Cadence grinned. “Well then, teach me.”
Mark eyed her curiously. “Okay. Paul was talking about the Corinthian church. The custom during that time period was for men and women to sit on separate sides of the church. So women were separated from their husbands. If they had a question about the teaching, they’d shout to their husbands across the aisle. And it caused disruption in the church. So Paul told them to be quiet and to ask their husbands questions when they got home.”
Cadence stared at Mark for a moment before replying, “Are you making that up?”
Mark smiled. “No.”
“So that doesn’t really have anything to do with the modern-day woman, right?”
“I think if anyone is shouting in church, someone should tell that person to be quiet. Man. Woman. Child. Whatever.”
“Where did you learn that?” Cadence asked. She played with the ends of her hair as she leaned against the headboard.
“I took a religion course as an undergrad.”
“What else can you explain to me about Paul? ‘Cause I’m not the only woman on the planet who’s got a problem with him.”
Mark laughed. “You’re definitely not.”
Cadence waited. Mark walked to the bed and sat down beside her.
“No one understands what he meant when he said wives should submit to their husbands,” he said. “Including your mother.”
Cadence tensed. “I don’t wanna talk about that,” she whispered.
“We don’t have to,” Mark said. “But I want you to know something: Your mother is wrong. She’s not doing what God wants her to do. Because if she were, she’d call you and spend time with you and have a relationship with you.”
Cadence hung her head. And then she opened her Bible and continued reading.
“Wanna put that aside for a little bit?” Mark asked. He tugged on the book gently, but she tightened her grip.
“I’m studying.”
“Is this for class?”
“No. It’s for me.”
Mark leaned over and kissed her neck. “I can help you study other things.”
Cadence squirmed. “Do I bother you when you’re working?”
“All the time,” he replied, nuzzling her neck.
She giggled. “Stop! And go away.”
“But I wanna hang out.”
“Well, I’m hanging out with God right now.”
Mark sighed and walked to the bedroom door.
“Hey,” Cadence called. He turned around and looked at her. “I need you to understand something.”
He nodded.
“I love you. I love you very much. But I love God more.”
Mark stared at her for a moment. He could have easily been offended. God didn’t rescue her from her dad. Give her a place to live. Take care of her. Feed her. God didn’t hold her at night when she cried about the loss of her family. He didn’t comfort her and encourage her. And if he did, Mark didn’t see. What he saw instead was a girl who still clung desperately to a way of life she didn’t know how to let go of—a girl convinced that God was all-powerful and benevolent and loving, when Mark knew better. He knew a different God. One who took and punished and cast him into years of darkness and despair.
“Did I upset you?” Cadence asked softly.
“Not at all,” Mark replied. He closed the door gently behind him.
***
They stared at one another, then at the doctor, then at one another again.
“Impossible,” Andy breathed.
“Not impossible,” Dr. Stanwick replied. “Improbable, yes. But not impossible.”
“I’m on birth control!” Andy exclaimed.
“Not now you aren’t,” the doctor replied. “Stop taking those pills immediately.”
“What are we gonna do?” Mark breathed. The women looked at him confused. He rubbed his forehead.
“What do you mean what are we gonna do?” Andy asked. “Our only option is to have it.”
“It is?”
“Mark!”
“I’m going to step out for a few moments so you two can talk,” Dr. Stanwick said. She left the room, making sure to close the door securely.
“Mark?”
“Hmm?”
“What are you thinking?” Andy asked.
“I’m thinking that this wasn’t part of the plan right now. I’m thinking I’m wiggin’ out. I’m thinking I’m not sure I’m ready to be a dad at twenty-five. I’m thinking we can’t afford this baby. I’m thinking—”
“Okay. Calm down,” Andy interjected. She rubbed Mark’s back. “It’s okay. I know you’re spinning. You’ve got a lot to think about. I mean, I get it. I know you’re a planner and have a hard time with surprises.”
“Andy, this isn’t a surprise, all right? This is a freaking huge anvil falling on my head!”
Andy cracked a grin. “I know.”