Saved for Ben: Connecting the Community

By Jacquelyn B. Smith

This is the fifth book in the series. Ben and Wanda Davis are building their lives with their son, little Ben. They are entrepreneurs in Fairville, Georgia, working in Cognito as humanitarians to support the last, the least, and the lost. Ben continues to lead by faith, making God his top priority, while

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jacquelyn B Smith
• Release date: Apr 11, 2024
• ISBN: 9781964097091

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Copyright ©2024 by Jacquelyn B Smith.

ISBN 978-1-964097-08-4 (softcover)

ISBN 978-1-964097-09-1 (ebook)

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 express written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

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

Printed in the United States of America.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Can You Keep a Secret?

Chapter 2. My Cup Runneth Over!

Chapter 3. Surprise Revealed!

Chapter 4. Unexpected Storm

Chapter 5. Unexpected Storm Consequences

Chapter 6. Unexpected Provisions

Chapter 7. Finding a New Normal

Chapter 8. Blessings in Fairville for Such a Time as This

Chapter 9. Names Have Meanings

Chapter 10. Who Are You?

Chapter 11. Our Welcomed Additions

Chapter 12. Little Ben Turns Two!

Chapter 1

Can You Keep a Secret?

After a stress-free wedding ceremony, David and Dee had driven away from the Cason’s Celebration Center and were on their way to Savannah, Georgia, for their honeymoon. Ben was happy for his brother, David, but he was ecstatic about the news his wife had given him. He proudly made his announcement that he and Wanda were expecting another child; everyone congratulated and hugged the happy couple. Little Ben was content in the arms of his auntie Mary. Mary twirled little Ben around celebrating the announcement.

Mom cautioned, Mary, you’re going to make the baby dizzy.

As little Ben laughed out loud, Mary exclaimed, He loves it, Mom!

Mom warned, Be careful!

Mary declared, He’s going to love roller coasters, heights, and fast things!

Mom laughed and said, He probably will!

Ben rushed over to hug his mother and asked, Mom, can you believe it?

Mom smiled and said, Yes, I can. I’m so happy for you! You and Wanda are great parents, I hope you have many children.

Ben laughed and said, Hold on, Mom. We only want three! Mary laughed and said, Three is a great number.

Little Ben wanted Mary to twirl him again, in his own language he said, Auntie, Auntie.

Ben’s sister, Mary, could not resist her nephew. She picked him up and twirled him again.

Ben said, Mary, you’re spoiling him!

Mary smiled and said, I know. We were spoiled with love, so I’m spoiling him too!

Everyone laughed.

Wanda walked over and said, Mom, if my calculations are correct, the due date will be early August.

Mom said, I’m so excited.

Ben pulled his beautiful wife close and kissed her on the cheek.

Mary said, That would be great. Hopefully before I go back to the university for my senior year.

Ben inquired, Have you thought about staying and getting your master’s degree?

Mary said, I have. Dean White said that he’s sure I can qualify for a scholarship. That will also give me more time to do the televised broadcasts. I really like being the spokesperson for cultural studies.

Wanda complimented, According to the ones we’ve seen, you’re very good. Maybe that’s your calling.

Mary said, I hope so. I really enjoy it. It uses most of my talents. I use my language skills, I get to talk, I can be entertaining, and I also learn so much from the people that I’m interviewing. I really like it.

Ben encouraged, We’re very proud of you! You’re doing really well there at the university.

Mary said, I’m happy there.

Little Ben said, Juice! Juice!

Mary said, My nephew wants juice. I have to go find juice. If I can’t find any in the kitchen, we will be going to the store. Remember, I’m keeping him this weekend!

Wanda said, Mary, you’re spoiling us too!

Everyone laughed.

Ben pulled Wanda away and asked, Sweetheart, when do you want to make an appointment with Dr. Holmes?

Wanda smiled and said, "I already have. We have an appointment on Monday morning at nine o’clock!

Ben smiled and said, Oh, so you planned on telling me today. How long have you known?

Wanda smiled and said, About two weeks!

Ben exclaimed, You kept this a secret for two weeks!

Wanda laughed and said, It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do! I wanted to make the announcement special for you!

Ben pulled her close and said, You did! I love you!

Wanda smiled and said, I love you too.

Ben twirled her around the room and started to slow dance even though no music was playing. Again, they danced like no one else was in the room. Everyone but the family had departed from the event center. James Strong, the caterer, was talking to Pam, Dee’s best friend.

James said, Pam, thank you so much for all your help today. Even though you were a bridesmaid, you helped me out when I needed more servers.

Pam said, No problem. I’ve served so much at this event center, I can tell when help is needed.

James laughed and said, You look very nice. That color looks really good on you!

Pam smiled and complimented, Thanks! The food was delicious. You’re a great chef!

James smiled and said, Thanks! I have another event on Monday night. Will you be in town?

Pam smiled and stated, Ms. Phyllis has already scheduled me to serve during the Christmas break. I think there will be ten events.

James confirmed, Yes. We’ll be busy. Today is December 18, so ten more events before January 2.

Pam said, Wow! Yes, I will be here to help!

James said, I know I don’t have a lot of time off, but would you go out with me?

Pam replied, I would love to go out with you if you can figure out a time.

James smiled and said, Now that you have said yes. I will make time!

Pam stated, I go back to the university on January 11.

James laughed and said, That’s good to know! I hope to find time way before that!

Pam laughed.

The servers had cleared the tables and put the tablecloths in the washing machines.

James said, I have to clean up the kitchen before I leave.

Pam volunteered, Since the wedding was so early, I have time to help you.

James said, I told the servers that they didn’t have to stay and help if they cleaned up everything else.

Pam said, No problem. Let me go change my clothes and I’ll be right back to help!

James smiled and said, I really do appreciate it.

As Pam was leaving, Mom walked over and said, James, dinner was delicious. You did a great job. I guess, I need to schedule more servers for a party of this size.

James said, Yes, it was tough there for a while, but then Pam and Mary stepped in to help!

Mom said, I know. Both of them are awesome.

James informed, Pam is going to help me clean the kitchen.

Mom smiled and said, Okay, one of the servers told me that you said that she could leave.

James explained, Yes, I know they’ll be working hard. I wanted to give them some time off on a Saturday.

Mom said, That was very thoughtful of you! Do you need anything before I go?

James said, No, ma’am, I can handle it. I’ll see you on Monday!

Mom smiled and waved goodbye. Pam returned, looking as beautiful in her jeans as she did in her bridesmaid dress.

James exclaimed, Wow! You look just as nice in your jeans as you did in your dress!

Pam smiled and said, Thank you very much!

James stated, We don’t have to clean everything today. I can come back tomorrow.

Pam said, No. I will help you get everything cleaned today. Maybe you can sleep late tomorrow.

James said, I would love that. I have been using the mornings to prep for the upcoming events.

Pam stated, I never knew life as a chef was so hard. Dee told me how David preps for the day each morning, and sometimes, it’s still not enough.

James explained, Yes! You work hard if your business is successful!

Pam laughed.

They cleaned, talked, laughed, and cleaned some more. After about an hour and a half, the kitchen was shiny and new again.

James asked, Pam, what do you have planned for the rest of the day?

Pam said, I really don’t have anything planned. My younger sisters are hanging out with their friends. My mom and dad have gone Christmas shopping, and my best friend is on her honeymoon.

James stated, I haven’t had a chance to do any Christmas shopping. That’s one thing about Fairville, it doesn’t have a lot of stores.

Pam agreed, I know. I’ve found some great stuff at the sporting goods store.

James said, Well, it’s still early. It’s a little after three o’clock. Would you like to go to Macon and do some shopping?

Pam asked jokingly, Is this your idea of a date?

James laughed and explained, No, this is not our date. This is just two friends hanging out!

Pam said, Instead of going to Macon, there’s a Christmas festival in Harrisburg, it’s only twenty-five miles away. Would you like to go there?

James said, I would love to go there. I always keep jeans and a shirt here. Let me go clean up and change clothes.

Pam said, No problem!

***

When Ben and Wanda drove up to their house, Buttons was waiting in the driveway. Ben got out of the car, still looking very nice in his tuxedo. He picked up Buttons and walked him over to Mrs. Boatwright’s driveway. When Ben got back in the car, Wanda was smiling.

Wanda complimented, Ben, you’re a very handsome man!

Ben smiled and said, Oh, so you think so!

Smiling, Wanda said, I know so and you belong to me!

Ben said, Only you! You make me very happy.

Wanda exclaimed, Good! Can you believe we’re pregnant again?

Ben said, I’m ecstatic! Do you want a girl or a boy?

Wanda said, This time I want a girl!

Ben said, I do too, but of course, if God gives us another boy, I won’t be disappointed.

Wanda smiled.

As they were walking up to the door, Ben pulled his wife close and said, I love you, Wanda!

Wanda smiled and said, I think I love you more! Laughing, Ben said, Impossible!

He swooped his wife up and carried her into the house.

Wanda suggested, Mary is taking care of Ben for the weekend. I think we should take advantage of this time alone.

Ben smiled and said, I told you before. I like the way you think!

The rest of the weekend was full of love and intimacy but went by too fast. On Monday, Mary kept little Ben while Ben and Wanda went to the obstetrician.

Dr. Holmes, the obstetrician, said cheerfully, Good morning, Ben and Wanda! As you know, you’re expecting again!

Ben laughed and said, We’re excited.

Holding the medical chart, Dr. Holmes said, I am happy for you! Wanda, you indicated on this form that your last menstrual cycle was in November.

Wanda said, That’s correct.

Dr. Holmes asked, Was it a normal cycle?

Wanda said, Not really! It was somewhat light but about three days.

Dr. Holmes said, I think you may be further along than you think. I want to schedule an ultrasound. This will give us a better indication of how far along you really are.

Concerned, Ben asked, Dr. Holmes, do you think there is a problem?

Dr. Holmes said, Oh, no problem. I just want to get a better indication.

Wanda said, I thought I needed to be at least six weeks before the baby can be seen on an ultrasound. I think that I am only four weeks.

Dr. Holmes said, That is true. I think you may be further along, so we will see.

Ben inquired, When would you like to do the ultrasound?

Dr. Holmes asked, How about today? I know it’s last minute. However, if you are free, we can do it now.

Wanda asked, "Ben, do you want to