ChapterTwelve
SAMUEL
What was that saying? It is better to ask for forgiveness than for permission. Well, Samuel was operating under that premise. While he’d given his wife a heads-up, Samuel hadn't shared with her that Alvin White was in for a rude awakening.
Samuel did not appreciate being summoned before the board. The first time he’d met Alvin White, he had been suspicious of the man. There was something disingenuous about him. After seeing his interaction with Hannah, he knew they would butt heads. The older man had been permitted to run the board, church, and, by extension, its leadership with no resistance. Well, those days were over.
Moving forward, the board and leadership would work together. If Alvin didn’t like it well, he could vacate his position on the board.
The night before they were scheduled to have their meeting, he broached the topic with Hannah. “Are you happy with the way the board operates?”
They were having dinner, and she placed her utensils down slowly.
“For the most part? Yes. There are things which could be improved upon, but they are, what they are.”
“So you just accept it? You know you are in the position to make those improvements?”
“Not in this case. I make suggestions and the board has the final decision as to the direction we, the church body, take.”
It saddened him that Hannah felt that way. She had essentially turned her power over to the board… well, to Alvin White. The man relished being in charge.
“It doesn’t work the same way at all churches. It especially doesn’t work like that for me. I’m the first female Co-pastor in the entire organisation… I can’t go around making too many waves.”
“Well, you aren’t alone anymore. You have me. If you want to, go ahead make a tsunami.” He reassured her.
“I’m starting to think you are going to shake things up.”
“Would that be so bad?”
“No, I think I can get used to it.”
That was all the affirmation Samuel needed. The following day, when they arrived at the church, he opened the SUV’s door for her and pressed a kiss to her temple. He knew she was nervous about the meeting. She had changed her outfit four times. Then, on the ride over, Hannah finally admitted, “Brother White sometimes calls me out. He dismisses the rest of the board when they try to put a stop to it.” She’d admitted. Samuel had already had a target on Alvin White, and she had no way of knowing that what she shared would expand it.
The couple were a united front as they walked hand in hand into the church’s boardroom. Alvin White sat at the head of the table. It was the ultimate power move. Unlike the other occupants in the room, he didn’t welcome or congratulate them. He’d only offered them a frosty “good morning.”Perfect. He had set the tone for their meeting.
“This meeting will not be long. We just have some serious issues to address.” Alvin White announced as he convened their gathering. Then turned his barely disguised disapproving gaze on them. “The two of you have created a situation with your…” Alvin White’s face contorted into mirroring the ugliness inside him as he sneered, “…nuptials.”
Samuel stiffened in his seat. Under the table, Hannah placed her hand on his knee. He was sure the action was meant to soothe him, but it had the opposite effect. This man had the audacity to disparage their marriage. No, there was no way he was going to allow it to stand. White should have stayed home.
Having turned towards Alvin White, he leaned forward to address him. “Which situation have we created by getting married?” Samuel asked. The older man’s self-preservation finally kicked in. Samuel’s tone held nothing back.
“You didn’t seek our approval before making your rash decision.”Who the hell did he think he was?There was only one person he’d explain himself to, and she sat beside him, and he answered to no one but God. The head of the board didn’t know his place. Which was fine. Samuel was happy to enlighten him.
“Seek your approval? To marry? You couldn’t possibly be speaking to us,” Samuel said gesturing between Hannah and himself. In his peripheral he caught the shock on his wife’s face. However, she didn’t interject. She just lightly squeezed his knee. He was aware she was trying to communicate with him to calm down. It was too late for that.
“You represent this ministry—” Alvin White began.
Samuel would not be spoken to like he was some wayward child. “Before we address matters that are quite frankly none of your concern.”
It was the head of the board’s turn to interrupt him. “Excuse me.” He blustered. Clearly offended.
“You heard me. My wife and I did not nor will not need the board’s approval regarding our marriage.” Making sure his message was clear, he met the gaze of all six board members. All of whom, with the exception of Alvin White, nodded. He allowed the moment to soak in before he continued. “However, I would like to address the more pressing matter of why Jeremiah Bank is still on payroll.”
As expected, the pretty bomb which he detonated caused an absolute frenzy. There were several very displeased people around the table. All of whom had lots of questions.
“Pastor Bank’s departure was unexpected. I felt that the remainder of his contract should be paid out.” Alvin White’s statement was lacking the man’s regular arrogance.
“Contract? I drew that up myself.” Nigel interjected. In his day job he was a contract attorney. “His contract terminated the moment he publicly left his position. He was not entitled to any additional pay.”
