The WRONG CATCH: The CATCH Series, #2

By Dr. Velma Bagby

In The WRONG CATCH, the third installment of The CATCH Series, Greyson, and his daughter Veronica Dawson challenge women to answer the question: if the guy is a trophy, what does that make the woman called to be his prize (crown)?

 

Through a series of fish stories, Veronica reveals her experiences of dating the wrong men, such as the Catfish who loves garbage, the Sturgeon who likes to nibble, the Salmon who hates getting caught, and the Pufferfish who is handsome until agitated. Greyson takes it a step further, introducing four new fish analogies based on an elite group of trophy fish popular for fishing tournaments: the powerful fighters called the Black Bass and the Pike fish (twins) also strong and popular with anglers.

 

Can the angler win the fight to catch the trophy fish, or will the big powerful trophy fish use its antics to tire out the angler? What happens on land when these trophy fish and women meet?

 

Find out more in Greyson and Veronica's exciting story, The WRONG CATCH. If you enjoyed the other books in The CATCH Series, you'll love this one too! Buy it now!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dr. Velma Bagby
• Release date: Apr 22, 2023
• ISBN: 9781736857540

Book preview

Prologue

Life has continued since Veronica Dawson and her dad, Greyson Dawson’s fishing trip in Book One. The story concluded with Veronica’s testimony in church about her wedding to her goldfish, Bennett Washington, and it’s still creating waves of interest in the fish analogies she shared. Things have changed for everyone, especially Veronica. But are there more fish?

* * *

Veronica puts her head back in the toilet to vomit and, after a few minutes, lifts her head as she comes up for air. She continues to think happier thoughts and memories, hoping to occupy her mind and help her focus on things other than her pregnancy-related morning sickness. She lifts her head again to catch her breath as her mind raced.

It’s been over a month since my Sunday testimony. Members, singles and married, continue to talk about the impact my testimony had on them. It warms my heart to know how my story affected others. Thank you, Lord!

Even though everyone knew of my struggles, they could hear and see for themselves how God blessed me. Their response warmed my heart. They praised God and did so for several minutes—the entire room filled with folks who stood up praising God, with hands lifted, shouting hallelujah. While others danced a praise dance, the musicians played and sang a worship song. It did not help to calm their praise when I revealed that Bennett and I were expecting at the end of my testimony. It sent the entire room into elated praise. We felt blessed, but watching their response to our news was amazing.

Veronica rested her head on the side of the toilet and thought to herself, I remember when I shared the details of how God introduced me to Bennett and blessed our marriage. It’s amazing how the members have not forgotten how the entire congregation responded that day. To this day, members continue to talk about how different that praise break was for them and how the entire congregation supported Bennett and me. Because of my heartfelt story, the members worshipped God for the longest time, to where many fainted—slain in the spirit—as the glory of the Lord filled the church.

Since that time, Bennett and I have done well in our transition as a couple. We continue to enjoy the beauty of discovering what God has given us in each other. The memories of us spending time together as kids connected us more than I realized. Like finding a family member that you had grown accustomed to being around all your life, who has suddenly returned. You pick up where you left off as if your time apart never happened.

Of course, there are adjustments we had to make, such as, I dislike clutter. He’s a clutter bug—but then he has a maid. I like to roll my tube of toothpaste and he doesn’t. He’s accustomed to leaving the toilet seat up and now must practice putting the seat down for me. I make my bed as soon as I rise, then drop to my knees to pray—he rolls out of bed and kneels face down on the floor. But he never forgets to rise from his prayer position, walk over to me, and place his hands on my shoulder to pray. He asks God to cover my needs, to bless me in health, and to use my life for his glory. Then he says, Lord, thank you for giving me my wife and little one.

Oh, no... then she throws up in the toilet.

After a few minutes, she lifts her head, takes a breath, and continues reminiscing.

I cannot believe how the idea of the fish analogies spread like wildfire. She smiles. After addressing it at church, talking to my friends about the fish, and even speaking with folks from surrounding ministries who asked about the stories, Lord, I’m still in awe. When I’m better, I would love to respond to the requests for more information. It would be great to host an intensive session with the ladies and my dad as the facilitator. But I can’t right now. Oh, oh, here we go...burp. Then vomits.

Veronica puts her head down inside the toilet to vomit. Catching her breath as she lifts her head, Whoa! Little man. Do you plan to give mommy a break? Lord, help me make it through this first trimester of my pregnancy. Keep me and my little one healthy throughout, in Jesus’ name. I thank you. Amen!

Wow! I remember Mom said she and her sister Big Red experienced difficult morning sickness. I didn’t know how extreme their morning sickness was until now.

Veronica’s head goes down again, and she vomits. She lifts her head while still holding onto the sides of the toilet. Lord, I had no idea how bad this stage was for them. But now I know first-hand...burp.

Now, back to the ladies wanting to know more. This level of interest in fish stories is unbelievable. How can I help the other women learn what I did? Will my dad agree? The pressure is on me to help as many women as possible. Lord, show us how. Oh, Oh! I know, little man, this pregnancy is the priority right now...hiccup.

Then she hastens to put her head back into the toilet but misses and vomits on the floor. This time she notices blood in the vomit. Wiping her mouth, Veronica adjusted the towel around her neck, but could not focus on happy thoughts after seeing the blood. Just then, Bennett comes into the bathroom and sees Veronica sitting on the floor next to the toilet.

In shock and concern over what he sees on the floor, Oh Babe, so sorry you’re sick. I’m here and wish I could take some of this from you.

He gets the mop to clean up the fluids on the floor and gags after seeing the blood in the vomit. Once Bennett finished cleaning up, he sat down next to his wife and says, If you’re going through this, you’re not going through it alone. I’m sitting right here with you. Let me know if you need anything.

Veronica spoke in a whisper, Babe, you can’t take this sickness away. You’re already helping me, and I appreciate how you’re doing your best to comfort me. The servants are helpful too. I just want to get through this morning, noon, and night sickness. I don’t know who called it morning sickness. Ugh!

Bennett, Well, I can pray God sends you help or relief. Father, help my wife through this and bring her relief, in Jesus’ name. Amen!

She turned to lean over the toilet to vomit. When she came up for air, she asked, Bennett, can you get me another towel and wet it so I can place it on my neck? Before Bennett answered, she put her head in the toilet again...burp. She vomits.

Bennett grabbed a washcloth, ran cool water on it, then removed the excess water to place it on the back of Veronica’s neck. He then grabbed two large pillows and placed them in front of her to provide some comfort.

He said in a caring tone, Babe, can I get you some tea?

Veronica responded, I can’t, Babe. Little man won’t let me keep anything down.

Bennett then assured her, Okay Babe, it’s time to call in an SOS. I can’t watch you suffer like this. Relax, I’ll be right back.

Bennett walked into the bedroom and called the best-registered nurse he knows. Someone he trusts with all his health-related questions—his baby cousin whose nickname is Lil Red. Lil Red is a Nurse Consultant and an experienced Registered Nurse. Concerned and desperate to help his wife, he whispered to himself—please be home—as he dials her number.

Excited, Lil Red answered the phone. Bennett said, Hey Cousin. I’m so glad you answered. We need you. Veronica is moving through the first trimester of her pregnancy and has been experiencing extreme morning sickness. But it isn’t just in the morning, it’s all day. She can’t eat and she sits on the floor near the toilet for lengthy periods. It hurts me to see her suffering like this. Can you stop by?

Lil Red assured Bennett, It’s going to be okay, cousin. I’m on my way. If the traffic is good, I’ll be there in 30 minutes.

Bennett felt relieved, Thank you so much. I’ll see you soon.

Lil Red promised. I’m on my way. So, please relax.

Lil Red got inside her car parked in the garage and exited to head over to Bennett’s during the commute hours and very heavy traffic. Lil Red drove inside the carpool lane and