Page 69 of The Host

“Because I want a forever family. I want to be married in the temple and raise my children in the church.”

“And let’s say you find someone that fits all of those things. What happens, when that perfect man decides he doesn’t want to be married to you anymore or doesn’t want to be active in the church.”

“Why would you say that?” Evie asked.

“Because it happens… and where do you put your faith if something like that happens?”

“I guess I’d talk to Mom. She went through a divorce and then she met Dad and now we’re a big, happy family.”

“For the most part,” Saylor said.

“Are you and Ryker having problems?” Evie gasped.

Saylor laughed. “No. Ryker and I are strong. We disagree at times and being married is a lot of hard work, but there are others in our family who are struggling and are not happy.

“Who? Wyatt? He’s making his bed.”

“I think Wyatt is just trying to figure out life right now, but it’s not Wyatt who’s unhappy.”

“Lake? I know he has some things he has to come to terms with, but he seems pretty happy.”

“Not Lake either.”

“Renee? She just had twins, so is she having postpartum depression?”

“Nope. She’s fine.”

“Boden?” Evie said in shock. “They just got married.”

Saylor looked empathetically at Evie.

“That leaves Cody, but he just got a divorce from that crazy woman so I’m sure he’s better than he was when he was married to her.”

“That doesn’t mean he’s doing well.”

“That’s what happens when you don’t take the time to get to know the person you marry. They dated for two months and then got married two months after that. Not enough time to get to know someone. My point! This place is not a realistic place to really get to know someone.”

“Evie, you’re not expected to marry him on the show! The show is just giving the couple a boost to get to know each other. I just want you to ponder and think about where your faith lies. Does it lie in the doctrine of Christ, or in the guidelines the church provides for us to follow?”

“I don’t understand.”

Saylor put down her scissors and then leaned up against the counter to look at Evie.

“Have you read the newest version of For the Strength of Youth?”

“No. Not yet. Why?”

“Because I work with the young women, I have had the opportunity to read and study this new pamphlet. If you recall, one of your Young Woman goals was to memorize certain parts of the pamphlet when we were youth.”

“That’s right. And I still have it memorized.”

“Which parts?”

“Let’s see. Dress and Appearance: Immodest clothing includes short shorts, tight pants, and other revealing attire.”

“Do you wear yoga pants?” Saylor interjected.

Evie sat back in her chair. “Yes, but…”

---