.” He said. Kaye Leigh
continued to laugh, shook her head, picked up the pictures and
receipts put them back into the envelope.
She looked at Sam and said, “You
can’t help me Sam, God can’t help me, the only person who can
help me now is myself.”
“I love you Kaye Leigh.” He said
loudly. People from other tables started looking at them. Kaye
Leigh stood up, took the envelope, and looked at Sam.
“Sam you never learned how to love
someone, you use and abuse them, but you never love them. I
don’t love you and I can promise that I never will.” Kaye
Leigh said as she turned and walked away.