If It Wasn’T for Grace

By Kimberly Humphries-Washington

Grace Peterson loves being a therapist and lives for counseling others, especially her longtime friends, but life has suddenly taken her to a place shes not sure she will ever recover from. Graces strong faith is threatened and her ability to counsel anyone.

Simone Grier has everything she ever wanteda successful career in fashion, children, and a loving husband. After reconnecting with a guy from her past, she wonders if she really has everything she ever wanted.

Summer Hawthorne is a brilliant attorney who has finally found love with her boyfriend of two years. She finds herself in another life-changing situation when she discovers her boyfriend has been unfaithful.

Rainey Waters-Butler is newly married and finally pursuing her dream of becoming a dentist, but her world is turned upside down when unexpected family issues arise and causes her to put her future on hold.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 6, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543451177

Kimberly Humphries-Washington

Kimberly Humphries-Washington developed a love for writing and reading at the early age of twelve and created a collection of short stories. She graduated from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. While there, she wrote articles for the university magazine. After graduating from college, she worked as a public relations coordinator for Ziff-Davis Publishing in New York City and a publications specialist for DeKalb College in Atlanta, GA. She eventually switched careers and decided to pursue another love of hers---fashion where she landed a job at Liz Claiborne Inc. in New York City as a merchandiser. If It Wasn’t for Grace is a continuation of her first novel. She currently works at a bridal salon and lives with her husband in Matawan, New Jersey.

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Copyright © 2017 by Kimberly Humphries-Washington.

Library of Congress Control Number:     2017914081

ISBN:                Hardcover                  978-1-5434-5115-3

                          Softcover                    978-1-5434-5116-0

                          eBook                          978-1-5434-5117-7

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 09/18/2017

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Contents

Acknowledgements

Grace Peterson

Summer Hawthorne

Simone Grier

Rainey Waters-Butler

Grace Peterson

Summer Hawthorne

Rainey Waters-Butler

Simone Grier

Grace Peterson

Summer Hawthorne

Rainey Waters-Butler

Simone Grier

Grace Peterson

Summer Hawthorne

Grace Peterson

Rainey Waters-Butler

Simone Grier

Grace Peterson

Rainey Waters-Butler

Grace Peterson

Simone Grier

Grace Peterson

Simone Grier

Rainey Waters-Butler

Grace Peterson

Simone Grier

Summer Hawthorne

Rainey Waters-Butler

Grace Peterson

Simone Grier

Summer Hawthorne

Rainey Waters-Butler

Simone Grier

Grace Peterson

Summer Hawthorne

Simone Grier

Rainey Waters-Butler

Grace Peterson

Summer Hawthorne

Rainey Waters-Butler

Simone Grier

Grace Peterson

Rainey Waters-Butler

Summer Hawthorne

Simone Grier

Rainey Waters-Butler

Grace Peterson

Summer Hawthorne

Simone Grier

Rainey Waters-Butler

Grace Peterson

Summer Hawthorne

Simone Grier

Rainey Waters-Butler

Grace Peterson

Summer Hawthorne

Simone Grier

Grace Peterson

Summer Hawthorne

Simone Grier

Rainey Waters

Grace Peterson

Rainey Waters-Butler

Simone Grier

Grace Peterson

Rainey Waters-Butler

Summer Hawthorne

Grace Peterson

Rainey Waters-Butler

Summer Hawthorne

Simone Grier

Grace Peterson

Rainey Waters-Butler

Summer Hawthorne

Simone Grier

Grace Peterson

Rainey Waters-Butler

Grace Peterson

Summer Hawthorne

Grace Peterson

Acknowledgements

Thanks to my parents for allowing me to turn their home upside down as a kid to discovery my creativity, somehow, they knew I was developing characters.

Thanks to my husband who always rearranges his busy schedule to travel to all my book signings. I love what we have.

Munch, my life has a new meaning since you arrived. Mama Kim loves you.

Thanking my auntie, Mattie Lee Humphries for introducing me to reading and so many talented authors. I believe she saw the writer in me early on.

Thanking my sisters who have always loved and encouraged me. They continue to guide me with their words of wisdom.

Thanks to the Humphries family for always supporting me and everyone who opened their doors or invited me to their events for my book signings.

God will send someone to help you transform into the person he knows you can be. Stay opened to his plans.

Grace Peterson

Springtime is here again, and we are in the season of new beginnings. Life has a way of opening your eyes so that you embrace the beauty of a moment, and I am in awe right now, watching the wedding party of Rainey Waters and Tyson Butler walk down the aisle. The church is huge with beautiful stained glass windows and red velvet cushions on the pew. White flowers balls hang from each pew. From the doorstep of the church and arranged on each step leading to the altar are beautiful bouquets of white, pink, and lavender flowers in silver vases.

The bridesmaids are wearing gray sleeveless fit and flare silk cocktail dresses with a large flower pinned on the side and silver strap sandals except for the junior bridesmaids, Mina and Kyla. Their dresses are fuchsia in the same style as the bridesmaids but paired with silver ballet flats. Maid of honor Rainelle, her dress, of course, is the same style and color but longer. The groom and the groomsmen are all wearing gray tuxedo’s with Burberry gray plaid bowties. White flowers are on their lapels. The ring bearers, Mitchell Jr. and little Owen, are so adorable in their gray tuxedos. They even found shorts for baby Owen. Lord, the life of an NBA player.

Rainey’s wedding gown is simply breathtaking. The silk gown is straight with long sheer sleeves and elaborate beading over the bodice of the dress. The side has a large flower like the bridesmaids’. The back of the gown has tiny pearl buttons and the cathedral length train has the same beading and stretches across the entire length of the church.

She is also wearing her aunt Rosemary’s veil, which she had altered to match her dress and her favorite pearls. Rainey looks beautiful, and she is radiant when she walks down the aisle to marry the man that she had never thought existed. It was like a fairy tale, something you see in a Disney movie. I was overwhelmed with happiness for her. Her mother, Cinnamon, cried the entire time and so did her aunts.

Okay, the reception was over the top. They used the new catering space owned by Rainey’s aunt and uncle. The couple not only has two restaurants, but they now own a catering event space. Rainey and Tyson hired a wedding planner/designer to organize the reception, and it was like sitting and dining amongst the clouds. Everything was white except for the floors, which was a light blue that resembled the ocean. There are about fifty tables done in white linen. At the center of each table is a spray of white orchids that sits atop a glass box containing an autographed basketball. Around the table are crystal napkin ring holders, silver chargers, and the favors for the guests—tickets to the NBA playoffs inside a glass box tied with a silver ribbon.

Inside one of the glass boxes at each table is a small card with the words, You won written on it. The card means the receiver gets the autographed basketball. I thought that is a nice touch, especially since my husband Lance was the winner at our table.

Who would have ever thought this day would come for her. A couple of years ago, she was sitting in my living room, sobbing, because she witnessed the only man she had ever loved and the father of her two children marry another woman. Lord, what difference two years makes. See how you never really know what God is planning.

Summer Hawthorne

So looking forward to the day when I will walk down the aisle with Jarvis. This wedding makes me anxious and a little envious. I would have never thought Rainey could pull someone like Tyson.

Girl, you must be truly in love with Jarvis because I know you see all these eligible ballers without dates checking you out, and you still are restraining yourself. I am so very proud of you, Summer, Simone whispers in her friend’s ear and giggles.

I am a new person, Simone. Plus, you can’t trust an athlete. They have a bad rep, you know, Summer says, whispering in Simone’s ear.

Doesn’t she look beautiful? I am so happy for her. Simone says.

Damn! Rainey has hit the jackpot. They spent a lot of money. I think this is a little over done…Some of it is a bit wasteful. Don’t you think? Summer whispers and looks around the reception.

Don’t be jealous, Summer. Your turn is coming. Just be patient, Simone says and lifts her glass for the best man’s toast.

Summer leans over and whispers in Simone’s ear, I am far from jealous, just concerned about her future. I want the best for her and hoping he is an exception to the stereotype. Do you think he had her sign a prenup?

Summer, quit. Look, this is not the place or time for this discussion. Can you be happy for someone else for a change and mind your business? No negativity on our friend’s day. None, you hear? Simone says, a little irritated at her Summer’s attitude at one of the most important days of a woman’s life.

Grace leans over and whispers to her friends, What are you two whispering about? It’s rude.

Summer is being her normal, ridiculous self. That’s all, Simone says, glaring at Summer.

We are here to celebrate our dear friend’s wedding. This is a happy occasion, Grace says, looking at Summer.

I’m cool, Summer says, sipping her champagne.

Are you drinking again? Simone asks.

No. Just a little champagne for this special occasion, Summer says.

Summer, do we need to be worried? Simone asks.

Worried about what? I got this. Summer finishes her glass of champagne.

We hope so, we really hope Summer, Grace says.

The both of you do not try to ruin my evening. I said I got this, now leave me alone, Summer says, agitated.

Rainey walks over to the table to greet everybody and thank them for coming.

Thank you so much for coming, Summer. I know it was a long flight from LA. Where is Jarvis? I thought he was your plus one. Rainey smiles and kisses Summer on the cheek.

He couldn’t make it. He’s working on a huge project. He told me to tell you congratulations. Rainey, this is just fabulous, and you look gorgeous. I am so very happy for you, girl. Can’t wait until it’s my turn. Summer hugs Rainey.

Believe me when I tell you, it will come when you least expect it. I am a witness to that. Make sure you try everything, Summer. My aunt outdid herself with this spread. Rainey walks over and hugs Grace, Lance, Simone, and Evan.

You know, I am so grateful you guys came. It just feels so strange without Greta. I really miss her today, Rainey says, holding back the tears.

Not today, Rainey. You know Greta would not want you to cry today. Plus, I am sure she has a front row seat in heaven with your aunt Thyme, watching everything. Grace hugs Rainey again. Now go enjoy yourself and embrace the goodness of God in your life today. Grace smiles, but she is thinking about their friend Greta too, especially today.

Summer is thinking about Greta as well. They were so close, and the table just does not feel the same without her. So much has changed since she passed. Greta is really the only person that gets her besides Simone.

She’s been dating Jarvis for two years, and yet, there is still no proposal, and she feels she has given him ample time to heal from the death of his wife and child. What is he waiting for? She is not getting any younger. When she gets back to LA, it’s time for that conversation. Why does she always have to wait on a man to take the next step and to love her the way she deserves to be loved? Isn’t she worthy of being somebody’s wife too?

Simone Grier

So happy for Rainey and Tyson. It is just amazing how she found love after Mitchell.

She was a beautiful bride, and her wedding should have been in a magazine or something. I heard there is a magazine interested in doing a wedding spread. I just hope I am not included in any of the photos since I am beginning to develop a baby bump. I am running out of outfits that can camouflage this tummy. I have not told my friends yet that I am expecting twins, but I am sure they know. My husband Evan is beyond excited and sticking his chest out because he is not only having one son but two.

I am thrilled too. I just hope they are healthy and strong because this is the last round for me. I have done my part when it comes to being fruitful and multiplying. Who would have ever thought I would be expecting again, especially when some years ago, Evan and I was at a very bad place in our marriage and I was contemplating a divorce. It is still hard to believe how love can make you want to fight for something that seems so far away.

My daughter Ava is growing so fast, and she is quite the little character. She is bubbly and full of joy. At a little over three years old, she knows her colors and can sing the ABC song. I can see her father in her eyes.

Ava is a daddy’s girl. When he gets home from work, she races to the front door to greet him, and for the rest of the evening until she falls asleep, it’s all about her daddy. She is so attached to Evan that he can barely go to the bathroom without her waiting outside the door. It’s cute, but I know it drives Evan crazy. It’s funny to me. Now he gets a taste of what I use to deal with before I started working again.

Rainey Waters-Butler

I am still in honeymoon mode. My husband and me. I still can’t get used to saying husband; it sounds odd to me, but we are still on cloud nine. We spent two blissful weeks in London and Italy; we wanted to do something different, and it was a wonderful experience–the restaurants, the shopping, the nightlife, and the beautiful ancient buildings so rich in history. These are only places I dreamed of and saw in history books.

Tyson and I have decided to stay in Brooklyn for another two weeks to visit with family and friends. Seattle is wonderful, but I miss Brooklyn, and I am hoping Tyson goes to another team closer to home.

Staying in my old brownstone with my mom and sister has been just like old times. My kids are with their dad. He has purchased a home in Connecticut, and they are enjoying spending time with him and his wife. I can tell they have missed him.

My grandmother is now living with my mom. My grandpop died last year, and she decided to pack up everything, sell the little home, and move up north. It’s a huge adjustment for my grandma, but she seems to be doing quite well. I know my mother is enjoying the company.

I walk through the door of the brownstone, and I can smell the aroma of pot roast and sweet potatoes baking in the oven. I miss my mom’s home cooking too, and now that grandma is here, I know I gained at least ten pounds between the honeymoon and all this home cooking.

What is up, Mrs. Butler? Rainey’s mother, Cinnamon, asks, stirring a pot of pinto beans on the stove.

I am still in heaven. Rainey laughs.

You just should be after that extravagant wedding and honeymoon. Where is my son-in-law? Cinnamon asks, taking a spoon of beans over to her mother to taste.

He went to see Kyla and catch up with a few friends, Rainey says.

That taste good but needs just a pinch of salt. Did you make some rice to go with that? Rainey’s grandma gets up from the table to add the salt.

Grandma, Mama got you working in here. Rainey walks over to give her grandma a kiss.

No, child. Just here to oversee. She laughs, the action showing the missing the top row of her teeth.

Where is Rainelle? Rainey asks.

In her room, studying for an exam. Are you eating dinner? Cinnamon asks wiping her hands on her apron.

Most likely. Going to go check on my twin. Rainey walks out of the kitchen and climbs the steps to her sister’s room and knocks on the door.

Who is it? Rainelle asks.

It’s me Rainey. Rainey walks in the room, which is a mess. Books and papers are everywhere; clothes are piled up in a corner of the room. Rainey’s not sure if they are dirty or clean. Owens’ toys are all over the floor.

What’s going on, sis? Rainelle asks, looking over her glasses.

Rainelle, why is this room in such a disarray? Rainey asks, standing at the door with her hands on her hips, not really wanting to step over all the clutter.

As you see, I am studying for an exam between school, part-time job, and Owen. Who has time for cleaning? What’s new with you anyway? Rainelle cleans a section on the bed so her sister can sit down.

I am still in la-la land. Rainey smiles, reminiscing on the past three weeks.

I would be too, Rainelle says.

So how is Jeremy doing these days? Rainey asks.

"My Jeremy is good. You know he does not want me to work this part-time job, but it’s really a paid internship. And you know, Rainey Day, it feels good to have your own money in your purse. This is a first