Just Takes Time

By C.A. Conklin

We all have secrets. That is probably a basic part of being human. For most of us, those secrets are not a big deal; they do not affect other peoples lives. They do not keep you from being you. But what if they did?

Author C. A. Conklins Just Takes Time is about secrets, but not simple ones. After Fay Lee Webber witnesses the murder of her husband, she is forced to leave her children and go into witness protection. Life as she had known it was over. Her time is filled with secrets piled upon secrets, destroying her from the inside out. Bordering on despair, Fay rediscovers her faith and finds unconditional love, salvation, and forgiveness through God and others she meets on her journey.

Although your secrets may not be as life-changing and life-challenging as Fays, they influence your life. Maybe you feel there is nothing you can do about it; secrets are meant to be kept. Just Takes Time shows what happens when you allow yourself to have faith in God and in special people in your life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jun 8, 2015
• ISBN: 9781490879017

C.A. Conklin

C. A. Conklin was born in Lima, Ohio, the youngest of three children. She moved to Lake Placid, Florida, with her father when she was in the sixth grade. She graduated from Lake Placid High School in 2005. She and her husband, Eric, have two children.

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Copyright © 2015 C. A. Conklin.

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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission. NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered trademarks of Biblica, Inc. Use of either trademark for the offering of goods or services requires the prior written consent of Biblica US, Inc.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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ISBN: 978-1-4908-7900-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-7901-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015907081

WestBow Press rev. date: 6/5/2015

Contents

Epigraph

Preface

Acknowledgments

Prologue

Just Breathe

New Friendship

Remembering

Standing Still

Good News

Twist

Time

Bad Timing

More

Holiday Special

Getting Nowhere

Keeping Up

Confession

Running Out

Walking By Faith

Time Will Tell

It Just Takes Some Time

This book is dedicated to my husband Eric, my children Tucker, & Trinity. My dad Charles Petty and mom Sammer Petty. My in-laws Eddie, Lois Conklin and Pop-Pop John Thomas. And to my mentors/co-workers Pam Brewer her husband CB. and Jan Purvis and her husband Carl. For their love, kindness, and devotion, and for their endless support each and every day; your selflessness will always be remembered.

Epigraph

O, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive! -Walter Scott

Preface

I never imaged I would write a book, let alone publish one. It literally started out as a dream. Most of the time I can never remember anything I dreamt about that night the next day. But this particularly one kept on coming up. I would continuously have it just about every night for a week straight. At first I denied the fact that I should write down the story plot. It wasn’t until the next night I prayed about it, because it was bugging me to not write it down. I gave the matter to God and slept on it.

I felt led by God to wake up in the middle of the night and go write the story down. That same day I told my best friend about having a recurring dream, and she told me to tell her about it. I didn’t know how to explain it, so at work I began writing the story thinking it was just a quick couple of pages. Before I knew it I had words flowing through me and 15 pages later I still didn’t even make a dent in being done. By then it just clicked in my head and I told myself why not just write it out and see where this goes.

A few months later and about 5 chapters in, I continued working on the story at work and my co-workers were curious in what I was working on. I told them about it and they both seemed interested in reading it. I gave them both a copy with what I had already written and asked if they would also edit and proofread it. They agreed to look at it and they said they’d see what they could do.

I was nervous when I handed it over to them. Honestly, I didn’t want to hear that they didn’t like it or anything negative about it. To my surprise they both really enjoyed what I had so far and they couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next.

Acknowledgments

First and foremost I want to give all this glory to God. Without His mercy and grace for giving a sinner like me a second chance time and time again.

To my family, brother John, sister in-law Danielle, and niece Kaia Mae Petty. My sister Stefaine, brother in-law Ryan, niece Mehlee, and nephew Tabor Pfau. Brother in-law Tony Conklin. My aunt Terisa Baranoski, and cousins Jennifer, Danielle, and Sarah Thompson. Though we may be miles apart, and not always see eye to eye. The love for our family will never be broken through the good times and the bad times.

To my dearest friends/ adoptive family, Yashira, Scott and their daughter Nia Brown. To Stephanie, Jeff, and their daughter Audrey Hanks. To Beth, J.J. and their daughter Sheala. To Mindy Mitchell, Leigh, Josh, and their daughter Cordelia Bemis. To Trish, Jamie, Felicia, and Carl Gross. To Michelle, Craig, Michael Coleman, Kaitlyn Cross, and her sons Weston and Tanner. To Jessica Gavagni and her sons Logan, Trenton, and Ethan. And to Beth Brown, Kaylee Diefendorf, Allysa Priest, Jenna Carroll, Savanah Dixon, Riley Beeson, and Bryce Walker. I’m very blessed that God put each of you in my life. I would be lost without you all. We may not be family by blood but when it comes down to it; we have each others backs and God put you in my life for a reason. So thank you for putting up with me. And loving me for who I am.

To my church family, the Taylor’s and (Pastor) and BTW students, there are tons of you who make me feel overwhelmed with love when I walk into God’s house each and every week. Thank you so much for the guidance, learning experiences, and spiritual filling I receive from each and every one of you.

And also I want to thank WestBow Press for making a dream come true.

Prologue

"Mom….Mom...Mom!!"

I peeked one eye open. I saw a blurry face as I tiredly tried to open the other eye up. I glanced up and I saw two beautiful hazel eyes starring right at me. I was taken-back a bit, not realizing my son was so close to my face. I was wide awake after that. Is the movie over? I yawn out.

Yes, can we watch something else?… My eager son asks.

I was about to tell him yes, but then stopped. I was slightly distracted hearing snoring in my ear. As I laid on the couch cuddled up next to my husband, who apparently also fell asleep. What time is it? I become curious, since both adults were the only two asleep and the house was pitch black, except for the TV lighting up our living room area.

Past midnight… My son says so casually, like it was no big deal he was up late.

Umm, yeah… It’s bedtime for the both of you, monsters of the night. I sternly say, and finally move to sit up.

But we want to watch another… My daughter yawns in mid sentence, Episode… Please…

I huff and shake my head no. "We all should have been in bed hours ago, we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow." I stand up and stretch the kinks out of my back.

"Why’d you have to go wake her up Bubby?" She cries out with a whiney tone.

He sticks his tongue out at her, How was I supposed to know we’d be sent to bed. He throws his hands up in the air.

Enough you two! Mom says it’s bedtime, it’s bedtime. Lets go pray and then off to bed. My husband states, but grumbles from being woken up with their bickering.

Yes, Sir. They both reply.

Both kids went into one bedroom to wait for us to pray with them. I tried helping him off the couch, but instead he pulled me back down to sit on his lap. I giggle and kiss the tip of his nose and ran my left hand on his scruffy blonde beard. He gives me his Prince Charming smile, Have I told you today that you’re beautiful? And that you are a wonderful mother to my children.

"Oh, I believe you have not, Sir. I chuckle.

Well in that case… He purrs out. I love you. Then he kisses me.

I love you too, my Honey Bunny.

Ah, see now, you’ve killed the moment by calling me my pet name. He teases and laughs in a playfully manner.

I roll my eyes and shake my head playfully back. Come on, lets go pray. I get up and grab his hands to help him up.

We prayed with our children, tucked them into bed, and kissed them goodnight. And then we both passed out in our bed afterwards.

8A.M. alarm went off and off, until I hit the alarm to off. We slowly took our time getting out of bed. When we finally got up, we went and woke the kids up to get dressed, packed, and eat breakfast. By then it was 9:30A.M. Time flew by before we knew it.

My husband loaded up the car with the kids bags. We all hopped in, drove out of the garage, and didn’t even get a mile down the road when his fire pager went off for a structure fire with entrapment. Lucky for us we’d just passed the firehouse, and my husband made a crazy u turn in the middle of the road.

He was first to the firehouse. He was focusing on getting to the fire, his adrenaline was pumping. But before he got out of the car at the station, kissed everyone goodbye and told us that he loved us. He told the kids to have fun on their trip and would see them next week. And told me to send Will and Rachael his regards, since he wasn’t able to see them.

The kids and I had a 4 hour drive ahead of us till we reached Will’s and Rachael’s place up in north Florida. They weren’t family, but we consider them as part of ours. It was a long haul to see them and then drive back the same day, but it was worth it.

I’d be lost without either of them..

I nor my husband had any family. He was an in and out foster kid. My parents died when I was born, but I was blessed with my Nana who raised me. Unfortunately, she passed away after I graduated high school. My husband and I eloped after her passing, and struggled getting on our feet. Only by God’s grace we found an outstanding church that helped us. We met Will and Rachael a few years later at the same church, struggling as teen newlyweds, and high school graduates, too.

It was a wonderful short visit with them catching up. I was sad to leave and only able to stay for a couple hours. I knew my children were in safe hands. And I would see them all in a week. I kissed them goodbye and told them I loved them, and would call as soon as I made it home.

It was an all day affair. I was exhausted and so was my husband dealing with that one particular call. We rested on the couch and both of us fell asleep cuddled up together.

The next morning we had a few errands to run, but we were sluggishly moving to go do them. My husband wanted me to sit down and watch a movie with him, so I gave up on being motivated and relaxed with him. Not long after I sat down, someone was knocking on our front door. I was about to get up and get it, but my husband decided he would get it instead.

Just Breathe

Day 1:

I’m without everything; everyone that I’ve loved it’s all gone…

What’s this purpose God? What have I done?! What have I done?! As I cried out loud, at this point I’m a blubbering mess, while my makeup is running all down my face, and the U.S. Marshal happened to take a glance over my way to check if I was doing alright. Really, did I look alright to you? Just breathe… he’s only here to help me. So just put your big girl panties on and get yourself fixed up in the planes bathroom.

I finally calmed myself down and sat back down in my seat looking out the window. I still didn’t realize the realization what I got myself into. There was no turn back now. I glanced out to the clouds and blue sky was the only thing in sight for the next hour or so. I looked at my watch-9:45A.M. I grabbed my purse and took my travel bible out. I randomly turned to a page to ease my anxiety.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13. God’s right, I need to trust him whatever his plan maybe.

The plane touched down. When we were able to get off, we quickly got out of there before any of the other passengers could bump into us. Welcome to Texas. The U.S. Marshal said and gave me an it’s gonna be okay wink.

We stepped off the airplane to an extremely crazy hustle and bustle of the Dallas airport.

Jeez, and I thought Florida was worse. Not so much now. I said being amused and gave a small, fake grin back to him.

Yep, everything’s bigger in good ol’ Texas Ms. Fay. The Marshal was trying to reassure me that I’ve made the right choice.

I wasn’t in the mood to chat, I’ll see it when I believe it Sir, so umm… baggage claim is where? I was trying to detour the conversation.

Just stay close and follow me. Walking beside me, he grabbed my backpack out of my hands and threw it onto his shoulder.

1…2…3…4…5…6…

There’s mine the 7th one on the belt. I see my daughter… mine… my cross key ring. Grabbing the luggage off the belt and looking to double check the tag. Ms. Fay Webber…Yep got it. Taking the handle and extending it out to roll it over to the Marshal.

I followed closely to him out of the insane airport and when we stepped out into fresh air that smell was incredible to breathe it in.

This is home, new start new beginning trust God. I’m gonna need lots and lots of prayers.

As I looked to the pick up line for arrived flights, the Marshal had waved down a black Ford explorer. It pulled a few feet ahead of us and stopped in the pick up line. The driver got out of the car and opened the back door. He waited until we walked up to him. He smiled and nodded and said hello. He grabbed my luggage and the backpack from Marshal, while holding the door open for me and closed it when I was in.

Is he a U.S. Marshal too? Or is it don’t ask don’t tell secret mission thing?

The driver shut the trunk after all the bags were in and both he and the Marshal hopped upfront. The driver pulled out of the pick up line.

How’ve you been Danny? The driver asked the Marshal.

Danny?

I’ve been better Walter thanks, RING "Oh hold that thought… Yes Sir… Yes Sir… We have and will arrive at 1400 hrs Sir. Well Sir, under the circumstances… right … Yes… Yes Sir… Bye Sir… Danny sighed, after getting off the phone. Well Ms. Fay, It seems that we’ll be heading to my office first. Then we’ll grab a bite to eat afterwards." He glanced in the rear view mirror for a second to see if I acknowledged him.

I shook my head in agreement knowing that whatever he says goes anyway. My eyes were getting heavy blankly staring out the window, and looking upon new surroundings that I’ve been encountering.

Ms. Fay… Ms. Fay… Ma’am…

I slowly open one eye, then the other Oh my… I yawned. I’m so sorry Mr. Danny I didn’t realize I dozed off. I put my hand on my forehead and rubbed it a little bit. It’s been a while since I’ve really slept. Yawning again and looking over at my door where Mr. Danny was standing waiting for me to get out.

Understandable. He replied.

I Stepped out of the SUV and stretched out my arms and legs. The door shut and it had caught me off guard I jumped.

Sorry. Danny grinned.

It’s fine, I answer being caught off guard. So… am I going to be talking to your Chief about the…

No, not today he knows you’ve been though enough he’ll wait a few days to have a conversation about it.

Whew dodged that bullet train for now…

Wow Danny really wasn’t kidding about everything’s bigger in Texas. His office had a lot of potential….

It was just Mr. Danny and I walking into the building, while Mr. Walter sat in the vehicle and waited. I assumed it wouldn’t take long. You can sit and wait here at my desk Ms. Fay. He grabbed the chair out from his desk and motioned me to sit, and walked away.

I felt like a kid again, sitting there like I was in major trouble, being stared at from other cops passing by.

Trying not to engage eye contact with any of them I pointed my head down staring at an extremely messy desk. Papers scattered everywhere, coffee ring stains on his calendar book, red marking circled some words on it G.H.V. And to the upper left corner a phone and a family photo.

Looks like his wife and twin daughters? They look to be at least 6 months. Hold back the tears, hold’em back…Ugh. I bet it’s hard for him not to be there with them. Maybe that’s why he’s so sympathetic with me?

I finally got the courage to glance up. Ignoring the looks, I was looking around the room. I spotted Danny’s Chiefs office a little ways down the hall and watched them talk. Not long after they walked out together laughing, talking, and walking towards me.

Ms. Webber. The Chief acknowledged me, while I was trying to stand up and shake his hand.

Chief… I quickly looked at his badge Johnston.

I’m assuring that Captain Row is treating you with the utmost respect in this matter. He said it in sincere way. My condolences to you and I look forward in a few days to discuss further action in transitioning and profiling.

Yes Sir and thank you for your concerns. I will look forward to discussing more on the matter. I reply, Good day Chief Johnston. My eyes began to water after I spoke, but caught it in time. I maintained the non-flow of tears with a quick wipe without anyone noticing.

Ms. Webber. Captain Row. I’ll see you in the a.m. He gives me a nod, and a straight line smile to Mr. Danny.

Yes Sir.

I walked out with Danny to the SUV. Mr. Walter saw us coming got out and came around to my side and opened the back passenger door for me. He smiled and said welcome back. I gave him semi smile and thanked him and hopped in. He shut the door and he went back to the driver’s side, got in and we were off again.

So, Danny where do you have in mind to grab a bite to eat. Mr. Walter asking a dazed out Danny.

Ms. Fay’s never had a real Texas BBQ dinner. Smirked Danny.

Ah…

I’m thinkin’ the Diner by the Comfort Suites in Lindale, Walter. You’ll like it Ms. Fay, I’m sure it will make you feel at home. Mr. Danny was trying to convince me on the idea of eating BBQ.

Thank you for the consideration gentlemen.

Wow in the middle of nowhere in a quaint little county town. Go figure.

We pulled up to the Diner. It appeared rather busy to be in the middle of nowhere. We all got out, and went inside. I stood in the entrance just looking around gazing at the pictures and murals on the walls. They seemed dated back in the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s.

The place was packed and I didn’t notice a sign to wait to be seated. Welcome ya’ll sit anywhere ya’ll like. The cute waitress greeted us with that big Texas hospitality.

Danny and Walter insisted I pick the seating and allowed