Page 54 of Evan

The moment the words were out of his mouth, Evan felt regret tearing through him. The man had gone still, the color leeching from his face until he was almost gray. His hands trembled so much that he had to put the utensils down and his eyes were stricken.

“Cassie told you…”

Evan shook his head hastily. “She is much too loyal and is not the type to gossip.” Leaning forward, he clasped his hands on top of the table. “I did my research as soon as your ministry was recommended and I found a few things and decided to dig deeper. I am sorry.”

“No.” Pastor William shook his head wearily, his mouth tight. “You are right. I am in no position to be talking about the sins of the flesh when I am such a mess.” His eyes were bleak. “It is just that I never want Cassie to go through what I am going through.

She is good and sweet and loving and I…” Picking up the glass of water with a trembling hand, he took deep gulp, before putting it away. “I love my wife.” He continued sadly.

“Ours was a love match. From the moment I laid eyes on her, I knew that the Lord had sent her to me. We were happy and when we had our son, our happiness knew no bounds.” He swallowed the lump inside his throat.

“We thought we had it all and then we lost him. Just like that, the Lord took him from us. “He shook his head. “We were left reeling from the blow and then our daughter left us to dabble in drugs. I turned to someone else for comfort when it was not offered at home.”

“You are afraid I am going to be unfaithful to Cassandra.” Evan felt his heart constricting as he stared at the man. “I love her completely and never want to be with anyone else but her.”

Pastor William met his direct gaze before looking down at his plate. His appetite had deserted him, and he felt as if he was slowly fragmenting.

Who was he to stand in the way of true love? He and Ingrid were children of the highest God and yet still they were so far apart, it was not likely they would ever be back together. Even if that was possible, he knew that things would never be the same again.

Evan Davenport might be a multi-billionaire, but he was sincere. It was not on him to dictate what should happen between two people.

“You have my blessing.” He whispered. “All I am asking is that you love her completely and don’t try and change her.”

“I won’t.” Evan promised. “You said you loved your wife.”

“I do.”

“Then I truly believe the relationship can be salvaged. Sometimes it takes a good long talk or even therapy. You probably don’t believe in…”

“I do.” Pastor William said with a smile. “I believe that the Lord gives people special gifts and abilities to help others. And you might be right. Does she know yet?”

“That I want to marry her?” A faint smile touched his lips. “No. I wanted to clear it with you first.”

“I believe in courtship.”

“So, do I. At least with her I do.”

“I wish you all the best.”

“Thank you.”

*****

“Hi.”

“Hi you. I was beginning to think that I did something wrong.”

“I was busy. How are you feeling?”

“Much better. You?”

“Talking to you always make my day. I think we should go out on our first date.”

He grinned as she remained silent and waited for her to comment.

“Where?”

The little catch in her voice had his body tightening. Christ, how he loved her!

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