“I married Margaret because she asked me to,” I said.

“And because we’d promised ourselves to each other forty-five years ago, before you meddled.”

Arthur’s brow twitched, but his condescending smile stayed firmly in place.

“Personal feelings carry no weight under church bylaws,” Arthur said smoothly.

“By entering a legal union with a dying parishioner, Pastor Tom created a financial conflict of interest that can’t be reconciled.

He has compromised his standing as pastor.”

“You missed the secondary assignment clause in the settlement draft you brought to the hospital on Sunday,” I said, leaning across the table.