The Keepsake (Love at the Crossroads) by Pat Simmons Read Free Book Online Page A

beautiful wedding ring, but it had lost its value. On the day of the counseling session, Desi called her grandmother for prayer.
    “I’m scared, Granny,” she heard herself confess something that she had been fighting to admit.
    “Why, sweetie pie?”
    “Because I love him and he’s not worthy of my love. And I’m mad at him for betraying me.”
    “Remember, none of us were worthy of God’s love until He hung on that cross for our sins. But you can’t move on without forgiveness whether you stay with Michael or walk away like you have every right to do.”
    “Stay?” She turned her nose up at the thought of him kissing, hugging and making love—no having hot sex—with someone who didn’t wear his ring. “That’s not possible.” Desi swiped at a tear.
    “Then God has a man out there that will be a double blessing. Let’s pray. Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, my grandbaby is hurting. Please comfort her at this crossroad in her life. Please help her to forgive so she can move on and receive the blessings You have stored up for her, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
    “Amen,” she whispered and took a deep breath. “Thank you, Granny. I love you.”
    Once they disconnected, Desi repaired her makeup and scrutinized her appearance in the mirror. She wanted to flaunt her assets in her husband’s face to show him what he willingly gave up. Yes, it was petty, and vain, but that was the only ammunition she had to get back at him. An hour later, Desi walked into Pastor Reed’s office. Michael was already there. He stood when she entered. She didn’t bother to acknowledge him as she took a seat in the opposite twin chair in front of their pastor’s desk. She didn’t have to look at Michael to be aware of his presence. Every pore on her body seemed on guard.
    Desi refused to glance Michael’s way. She didn’t care that he was wearing her favorite cologne. Where it would normally have aroused her to be near her husband, it did the reverse. It stirred emotions of anger and betrayal after learning of Michael’s affair.
    Pastor Reed got her attention. “Before we get started, let us pray. Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for the cross and the victory in every situation…,” he petitioned the Lord on their behalf with depth and fervor before finally saying amen.
    Inhaling deeply, Desi slowly released her air. She linked her fingers in hope of restraining her hands from shaking. Lord, help me to get through this—please.
    “Sister Bishop, let’s begin with you, since you called and requested this meeting.”
    Nodding, Desi cut her eyes at her husband. Despite his handsome features, she was no longer attracted to him. “Pastor, I don’t know this man. He’s contaminated our marriage and defiled our bed. Honestly, I don’t know why I’m here because we’ve both made our decision.” Don’t cry, don’t cry, she coaxed herself.
    “He chose who he wanted to sleep with and I choose to sleep alone. Although I said my vows until death do we part with all my love in my heart for him , I’ve already filed a petition for a divorce and sued his mistress for criminal conversation, having sex with a married man.” Her heart ached to even whisper such offense. “I didn’t get married as a prerequisite to file for a divorce…”
    She didn’t realize a tear dropped until Pastor Reed gathered a few tissues and handed them to her. Desi sniffed and thanked him, and choked out, “But God knew that man didn’t love me and would disrespect our marriage and gave me an exit clause—”
    “Now, wait a minute,” Michael cut her off.
    Whipping her neck, Desi practically snarled at him, causing Michael to shift his muscular body in the chair. He rubbed his head, a clear sign that he was at a loss for words. She folded her arms, prepared to wait him out.
    “First of all, I love my wife…”
    “Ha! Don’t ever say that again,” Desi snapped. “I guarantee that you didn’t remember my name when you were