He met the Bishop’s gaze, praying, pleading for some kind of help. Anything to stop the intense ache which had resumed once he had started speaking.
“Brother Pierre, let me pray for you before we go any further.”
“Okay.”
“Father God, we ask that Your presence be felt in this room. Brother Pierre desperately needs Your wisdom and comfort as he deals with the news he just received. Guide us in our conversation and show me how I can help Your child, Lord. In Your Son’s Mighty Name, Amen.”
Guy squeezed his eyes tight. Any other time, he may have appreciated the prayer. He may have even remarked at the eloquence of it all. Right now it did nothing to soothe the anguish inside.
“Tell me Brother Pierre. What is the first thing that came to your mind when you heard the news.”
“How could she do something like that?”
“Very valid question. Did she give you any reason as to why?”
“Yes, she said she was all alone and couldn’t get anyone’s advice.”
“Okay,” the Bishop replied slowly. “Give me some background on that statement so I may fully understand.”
“Does it matter? Is there ever any excuse? Sin is sin.”
“That is true, but understanding a person’s experiences, life issues, helps one view it from a lens of compassion.”
I don’t want to feel any compassion for her.
“Her parents were killed in a car crash the month prior to her pregnancy. She came to me for comfort and I...I...”
“I take it that’s when you created life.”
“Yes, sir. I admit I felt guilty, so I left home the next day. I didn’t leave any contact information, I just left.”
“I see.”
He wanted to roll his eyes. If this man took her side...he huffed.
“How many years ago did this happen?”
“Thirteen.”
The Bishop nodded sagely. “How long have you two been dating?”
“We’ve only been on a couple of dates alone, but other times my girls have been with us. So I say a good month of dating.”
“Do you feel betrayed?”
“Yes.” The words ripped from his throat. He wasn’t shocked by the feelings behind them, but he did feel the bitterness and anger rising again.
“Why?”
He blinked. “Excuse me, Bishop?”
“Why do you feel betrayed?”
“Wouldn’t you?”
“That’s an acceptable question, but when you can answer the reason why you feel betrayed, you can work to the root of your issue so then you can go through the process of healing. Otherwise, that bitterness will choke the light out of you.”
“I...I’m not sure how to put it into words.”
“And that’s fine.” The Bishop sat forward. “Brother Pierre, in my opinion you’re going to go through the grieving process. The process looks different and feels different for everyone who goes through it. I’m sure you understand considering your late wife.”
Guy nodded, though to what he wasn’t sure.
“Only you know when you are ready to press forward. Only you will know how you will act on this bit of information. I caution you, Brother, to cling to God and allow Him into the process instead of distancing yourself.”
He rubbed his face. “I can agree to that,” he stated huskily. His throat was raw with the ache of today. “I’ll continue to seek Him through this.”
The Bishop clapped a hand to his shoulder. “Please also consider forgiving the young woman.”
“What?”
“Take a moment to place yourself in her shoes. Would you truly have done differently?”
His head throbbed from the thought.
“I don’t want to press you, Brother Pierre. Would you consider coming back?”
“I’ll think about it.” Probably not. He couldn’t talk to a man who would ask him to forgive something unforgivable.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Michelle placed her briefcase on the courtroom table. She had been praying since she woke, after two measly hours of emotionally-charged sleep. She needed God’s help more than ever. There was no way she could win this case for Tanya without him. She was emotionally drained. She’d even debated asking for a delay.
She felt so awful, she called Tanya to make sure the young woman still wanted her as counsel. Amazingly, Tanya had been fine with it. Lord, please make it enough. I’m so weary.
“My grace is sufficient for thee.”
The quiet words echoed in her mind, a balm to her soul. She would cling to them. Lord, I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m done trying to rule it. I need You desperately. Please, forgive me for my sins. Please give me a portion of Christ’s sacrifice so that I no longer have to be shackled to the weight of my past. I need His salvation. I need You. Please teach me how to forgive myself.
She exhaled. She would get through this.
The sound of heels clicking broke through her reverie. Tanya walked up the aisle, her lips frozen into a grimace. Or was that supposed to be a smile?
She hugged the young woman. “You okay?”
“Nervous,” she said shakily.
“I know. We’ll get through this.”
Tanya’s gray eyes darted around, noting the patrons in the court room. The D.A. had claimed his spot, but court had another fifteen minutes before it was due to start. Tanya stepped closer. “I think...I think I just accepted Jesus as my Savior.”
She laughed and squeezed her hands. “I just did the same thing.”
Yes, things would be okay.
Tanya grinned, then chuckled.
Michelle joined in, loving the feeling of laughter. She always thought once you accepted Christ there would be an obvious difference, but Tanya’s uncertainty comforted her. They didn’t have it all together, but knowing they were walking the same path comforted her.
The words of Jo’s Bible study session came to mind. She sighed, how did her friends get so smart?
“I’m happy for you.”
“I owe it to you. For taking a chance on me.” Tanya’s eyes glistened.
“Don’t cry. We have to pull it together.”
Tanya nodded and straightened to her full height. “Whatever happens, thank you for all you’ve done and for inviting me to Bible study.”
“Anytime.”
“Can we pray before it gets started?”
“Sure.” Michelle had no clue how to pray aloud for someone, but she had better figure it out if she was
