Childless: A Novel by James Dobson, Kurt Bruner Page A

months earlier. Kevin had flown to Denver for the baptism, beaming with delight at his best friend’s decision. Despite Angie’s prayerful prods, however, Julia remained a straggler: open to the possibility, but hesitant. At times she felt an inexplicable yearning mixed with fear, as if nervously eager about her own likely plunge. But no decision as yet.
    “I’m sorry.” Julia regretted causing Angie’s blush of unease. “I shouldn’t have said that. The class is going well. Thanks for asking.”
    Angie smiled forgivingly. “You know I’m praying for you.”
    Julia nodded, then swallowed discomfiture at the idea of heavenly intervention. The thought of needing anyone, be it her husband, a dear friend, or even her Maker, stirred unwelcome but instinctual feelings. Might they explain her spiritual foot-dragging?
    “I guess Pastor Alex is right,” she confessed.
    “About what?”
    “He said the greatest barrier to becoming a Christian isn’t any question or doubt.”
    “No?”
    “No,” Julia continued, “it’s our pride.”
    Angie’s brow lifted in surprised reaction to the admission. “Julia Simmons, proud?”
    They shared a knowing laugh.
    “Anyway,” Angie said while gently touching her friend’s arm. “They need us more than we realize.”
    Julia nodded to acknowledge Angie’s return to the subject of husbands.
    “I guarantee Troy needs you more than you think he does,” Angie added.
    “Then why doesn’t he talk to me about what’s going on?”
    “Like what?” Angie asked.
    “Like yesterday morning. I stopped by his office to say hi. He seemed happy to see me, but he also seemed nervous, like I had caught him in a secret.”
    “What kind of secret?”
    “Like letting go of a few key staff members. And like failing to attract the kind of capital they need for a big deal he’s trying to put together.”
    A look of concern invaded Angie’s face. Julia regretted saying too much.
    “I’m sure everything is fine,” she added. “He plans to talk to Kevin about the situation tomorrow.”
    “He probably already has,” Angie said. “Like I said before, when things are going the worst Kevin tells me the least.”
    Julia hesitated before deciding to say more. “Actually, he hasn’t told Kevin yet. I insisted he do so.”
    Another look of apprehension from Angie.
    “I think the business is struggling, Angie. Troy has been doing everything he knows to do without bothering Kevin with the details.”
    “Sam Gamgee,” Angie mused aloud.
    “Sorry?”
    “From The Lord of the Rings ,” Angie added.
    Julia recalled Troy’s description of his relationship to Kevin. Sam Gamgee was the loyal companion of Frodo Baggins, bearer of the Ring. Kevin had been called to play a part Troy gladly supported, as Sam Gamgee eased the Ring-bearer’s burden.
    “That’s right,” Julia said. “Troy seems reluctant to saddle Kevin with bad news. He’s trying to handle it himself.”
    Angie seemed reflective. “Did he say how bad it is?”
    “You know how they are. Always putting the best spin on the situation.”
    Angie nodded silently.
    “I didn’t get a sense of imminent doom or anything like that. Just some tough decisions.”
    “Good.” Angie seemed relieved. “I’m sure they’ll sort it out together.”
    “I hope so,” Julia said. “I think the whole mess has been wearing Troy down.”
    “Into a lesser man?”
    Julia smiled at the reminder. “I suppose.”
    “Which means?” Angie directed.
    “He needs a cheerleader?” Julia asked.
    “I think you’re catching on, girl!”
    *  *  *
    “My turn!” Tommy shouted from across the room. Protesting whimpers followed from three-year-old Joy. Both women watched in amusement as Kevin tried prying his daughter loose from Troy’s lap.
    “I’d better intervene,” Angie said, moving toward the commotion.
    Thirty seconds later Julia joined her husband on a tour of Tommy’s bedroom, where he was eager to show “Uncle Troy” his