tention on the good side. He ignored me and focused his steel blue eyes as cold as ice on us. "If you had taken your time to read about the church history you would have known th

d Father Ryland say as he strolled forward while I trotted from behind, Susie ran to catch up with him. "Father, hold up!" She panted breathlessly. Father Ryland stopped looking amused, "Yes Susie?" I rolled my eyes and quickened my pace though I knew what she wanted to talk about. "Father, the uhm sexy hunk from before," she began and I gave her an icy glare. Father Ryland on his own was red in the face and his veins were almost popping out but still, Susie took no note of that. "Who exactly is he father? I had thought he was a priest. That kind of priest would make women sin and I'll happily be among those women and go to hell a happy woman." She rambled on. "No more!" Father Ryland beat me to it, "Who is this demoness that you have brought into this holy place?" Now I was faced with his piercing stare. I swallowed rather hard and smiled at Father Ryland. She's the devil's younger sister, I longed to say but instead, I bit my tongue and said, "She's a joker. She doesn't mean anything she said. She was only trying to test you." Father Ryland regarded us suspiciously then smiled. "But of course, you're only trying to test me. Hasten up, we don't have all day." I made sure all conversation ceased as I walked briskly in between Father and Susie. ~~~~* "The success or failure of your marriage depends on how well you handle several personal issues. From the relationship itself to financial decisions, children, and intimacy, you both must know what to expect." I watched Susie yawn before I ignored her and focused back on Father Ryland and the two deacons and deaconess present for my first interview. Father Ryland was explaining what marriage was all about and the things to be expected. Susie yawned again. "Are we such a bore that you can't have the courtesy of excusing yourself?" I winced as I heard the sharp voice of one of the deaconesses. All eyes turned on us instantly and Father Ryland stopped talking, fixing a stern look on Susie. "I'm sorry I'm late," I heard my boyfriend's voice even before I saw him. Thanks for saving the day, babe but why is he here? "You're late, Mr. Meade," one of the deacons designed to point out. I rolled my eyes. Over-dramatic deacon. "As I said, I'm sorry," he replied curtly before taking a seat beside me. "I didn't know you were coming," I said to him. "Neither did I know you would be here," he replied. "You both are meant to be here, it's pre-wedding counseling," Deaconess one stated. What? I don't know their names. No, they introduced themselves to me but I forgot. "So we could have just arrived here together," Duncan gave an exasperated sigh. "No, you both are not to know so you'd be taken unawares by the question and answer honestly," Deaconess two explained. "So why am I here?" Susie asked. "You're Miss Parker's witness, I'm yet to see your witness, Mr. Meade," Deacon one replied. "I'm sorry, it's not easy driving back from here to the office and back here." I heard the sharp ice voice of the man fr