Under the Shadow of His Wings: Part 3 It's All About Family

By Rosetta Hargett

“Hi, this is Ruth Colon. May I please speak to Mack?” 

“Mack speaking, how can I help you, Mrs. Colon?” 

“I’m calling regarding my ex-husband Lonnie Colon; I just got a call from one of his co-workers to tell me Lonnie was in an accident and rushed to The Tremont Hospital.”   

“Mrs. Colon, your ex-husband doesn’t work here any more; he was fired about six months ago; as a matter of fact, we had to call the police to escort him out of here and get a court order to keep him off the premises! Mrs. Colon, I don’t know you, but I’ve heard some nice things about you from some of the guys here that know Lonnie personally. Look, I’m not trying to get in your business; anybody that knows me will tell you I am not one to get involved in my employee’s personal life. As long as my employees are doing their job, I stay out of their business, but just hearing your voice, I feel obligated to tell you this, you need to get as far away from Lonnie as possible. He has some serious mental issues! Your ex-husband is a very dangerous man and is not to be trusted; if I were you, I would never be left alone with him. When Ruth hung up from Mack, a feeling of dread swept over her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Outskirts Press
• Release date: Oct 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9781977269454

Rosetta Hargett

Rosetta Ingram/Hargett has been writing since 2003. It’s all about family” is her first Novel and is a sequel of 3, “A New beginning” and “Under the Shadow of His wings.” Rosetta has also written and produced seven plays, “The Civil Trial of Jesus”, “Guess who’s coming to Dinner?” “Fear Don’t Live here anymore”, “And a Child shall lead them”, “Sister’s in Pursuit”, “On the way to the Cross”, and “Behind Closed Doors”. Writing has always been one of her passions but her first passion is praying. She is a prayer warrior and strongly believes in the power of prayer. Rosetta has been an ordained Evangelist since 1999. She is happily married to her best friend and biggest fan Allen Hargett Sr. She is the proud mother of eight children and currently resides in New Jersey with her family. She is a Faithful member of Mt Olive House of Prayer under the leadership of Bishop Troy and Pastor Gloria Ingram.  For further information contact Rosetta at; [e-mail] 

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Under the Shadow of His Wings

Part 3 It’s All About Family

All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2024 Rosetta Hargett

v4.0

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

The opinions expressed in this manuscript are solely the opinions of the author and do not represent the opinions or thoughts of the publisher. The author has represented and warranted full ownership and/or legal right to publish all the materials in this book.

This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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Cover Photo © 2024 Rosetta Hargett. All rights reserved - used with permission.

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PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to my Parents, the late Reverend Fred William Ingram Sr. A man that sought the heart of God and never compromised his integrity. A man who was an advocate for family. I can still hear your words daddy, "friends may come and go, but family is forever. To my mother Evangelist Martha Ann Ingram, a true example of a Proverbs 31 woman, a woman of Excellence, who have sacrificed so much, not only for her own children and grandchildren, but for so many others as well. God will not forget your labor of love mommy, and neither will we.

To my cousin Barry Bobien and his beautiful wife Dawn, I love you both so much! Not only are you my family, you have also been my best friends that’s been closer than a brother and sister. You will always have a special place in my heart. You didn’t give up on me and you believed in me, when I didn’t believe in myself. You spoke life to me as you ministered words of encouragement, and I am eternally grateful. I love you both to life!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

SPECIAL THANKS

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

EPILOGUE

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

To my amazing husband Allen, a man after the heart of God. I am honored to be your wife, you’re the best! To my beautiful Children who God has blessed me with. My sons Derrick and his beautiful wife Juanita, Lee and his beautiful wife Annette, Willie, Kofi, Mikey, AJ, my daughters Laverna and her husband Eric, Becky and her husband Joseph. No one can be prouder than I am to be called your mom. I am not only blessed, but I have been divinely favored. I love you with all my heart.

To my leaders Bishop Troy and Gloria Ingram, my brother Nate, my church family. Thank you all for being so patient and understanding especially during those times I was ready to give up.

To my prayer partners, Adrienne and Steven Ortiz, Tiana Garner, Michelle Johnson, Robert Lee Lewis, Robbi Everette, Gatty Mercy, Marshall Mercy, Marlene Thomas, Jae Conner, Mericha Morrissette, Michelle Bedu, Mercedes Velez

I am so blessed to have you all in my life, I thank you for being there for me, allowing me to cry on your shoulders as you listened to me without judging me as you prayed me through. Thank you for always having my back, you all mean the world to me. Please Don’t stop praying for me! This is just the beginning! To all of my prayer line partners, you are more than just friends to me, you’re my Spiritual brothers and sisters. Thank you for your dedication and loyalty to our prayer lines, God has not forgotten about you.

SPECIAL THANKS

A special thanks to Mr. Oo, Griffin, Hope Mobley, Gail Bazemore, Martha Mobley, Jaquelyn Fairley, Diahann Campbell, I can’t thank you enough for your support; you are the best!

PROLOGUE

It was the end of August, and the heat was brutal. It was a hundred degrees in the shade. The children playing outside actually put an egg on the concrete and it cooked before their very eyes!

Rachel was now three months pregnant and miserable; the heat didn’t make it any easier for her. The very smell of food made her sick to her stomach. She couldn’t seem to get enough sleep and when she woke up, she felt as though she’d never slept. She thought she’d never eat again. She remembered feeling tired when she was pregnant with Kevin, but this time, it seemed like she was sleeping a lot more than she remembered.

Barry was worried about her and insisted on taking her to the doctor to ensure she was okay. She argued with him because she had an appointment in two weeks. He insisted she sees a doctor before her appointment date. Barry called her doctor and was told to bring her in. Frustrated, she went reluctantly to keep her husband from worrying about her.

The doctor examined Rachel. He immediately sent her to have some blood workup done, followed by his technician doing an ultrasound. He told her he would speak to her after her blood test returned.

They sat in the waiting room until the results came back. She was so glad the laboratory was right on the premises, so they didn’t have to return the next day for the results.

Finally, the doctor called Rachel and Barry into his office. He sat quietly, reading her blood test results and looking at her ultrasound, as Rachel sat nervously, wondering what could be wrong. Her whole body trembled.

"Rachel, will you lay down on the examining table for me, please? I want to do the ultrasound again.

Barry looked at Rachel, and she gripped his hand tightly. She hesitated for a minute as fear swept over her, causing her to feel faint. She knew something was wrong because their doctor had this strange look on his face. Her body began to tremble more,

"Doctor, she asked hesitantly, is everything ok? Is the baby all right?"

He didn’t respond to her as he was so preoccupied with looking at her blood test results and the first ultrasound the technician had taken that he didn’t hear her.

She was ready to burst into tears. Barry tried his best to be calm for her sake, but he, too, was barely keeping it together. He began to pray and ask God to give them the strength they so desperately needed as he thought to himself,

‘Why is the doctor so quiet? Why isn’t he saying anything? What was going on with his wife that he hadn’t told them? He didn’t want to appear anxious for Rachel’s sake, but all kinds of questions flooded Barry’s mind. God, please, help us…Please let my wife and our baby be all right.’

CHAPTER 1

The doctor finally spoke; those few moments of silence felt like hours. Looking carefully at the second ultrasound again, the doctor turned to them and smiled.

Well, it looks like you two are having twins! One of the babies was hidden. That’s why I had you do a second one with a more sensitive camera that could detect the other fetus.

The doctor said, pointing at the screen to show them the babies.

That would explain your extreme exhaustion. It sometimes happens when you’re carrying two babies.

Rachel was sure she’d misunderstood what the doctor had just said.

Wait a minute, did you just say twins? Rachel asked, stunned.

Yes, I said twins! The doctor chuckled.

Barry was shocked but ecstatic! He wasn’t sure if he should express his joy immediately because Rachel looked terrified! He looked at his wife to make sure she was ok. Neither expected to hear the doctor tell them they were having twins. The doctor looked at the young couple, feeling warm in his heart for them.

Other than that, you’re doing fine, he said, trying to reassure her. "I’m going to change your vitamins. You’ll need extra supplements for you and your babies. It should help you with your energy level, and I was hoping you could start taking them immediately. Since you already have an appointment to see me in two weeks, I won’t schedule another appointment for you. I’ll see you then. He said I have some pamphlets for you, handing the stack to Barry since Rachel still had a dumbfounded look.

I want you to read them, and I also want to give you this book. He handed the book to Rachel. I only give this book to my favorite patients! It’ll give you information on what you can expect while carrying your twins, and if you have any questions or concerns, call me. He teased.

Rachel was numb; she couldn’t speak. She didn’t know if she should laugh or cry. Barry decided not to express how happy he was until his wife got a little more adjusted to the news of their twins.  

The ride home was quiet; Barry kept glancing at her to ensure she was okay. Rachel still looked shocked and confused. Barry thought to himself,

‘Should I say something to her? I wonder what’s on her mind. Is she okay? Two babies at once? Would she be able to cope?’

Barry’s mind was racing with so many questions, but he dared not to say a word, but he just wished she was saying something.

By the time they got home, Emma and the boys had just finished having dinner and they were cleaning the kitchen. She couldn’t wait to find out how Rachel was doing.

Hi baby! So how did everything go?

Rachel acting as though she didn’t hear her mother, swooped right past her and went straight to her bedroom without uttering a word to anyone and closed her door. Ronald, Nathaniel, and Emma looked at Barry.

Is everything okay? Emma asked.

She thought maybe they’d had an argument. Barry looked at Emma and smiled, shaking his head. He looked at Nathaniel and Ronald;

Hey guys, why don’t you knock on Uncle Jay’s door and see if he wants something to eat. Ronald smiled; he knew Barry wanted to talk to Emma privately.

"We did already, but we were planning on having dessert with him, so we’ll do that now, this way you and Grandma Emma can talk. Oh, and Uncle Barry, you should call your realtor. I dreamt they found the perfect house for you and Aunty Rach. Uncle Barry, please tell Auntie Rach not to worry. God will not give her more than she can handle."

Barry looked at Ronald with his mouth open, shocked by his comment! He couldn’t believe what Ronald had just said! Emma shook her head; she was not surprised by anything Ronald said. She chuckled and laughed to herself, as she watched the astound look on Barry’s face. Emma wrapped the boys some of the brownies she’d baked for them earlier to take with them to Jared’s apartment. They were so excited and couldn’t wait to share it with him. Kevin began to cry, reaching for Nathaniel. He wanted to go with them. Nathaniel pleaded.

Uncle Barry, can we please take him with us? We’ll take good care of him, I promise. We won’t stay long.

Barry let him go with them. Soon as the boys left, Emma brewed a fresh pot of coffee. She couldn’t wait to find out what happened at the doctor’s office.

So, what happened? Is Rachel all right? She really looked upset!

Give me a minute, Ma, he whispered, I’ll be right back.

Barry got up to check to make sure his bedroom door was still closed. He didn’t want Rachel to over-hear him talking to Emma. The phone rang. It was their realtor. Emma asked the realtor if she could hold on. Barry came back into the kitchen smiling.

Ok, Ma, the coast is clear she’s asleep.

Wait, before you start talking, you have a call from your realtor.

Barry looked at her strangely and picked up the phone.

Hey Peggy, what’s going on? I hope you got some good news for us.

Emma realized the boys had forgotten Kevin’s sippy cup. He was no longer drinking from the bottle, and he took the sippy cup with him everywhere he went. She took it to Jared’s apartment before he started crying for it. They were all sitting at the table eating their brownies as they were laughing and talking.

Kevin was sitting on Nathaniel’s lap with a big smile as he waved his little hands at Emma. She smiled when she saw him acting like he was just as big as the boys. She kissed him, gave him his sippy cup, and left. Usually, when he saw his grandmother or his parents, he would cry to go with them, but if he was with Nathaniel, Ronald, or Jared, he never cried.

By the time she got back, Barry was off the phone, sitting at the table mesmerized, shaking his head, he looked at Emma.

Ma, our realtor found what she claims to be, the perfect house for us! The owner of the house happened to be a close friend of Peggy’s brother and they’re moving out of the country. She wanted Peggy to see the property first before she showed it to anyone else. She fell in love with it and has no doubt that we will love it too. So, she wants us to come to see it tomorrow, and if we like it, she wants us to make an offer as soon as possible. She sounds so excited! She says it has everything Rachel asked for.

Emma smiled, shaking her head Why are you so shocked? The little prophet already told you what he dreamt last night! Referring to Ronald, she chuckled

Ma, that little boy is really special, he says things, and it comes right out!

I know! Every time he opens his mouth, I listen to him. Barry, there is a reason why God placed these children here with us for now. You and Rachel need them as much as they need you. Speaking of Rachel, tell me, what happened at the doctor’s office today?

Barry laughed and glanced back; he began to whisper.

Ma, the doctor told us we are having twins!

Emma gasped; TWINS?

Yep, and Rachel is not a happy camper!

I bet she’s not! Emma and Barry began to laugh! Oh, my goodness! I can’t believe it! Twins? Lord have mercy! What did she say?"

That’s just it, she hasn’t said a word! And I’m scared to say anything to her!

"Don’t worry son, she’ll come around. Having one baby is one thing, but having two babies at the same time that’s a whole different story. She just needs some time to get mentally adjusted to the idea. How do you feel about it son?"

I’m so happy! I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am, but I couldn’t express my excitement in the front of Rachel, I wasn’t sure if she was ready to hear that just yet.

Emma smiled and whispered to him and grabbed his hand.

I’m excited too!

I’m going to do everything I can to make it easy for her.

Emma looked at Barry with such admiration.

I know you will son, I know you will.

Rachel woke up and strolled into the kitchen; she sat on Barry’s lap and kissed him,

Honey, I’m so sorry for the way I acted after we left the doctor’s office; please forgive me, I was just so shocked, I needed a minute to think and process what the doctor said! He smiled and rubbed her back.

It’s ok baby, I know.

Emma smiled, watching the two love birds, they reminded her so much of the love she and her husband shared.

"Hey, mom, sorry I was so abrupt with you when we came in. I was kind of overwhelmed and just wanted to lie down for a few minutes.

Her eyes darted around, looking for the kids.

Where’re the kids?

The kids are in Jared’s house, even little Kevin and you should see him down there acting like he’s just as big as Nathaniel and Ronald, she chuckled. Are you okay sweetie?"

Yeah, I’m okay now. Did Barry tell you what the doctors said?

Yes, he did. She said, chuckling.

Ma, I know our family is small, but do you know if there’s any history of twins in our family?

Not that I know of, sweetie, but anything is possible. Although your grandma Anna never mentioned anything about twins in her family to me, you just never know. Your daddy and I both came from such a small family, and having twins in our family would have probably stuck out like a sore thumb!

Barry looked at Emma and Rachel.

"There is a history of twins in my family. As a matter of fact, my grandmother was a twin, and so was my grandfather! My grandmother’s twin sister died at birth, and my grandfather had a twin sister; she was a beautiful woman. As a matter of fact, my sister Stephanie looks just like her! It’s so