Contingency: Covenant of Trust Book One

  She knew he was waiting for her to agree, to promise she’d go along with that, but she couldn’t. Not yet. At least Phil let it drop.

  “Is there anything else Donna or I can do for you or the boys right now?” he asked. “Get your groceries? Cut your grass? Anything.”

  Bobbi shook her head and shifted on the sofa. “I don’t mean to come across angry with you. I appreciate you coming. I just . . . How could he hurt me like this?” She clenched her jaw. She refused to let the Shannons see any tears. Chuck wouldn’t get that victory.

  Donna slipped an arm around Bobbi’s shoulder. “Honey, I don’t know about Chuck, but I will tell you that you don’t have to worry about our feelings. We love you and we understand.” Bobbi pushed away. She didn’t want pity. She wanted someone to tell her she should be furious, that she should want to kick something or throw something, that not even God Himself expected her to absorb this.

  Phil knelt between the coffee table and the sofa and held out his hands. “Can we pray with you?” Bobbi reached her hands out as Rita and Donna moved to join hands as well. Phil let out a long, slow breath before beginning.

  “Father, You are good, and You know all things. Help us see Your hand at work, and follow Your leading. We know it’s never Your will for families and marriages to be destroyed, but we also know that they’re some of the enemy’s favorite targets.

  “Dear God, we need Your wisdom, Your grace. Help Bobbi in her pain, in her uncertainty. Give her rest tonight and in the coming days, and a clear focus on her boys and her job. Help all of us hold her up and show her Your love and comfort. Protect her from unkind words and accusations and help her to feel Your presence with her. Amen.”

  When Bobbi raised her head, she was startled to meet Phil’s eyes. “Did you pray?” She nodded, thankful he didn’t ask for details. “Do you know where Chuck is now?”

  “No, he left a while ago.”

  “I’m going to call him after we leave here.”

  “I know.”

  “Do you want me to give him any messages?”

  “None I’d care to repeat,” Bobbi said, as Phil stepped back out of the way.

  As Donna reached to hug Bobbi, she said, “This will work out. It will be hard and it will hurt, but Bobbi, if anyone can weather this storm, it’s you and Chuck.”

  “Donna, I don’t have your confidence.”

  “We’re going to get out of here,” Phil said. “Try to get some rest.” He and Donna hugged Rita and Bobbi once more. “Call us if you need anything,” Phil offered, and then they slipped out the door.

  As Rita turned the deadbolt behind them, Bobbi asked, “Want some coffee?”

  Warm temperatures with a light breeze made it a perfect summer night. Occasionally, the scent of freshly mowed grass would drift in through the open sunroof of Chuck’s car. Stars twinkled in the clear sky, and Bobbi could tell Chuck was up to something. He knocked over a glass of water at dinner, and she’d never heard him stutter before.

  He reached over and took her hand as he turned onto the road out to Dixson Lake. She was relieved when he suggested the drive. Her father would be passed out, so she had nothing to go home to. Chuck listened to her, made time for her, enjoyed being with her. She loved the easy way they got along. Tonight, he even wore a tie. Nobody ever wore a tie on a date with her. Every time she thought about him leaving, though, she got queasy.

  “We should move somewhere where you can wear sundresses like that all the time.” Chuck kissed the back of her hand. “I never knew a woman’s shoulders could be so beautiful.”

  “You should have a very fine career as a smooth talker.” She shook her head at him. He said ‘we’. ‘We should move.’ “I’ll move anywhere you want to.”

  “How ‘bout Evanston?”

  “Evanston? I thought you were going to Chicago.”

  “Yeah, Northwestern’s in Evanston.”

  “What’s the deal with that? Missouri’s got a law school.”

  “My dad went to Northwestern. He set up some fund for me to go there right after I was born.”

  “And what if you hadn’t chosen law school?’

  “Now, that’s crazy talk.” He grinned at her and his blue eyes twinkled. “So, are you coming with me?”

  “You paying for my college?”

  “I’ll figure out something.”

  “Your mom and dad don’t like me, anyway. That would cinch it.”

  “They love you.”

  “If you say so. My dad needs somebody, though. I probably should stick close.”

  “I had to give it a shot. At least try and convince you.” He whipped his car into Dixson Lake State Park and navigated around to the boat ramp. “Wanna look at the stars?”

  “It’d be a shame not to.”

  He parked the car and got out, but he stopped and opened the trunk before he came around to her door. He was definitely up to something. A moment later her door clicked open, and he offered her his hand. He carried a blanket draped across his other arm.

  “I figured it would be more comfortable sitting on the grass and I’d hate for you to get your dress dirty.”

  “What a gentleman.” And she meant it. He was. They wandered over to a spot of grass beside the asphalt ramp. He spread the blanket out and steadied her as she eased down, then he dropped in beside her. He nuzzled her neck, kissing her just behind her ear. “Okay, that’s too much.” She leaned forward.

  “Tickles?”

  “Yes!”

  “I’ll quit. That’ll spoil the mood.”

  “What mood is that?”

  “This one.” He brought his leg around so he could sit up and face her. “Bobbi, this has been the most incredible summer of my life. I’ve never known anybody like you, and I am hopelessly, eternally in love with you.”

  He took both of her hands and electricity shot through her. Could he be ready to . . .? No . . . It was way too soon for that, although she’d imagined marrying him since that first day.

  “I don’t want you to ever question how much I love you.” He leaned back and pushed a hand into the front pocket of his Dockers, and her heart flipped. When she saw the ring box, she thought she might faint. He smiled and pulled a diamond solitaire out of the box, and held it up. “Bobbi . . .” He had tears in his eyes, and she couldn’t stop her own eyes from brimming. “Bobbi, would you marry me?”

  “Yes . . . Yes! YES!” She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. “Yes!” She held her hand up so he could slip the ring on. It fit perfectly. Of course. Mrs. Chuck Molinsky. She was going to be Mrs. Chuck Molinsky.

  “Then we went out to the lake.” Bobbi watched her sister’s eyes, but Rita’s expression never changed. “And it was absolutely perfect. The stars were out and there was a breeze . . . So anyway, he says, ‘I’m hopelessly eternally in love with you and I don’t want you to ever question that.’ And he pulls out this ring box. I thought I’d die right there.”

  “What did Daddy say?” Rita tipped her hand. She didn’t approve, and now she was looking for ammunition to make her case.

  “He said he’s a good boy, and if I was happy, that’s what mattered.”

  “And he was sober when he said that?”

  “I caught him before work this morning.”

  Rita chewed her bottom lip. “This . . . this is really fast. You’ve only known him a couple of months, and you’re just barely eighteen.”

  That one she could answer. “First of all, we’re not getting married until we get through school. And second, you were seventeen when you got married! Not just engaged, married.” No sense dragging this out. May as well jump right in. “Why don’t you like him?”

  “He’s a spoiled brat. I’ve seen the labels on his pants. We could buy two weeks’ worth of groceries for each pair.”

  “His parents quit giving him money once he started this summer job. He pays all his own living expenses.”

  “Doesn’t matter. He still has that mindset.”

&n
bsp; “Being poor doesn’t make you a better person. There are as many poor jerks as rich ones.”

  “Bobbi, here’s the thing. I know him. He’s a playboy. He’ll say anything to get what he wants from a girl, then . . .”

  “Was.”

  “Was what?”

  “Was a playboy. He’s a believer, now. He hasn’t even had a date since he became a Christian. Well, until me.”

  “He told you this?”

  “Yeah, he’s been very open about things.”

  “Did he also mention he asked Lisa Mellon to marry him, then dumped her after she slept with him?”

  “That’s not what happened. He never . . .”

  “Bobbi, that’s his story. Andrea and I are best friends. I think she’d know what happened with her little sister.”

  “It doesn’t matter, now. He’s different.”

  Before he started his car, Phil called Chuck. “Do you think he’ll talk to you?” Donna asked.

  “I’ll find out.” Chuck answered on the second ring, and Phil smiled at his wife. “Chuck, this is Phil Shannon. Can I come and see you?”

  “That’d be great. Thanks. Lobby of the Embassy. I left a message on your machine. I hoped—”

  “I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

  Phil dropped Donna off at home before heading to the Embassy Hotel. “I’ll be praying,” she promised as she slid out of the car.

  “I’ll need it.” Phil pulled in a parking spot right on schedule. He turned the car off and prayed as he walked across the lot. Father, I need You again. Help me give Chuck wise counsel. Please let him have a listening heart. Give him the courage and resolve to do what he needs to do now. In Jesus’ name.

  The Embassy strived to emulate the luxury hotels downtown. Glistening marble floors, rich wood, and shiny brass fixtures trimmed out the expansive lobby. The big screen television broadcast CNN to the sofas, chairs, and plants. On a Thursday night, everyone had a better place to be. Everyone but Chuck Molinsky. Phil spotted him, in his Brooks Brothers suit and tie, trying his best to appear successful and in command. Chuck stood well before Phil made it across the lobby, but he never raised his eyes. Phil stopped an arm’s length away and extended his hand.

  Chuck hesitated, but as soon as he made a move to shake hands, Phil pulled him into a hug. “How are you, Chuck?”

  “You’ve talked to Bobbi?” Chuck took a seat, and Phil followed his lead.

  “I just came from there.”

  “Then you know what I’m up against. How do I keep her from leaving me?”

  He watched Chuck perched on the edge of his seat, ready to hear a failsafe strategy, some quick, three-step plan to restoration. Phil intended to shatter that idea. “Do you want to leave Bobbi?”

  “What? Leave? Does she think I want—?”

  Phil’s raised hand to cut him off. “Do you want to restore your marriage?”

  “Of course, Phil, I—”

  “Will you listen to me and do what I advise you to do?” Phil softened his tone. “Or at least consider my advice?”

  “How was Bobbi?” Chuck asked. “Do I have any hope?”

  “You’ve got a hard road ahead. She’s hurt . . . bewildered . . . angry.” Phil leaned back in the chair. “But, I don’t think it’s hopeless by any means. Although Biblically speaking, Bobbi may be within her rights to divorce you, she didn’t say she wanted a divorce outright.”

  “Thank God.”

  “Speaking of God, have you approached God about this?”

  “Kind of.”

  “That’s your first priority. Until you confess this adultery to God, and repent and get His forgiveness, you’re not going to get anywhere.” He leaned forward again. “Let me back up a step.” He fixed his eyes on Chuck’s. “Do you genuinely believe in Jesus Christ?”

  “Of course. Just because . . . That doesn’t mean . . . Why?”

  “It’s different when an unbelieving man cheats on his wife. The approach to restoration is different. Plus, a believer has additional accountabilities.” As he spoke, Phil began to count on his fingers. “To the Lord first, but also to his church.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I mean as a believer, you answer to the church as well. Your sin was public, or soon will be, so you’ve got to make it right . . . publicly.” Phil let that statement hang. Chuck’s eyes widened as it sunk in.

  “You want me to go in front of the church? I’ll get eaten alive! I can just see me up there trying to stammer through a confession with a hundred freelance judges scowling at me. With all due respect, Phil, that’s beyond crazy.”

  “You might be surprised.” Phil leaned all the way back in the overstuffed chair, sliding his hands behind his head.

  “I might not.”

  “You asked me how to keep your wife from leaving you.” Phil dropped his hands down to the armrests. “That’s where you start. You confess it, renounce it, and get your church family behind you.”

  “What about Bobbi? This is between us. Shouldn’t I be dealing with her?”

  “You can’t demand grace, Chuck. You have to wait until she offers it.”

  “How do I get her to do that?”

  “You’re not listening to me. You can’t.” Phil leaned forward and looked Chuck in the eye. “In this short time, I’ve noticed something very significant. In fact, it’s going to be the key to what happens next.” He had Chuck’s undivided attention now. “You don’t love your wife.”

  Chuck jerked himself to his feet. “Of course I do! Where do you get off—?”

  “Then why didn’t you tell Bobbi you loved her when you got home?”

  “She wouldn’t let me! She unloaded on me as soon as I walked in!”

  “Since I got here, the focus of your conversation has been on yourself, and you never mentioned to me that you loved her.”

  Chuck dropped back in the chair. “That’s not fair. All I can think about is making sure I still have a wife.”

  “And you won’t, unless you give up this self-centered imitation love, and learn how to love her sacrificially. We can’t restore the marriage you had. We have to rebuild it from scratch.” Chuck nodded. Maybe he did understand. “You have to rebuild your credibility with her. In three weeks.”

  “Three weeks?” Chuck jumped up and paced away from Phil. “I have to make her trust me in three weeks?”

  “No, but you have to show her that you’re making progress toward change, or she’s not going to invest herself emotionally in counseling. She will divorce you.”

  “I guess you’re going to tell me how to do that.” Chuck shoved his hands deep in the pockets of his slacks.

  “There’s nothing mysterious about it. In a nutshell, you have to get past the guilt and shame and learn to live in Christ’s grace, and you have to make yourself worthy of Bobbi’s trust. That’s where the confession comes in. Also, you have to accept that there are some things in your marriage, in your life even, that will never be the same.”

  “I know.”

  “Let me throw out some things you may not have thought of yet. You can’t be alone with a woman again, ever. No meetings, no taxis, no elevators.”

  “That’s going overboard, isn’t it?”

  “No such thing, anymore. I’d recommend you not work late at your office, but bring it home.” Chuck didn’t protest. “You can’t give Bobbi the slightest reason to doubt you ever again. Your integrity has got to be beyond reproach.”

  “Yeah,” Chuck whispered, easing back into his seat.

  “This other woman, is she a Christian?”

  “I doubt it.”

  “You need to apologize to her for how you’ve treated her, and then break off all contact with her. I imagine she’s not going to be very forgiving.”

  “That’s putting it mildly. She found out I was married about the same time Bobbi found out about her.”

  “How could a woman you worked with not know you were married?”

  “It never ca
me up.”

  “What about your wedding ring?” Phil asked, pointing to the finger where the ring should have been.

  “Oh, it’s not what you’re thinking,” Chuck said, holding his hand up for Phil to see. “About four years ago, Gavin wanted to take his son-in-law, John, you know, Kara’s husband, and Danny deer hunting, and he asked me and Brad to go. I fell out of a tree and broke my wrist and these two fingers on my left hand,” he said, indicating his little finger and ring finger. “See, they’re kind of crooked.” Phil nodded. “I just never got my wedding band resized.” Then his voice grew quiet. “I never made it that much of a priority.”

  “Don’t you have any pictures of Bobbi at work?”

  “Yes, right on my desk!”

  “I’m getting off the subject,” Phil said. “We don’t need to get into all this tonight. Bottom line, Chuck, is you’re going to have to let Bobbi set the pace here. Don’t force her toward reconciliation before she’s ready. It may take a long time, but she deserves to do this on her terms. Answer every question she asks, but don’t volunteer things yet.”

  “Isn’t that deceitful?”

  “No, it’s giving her time to absorb things. While Donna and I help her work through things, you and I will focus on how this happened in the first place. Then, we’ll get to counseling you together about where the two of you go from here. Well, the four of you. The boys will have to be a part of the healing.”

  “I haven’t talked to the boys yet.” Chuck mumbled.

  “Brace yourself. It’ll be almost as difficult as facing your wife. For the next couple of weeks, you may feel like that’s all you get done, admitting your adultery.”

  “How many people do I have to tell? If I confess it at church, won’t that take care of it?”

  “You have coworkers. You’re going to have to be straight with them. There’s your mother. Then there’s going to be gossip, embarrassment, and even when you and Bobbi reconcile, this is a specter that won’t go away. Ever.”

  Chuck nodded, and Phil hoped his words registered. “Years from now, it may rear its ugly head, and you’ll feel like you have to prove yourself all over again.”

  “I will do anything it takes to make this right.” Tears began to fill his eyes. “I really do love Bobbi.”