Forgiveness E-Book

Jerry Zinn

• Herausgeber: Dove Christian Publishers
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

Andrew Hilderbrand loses his parents in a tragic automobile accident in Atlanta while they were on an out-of-town business vacation trip. Shortly after, Andrew’s fiancée, Jennie Summers, reveals to Andrew that she is pregnant. The pregnancy violates conditions in their grandparents’ will and testament, stating that no beneficiary shall have children out of wedlock or participate in an abortion. To continue to be accepted by Andrew’s grandparents and the church community in their small California town, Andrew and Jennie attempt to cover up the pregnancy. Jennie takes an internship project seven hours away at a Baja, California marine laboratory, where she would remain in hiding until after her twin boys are born.

Would the cover-up work?

Not quite.

A devastating event sends the couple into a tailspin and could force them to reveal their deception. Would they risk being ostracized by their strict, influential grandparents and their moralistic Christian community? Moreover, how would this affect their faith and their relationship with God? Do the people in their lives have the capacity to forgive not only the sin but the cover-up?

The decisions they make and the steps they take will have a broad impact on their lives, the lives of their family members, and the wider church community. The suspense and humor in this powerful story will inspire you and cause you to reassess what are genuinely the limits of tolerance and grace.

Leseprobe

FORGIVENESS

A Novel

JERRY ZINN

Published by Inscript Books

a division of Dove Christian Publishers

P.O. Box 611

Bladensburg, MD 20710-0611

www.inscriptpublishing.com

Inscript and the portrayal of a pen with script are trademarks of Dove Christian Publishers.

Book Design by Mark Yearnings

eBook Edition

Copyright © 2022 by Jerry Zinn

All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, or any other – except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the author.

Publisher’s Note: This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. All characters are fictional, and any similarity to people living or dead is purely coincidental.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Published in the United States of America

Seven years ago, either a vision from God or just a dream, the ideas and details of the story in this book became very clear to me. I first wrote a movie script that is still waiting to be produced. This story is based on that movie script. My wife, Kathie, began the book from my first writing of the script that was rewritten several times and it was her encouragement that led me to write this heart-warming story of forgiveness. God certainly has a way of working in our lives. May all those who read this book experience the presence of God as I did as I wrote it.

I sincerely thank my wife Kathie for her many hours of typing, her input in the story and her encouragement for me to complete the book. A special thanks also to Carolyn Erickson for her writing and editing ideas, and to Jaffe for his sketch of the cover.

Jerry Zinn

CHAPTERONE

It was a beautiful April morning in the small southern California town of Beaumont. The aroma of spring flowers and the chirping of various birds only added to this clear, crisp early morning. It was to be a special day for Andrew Hilderbrand. His parents would be returning from their annual business trip to Atlanta, where they met with Eastern representatives of Hilderbrand Enterprises. Also, his high school sweetheart, Jennie Summers, would be returning home from UCSD, where she had just received her degree in Marine Biology. Andrew hadn’t seen Jennie in nearly a month, and they were looking forward to discussing plans for their wedding in the very near future. Although excited to be with Jennie, Andrew was wondering why Jennie had chosen not to stay for the commencement exercises.

This morning, Andrew jogged at his usual fast pace, dressed in jogging shorts and his favorite ‘Running with Jesus’ T-shirt. Sweating profusely and nearly out of breath, he stopped briefly when an elderly couple who had retired from Hilderbrand Enterprises flagged him down.

“How have you been, Andrew?”

“I am fine,” Andrew replied, “but I’ve been busy filling in for Dad while he and Mom were in Atlanta.”

“Oh, when do they get home?”

“They are scheduled to arrive home late this afternoon. Good to see you again. You folks have a nice day.”

Andrew continued his five-mile jog, thinking about all he had to discuss with his father. His father, Nathan, was the son of Hilderbrand Enterprises founder and owner CJ Hilderbrand. Nathan was the CEO of the company of over 4000 employees. Hilderbrand Enterprises manufactured industrial equipment and supplies and was located on the outskirts of Moreno Valley, just a short drive from Beaumont.

Arriving at his apartment near the edge of town, he sat down on the front step to relax and cool down after his run. Andrew always relished these early morning runs just to reflect and think about the upcoming daily activities. His workload was always more complex when his father was traveling. Filling his father’s shoes was a challenge. The best part was that it gave him more opportunities to work alongside his grandfather.

It had always been the tradition for Andrew to meet with his parents at his apartment after their arrival from Atlanta. The reason for this location and not his parents’ home Andrew never quite figured out and never questioned that decision. Andrew lived closer to the airport than his parents, and his apartment was right on the way to his parents’ home.

In preparation for their return and his anticipated meeting with Jennie, Andrew had tidied up his apartment the day before. That did not require much extra effort because Andrew, unlike many men, had kept his apartment spotless and ready for company, although simply furnished. Andrew was especially proud of two large wall pictures, one of his father and himself and the other of his grandfather. Both pictures displayed them in their baseball uniforms. Baseball had always been an important part of their lives.

Upon getting orange juice from the refrigerator and gulping it down, he undressed and entered the shower. He then proceeded to sing ‘When the Roll is Called Up Yonder.’ Andrew, not being overly religious as his parents and grandparents, had always favored this special old hymn. It was also his Grandpa CJ’s favorite old hymn. Andrew often heard him singing it in his office while at work. He often wondered how the many Hilderbrand employees appreciated CJ’s singing Christian music in the office. Unlike the rest of his family, whose voices equaled choir angels in heaven, Andrew’s singing was usually off-key.

Before showering, Andrew had turned on the TV, which was airing Good Morning America. While in the shower, he was oblivious to a news bulletin that was being broadcast by KTLC, the local news channel. KTLC had interrupted the scheduled programming:

“Nathan Hilderbrand and his wife Louise were struck by an automobile upon entering a crosswalk in downtown Atlanta. Details of the accident are not clear at this moment. KTLC will update the details of this tragic loss as they become available. Nathan was a pillar of his community and was the only son of billionaire CJ Hilderbrand, a lifetime resident of Beaumont and owner of Hildebrand Enterprises. Nathan and his wife have one son, Andrew, 26, an heir apparent to Hildebrand Enterprises.”

Andrew had gotten the call about his parents; it was on his answering machine, but he had not checked it when he arrived home from his jog.

After getting out of the shower and dressing, he turned off the TV. His phone started ringing, and he hurried to the phone, expecting a call from Jennie with details of their plans for the day.

“Andrew, are you watching the local news? I’m on my way to your house. Oh, Andrew!”

Andrew frowned and said, “Why?” But Jennie had turned off her phone.

He called CJ and Sara, but there was no answer. Five minutes later, Jennie arrived and ran to Andrew, hugging him close. At about the same time, Andrew’s grandparents arrived looking as white as a ghost. Andrew invited them all in. By the looks of the faces on the recent arrivals, he now suspected something had recently occurred, which was causing some real concern.

“What’s wrong? Has someone been shot? A fire? What’s going on?”

CJ motioned to Jennie to turn the TV on to the local news channel. There was to be a news update at 9:15 a.m.

“It’s your father and mother.” CJ hugged Andrew, broke down, and couldn’t finish. They all sat and stared at the screen, listening.

“This is Matthew Ellsberg reporting for KTLC. We now have details of the fatal accident that took the lives of Louise and Nathan Hilderbrand earlier this morning in Atlanta. The accident occurred at 10:17 a.m. Eastern time, and the car that struck and killed them was driven by 72-year-old Philip Clemmons. It has been confirmed that Clemmons had a massive heart attack while driving in downtown Atlanta and the car he was driving struck and killed the Hilderbrands. Both were killed on impact, dying instantly at the scene. The Hilderbrands have been pillars of the community of Beaumont and have provided employment for 4000 employees in the Beaumont and surrounding communities. Nathan Hilderbrand was the CEO of Hilderbrand Enterprises and is survived by his father CJ, mother, Sara, and son Andrew. Nathan was 52 years old. Again, Nathan and Louise Hilderbrand were struck down and killed in an auto accident earlier this morning while on a business vacation in Atlanta. This is Matthew Ellsberg reporting for KTLC.”

Andrew, pale and speechless, turned off the TV. Everyone sat in silence.

After a while, Andrew asked his grandfather, “Grandpa, you are a very religious person. How or why would God allow this to happen to such strong believers? They both have been there for so many with needs in our community. They both have been active and strong supporters of the church. Why, why, why did this happen? How could God have allowed this?”

CJ responded, “I can’t answer that. God sometimes allows things to happen, some good and some bad, but who are we to question God? One thing I do know, both Nathan and Louise are in a much better place now than before, and both are now looking down from heaven. We have all been hurt today, and we have lost loved ones. You, Andrew, have lost a mother and father who loved you very much. I have lost my only remaining son and his lovely wife. I know it is going to be difficult, but we all must move forward with our lives and trust that God will provide us with wisdom and eventual understanding. The healing process may take some time, but we must continue to be strong. God will get us through this, and we must remember that God’s word tells us that ‘nothing can separate us from the love of God.’ He will always be with us.”

“I know you’re right, but I’m not sure I can handle God right now. He could have prevented this. I just don’t understand why so many God-loving Christians are taken so suddenly like this and evil people survive and prosper,” Andrew exclaimed. Andrew paced around the room and finally began to sob and pound on the table. At this point, all four of them began to cry. Finally, Andrew walked out of the apartment and started jogging down the street.

“Andrew, wait,” Jennie hollered. “Where are you going? I will go with you.”

“No, Jennie, Andrew needs some time alone,” admonished CJ. “Losing his father, his best friend, and his mother so suddenly will be difficult and will take time for him to heal. They were so close, as were Nathan and I. Nathan was my right-hand man at Hilderbrand Enterprises, and we also discussed company decisions together. Andrew and his father were instrumental in getting little league baseball started in Beaumont. They attended nearly every high school varsity game together. Louise and Sara were so active in the church. She and Sara were involved in the community and were inseparable from any activity involving our church. They team-taught our young adult Sunday School class. Yes, the Hildebrand family, as well as the community of Beaumont, has lost and will miss two wonderful Christian people. Don’t bother with funeral questions, Jennie. Sara and I will take care of everything. We will have the bodies flown back here and make all the necessary arrangements.”

***

Andrew, running and sweating profusely, panted and called out loud, “Why Lord, why me, what have I done to deserve this? Mother and Father didn’t deserve this.” Andrew did not realize what was going on around him and continued jogging, paying no attention to those who were waving at him. After his run, Andrew returned to his quiet apartment. Jennie and his grandparents were gone.

After a few days of mourning, Andrew realized that he must return to the office. He suspected that his responsibilities would be increased. Passing by CJ’s office, he noticed CJ was in, and he decided to drop in and ask some questions. “What do we do now? Father was the CEO of Hilderbrand Enterprises. You and he were the lifeblood of the company. We all counted on him to run the company, put out fires, and inspire the employees. We don’t have anyone capable of taking his place. He was the heart and soul of the company. Our employees and customers respected him and relied on his decisions.”

CJ responded, “Andrew, as I recall, you are now 26 years old. Your father was 30 years old when I made him CEO of Hilderbrand Enterprises. He was green under the collar when he was given this responsibility. Yes, he made numerous mistakes, many poor judgments, and we had some setbacks, but Nathan learned from his mistakes. He had to gain respect not only from within but also from our sister companies. I have watched you mature over the last three years and have full confidence that you can step into your father’s shoes. You know the business. You know all the clients, and you have a good rapport with our employees. Yes, you, Andrew, will be the next CEO of Hilderbrand Enterprises.”

“Grandfather, there is no way I am ready to take on such responsibility,” Andrew replied. “Isn’t there someone else in the company more qualified? Perhaps you should assume this role again. You ARE the owner and founder of the company.”

“We can discuss this later. Now is not the time. We will meet after the funeral and discuss this in more detail. We will make some decisions then. For the time being, we need to ask God for His guidance and wisdom.”

“I know, CJ. I’m sorry for my angry comment about God, but…” Andrew said.

“I know Andrew, but remember what Scripture tells us: “Be still and know that I am God.1” In these difficult times, we need God more than ever.

“Andrew, I have a couple more comments,” he went on. “I am 70 years old, and it is time for me to step aside and let a younger, stronger individual carry on the Hilderbrand name. You, Andrew, will be that person. I have complete faith in you, just as I did your father. Oh, I will be a presence for a while to do a bit of coaching and offer some guidance. “However, I will remain in the background while doing so. Trust in God, Andrew, just as your father did. Seek God’s guidance and wisdom, and if you do this, you will do just fine.”

“Please, give me some time to think about this. Thank you for your support and trust,” Andrew replied.

Soon after he and CJ had finished, Andrew’s phone rang.

It was Jennie. “Andrew, are you okay? Is there anything I can do?”

“No, I will be alright; it’s just going to take some time! I loved them so much, and now they are gone.”

“I miss you, Andrew. We haven’t visited much since I have gotten back. Let’s go have coffee.”

“I miss you, too, and coffee would be great.”

“I want to catch you up on my parents and their mission work. They phoned me last night with some bad news. We need to finalize a wedding date also.”

“Yes, we do, and what bad news?”

“Tell you over coffee.”

***

Jennie and Andrew arrived at the In and Out Java Shop. Before entering, they had a long embrace. They seated themselves, and both ordered lattes, which was their favorite.

“How are your parents? What bad news did you hear last night?”

“As you know, Mom and Dad are serving in Brazil with missionary team members. They were to relocate to Chile. They were planning on being here for our wedding, which now will have to be moved up. However, Dad had a terrible fall and will probably be confined to a leg cast and therapy for at least six months. They don’t want us to wait that long but instead asked us to video the wedding, and they could at least watch the video. They insisted on us not waiting. I informed them about your parent’s death, and they were heartbroken and will be lifting the Hilderbrand family up in prayer.

“Sorry to hear about your father, and I do so appreciate their prayers.”

“Oh, Andrew, I wanted so much to set our wedding date in mid-May, but shouldn’t we wait a while longer to give you, CJ, and Sarah time?”

“Yes, I have thought about that and agree. I don’t think it would be right to have a Hilderbrand wedding so close to our family funeral.”

“How about a mid-June wedding?”

“That’s good. I guess I need to look into funeral arrangements.”

“That won’t be necessary; your grandparents are already taking care of everything.”

“That’s too much of a burden for them to do on their own. I need to help, Jennie.”

Jennie remarked, “They insisted, and perhaps you should let them do so.”

“Yes, you are probably right,” answered Andrew. “However, I will call grandfather later this evening and suggest I help with the arrangements. CJ knows everyone in this community. He is a pillar in the church, and I am sure there will be many wanting to be there for him and help with the necessary arrangements.”

“I know,” remarked Jennie. “CJ did say the church family would be there for all of us. He did, however, say the family members were a different story. I wonder what he meant by that?”

“Well, Jennie, that is a different story. I will explain later, at least attempt to explain the best I can. Now is not the time. It’s a long, complicated story.”

1 New Living Translation, Psalm 46:10

ChapterTWO

The funeral was at Beaumont Calvary Chapel Church Saturday morning, and the church sanctuary was full to capacity. The service concluded with several members giving testimonies describing their relationships with Nathan and Louise. One young woman shared how much she enjoyed the Young Adult Women’s Bible study that Louise had led. This study resulted in her acceptance of Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

CJ and Andrew had a difficult time getting through their prepared remembrances. They shared fond memories and how God’s mercy touched their lives just by being with Nathan and Louise.

After the service, family and numerous friends made their way to the cemetery. The minister gave his condolences to the family and welcomed everyone. “On behalf of the family, I would like to thank you for being here today to pay our final goodbyes to Nathan and Louise. As an act of remembrance, with reverence and love, we have gathered to place their remains here in this cemetery. We know today that Nathan and Louise are at home with the Heavenly Father in a much better place. Let us now join together in the spirit of prayer and meditation, first by hearing familiar words of Solomon from the book of Ecclesiastes and then a time of silence: ‘There is a time for everything: A time to be born; a time to die; a time to plant; a time to harvest; a time to kill; a time to heal; a time to destroy; a time to rebuild; a time to cry; a time to laugh; a time to grieve; a time to dance; a time for scattering stones; a time for gathering stones; a time to hug; a time not to hug; a time to find; a time to lose; a time for keeping; a time for throwing away; a time to tear; a time to repair; a time to be quiet; a time to speak up; a time for loving; a time for hating; a time for war; a time for peace.2’”

The Pastor continued. “Now we place these remains in the ground; what has come from the earth goes back to the earth. Now is the time to say your goodbyes by placing flowers on the caskets. We have truly let Nathan and Louise go. Having completed the final task, may we go forth in quiet with a measure of peace so that we may live out our own lives with renewed memory and with deepened love for one another. We have been blessed by life; now go in peace. Amen.”

After the service, many friends and church members gathered and offered condolences to the Hilderbrands. They wanted to let the family know they would be there for support whenever they needed it.

2 New Living Translation, Ecclesiastes

3:1-8

CHAPTERTHREE

Two months had passed since the funeral of Andrew’s parents. Andrew had settled into his role as CEO of Hilderbrand Enterprises and really enjoyed working more closely with the employees. CJ had proven to be a masterful mentor, and Andrew now realized why his father and CJ were so respected in the company.

It was Saturday morning, June 3. Jennie gave Andrew a call. “Hello, Andrew.”

“Well, good morning, Jennie. You sound rather chipper this morning.”

“Did you have a good jog this morning?”

“Yes, it was a beautiful morning for my jog. However, I must admit that my usual five-mile jogs have become closer to half that. I’m going to have to get up earlier on workdays and build up to that five-mile mark again.”

“Andrew, the weather for tomorrow is forecast to be warm and sunny. How about after church we go out to the lake for a picnic?”

“Sounds great.”

“I’ll make some potato salad and sandwiches.”

“That sounds wonderful. I’ll pick up the soft drinks.”

“See you at church. Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

“Andrew, please be praying. We have some very important things to discuss and decide on.”

“Is something wrong?”

“We’ll talk about that tomorrow.”

Jennie ended the call, but by the tone of her voice, Andrew was concerned and asked himself some questions. She had not recently mentioned their wedding plans, and lately, she hadn’t been her usual bubbly self. Had something happened to one of her parents? Was she wanting to postpone the wedding? Why didn’t she stay for the college commencement ceremonies? This is one question he had meant to ask earlier, but it had completely slipped his mind. What Andrew would learn in the next 36 hours would certainly answer some of these questions and change both his and Jennie’s lives in years to come.

***

After the church service, Andrew and Jennie drove to their favorite spot located just on the outskirts of Beaumont. It was a perfect spot with beautiful shrubs and flowers. In the center of the park was a small lake. Andrew had sensed the tension in Jennie on the way to the park and that tension carried over as they began to eat their lunch. She picked at the potato salad and hadn’t touched her sandwich.

“Jennie, something’s wrong. Is it your parents? Tell me.”

“My parents are fine. It’s more than that. Can we walk around the lake?”

Andrew took Jennie’s hand, and they began to walk around the lake. To ease the tension, Andrew stopped and skipped some stones across the lake. He had Jennie try the same task, but she wasn’t very successful, resulting in some giggles.

After several moments, Jennie became silent as they continued around the lake and suggested they stop at the next park bench.

“Jennie, you’re crying; what’s wrong?”

“Oh, Andrew, I love you. I can’t hide this any longer. I went to see my doctor yesterday after our phone conversation; I know that I am pregnant and …we’re pregnant with twins!”

Andrew yelled. “You are what? You’re pregnant? How can that be? We were being so very cautious. Do you understand the ramifications of what could happen?”

Jennie answered, “Slow down, Andrew, and yes, I do know what I am saying, and I certainly am aware of the consequences. Don’t forget, you are as guilty as I am. We should have known better than this.”

“I know, I know, I’m just not sure how to handle this. You know our family background, the squeaky clean, or supposedly squeaky-clean, background.”

“What do you mean supposedly squeaky clean?” chided Jennie.

“Remember when I told you I would fill you in on certain family details?” Andrew stated. “I…um…guess this is the time to do so. I have told you that my grandparents have always lived a moral, Christian, religious life. CJ insisted that his will would contain specific clauses. One, that no children out of wedlock would be accepted, and by no means would no one ever be involved with an abortion. Well, my father and mother were quite satisfied with those conditions. I have never seen their will, but I suspect they have the same stipulations and incorporated them into it. That will may have been altered, but I can’t say for sure. Did you know my father had an older brother and younger sister?”

Jennie responded, “I had no idea. I always thought he was an only child just as you are.”

“I never told you this before,” Andrew continued. “My father had a brother who was two years older and a sister who was eight years younger.”

“Why didn’t you tell me this?” Jennie asked.

“Well, it was something that my parents and grandparents were ashamed of. They didn’t talk about it,” Andrew explained.

“What happened, Andrew?”

Andrew replied, “My father’s older brother, Phillip, and his girlfriend got themselves in the same situation we are now in. She had an abortion, and she and the child did not survive. Phillip tried to hide the whole event, but somehow, my grandparents found out. They were devastated. Phillip knew about the provisions of the will. He did not want to disgrace the family name. He joined the army and fought in the Vietnam War. He was on a dangerous mission with seven other men, and their vehicle struck a mine and all eight men were killed. Of course, my father was also devastated by Phillip’s death. They were so close and practically inseparable.”

“I’m so sorry. What did your grandparents do?” questioned Jennie.

“They were heartbroken,” replied Andrew. “CJ felt like he was responsible for his son’s death.”

“Because of the will?” Jennie asked.

“I suspect that had a lot to do with it. I think there were a lot of guilty feelings, but neither my parents nor grandparents ever talked about it.”

“What about the sister?’

“Very similar circumstances, she got pregnant and left home. About two years later, she wrote a letter telling CJ and Sara how sorry she was for her actions, that she knew she had disgraced the family name and couldn’t bear to face them or their friends.”

“Wasn’t there any forgiveness?” Jennie asked.

“Oh, I’m sure there was. Just the fact that both CJ and Sara are so close to the Lord should have made it easy to forgive Lou Ann and Phillip. Father opened up to me a few years later and told me Sara wrote a letter begging Lou Ann to come home, that she and CJ had forgiven her and loved her very much.”

“Did Lou Ann respond?” questioned Jennie.

“We think that she never got the letter.”

“Oh no! Why?”

“Nearly two weeks later, Sara and CJ received notification from the authorities in Ohio that they found a suicide notice from Lou Ann. However, Lou Ann was never found,” Andrew said, shaking his head.

“I’m so sorry; this had to be heartbreaking for CJ and Sara. They lost two children in a span of three years.”