A Beauty Refined by Tracie Peterson

Author:Tracie Peterson
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: FIC042030;FIC042040;FIC014000;Love stories;Christian fiction
ISBN: 9781441265401
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2016-05-12T04:00:00+00:00

Elizabeth Bergen sat in the front pew of the church she’d attended ever since coming to Helena. She knew the time for a decision was at hand. She’d already let a considerable amount of time pass, and no doubt Ian was nearing the end of his patience. Although given his nature, she was certain he’d never say as much.

Pastor Clearwater came to sit beside her. “So have you given thought to what we discussed last time?”

“You want me to meet with Frederick. Here.” She twisted her hands. “You want me to be honest with him about Kenny.”

The older man gave her a sympathetic nod. “It would be for the best, Elizabeth. In the company of witnesses, your husband will be no threat to you.”

“Once he knows about our son, he will do whatever is necessary to punish me and take the boy.” She shook her head. “I cannot let that happen.”

“Elizabeth, do you believe God is watching over you?” His face bore a fatherly concern. “Do you trust Him? Do you trust that He wants the very best for you?”

Elizabeth considered his words for a moment. Did she truly believe that? Didn’t her actions and attitude suggest otherwise?

“The Bible is full of verses about trusting God,” he said, not waiting for her response. He took hold of her hand and gave it a pat. “The Psalms especially are full of such verses. One of my favorites is Psalm fifty-six, eleven. ‘In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.’ Elizabeth, you have a great many friends who will stand beside you, in addition to the watchful eye of your heavenly Father. Trust Him to make this right.”

“I want to trust.” Elizabeth felt the weariness of ten years’ hiding the truth. “I want this to be settled once and for all. I suppose I really have no choice.”

“Of course you have a choice. You can continue to run. No one is stopping you.”

Elizabeth knew he was right. Phoebe knew the truth and would now be able to confront her father with his lies. Her only real fear was for Kenny’s safety, but she did have one piece of knowledge that Frederick would not want anyone to know. Perhaps it would allow her some leverage. It was a risk, but it might be enough.

“Very well, Pastor. Would you set up the meeting?”

“I will. I will have a message sent to the hotel, and I won’t detail the reasons but merely ask your husband to come because of urgent business. Do you want your daughter to be there as well?”

Elizabeth considered this for a moment. “No. It will be difficult enough with just you there as a witness. After that initial meeting, I will better know what to do and how to handle the situation.”

Pastor Clearwater smiled. “You’re doing the right thing, Elizabeth. This will allow you to finally put the past behind you.”

She wanted to believe that, but no one knew Frederick Von Bergen as she did.

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