Into the Light: Sequel to out of the Blue

By Patricia Schmidt Jameson

When Wes Russell divorced Molly for another woman, the question on her mind was, what was Gods plan for her future? The question on Paul Perkinss mind was, would Molly ever let him be part of it? As the sequel to Out of the Blue, Into the Light shows Gods handprint as Molly and Paul struggle to be used by him in their dealings with a Down syndrome baby and a runaway brother. Theyre used in situations from salvation to asserting authority in Jesuss name. Theyre an ordinary family living life by the grace of God.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 22, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543432176

Patricia Schmidt Jameson

Patricia Schmidt Jameson was born and raised in Rochester, NY. She was married to John Schmidt for thirty-seven years until he went home to be with the Lord in 1991. The couple have five children and seven grandchildren, plus one great granddaughter. Pat taught Sunday school for several years at the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, and also worked for eighteen years as bookkeeper for 3WG radio station. She lives with her son, John, in Henrietta, NY, a suburb of Rochester.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Softly, the words came over the radio, filling the car with the sense of God’s presence. Tell me, once again, who I am to You, who I am to You.

Molly Perkins leaned back in the passenger seat and closed her eyes. They had just pulled out of the hotel parking lot, where they had spent three days. I love this song, she said.

Me too, Paul, her new husband, replied. It’s so important to be reminded who we are to God. We may never mean much to the world, but we mean everything to Him.

The words continued to flow. Tell me, lest I forget who I am to You, that I belong to You.

Yeah, she said. "Remembering we belong to Him certainly colors our life. It controls our thoughts and actions. We are not our own. We have been bought with a price, and we need to be reminded of that.

"It is important, not only spiritually speaking but humanly speaking as well. For instance, it’s important to be reminded that one is loved. That’s why I love to hear you tell me how you loved me before I ever knew it. Tell me one more time, Paul, she said. I never grow weary of hearing about it."

He drew a deep breath. He loved telling the story nearly as much as she loved hearing it.

His thoughts went back to the day, years earlier, when Molly Russell, along with her husband and three children, entered his family’s home. My heart was drawn to yours from the moment I met you. At first, I was pleased when you and your family came to the farm to visit us, but it didn’t take long before that pleasure turned into a pain. I couldn’t bear to see you with another man. After a while, it got to be so painful I couldn’t bear to be in the same room with you.

She remembered how puzzled she was that he would always find an excuse to leave when she and her family came. It wasn’t until after her husband divorced her that she found out why.

His mother, Maude Perkins, known affectionately to her as Aunt Maude, told her that her eldest son was in love with her. Everyone knew it, that is, everyone except Molly, who had no clue. Maude’s son was a Christian. She knew how hard it had to be for him being in love with another man’s wife, and she also knew that he would never do anything to try to break up the marriage. That was why he stayed out of her way. Now that Wes Russell had divorced her, Maude thought it was time Molly knew the truth.

Once Molly was told, she decided she was going to face the issue head-on the next time she made the trip from Rochester to Dryden. Before she went the following week, she called and told Paul she was coming and wanted to speak to him in private. She could only imagine what went through his mind. The only place one could talk in private at the Perkins’ farm was the barn.

I’ve relived that night in the barn over and over, he told her. I could not imagine what you wanted to talk to me about. It was beyond my wildest imagination that our conversation that night would end up with you admitting that there was a possibility that you could find a place in your heart for me. I still find it difficult to believe.

Believe it, my darling, she said as she recalled the scene. How nervous he was sitting there on that bale of hay. How difficult it must have been for him to own up to what everyone already knew and then ask if she could ever find room in her heart for another man.

Paul, do you remember my answer?

As if I could forget! You said there was a little spark already lit for me inside your heart.

I guess that time on the back porch was what started that spark. I hope I never forget that time when you timidly prayed for me. That had to have taken a lot of guts on your part. Up until then, you barely spoke to me, and there you were, laying your hand on my shoulder and praying for me.

It really didn’t take too much courage. I was so overwhelmed hearing you sob I did what came naturally. I prayed for you.

My heart was breaking, Paul. You can’t imagine what a terrible blow that was to me. After twenty-two years, my husband decided he preferred another woman to me. That was the day the divorce became final. I went out there on the porch to be alone. I thought everyone was inside sleeping. I didn’t realize that you were out there.

I know you didn’t.

But what really touched my heart, Paul, was the fact that you were crying too. I couldn’t get over it.

I was hurting because you were hurting. If I had had the chance, I would have wrung Wes Russell’s neck at that moment. I’ll never understand how he could have done that to you.

When you laid your hand on my shoulder and prayed, I felt healing begin. I didn’t realize it at the time, but my hurt never was quite as bad from that night on. That’s what I meant by a spark was lit. I can’t explain the love that filled my heart for the shy man who dared pray for me, the man who mingled his tears with mine. I guess I loved you from that day on. When you asked if I could find room in my heart for you, it was simple. You were already there!

Ah, Molly Perkins, you’re something else. I loved you then, and I love you now. I wish we had had more than three days for a honeymoon. But duty calls.

I know. A farmer’s work is never done. She sighed.

Ah, but we have Hawaii to look forward to in December, he said.

She thought longingly of those five days in Honolulu that had been reserved for them, but they were booked for December, and this was July. She had learned that the best-laid plans of mice and men were bound to go astray.

There was no way they could have known that circumstances would change so dramatically that the wedding so lovingly planned for December would be moved up six months.

July was the busy season for Paul and his five brothers, who farmed the land their father had left them in Dryden, New York. There was no way he could leave for a honeymoon in July! Three days was all the time he could take away from the farm.

Let’s stop before we go on to Sally’s, Molly suggested. We don’t have to hurry, do we? I hate to have it end so quickly.

Where would you like to stop?

Let’s go to the park and sit near the river.

The park! Ah yes, the park, the park where I asked you to move our wedding date up. He smiled.

Yeah, that took a lot of rearranging, but it was still a beautiful wedding, don’t you think? she asked dreamily.

He pulled the car off the Ford Street Bridge and headed toward the grassy knoll to the place they had gone only a few days ago, the place where he had asked her to marry him in two days’ time instead of waiting until December.

As he pulled the car off the road up to an empty picnic table, she sighed. I just want to prolong it for a little longer. Once we get to Sally’s, we’ll be surrounded by people, and once we get to Dryden, you know we’ll be fortunate if we ever find any time alone.

The picnic table Paul had chosen was about four feet from the lazily flowing river. They settled on the bench facing the water.

You know, like the river, our life goes on whether it’s as we planned. It doesn’t stop. We have an awfully lot to be thankful for. Look where we are in spite of all that has happened in the past few months, he said.

Yeah, God had a plan, and nothing man did could change it. The only thing that really got changed was the wedding date.

I know that now, but I wasn’t so sure back then. I didn’t know what Wes would try to do to you next. After hearing about how he tried to set the house on fire knowing you and his kids were in it, I knew I wouldn’t rest until you became my wife. His brain tumor sure caused havoc.

He couldn’t help it, Paul. Imagine how he must have felt saying and doing things so completely unlike him. He had to wonder who had taken over his brain. I mean, imagine him buying the house back from me and then throwing me out of it. That was nothing like the Wes I had known all those years.

I guess you’re right. Everyone thought something was wrong with him, letting you move in the house until our wedding and then thinking he could move in with you. That burns me up every time I think about it.

I know. It didn’t exactly thrill me either. But you had to know something was wrong, especially when he set Sally and Charlie’s house on fire with me and the kids in it!

Wes and Molly had three kids—Gina, who was twenty-one, and seventeen-year-old twins, Tim and Terry, who had just graduated from high school. Sally and Charlie Thompson had lived next door to Wes and Molly Russell for ten years. Sally was Molly’s best friend. She also happened to be Paul’s cousin. When Wes went berserk, Sally and Charlie took Molly and her kids in.

Yeah, not to mention that Sally and Charlie and their six-week-old baby were in the house also, Paul added.

Well, it’s a good thing the sheriff recognized something was wrong and recommended evaluation by the doctors at Strong Hospital. That’s where they found the malignant brain tumor.

I wonder how long it had been growing before then, Paul said.

I wonder if Dee aborting their baby had anything to do with it, she said I guess there’s no way to know for sure, but something as traumatic as that could very well have set it off, according to the doctor. Molly shuddered. I’m so glad that’s all behind us now.

Molly moved so that her head was leaning on Paul’s chest. We have so much to be thankful for. It just goes to show you that nothing in heaven or on the earth or things past or present or things to come can hinder us from the love God has for each of us.

We don’t know what things are to come, her husband reminded her.

True, but whatever they are, they can’t hinder the love of God from reaching us.

CHAPTER 2

Now that Paul and Molly were married, she would be going to live with him in Dryden. Her three kids, Gina and twins Terry and Tim, who were staying with Sally and Charlie Thompson in Rochester, would continue to stay with them for the time being. Since the fire at their house, they had all been staying in a house Pastor Mark Mason found for them until the end of the summer. After summer was over, the twins would move to Dryden with their mother and Paul and start at the community college there.

Gina was working as a secretary in the Naval Academy. Her plan was to continue working and staying with the Thompsons in Rochester until she and Paul’s younger brother, Cory, married sometime next year.

The house Pastor Mark had found them belonged to a couple in his church who was out of town for the summer. It was a Cape Cod with room enough for both the Thompson and Russell families.

Now as they pulled into the driveway, Sally and Gina came running out to greet them.

Well, hello, you two newlyweds, Sally said. How are things going?

Molly was glowing. Couldn’t be better, she replied.

How about it, Paul? Is married life all you thought it would be?

And more. He grinned.

Oh, Mom, you look so happy! Gina exclaimed.

That’s because I am. Where are the boys? she asked, looking around.

They’re upstairs. I’ll go get them.

Quietly running up the stairs lest she wake Sally’s month-old baby, Sammy, Gina rapped on her brothers’ door. Mom’s here.

Terry and Tim jumped up and quietly followed their sister down the stairs.

Mom, Paul! It’s so good to see you back! Tim exclaimed.

They’ve only been gone three days, Terry reminded him.

Well, even so, it’s good to see them back and so happy, Sally said. Aunt Maude called, wondering when she should expect you.

Paul’s mother, Aunt Maude, was actually Sally’s aunt, but she adopted Molly and her family as her own also. She was Aunt Maude to all of them. After Molly married Paul, she started calling her Mom.

Maude had been a mother to Sally ever since her own mother had died in a car accident over twenty years ago. When Sally and Charlie had problems before they were married, it was Aunt Maude who helped the couple work them out. It was through her influence that the two of them found Christ.

I’ve got to get back to the farm as soon as I can, Paul replied. There’s an awful lot of work waiting for me, and I can’t expect the others to do my share.

Boys, Molly reminded her sons, be sure you have all your paperwork finished for entrance to the community college, and don’t forget to get the papers filled out and sent to the University of Ithaca and Cornell University for next semester.

After the semester at the community college in Dryden, Terry was going to go into law at Cornell University, and Tim was going to take up journalism at the University of Ithaca. Fortunately, both schools, well-known academically, were within driving distance of Dryden, and Wes had given each of his sons a new Honda as a graduation present.

Aw, I hate to see you all leave. We’ve been neighbors forever it seems. It isn’t going to be the same with you gone, Sally lamented.

We’ve been more than neighbors. Molly sighed. We’ve been friends and even more than that. We’ve been like sisters. I wish there was another way.

Me too, Charlie agreed. I’ve enjoyed you as a neighbor and having you live with us. Wish it could have been worked out another way.

Well, it could, Charlie, Molly said, smiling. You and Sally and Sammy could move to Dryden. That would solve everything!

Don’t think he hasn’t mentioned it, Sally remarked.

The trip to Dryden took over an hour. When they drove up the long gravel driveway to the farmhouse, Rusty and Randy came bounding out to greet them. Randy was Molly’s dog, but Rusty used to belong to Wes. He had given him to Paul when his girlfriend refused to allow the dog in her house. When Paul lost his left leg in an accident baling hay, it was Rusty’s visits to the hospital that helped pull him out of depression.

Well, look who’s here! Brian, one of Paul’s brothers, called when he spied their car. Molly Perkins and her husband!

Everyone called her Molly Perkins. Before they were married, Paul tried calling her honey or sweetheart, but nothing seemed to fit. Then out of the blue, he started calling her Molly Russell. He even wrote a ballad about her. After that, everyone called her Molly Russell. When Paul was in triage after his accident, the surgeon told her he thought a Molly Russell was an alcoholic beverage. Even in his delirium, Paul kept calling for a Molly Russell. Just before they were married, he started calling her Molly Perkins. Soon, everyone followed suit.

Molly loved all of Paul’s five brothers. All had made a profession of faith in Christ though some were walking closer than others.

Cory, the youngest of the six, was the most spiritual of them all according to Mom Perkins. He was in love with Gina, Molly’s daughter, and had given her a small diamond as a promise ring. They had agreed not to talk seriously about marriage until after Paul and Molly were married.

Brian was the one most like Paul, or so Molly thought. He had never married, and Molly could not figure out why. He was tall and lanky like Paul; even his blue eyes reminded her of Paul. The hair was the only difference. Brian had brown wavy hair, whereas Paul’s had been silver since he was in his late twenties. Brian, twenty-nine, wanted to get married and raise a family, but he had never met the right girl, or as he said, he never met his Molly Russell.

Toby, another brother, could not seem to settle down. He wasn’t happy running the farm, but he didn’t know how else he could make a living. He had plenty of girlfriends but never had a relationship that lasted very long.

Paul’s other two brothers, Johnny and Carl, sold their shares of the farm to Paul when they married and built their own homes.

Johnny and his wife, Ruthie, had just sold their house and bought a bed and breakfast. They planned on moving into the living quarters in the back as soon as it was remodeled. Paul bought their house for Molly. She had fallen in love with it the first time she saw it. It had three bedrooms. The master bedroom was the size of the other two combined. It had a fireplace against one wall. Ruthie had arranged a couch and two comfortable chairs around it, making it her and Johnny’s own private sitting room. That was especially endearing to Molly because she knew with the twins coming in and out, she and Paul would not get much time alone. That little sitting room would be their private getaway. The twins would have one of the bedrooms while going to college, and the other room would be used for guests.

The house had a small room off the dining room, which Paul declared would be perfect for Molly’s office. She had started writing her first novel before Wes asked for a divorce. She already had several articles published by various magazines and newspapers, but this was her first attempt at a novel. However, her computer and all her writings had been destroyed in a fire. The story plot was still in her mind, and she told Paul that the characters this time would have a closer relationship to Christ. Paul had been urging her to get started on it. This little room will be the perfect place for you, he declared.

The bed and breakfast, which Johnny and Ruthie had named Grace 2U, was not scheduled to be ready for occupancy until December. Their living quarters were situated in the back of the guest area. They had planned on staying in the house they had sold Paul until then. Since the wedding had been pushed up six months, Paul and Molly would be staying at his mom’s until all the work was finished.

Carl was the most skeptical of all Maude Perkins’ sons. He had a problem taking things at face value. Always the questioner, Carl kept his brothers on their toes. Betty, his red-haired wife, also had an inquisitive mind. They were good for each other but often made the others a bit uneasy. Still, there was love between the brothers and their wives.

Maude Perkins met them at the door. Well, here they are! she said as she hugged her son and new daughter-in-law.

Yup, here we are, Paul said, smiling from ear to ear as he hugged his mother.

Well, come on in, and let’s get you two settled, Mom said. I’ve rearranged the bedrooms. You and Molly will be sleeping in the master bedroom.

That’s always been your and Dad’s bedroom, Paul said.

I know, but I don’t need a big room for myself. I want you guys to have it. Who knows how long you’ll be here?

And then I suppose when we move out, you’re going to rearrange the rooms again, her son, who knew her so well, replied.

No. I think it’s time I downsize. Besides, who knows, maybe another one of my sons will need it for a short time, she said with a grin.

Cory, who had been standing nearby, smiled. Now hopefully, he and Gina could start talking about their wedding. He was twenty-five, and Gina was twenty-one. They had known each other for over ten years. The blonde pigtailed, freckle-faced girl had stolen his heart long ago. He thought he had lost his chance with her last year when she became engaged to someone with whom she worked. Thankfully, the Lord showed her she couldn’t marry an unbeliever, and she called it off.

CHAPTER 3

Ruthie and Johnny are coming over for dinner tonight, Mom said. I expect she’ll have a lot to tell you about all she’s done in their living quarters at Grace 2U. She’s been working like a beaver over there. Carl and Betty will be here after dinner. She has a late doctor’s appointment.

Doctor’s appointment? Is she ill?

No. I guess it’s no secret. She’s having fertility treatments. They’ve been married over six years. They figure something better happen soon, or it will be too late. They’ve wanted babies from the very beginning. Hopefully, these treatments will work.

Oh, I didn’t know. It’s about time you had some grandkids, Mom, Molly said.

That brought smiles to everyone in the room. They all knew how Molly had been dropping hints that she’d like to have Paul’s baby, but being forty-two did have its drawbacks.

As they sat around the dinner table, Ruthie talked excitedly. I am so happy for you two. You’re just glowing. She grabbed Johnny’s hand. Remember how we felt when we had been married only a few days? she asked.

Yeah, I remember, he said seriously. I didn’t think your father was ever going to let us get married. After a few days of married life, I realized it was worth the wait.

Well, I was only seventeen when you started asking for my hand. You have to admit that was a little young.

Yeah, but when I asked him again the following year, he said you were still too young.

The following year, I was only eighteen. You thought one year would make a difference?

Well, it should have.

Ruthie smiled. Just wait until you have a daughter of your own, see if you’ll be willing to let her go at eighteen.

Johnny smiled. Wonder when that will be.

Just let me get Grace 2U up and running, and then we’ll talk about it, she replied, smiling.

That will make two babies and three weddings. This family is going to be busy for the next couple of years, I would say, Molly remarked.

What three weddings? Yours and Cory’s are the only weddings I know about, Mom said.

I have a feeling that Brian will be finding his own ‘Molly Russell’ before very long, Molly said.

Brian’s ears perked up. Really, Molly Perkins? Do you think she’s out there waiting for me to find her?

I do, indeed, Brian, my sweet, his sister-in-law replied.

Do you know something I don’t know? he asked, grinning.

I just have a feeling.

If Molly feels it’s going to happen, Brian, you’d better get ready for it, Paul said.

Shall I hold my breath? he asked.

I wouldn’t if I were you, Molly said, smiling, but mark my words. It’s going to happen.

How do you know it for sure, Molly? he asked.

Because Brian, sweetheart, you have a tender heart. God loves tenderhearted men, and He delights to give them their heart’s desire. I just know, that’s all. He gave Paul his, didn’t He?

Yeah, but look how long he had to wait for it. Everyone knew Paul was in love with you even before you did.

Yes, well, God’s timing is perfect. When the time was right, God granted him his desire, and when the time is right, He’ll grant you yours too. You can count on it.

Anybody home? Carl called when he entered the front door.

We’re in the kitchen! Mom yelled. Still at the dinner table!

What are you all doing still sitting around the dinner table? Betty called when she and Carl entered the kitchen. Did you have a late dinner?

Nope. We’re just talking about my future bride, Brian said, grinning.

What? When did this happen? Carl asked.

Molly hasn’t told us the date yet. But she said it’s going to happen, and I believe her.

So are you a fortune-teller now, Molly?

Only God knows the future. You know that. Those who claim otherwise are not speaking from the Spirit of God. But sometimes He gives His children little hints of the good He has in store for them. I do believe He has something special for Brian in the not-too-distant future.

Well, who can doubt you, Molly Perkins? God certainly has shown that you are one of His special ones, remarked Betty.

Really? If you had lived my life for the past few months, you wouldn’t be so sure of that, she said with a sigh. But God is faithful, and I’m not any more special than you, Betty, or you, Carl, or anyone else sitting at this table.

Then how come He always seems to answer your prayers?

Believe me, it’s not as easy as it looks, she replied with a twinkle. Doesn’t He answer any of yours?

Yeah, but not like He does for you.

Then maybe that’s something you need to take up with Him because He’s not a respecter of people.

You and I need to have a long talk one of these days, Molly Perkins, Betty said.

Any time you’d like. I’m here indefinitely now, she said with a smile as she gave her husband’s hand a squeeze and started clearing off the table.

So, Ruthie, tell us what’s new at Grace 2U. Are you almost finished so Molly and Paul can move into their house? Betty asked.

Oh, I’m sure she’s not anywhere near finished! Molly exclaimed. After all, it isn’t supposed to be finished until December. I told her to take her time. She has a lot to do. Besides, Paul and I have a lot of shopping to do before we’re ready to move in. As long as Mom doesn’t mind, we’re okay where we are.

I’ve been concentrating on our living quarters so we can move out of Molly’s house as soon as we can, Ruthie replied. I just can’t work any faster.

Don’t you go worrying about it, Ruthie, Paul said. This sudden change of plans wasn’t your fault. We don’t expect you to kill yourself getting the work done. Like Molly said, we’re okay where we are. Take all the time you need.

Tell us what changes you plan to make in your living quarters, Molly said.

We have three bedrooms, a bath and a half, a small kitchen, and a living room. It’s really quite cozy, and since I painted it, it’s beginning to feel more like home.

What colors did you choose?

Ruthie laughed. I took your idea, Molly, about mocha in the living room. It has so much potential. It goes with everything. Our couch is brown, and our love seat is bright red.

I can see it already. Molly laughed. I love it!

Betty laughed. Weren’t they the colors you painted your Rochester house after the fire?

I guess they were, Molly replied, recalling the living room in Rochester, which she had painstakingly redone after the fire there.

Your color scheme sounded so enchanting I just had to copy it.

That’s okay. God made the colors for us all to enjoy, Molly responded.

And I am. Our bedroom is coral. The second bedroom is off-white. The third bedroom is green. All our furniture in your house will go nicely with those colors.

What about the kitchen? Do you have to do a lot in there?

Yes, that’s what needs the most work. I’ll need new counters and a new stove and refrigerator. I want to put ceramic tiling up as a backdrop around the room. I’m going to paint the walls, believe it or not, pink.

Oh, I love pink, Molly said.

Paul squeezed her hand. I think everyone knows that, my sweet.

Molly had redone her house in Rochester with pink and its various shades throughout.

Won’t you get tired of it? I mean, will you be happy living in those cramped quarters indefinitely? Betty asked.

Oh, they aren’t so cramped, and once I redo it the way I want it, I think we’ll be very happy there. Don’t you, Johnny? she asked her husband.

As long as there’s room for a couple of kids, I’ll be happy, he replied.

All in good time, my love, she answered with a grin.

Where are your living quarters located?

In the back of the guest area. We have our own entrance. Really, it’s quite cute, or it will be when I’m done with it. I plan a white arbor around the doorway with flowers intertwined on it.

Oh, that will look so inviting! Molly exclaimed.

And what about the Grace 2U guest area? Do you have any ideas what you want to do in there?

Yes, I have quite a few ideas. I’d like to do it in a country theme. I’m quite curious to see what Molly does with the house when we move out. I may get some more ideas from her, Ruthie said.

I’m curious too, Molly replied, laughing. I have no idea what I’m going to do, but I can’t wait to get started doing it. I guess what you all don’t seem to know is that Sally really is my interior decorator. If you want style and color coordination, Sally is the woman to talk with. I’m sure our house won’t be a showpiece like yours, Ruthie, but it will be typically us, she said as she smiled at Paul.

Typically us. That has a nice sound. We’ll call it Perkins’ Perch.

Perkins’ Perch? Is that what you want to call our home, Paul?

I think I do. I like the sound of it. Is that okay with you?

Molly shrugged. I guess.

You don’t sound too sure.

Well, it does sound like a farmer lives there.

He does. You are the farmer’s wife, or had you forgotten? What could be more fitting?

"You’re right. I am the farmer’s wife, and don’t you forget it!"

How are things in Rochester, Molly? Carl asked.

The twins and Gina are staying with Sally and Charlie right now.

How is Wes?

Gina went up to see him yesterday. She said he seemed just like her old daddy. Of course, the doctor had told her ahead of time that with medication, he would seem normal, but she warned her not to be fooled. The tumor is growing. It’s heartbreaking for her and the boys.

Does he remember any of what he did?

Yes, that’s the strange thing about it. He constantly apologizes to her for all that he did, especially for slapping her.

In his crazed state, Wes had struck Gina across the face when she had attempted to defend her mother.

He knows exactly what’s going on, and he knows he has to stay medicated. He’s also aware that he doesn’t have very long. If they should skip his medication for any reason, he would go berserk, she said sadly. The tumor causes mood swings even to violence, which we have experienced.

That has to be so hard on you, Molly, Betty said.

I feel very sad for him. He was a good man, and he loved the Lord.

Wouldn’t some people wonder why you didn’t stand by him when he was diagnosed with the brain tumor? Carl asked.

Paul started to speak. Molly could see the nerve on the side of his face starting to twitch. She knew Wes was a sore spot with him, and even the slightest hint that she should have gone back to her first husband could send him into a frenzy. She put her hand on his arm and spoke first. No, because he’s no longer my husband. He divorced me and planned to marry someone else. He chose that life, and he’s aware of it. He’s quite comfortable where he is right now. He does not feel abandoned. He still has his kids and God.

Would you go see him if he asked for you? Carl asked.

I think we’re getting a little too personal here, Carl, his mother said. Molly and Paul had brought all these issues to the Lord before they married. I don’t believe anyone knows the heartache those two went through. I had only a glimpse of it.

You’re right. Turning to Molly and Paul, Carl said, I am sorry. I know how you two love the Lord, and I am sure that you’re right where He wants you to be. Forgive me.

Paul let out a sigh. Molly patted his arm. Of course, you’re forgiven. Neither Paul nor I feel we have to explain ourselves to anyone, but you guys are family, and we’re glad it has come out in the open here.

Did he ever hear from Dee after she aborted their baby?

Not that I know of.

Does she know what has happened to him?

I don’t know. She may have heard rumors at her office. They worked in the same building, but I don’t know how much his office knows.

That night as they snuggled