Mark closed in. He used his extra two inches in height and the older brother syndrome to intimidate. His chest puffed up and he clenched each fist. The veins in his neck bulged, and the muscles in his forearms rippled.
Jason held his ground.
“I’m leaving, Jason. Count yourself lucky that I don’t bust you through that wall like I feel like doing. It makes me sick that you’re such a pushover, such a mama’s boy who will let this ride.”
“I’m not letting this ride, Mark. I’m choosing to forgive as I’m forgiven. Remember the Lord’s prayer … you had it memorized at one time.”
“Yeah, sugarcoat the truth, Jason. Call it what you will. You’re just too weak to stand against obvious sin.” He turned and lit for the door.
Jason had just enough time before it slammed shut to shout out. “It takes more strength to forgive than to condemn, Mark.”
Jason knew his brother. He would rage. He would justify his anger and even believe his superiority. Jason’s only prayer was that Mark had not become too hard in his spirit to allow the process of forgiveness.
Jason had accomplished what he set out to do. He had saved his mom from Mark’s initial flare of anger and unkind words. He hoped by the time they had a chance to talk, Mark would’ve cooled down enough to think before he spoke.
Jason opened his clenched fingers and stilled his shaking hands. He hated conflict. He dropped to the couch and did the only thing left to do—pray.
Matt couldn’t believe the incredible events of the past few weeks. He went from being an overworked doctor with no other reason to get up in the morning than to see his patients—to the excitement of becoming a father—the greatest high ever. The thought of a God in heaven who cared about him personally no longer seemed too farfetched. Anna carried their child, and he was shocked how much he wanted this baby.
His cell rang. He glanced down before he answered to make sure it was not Tamara. His pulse ran rapid when he realized the caller was Anna.
“Matt, it’s Anna.”
His heart bucked like a bronco … yeah, he knew who it was.
“Hi, there.”
“Do you have time to get together? We need to talk about the future of our child.”
Her voice sounded professional and businesslike.
“Sure.” He knew he sounded too eager.
“I know you asked to be present when the baby is born, but … that won’t be possible.”
He bit his lip.
“My sister, Lana, has come to all the Lamaze classes, and she’s my coach. I haven’t had a chance to tell her the truth yet. I know it’ll come as a shock, and she’ll need some time to wrap her brain around all of this.
“But—”
“Matt, please. I’ll get someone to call immediately, and you can be there to see the baby right after the birth.”
His gut clenched tight as he held in his disappointment. He understood the dynamics. Had he wooed her slowly and worked hard at becoming a trusted family friend, things would be different.
“I hope you change your mind, Anna, but I will respect your decision.
“Where do you want to meet?”
She mentioned a small café, and they said good-bye.
All I want is for us to be a family, but take it slow, old boy. Fatherhood is an amazing start, and she used the word future. Matt’s heart kicked up speed at the mere thought.
Matt couldn’t imagine the amount of stress Anna had to process at the disclosure of this news to family and friends so late in the pregnancy. With this in mind, he prepared for their lunch determined to take a less selfish role. She needed to stay calm for the birth ahead. The least he could do was take it slow and respectful.
By the time he found the tiny cafe she suggested, the clock read five minutes late. He jumped out of the car in a rush but stopped short. Through the window, he caught a rare moment to enjoy her unobserved.
Her classic beauty and long wavy hair that framed high cheekbones took his breath away. A glow that people so often say pregnant women carry added the rosy color into her cheeks, while a set of hauntingly beautiful brown eyes stared toward the door. He marveled again at the fact this lovely woman, both on the inside and out, carried his child.
She dabbed the napkin to the corner of her eyes. That could only mean tears.
His stomach twisted into a knot. He felt responsible for her sorrow.
This one honest moment gave him pause.
What has my demand cost her? If I truly love her, shouldn’t I choose what’s best for her? But how? What?
The thought of forfeiting all rights to his child flooded in and pained him greatly, but seeing her vulnerable state had him so conflicted, he almost walked away.
Suddenly, she turned toward the window and caught him there. She waved and he waved back.
“Hello, Anna,” he said, as he slid across from her into a booth that was reminiscent of the 1950s. The quaint roadside cafe made him feel like he had walked back in time. Not a place anyone in his circle of friends would suggest for lunch, the cafe exuded a comfortable charm and warmth that stilled his pounding heart.
She smiled that smile. The one he’d come to dread.
There was an awkward silence as they sat eyeing each other. In the past, conversation had never been a problem. Not so today. The tension grew palpable and could be cut with a knife.
Her obvious distress made things clear, he knew he
