Page 469 of Conveniently Wed
“Not because I was pregnant. I wanted the two of you?—”
“Cut the lies. When you couldn’t find him, you decided to turn the charm my way and make the best of a dire situation. And now, after all this time, miraculously, you love me.”
The color drained from her face. She stood silent.
Had she thought he’d be so stupid as to believe her now? “I bet you were hoping I would succumb to your flirtation long ago so I’d be in doubt as to who the father was.” He stepped closer to her, towering over her, but she didn’t cower. Instead, she liftedher head and stood very still. Giant tears rolled down her cheeks, and he tightened his breathing to keep the sight from swaying him. “You have nothing to say for yourself?”
“Would you even listen?” She looked him square in the eyes without flinching.
“Go ahead.” There would be no reasonable explanation that would nullify his suspicions.
“In case you haven’t noticed, there have been changes in me. As a Christian, I would never lie about something like this.”
“How convenient, playing the God card.”
She held up a hand. “I can see you have your mind made up, but give me the courtesy of allowing me to speak. Then, I will go.”
He nodded. He could hold himself in check that long. Although nothing she said would change what had to be the truth.
“I stand before you and God with my head held high. Do you remember an evening in May when you came to my room, the very room you said would always be my undisturbed sanctuary?” Her eyes bore into his.
He looked away as memories surged. He’d lost control of his good sense that night.
“Do you remember asking to stay? Do you remember the passion that followed?”
He couldn’t answer, not with the heat spreading throughout his body at the memory.
“I remember that evening well,” she said. “It seems fitting we conceived our child in my room. That scared waif of a girl you took as a bride invited you into her haven, her safe place, and God was pleased. That very night, I had run from temptation. I chose our marriage over Colby. I believe this pregnancy is a gift. God himself sealed our marriage.”
He turned back to her. What kind of hogwash did she expect him to believe? “So, you’re trying to tell me that one time?—”
“That’s exactly what Iam telling you, because I know it to be true. I will not allow you to smear Colby’s name, nor will I argue the point with you.”
He turned away and raked a hand through his hair. “Your story is a little too convenient.” How could he ever know the truth?
“You’ll see. When we have a child who looks and acts like you, you’ll know. Until then, I’ll choose to forgive your uncharitable words and accusations, but don’t think for a moment they do not cause great pain.” She wiped the tears from her cheek and walked out, leaving him with a storm of questions and raging emotions.
How in the world could this be?
Katie paced her bedroom. Were they so far gone that Josiah not only believed she’d slept with Colby, but that she was capable of lying about something so big? No wonder he was so cold and distant.
Three weeks ago, she would’ve slapped his face or given him a tongue lashing for an insult that big. It was amazing how God had held her steady. Composed. Calm. Collected.
Yet loving Josiah brought a new agony. She had finally found the courage to tell him she loved him, and he threw the words back in her face. Those words were not often spoken to her as a child, so saying them and meaning them hadn’t been easy for her. His cruel response twisted her heart in two.
Oh, God what am I to do? This is far worse than I thought.
She sank down to her knees at the side of the bed and let her tears fall.
Be still and know that I am God.The Bible verse she’d read that morning came back to her and penetrated the fear churning inside her.
She lifted her tired body from the floor and slid into bed. Somehow, God would help her remain obedient to loving Josiah no matter what. Being a Christian sure didn’t remove the difficult from life, it only gave the strength to walk through. But oh, the peace. Sweet peace. She smiled into the heavens.Thank you, Jesus.
32
The doorknocker sounded.
“I’ll get it.” Katie stepped through the foyer and opened the door wide, then took a step back. A woman stared back at her—with startling blue eyes and black hair that made Katie feel like she was looking in the mirror.
