Page 7 of Season of Mercy
What am I to do?
She said a silent prayer.
“I’m sorry. But this needs to be done soon.” The doctor’s gaze was compassionate.
“Of course, Doctor. Please do everything you can to help my son.” She squeezed Stevie’s tiny fingers.
The doctor nodded and left.
Mercy’s mind whirled. She’d have to find a way out. She had to!
“I’d be happy to pay for everything. I can hire a nurse to stay with Stevie during the recuperation period.” Ethan’s voice was low. “But I know you wouldn’t take a handout.”
She shook her head. “I want to stay with my son myself and take care of him.”
Mercy felt cornered. She’d never compromise her Christian beliefs.
She leaned over her son, smoothed his ruffled hair, and kissed his forehead. “I love you, sweetie. It’s going to be all right.”
Then she sank into the chair.
Ethan stepped to her, squatted in front of her, and took her hands in his. “You won’t have to live in the same house with me if we’re married. You can stay in the guesthouse and take care of Stevie.”
“Really?” She looked into his eyes, wanting to lean into him. But instead she moved one hand and wrapped her fingers around Stevie’s.
“Really. C’mon, how many years have we known each other? You won’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. You can quit the job where you’re not appreciated and find a better one. You deserve it. And Stevie deserves to be happy and healthy.”
She was drawn to Ethan. Much more than she should have been. When her world was falling apart, he was someone to lean on. But could she commit herself to being married to someone who didn’t love her? A lifetime of a loveless marriage, and that was if Ethan didn’t leave her in a year or less.
“Of course, there’s a catch.” Ethan’s eyes narrowed.
Sure enough. “What’s that?”
“You won’t be able to date and/or marry anyone while we’re together.”
Mercy heaved a sigh of relief. “I wasn’t going to do that anyway. But it means you won’t be able to date, either.”
Something flickered in his eyes. “Not a problem. I don’t want you to agree because you have to. The offer to pay for everything is still standing.”
“But you can’t put me on your health insurance if I’m not your wife.” She had to make the decision and make it fast.
Dear Heavenly Father, please guide me. Amen.
Mercy squeezed her little boy’s hand.
Stevie opened his eyes. “Mommy?”
The love for her boy was so overwhelming that her breath caught in her throat. She had to do what was best for her son. “Sweetie, what do you think if we go live in Mr. Ethan’s guesthouse?”
“There will be lots of toys, a swing, and a tree house.” Ethan winked at the child.
“That’s a bribe,” Mercy mouthed to him.
“Yay! Can we, Mommy?” A weak smile appeared on the boy’s face. “Pretty please?”
Please forgive me, Lord.
“I meant what I said. I don’t want to be married just for a year. I want to be married for the rest of my life,” Mercy whispered.
