Page 113 of Until We Weren't

“I promise it’ll never be boring.” Destiny grinned.

Faith tilted her head. “I don’t know. With all we’ve been through, maybe boring would be nice.”

Destiny chuckled. “Are you going to answer my question?”

“I thought I already had,” Faith said. “I told you I wanted to marry you.”

Destiny raised her eyebrows and waited.

“Get up here,” Faith said, pulling her to her feet. “Yes, my love, I will marry you.”

Destiny softly brushed her lips against Faith’s then pulled back. She reached in her pocket and pulled out the ring. “With this ring, I thee wed,” she said as she slipped it on Faith’s finger.

“Wow!” Faith exclaimed. “It’s like the one I gave you.”

“I know,” Destiny replied. “I can’t believe us.”

Faith laughed. “You know who’s laughing with us right now.”

“Mrs. Baker,” they said at the same time.

“She knew and didn’t say a word to either one of us,” Destiny said.

“You talked to her?”

Destiny nodded. “She’s your family. I asked for her blessing.”

Faith nodded. “I talked to your parents. They’ll be at the bar.”

Destiny wrapped her arms around Faith and stared into her bright blue eyes. “If we ever make it to the bar.”

“I love you so much,” Faith said.

Destiny replied by softly pressing her lips to Faith’s. She could feel Faith’s arms tighten around her, pulling her closer. Destiny deepened the kiss as soft moans provided the music to their dance of love.

Their love began as a newly planted garden with tender roots trying to secure their hold. It was beautiful, but when the harshness of life sent them down different paths, on the outside, things withered. However, this love would not be buried. While they were apart their love remained. It grew, and overcame the darkness.

This current growing season brought about discovery, forgiveness, and hope. Their love’s roots were strong and they knew that together they could withstand whatever life wanted to throw at them.

TEN YEARS LATER

“Be careful,” Faith said. “Watch your step.”

“I may be old, but I can still walk,” Mrs. Baker said.

“I know you can, but I like to hold your hand.” Faith guided the older woman to a chair on the back porch.

Once she was seated Mrs. Baker looked over at Destiny. “I know whose hand you like to hold.”

Destiny chuckled. “We still hold hands all the time and I hope we never stop.”

“You won’t,” Mrs. Baker said.

“Are you sure you didn’t want to do something else for your birthday?” Faith asked.

“Nope,” Mrs. Baker replied. “I love this backyard you two created behind your house. There’s something new every time you bring me to visit.”

“Yeah, but it’s not every day a person turns one hundred years old!” Destiny said.

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