Throughout the last few months, some relationships have been able to stand the test the time, but one hasn't.
Pastor Fred and Lady Pat have been struggling in their marriage lately. Most people thought that it was something that just happened, but while Lady Pat was worried about Fatima's relationship, hers was slowly falling apart.
Pastor Fred's POV
It's been months since he and his wife were on the same page. He didn't want to make a big decision like divorce, but he didn't know what else to do. Pastor Fred tried to make it work. His last straw was when she refused to go with him to marriage counseling. As a pastor, a man of God, he always had the answers, until now. He was walking around preaching and counseling everyone else when he was the one broken. He prayed and prayed for the answers. God spoke to him and that's when he came up with his decision.
Once Mrs. Pat had stopped attending church it caused a lot of chatter and rummers. He had to talk to her.
"Pat, can you sit down please, we need to talk."
"What is it? I have some errands to run," said Pat as she sits in the chair in the living room.
"Look I've been trying to fix our marriage, but I can't do it alone. I've been in counseling with Bishop Carol and after praying and much thought, I've decided the best thing to do is to move out."
"What does that supposed to mean?" She asked. "What happens to us when you move out, to Patrick?
"It will be a trial separation for 6 months. I'm hoping this doesn't lead to divorce because I love you, but I want to give you your space to figure yourself out. I've already found an apartment about 8 miles from here so that we won't disturb too much of Patrick's life. He can go between each place as needed. I'm going to let the congregation know Sunday because you know I like to be transparent with them."
"Any thoughts?" He asked.
"So, are you going to continue to pay the bills here?" She asked.
"Yes, during the separation everything will for the most part stay the same besides the living arrangements."
"Ok, are you done?" Pat asked.
"That's it," Fred said disappointedly.
That following Sunday at church, he made the announcement.
"I know there has been a lot of chatter and rumors about my family and me the last few months," said Pastor Fred. "Everyone wants to know why Fatima or First Lady hasn't been to church in a while. Well, I want to be transparent, especially if I expect you all to listen to me and respect me as the leader of this church. First of all, they are both doing fine physically. Fatima has recently gotten married. She is 9 months pregnant with my first grandchild and is very much happy. Just keep her in your prayers that she has a safe delivery."
Everyone claps and congratulates him.
As for First Lady, she and I have been going through a rough time. It's neither of our fault, we just need a little time to work things out, seek counseling, and talk to God. As of right now, it is with much sadness that I let you all know that we have decided to separate.
Everyone sighed.
"With that being said again please keep my family in your prayers, thank you all," Pastor said and then heads to his study.
One of the deacons stands up to say a few words. "Everyone, could you have a seat? Let's please respect Pastor and the entire Wilson family at this time," the deacon requested. "Now let's have us some church."
Lady Pat's POV
Reality settled in when Fred offered to move out.
She received a text from Mrs. Johnson (Paris' mom) telling her that Pastor Fred just announced the separation from the church.
Lady Pat is distraught.
After hearing that, she calls her college friend in Savannah and spends the next several weeks in hiding.
"How long are you going to hide out here?" asked her friend Karen.
"Are you trying to get rid of me?"
"Of course, not. You can stay as long as you need. What about Fatima? Have you heard from her?"
"Nope," said Pat. "Honestly, there isn't a thing back home for me."
"Pat now I know you love your family, and they love you."
"Can we not talk about them right now? I want to go to the beach."
"Ok, let's go, but this conversation isn't over." said her friend.
The Taylor Household
After Zac returned from his guy's trip, the clock was ticking. They had a few weeks left until her due date, which is October 21st.
They completed the nursery, packed the hospital bag, and are preparing for Baby Taylor to arrive.
Zac decided to work a few hours a day until the last week of pregnancy.
It's his last day of work for a couple of months. He goes in basically to finalize all his paperwork, deals, and closings, and send out his away from the office email.
While at the office he gets a call from his mom. She has officially moved to Atlanta and has been staying with Zac and Fatima until the baby is born. Zac found her a nice ranch home about 30 minutes away from where they lived.
"Hey Mom, what's up?" asked Zac.
"Fatima's water broke."
