Growing Pains Journey Series Book 2

By Wanda B Campbell

Newlyweds, Samuel and Kayla Jerrod soon discover love doesn’t always lead to happily ever after, and that God’s plan is not always easy. Sometimes the best intentions can leave those we love the most wounded.

As Samuel and Kayla attempt to navigate their young marriage and parenthood, pride and unresolved issues drive them apart and cause them to question their commitment.

Will they survive the growing pains, or abort their destiny?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Micah 6:8 Books
• Release date: Dec 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781956607031

Wanda B Campbell

Wanda B. Campbell is the author of six awarding-winning Christian fiction novels.  Wanda is a two-time winner of the Urban Reviews Top Shelf Book Award, two-time winner of Coffee Time Romance's Critical Review Award, and a three-time Black Expressions Book Club Bestselling Author. She has appeared on the BCNN1/BCBC National Bestselling List multiple times and was nominated at the 2011 African American Literary Awards Show in the Christian Fiction category. Wanda is a wife, mother, minister, and mentor and has worked in public health care for 22 years.  She currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband. She enjoys spending time with her family and spoiling her grandson.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Kayla’s breathing, which was more like panting, echoed off the bathroom walls sounding like the wind. To calm her nerves as she waited the recommended time, she added pacing to what had become an eight-month ritual. In the beginning, excitement and anticipation flowed from her as she poured the translucent yellow liquid over the white stick-like object and waited for the pink plus sign to appear. Seven times the positive result she desired had evaded her. Disappointment and sometimes anger greeted her instead of the joy only an expecting mother would understand. Despite being given a clean bill of health from her gynecologist, worry about any internal damage the rape she experienced three years prior could have caused had also began to take root.

Samuel, her husband of two years and nineteen days, was in optimum health and dripped testosterone. They were both Christ-followers, and had prayed and both believed it was God’s will and time for them to add another child to their family. Kayla loved Danté, the ten-year-old Sam befriended at the youth center where he volunteered. They would gain custody of Danté once his terminally ill mother passed on to glory, but Kayla was ready for a baby now. Samuel, an associate pastor with ambition to establish a church someday, had gone as far as to say God had shown him their baby in a dream one morning. At the announcement, Kayla jumped from the bed and did a victory dance, and then proceeded to throw out the max pack of condoms she’d just purchased two days prior. For eight months she’d been confessing and believing, but still waiting for the manifestation of the prophetic dream.

Samuel, on the other hand, seemed oblivious to Kayla’s distress. After every negative test, he’d simply kiss Kayla and say with a mischievous grin, That means we get to put in more practice. Kayla would respond in kind and give into the unquenchable desire she had for Sam, without voicing her concern. He had no idea Kayla was tracking her temperature and ovulation cycle on a regular basis.

This time will be different, she whispered, as she stopped pacing and walked over to the marble vanity and picked up the white plastic stick-like object.

Hey, babe, breakfast is ready, Sam called from the other side of the bathroom door. I made your favorite, cinnamon French toast and turkey bacon with scrambled eggs and fruit. For a personal touch, I hand-squeezed the orange juice.

Uncontrollable handshaking and sudden heavy tears prevented Kayla from responding.

Sam turned the knob to gain entrance, but couldn’t. I don’t know why you still lock the bathroom door. I mean, it’s not like I haven’t seen every inch of you a hundred times over.

She heard his laughter and wanted to laugh at the absurdity too, but couldn’t. The lump in her throat made it difficult to breath.

Kayla, are you alright? You didn’t fall in, did you?

Kayla reached over and pulled the toilet handle, and then turned the faucet on, hoping to give the impression that she’d been using the toilet and not crying over the sink. Through Sam’s teasing, she’d heard his genuine concern. I’ll be right out, she said, after clearing her throat. I just need to get cleaned up. That was the truth; she needed to brush her teeth and discard the pregnancy test.

Okay, but don’t get too cleaned up. I have plans for you. His voice faded, is if he were walking away from the door.

Kayla didn’t doubt Sam’s plans would require a hot bath or shower later on. The last time Sam made her breakfast on a Saturday, it took an hour to wash all the chocolate syrup from her body. Even with anxiety threatening to overtake her, the desire to participate in her husband’s love games excited Kayla.

After brushing her teeth and tying the garbage bag, Kayla choked back tears and placed a smile on her face that she hoped would hide her inner turmoil, then opened the door and stepped into her bedroom. Turmoil turned into desire the second she saw Sam on their bed waiting for her with a breakfast tray and nothing else. Sam’s six-foot-two-inch chocolate frame was simply beautiful, even with the four-inch scar on his lower abdomen. After two years of marriage, Kayla still felt privileged to be the only woman besides Sam’s mother to see his bare body. The fact that Sam had saved his virginity for her bestowed on her an honor that at times left her breathless. Due to the rape, Kayla couldn’t offer him the same, but Sam was the only man she’d freely given her body.

Come here, wife, Sam said, while beckoning her with his hands. I read somewhere that you should eat before engaging in strenuous activity.

Then I should be fine, Kayla teased, removing her robe. The only thing on my agenda this morning is more sleep and maybe a small online shopping spree. She sashayed over to the bed and reached over Sam for a piece of turkey bacon, treating him to his favorite view. Um, this is so good, she flirted, licking her lips.

She chewed slowly, but swallowed hard when Sam moved the tray to the nightstand, and then flipped her back onto the bed.

If you have the energy to even look at a computer when I’m done, then you can spend as much money as you like.

Her budget-conscience husband’s warm breath and lips tickled her neck, and the ministrations of his hands, confirmed it: she could kiss the online shopping spree good-bye.

Chapter 2

Sam adjusted his clergy collar then leaned back in the chair and bowed his head. He cherished the solitude of his office every Sunday morning before worship service, using the time to meditate and to spiritually prepare for service. Since Grace Temple reached megachurch status, Sam took his job as Administrative Pastor more seriously. Now that there were literally thousands of souls to watch over, Sam couldn’t afford to become lax in his ministerial duties.

After a moment of prayer, Sam raised his head. Immediately, his eyes landed on the wedding photo resting on his desk. Like always, his lips parted into a full-smile. Hands down, aside from his ordination, the day he married Kayla was happiest day in his life. After nearly two years of marriage, Sam couldn’t get enough of his Hispanic/African-American curly-haired drama queen. Kayla often shared the humorous story about how Sam literally saved her from drowning, but from Sam’s perspective, it was Kayla who saved him. She was the answer to his prayer; the missing part he didn’t know he needed.

Before Kayla, although Sam was content, his life was routine and boring. The worst part was he didn’t know it until he crossed paths with Kayla Perez. In her unique way, Kayla challenged him to step outside the box he’d built around his life, and in the process took permanent residence in his heart. So far, their life together had surpassed his greatest imagination. The only thing missing was some little Jerrods running around. Sam believed their family would be expanding any day now. If not from biological children, Danté would be joining Sam and Kayla permanently, soon.

Just that quick, the smile evaporated, and Sam’s left hand massaged his chest. He’d been trying to massage the ache in his heart every time he thought of Danté Thomas lately. When Sam met the withdrawn and abused little boy over two years ago at the youth center, there was an immediate connection. Danté drew out Sam’s paternal instincts, and he instantly fell in love with the seven-year-old. Danté’s desire to spend time with Sam over his abusive father, didn’t come as a surprise to Sam, but his mother’s decision to grant Sam permanent custody of Danté after her demise had blindsided Sam. Yet, the decision to accept the responsibility came naturally. Kayla, who’d already bonded with Danté, agreed without reservation. Danté served as junior groomsman in their wedding. Sam and Kayla moved from their apartment building and purchased a home with space to accommodate Danté. His room was decorated with items Danté selected on visits during spring and summer break. Everything was in place to welcome Danté, but it grieved Sam that the child would have to lose his mother soon in order to join his household.

Sherri Thomas’ mother had called last week to say Sherri’s condition was deteriorating. On his weekly phone call to Danté, Sam held up a strong front for Danté’s sake. Although Sherri had been diagnosed with a severe form of Lupus that had damaged her kidneys and heart, years prior, she’d only recently opted to tell Danté of her prognosis and the real reason they’d moved back to Indiana. After living in California for ten years, Sherri wanted to spend her final days with her parents, back home in Indiana. Sam assumed Sherri procrastinated on telling Danté because he’d already lost his abusive father to the penal system.

Sam sniffled as he recalled the day four months ago when Danté called him crying and begging him to pray for his mother. Please, tell God to let my mother live, he’d cried into the phone. Sam prayed and then tried to explain that Sherri would be going to a better place where she would no longer suffer. The theological explanation fell on deaf ears and Danté transformed from a playful ten-year-old into a withdrawn paranoid kid.

According to Danté’s grandmother, Danté refused to leave his mother’s side. She had to threaten him with a whipping to get him to go to school. When he returns, Danté sits in a chair next to his mother’s bed and does his homework. He stopped playing outside with friends the day he found out his mother was leaving him. He even gave up his twin bed, opting to sleep in his sleeping bag next to Sherri’s bed. On their last Skype chat, Sam thought Danté looked as tired as Sherri, as she struggled to explain to Danté that he would be going to live with Sam and Kayla soon. All of the legal documents were signed and a trust fund was set up.

Father, please show me how to father Danté and console his wounds, Sam prayed right before Minister Higgins knocked, and then stepped into his office.

How’s life treating you, this fine Sunday morning, Pastor Jerrod?

Sam smirked at his best friend and accountability partner. Tyrell had asked him that same question every Sunday, since his marriage to Kayla. It eluded more to Sam being able to enjoy the benefits of marriage, than concern about his well-being. How about I ask you that same question in a few months, Youth Pastor? Tyrell was engaged to be married in three months.

Tyrell closed the door and sat down in one of the chairs in front of Sam’s desk. I’m sure I’ll have a hallelujah answer for you. Tyrell chuckled, and then leaned back. Man what’s up? I saw you wipe your eyes when I stepped in. Is everything good with Kayla?

Sam briefly glanced at the wedding picture. My baby is fine. It’s Danté I’m concerned about. It’s getting close; I’m expecting the call any day now.

Tyrell’s whistle pierced the silence that followed. Are you ready to take on the role as parent to a hurting pre-adolescent?

Sam had lost many hours of sleep over that very question. I’ve been parenting Danté from afar for two years now, but this transition will be very different. I’m scared to death, but I believe I’m ready. Of course, I’m praying without ceasing.

What about Kayla? Is she ready?

She loves Danté, Sam answered emphatically. And she’s more than ready to start our family. A smile slipped as thoughts of yesterday’s playtime crossed his mind.

Tyrell looked down at his watch and then stood to his feet. I have to go; I’m doing the invocation today. You know I’ll be praying for you and Kayla. Parenthood is not easy under the best circumstances.

Following Tyrell’s lead, Sam stood and put on his suit jacket. Appreciate it, man. He grabbed his Bible and followed Tyrell to the sanctuary.

Chapter 3

Ten more minutes, Kayla mumbled, after looking at the store clock. Ten more minutes, and she’d be off work, and free to set her plan in motion. Kayla loved her position of store manager for a major retail store, but taking inventory and verifying shipments were the last things she wanted to do. Anticipation and excitement gushed from her. How she’d been able to withhold the news of her pregnancy for two days amazed her. She literally bit her tongue twice to keep from spilling the announcement. Although, she’d prayed and hoped for positive results, when the pink plus sign appeared Kayla went into a state of disbelief. After taking another test Saturday evening and three more Sunday after worship service with the same positive results, Kayla was convinced. Finally, a little Jerrod was on the way.

Instead of blurting the news to Sam, Kayla wanted to plan a special evening to give him the confirmation his dream had come true. She also knew the good news would help release some of his stress and worry over Danté. Sam didn’t talk about it much, but Kayla knew every night Sam abandoned their bed and paced the floor praying for Danté. While Sam prayed for Danté, Kayla prayed for Sam. Hopefully, after an evening of pampering and aromatherapy along with the news of her pregnancy, Sam would sleep peacefully through the night.

What are you smiling about? her assistant manager and friend, Ashley, asked. Don’t answer. If I had a man like Sam at home, I’d be smiling too. Girl, I’d do backflips.

Kayla laughed along with her, and at the same time wondered when her friend had slowed down. Like most product warranties, Ashley operated under a 30-day trial period when it came to men. Nine out of ten times Ashley returned the merchandise for a new and improved model. That is, until she met Bobby Chen Li, the director of the youth center where Sam worked. Bobby, whose birth name was Leroy Jackson, was the perfect match for the runaway church girl.

Life is great, but I can’t tell you how great it is until tomorrow. Kayla rushed the statement out before Ashley bombarded her with questions, and then added, What are you and Bobby up to tonight? to distract her.

Nothing, but I’m trying to convince Leroy to come to Bible Study on Wednesday.

Kayla chuckled. If you start calling the man by his name, he might show up.

Ashley stopped going through the