Arizona Pastor Read Online Free PDF

into the plan, and now they needed to figure out how to get back on track.
    â€œA month.”
    Kristy gawked at her daughter. “A month? Mel, we need to make you an appointment with the doctor. Make sure everything is okay.”
    â€œLeah’s already taken me to her doctor once.” She stared down at the crackers, then shrugged. “She was a nice lady. Got me some prenatal vitamins.”
    Kristy swallowed back the hurt that threatened to spew from her mouth like an erupting volcano. How could Mel trust her stepmom more than her? Kristy had been the one to care for Mel when she’d been sick, to run to the store for materials for last-minute homework assignments, to go to concerts and parent/teacher conferences and host birthday parties. She’d thought they were as close as peanut butter and jelly. She cleared her throat. “When’s your due date?”
    â€œJanuary 13.”
    Kristy cringed. “Beginning of spring semester. But at least you’ll be able to get half a year under your belt.”
    â€œI’m not going to school in the fall.”
    â€œDon’t worry. Fall won’t be a problem. You might be a little physically uncomfortable by the end of the semester, but—”
    â€œI’m not going at all next year.”
    Kristy stared at her daughter, noting her set jaw and defensive posture.
    â€œNow, Mel—”
    â€œMom, I don’t want to be a lawyer. I haven’t wanted to be a lawyer for two years. I’ve tried to tell you, but you’d never listen.”
    â€œOkay.” Kristy placed her spoon in the cereal bowl, willing herself to remain calm. “But you still need to get a degree.”
    â€œWhy? I want to be a wife and mom and maybe teach piano and guitar lessons on the side.”
    â€œWell, Mel. I know you love your music, and you think Joel will be with you forever—”
    â€œJust because you didn’t want to be with Dad doesn’t mean things won’t work out for me and Joel.”
    Kristy wiped her palms against her shorts. “Honestly, Mel. You are smarter than this. I’ve raised you—”
    â€œYou’ve raised me to be independent, to take care of myself, but I’m choosing to trust God.”
    Kristy huffed. “Really? I’m pretty sure the Bible has a few things to say about waiting for intimacy until you’re married.”
    â€œThis is why I didn’t come to you first.” Mel hopped out of the chair. “We messed up, but we’re trying to make it right.”
    The doorbell rang before Kristy could blast her with a retort of how foolish and immature she and Joel had been.
    â€œWho’s that?” Mel asked.
    â€œProbably Carrie. I’m watching Noah so she and Michael can have lunch together.”
    Mel’s eyes glistened as Kristy hustled to the front door. Kristy huffed. Maybe spending some time with her fussy nephew would help her see just how challenging life would be for her and Joel.
    She could hear Noah’s cries, even before opening the front door. Carrie’s eyes were puffier than Kristy’s, and exhaustion marked her features. She offered a weak smile. “He’s hungry. Doc took him off the soy-formula supplement. Now we’re trying a superexpensive brand that’s supposed to be close to breast milk.”
    Carrie placed the car seat on the coffee table, and Kristy hoisted Noah out of the seat, then bounced around to calm him.
    â€œNo problem. Why don’t you take a good nap before you come back to get him?”
    â€œYou mean it?”
    â€œAbsolutely. My day is open, and you look tired.”
    â€œI am worn out. We’re just having such a hard time figuring out what his digestive system can tolerate.” She exhaled a long breath, then turned to Mel. “I’m sorry I missed your graduation party.” She wrapped her arms around her.
    â€œI’m so proud of you.”
    Kristy shooed her