Chapel Run

By Givon Wayne

Chapel Run is a humorous story about a newlywed couple and their misadventures during their honeymoon. Anyone who has been married or is thinking about marriage will love this book.
Newlyweds Russell and Kate should see nothing but clear skies ahead, but their honeymoon will take them on a wild adventure neither could have ever anticipated. After a stormy crossing of the Bermuda Triangle, they find themselves at a rather quirky Bed & Breakfast that's rife with mystery and peculiar characters.
One overheard conversation leads Russell on a treasure hunt to a nearby island, but what he uncovers will reveal another side of himself that no one could have imagined. With greed and selfishness leading the way, can Russell move past his selfish desires or is this marriage doomed before it’s even started?
Dive in and see how this book can entertain you, make you laugh and possibly even inspire you to discover the real treasure in your life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jul 11, 2015
• ISBN: 9781329374867

Book preview

Chapel Run

Chapel Run

By

Givon Wayne

To Debra my most beautiful flower

Copyright © 2015 by Givon Wayne

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.

First Printing: 2015

ISBN: 978-1-329-35358-9

Givon Wayne

P.O. Box 360734

Birmingham, AL 35236

www.GivonGrace.com

Ordering Information:

Special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, educators, and others. For details, contact the publisher at the above listed address.

U.S. trade bookstores and wholesalers: Please contact Givon Wayne

Tel: [phone]; email [e-mail]

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 1

A can is just a can until somebody says, I do.  Wedding bells rang true, but the rattling of tin cans behind the happy couple’s limo was surely a sign that real life was not far behind. Raindrops cut through the white shoe polish on the tinted windows of the stretch limo like giant tears from a clown. Quick flashes of lightning prompted nervous and excited smiles on the newlyweds’ faces as their clasped hands squeezed in sequence with the rolls of thunder.

Russell and Kate met during their sophomore year at a small private college in Cleveland, Tennessee. The weeks leading up to graduation flew by, and it seemed like no more than a blink before they were married. It was hard for them to believe that they had only known each other for two years. 

They spent many hours in the science building at Lee University and had quite a few classes together. Russell had big dreams of being able to use his degree in geology to help build the new Trans-American water works pipeline. He was guaranteed a position with the new government project as long as he maintained his grades and completed the ongoing paperwork.

Kate graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and was not concerned about getting a job. Her 4.0 average, heavy involvement in extracurricular activities, and volunteerism had recruiters calling every day.  In fact, she received so many calls that she had to keep her phone on silent just so the battery would last.

Kate was born and raised in the small country town of Andalusia in South Alabama. Her father served as the pastor of the local Church of God. The congregation had grown from a very small group of about 20 people to more than 200 during his twelve years of leadership. They had just completed a new building project, and Kate’s wedding was the first one to be held in the new sanctuary.

Russell Vaughn was from Charlotte, North Carolina, where his parents were both scientists at a major chemical company. They felt a little out of place as they sat on the new padded pews of the decorated sanctuary.

The wedding was beautiful as weddings go and everything went according to plan. The preacher preached and the singers sang. The flower girl released her petals from her basket. The ring bearer completed his nervous tradition. Weeping women wiped their tears and then, finally, the kiss, passionate and perfect. It was just as they had dreamed.

However, the drive away from the small church to the big airport in Pensacola, Florida, was not so perfect. It normally took about an hour and a half but, on this day, the torrential rain slowed them down quite a bit. 

Russell had made arrangements for them to spend the night at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Pensacola and then catch the 10 a.m. flight to Miami where a small plane would take them to Marsh Harbor Airport, Abaco, Bahamas. He had spent months planning this trip and had each and every detail marked to the minute on a printed itinerary.

The 5:00 p.m. start time seemed reasonable to everyone during the planning stages of the wedding.  There was plenty of time for a ceremony, reception, photos and goodbyes, but who could have predicted this weather? It was the worst storm seen in lower Alabama since hurricane Ivan.

Russell had checked the forecast and knew there was a possibility for rain so he brought matching duck shoes in a small duffel bag for them to change into just in case the situation presented itself. He also had some bottled water, power-bars and a flashlight in the bag. Kate had never really seen this obsessive side of Russell, but she just disregarded it, thinking he must have a case of the nerves. 

The side of that big black limo made a great sail for the wind to push against, and the driver did his best to keep it between the lines on the narrow two lane highway. At one point, the car was pushed so hard that the tires went off the shoulder of the road and violently splashed through the muddy potholes. The driver was able to bring the car back onto the highway but not before everyone was shaken up.

Hey man, are you ok? Russell asked the driver.

You have to roll the glass down, said Kate.

Russell laughed a little and pressed the button to lower the middle window that separated them.

It’s raining cats and dogs out there tonight. Are you okay? Russell asked again.

Yep, it’s raining so hard that the animals are starting to pair up. He chuckled a bit and introduced himself. My name is Devlin; my friends call me ‘Big D’.  I’m fine - just trying to keep you two love birds safe. We are running about one hour behind, but we should be there before midnight if I can keep it on the road.

Kate spoke up. Mr. Devlin?

Just call me Big D., darlin’.

Oh, sorry, Mr. D., do you think that we could stop at the next convenience store?

I’m sorry sweetie, but we are in the big middle of the Conecuh National Forest. There ain’t nothing around here but Bigfoot’s grandma's house.

Kate looked at Russell and asked nervously, Is he serious? Bigfoot is not real? Is he? Is it?

Russell laughed and started to explain when Devlin reached to open the glove compartment. He opened the compartment door and pulled out a paperback book. He reached back through the open divider and asked, Have you guys read this book?

Russell took the book and looked at the front and back cover. He thumbed through the pages. "Beyond the Greene?  What is this, some kind of global warming book?

No, but it will give you a different perspective on the Sasquatch, said Big D.

Kate folded her arms. Oh, my goodness, you have got to be kidding me. Well, could you please hurry?

The limo pressed through the darkness like a brick through molasses until finally the pale light from the tall swaying street lamps could be seen in the distance. The rain was not so heavy, but it was still coming down like sparkling sheets in the wind.

Mr. D. managed to maneuver the car close enough to the porta cache’ so the couple could get out of the car without getting soaking wet. The former train station was converted to the new Crowne Plaza Hotel and was beautifully decorated to match the original 1912 style.

Two bell boys rushed to the limo to retrieve the bags as the concierge opened the doors and welcomed them into the lobby. The vintage decor and old time music coming from the grand piano made them feel like they had stepped back in time. 

Kate hung close to Russell’s arm, pulling on him a bit.  He was trying to look at his cell phone to see where they were in relation to the schedule. Would you look at that? We are over two hours behind.

Stop looking at that schedule, everything is going to be fine. At least we are together and just look at this beautiful place, said Kate.

They walked up to the reception desk to check in for the night. There behind the large antique counter was a short bald headed man wearing his company uniform with a black vest straining from the pressure of his large belly, and a pair of small square glasses barely resting on the tip of his nose.

Welcome to the Crowne Plaza. Do you have a reservation with us?  He asked.

Yes, we are the Vaughns They looked at each other and rubbed their noses together and said gleefully, Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn.

Okay, then, he said as he tapped away on the computer. Here you are. Room 1509, one of our nicest suites. Will you need one key or two?

Russell spoke very quickly, Just one key will be fine. At the very same moment, Kate said matter of factly, Two, please.

Looking over the rim of his glasses and leaning forward on the counter, the clerk responded, I will go ahead and give you two. I am sure you will work it out.

They laughed as Russell signed for the room, taking the plastic key cards and putting them in his jacket pocket. They walked over to the elevator and waited for it to open. The busboy had the luggage on a roll cart, and they all stepped into the elevator when the doors parted.

Fifteen, please, said Kate.

Yes, ma’am, replied the bus boy.

She whispered into Russell's ear. Did you hear that? He called me ma’am?

They chuckled and held each other close. As they watched the floor indicator lights, they whispered under their breaths, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.  A large clap of thunder rattled the building and then suddenly, the elevator slammed to a stop. The emergency lights came on and everything stopped. Lightning had knocked the power out, and they were stuck in the elevator. Russell looked up at the emergency light and said, Unbelievable.

The busboy turned the little knob that opened the door to the emergency phone. Everything will be fine, I will call to let them know that we are in here, he said encouragingly.

Kate held Russell's arm tightly and said, Please tell me this is not how we are going to spend our honeymoon night. 

Russell pointed at the luggage cart. Well, at least we won’t go hungry. He opened up one of the bags and revealed all kinds of snacks. There were chips and cookies and apples and beef jerky and power bars. He also had water bottles and juice drinks.

When did you pack all of that stuff? asked Kate.

Well, you know me. Always be prepared, replied Russell.

They sat down on the floor of the elevator and shared the snacks with the bus boy. A couple of hours passed by and nothing changed. They had not heard anything from the phone and the power had not so much as flickered.

After another couple of hours had passed, Russell was starting to panic. Our plane is scheduled to leave at 10 a.m., and we need to be at the airport by 9:30 at the latest.

Kate tried to comfort him and said,