The Keepsake (Love at the Crossroads) Read Free

trying, she documented every movement, even the grip on the knob to open the office door. She introduced herself and was given a clipboard to fill out some information as if she were about to see a doctor for a routine checkup.
    She barely completed the forms without crying. The receptionist stood as she took the clipboard Desi handed her, knocked on a door and disappeared into another room. The reception area, with its cheerful colors and art décor, did nothing to relax Desi’s nerves as she retook her seat.
    Soon, a petite woman appeared in the doorway of her office. “Mrs. Bishop.” Attorney Annette Rush’s warm smile and compassion almost made Desi want to fly into her arms and cry like a baby. She extended her hand. Desi stood, accepted the handshake and followed the woman, who she guessed couldn’t be much older than her, back into the office.
    Once seated behind her massive desk, Attorney Rush asked if there was any chance of reconciliation or marital counseling.  Desi declined and the attorney explained the process, including how long it would take, and other legal procedures that made Desi feel like she was making funeral arrangements. “There is some information I need to get for the dissolution of your marriage from Mr. Michael Hunter Bishop.”
    Desi nodded and couldn’t help but glance at the rock on the lawyer’s finger, then she twisted her ring that should have come off. She swallowed and cleared her throat.  Desi warred against an internal struggle. She loved her husband, but with the reality of his betrayal, Matthew 19:9 justified her action. God always had a plan of escape for His people.
    “ Where would you like your husband served, home or work?”
    Pictures of Michael kissing another woman flashed before her eyes. She and Michael had dated for six months before he had proposed, then they were married three years. Months ago, they had discussed starting a family. “Please don’t refer to him as my husband,” Desi corrected.
    “I understand. I apologize. Where would you like the sheriff’s bailiff to serve papers to Mr. Bishop?”
    “At his place of employment.” His employees knew. She was the last to know.
    With the paperwork completed, her attorney was about to wrap up the appointment, but Desi stopped her. “I would like to file one more lawsuit.”
    The attorney lifted her brow. “Against whom?”
    “Brenda Johnson, the mistress.”
    Attorney Rush didn’t blink. “Missouri doesn’t have an alienation of affection clause. We can sue her for ‘criminal conversation’. Do you have a home address or place of employment for Miss Johnson? You will also need proof of the actual sexual intercourse between your hus—Mr. Bishop and her.”
    “Unfortunately, I have it.” She twisted her lips in disgust and handed over the envelope with the snapshots of Michael and the hussy.
    Accepting the package , the attorney scrutinized the evidence. “Well, once these petitions are processed, both of them should be served by the end of the week or Monday at the latest.”
    “Thank you.” Desi stood to leave and so did Attorney Rush.
    “I’m sorry for your loss. I can see how grieved you are about this . I can tell you really want to be married. If I can cross the professional line for a moment and say that whatever the Lord allowed the devil to take away from you, God can restore your losses abundantly. ”
    “Thank you,” Desi whispered as a tear fell . She walked out the office. Regrettably, for her and Michael, it was too late.
    ***
    Michael turned the corner into his cul-de-sac. Zachary’s sports car was parked in his driveway. Activating the garage door opener, Michael pulled up beside him and drove into the garage. Zachary was already getting out of his vehicle. Judging from his stiff posture, his brother was highly irritated.
    “Hey .”
    Zachary nodded and followed him into the three bedroom house. Desi had decorated it to her heart’s desire while Michael paid the note and the