Part 19 (2/2)

”Beyond that, I really believe G.o.d will show you what to do.” Kari nodded. ”He's already shown me one thing. I can't keep staying at my parents' house. I'm going back home tonight, at least for the weekdays. That way, if Tim comes around, I'll be there.”

”Good idea.”

Their time was over, and Kari wanted to have a fresh outlook. She'd expected to feel as if a ten-story building had been lifted from her shoulders. But all she felt was nauseous and tired. The idea of working to win back a man who'd walked out on her without a warning was suddenly more than she could fathom.

As she thanked Pastor Mark and walked to her car, she kept hearing his voice rea.s.suring her that G.o.d would make it clear what she should do, how she should go about actively fighting for her marriage. She believed he was right. But the more the pastor's words played in her mind, the more she was certain of one thing. In that instant-even though it was wrong-there was only one person she really felt like being with, and it wasn't her husband.

It was a tanned, green-eyed football player who'd stolen her heart the summer she turned twelve.

162 After Kari left, Pastor Mark was unable to get back into the sermon he was writing. What had happened to the Baxter family? Weren't they the s.h.i.+ning example among the congregation? He thought about Elizabeth and John, their early years, the way they'd seemed to have such a strong relations.h.i.+p with their children.

So why did everything seem to be coming apart now?

He and John Baxter had been meeting once a week for most of the past decade, encouraging each other in their faith, sharing each other's burdens. John was on the church board, and it had been a relief for Mark to know he could unload some of his own trials to someone as trustworthy as John Baxter.

As a result, Mark knew more about the Baxters' tragedies and triumphs than anyone else.

There was Brooke, who with her husband had clearly chosen the pathways of medical science and professional achievement over the truths of the faith.

Ashley's situation was possibly worse. Not only had she walked away from G.o.d, but she also harbored a secret, something she refused to discuss though it isolated her from everyone who might have mattered in her life-everyone including Landon Blake, the young fireman who had pursued her since they were both teenagers.

And lately he'd noticed trouble brewing with Luke. Something in his critical comments and sharp tones, tones that had been kind and gentle the year before.

John hadn't mentioned it, but Mark was concerned all the same.

Worries about Elizabeth's health were ongoing, of course. And now, on top of it all, came Kari's difficulties. Pastor Mark's heart broke for her-both for her pain and for her temptation.

Pastor Mark thought about the Baxters' struggles for a moment and knew there was only one possible reason for them. It was spiritual warfare, pure and simple.

Something great and amazing 163 must be standing on the other side of these dark times; otherwise, the enemy wouldn't work so hard to discourage this family.

Yes, that must be it.

Surely good times were right around the corner.

Pastor Mark allowed himself to imagine Brooke and Peter remembering that true knowledge and success come from G.o.d alone. Ashley confiding in her family, telling the truth about her past, finding healing and maybe even love. Tim Jacobs changing his ways, falling to his knees, and begging Kari's forgiveness.

Elizabeth living to a joyful old age.

It was possible that none of this would turn out the way he hoped-the way he prayed. But even then, Pastor Mark was certain G.o.d would faithfully see the Baxter family through their difficulties.

He thanked the Lord for that even as he wondered how much worse life could get for the Baxters before they arrived on the other side.

Mark leaned back in his chair and gazed out his office window. He thought about Kari and Brooke and Ashley and John and Elizabeth.

A lot worse, he guessed. A whole lot worse.

He would pray for them daily, as he'd been doing for some time now, ever since he and John had begun meeting together. But there had to be something else, something tangible he could do to help.

His fingers found their way to the computer mouse, and he clicked open a file of church member profiles. He hesitated a long time before making the next move. If Kari had been any other member, he wouldn't have considered breaking a confidence and making the call.

But this time ... maybe it was what was needed.

Mark scanned the alphabetical list until he found the work number for Tim Jacobs.

Okay, Lord, use this phone call. Please. . And with that he began to dial.

164 164.

165.

Kari WAS DUSTING HER PARENTS' piano when Luke walked in, tossed his gym bag on the bench in the foyer, and flopped onto a chair a few feet away, his basketball still under his arm. He was playing on an intramural team at Indiana University that semester, and his games were on Sat.u.r.day mornings.

”Hi.” She kept dusting, but she could see him staring at her. He looked frustrated, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't quite find the words.

Finally he cleared his throat. ”I owe you an apology.”

The dust rag froze in Kari's hand, and she looked over her shoulder at her brother. ”What for?”

”Because-” he pinched his lips together-”because I'm sorry you married the jerk.” Luke's eyes twinkled, and he tossed his ball at her.

In a single fluid motion she dropped the dust rag and caught the ball. Kari could feel the patience draining from her expression. ”Am I supposed to laugh?”

Luke turned and gazed out the front window, his eyes narrowed. ”I just hate what he's doing to you.”

166 She was still holding the ball where she'd caught it, inches from the piano, as she studied her brother. She clutched the ball to her midsection. Everyone had handled news of her pregnancy fairly well-except Luke. He had seemed even more distant than before, and Kari had not known how to bridge the gap between them.

But now, here was her baby brother, all grown up with a mop of blond hair and a lanky frame larger than their dad's, trying to find the words to connect with her again. It was the first effort he'd made since she'd been home.

A tear slid down her cheek, and she wiped it with her free hand, waiting for Luke to finish saying what was on his heart. After a while, he shook his head and turned his gaze back to hers. ”I haven't been-” He dug his fingers into his hair and released a frustrated burst of air. ”I'm sorry, Kari. The last thing you need is two jerks.”

Kari tossed the ball back to Luke, and he caught it deftly in one hand, drawing it securely against his body. She leaned against the piano and gave him a crooked smile. ”Two jerks ... hmmm, let's see. My husband, Tim, and ...” She was teasing him, speaking the language he knew best.

He grinned, and the lines on his face eased. ”Me, goofy. Ever since Tim left, I've treated you like-” he waved his hand in the air-”like you have some kind of disease.”

She angled her head, seeing him as the towheaded little kid he'd been when she was in high school. Her heart swelled with understanding. ”Thanks.”

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