“I’m just worried about her, that’s all.”
“Well, you don’t need to worry, that’s my department. You just need to love her and make sure you’re doing what you need to do for you.”
They hugged.
His daughter was way too smart for him to pull the wool over her eyes. But she didn’t need to know how much trouble her mama was having just to function. Jessica needed to be happy and enjoy her college days.
Thursday midmorning Jessica got a text from Jason.
I’m on my way.
On your way where?
To get you so we can go to the coffee shop.
Okay, why?
To drink coffee, silly.
“Mama, Daddy, Jason’s coming. He wants to go for coffee.”
Gini grinned. “Be, of, goo. Dink, coffee.”
“Love you both,” Jessica said, as she headed to the front door.
“We’ll meet at the Meyers’ house,” Robert called out.
“Okay.
“Jessie, are you in love with Yuri?” Jason asked once they’d settled at a table.
“In love? You mean like my mama and dad are in love?”
“Yeah, that I-can’t-live-without-you love.”
“Gee, I mean, in love with him, hmm. I couldn’t make that kind of commitment to anyone until I’m a doctor.”
“Really? How long does it take to be a doctor?”
“Let’s see, eight years of college and then at least four for residency.”
“Twelve years! You’ll be old by then.”
She laughed. “I guess. Why are you asking?”
“Because I’m ready to make that commitment.”
She gave him an inquisitive look.
“I’m so in love with Jennifer I can hardly stand it.”
“What about college? You aren’t going to get married, are you?”
“I can go to college and be married.”
“Jase, how do your folks feel about all of this?”
“They don’t know.” He looked down and moved uncomfortably. “I know they will say the same thing you just did. But I really love her. We’re going to the same school, and we both can get jobs.”
“Sounds like you have it all figured out. Do your parents know her?”
“They’ve met once.”
“Jess, I’m going to ask her at Christmas. Oh my gosh, I’m so excited about it I don’t know if I can keep it a secret. It’s a secret, you know? I just had to tell my best friend first.”
Jessica sat back in her chair. “Well… I wasn’t totally honest with you earlier. Yuri asked me to marry him at the beginning of the semester.”
“Jessie, what’d you say?”
“Just what I told you, not till after I’m through school.”
“You said no! Oh, no, you probably broke his heart.”
“No, no. He agreed. We’re still friends, good friends.”
“But you’re not in love with him, right?”
“I don’t know. I like being with him, but—”
“Oh man, what if Jennifer says no?”
“Sorry, Jase, but I’d say maybe springing it on her in front of family isn’t such a great idea.”
“You’re right; yes, you are exactly right.” He got up, went to her, put her face in his hands and kissed her.
There was an awkward moment. Then he smiled. “Just a thank-you kiss for being so dang smart.”
He pulled his chair over next to hers and they talked about their classes and campus food and other college things.
It’s good being with my old friend, Jessica thought.
When they got to the Meyer house, it was all abuzz. Jason’s parents had arrived, Debbie and Kensy were in the kitchen with Vicky, and Lisa was helping Leeanna and Robbie put on some kind of hand paddles to play a game outside. Gini was in her wheelchair next to Robert and John at a small sink in the kitchen while John fixed drinks.
The conversations never stopped, and dinner was delicious.
“Oh Mama, look, it’s snowing!”
All the women and children ran outside. Jessie helped her mother to stand, and they put their heads back to catch the snowflakes in their mouths.
Jason wedged his way between Jessica and Gini, hugging them both tight, and got in on the fun.
Friday morning was a big surprise day at the Young house. Everyone was still sitting at the breakfast table talking after they had eaten. Robbie was his normal active self, running in and out, occasionally sitting and talking. He disappeared and then came back in the kitchen. The room fell dead silent. Standing next to him was Pastor Daniel.
“Good morning,” he said in his rich voice.
“Daniel,” Alyssa said quietly, frozen in place. She hadn’t heard from him for a long time.
“Pastor Daniel, please join us,” Robert said.
“I was wondering if I could talk to Aly first.”
Everyone turned toward Alyssa, who had her hand over her mouth, still unable to move.
Gini didn’t know who the man was until he spoke. The richness of his voice took her right back to the first time they’d met at the church. “Be, of, nice, day,” she said. There was an awkward silence in the room.
Daniel knelt next to her. “It is Gini. How are you doing?”
“Be, of, goo.”
He stood again and held his hand out to Alyssa. She slowly walked toward him, and they left the room together.
“Oh…” Jessica said. “I have a really good feeling.”
“Oh, yes,” Gini said.
Daniel took Alyssa’s hand, and they walked to the pond down the path next to the house.
“Aly, I can’t wait any longer. I need to know how I can be a part of your life again. I have missed you terribly but could tell I didn’t mean the same to you as you do to me. I’m so in love with you. I thought I could live without you, but I can’t. I know you are committed to the Young children, but we could still have a life together. Please tell me how. Please.”
“Daniel.” She stopped. She
