Page 69 of Evan

“Home?” She gave him a dazed look as he led her towards the wraparound porch with the soaring columns.

“Hmm. Watch your step.” He opened the double red oak doors, and they stepped into a marble entryway with a soaring ceiling. It was an open concept décor, the spiral staircase branching off in both directions.

To the left there was a wide, graceful kitchen with brand new ultra-modern appliances. To the right, a large and airy living room with a fireplace taking up one corner of the walls. A fire was blazing in the hearth, giving off a coziness that says – home.

“What do you think?”

Turning to look at him, she had no idea what to say. She came back thinking that they were going to be living in his loft, never expecting this.

Taking her silence for displeasure, he rushed to add. “I should have consulted you, but I wanted it to be a surprise. We can always buy something else…,” he stopped when she flung herself into his arms and started crying.

“Darling…”

“I don’t deserve this.” She whispered brokenly. “I know the Lord is not biased, but I never expected anything like this. Inever expected you.” Lifting her head, she stared at him through tearstained eyes.

“Evan, I love you so much that I cannot breathe.” She actually gasped as if her breath was stopping. “I cannot breathe. My love, my husband, my heart.”

Lifting her into his arms, he carried her into the living room where a blanket was already spread. And right there he made love to her and held her trembling body against his, his heart bursting with love for her.

*****

“Tired, my love?” He asked gently as he took their sleeping son from her.

“A little bit.” She murmured drowsily. She had given birth to him exactly nine months after their honeymoon ended. He had been worried at first that it was too soon, but she had assured him she was a happily pregnant wife.

He did not allow it to get in the way of them going out and having fun. She was still working at the church office and the relationship between her pastor and his wife had improved drastically. Pastor William had told her that she was a huge part of them seeking counseling and trying to set things straight.

Their daughter was back home and going to rehab. They were the favorite couple at church and Evan was now an active member. He would sit in the front pew and watch proudly as his wife worshipped in song. Each day with her was a revelation that he never stopped wondering about.

He would come home worried or disgruntled about a problem and she would find a way to get him out of that mood. He had hired a housekeeper, but she insisted on cooking for them several evenings a week. At weekends, she would give Mrs. Anderson the time off, because she wanted to be alone with him.

They traveled together and she was still preparing picnics for him.

Putting David William in his mobile cot next to the bed, he joined his wife, pulling her into his arms. He had gifted her witha sapphire necklace and matching bracelet when she gave birth to their son, but it was not enough. It would never be enough.

“You saved me.” He murmured, kissing the top of her head, and shifting so that he could stare at his sleeping son. “I love you so much and I appreciate what you have done for me.”

“You are welcome darling,” she murmured, her eyes closing as sleep took over.

He held her close, very near to tears and smiled at how blessed his life was.

The end… but wait:

---