In God We Trust

By Lenora S. Gauthier

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 30, 2012
• ISBN: 9781469124278

Lenora S. Gauthier

Lenora Gauthier became a Christian in October 1989. She is a single mother, respected ministry leader, successful business executive, and accomplished author. Lenora earned her AA in Mass Communication from St. Petersburg College in 2004. Hundreds have heard her anointed teaching in person. Now she has the opportunity to reach thousands with the message of how Jesus Christ transformed her life. What He has done for her, He can and will do for you.

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Copyright © 2012 by Lenora S. Gauthier.

Library of Congress Control Number:       2012904813

ISBN:          Softcover                                 978-1-4691-8405-0

                   Ebook                                      978-1-4691-2427-8

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

permission in writing from the copyright owner.

In God We Trust is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents

are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any

resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons living or dead, is entirely

coincidental.

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CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

SALVATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

AUTHOR BIO

CHAPTER 1

Kat woke, weary. Weary from more than her lack of sleep on the seemingly never-ending flight to Tampa. Something inside of her was growing dim, something deep inside, something just out of reach. She felt so tired… so old. It was silly to feel this way; after all she was only 31.

These feelings were deeply puzzling to Kat. How could she feel this way when she had just finished the most marvelous month in Capri? Italy in itself was beautiful, but to Kat the most beautiful place on Earth was the petite isle of Capri just off the Amalfi coast. Kat smiled to herself as she thought of the enchanting island and the villa her family owned. The modest blue and white two-story building was on the edge of a high cliff overlooking the pristine blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. A steady offshore breeze swept through the villa, bringing with it a refreshing peace like no other Kat had ever experienced. When she was there, the world stopped. Kat inhaled every moment, drinking in all of the sights, smells, and sensations Capri had to offer.

A small island, all the villas were neatly packed together lining the pink stone paved streets that were barely wide enough for three people, much less to fit a car. One of her favorite aspects of Capri was the lack of cars. She loved to walk everywhere: to the piazzetta where she would buy fresh pastries and bottled water, then backpacking through the quaint alleys to discover the ingenious architecture of the brightly colored town.

One of her favorite treks was to make her way to the Natural Arch on the southeastern part of the island. It was amazing to see this enormous beige rock arch stretching out of the side of the island in the midst of lush green trees that produced striking purple flowers. Beyond the arch, the tumultuous Mediterranean Sea crashed against the high rocky shore. What a contradicting beauty, to witness the stark contrast of the pale rock against the vibrant green trees, purple flowers and azure ocean.

During her last visit Kat spent many days exploring the Villa Jovis. Built in the first century AD, this Villa was the summer home to Roman Emperor Tiberius. There were so many rooms in the ruins to discover, so many secrets to unlock—long-forgotten secrets of the distant past. Kat loved to walk in the ancient places and ponder what kind of motives drove life back then.

Being in Capri was like being transported back in time to a simpler, cleaner way of life. Kat was beginning to desire a simpler, cleaner life—she was tired of her lifestyle. Too much pomp and circumstance, too many masks, too much traveling and too many complications had internally aged her well beyond her years. Could she really keep up this pace forever?

Three dull dinging sounds snapped her back to reality as the plane was preparing to land. Kat gathered herself, straightened her long flowing red hair and checked her appearance in a small gold compact retrieved from her black leather Dolce purse. It had been a long flight and she could not wait for the overcrowded plane to land at Tampa International Airport.

Even being in first class had not been as pleasant as she was accustomed to. The airline attendants had been completely incompetent and uncooperative. There was a young baby seated just beyond first class, which meant that as the incompetent flight attendants doted over the ridiculous creature, its abrasive screams were clearly heard throughout much of the trip. The whole point of first class was to not have to deal with such disturbances.

As if that were not enough, Kat had the pleasure of sitting next to an overeager Christian who just could not seem to shut up. The overweight balding dolt was disgusting! Before the plane even took off from Paris he had managed to spill his water all over the front of her black designer suit. He stumbled to apologize with a big stupid grin on his face.

You’re a complete idiot! Kat had replied. She took a certain joy in watching the cheerful expression on his face change to one of extreme discomfort. Kat loved to watch people squirm. She could not help but smile at her success in shutting down her travel companion, but that didn’t stop him from eating like a pig and then snoring so loud that it took all of her will power not to smother him in his sleep. Kat had determined that she would never fly this airline again. She had no qualms about taking every opportunity to express her utter dissatisfaction to the flight attendants throughout the duration of the flight.

As the passengers prepared to disembark, the sloppy Christian was awkwardly attempting to clean up his messy area when he noticed that Kat was impatiently standing over him, arms crossed, her beautiful face clearly communicating her anger. He looked up at her and said, It’s been a pleasure flying with you. May God bless you.

If you are an example of God’s blessing, I’ll pass. She stated flatly. Kat could not wait to be rid of this insufferable man. She pushed past him and strode off the plane. As he watched after her, noticing her long graceful legs, slender waist and elegant posture, he thought to himself, It’s a shame someone so beautiful can be so ugly.

As Kat entered the crowds of the airport she felt like she was in a swarm of gnats. Having to bump against the throngs of people made her feel filthy. There were too many unsupervised kids running around and sweaty people pushing their way in front of her; she could not wait to take a shower.

In addition, all of the superficial mindless drivel going on around her was causing a migraine. At long last Kat arrived at the baggage carousel and there she found a lanky young man dressed in an ill-fitted black suit. In his hands was a sign with her name on it. In one glance, Kat realized that his competence was less than adequate—but he would have to do.

Without giving him a sideways glance, Kat took a deep breath and addressed the man. My bags are on carousel one; they are black, clearly marked with my initials and there are four of them. The driver stared at her as if afraid to move. Be quick about it, I have no patience left! Kat barked at him as she gave a dismissive wave in the right direction. Coming to his senses, the young driver clumsily scampered off to retrieve the luggage, and Kat headed out the door to the waiting black stretch limo. As she approached, a second man stepped from the front of the limo to open the door for her.

It’s about time! Kat snapped as she deftly stepped past the older man and slid into the back of the car.

Yes ma’am, he replied as he gently closed the door behind her. Kat watched as the lanky driver arrived and the older man stepped to the rear of the car to assist in loading the luggage.

Once the men were out of sight, her gaze went straight to the mini bar. She began to scan the mahogany rack—until—ah, yes! Mission accomplished, as Kat reached for the scotch. She had one shot down and another one poured before the men finished loading the baggage and got into the front of the limo. As the vehicle pulled away from the curb, Kat could already feel the calming effects of the warm smooth liquid. She needed to be at her best for tonight’s events. As she settled in, the tranquil ride across the Howard Franklin Bridge had begun.

Crossing this bridge was Kat’s favorite part of visiting St. Petersburg. It was about eleven o’clock in the morning, and the sun was brightly beaming down on the restless water of Tampa Bay. The reflection of the sun on the bay created the illusion of millions of sparkling diamonds dancing on the waves. It was really quite magical. Kat couldn’t help but be mesmerized as she watched from limo window while it sped across the bridge heading away from Tampa.

Once across the bridge, it was a short ride to the Vinoy Resort. This pretentious pink palace was situated right on Tampa Bay and had a marina, tennis courts, swimming pool, and spectacular water views. Truly, the Vinoy was a five-star establishment, the marble floors and 15-foot ceilings were amazing, but throw in the sickening pink stucco and over abundant supply of palm trees and all you have left is lousy décor smothering the elegance of the place. None of that mattered, all Kat wanted at this point was to take a long shower and relax before the evening began.

Guiding a cart overflowing with fresh hot food and ice cold drinks, the bellhop entered Suite 524. He couldn’t help but notice the excitement in the air. There had to be at least fifteen members of the campaign team stuffed into the oversized suite, all of them with jackets off and sleeves rolled up. It looked as if they had been working for days with no sleep, even though they had checked in just that morning.

The first person the bellhop noticed was a young woman sitting at the antique writing table by the main door; she was talking on the phone. Wisps of her long fine brown hair had escaped the tortoise shell barrette secured on the top of her head and were now half covering her delicate face. She had a charming excitement to her voice as she spoke, Hi Ellen, its Kelli, just confirming that everything is all set for tonight’s fund-raising dinner…

On the peach and white floral print couch facing the thirty-one inch television, there were three gentlemen and a young woman reviewing documents and discussing strategies. As the bellhop replaced the empty food trays with fresh food and added new iced-down drinks to various places throughout the room, he came upon a group of about seven people discussing the character of their candidate. They all seemed to be very enthusiastic as they discussed his integrity and morals; never before had any of them worked for someone so genuine.

As the bellhop neared the bedroom, he noticed four large boxes overflowing with red, white and blue campaign paraphernalia. He stepped through the half-open bedroom door to retrieve any garbage; finding none, he turned to exit and spotted three men standing close together on the balcony. Recognizing the candidate as one of the men, he cautiously made his way towards the open sliding glass doors to see if he could overhear a bit of the conversation, but hearing a commotion in the other room, he quickly made his exit. As he looked over the main room one last time before leaving, he noticed that despite the working conditions and obvious fatigue, everyone seemed to be overflowing with excitement and peace at the same time.

On the balcony, David was standing with his eyes closed and a peaceful expression on his kind face. This tall 38-year-old man stood out with an aura of confidence around him. He barely noticed the refreshing bay breeze as it played with the rebellious strands of his wavy black hair that had fallen across his forehead. He was completely absorbed in the task at hand. It was important that tonight’s event go well and David knew the only chance for success was to ask for God’s blessing and guidance.

From childhood David had been in love with God. His parents had been loving Christians and very supportive. David had an insatiable desire to be as close to God as humanly possible. He had always planned to be a pastor or a teacher and was shocked when the Holy Spirit led him to attend the University of South Florida to earn a Master’s Degree in Political Science. Being a politician was never part of his plan, but God’s plan often differed from what David had envisioned.

Now, fourteen years later, here he was, running for governor of Florida. For the most part, David’s political career had been very straightforward; he started out interning for a judge on the Supreme Court, and then moved on to local politics in Florida. All his former campaigns had been virtually flawless. Thus far in his career, David had succeeded in every campaign he had ever launched. Although life had been sweet, David was very humble and took absolutely no credit for his victories; he knew that God had been the author of his destiny. Every day of his adult life, David had spent time alone quiet before God praying for wisdom.

Who would have believed that he, David Laurent Adams, would be on the balcony of one of the best suites at the St. Petersburg Vinoy Resort praying for God’s wisdom in the race for governor? As if that were not enough, David had been greatly blessed with amazing men to accompany him through this ambitious campaign.

To his right was Tom Pittman who served as Public Relations Director. Tom was also a longtime friend and former youth pastor to David. Tom was a robust grey-haired older man who was currently deep in prayer. His eyes were closed, his cheeks rosy and his belly large—if he’d had a beard, he could have been mistaken for Santa Claus.

Tom was a rock and a formidable man, large in breadth and girth. He was seasoned in many ways, not the least of which was his military experience. He was a former Marine who at times was loud and stubborn, but completely loyal to God and to David’s campaign. David and Tom had been friends for well over twenty years. Tom’s life experience had been invaluable to David’s past campaigns. It was ironic to David that the man who was once his youth pastor was now his close friend and confidant. Not the most eloquent of speakers, Tom’s brash ways were often mistaken for a lack of education, when in fact Tom was one of the sharpest men David had the privilege of knowing. David brought his thoughts back to the present as Tom finished the prayer.

. . . thank you, Lord, that Yer will’s bein’ done in our lives. Thank you that Yer Holy Spirit’s with us, and we invite Ya ta surround us this evenin’ as Yer plan unfolds in the name of Jesus, amen.

All three men looked at each other, and with ear-to-ear smiles, they all embraced and took a step back. The youngest of the three, Jonathan looked ready to burst with joy, his light brown eyes dancing with eagerness. David and Tom watched him as amusement flashed across their faces.

Thanks for including me, David, Jonathan said with a big innocent smile on his face as he flopped down on one of the patio chairs.

No problem, David answered as he took a seat next to Jonathan still enjoying the young man’s exuberance. Watching the sea gulls flying overhead Jonathan wistfully said, "Wow—is prayer with Tom always like that? I can still feel the power of God flowing."

David looked thoughtfully at Jonathan for a moment. Prayer varies depending on circumstance, but where two or more are gathered—the power flows.

David’s latest intern, Jonathan, was a sweet, naïve vigorous 22-year-old. Fresh out of the University of Florida, he chose to intern for David because he had heard that David was different: honest and straightforward—qualities rarely found in politics. David had the honor of leading Jonathan in the prayer for salvation and over the last several months he had grown to think of Jonathan as a little brother. Jonathan was full of energy and had a genuine zest for life which showed in his chiseled features. But beyond his physical strength there was a strong desire for learning. Since becoming a Christian; he had an insatiable appetite for knowledge and truth. When he wasn’t reading his Bible, he was constantly seeking out Tom or David asking questions or debating what he had learned.

Tom playfully grabbed Jonathan’s shoulders, Come on, lads, we got work ta do!

Jonathan laughed as he got out of his chair. It’s not going to be work! This is fun! If this is what it’s like to run for office, sign me up! All three men laughed as they adjourned to the outer room and joined the others just in time for the setting sun.

Entering the Vinoy Grand Ballroom, Kat couldn’t help but think that it looked like a child just threw cheap patriotic crap all over the place—tasteless and tacky.

It seemed to be overcrowded with people, all in formal attire, of course. The tables were covered in fine white linens and set with second-class blue-rimmed china accented by red-rimmed china salad bowls and charger plates. The centerpieces were an explosion of red, white and blue carnations and sparkling star flashers. There were red, white and blue balloons and confetti littered everywhere, even on the crowded wooden dance floor. Every inch of the ballroom was plastered with campaign paraphernalia.

Located at the entrance to the ballroom were two large oblong tables draped with white linen. One was overflowing with campaign buttons, straw hats, noisemakers, fans and beads. The other was full of dark blue folders with the pathetic slogan boldly stamped in silver on the cover: "David Adams—the only man for Governor". Sitting behind the tables with a clipboard in her hand was a robust woman in her fifties wearing a sequined American flag blouse that looked very much like a tent. In addition she had donned large American flag earrings and an oversized red, white and blue rhinestone bracelet. Her hair was cropped short and curly; she was one of those people who were always entirely too happy.

The woman admired Kat, who was stunning in her body-hugging black evening gown, low cut in the front and cut down almost to the nether regions in the back. Her vivid amber hair was swept up into elegant perfection, with one sexy strand framing her milky white neck. Also around her neck was a large princess-cut diamond, accented by dangling princess-cut diamond earrings.

Still admiring Kat’s breathtaking beauty, the woman smiled up at her and in a sugary sweet tone said, Good evening ma’am, may I have your name please?

Without acknowledging the woman’s presence, Kat coldly answered, Katherine Aimes.

Still smiling and more excited than ever, the woman reached for Kat’s blue folder.

Oh, Miss Aimes! I’m so glad you could join us this evening! You look absolutely beautiful tonight. Please help yourself to the wonderful toys on the table there.

Still ignoring the woman, Kat took the folder and turned to leave, then suddenly stopped and looked back at her. Do you know where Jonathan might be?

Well, let me see… The woman’s large fingers began fumbling with her clipboard and flipping through the pages. Oh, yes… he’ll be with David… I mean Mr. Adams. The woman hastily corrected herself having sensed Kat’s displeasure at such an informal address of the candidate. Those two are inseparable! The woman let out a high-pitched giggle and then continued, "We just love Jonathan around here and he is so sweet!"

I see, Kat responded flatly, now losing her patience with the insufferable woman. And where is Mr. Adams now?

Well, just look for a big crowd and there you’ll find David… Mr. Adams, she corrected herself again, blushing this time at the look Kat gave her. Jonathan should be right in the mix with him.

Kat turned to leave. Thank you, she said flatly.

You’re welcome! the exuberant woman shouted after her as she thought to herself, What a lovely woman.

Kat stopped just short of the first table to survey the room. Amidst the noise of the live swing band, laughter and murmuring were filling the room as the 800 unsuspecting suckers milled around waiting to catch a glimpse of the latest crook to enter politics. Foolish dolts! They deserve to be parted from their money for being so trusting. Everyone was dressed to the nines in their black tuxedos and formal evening gowns. The women were dripping in expensive jewelry and most people were moving about the crowded room with a filled champagne flute in their hands, laughing and carrying on superfluous conversations. Kat took note of the more prominent businessmen as she began her search for Jonathan, who was the only person who could make this night bearable.

Unable to spot him right away, Kat grudgingly stepped into the sea of humanity and began to gracefully cross to the bar. Suddenly Jonathan intercepted her from behind, grabbed her around the waist and swung her around to face him.

Kat! He leaned in and embraced her, his strong arms closing tight around her slight frame.

Let go, you’re crushing me! she protested halfheartedly, grinning at his eager welcome as she returned the embrace with delight.

Jonathan released Kat and took her hands in his as he looked excitedly into her intense brown eyes. I am so happy to see you! I knew you would be here! I have so much to tell you! Can we sit down? Jonathan’s light brown eyes sparkled with excitement as pulled Kat to a small uninhabited table tucked away in the back corner.

Amused by his boundless enthusiasm, Kat allowed herself to be pulled to the other side of the room, nearly bumping into several people in the process. Slow down! One step at a time, please; I’m not going anywhere. She laughed, drinking in Jonathan’s happiness.

Reaching the table, Jonathan swung Kat around and planted her into one of the white cushioned chairs; he grabbed another one and brought it in close to face her so that they could have an intimate conversation.

Still smiling, Kat feigned taking a moment to catch her breath and then her countenance changed as she admired Jonathan’s rugged features. You’ve turned into quite a man, little brother; you must be beating the girls off with a stick!

Stop that! He batted her hands away as she tousled his golden blonde hair. I’m working, you know.

Hmm… yes, she replied, her mood suddenly severe. I must say, I was rather shocked when I heard you had joined up with this… Kat deliberately paused and pursed her lips in disdain as she looked around in disgust, . . . political campaign.

Dismissing her obvious contempt, Jonathan took Kat’s hands again. I know, I know. It’s just that I couldn’t reach you to explain. I’ve been looking for you all night; I knew you would show up sooner or later. He lovingly smiled at her as he cautiously continued. I need to talk to you about tonight…

Leaning back in her chair, Kat narrowed her eyes and gave him a wary look. We’re not going there, she asserted firmly. You know better than to discuss that subject in a place like this!

Desperately persistent, Jonathan continued, Look, Kat, I love you very much, but you have to change your plans for tonight… David is different and he doesn’t deserve…

Kat leaned in closer to Jonathan, responding in a quiet firm tone. David?! David is it? Awfully cozy with the candidate, aren’t we? Ever since I arrived, all I’ve heard is how close you and this David are, how you two are inseparable.

Jonathan dug in; he knew it was going to take some fast talk to convince his tenacious sister to change her plans. He took her hands as he continued. Come on Kat; please just listen to me…

No, you listen to me, little brother… I practically raised you, and I will not see you throw your talent away on a… a… politician of all things! Kat spat the words out as she released Jonathan’s hands and looked around for a waiter; she needed a drink.

Jonathan took a moment to let her cool down and motioned for a waiter carrying a full tray of glasses of champagne. Kat reluctantly selected a glass from the tray and with half a smile and a nod sent the waiter on his way. This bubbly liquid was nowhere near a scotch but it would have to do for the moment. After one sip she nearly spat out the contents. The champagne was weak at best, if nothing more than bubbly water.

My wonderful, loving sister, please just listen for one minute. Kat said nothing, which was Jonathan’s cue to carefully continue. David is so different from anyone one I have ever met. He’s honest and sincere and amazing and he really cares.

Kat couldn’t help but notice the gleam in Jonathan’s eye and she didn’t like it. It was time to put a stop to this insanity. Using her most stern unsettlingly quiet voice, she went in for the kill. What are you talking about? Have you lost your mind? Don’t you remember how those blood-sucking politicians destroyed Dad? You can’t believe a word they say. It’s all about money to those sick bastards!

Jonathan hung his head in defeat and did the only thing he could think to do—pray. God, how am I ever going to reach her? Sternly Kat looked at Jonathan for a moment and then her expression suddenly softened and she took his hand in a motherly fashion.

With the gentlest of tones, Kat started again, while lovingly pushing back a lock of his thick blonde hair, Oh Jonathan, you have been tricked sweetie. Listen, no politician is honest, no politician cares. They’re all about the money—you know that.

Jonathan was more determined than ever to convince Kat that she was wrong about David. He pulled away from her touch as he continued. Come on, Kat; give me more credit than that! I might be young, but I’m not stupid. You raised me better than that. Of course, I haven’t forgotten what Dad went through, and I haven’t forgotten what you went through either.

Kat was starting to get agitated again. "I don’t understand how you of all people, can be mixed up with this… shyster??"

Boundlessly optimistic, Jonathan jumped on his chance to convince his cynical sister. "You have to give David a chance! I know he’s different! He’s not like anyone I’ve ever met before."

Jonathan had that sparkle in his eye again. Kat was bemused. That’s it, I have to squash this now or he’ll be crushed just like Dad was, and I won’t stand by and watch that happen again. She started in again with passion while she kept a tight rein on her increasing anger.

How do you know that he’s different?? You’re fresh out of college, your life has just begun, and you haven’t experienced firsthand how treacherous politics and especially politicians can be. Please listen to me before it’s too late, before you’re hurt for life.

To Kat’s surprise, Jonathan suddenly had a huge smile on his face as he leaned forward again to take her hands. What’s this about? She thought as a look of great concern came across her face.

Listen Kat… I need to tell you something. Something really big and exciting and I can’t wait any longer. Jonathan paused and then all the words spilled out in a rush as he exhaled. I am saved! Isn’t that great?!

Saved from what!? What on earth does that mean? Kat answered savagely pulling away from him as she wrenched her hands from his grasp.

Jonathan sat up a little stunned at her reaction; he was proud to be saved and he had been very excited to tell his sister, whom he loved more than anyone else on earth. He quietly continued not sure how to proceed. It means that I believe in Jesus. I realized I can’t run my life, but He can. Oh Kat, it is so freeing! You totally need to believe, it will change your life…

Kat was completely floored; she had never expected any such words to come out of Jonathan’s mouth. Are you nuts?! Oh my God! What has this guy done to you??!! Are you in a cult?!

Calm down, Kat. Just listen to me for a minute. This conversation was not going at all the way Jonathan had pictured. He had visions of Kat embracing God and being set free just as he had been set free. He pictured her total transformation right there in the ballroom. He realized now how naive he had been to think that she would let go of her hate so easily. He couldn’t help but feel deflated but then decided to try a different approach as he continued.

David is saved too. He’s been saved since he was a kid. There is something so… different about him. He has this peace that I just can’t explain. I joined his campaign in my last semester because I needed some credits and I thought an internship in politics would be easy—especially given our background. As I got to know him I realized there was something about him—something intriguing. When I asked him about it, he told me all about Jesus. At first, I was like you, I thought he was crazy, but I started to question my life and the things around me and then I just knew. I knew I needed what David had. So, about a month ago I asked Jesus into my heart.

Kat had been disturbingly quiet throughout Jonathan’s tale. You did this a month ago and didn’t tell me? Although her words were soft, you could see the anger flashing in her penetrating brown eyes as she spoke.

Jonathan now employed the same tactics Kat had used earlier in the conversation; he turned the situation on her. Oh, come on! You’ve been out of touch with me for at least two months. I don’t even know where you’ve been all this time. But I knew you would be here tonight, and I thought this was the perfect place to tell you. Can’t you just be happy for me? Jonathan knew that Kat wouldn’t be happy for him, but he had to try; things really were different for him now.

Kat sat in silence looking past her brother and out the window trying to digest the information. She felt overwhelmed with despair, she couldn’t even hear him anymore, and her attention had turned inward. Oh, God! This is much worse than I thought. What do I do now? Religion!? This is highly unexpected. I might have been able to pull him out of politics, but a cult . . . that’s an entirely different matter. As she gazed at him, tiny tears were beginning to form in her eyes. They’ve brainwashed him. Kat had to be smart about this. She couldn’t come right out and say he was brainwashed; she would lose him for sure.

Kat? Jonathan couldn’t take the silence anymore. He wished she would yell at him or something—anything but silence. He reached out and gently took her hands again and spoke in that soothing tone that always seemed to tame his sister’s wild spirit. You know me. You raised me well. I am happy, be happy for me. Please just trust me.

Calmly she answered with a new resolve it was neither the time nor the place to pursue the subject; but in the end Kat had no doubt that Jonathan would see things her way. You’re right. You are an adult now and you can make your own decisions. I don’t understand this one but I am happy for you. I love you; I just want the best for you. If you are truly happy, then I am happy.

Really? Jonathan was suspicious of Kat’s answer, but her reassuring smile dissolved Jonathan’s doubts and he knew that his sister would let it go—for now. Thank you!! I love you so much! And with that, Jonathan leaned over and embraced his sister again, this time even tighter than when they had first seen each other.

Laughing now and projecting a much lighter mood, Kat hugged him right back. I love you too; now let me go you’re making a scene!

Jonathan released her just as the waiter approached them and deposited two full champagne glasses. Kat groaned inwardly at the thought of having to endure another swallow of the horrid stuff. Outwardly she displayed a gracious smile as the two of them made a toast, then Jonathan’s expression changed and he started to fidget with his glass. Listen, sis, I need to ask you for a favor.

Kat, still displaying her deceptive smile, teasingly answered, "First, you hit me with politics and religion and now you want