with the falls in the background.
The thing that stood out above all else, at least in my mind, was the comfortable, easy relationship between the bride and groom. It was obvious that most of the time the gaggle of people with them and the curious passersby were invisible to them.
A verse from Proverbs popped into my mind. The man who finds a wife finds a treasure and receives favor from the Lord. This young man had obviously found his silver and gold.
I had never been Bens treasure, nor he mine. We would have had a life of emotional poverty together.
I dont know why I asked the question but it spilled out of my mouth before I had time to filter it. David, are you easily embarrassed?
I shouldnt have looked at those old photos of Ben last night.
His handsome face was blank, as if he didnt understand the question.
Have you ever been ashamed of someone close to you?
Embarrassed about what? He looked genuinely puzzled.
Oh, I dont know, I mumbled vaguely. Insanity in the family, criminals, sleepwalkers
He burst out laughing. Insanity, crime and sleepwalking? Youre talking apples and oranges here, Suze. Whats more, we love people for what they are. We dont have to like what they do but that doesnt mean we cant love them. He studied me intently. I sense a hidden agenda here.
I jumped to my feet and held out my hands to him. I have a sudden urge to see a movie. When he hesitated, I added, You promised, you know.
I didnt breathe a sigh of relief until we were settled in our theater seats, cloaked in darkness and burdened with popcorn and soda enough to feed a football team. I was too transparent. David seemed to see right through me. Still, its comforting to know that hes not as judgmental as my youthful boyfriend had been.
Somehow between the previews and the movies conclusion, Davids hand had found mine in the bottom of the popcorn tub and wouldnt let go. I cant say I fought it either. We were still happily clinging to each other as we left the theater.
To my surprise and delight, the babysitter said she had actually enjoyed the experience and yes, she would come again. For a price.
Theyre more work than I thought, the woman said. I had to catch each one and put them to bed several times before they realized I meant business. And bathsWell, youll have to get all new toiletries. Theyd made a concoction with the lot of them in the bathtub before I caught them. Youll need milk and eggs, too. I couldnt get the shelf back on the inside of your refrigerator door after Terry tried to ride on it and pulled it off.
I held my hand in the air to stop the torrent of information. I didnt care. The boys were alive, the house had not burned down and the woman, for only twice what Id offered her tonight, would return. A cabinet full of shampoo and perfume and the cost of a repairman was a small price to pay for a night of freedom.
I wandered around after she left, closing drapes and turning off lights.
The house was too quiet. Hammie was asleep on the wheel but even if hed been awake, I wouldnt have heard him now that David had repaired it. Chipper was not there to greet me at the door with his high-pitched yap. And after an evening with David, the night seemed surprisingly empty without him.
Chapter Thirteen
C harley caught me as I was about to leave my office the next afternoon.
What are you doing here?
Thought Id come by and take you out for a quick cup of coffee before you pick up the dynamic duo. He stared at me. You look horrible, whats up?
Im not sleeping well, thats all. I thought Id get a nap before I got the boys.
Chamomile tea, then. I need to talk to you.
I stared at him. Charley and I have known each other forever but Id never had him come to find me at the office. Is something wrong?
Yes and no. He pointed to a java joint. How about there?
It must be serious, for you to drive here to talk to me.
Let me get you some tea, then well talk.
I had nervous butterflies in my stomach by the time he returned with the
The thing that stood out above all else, at least in my mind, was the comfortable, easy relationship between the bride and groom. It was obvious that most of the time the gaggle of people with them and the curious passersby were invisible to them.
A verse from Proverbs popped into my mind. The man who finds a wife finds a treasure and receives favor from the Lord. This young man had obviously found his silver and gold.
I had never been Bens treasure, nor he mine. We would have had a life of emotional poverty together.
I dont know why I asked the question but it spilled out of my mouth before I had time to filter it. David, are you easily embarrassed?
I shouldnt have looked at those old photos of Ben last night.
His handsome face was blank, as if he didnt understand the question.
Have you ever been ashamed of someone close to you?
Embarrassed about what? He looked genuinely puzzled.
Oh, I dont know, I mumbled vaguely. Insanity in the family, criminals, sleepwalkers
He burst out laughing. Insanity, crime and sleepwalking? Youre talking apples and oranges here, Suze. Whats more, we love people for what they are. We dont have to like what they do but that doesnt mean we cant love them. He studied me intently. I sense a hidden agenda here.
I jumped to my feet and held out my hands to him. I have a sudden urge to see a movie. When he hesitated, I added, You promised, you know.
I didnt breathe a sigh of relief until we were settled in our theater seats, cloaked in darkness and burdened with popcorn and soda enough to feed a football team. I was too transparent. David seemed to see right through me. Still, its comforting to know that hes not as judgmental as my youthful boyfriend had been.
Somehow between the previews and the movies conclusion, Davids hand had found mine in the bottom of the popcorn tub and wouldnt let go. I cant say I fought it either. We were still happily clinging to each other as we left the theater.
To my surprise and delight, the babysitter said she had actually enjoyed the experience and yes, she would come again. For a price.
Theyre more work than I thought, the woman said. I had to catch each one and put them to bed several times before they realized I meant business. And bathsWell, youll have to get all new toiletries. Theyd made a concoction with the lot of them in the bathtub before I caught them. Youll need milk and eggs, too. I couldnt get the shelf back on the inside of your refrigerator door after Terry tried to ride on it and pulled it off.
I held my hand in the air to stop the torrent of information. I didnt care. The boys were alive, the house had not burned down and the woman, for only twice what Id offered her tonight, would return. A cabinet full of shampoo and perfume and the cost of a repairman was a small price to pay for a night of freedom.
I wandered around after she left, closing drapes and turning off lights.
The house was too quiet. Hammie was asleep on the wheel but even if hed been awake, I wouldnt have heard him now that David had repaired it. Chipper was not there to greet me at the door with his high-pitched yap. And after an evening with David, the night seemed surprisingly empty without him.
Chapter Thirteen
C harley caught me as I was about to leave my office the next afternoon.
What are you doing here?
Thought Id come by and take you out for a quick cup of coffee before you pick up the dynamic duo. He stared at me. You look horrible, whats up?
Im not sleeping well, thats all. I thought Id get a nap before I got the boys.
Chamomile tea, then. I need to talk to you.
I stared at him. Charley and I have known each other forever but Id never had him come to find me at the office. Is something wrong?
Yes and no. He pointed to a java joint. How about there?
It must be serious, for you to drive here to talk to me.
Let me get you some tea, then well talk.
I had nervous butterflies in my stomach by the time he returned with the
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