Day 4
The Beginning of a Beautiful Ending
“Hey, handsome,” Bethany said with an early morning smile. “’Morning.”
“You can’t tell me I’m not blessed. I’m sleeping next to an angel.”
Still a bit weary, I leaned over and grabbed Bethany by the back of the neck bringing her lips to mine.
“You’re still sleeping,” Bethany said. “I thought soldier boys were up at the crack of dawn, ready for a twenty-mile hike. You’ll never make it.”
“A brat the first thing in the morning.”
“I’m not a brat. I’m just saying---”
Before she could finish her sentence I kissed her again.
“Sweet!” she purred. “That’s more like it.”
Bethany rested her forehead against mine.
“Your last day of civilian life; under orders from God and the army from here on in.”
Bethany made me laugh.
“What’s funny?” she asked.
“I never hear it put like that.”
“Dylan you’re the best. You can do anything.”
I kissed her again.
“What’s that for?” she asked.
“For giving me strength and confidence.”
“You get that from God,” Bethany replied with eyes closed
“Yeah, but it’s nice to hear it from someone in the natural.”
I grabbed Bethany by her tiny waist and brought her body to mine. She rolled on top of me. The Doll was warm and scented from last night’s perfumed bath. I was aroused by my sexy little kitten. It would be months, maybe a year, before we shared a moment like this. I loved holding her. There is a time to make love and a time to be loved. This was a time for love.
Then was a seductive grin on her lips.
“I was just thinking about Ava saying you’re my ‘chocolate delight,’” she teasingly began. “You’re more like a hot chocolate,” she said rubbing my biceps. “Am I your vanilla delight?”
“Vanilla is too bland. You’re like chocolate too; a chocolate cover cherry. Smooth and tasty, appetizing to look at on the outside, but I can’t wait to get on the inside.”
“Why do I bother talk to you?” she teased in a soft, cracking voice. “Everything out of your mouth is filthy.”
I tighten my grip on her waist. I loved looking into her deep blue eyes.
“Let me go,” Bethany said placing her hands on my chest, pushing off. “I can’t hang around you. You’re too nasty for me.”
“You’re not going anywhere just yet. I’m not through with you.”
“Not through with me? What am I some servant girl waiting to be dismissed?” she purred.
“I wouldn’t stop you for the world. But this,” I let my arousal knock against her thigh, “has something else to say.”
“Well tell it to shut up.”
“You tell it,” I said rolling her over on her back. “Cause here it is.”
I entered Bethany. She moaned in ecstasy.
“Why do I put up with you?” Bethany fussed with a delightful smile on her lips as she pressed her face against mine then wrapped her arms around my back drawing me closer.
Chocolate delight meets….
Bethany’s hands were tiny and feminine. I took one in mine. So delicate, nails painted to perfection. I kissed it then caressed it to my cheek.
“You’re strange,” my Doll said. “I wonder if all guys are like you.”
“You would be surprised how much we’re alike and how much I’m different.”
“How are you different?”
“I’m here to stay. I’m not here cause you’re a hot babe and I just want to get in your pants then move on.”
“Could you be a little more graphic,” she teased flirtatiously.
“I’m serious. A lot of guys want only one thing; they get it and that’s it. When I saw you I said, ‘she’s going to be my wife, my partner, the mother of my children.”
“And you’re saying all guys don’t think like that? That’s a pretty broad generalization. And things like kissing my hand, and always saying I’m pretty.”
“All guys are different. Ask Ava.”
“I did. She said you’re a keeper. That’s what I’m worried about. Don’t get me wrong, I like it. You’re just not what I see in the movies. My Dad did crazy things with my Mom. He would hide jewelry in her cereal box so when she poured it out at breakfast a bracelet would fall out. Or we’d go to a Mexican restaurant and the Mariachi band would come over to our table singing a song with her name.”
“I’ll have to remember those.”
“And they talk about everything; all the time. Just like we do. I don’t think they can live without each other.”
“Neither can we. What are you worried about? Your parents are the perfect example of what a great relationship is. I’m not saying ‘I’m all that.’ I am a ‘keeper’ like Ava says.”
“How come marriages don’t last? How come people like Candy have different boyfriends every other week?”
“Candy’s not looking for a relationship; she’s looking for attention. When she gets it from one guy she moves on to get it from the next. In marriages, when something goes wrong, instead of fighting to correct it and trying everything to stay together, people get out ‘cause things aren’t going ‘their’ way.”
“Do you believe in divorce?” Bethany asked with a shy question in her eyes.
“For myself; no. Maybe that’s why it took me so long to settle. Marriage is a commitment. I can be very reclusive, quiet and set in my ways. I knew I would have to give up a lot. I never found the person I was willing to do that for until I met you. I’ve changed and have no regrets. I’m committed.”
“Commitment is such a powerful word. That sounds like something you’re forced to do; like a job you hate but you said you would do. Marriage should be two people happy to be together.”
“What happens when they’re not ‘happy to be together?’ You can’t leave just because he loves watching football on Sundays but she thinks they should spend the day on a picnic or visiting friends. Sometimes people don’t think about things like that beforehand. Once they’re married and things don’t go their way, they want out.”
“You’re taking all the fun out of marriage,” Bethany said.
“No just being realistic.”
“Back to divorce. Biblically; what’s the deal? Jesus said you can get divorced in cases of adultery. I know pastors that preach you can’t get divorced under any circumstances. A lot of people believe that.”
“Yes, Jesus said that,” I agreed. “But what about a marriage where the husband is beating the wife and raping the kids? I say get out and don’t look back.”
“I hear you and agree; but is that right under God? He said ‘only in cases of adultery.”
“It depends on how legalistic you are. Are you a Pharisee or a Sadducee? Jesus picked grain and healed on the Sabbath; clearly against Jewish law. He probably thought ‘if you’re hungry, eat’ ‘this man is sick today; I can’t come back tomorrow.’”
“I always read about the Pharisees and Sadducees but never knew exactly who they are?”
“They were Jewish sects. They trailed after Jesus to see how he interpreted the Law. Pharisees were more liberal than Sadducees. Today we have our own versions of these sects; liberal Christians, conservative Christians, Methodist, Episcopalians, Catholics and other denominations. All read the same Bible, but have different interpretations.”
“That’s interesting. But I thought they were all against Jesus.”
“In a way they were. I had a professor that compared them to the Democrats and Republicans at a State of the Union Address waiting to hear the President’s thoughts on a particular issue. One group smiles, the other group wants to strangle him. The same is true of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Jesus was a man, claiming to be the long awaited Messiah. A lot of people were becoming his followers, believing his teachings. So these groups wanted know whose interpretation of the Law He believe in?”
“But Jesus had His own way, didn’t he?”
“Yes and no. He said the Pharisees knew the way. Read Matthew 23:1---”
“Wait let me get my Bible,” Bethany said retrieving her IPad. “Matthew 23:1 ‘Then Jesus said to the crowds and his disciples: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.”
Bethany read the rest silently to herself.
“I never read this before,” she finally said. “This is fascinating! But I don’t get it. Jesus starts off by telling us to obey them but then goes on to call them a bunch of hypocrites.”
“And such is the state of the church to this day. Some pastors and church folk preach a truth they don’t live, at the same time condemning others. Some churches have bylaws so strict it’s a practically a sin to breathe.”
“I know what you mean. I hear people say things that make me want to scream. But you’re funny; you study and teach the Word, I know I ask you a lot of questions and the kids at the University used to grill you. But you never tell people what to do.”
“That’s not my job nor is it the job of any other Christian. What did Jesus say, ‘Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your eye.’ (Matthew 7:1) I do that.”
“I know. And you show God’s love in everything you do.”
“The Bible is not a book of policy statements or a weapon designed to enforce a particular view. It’s an invitation to think about who God is and what it means to be human.”
“Maybe I spoke too soon. Now you are preaching.”
“Brat.”
***
I loved Bethany’s new home, the campus of Carnegie-Mellon. God sends me all over the world, but I really feel in my element when I’m in an academic setting. The campus was beautiful; especially this time of year. Not a Tulsa Fall, with it eighty plus degree temperatures, but a breezy, cap and scarf, bulky wool sweater back East Fall. It was refreshing to be on a real campus; not one under the control of pervasive religious thought or a moralistic honor code. The kids did everything to express their new found freedom from parents and everything else back home. Their fashion, their music, their political views all expressed their individuality. Though I didn’t agree with everything I saw, I loved their freedom to express it.
I packed a picnic dinner, a bottle of apple cider and a blanket for a secret getaway, trying my best to conceal it in a small weekender. I saw my Doll in the distance. With her book filled knapsack, faded blue jeans, cute blouse and white Converse sneakers, she looked all of the nubile college coed she was. As she approached her eye caught mine, I saw the woman she was.
“Hey Dylan,” Bethany greeted. “What are you doing here? I thought you would be back at the hotel packing.”
“Laundry is done; packing is at ninety percent. The only thing I’m interested in is you.”
Bethany shook her head as she always did when I complimented her.
“You’re finished for the day, right?” I said. “Let’s go for a drive.”
“Sure, where do you want to go?”
“Give me your keys. I’ll drive.”
“You don’t have a license or a learner’s permit for Pennsylvania.”
“If the cops stop us, I’ll say you forced me into the car and told me to start driving.”
“A crazy man,” she giggled. “Did you drive a lot in Brazil?”
“Yeah, I had to. No one asked if I had a license and I never offered unsolicited information. Don’t ask, don’t tell. Plus, I was in a section where the police never came. They didn’t come if a child got shot; so they certainly weren’t looking for traffic violations.”
We reached her car. After a small but playful struggle, Bethany surrendered her keys.
“Where are you taking me?” Bethany asked as she slid into the passenger seat.
“Nowhere in particular. You’ll see.”
“And what’s in that bag?”
“Something you’ll like.”
“So mysterious.” Bethany went silent. She watched the road as I drove. “Ava and I do this sometimes---just get in the car and go,” she said after a while. “Sometimes her boyfriend Ace comes with us.”
“Ace? Who in this day and age is named ‘Ace?’ Sounds like a great-great-grandpa trying to relive his glory days as a WWI fighter pilot.”
“He’s a cool guy. He’s a professional poker player; dropped out of college to play in tournaments and everything. He has a friend, Donavan, another poker player, he’s still here at Carnegie. Ava said he likes me. At first she tried to set us up. But when she found out I was serious about you, she runs interference.”
“Some college boy got a crush on you?”
“Yeah, but you got it right. He’s a boy not a man.”
“I don’t have to worry about this guy, do I?”
“Yeah, I really want to run off with someone who depends on being dealt a royal flush to make a living.”
“Some believe faith in God is like gambling. I once preached ‘Life isn’t always being dealt a winning hand, it’s learning how to play a bad hand well.’”
“I like that. And it’s true. I never saw you preach. I’d like too. Are you a fire and brimstone preacher or quiet like Charles Stanley?”
“Both. People need to hear the Word, so I teach. But there’s nothing wrong with stirring up the crowd.”
“How’d you come up with that poker analogy? Do you play?”
“I have. I’ve been to Vegas, Atlantic City.”
“Before or after you were saved.”
“Both.”
“Do you like to gamble?”
“No, not at all. I won a trip to Vegas once and I would speak at churches in Atlantic City. I’d check out the casinos just to see what they were like. Outside of that, I don’t gamble. But, the truth be known, I did make most of my tuition money for the University at the roulette table.”
“What?”
“Yeah. I was at a church convention in AC. One night, after service, I took a walk through the casino. Something told me to play; I did and walked out with $27,000. I was going to invest it but the Spirit told me to go to the University. The rest is history.”
“Do you tell people that story? What do they say?”
“I don’t tell everybody. Some people still live in the Victorian Age. The ones I tell I add ‘a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.’ (Proverbs 13:22)”
“What about the fact that the disciple cast lots to get the twelfth disciple after Judas killed himself? You never hear about Matthias after that, but the one God picks, Saul, writes most of the New Testament.”
“Ecclesiastes 2:26 ‘…but to the sinner God gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God.’ Do you ever gamble, play cards?”
“Sure, if you call a roulette wheel at a state fair gambling or Slapjack or My Boat Docks. I’m not against gambling. I never heard a story like yours.”
“Stick around, kid; I got a million of um.”
“I’m sure you do. Ava says people from Brooklyn are wild.”
“And what do you say?”
“I only know two and they both are.”
“We don’t want to disappoint.”
In a short time we were in the mountains. The Fall foliage was in full bloom. I pulled into a barren parking lot.
“I never saw the leaves change colors before,” Bethany said exiting the car and looking around. “It’s pretty.”
The soon setting sun was Bethany’ backlight. The October breeze gently made its way through her hair.
“So are you,” I replied.
She smiled her smile of guilty embarrassment. A slight shake of her head made me know she liked the compliment but couldn’t believe I was talking about her.
“That’s one of the reasons I brought you up here. I know you Texas gals don’t get a chance to see the seasons change. We do in Brooklyn. That’s parts of our wild nature.”
I retrieved my bag containing the food and blanket and took Bethany by the hand.
“Where are we going?” Bethany asked.
“Oh ye of little faith. Trust me.”
We walked along various hiking trails. Again I say this is the Fall I’m familiar with; the quiet breeze saying summer has past, the seasons, perhaps situations in life, are changing. In the distance, we heard the rush of a waterfall. I did research and knew there was one in the vicinity. We spread our blanket there for a life changing event.
“Wow, you know how to pick a spot,” Bethany said admiring the scenery. “My family would love this.”
“A beautiful spot for a beautiful woman”
“Why are you being so mysterious and speaking in poetry? What’s up?”
“I just want to spend some special time with my special lady in a special place. Is that so wrong?”
“You’re up to something.”
“I have a few things for you. First, I found a crepe restaurant in town. I bought all the ones you like.”
“Crepes! I haven’t had one since you left.”
“I wanted to cook but I didn’t have a place too.”
I removed the crepes and some paper plates from the bag.
“We could have cooked in the dorm,” Bethany added. “They have a kitchen area.”
“I thought about that, but this is nice.”
I pulled out two champagne glasses. Bethany’s eye widened.
“You’re up to something,” she said again.
I poured two glasses of sparkling apple cider.
“To us!” Bethany said in a joking mock fashion.
“You’re crazy,” I said. “But that’s why I love you. You keep me on my toes. And, this is also for you.”
I presented Bethany with a single yellow rose.
“A yellow rose of Texas, for my beautiful Texas rose.”
Her eyes widen.
“Silly,” she giggled. “But Dylan, this is so nice. Thanks for dinner and bringing me out here. It’s quiet. I can hear myself think.”
“What are you thinking about?”
“That you’re up to something.”
I smiled a guilty smile
“I’m not ‘up to something.’ Can’t a man just take his girl out to a quiet spot and have a picnic at sunset. This nice weather won’t last forever.”
Bethany shot me a look saying she wasn’t buying any of that.
“Honestly, I’ve been thinking too,” I began. “I know we’re spiritually one. We talk about marriage, but now I’m asking; Bethany, will you marry me?”
“Of course, we’re getting married,” Bethany brushed off matter of factly.
“No,” I said gently taking her by the shoulders and looking directly into her piercing blue eyes. “I’m asking you---Bethany; will you be my wife?”
Her eyes bounced quickly from side to side as she searched mine looking for the joke, the punch line.
“Bethany, I need you in my life. Marry me. I’ll make every day of your life happier than the day before.”
Words got caught in her throat.
“If you don’t know how to answer, just wear this and I’ll know---”
I pulled a box from Tiffany’s from my pocket and opened it. A sparkling 14k diamond engagement ring appeared. I took Bethany’s left hand.
“May I place this ring on your finger?” I asked.
Tears poured from Bethany’s eyes. I shed one or two myself.
“Yes, Dylan. I’ll never take it off.”
I gently slipped the ring on Bethany’s soft delicate hand. It looked like it was predestined to be there.
“A perfect fit,” I said.
“Just like us.”
Bethany stared at the ring on her finger. She modeled it for herself then grabbed me around the neck.
“Dylan, this is so special!”
“You didn’t answer my question; will you marry me?”
“Yes, yes, Dylan, of course, I will.”
Her hug became tighter. So did mine.
This was a beautiful moment. I saw God in the midst.
“Dylan, this ring is beautiful. I can’t wait to show this to my mom! I have to text Ava and tell her the good news!”
“Ava and Mom will have to wait. Right now you’re all mine.”
I kissed her again. A kiss that marked a new beginning. Kisses with dreams in them. I laid my Doll against the blanket, smothering her with passionate kisses. She responded with more passion. I hadn’t entered her body, but we were one. I felt it in her kiss, in her touch. We were one and always would be.
What does one do after accepting a marriage proposal? Bethany slept. There was a smile on her lips while she resting her head on my shoulder on the drive back. The truth be told; I could use a nap myself. We would be home or at least back at the hotel (now and for the next few years I don’t have a home) in an hour or so. I could take a quick nap, do the last of my packing then off to Bethesda. Sleep--- some people dream of the future when they get engaged. Bethany and I just dreamed---literally; dreams that come from the REM stage.
The crepes were great but couldn’t stand up to the mountain air. Still hungry, we stopped at the hamburger joint that began our weekend and ordered two Swiss Burgers Deluxe to go which we devoured at the hotel. Bethany called to her mother to give her the good news. I took a short nap knowing I had to get up to finish packing.
“Handsome, I bought you clothes for your trip,” Bethany said handing me three shopping bags.
“Thanks, Doll. But I’m gonna be wearing fatigues.”
“Well, you never can tell. Besides, I just want you to look nice.”
“Thank you,” I said with a smile.
“You always smile. Why?”
“No one ever loved me like you do.”
“So I’m the first. But I’m also the last.”
I looked through the shopping bags. A few tees, some sweaters. Things I would have purchased myself.
“They’re nice. But I’ll be a target; wearing the latest from the Banana Republic.”
“The only target you’ll be is a target for God; a warning to Satan.”
“Wow! Preach on my sister.”
“Stop kidding. I’m just saying like Peter was a fisher of men; you’ll be a fisher for the Gospel. Dylan, you’re going on the world stage; you’re an instrument of God. What you say not only has to be an inspiration to the soldiers but a defiance to the devil. You’re not only speaking to Americans but to the world. Wherever God sends you, you’re spreading His word. That doesn’t happen to everyone.”
That was true. But who am I? Just a guy from Brooklyn; now involved with the most beautiful woman God ever created. God is amazing, but if I stop to think about His goodness I’d go crazy.
“Who is anybody to do the work of the Lord?” Bethany said with wisdom of Biblical proportion. “Some were sent; some just went. Dylan, you are appointed.”
What could I say after that?
The room was aglow from the flicker of ten scent candles. Our packed bags sat by the door; ready for a quick early morning getaway; Bethany back to campus, me---we’ll see.
We laid in bed, our bodies warm and scented from our bath. Our PJ’s remained in our bags.
“This is like our first night,” Bethany said with a glow in her eyes. “You lit all those candles when I came over---remember?”
“Yeah,” I said, reliving that moment.
“You make everything special.”
“That’s because you’re special. I want every moment to be something to remember.”
“You don’t know what you do to me, Dylan.”
“And you to me. It’s because you’re special I like to do special things for you. Call me sappy, call me corny; sentimental, but I want to shower you with love. Not just with words, but with actions, with deeds.”
“You’re corny, you’re sappy, you’re sentimental. But you’re mine.”
“I can’t explain my attraction to you,” I said. “I’m enchanted by you. I want to be in your presence all the time. Something is missing where I’m not with you.”
“I feel the same way,” Bethany replied quietly. “I love Allie to death---but I always wished I had a twin sister; you know someone I had a special bond with; I could share things with---someone who wouldn’t think I was crazy when I come up with my crazy ideas. I went so far as to think I had one that died at birth and my parents kept it from me. All that stopped when I met you. I know we’re not twins---but---well we’re bonded in a special way.”
“Doll, you’re crazier than I thought,” I teased with a smile. “But I know what you mean. So what does that make me?”
“Promise me one thing, Dylan.”
“Sure, Doll, anything.”
“Promise me tonight we won’t talk about your job, my classes. No uncertainty tonight. We’ll just enjoy what we have, what we know. Just live in the moment.”
“You got it.”
Bethany went silent just admiring her engagement ring.
“This ring is so beautiful. Did you take it with you to Brazil?”
“No, I ordered it when we were in Tulsa. I left it there with a friend and had him Fed Ex here. It arrived this morning.”
“You’re right, Dylan,” Bethany said. “I feel different now that we’re engaged. You think we’ll feel even more different when we’re married?’
“Probably. It’s a spiritual thing. It gets deeper and deeper.”
“I know what you mean,” Bethany said softly then went silent again.
There was a feeling of peace and contentment in the room; in my spirit. Bethany finally stopped looking at the ring. She crossed her arms and went into deep contemplation than slowly drifted off to sleep.
For me, sleep was nowhere to be found. I flicked on the TV and found Turner Classic Movies (TCM). Of course, Since You Went Away was on. Note to the Dear Reader Though known only among the most ardent of classic film fans, Since You Went Away is the tale of one family’s trials on the home front while the husband/father is serving in World War II.
I looked at my Doll while she slept. She was beyond pretty; she was radiant. I kissed her lips. She smiled through her sleep.
“I love you, Doll,” I whispered to my sleeping beauty. “I’m always going to take care of you no matter what. You sure you wanna marry me?”
Bethany smiled again then reached out and shook my hand.
“Always the deal maker,” I said.
I returned to my movie. Ironically, I drifted off to sleep at the time soldier boy Robert Walker was saying goodbye to his girl Jennifer Jones at the railway station as he was off to war.
“What’s this?” I said as Bethany handed me a gift box.
“One more present for your trip. I saved the best for last. Open it up,” she said with excitement.
I slowly untied the ribbon. It was an IPad.
“Wow!” I said.
“It’s loaded with every translation of the Bible, commentaries and a Greek and Hebrew lexicon. I also added the Koran and the Midrash.”
This was a thoughtful and expensive present. As a chaplain, I would need all these religious texts but there was no way I couldn’t lug them around the world. Leave it to Bethany, or the youth perspective, to keep me up with modern technology and solve my dilemma.
“Look on the back,” Bethany whispered. “It’s engraved.”
In very small letters it read: To Mr. Pig from his Doll.
“I had them write it small. I didn’t want everyone reading it. I want it to be our little secret.”
“You’re something else, Bethany,” I said quietly. “I have something for you.”
“What!?” she exclaimed in wide-eyed anticipation.
“It’s nothing really,” I said digging into my bag. “Especially after this lavish present you gave me, I’m almost ashamed---”
“Don’t be silly. Let me see. Is it from Brazil?”
I pulled a rumpled brown paper bag from my suitcase.
“Yeah. I saw it in a bodega and…
I pulled from the bag a handmade wooden key chain. It featured a girl with jet black hair and blazing blue eyes.
“…it reminded me of you.”
Bethany broke into a big smile.
“I love it, Dylan!” she said.
“I couldn’t have paid more than---”
“It doesn’t matter. You would think of something like this. I’ll put my keys on it. And every time I look at it I’ll hear you calling me ‘Doll.’ Thank you, Dylan.”
Bethany held the seventy-five cent keychain as if it were a twenty-four karat diamond. I put my arm around her. Bethany continued to stare at the keychain. I ki