Worth a Thousand Words (Jubilant Soul Book #2): A Novel

WORTH A

THOUSAND

WORDS

Books by Stacy Hawkins Adams

Speak to My Heart

Nothing but the Right Thing

Watercolored Pearls

Jubilant Soul series

The Someday List

JUBILANT SOUL

BOOK TWO

WORTH A

THOUSAND

WORDS

A Novel

Stacy

Hawkins

Adams

Revell

a division of Baker Publishing Group

Grand Rapids,Michigan

© 2009 by Stacy Hawkins Adams

Published by Revell

a division of Baker Publishing Group

P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287

www.revellbooks.com

Printed in the United States of America

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Adams, Stacy Hawkins, 1971–

Worth a thousand words : a novel / Stacy Hawkins Adams.

p. cm. — (Jubilant soul ; bk. 2)

ISBN 978-0-8007-3267-7 (pbk.)

1. African American women—Fiction. 2. Conduct of life—Fiction. 3. Texas—Fiction. I. Title.

PS3601.D396W67 2009

813.6—dc22                                                                           2009011554

Scripture is taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION NIV Copyright©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Scripture is also taken from the New King James Version®.Copyright©NIV®.1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

To Syd and Jay and all of my other children of the heart,

may you always search for God’s light for your path

and his truths for your life.

So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled

with him till daybreak. When the

man saw that he could not overpower

him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s

hip so that his hip was wrenched as he

wrestled with the man. Then the man

said, Let me go, for it is daybreak.

But Jacob replied, "I will not let you

go unless you bless me."

The man asked him, "What is your

name?"

Jacob, he answered.

Then the man said, "Your name will

no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because

you have struggled with God and with

men and have overcome."

Genesis 32:24–28

Contents

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Discussion Questions

Acknowledgments

1

Indigo Burns peered over the balcony at the crowd that had gathered in the courtyard below to celebrate her achievement and her brief homecoming. Brief, if that’s what one could call the next four months. In a town the size of Jubilant, seventeen weeks could feel like sixty, especially after being away for four years, pursuing your dreams.

This day is perfect, she said, surveying the colorful variety of flowers that bathed the grounds of Jubilant Botanical Garden. I feel like God is giving me a thumbs-up and sealing it with a kiss.

Brian tweaked her nose with his thumb and forefinger. Then I guess you don’t need mine, huh?

She chuckled and raised her head so his lips could easily reach hers. Brian delivered the smooch with a smile and she returned the gesture. She laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes. This man was another special gift.

Without consulting one another, each had come to the party wearing tan linen outfits and brown leather sandals, although his shoes were flat and hers bore two-inch heels.

How does it feel to be a college graduate? he asked. A summa cum laude one, at that?

Indigo squeezed his waist. Feels good, babe. I’m excited about the next chapter.

He wrapped his deep brown arms around her, and they both turned their attention back to her friends and family milling about below. The intimate group laughed and chatted as they enjoyed seafood and barbecue and browsed through scrapbooks filled with photos from her childhood. Along with snatches of conversation, the scent of fried catfish and basting ribs wafted upward, and Indigo felt herself growing hungry again.

Young and old guests were dancing to some of her favorite old-school R&B and hip-hop grooves. At one end of the patio, Brian’s parents swayed in sync, tucking their round bodies into each other’s like matching puzzle pieces. They had surprised Indigo by driving the two hours from Austin to attend the party.

A few feet away, her mom and dad sashayed to the riffs of Chaka Khan, a half second offbeat as always. And holding center court were Indigo’s cousins Rachelle and Gabe. Indigo smiled as she watched the tall, lean couple move in close and pull away at the beckoning of the beat. Their eyes remained locked, and at one point, Gabe lowered his head and savored a kiss from his wife.

Indigo blushed and instinctively framed the picture in her mind. If she weren’t locked in Brian’s embrace right now, she’d grab one of her cameras to capture this miracle. Those two clearly didn’t need words to let the family know their marriage was back on track.

The song ended, and before the DJ could start another, one of Indigo’s aunts climbed the steps to a small stage adjacent the patio. Indigo’s best friend followed on Aunt Melba’s heels. A bed of multicolored tulips and roses served as their backdrop.

Each of the women grabbed a microphone from its stand, and Aunt Melba shushed the crowd by tapping hers. She pointed in Indigo’s direction.

That’s where they’re hiding, she said into the mic. Everyone looked toward the balcony and laughed. Brian, will you please escort the guest of honor to the stage?

In jest, Brian saluted Aunt Melba. He held out his arm so Indigo could tuck hers inside, and they descended the curved stone stairwell. A minute later, Indigo was facing her guests.

Wearing a smile that showcased her perfect teeth, she slid between Aunt Melba and Shelby and waved at her cheering loved ones.

We’re in perfect position for a photo shoot. She chuckled inwardly.

One of the companies she had interned with a few years ago was always looking for catalog models of different shades and sizes. Today, the three of them would have been hired at their asking prices—Indigo with toffee skin and a thin bone structure that gave her jaw and cheekbones prominent angles; Aunt Melba with her bronze complexion, full red lips, and thick hips; and Shelby, a dark chocolate Hershey’s kiss, whose smooth skin and curves made her eligible for Barbie-doll status.

Aw, y’all really love me! Indigo said in response to the lingering applause. Her eyes moistened as she scanned their faces. There was her great aunt Margaret, now ninety and wheelchair bound; her childhood babysitter, Sheila; the leader of her Girl Scout troop, Mrs. Jones; and her favorite instructor ever, eleventh grade humanities teacher Mrs. Hutton.

Thank you, God, for this day.

Shelby opened her palm and revealed the tissue she had tucked inside. She passed it to Indigo.

Any of us who know this girl well knew this would happen, Shelby teased. We haven’t said a word about her yet, and she’s acting like the Grammy is hers.

Indigo swatted Shelby’s arm.

Seriously though, Shelby said, it’s an honor to be here to celebrate Indigo Irene Burns. For those of you who don’t know, I’m Shelby Arrington, Indigo’s friend and sister in spirit. We met at Tuskegee University our sophomore year and graduated together yesterday.

Aunt Melba waved. If any of you don’t know me, you better ask somebody!

The guests roared.

Indigo shook her head. Aunt Melba was always trying to be hip.

I am Indigo’s favorite aunt and one of her biggest fans, Melba said. "Indigo graduated with honors yesterday, with a 3.9 GPA. She has received a partial scholarship to a prestigious school in New York City, and she’ll move there in August to get her master’s in digital photography.

She’s going to tell us what her summer plans are in a few moments, but her long-term goal is to become as good as, if not better than, some of America’s most famous photographers.

Shelby continued the introduction. "She wants to shoot fine art images for magazines and museums and maybe even still-life for movies. The awesome thing about Indigo is that, not only does she want to do these things, being the person she is, she’ll get them done."

She turned toward Indigo. Indie, we wish you much success and Godspeed on your journey. And when you hit it big, I’ll be your ‘Gail.’ If Oprah can have a ‘ride or die’ girlfriend, you can too!

Indigo hugged Aunt Melba and Shelby and took Shelby’s microphone. The women stepped aside to give Indigo center stage. She thanked everyone for coming and for supporting her over the years.

Now, to my parents, Indigo said and shook her head. "I can’t say enough. They gave me a camera that used 35 mm film when I was ten. Remember those? I took so many pictures that at some point they began upgrading me to a better model every Christmas.

They’ve always believed in me and supported me, even when it meant they had to sacrifice something else. They have taught me, and shown me, that with God and personal grit, there’s nothing I can’t accomplish. Anything that I’ve achieved so far, or will achieve—I share those accolades with you, Mama and Daddy. I love you.

Indigo dabbed her eyes with the tissue again and searched the crowd.

Where are Rachelle and Gabe? she asked.

The couple waved from their seats, in the last row of black folding chairs positioned near the stage. Their teenage son and daughter sat next to them.

Rachelle, you’re a cousin who’s more like a big sister, and I appreciate you for that, Indigo said. Thanks to both of you for giving me this party at this beautiful place. Our usual backyard barbecue was all I had in mind. You’re so good to me!

Gabe stood up and blew her a kiss. Remember this day when you’re rich and famous and I need a loan!

Indigo raised an eyebrow and laughed. "Okay, Doctor Covington," she said. Just about everyone there knew Gabe was one of the top heart surgeons in the nation and wouldn’t need her financial help anytime soon.

Tell them what you’ll be doing this summer, Aunt Melba reminded her.

"I will be interning at the Jubilant Herald for ten weeks, Indigo said. My long-term interest isn’t photojournalism, but I’ll get to add a range of shots to my portfolio before I head to grad school. Plus, it will be great to spend the summer at home."

Brian approached Indigo and put an arm around her waist.

No men on the stage! Shelby teased.

Brian winked at her.

Hey, everybody, he said in his husky, laid-back drawl, skipping the self-introduction. I just want to say that I’m very proud of Indigo. We met at Tuskegee when she was a sophomore and I was a senior.

Brian looked in Shelby’s direction. Our friend over there introduced us, and within half an hour of talking to Miss Indigo, I knew she was special, Brian said. She hasn’t proved me wrong. She has big plans for the future, and I’m praying that I’ll be part of them.

Indigo felt tears surfacing again. Brian had never been much of a romantic; this overt show of affection surprised her.

Then he knelt on one knee. She stopped breathing.

Indigo, if you’ll take this ring, and agree to become Mrs. Harper, you’ll make me the happiest man in the world. Will you marry me?

Indigo stared at Brian and tried to process what she’d heard.

Did he just propose? In front of everyone she knew? Had this man forgotten that he’d be leaving in a few weeks for the Navy’s Officer Candidate School, with plans to become a pilot?

Countless emotions engulfed Indigo, from love and gratitude to a tidal wave of fear. Suddenly she felt her stomach churning.

Please, God, no. Not now. Not here.

As much as she loved Brian, becoming his wife wasn’t in her immediate plans. Neither was giving up her first choice grad school.

I love you too, Brian, she said weakly, hoping her grin effectively masked her mental wrestling match. How could she say no to this fine, smart brother, who had a bright future ahead of him and happened to be crazy about her?

She couldn’t. Not in front of all these people.

God forgive me.

Yes—I’ll marry you! she told Brian.

She flung her arms around his neck and let the tears fall. She did love him, and she did want to be his wife. Just not now—before she, and her dreams, had a chance to blossom.

2

Getting her to say yes had been the easy part. Now Brian had to convince Indigo to pick a date.

If he had his way, they would have a small, simple ceremony in late August, and Indigo would accompany him to the Navy’s flight training school in Florida instead of heading to New York. He had to graduate from Officer Candidate School in Rhode Island first and would be leaving in two weeks. That would give her all summer to plan.

With her dream of shooting fine art images for magazines and private corporate customers, it wasn’t going to be a quick sell. He had seen what he thought was a flicker of doubt in her eyes when he slid the two-carat platinum marquise on her finger earlier today.

Had he imagined it because he had been nervous?

You’ve got to help me out, Shelby, Brian said softly as he drove eastward, back to Austin, about two hours east of Jubilant.

His parents had fallen asleep in the backseat, and Shelby, his front seat passenger, didn’t seem far behind. She gazed out of the window as they whizzed past desolate small towns that appeared to be abandoned under the dark Texas sky. Her eyes fluttered every few minutes and he knew she was fading fast.

What did you say? Shelby asked and turned toward him.

Did Indigo mention before we left her house when she wants to get married?

Shelby looked at Brian, but he couldn’t read her expression.

What? he asked.

You didn’t tell me you were going to propose to her, Shelby said. We drove all the way from Austin and you didn’t say a word. Did your parents know?

Brian nodded but realized she probably couldn’t see him. The veil of nightfall had finally blanketed the car.

Of course, he said. I got their blessing, and Indigo’s parents’, before I decided to surprise her. You haven’t answered my question. What’s Indigo thinking?

Shelby still didn’t respond, and he gripped the steering wheel tighter. If anyone knew Indigo better than he did, it was her best friend. Fortunately for him, Shelby was his buddy too.

Shel, we go too far back for you not to be honest with me, Brian said. We’re going to Officer Candidate School together. See how I take care of you?

Shelby laughed and lightly shoved his shoulder. We might have grown up in the same church, attended the same high school, and even chosen the same career, but how is it that I now owe you something?

Brian chuckled. When you told me you wanted to be a pilot and an astronaut, I taught you everything I knew, remember? Your parents wouldn’t have brought you for a tour of Tuskegee if I hadn’t already been studying there. They felt safe sending you to Alabama because they knew I’d look out for you.

Shelby sighed. I wish you could see me rolling my eyes. Yeah, you might have been a few years older and you might have made your career decisions first, but I wasn’t following blindly in your footsteps. That full academic scholarship Tuskegee offered me made my choice pretty easy.

Brian twisted the radio dial to raise the volume and let his thoughts wander to Shelby’s early days on campus. He dated her briefly during her first semester at Tuskegee, but after a few months, they mutually agreed to end the romance. Two strongwilled pilots, both gunning for military flight school and professional pilot status, wouldn’t make it as couple—at least they decided they couldn’t.

They managed to remain friends, and that relationship had served both of them better. Brian helped Shelby weed out the players she sometimes wound up dating, and Shelby introduced him to Indigo. She was firm, however, about not crossing boundaries with either friend. When Indigo shared a confidence, she didn’t betray it, and vice versa.

Tonight, though, that rule was infuriating Brian. He wanted to know where he stood with his fiancée. Keyshia Cole’s Heaven Sent wafted through the speakers: I wanna be the one who you believe, in your heart, is sent from heaven.

Give me something, Shelby, he said. Anything.

Shelby sighed and reached to turn off the music. Brian, you’re getting ready to go to Officer Candidate School. We both are. We’ll be on lockdown for twelve weeks, and you want Indigo to spend her summer planning a wedding, all by herself? And what about her grad school plans? It’s a prestigious program and it’s only for two years. What’s the rush?

Brian loosened his grip on the steering wheel and spoke softly, in case his parents were listening. He answered as if he were addressing a child. I want to marry the girl I’ve been dating for the past three years and that’s a problem? Maybe I just want to do the right thing, Shelby.

What’s that supposed to mean? she asked.

Brian paused. Nothing, he said. Just know that I want what’s best for Indigo too. Let’s change the subject. Who are you dating these days?

Shelby replied by turning toward the window and laying her head against the seat. She drifted to sleep and left Brian fretting over what she knew but didn’t care to share.

Indigo loved him; he wasn’t worried about that. Now it was time for her to prove how much.

3

Getting a shampoo from Aunt Melba was almost as good as a visit to the spa.

Carmen, the salon assistant, usually washed Indigo’s hair when she visited during college breaks, but Carmen had requested the day off and Aunt Melba was multitasking.

Indigo rested her neck in the curve of the shampoo bowl and tried not to doze off. Aunt Melba gently scratched, then deeply massaged Indigo’s scalp and, in the process, sloughed away the tension filling her neck and shoulders.

You just graduated from college. What’s got you so uptight?

Indigo laughed nervously. I’m starting my newspaper internship in a few days. Gotta get ready for grad school soon. And now I’ve got to think about a fiancé.

Aunt Melba paused and looked at her. Everything okay?

Indigo shrugged. No need to raise concern about things she was still sorting out. Life’s just busy, that’s all.

Aunt Melba helped Indigo sit upright and quickly toweled most of the moisture out of her hair.

When Indigo was seated under a dryer, Aunt Melba turned and surveyed the rest of the crew. Rachelle had brought them all—herself and her daughter, Taryn; Indigo; and Indigo’s younger sister, Yasmin.

Who’s next?

The two teens, Yasmin and Taryn, looked at each other, but didn’t reply.

Come on, Rachelle, Aunt Melba said and waved her over. Those divas-in-training are still trying to get it together. She looked at Rachelle’s head and chuckled. It won’t take me long to wash what’s left anyway.

Rachelle laughed too. "You did it. And I still love it."

Me too! Indigo piped up from under her dryer. The subtle hum of the low setting allowed her to hear their conversation with ease.

The super-short, layered ’do