Oh, My Love!
Our letters continued and became even more affectionate. He was quickly becoming a person I never wanted to leave my life. I was not sure if he returned those feelings, but I had hoped he would.
Jack came and visited again in the spring time. He was always so nice to be around. I found myself giggly and giddy every time we talked. Last time he visited, I knew I cared for him, but this was different, new, and scary. Our serious talks were good, too. A fun conversation is enjoyable, but the serious talks are where you learn a person’s heart.
On Friday May 19th, (for some reason we did not have school), while we were out walking and talking in the park (Mama and Papa's park), and enjoying being together, our conversation turned very serious. We had been talking of all sorts of subjects and then, those blue eyes stared right into mine. For the first time since meeting him, I felt something so different. Almost like, love?
(Being a teacher, I know you either write in past or present, but, to bring the power and wonderment of this conversation, I find changing between past and present tense necessary.)
"Ali, can I ask you a serious question?"
"Of course you can, Jack. You can ask me anything."
"Do you really feel like you are leading the life God intended for you to lead?" What a loaded question! Up until right this second, I would have said yes. I thought I was. But now, staring into his serious, midnight colored eyes (they turned so dark when he was serious or sad), I wasn't so sure. My life had changed so much since we met. So I said the only thing I could think of:
"What makes you ask me that, Jack?"
Heart pounding, short of breath, I think I am going to faint………….. Is he …..? Mr. …. Wonderful?
He was wonderful, for sure, but is it the right wonderful? Oh, God, why won’t he say anything?
I had to sit on a bench or I might have fallen down. Really, I thought I was about to faint. Maybe I needed water, but I wasn't going to move. So, I took his hand. I didn’t say anything else for a few minutes. He sat next to me. We shared an uncomfortable silence. What is going on?
Finally, he spoke.
“Ali.” He took my other hand. The way he said my name sounded like music. “My sweet Alabama. I have grown so fond of you!” Oh my goodness, he used my full name! What is he doing? Am I ready for this? I thought I would be. I’m a spinster’s age for crying out loud. All of my growing up friends have children who are old enough to be in school, and I’m not married yet. And still, I’m questioning if this is right? Oh dear, oh dear, oh my!
“And I am ever so fond of you, Jack! You are my closest friend, even though we live so far from one another.” That sounded so stupid!!!! He might be saying something serious, and I’m sounding like a first-class dunce. I looked away, embarrassed a little, and ever so much more nervous.
He took my chin in his hand and gently turned my gaze back to him. “Look at me, Ali.” The sweetest tenderness is in his voice. He doesn’t have a cruel bone in his, oh my, so muscular, body!
“Jack, what is it?” Is that longing in his eyes? Still short of breath.
“I’m afraid, Ali!” I didn’t expect that.
“Afraid of what, Jack?” Now I’m really nervous. What in creation is he talking about… and oh, those eyes are bearing straight into me and seeing into my heart and soul! I would love to embrace him and tell him how much I have come to love him over these last few months………. Well, maybe I am overreacting.
His voice dropped. I almost couldn’t hear him whisper “I’m afraid I’ve fallen in love!” Oh, dear. It’s Mr. Wonderful, and I never saw him. Until now.
And then my face fell. I am sure there must be a girl in Texas. Great! I found Mr. Wonderful, but too late. “With someone in Texas? Well, I’m …. happy for you, Jack! You deserve every happiness!” I wanted to cry!
He stood and walked away a couple of paces. He ran his hands through his beautiful hair. Balled and unballed his fists a few times. He seemed a bit distressed.
“I don't think you understand what I am saying, Ali!”
“No, I suppose not.”
Turning back towards me, I saw a look I have never seen in a man’s eyes before. A look of…….
“It’s YOU, Ali." His hands went into the air. Like he was praising God. Then he knelt in front of me. "It's you. You are my love! I never thought I’d look again at another woman, much less fall in love after I’d lost Helena. But, then, you came dancing into my life! I was lost in my own little world until then. Your letters show me the woman you really are. I have never known someone so deeply until you. Not even Helena. You have shown me God in a whole new dimension. I just …….. All I want right now is to take you in my arms and kiss you like you should be kissed. Long, tenderly and gently, and hold you like I have wanted to since we first met. Have you read The Song of Solomon?
I nodded. I was overly familiar with it. Then he quoted this verse to me:
"You've captured my heart, dear friend.
You looked at me, and I fell in love.
One look my way and I was hopelessly in love!"
(Song of Solomon 4:9)
No words came. Here he is, my love, pouring his heart out and confessing he loves me, and I can say… nothing. Maybe my tears are speaking for me. I guess I can only hold my hand out to him, and pray he takes it. With a sigh, I closed my eyes. Here goes everything…
YOU ARE READING
One Look My Way (#1 - Eternal Love Series)
RomanceBorn in 1905, Alabama is baby number 10 of a large family. She learns about life, and especially love, when she meets Jackson Marshall: a too good-looking widower who has inherited his deceased wife's property. They have some ups and downs, and figh...
