13
After the hostess led them to the table, Bing assisted Gigget with her coat, and pulled out her chair.
The waitress brought menus.
“Wow, so many choices,” Gigget said.
“Their ribeye is really good. I think that’s what I’ll have.” Bing perused the menu, but his choice was made.
“Sounds delicious. I’ll have it, too.”
The waitress returned and took their orders.
“So, tell me about yourself, Bing.” Gigget smiled, and assumed listening mode with an elbow on the table and a hand under her chin.
“Well, I work in a factory. I also do a little modeling as a gnome.” Bing grinned.
“You model as a gnome?”
He chuckled. “Yes. As a gnome. It pays well as a side gig. Not a ton of effort either. Easy money.”
“That is so cool. I’m dating a gnome.”
“And you are the perfect height for a gnome girlfriend,” Bing said.
The food arrived.
“Thank you,” Bing said to the server. He reached hand across the table. “Shall I pray?”
Gigget nodded.
“Heavenly Father, thank You for this wonderful meal and the company of this beautiful woman. Protect and guide us. Help us enjoy this food and be blessed as we eat because it comes from Your good pleasure. Amen.” He released her hand.
“Amen,” Gigget said.
~*~
Gigget inhaled the aroma of the steak, took a bite, and groaned in pleasure.
“I love to see you enjoying the food,” Bing said before taking a bite of his own. “Oh, yes. This is good. Army cooking is OK, sufficient to sustain a person; but this? This is a slice of heaven.”
“I agree.”
The meal continued with small talk about the children, church, and their various jobs.
When the dinner was done, Gigget set down her fork. “I think I ate too much.”
“No dessert?” Bing asked.
She shook her head. “No. Even if I had room, I would refuse.”
“I’m stuffed too. I hope I fit in my uniform come Wednesday.”
“Will I be able to text or call or write while you’re gone?”
“Sure. I can give you my email and the address things can be sent to. Hopefully this won’t be a long deployment.”
She nodded, already sensing the loss of joy, peace and…contentment that he brought into her life.
“I hope not. It would be hard to be gone over the holidays.”
“That’s not really been an issue. My mom has passed on, and my siblings all have growing families. I can spend a holiday with any of them, but it only shows me what I’m missing out on. I am a favorite uncle to my nieces and nephews. I keep reminding myself that God is in control and as some say, “If the Army wanted me to have a wife, they would have issued me one.”
“Ah, but you’re relying more on the God of Heaven’s Armies as He is often referred to in the Old Testament.” Gigget grinned.
“Exactly. I’ll trust Him with the who and the when. He is able to make it clear to me. I need to be obedient in every moment…and ready for that gift.”
“Some men view it as a curse.”
“I guess I’m not some men, I am a gnome after all.”
They both chuckled at that.
Bing paid the bill and assisted her with her coat.
When they arrived at the house, he walked her to the door.
Bing paused and vapor formed as he let out a big exhale. “I would really love to kiss you right now, but I don’t think that’s wise. Thank you for being my beautiful date tonight. I really enjoyed our time together.”
Gigget touched his arm. “I agree that waiting is a good thing. I enjoyed our time together too. I’ll text or email often, and I’ll pray while you are gone.”
He gave a little grin and a nod.
She unlocked the door, and went inside.
He went down the steps and drove away.
Gigget was certain he’d taken her heart with him.
~*~
The next morning, Gigget picked up the kids.
They greeted her with hugs and grabbed their overnight bags.
“Wait a minute, children. Go back to watching those cartoons. Your mother and I need to have a little chat.” Lulu motioned the kids to the living room while dragging Gigget to the kitchen. “I made some fresh coffee and scones, sit down.”
Gigget squirmed a little under Lulu’s intense gaze. “Well?” her friend asked.
“Well, what?” Gigget didn’t want to elaborate.
Lulu stared at her without saying a word. Her gaze held the promise of an inquisition.
“Fine.” Gigget blew out an exasperated breath. “It was a lovely date. The meal was wonderful, and the company was—refreshing.”
Lulu wiggled her eyebrows. “Refreshing, huh? Well, that’s promising. Will there be another date?”
“Not for a while. He’s with the National Guard. He leaves Wednesday on a deployment, but he sent me the mailing address, and I have his email and phone number. We plan to stay in touch.”
LuLu pouted. “Oh, this is so disappointing. I had high hopes for that man.”
“There’s still time for something to develop. I’m not in a rush.”
“You may not be, but your children are fervently praying for a new dad for Christmas and have already selected Bing.”
“I’m aware of their wishes, but I will not be pressured to jump into anything fast.”
“One doesn’t need a long engagement.”
Gigget shook her head. “I can’t force anything to happen. He enjoys my company. But I do have the children to consider, and while they may wish for this, it may not work out. I don’t want to encourage them until I’m sure this will be best for them…and me.”
“He’s aware of the package deal. Maybe you bring something valuable to the relationship that you don’t recognize yet.”
“Like what?” Gigget asked before taking a sip of the coffee.
“Your love of God. Your sweet soul and your terrific kids. Your independent spirit and willingness to work around obstacles.” Lulu reached over and placed a hand on Gigget’s arm. “Don’t underestimate the power of your strengths.”
Gigget swallowed hard. “Wow. Thank you, Lulu. I feel so weak sometimes. I lean on the Lord, but I guess He makes me appear strong to others.”
“Exactly my point. Stay close to God and let Him do the arranging for both you and Bing.”
Sighing, Gigget set down her mug. “I really should get the kids home. Thank you for taking care of them. It was strange waking up in an empty house. I often forget how much they fill my days with joy.”
Lulu grinned. “I’m glad. We’re still hoping for a child but so far, we’ve not been blessed.”
“I’ve been talking to God about that on your behalf.” Gigget rose and headed to the living room. “Come on, children. Time to go.”
The kids jumped up and grabbed their coats. “Thank you, Mrs. Fizzlebang!” Djoni and Amoretta chorused in unison.
“You’re welcome. I hope you’ll stay with us again soon.”
“Thank you, Lulu. I’ll see you in church tomorrow.” Gigget shepherded her children to the car and drove home.