Chapter Ten #3
“I once told you I was a model child. I was. As an only child, I felt it was my duty not to worry my parents. I was close to both, eager to please, eager to satisfy. Dad was grooming me to take over the business and I went off to college carefree, my future assured. I’d only been gone a few months when my mother arrived on campus to tell me she and Dad were getting a divorce.
I was stunned. As far as I knew, my parents were happily married.
Within a year my mother was dead. I’m convinced she died of a broken heart.
The problem was they were both so stubborn.
Neither of them wanted the divorce, yet neither one was willing to admit fault.
After Mom died, Dad changed. The guilt he carried was so heavy I sometimes wondered if he would ever be the same father I’d known.
In a matter of months my safe, secure world was shattered.
I watched as my classmates married and divorced.
Again and again I witnessed the breakdown of the family.
Long ago I’d decided loving someone was too painful.
I dated and used a certain type of woman because I knew there was never any danger of my falling in love with them.
I was too sensible to love a Bunny Jacobs or a Barbara Martin.
I realize now how wrong it was to use them that way. ”
Their hands entwined, Janet sighed and hung her head. “I was terribly jealous of every one of your blonde dates. When I ordered
them flowers or jewelry it was like a part of me died inside.”
Reese raised her hand and gently kissed her knuckles. “I’m thirty-four; one would assume that by now I would be smart enough
to know the difference between love and sex. I did know I was unhappy. There seemed to be this hole in my life, a void. That
was why I bought the cabin. In my own way I was seeking God, seeking an answer to my own restlessness, and an answer to my
father’s guilt. I firmly believe God sent you into my life for this reason.”
“In the beginning the feelings you had for me were only physical, weren’t they?” It hurt to ask, but Janet felt she had to
know.
“Yes, I admit my invitation for you to spend the night was cheap. I’ve thought about that several times since and wondered how you’ve put up with me.”
Happiness radiating from her deep blue eyes, Janet met his gaze and smiled. “It’s easy when you love someone.”
Reese gently lifted a strand of hair away from her face and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Everything changed after the day
you and Joel were with me at Black Hawk. Your faith touched me unlike anything I’ve known. I’ve always thought of Christians
as goody-goody types who go around issuing meaningless platitudes. Not you, not Joel. When your brother was born you didn’t
leap in the air and shout praises to God. You struggled and came to terms with his disability just as I’m sure your parents
did in their own way. Meeting Christianity face to face like that shook me. I did the only thing I’ve known for the past few
years. I ran and hid. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the look on your face when you confronted me that next week—confusion,
hurt, pride. I could have kicked myself afterward, but I didn’t know what else to do. I’ve been ready for a long time for
your love, Janet. Ready to commit my life to the Lord. Now I’m ready to commit my love to you.”
He stood and offered her his hand. “I feel that since we’re in church God should be our witness.”
Hand in hand, they walked up the center aisle of the church and knelt at the altar. Kneeling beside her, Reese brought out
a diamond engagement ring from his pocket. “Will you share my life, Janet?”
The lump of wondrous joy blocked her throat, so that all Janet could do was nod.
Gently, Reese lifted her hand and slipped the ring on her finger. Their hands joined and their heads bowed as each offered a prayer of dedication to one another and to God.
When Janet lifted her face tears of happiness had filled her eyes. Ever so gently, Reese folded her into his arms. “I love
you. I’ll love you all my life.”
“And I, you.”
Together they stood, arms looped around each other’s waist. “I think we should go outside. I know two anxious sets of parents,
and one brother, who are waiting for the results.”
Janet sighed contentedly and laid her head against his shoulder. “Your father’s in on this too?”
“Oh yes, both Dad and I have had this great need in our lives. The first thing your father—”
“My dad?” she questioned in open astonishment.
“Yes, your dad. He sat us both down, told us about the free gift of salvation and the price Christ paid to make us that offer.
Later he sent us home to memorize 2 Corinthians 5:17.”
“And did you?” Janet asked with an amused grin.
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.”
He said it confidently. “I am a new man, Janet. A new man in Christ, a new man in your love.”
Joel was in the parking lot when they walked out of the church. “Did you ask her?” He raced to Reese’s side breathlessly.
Without waiting for Reese to respond, Janet held out her finger, the solitary diamond sparkling a rainbow’s array of color.
“Didn’t I tell you, Janny,” Joel declared proudly. “Mr. Reese told me the first Sunday he came to church that he’d be back
every Sunday to sit with you because he wanted to marry you.”
“That was your secret?” Janet questioned.
“And I didn’t tell anybody.”
Arms looped around these two men she loved, Janet proceeded to the parsonage, where her parents and future father-in-law were
waiting.
Unexpectedly the sun broke through the thick layer of gray clouds and burst forth over the earth, boldly casting its rays
on the three as they walked. Janet paused and glanced to the sky, a tear in her eye. It was almost as if God were looking
down and shining on them.
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