Intermission by Phyllis R. Dixon

Author:Phyllis R. Dixon [Dixon, Phyllis R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 2023-04-14T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 29

DOREEN

“I thought we were finished with winter for this year. I cut my jog short,” James said, as he rubbed his hands together. “That harsh wind was going straight to my bones.”

Doreen fluffed her pillow and turned toward the wall.

“The kids left just in time. I saw on the news it’s warmer in Chicago today than in Memphis,” James said, as he untied his Adidas.

Doreen pulled the sheet over her head.

“Did you have anything planned for today? How about lunch and a matinee?” James asked.

Doreen heaved a big sigh and didn’t move.

“Or I could get in bed with you,” James teased, pulling the sheet back. “That would be one way to generate some heat.”

Doreen glared at him, then pulled the sheet back over her head.

“Since you’re giving me the silent treatment, just listen. The kids are spending spring break with their father. We had him investigated like you suggested, and I visited his home and took pictures for you when I went to preach in Maywood. Sophia would want her kids to spend time with their father. There’s enough love to go around.”

“How long do you think Lucas will be satisfied with occasional holiday visits?” Doreen asked as she sat up.

“You’re talking to me now?” James asked.

“I’ve been trying to talk, but you won’t listen. You’re on his side.”

“I’m on the kids’ side. Would you rather they believe their father is some deadbeat drug addict who doesn’t care about them? Knowing someone else loves them can only be beneficial. The boys were so excited at the airport. You should have come.”

“They aren’t old enough to know better. That’s why they need our protection. Paige sees him for what he is. She won’t even talk to him,” Doreen said.

“She’s older and remembers more. Let her come around in her own way and time. Her own way means not filling her mind with stories about how terrible Lucas was.”

“Am I lying?”

“No, but people can change. God can work wonders. We weren’t angels, you know,” James reminded her.

Doreen rolled her eyes and turned away from him.

“You can pout, but I’m not wasting a beautiful day. The usher board is having a fish fry today. I’ll be at the church,” he said as he left the room.

It’s not that she hadn’t forgiven Lucas. She just wasn’t sure of his motives. She suspected after a few visits, he would want custody. Also, she didn’t want Sophia’s children to grow up calling another woman “Mother.”

Doreen sat up in bed and drew her knees to her chest. Maybe she should have encouraged James’s romantic advances. She had gotten fertility pills from her gynecologist and this weekend was her peak ovulation time. She decided to keep her eye on the goal and overlook James’s misplaced kindness with Lucas.

When Doreen turned thirty, they decided they were ready for children. She got pregnant twice but suffered two second trimester miscarriages. After the first miscarriage, she got a severe infection, was hospitalized three weeks, lost twenty pounds, and became so dehydrated she had to be fed intravenously.

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