Love, Honor, and Betray, Roby, Lawson [i have read the book a hundred times .txt] 📗

got a few other items for you to look at and about five letters for you to sign, but it’s no rush.”

“Sounds good. I’ll try to get to them today, but if not, tomorrow.”

“So, how are things at home?” she asked.

“Actually, they’re a hundred percent better. Charlotte has done a total turnaround, and she’s even warming up to Curtina ina way like I’ve never seen her do before.”

“Praise God. What a blessing.”

“I know. And I have to tell you, being happy with her again has dropped my stress tremendously.”

“I’m sure it has, and I’m so happy for you, Pastor.”

“I appreciate that, Lana.”

“Also, I let my niece read the early review copy of your book, and she said she’s never been more inspired.”

“Well, good. And thank you for giving it to her.”

“Now, she’s waiting on the next one just like the rest of us.”

“I’ve been gradually mapping out the outline, but with all that I’ve been dealing with personally, I haven’t done nearly asmuch as I would like.”

“Well, at least you got this one finished pretty early.”

“Yeah, and I’m glad because once we move closer to the dedication ceremony and begin all the other activi­ties for the newbuilding, there won’t be much time for anything else. I’m also glad it won’t be out until early next year, so that I’ll behere regularly for at least the first six months after we move in.”

“Oh that’s right. You’re doing a pretty extensive tour this time around.”

“Yeah, it’s time. I did maybe five cities for each of the last two books, but I haven’t done a standard tour since Curtinawas born.”

“You haven’t traveled much at all. Not even for general speaking engagements, because I’m still getting no less than two callsper week from churches, seminaries, and a lot of other organizations. They’re still trying to book you.”

“I know. My publicist has been telling me the same thing, but I just don’t want to start back being on the road all the timeagain. Not when Curtina and Matthew really need me here right now, and Charlotte and I are finally content again.”

“I completely understand. And by the way, how is Matthew?”

“Still not himself. And over the last two days, he’s been more quiet than he was when the hostage incident first happened.”

“Poor thing. I will certainly continue to keep him in my prayers.”

“Yes, please do,” Curtis said right when his office phone rang. “Yes?”

It was one of the assistants who reported to Lana. “Good morning, Pastor Black.”

“Good morning to you, Kristen.”

“I have a Bruce Betts on the line for you. He says he and his former fiancée came in to see you last week.”

“Yes. Please put him through.”

“I’ll talk to you later,” Lana said, and Curtis nodded.

“Good morning, Bruce.”

“Good morning, Pastor. How are you?”

“I’m well, but what’s this ‘former fiancée’ news I just heard about?”

“Well, Pastor, I just want to thank you for meeting with us when you did, because that counseling session really opened myeyes.”

“It sure sounds like it.”

“It did. Stephanie is definitely not the right woman for me, and I’ve never been more positive about anything. I mean, don’tget me wrong. I love her, and it will be a while before I stop loving her, but she’s just not the one. Stephanie is a womanwith her own agenda and couldn’t care less about our plans and our life as a couple.”

“Well, I’m really sorry things didn’t work out for you, Bruce, but it is better to have realized this now rather than later.”

“I agree. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know and to thank you again.”

“You take care of yourself, and please call me anytime.”

“I will. You have a good day now.”

“You, too.”

Curtis thought back to his meeting with Bruce and Stephanie and had to admit he wasn’t shocked over the breakup. They hadtwo major incompatibilities, and he was sure that if he’d had the chance to counsel them again, he would have learned therewere even more of them. He did feel bad for Bruce, but just as he’d told him, it was better to find out beforehand and notyears and years down the road.

Curtis picked up another résumé but frowned when he heard his phone ringing again. No number displayed, just like it hadn’tthe last time, but he still answered it. “Hello?”

Nothing.

“Hello?”

This time Curtis hung up first. He wasn’t sure if it was Raven or Sharon, but regardless of which one of them it was, he wouldn’ttolerate these kinds of games. He’d ended what brief relationship he’d had with Sharon and fired Raven, and he wouldn’t dealwith any aftereffects. Not now or in the future.

Chapter 40

At least three hours had passed since Charlotte had spoken to Michael, but she was still nervous and very upset. Worried todeath was more like it—over the possibility that Sybil would be calling Curtis anytime now. How could I have been so stupid? Why?

Charlotte looked out of the window, then went back to her desk and sat down. She sat there for a couple of minutes but thenstood up again. The curiosity was killing her but not more than her fear of Curtis finding out the truth.

Charlotte’s cell phone rang, and she jumped. The words Deliverance Outreach displayed across the screen, and she was terrified to answer the phone. She knew it was Curtis, and that he now knew everythingabout Michael. So, she hesitated. Her phone rang and rang, but she finally answered it before it went to voice mail. She didn’tsay anything, though.

“Hello?” Curtis said.

“Hey,” she responded.

“Why didn’t you say anything when you first answered the phone?”

“I did. There must be some sort of glitch with the volume.”

“Oh. So what were you doing?”

“Not much. Why?”

“No reason. I just wanted to hear your voice and to tell you I love you.”

Charlotte breathed normally again. What a relief.

“I love you, too, baby,” she said.

“And hey, did you check on Agnes?”

“I did. She sounds terrible, so I told her to take the rest of the week off if she needs to.”

“I’m sure she wasn’t happy to hear