The Congregation Was Shocked By His Young Bride
Everybody was elated when the word got out. After two decades of solitude, their cherished pastor was at long last tying the knot.


They felt sorry for him when his wife died and assisted him in bringing up his son. They continually asked God that he would find someone he could form a new life with. Even so, none of them anticipated he would do this.
A Grim Story
Lots of people thought Pastor Chris Jackson's behavior was rude and revolting. The young lady was not even close to being his daughter's age, she was too young to even date his son.


He escorted her to the altar, introducing her as the person he wanted to marry. Astounded, some of the people in attendance inhaled sharply, while others promptly left the place of worship. If only they were aware of the terrible details of the situation.
A New Priest
When Pastor Chris was just shy of thirty, his place of worship gave him the opportunity to serve in the small town of Eunice, Louisiana. This was a fantastic opportunity for him, considering he had only been a minister for one year.


The pastor was overjoyed at the amazing opportunity that had come his way and didn't hesitate to take it. Nobody predicted that three decades later the police would burst into the scene eager to take him to court.
A Bright Saint
No one in the church group could have expected that their beloved leader would turn so wicked in the future. Pastor Chris had been their shining example up until that point.


From the day he arrived in Eunice, he showed compassion, consideration, and charity. He had a special presence that could reduce worry and soothe any troubled soul. Despite his age, anyone who encountered him realized he had the potential to accomplish tremendous feats.
Moving The Masses
Pastor Chris truly earned the title of saint, and his congregation held him in the highest regard. Before he started at the church, attendance was virtually nonexistent.


When he showed up, a large group of people were waiting to meet him. They sensed he was enigmatic yet friendly and inviting. In only a month, the church was filled to the brim with people. Unfortunately, it didn't take long before the pastor and his congregation were met with issues.
A Teacher
It all began when one of the women in the church drew the pastor's interest. She was a youthful primary school educator, recently graduated from college, with her entire future ahead of her.


He was enchanted by her, with her deep brown skin, her wise thoughts, and her charming grin that could cheer up any gloomy atmosphere. However, he was unaware of the suffering that she would cause him in the future.
I Want More
Pastor Chris had always dreamed of having a family of his own, he thought there was nothing more important to God than that.


He had a supportive church community, from his deacons, elders, choir, and altar servers to his ushers and congregation. He had all the resources a cleric could need. But his heart desired something more.
Kindred Spirits
Mary Jean White was the woman who had captivated the pastor's affections. She was glorious while maintaining modesty. Her behavior reflected the pastor's benevolence and confidence, radiating the same glow he did.


The two had a strong connection. As soon as they met on a Sunday after church, the pastor realized that the Lord had brought them together. Nonetheless, his happiness was soon replaced with sorrow.
A Perfect Match
Although Pastor Chris was a devoted religious leader, his church did not disapprove of him being wed. The parishioners were delighted that he had found someone from their town to be his companion.


They were astonished that their home had created someone suitable for the pastor and immediately accepted the union. They ought to have anticipated that everything would end in calamity.
Their First Date
The clergyman and his delightful fascination went on their initial outing, and before long, they were at the altar making their promises to one another.


The wedding was astonishing. It combined the extraordinary grandeur exclusive to Louisiana with the glow of joyous faces – an experience that changed the lives of many. However, tears would be shed not long after.
A Son
Pastor Chris and Mary Jean had their one and only child a year following their wedding. Everyone in the town of Eunice was overjoyed. They gathered in large numbers to offer their congratulations and share in the joy of the new parents.


The people arrived with presents and wise sayings to honor the pastor for making them feel proud. Unfortunately, a storm was already brewing over the pastor's residence.
A Bleak Night
Mary Jean started to feel aches in her lower stomach some time after having her baby. Pastor Chris quickly took her to the medical facility, praying that she was alright.


He was extremely disheartened when he heard that his spouse had developed a digestive tract issue due to the childbirth.
The medical professionals promised him they were trying their best to make her better. But even the clergyman could detect the despair in their expressions.
Her Last Breath
Pastor Chris was present when his wife breathed her last in the operating room. He was there as medical personnel hurriedly went in and out of the operating area, desperately attempting to save his precious Mary Jean.


The Almighty had bestowed upon him both affection and a family, but now that was all being taken away. The clergyman wept openly as the environment around him grew dark. Was there a purpose to surviving anymore without the beloved?
The Aftermath
The following ten years were unimaginably difficult for Pastor Chris. His former spark of life had all but vanished, and the magnetic attraction that once held his flock together had been extinguished.


His supporters didn't abandon him. They assisted in bringing up his offspring, Travis, while taking care of the pastor. It was due to their hard work and Travis being around that Pastor Chris regained his past self.
He had not smiled in a while, but finally he was starting to show signs of joy again, and there was a sparkle in his eyes. His visit to the community was brief, but it left quite an impression.
Spreads Like Wildfire
The news shocked the inhabitants of Eunice. It had been two decades since Mary Jean had died, and gossip had it that the minister had finally found someone to start a life with.


The people had attempted to persuade him multiple times to look for someone else, however, he always responded saying that he didn't want to disrespect Mary Jean's memory. What they didn't know was what he was doing in plain sight.
A Well-Guarded Secret
A dense mist enveloped the marshland, and the gossip had spread throughout Eunice. Everyone was eager to encounter the unknown woman who had somehow changed the views of their pastor.


However, the pastor refused to give out any details. Even though he normally disclosed everything to the community, he chose to keep this particular thing private.
She's Right There
The crowd kept their questions to themselves, yet they all sat there, desiring to discover more about the enigmatic female. Little did they know that she was seated close by them every Sunday.


But how could they get away with it when the female was nearly in the age range to be Travis' romantic partner and the pastor's daughter? It would be a mess when the reality eventually became known.
Gobsmacked
Travis had just started college when he heard that his dad was planning to tie the knot. He was completely stumped as to who the bride-to-be could be.


He got the word on a Saturday night when he was back home for Easter. His buddies from his youth wanted him to tell them about his father's future wife. Travis was just as stunned as they were when they heard the report.
No Secrets Between Us
Travis talked with his father. He had a deep admiration and appreciation for him and hoped to make him proud. But he was not going to keep quiet about this important matter.


Travis was too immature when his father experienced the passing of his mother. He was there as his dad suffered through the difficult time. They both joined forces to make it through. So why wouldn't his dad tell him about it?
Mind Your Business
Travis was hoping his father would be content. He was supportive of his dad's quest for romance and their family's growth. That evening he had a conversation with his dad, relaying to him what he had found out in the neighborhood.


But Pastor Chris stayed firm. He simply grinned and expressed his appreciation for his son's worry. He requested him to concentrate on his own life instead. But Travis would not accept the outcome.
An Obsession
He began a mission throughout the town, visiting the restaurants his father adored and the homes of his dad's pals. He enquired about the lady, aiming to find out whatever he could.


Travis searched and searched, but to no avail. There were many puzzles surrounding the lady that even the most skilled investigator could not solve. This made Travis become incredibly fixated, believing that his father must have had some other reason for wanting to get married. What could it be?
Watching From The Shadows
Travis came to the conclusion that he should take care of his father. As opposed to attending school after Easter like he was originally intending, he got a motel room in the outskirts of the city. Every day he stayed close to his dad.


Even though he despised the task, he wanted it to be over. He had predicted to witness his father chuckling in the grip of a woman who was nearly as old as his dad. However, what Travis discovered made him feel very ill.
He Knows Her
Travis had encountered the lady before at the worship on Sunday. She had been three grades beneath him in secondary school and had constantly stayed solitary.


He felt terrible as he looked at his father talking to him, filled with anxiety. Travis couldn't accept that this female was the secret person. He attempted to swallow a sob before vomiting. This was revolting.
Meet Ivy
The female was known as Ivy Gonzalez. She was the only offspring of a couple in their senior years who resided just outside the village. Travis promptly went after his father to their home.


He fired off inquiries at him, stressing and focusing on the reality that Ivy was younger than him. His father averted his gaze, abashed and just as angry. He was going to act in a way that he had never done in the two decades and one year that Travis had been alive.
Anger
Be mindful of yourself!" Pastor Chris shouted at his son. This was the first time his fury had gotten out of control, and Travis cowered in the face of such intense feeling.


His father was much taller than him, his eyes wide open and a prominent vein on his perspiring head. His breathing was heavy, as if he was expecting Travis to talk again.
Travis scooted away. Despite the fact that he didn't get a precise response from his father, he realized he had located his mysterious betrothed. However, there was still an agonizing reality he was unaware of.
Light And Darkness
Devastated, Travis left. The moon was up in the heavens, the darkness was reaching its peak. In the absence of brightness, Travis had no other choice but to find solace in one place.


He attended the place of worship, taking a seat at the foremost bench that seemed to last eternally. He asked for absolution and begged for mercy, understanding that no boy should ever go against his own dad in that manner. Additionally, he sought advice.
Looking For Ivy
Travis realized he needed to have a conversation with Ivy. When he left secondary school she was still a youngster. He was wishing she had come of age by now for his dad's sake.


Travis drove to a motel and stayed there overnight. The next morning, he drove to Ivy's place which was located outside the city. It was a tiny house, in very poor condition, with unkempt shrubbery surrounding it.
Her Home
Travis made his way to the entrance and rapped his knuckles on it. After a few moments, there was no response. Eventually, a mature female peered out from the window, sobbing. Travis gave her a friendly gesture and, as if he was familiar to her, she unlocked the door.


Travis started the conversation by saying he wanted to see Ivy, but the woman, with tears streaming down her face, informed him that she had gone to an unwanted marriage ceremony. She was not even old enough to be an adult yet!
Speak Now Or Forever Hold Your Peace
Travis jumped up, racing onto the roadway leading back to the city. He was aware of where the ceremony was and if it was the ultimate thing he did, he would put an end to it.


Ivy's protector had revealed that she was only one day away from becoming an adult, which meant she was still underage.
Travis got a lift to the church. There was a little group of people outside the Sacred structure, excited to finally see the mysterious female. But that marriage ceremony wouldn't occur right now. Not with Travis still alive.
They Are Here
Travis phoned the emergency services as he sprinted into the chapel. His father and Ivy had not yet returned, probably preparing themselves. Travis looked around the building, but they were not in sight.


He was about to surrender when he heard cheers outside the church. He spun around to witness his father wearing a neat black suit exiting his car. Accompanying him was Ivy wearing a white bridal dress. The inhabitants of Eunice, Louisiana were stunned at the sight of her.