Unconditional Love

By Rosaland Caselberry

Erica and Marcus embark on a new journey of love. A journey filled with drama, doubt and unforeseen obstacles. As they struggle to gain control of their relationship, it inevitably becomes the battle of the Ex’s.

Through these difficulties, both Marcus and Erica learn more about their own strengths and weaknesses. Will Erica go back to what is familiar to her or choose Marcus and the baggage that comes with loving him?

Can Marcus break the strongholds of his past and let love take control? Is Erica able to let her faith and patience trample over all that tries to come between them in their journey to find each other? In the uncertainty, they each realize that unconditional love is worth the fight.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Sep 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781663204295

Rosaland Caselberry

Rosaland D. Caselberry, new Author, born and raised in Gadsden, Alabama, currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia, mother of three sons and nurse for 15 years. I love writing, nursing and giving to others. My love for love and unity inspired me to write Unconditional Love. A story about love in all relationships. This Novel, which is my first, shows how we can love one another despite our differences or disagreements. My first self-help published this year, titled, “How To Love Unconditionally” is the first of a 4 volume book on how to do just that.

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Copyright © 2020 Rosaland Caselberry.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-6632-0428-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-0429-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020912034

iUniverse rev. date: 08/31/2020

CONTENTS

Chapter 1    Unexpected Encounter

Chapter 2    The Weekend

Chapter 3    Nothing Like The Present

Chapter 4    Expectations

Chapter 5    Julia’s Twisted Imagination

Chapter 6   The Big Announcement

Chapter 7    Erica Has A Terrifying Experience.

Chapter 8    Turning Point

Chapter 9    Time For A Change

Chapter 10    Thanksgiving

Chapter 11    New Beginnings

CHAPTER ONE

Unexpected Encounter

Walking in through the OUT door, she caught his eye. Mesmerized by the look of confidence in her sway, Marcus stared for a moment before he came back to himself to remember where he was. Erica acted as if she didn’t notice his gaze, smiling at the couple passing graciously in front of her. She walked over to the produce aisle and braced herself realizing the handsome man was slowly making his way over towards her, seeming as if he would fall to his knees at her feet.

Hi! Erica slowly turned towards him, making eye contact. He smiled as she politely returned the gesture.

You have a beautiful smile, Marcus replied.

Almost stuttering, Thank you, Erica responded and extended her hand to greet the gorgeous man standing in front of her.

And you are?

Oh, I’m sorry! Marcus, Marcus Whitney.

"It’s nice to meet you, Marcus, my name is Erica. They both realized, simultaneously, the lingering handshake, but couldn’t break the connection.

Erica, do you have a last name?

Ah, yes, of course! It’s Erica Long.

She had thought of freeing her hand from his. And yet, continuing to hold his attention, Erica tried not to make it obvious that she was about to melt as his firm, but gentle hands held hers. His soft, light brown eyes didn’t help either. Oh, my Lord, thinking to herself. This man is gorgeous. Well-dressed, I know he has a woman lurking around here somewhere. He isn’t wearing any rings, though. Thinking about it, that doesn’t mean anything this day and time. Sure as hell didn’t hold any value to James. Erica quickly snapped back to the present, which was looking good standing in front of her.

It’s nice meeting you, Marcus.

Their handshake lingered for another thirty seconds as he stared into her eyes as if he wanted to jump right into her soul. Erica was tickled with the thought.

Erica, you have beautiful eyes.

"Thanks, Marcus, but you’re making me blush. Fiddling around like a little schoolgirl, Erica was starting to get nervous. Marcus seemed very confident and sure of what he wanted. At least this was the strong vibe she was getting from him. Erica was aware that her desires and emotional needs sometimes get in the way of her ability to discern someone’s intentions fully.

Sometimes, a woman can want something so badly that they overlook the bad that usually outweighs the good in a person.

I’m sorry, Erica, but I like seeing you smile. And you have dimples too! You are breathtaking."

Marcus took a step back. I’m sorry if I’m coming on too strong. I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable. Do you mind if I walk with you?

Marcus could not resist asking, even with the fear of Erica rejecting him. He didn’t want her to brush him off too soon.

Sure! I just need to get a few things for dinner tonight.

Oh, you cook?

Yes, Marcus, I cook. I love to cook, Erica replied, chuckling. Why would you ask me that?

Oh, I’m sorry, it’s no biggie. I adore a woman who can cook. I find that somewhat exotic, that’s all. You wouldn’t believe how many women don’t know how to cook these days, or just won’t. But I would love to cook for you, dinner, or lunch if you would like. I would love to show off my skills in the kitchen, Miss. Long.

Oh, really, Mr. Whitney? So, now it’s my turn to ask, can you cook?!’

They laughed together.

Yes, I can do a little something; trust me; you’ll enjoy it.

Well, Mr. Whitney, I haven’t said yes yet.

No, you haven’t, but I have a feeling that you will.

Wow! I must say you are very sure of yourself. Well, let me think about it, OK?

Alright, That’s fair enough. So, may I have your number so I can call you?

Sure! Erica agreed.

Great, Marcus replied. Here is my cell; just put your name and number in my contacts.

Oh, sure, Erica replied, stunned at how comfortable he seemed with letting her have access to his contact list. Wow! Most men won’t even allow a woman to touch their phones. He must not have anything to hide. Okay, all done."

Good, I’ll be calling you soon. Marcus exclaimed.

That will be great, Marcus, but I feel like I need to ask you one question, though, it slipped my mind during our forty-five-minute conversation.

Yeah, what’s that?

Are you married? Ha-ha! They both laughed.

No, Erica, I’m not married nor divorced. I have no wedding band on my finger, see?

Marcus held up both hands so that she could see that there was no ring on his finger.

And I noticed that you are not wearing a wedding ring either, he said.

No, Marcus, I’m not married either, she confirmed, laughing.

I felt It would be irresponsible for me not to ask. You know, some men are married only on paper and don’t wear a ring.

Yeah, that’s ridiculous, isn’t it?

Yeah, it is Marcus

As they made their way back to the front of the store towards the checkout counters, Erica and Marcus knew they did not want this to be the last time that they would see each other.

Well, I have everything I need. So, I will talk to you later, Erica said.

Yes, we’ll talk soon. I want to walk you to your car, though. Would that be Ok with you?

Sure, just let me check out real quick.

Okay! Yes, of course. At least the lines aren’t long right now.

Looking into her purse for her wallet, Erica realized at that very moment that she had left it on her desk after taking it out to pay for lunch. Oh, this is so embarrassing.

What’s wrong, Erica?

I left my wallet at work. I don’t know how I could have forgotten to put it back in my purse. Wow! I can’t believe I’ve done that."

That’s no problem at all. I got you; don’t worry.

Marcus, you don’t have to do that. I just met you.

Yes, I do. There is no sense for you to leave your dinner here in the store when I can purchase it for you. It’s no big deal. I’m sure you would do the same for me, Marcus offered.

Yeah, as a matter of fact, I would, Erica confirmed, smiling with gratitude.

Thank you, Marcus. I will pay you back, alright?

No, Erica! I am not looking for you to pay me back, and besides, I don’t lend money, so you don’t owe me a thing.

Oh, my goodness, Okay! Erica gave in, still feeling somewhat guilty and embarrassed.

Erica had to try and save face.

I look forward to getting to know you, Marcus. How about I invite you to an anniversary party that I’m hosting and catering for my brother and his wife next Saturday?

Yes, now that I can do. I would love to spend more time with you and check out your culinary skills at the same time.

Great! Then it’s set. I will text you with the details sometime next week.

Okay. That will be fine, Marcus replied.

Marcus grabbed Erica’s bags and walked her to her car.

Meet my old, dusty, but dependable Infinity. It needs a little soap and water on it. I was hoping it would rain today while I was at work and wash away some of the dirt, Erica explained, laughing at herself. I have been so busy lately that I haven’t even had time to run it by the car wash, Erica said as she popped the trunk of her car.

Thank you again; that was so nice of you.

You are very welcome, Erica. It has been a pleasure meeting you. I’m not going to hold you up any longer from your dinner.

Okay, Marcus, I will talk to you later.

That sounds good, and you be safe going home Erica.

Yes, I will be extra careful, seeing that I’m driving without a license.

Marcus laughed, Yeah, I might need to follow you home to make sure you don’t get arrested.

Erica smiled, Yeah, I know, right? I will go by the office and pick up my wallet in the morning. I should be OK tonight, hopefully. Though I have a feeling, you wouldn’t mind bailing me out of jail.

Yeah, I would probably do that too. I can’t have you sitting in jail.

Marcus said as he continued to express his amusement in laughter.

Besides, I could use a little excitement and adventure in my life.

Marcus exclaimed, still laughing.

I’ll talk to you later, and I look forward to dinner next week.

Yes, Marcus, it sounds like a date.

Erica pulled out of her parking space and drove off as she watched him run in the opposite direction to his car.

Oh my God! What just happened! Erica exclaimed.

The ride home seemed like an eternity. Erica was driving behind the slowest car in town. Luckily, her favorite talk show was on the radio and kept her mind off the long and slow drive home. Pulling up the driveway to her small but beautiful cottage style house brought a smile to her face. She had always felt peaceful when she was back, especially after a long day at the clinic. Erica learned that being a nurse practitioner can be very demanding, stressful, and emotionally draining at times, depending on the types of patients that came into the office. At times she has felt overwhelmed, wanting to help everyone that was suffering in some way.

Knowing that she wears her heart on her sleeve, especially when trying to help those who really don’t want it. Erica decided to do what she can for those who desire it and to let go of the ones that resist, comfortable in their suffering. Realizing what her mom had warned her of to be true, You can only help those who want to be helped. The rest will only pull you down with them.

Parking her car, Erica thought that she still had a couple of hours of daylight to enjoy her flower garden that surrounded her little cottage away from the city. For her, the best thing about springtime is the flowers.

Walking into the front door of the house, the soft smell of vanilla greeted her. The pleasant, relaxing, and soothing aroma has always taken her to another place, one that is calm and sweet.

Alright, Erica said to herself. Guess I’ll get dinner started; Asparagus, smoked salmon, and a baked potato. Um! my favorite, with a slice of cheesecake and a glass of red wine.

Praying out loud, Thank you, Jesus, for knowing what I need, and for your grace and mercy even when I don’t deserve it, thank you for loving me.

Making dinner has always been a delight for Erica, something that she enjoys.

Often Wondering if she chose the right profession and should have gone into the culinary arts instead.

Oh well, it’s been a great hobby thus far. She thought as she filled the room with sounds of pots and pans rattling. Erica reached in the cupboard for a wine glass and poured a drink of Merlot to enjoy while preparing dinner, and then turned on the TV to find her favorite sitcom, which usually ran a marathon on Friday nights.

Rubbing her belly, Erica looked at the dishes in the sink.

Ah! that was delicious; I just wish I didn’t have to eat alone all the time. Plus, it would be nice to have someone else do the dishes.

Erica did a lot of thinking, then it hit her. Marcus Whitney, Erica reminisced.

He is charming and so handsome. I wonder what he does for a living. Wow, I didn’t even ask him his age. He can’t be any older than thirty-five or thirty-six. Oh well, I can ask him all that when I see him next week though I can’t help but wonder if that’s too soon to see him again. I haven’t dated in so long I don’t know the rules anymore. Thinking back, Erica hadn’t dated anyone since she and James dated before they got married. She began to calculate the years in her head. Let’s see been divorced for three years now, married for five years and dated for two years before he proposed. Oh, my God! It’s been a long time, Erica exclaimed.

I’m a bit rusty, no a hell of a lot rusty! Erica said, laughing at herself. I am very interested in getting to know Marcus Whitney, though!

Erica jumped up when she realized she hadn’t checked in on her mother.

It’s Friday, let me call mom, I almost forgot.

Lynette Long, Erica’s loving mother, can be dramatic at times.

Lynette answered after a few rings. Erica!

Hi Mom, how are you?

Oh, I’m feeling well, sweetheart, and how is my baby girl?

I’m great, mom; I was calling to check on you. Is everything alright?

Yes love, everything is just fine.

Mom, did you get the card that I sent you; I dropped it at the post office on Tuesday afternoon.

Oh, yes! Honey I got it yesterday, thank you, sweetie.

Great, do you need anything?

No sweetie, I swear you spoil your momma girl!

I know mom, I love you.

I love you too. When are you coming home to stay with me for a few days, I miss you,

I’m not sure yet. I have to check and see how much vacation time I have available, but it will be soon. I know Mother’s Day is coming up on May twelfth, and the clinic will be closed that Monday, oh, and I think that we will be closing early that Friday before as well. Doctor Scott usually goes home to New York a few days earlier to see his family every Mother’s Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and for the Christmas holidays. Soo I should be able to leave that Friday afternoon after work. I will let you know in a couple of weeks. The extra day off will be great. It will give me more time to spend with you and go shopping for some new furniture for your living room.

Baby, my furniture is just fine; I don’t need any new furniture.

Mom, you have had that dining room set for more than twenty years. You still have the plastic covering on it. It’s worn, and you can use something fresh and new without the plastic wrap to go with it. Jason and I are grown and out of the house. Soo, who would you be protecting it from now, and besides, I want you to have it.

Well I was hoping I would have some grand-babies to protect it from.

Erica could feel her mom smiling through the phone.

Ha-ha Mom, very funny!

Alright, child, but on a more serious note, when are you gonna give me a beautiful grand-baby! Girl you will be forty before you know it!

Ah! Mom, please don’t start that.

Feeling sad, Erica never told her mom about the miscarriage she suffered during her marriage to James. It would have broken her heart.

Momma, if and when I get married again, I will think about giving you some grand-babies to spoil, Oh, and by the way, Erica said with a big smile on her face. I did meet someone this evening.

Oh, baby, that’s wonderful! Lynette screamed through the phone.

Yes, mom, thank you for talking him up.

Girl! Sometimes you have to speak it into existence. So, who is he, what does he do?

It’s time to get mom off the phone before she starts planning the wedding already.

Erica thought to herself.

He’s very kind, polite and he’s cute. I want to get to know him. He seems different from all the other guys who have tried to approach me. Oddly No one has been able to interest me since my divorce. I think I’m ready to move on.

Sweetheart, I am happy that you have met someone that can hold your attention.

Yes, I am very intrigued. I invited him to the anniversary party next week. You will get to meet him!

Oh, that’s wonderful. I can hardly wait, Lynette was astonished.

I love you mom. I’m gonna jump in the tub, Okay!

Alright, baby, I will talk to you on Sunday.

Yes, mom, I will be sure to call you around four o’clock after you get home from church, goodnight Mommy!

Goodnight angel, Lynette replied.

Whoa! Oh my God!

Erica yelled out after almost falling hard enough to break her tail bone.

She slipped, trying to rush out of the bathtub without drying off first.

Wow! I’m about to bust my ass trying to get out of this darn tub. Shoot! Who in the world could this be calling me this late, Hello! She said with hast in her voice.

Hi Erica its Marcus.

Out of breath, she could feel her frustration quickly leave.

Oh, Hi, Marcus. I wasn’t expecting a call from you tonight! What’s up?

I’m sorry, Erica. I couldn’t help myself; I had to hear your voice before I turn in. How was your dinner?

Ah, dinner was good, Marcus, and I was just stepping out of the bathtub.

Oh, I’m sorry to disturb you.

Oh no, it’s Okay; I had been soaking for about an hour anyway.

Erica suddenly realized that she had fallen asleep in the tub. It was time for me to get out. I had dozed off for a minute; your call woke me. So, what are you up to, Marcus?

"I just put my son to bed; we got an early day tomorrow. I’m taking him and a couple of his friends to the aquarium in the morning, and then to D&B for lunch."

Oh, you have a son? Erica asked.

Yes, I apologize for not mentioning it when we met. I was too focused on getting to know you and not letting you get away without getting your number first, Marcuse replied smiling. My son Chase is eight, and is a vital part of my life.

Chase, that is a cute name! Erica responded.

Yeah, my mom named him.

That is so sweet, Marcus.

She was going through chemo at the time he was born and had been battling breast cancer for a couple of years. Valerie May Whitney passed away when Chase was only four.

Oh, I’m sorry to hear that, Marcus.

It’s OK, Erica. I’m still working through the loss day by day and time has been healing my heart I do miss her a lot. She was my rock. She said she chose the name Chase to remind me never to stop chasing after my dream. Every time I call his name, I remember those words she told me. It has kept me focused on the positive since she’s been gone. I can still hear her voice in my head. She was a very kind and loving woman, along with my dad; she raised me to be the best man I can be.

You seem like a very nice man, Marcus.

I try, I’m far from perfect, though, but I try to treat people the way I want to be treated. I know it is the best way to live. Favor will always come back to you in some form or another, Marcus replied.

Yeah! Erica agreed. I have learned that from life’s experiences, being successful comes with much responsibility and requires giving back.

Erica thought she might as well ask everything she wanted to know.

So, what is it that you do for a living, Marcus?

Well, Marcus began. I should start from the beginning. I majored in Business Management and Architectural Engineering. So, when I landed my first job right after college, I was excited. But I always knew I had more to offer. I wasn’t fulfilled even with my experience, skills, and education. I wasn’t happy with just working for someone else long-term. I didn’t want to punch a clock all my life, making some big corporate or industrial company a lot of money while I only receive less than ten percent of the profit. I did that for about five years until I decided it was time for me to create something of my own. The first thing I had to do was figure out what it was that interested me, or what I found satisfaction in doing. Growing up, my Dad taught me how to fix any and everything from plumbing to restoring old furniture, painting, and building bookcases. The list goes on. It kept me busy and out of trouble, especially during the summer. With this, I realized that I had a passion for restoring things, making things people left behind, or threw out as if it had no value-rich again. I found an old, abandoned, broken-down house that I wanted to restore to its original state. I bought it and Oh my God, Erica! When I finished that first house and saw the results, it was a fantastic feeling! I mean, to know that I could bring back to life something that sat in its space dead for over thirty years overgrown with weeds. Oh, and the triple profit I made was just icing on the cake. It sold in less than four weeks. From then on, after I finished one, I would quickly find another. I had to have help of course. I have a cousin who’s an electrician and my Dad who worked in construction for over forty years, up until he retired. So, between the three of us, we get it done. I love what I do, and now, I have about eight houses that I am leasing. After I sold the first two homes that I restored and made a huge profit, I was able to buy two more houses at one time to rebuild. Back then, I was only leasing. Now, I might sell one or two of them a year after I’ve restored them. I recruit a few of my students from my Business class during the summer to help with repairs and landscaping work. They like having money in their pockets. You know how teenagers are especially college students; they can always use the extra cash. I’ve thought about buying four more houses over the next year to restore and lease. Twelve properties are more than enough to manage. Besides restorations and teaching, I’m also co-owner of a small restaurant downtown with one of my old college buddies. He’s a great businessman and manager. The restaurant has been doing very well for seven years now. It helps that Ryan attended the best culinary school in the state. The boy can cook, and the menu is excellent. He found some superb chefs to help manage the kitchen with him. I’d love to take you for lunch or dinner sometime soon if you like.

Oh, that would be great, and It sounds like you are definitely chasing your dreams,"

Erica commented, smiling.

Yes, and I’m still making moves. It’s not good to become stagnant or get too comfortable with where you are. It’s always more than one thing we can do with our lives, always have a backup plan, you know!

Yeah, that is so true. You should never put all your eggs in one basket, but when do you have time to socialize and be able to relax? Erica replied.

Oh, you would be amazed, Erica! Once you get your business up and going, once everything starts falling into place and flowing how you want it, things seem to take care of themselves. And you teach on top of all this? Erica asked.

"Not much, I started volunteering my time at a local technical college, teaching a business course on Thursday nights. I’ve been