Lori’s Choice Part 23

Not for younger readers. The subject of Lori’s Choice should be screened by parents before minors read it.

Finally the guests and bridal party were gathered at the little reception. Cake was cut. The bouquet was thrown. Rebekah caught it. Lori had to borrow it back a few minutes later when they went up for the final pictures.

The photographer asked the groom to kiss the bride and the rest of the bridal party exchanged glances. Caleb looked at them all and reassured them, “It’s ok. I’ll be good.” He closed his eyes to envision the picture-perfect kiss, and Lori impulsively stood on tiptoe to plant one on him instead. He forgot about looking good. The photographer got a perfect shot, several perfect shots, in fact, before they were done. Mom rolled her eyes. Pastor Greg tapped Caleb on the shoulder. “Your guests, they’ll want to greet you,” he said.

Caleb wouldn’t let her hand go. The young Mrs. Donnigan tugged it free to hug her dear friends before they left in his blue, um, Ford. For one night Anna was staying with Mom. One night. Lori shook with excitement and held tighter to Caleb’s hand.

The truck was decked with streamers and cans trailing off the bumper, but nothing worse. They made plenty of noise bumping over the dirt road to home. At the homestead Caleb parked the pickup and carried Lori over the footbridge, careful not to drop her in the water, and over the threshold into their new house. It looked quite different than the last time she’d seen it, that fall. Tess and Ryan and Caleb had all been busy arranging furniture and putting up the curtains Lori provided them.

“It’s early, yet. You hungry?” Lori opened a cupboard.

“Yes,” Caleb said, but his eyes hinted he didn’t mean it literally.

“Caleb, you’re a fool.”

“Come on. You going to start nagging already?”

Lori smiled a huge smile. “Everyone in that whole church back there is thinking it. You didn’t have a goofy smirk, for which I’m grateful, but you had that eagerness I can’t explain. It’s not quite like you.”

“This is the married me,” Caleb said.

Lori shook her head.

“Tell me. Describe what I did. I know I rather lost my head.”

“Well, you did ok at first. You weren’t paying much attention, but that’s understandable,” Lori’s smile was teasing, like the afternoon driving back from town. “At least you were following the general flow. When you started whispering, I knew you’d been thinking your own thing instead of whatever the lyrics were saying, but that was ok, too. Then you paid close attention for the vows and the ring, which is the most important part. You said ‘I do,’ just fine. In fact incredibly.” One tiny tear glistened in her eye. The emotion had been carried away on the moment before. Now, in remembering, she was more vulnerable. “I wasn’t sure I could make it through my part after that.” Mischeivous again, she went on, “However, after you said ‘I do,’ the married you seemed to want to hurry up and get to the married privileges. Is that what you were thinking, or is it just me?”

Caleb laughed at the impression he’d given. “I’d say that’s not really what I was thinking. I was reviewing our vows, and what you meant by how you said it, and your little fingers in mine, including the one with the ring. I missed Pastor Greg saying to kiss you, and then I didn’t know what to do. After hopefully not too long a time, I recovered, but then I was embarrassed and just wanted out of there. Sorry.”

“Oh Caleb,” she laughed for him. She stroked his cheek. He blushed a little, but mostly just stood there admiring her.

“The day for which we’ve waited. Isn’t it precious?” he asked.

“I love you,” she said.

“We should have put that in our ceremony somewhere,” Caleb added. “Do you want me to tell you how you did?”

Lori tilted her head to listen.

“You came into sight just as your entry music finished the first bar. Clinging to your dad’s arm, you walked towards me. Or maybe you flew. I know it seemed fast. You were graceful every time you moved. I got mesmerized watching the way the dress flowed when you stepped aside, turned, even just shuffled. When Anna made a little noise you gave her a quick look. Otherwise your eyes were on mine. I suppose that’s because I was watching you, too. Probably not the plan for success in making it through a ceremony as scheduled. Your voice was soft and tender.” Caleb seemed to listen to his memory. “I thought you were bypassing the mind filter and speaking straight from your heart. When I missed my cue and looked to you, you waited, then hinted without moving anything but your eyes. For a second that seemed like eternity I thought, ‘This is it,’ and you leaned in when I bent to kiss you. After that you looked so stunned by my kiss that I was worried you would faint. Rather than catch you as you fell, you ended up off the ground, crying out in surprise, just as a young bride should, and clinging to my neck. Your veil fell into my eyes as I walked, but you were smiling, delighted, in the moment. And then the moment I will never forget. I wish I had a picture of it. Not for me to remember, but so I can show our great-grandkids. It will be so hard to explain you there, that ring of white flowers,” Caleb caressed her circlet, “and you beneath it, waiting and trusting and loving.”

Lori got a more exhaustive tour of the house. “I moved some of my things into the bedroom,” Caleb told her last. There were flowers on the dresser, reflected in a large mirror that hung just above it. And a whole stack of throws and quilts lined the hope chest at the end of the bed. In a corner was a space for Anna’s crib. But there were other things, things that reminded her of Caleb. There were books, and a shelf full of journals. A picture hung on the wall opposite their window. Lori spun around slowly to take it all in. Once she’d made two full rotations, Caleb closed the door behind them.

The room was small. It took him not two steps to reach her.

Lori’s eyes fluttered open when the sunlight made it to their window. Caleb looked down at her disheveled crown of white flowers. He was propped up on one elbow. He didn’t know how long he’d been like that, but his arm was asleep, so he estimated it was a while. She smiled when she saw his face. Instinctively she sat up and pulled her knees under her chin.

“Good morning, Caleb Donnigan,” she said.

“Lori,” he kissed her, “Donnigan,” another kiss, “I love you.”

To God be all glory.

Lori’s Choice Part 22

Not for younger readers. The subject of Lori’s Choice should be screened by parents before minors read it.

 

Lori’s Choice Part 20

Not for younger readers. The subject of Lori’s Choice should be screened by parents before minors read it.

Caleb got a call one late spring evening. “Caleb, darling,” Lori said placidly, “the baby is coming. You want to meet us at the hospital?”

Caleb let out a whoop and jumped to the ceiling. His dad and mom rolled their eyes at their normally quiet son, gathering their things to go with him. Ryan was at a youth group outing, so they left him a note telling him where they went, and to call Michael.

Lori’s Choice Part 19

Not for younger readers. The subject of Lori’s Choice should be reviewed by parents before minors read it.
 

Tess had Lori over for long talks whenever Caleb had a long day of work.  They needed to be able to talk without interruption.  Lori had lots of questions about the life she’d agreed to.  Sometimes Mom came with Lori.  Tess and Mom hadn’t been close friends before.  Now Tess’s quiet, persistent faith began to erode Mom’s bitterness.  Soon the three women were praying together for the marriage that would be, for the pregnancy, and for the baby. 

Lori’s Choice Part 18

Not for younger readers. The subject of Lori’s Choice should be reviewed by parents before minors read it.

A few weeks later Caleb was with Lori, shopping for furniture. She insisted she would love to sew all they needed in the line of curtains and cushions and tablecloths. Quilts would undoubtedly be provided by dear old friends and relatives. He smiled admiringly at her enthusiasm. “I have a blue pillow that would match this chair, and we could put a bench against the east wall,” she carried on.

Lori’s Choice Part 17

Not for younger readers. The subject of Lori’s Choice should be reviewed by parents before minors read it.

Lori reentered the house first. Mom asked where she’d been. “On a walk,” she said. She wanted to be left alone. That kept her from lighting the room with a smile. Tess watched her intently, wondering if she’d been with Caleb. Even so, she never expected Caleb to have made a move.

When Caleb came in, Mr. And Mrs. Donnigan exchanged a look. His stride was too purposeful, and he sat down in a chair across form Lori’s parents and leaned towards them. Oh boy, the Donnigans thought, this is not the way. Lori slipped her hand in her mother’s.

“Sir, I’d like to ask your permission to marry Lori,” Caleb stated. Ryan choked on his lemonade, sputtering it from the corner. He closed the book he’d been reading and gaped. This was something he had never dreamed he’d get to witness. The feeling was mutual all across the room.

Dad looked at Lori, whose eyes were fixed on Caleb. Then he looked at Mom, who was also watching Lori. She didn’t stir.

“I have loved her for years, and my only apology, sir, is that I did not inform you earlier. I confess,” his eyes shifted to Lori’s for a second, “I did not expect my feelings and plans to advance this quickly.”

Tess couldn’t sit still. She crossed the sitting room to Lori’s side. Her arm went around the young girl’s shoulders. Still holding her mother’s hand, Lori shifted her weight into Tess’s embrace. Yes, this was the time for which she’d been holding out.

Finally Dad spoke. His eyes were moist, which made Mom start sobbing herself. “I have known you for long enough to know your character and your intentions. I don’t think we have to go through that. So I suppose my only question is when you hope to marry her. And for Lori, is this what you want?”

Mrs. Donnigan let Lori go, knowing with a filling peace that she’d have a lot of hugs from her future daughter-in-law later. Lori forced her chin to stop quivering long enough to answer, “Yes, Dad. I do love him, too.”

Mom spoke up, cautioning her daughter, “You’re sure you’re not settling? You really love him?”
“Mom,” Lori’s eyes confessed they were full of feeling. She added, “Dad, I probably should have told you of the feelings I was wrestling with, too.”

Caleb looked shocked at this revelation. He’d been convinced she was ignorant of his love and therefore without real feeling for him. “So love’s just a response, in a girl?” he couldn’t help but asking.

She smiled teasingly, but didn’t say anything. Her dad was still waiting for an answer.

“We talked a little. There’s two options. One, before her baby is born. Two, a few months after. In the first case, the baby has my name – and so does Lori – when the baby is born. In the second we have to go through adoption procedures, which aren’t all that complicated,” he looked to his dad for confirmation, “and there’s just different stuff to deal with.”

Dad nodded, knowing at least that Caleb meant to marry his daughter within the year. “You have my permission.”

Lori couldn’t contain herself. “So sorry, Tess. Could I, please, borrow your phone?”

Tess nodded. Lori took the handheld into the kitchen for a little privacy. Caleb joined her while the phone was still ringing. “Marybelle?” Her voice was high pitched, like that evening in the hallway. Caleb smiled. His arms crept around her waist. So both their parents were watching. He didn’t care. “Guess whose arms are around my waist!”

Marybelle, of course, guessed right away. And knowing Lori’s standards, she knew it was serious if she was allowing that. “Put him on,” she demanded.

“She wants to talk to you,” Lori turned in his arms. Caleb loosened his arms, but didn’t let go, forcing Lori to keep holding the phone between them.

“Hello,” he said into the receiver she held to his ear.

“Are you going to marry her?” Marybelle asked.

Lori laughed out loud.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Marybelle said. “You’ll take good care of her?”

“Forever,” he promised.

“Let me talk to Lori.”

“So?” her giddy voice came on.

“Is he still hugging you?”

“Yes!” her voice was so high pitched that Caleb let go to plug his ears.

“Can I be a bride’s maid?” Marybelle asked.

“Maid of honor?”

“Deal.”

To God be all glory.

Lori’s Choice Part 16

Not for younger readers. The subject of Lori’s Choice should be reviewed by parents before minors read it.

After church on Sunday Tess approached Lori and her family. “Are you all free for lunch? We’re having fried chicken, and I thought you might like to come over.” Dad was beginning to suspect something was going on between the two children. Mom was happily oblivious. She was wrestling with the sermon, on trusting God even when ‘bad’ things are happening. The text was from Job. Lori didn’t bother deciding. Her dad would decide, and she would take that as God’s will. How pleasant to have a man deciding for you.

They accepted the invitation and followed the Donnigans the ten miles out of town. While Mom and Tess were setting the table, Lori quizzed Ryan on life in high school. His responses were limited. He was, to tell the truth, under threat of a beating from his brother if he did anything to reveal Caleb’s feelings. So he answered her questions and no more. Lori found this amusing, so continued to interrogate him until lunch.

After lunch Caleb stated he was going to check on his fence after the rain. Lori got up as though she’d been invited. It took her a few seconds of review to realize he hadn’t said her name. But then she was up and embarrassed and felt like fleeing the watchful eyes of her parents. She nodded at them and followed him out the door.

He was a few paces ahead. She walked behind him, hoping he would turn and see her. Maybe she’d read his mind and he just expected her to follow him.

Caleb did turn when he heard her coming. The ground was soft from the showers the night before, but he was listening. His eyes asked her why she was there.

“Where is your fence?” she asked, hoping he’d offer to show her.

“Down over that hill,” he pointed. He turned to continue.

She kept coming. “Enjoy the fresh air?” he asked, facing her again.

“Yes,” she answered. “What’s it for? The fence?”

Caleb had left the house mostly because he couldn’t stand being with her. And here she was. But she didn’t feel unwelcome. He felt unwelcome. His annoying heart wouldn’t let him alone. “A project.” He walked deliberately faster. To his surprise she kept up. Finally he gave in, “You want to come see?”

“Love to!”

“Can you walk all that way?”

“I should be fine,” she answered. Then trying to measure the distance, “How far is it?”

“About an eighth mile. Not far,” he smiled. Now he didn’t want her to back out.

“Is it muddy?” she looked skeptical.

“I’ll pull you out if you get stuck,” he promised.

So they walked toward a valley on his land. When they crowned the hill, Lori saw
trees below. “A river!” she exclaimed.

“Yep.” She noticed a bit of motion while her eyes traced the path from the thicket back towards them. Caleb’s arm was extended, offering her his hand to help her down the hill.

“It’s beautiful. I didn’t know a creek ran through here.”

“The fence is at the most beautiful spot on all our land,” Caleb boasted.

“You put a fence in. Why? To ruin the scenery?” Lori criticized.

“Yeah. Just for that.”

That shut Lori up.

Finally they reached the copse by the river. She didn’t get stuck in the mud once. There was a little wooden bridge over the river, but without a rail. For this the cautious host took her hand once again. Before her was a fence around a little cabin. “What’s this?” she exclaimed.

Caleb didn’t answer. He watched the pale tree-shadows wave across her face while she was still taking in the little house. As they passed he gave one of his posts a shove. It was sound. That’s all he needed to check. Lori was drawn towards the house. “How quaint! Can we go in?”

“It’s mine. It’s safe. I’d say so.”

Inside the house was empty. But there were shelves and cupboards, windows and a window seat. “Yours?” she asked, lifting up the lid of the window seat to look at the emptiness inside.

“I can’t live with my parents forever,” he said.

“I figured you’d inherit the farm, since Michael is going into the ministry,” Lori said.

“My parents still live there,” he answered.

“You really are serious about that girl,” the truth dawned on her. She wondered if her presence in this sacred place would be alright with the young lady; maybe she knew her.

He laughed. “Sorry there’s nowhere else to sit,” he said. He folded his jacket into a cushion for the window seat for her.

“I suppose you won’t tell me who she is,” Lori said.

“Do you think she’ll like it?” he asked.

“I can’t imagine any girl not liking it,” she encouraged. “It’s a little small, but if you built this – did you?”

Caleb nodded.

“You can add on, then.”

“Do you have a hope chest, Lori?” Caleb asked her quietly. His voice was tender. The way she looked at her life now, it could be hard for her to think about it.

“I do. Don’t think I’ll need it now. I thought about getting some stuff out to just use. I need space to store baby stuff,” she answered.

“What is in it?”

“Pillow shams, quilts, curtains, silverware. Some papers and other stuff. My sewing kit stays in there. I have aprons and potholders and towels marked his and hers,” she smiled at the fond memories of the days she’d spent making those things. “I have a Bible and a journal. The journal…” she caught herself. None of his business. Don’t tell him too much. You’ll get attached. Attached? She was already hooked… to a man who was strongly interested in someone else. That thought worried her. She tried to stand.

“Lori,” Caleb leapt from where he’d been leaning against the wall. “Before we go,” he stopped.

“Uh-huh?” she asked. Just as long as she wasn’t thinking. Keep talking, Caleb.

Was this good timing? Who knows? But he prayed a short prayer and plunged ahead. “I was wondering if you’d be my wife.” Did he just say that?

Lori thought the same thing. She blinked at him, knowing she heard him but uncertain whether he meant it. Slowly she put together all the pieces. All her observations and their conversations came together. And fit. Gradually she became aware he was staring intently at her, biting his lip, wishing to take it back if she was going to say no. He was waiting for an answer. His tension jarred her back to the present. “Wife,” she repeated, just to be sure.

“Lori, I love you,” he said. “I have loved you, a long time. I couldn’t tell you before. It just wasn’t right. But I do. I want you to be my wife. And I can adopt your baby, and it’ll never have to worry about answering questions.”

Lori nodded shortly. Now her head was spinning. She answered his last statement. “So you feel sorry for my baby?”

“No,” he jumped on that thought. He had to repudiate it. “I just want you to know my love doesn’t leave him out. I’ve loved you a lot longer than I’ve known about the baby.”

“How long?” Lori felt it important to have all the facts. She couldn’t count the number of times the pastor had preached on making decisions on facts, not feelings. But her feelings would overwhelm her soon.

“Since you were about seventeen, is when it started. I imagine it was just a crush at first.”

“I’m the girl?”

“You’re the one. You wanted me to tell her, right?” Since she wasn’t running away, he let the grin explode onto his face.

“That’s what I said.”

“What does she say?” Caleb stayed across the room, unwilling to pressure her by being any closer. He was careful not to take liberties that weren’t his.

Lori felt suddenly awkward, being in her future house alone with her future husband. She couldn’t just leave, though, without giving him an answer. She looked outside at the green trees and the new front of rain just beginning to fall through the leaves. Caleb left her to take it all in for a minute. His distance blessed her.

By the time she turned around, Lori was wearing a huge, giving smile. Her posture was confident, but her air was generous. Even before she spoke, he knew. She said with her eyes she was giving him her heart. “I will,” she answered. “Caleb,” he was at her side in a moment. She knew not how he got there. “I love you, too,” she said. Her heart pounded. The baby kicked like a fluttering inside her.

His arms were around her. She felt like a child in his embrace, able to trust, and follow, without fear. Then she also felt like a woman, mature, to be loved by this man. He held her tenderly, but she reflected all in a moment how much he had to offer. Spiritually he was one of the most committed single men she knew. He had wisdom and insight. He prayed all the time. He loved people. Things she’d never allowed herself to notice about his character flooded her memory.

Caleb pulled back. Her face was still smiling, but her eyes were bewildered, searching his for an explanation. But there is no explanation for love. It is a gift of God.

To God be all glory.

Lori’s Choice Part 15

Not for younger readers. The subject of Lori’s Choice should be reviewed by parents before minors read it.

“Our van can’t break down, not today!” Lori protested. The key turned, but nothing happened. Absolutely nothing. She went back in and called her dad, not stopping to explain to her mom. “The battery is dead, I think. I know. Yes. But I have an appointment.” She tried not to whine. “Ok. I’ll try.”

“What did Dad say?” Mom asked.

“Try to find another ride,” Lori plopped onto the couch, a very ungraceful maneuver when four months pregnant. “Marybelle’s teaching piano today. And I can’t think of anyone else to bother.”
“What about the Donnigans? Caleb drove you before,” Mom suggested. She was trying to be helpful. Lori was trying to deny the possibility of asking them. No excuse came to mind.

Slowly she dialed the phone. “Is Tess there?” she asked Mr. Donnigan.

“Hello, Lori!” Tess said. She sounded breathless. “Good to hear from you.”

“I have a favor to ask, Tess,” Lori gave a look to her mother, whom she knew would disapprove of using the woman’s first name. “I have an appointment with my OB this afternoon and our car is dead. Is there any way you could drive me?” She cringed with being forced to beg a ride. She cringed even more when Tess answered.

“Lori, I’m honestly in the middle of making jelly. I can’t stop. But I could have Caleb shift his chores around and come pick you up. He’s only working on his fence.”

“Oh,” Lori said. She thought for a minute. God would have to understand. He’d have to help her not to overreact. There didn’t seem to be any other choice. “Can he be here in an hour? I was going to do some shopping first, but I can do that another day.”

“I’ll let him know, Lori. Expect him.”

—————————–

As soon as they were in the car, Caleb took charge of the conversation. He made her laugh. Having known her for years, he knew what worked. He tore away her defenses. By the time they were done with her appointment, she was even talking about serious stuff.

“Why are girls the only ones whose names can be religious terms? Like Joy or Grace. You never hear boys named those things.”

Caleb suggested, “Maybe boys should be named things like Jubilance and Justice. Those are stronger names, more rambunctious as we tend to be.” His grin set her off.

She smiled. The smile got wider. Then she giggled. Giggles turned to laughter. She gave herself up. It was contagious. He pulled off on a side dirt road to laugh too. “What are we laughing at?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” she wiped tears from her eyes.

“Look,” he said in a hushed tone. “It’s raining.”

“Rain must be sacred to a farmer. I love rain just for its own sake.”

“Have you ever been in love?” he asked suddenly.

“What?” she laughed nervously.

“Love. Not a crush. Real soul-giving love, like the married people talk about.”

“You mean engaged people. Married ones tend to hush up.”

“My parents don’t. I’ve heard their love story over and over. But don’t change the subject.”

“No, not real love. I figure God expects a girl to wait until she’s told she’s loved. Women by nature respond.” She was hinting. Stop it. Why was he making her think of these things around him? Despite her confession to Marybelle, she was now convinced she hadn’t really been in love. God was faithfully helping her to keep her heart in check on this trip.

“That makes sense.”

“What about you?” She couldn’t believe she asked that; she didn’t want to know.

“There’s a girl I thought about that way. You knew that. Last time…” he confessed.

“Yeah.” Lori decided not to pry. The silence became unbearable, though, so she blurted out, “Did you tell her? Why don’t you court her?”

Caleb got a funny grin, which she didn’t see, since she was avoiding looking at him. She focused on the crystal in her ring. “I felt like she wasn’t ready yet. She was too young.”

“So you didn’t tell her?”

“No.”

“You should tell her.”

“I thought maybe I’d hint first,” Caleb said. She was so oblivious he meant her.

“Girls don’t get hints so well. Leastwise we do, but we think everything is a hint so it’s the same as missing them altogether. You should tell her,” she repeated.

“I’m afraid she wouldn’t have me.”

“Only one way to find out.” It felt easier to think of him attached to another girl. She hoped she was doing her a favor by encouraging him. “What are you waiting for? Marriage is a good thing to start early.”

“Yeah.”

“So you will?” Lori asked.

“What?”

“Tell her next time you see her?”

Caleb smiled and took the lead away from his friend. “I’ll wait on God to let me know timing, if that’s all right.”

Lori sat quiet with her thoughts, then laughed.

“What?”

“It’s just funny to think of you with a girl,” she said. “Or married. But you like kids, right?”

His heart pounded. How could she not see? But then he hoped she didn’t see. He was trying not to let her know.

“Great. You think too much. You should just be in the moment.”

“La ti da. Going,” she checked his speedometer and raised her eyes to the roof, “sixty-five miles per hour on the highway in a blue, um,” she halted.

“Ford,” he helped.

She continued her “in the moment” narration most of the rest of the way home. He let her. She could be very observant. He kept his own narration running in his own mind. Driving Lori home. Lori talking. Soft, lilting voice. Hands gesturing at the details she was describing. A little ring reflecting the sunset onto his dashboard. Easing off the gas to make her happy, and to draw the trip out a little. Hope she doesn’t notice. How can a guy get so much pleasure out of listening to a girl ramble? Does my dad still love to hear mom ramble? I always assumed guys just tuned it out or got irritated. Maybe that’s only when she’s talking about all she wants you to do. Lori wants me to tell the girl I love that I love her. Not yet. Nope. Not this moment.

To God be all glory.

Lori’s Choice Part 14

Not for younger readers. The subject of Lori’s Choice should be reviewed by parents before minors read it.

“You again?” Caleb teased next time he saw Lori shopping. He was at peace with his plans at the moment. God would take care of her heart. When the timing was right, Caleb would talk to her dad, and then to her. And life would be good. Mean time, they were friends, and he could act like one.

Lori, on the other hand, was in defense mode. Not defense against him, but against her own foolish heart. She twisted a ring on her right hand. The heart-shaped stone reminded her to place her heart in God’s hands. She quoted Song of Solomon 2:7 to herself before she answered. “Hello,” was all she said.

“Not chatty today? That’s ok. It’s probably the weather.” Caleb eyed the dull grey sky. “Where’s your coat?”

“My sweater is quite warm, thank you. I’m carrying a heater, you may recall.”

He thought for a moment what she meant. “The baby? It’s a heater?”

She rolled her eyes. Guys, especially single ones, could be dense.

“I’m headed to the hardware store. Want to come?” Before she could say no, he rather corralled her towards the storefront down the road.

“For what are you looking?” she asked.

“I need some tools. We’re building a fence, actually. And our posthole digger fell to pieces. It’s the only one my dad has owned. About time to replace it.”

Lori pulled the sleeves of her sweater over her hands. He looked like he might have been planning to take one of them. She didn’t think she could handle that. “Caleb,” she said, suddenly brave. “If you keep running around town with me, people will talk.”

“What will they say?” he asked mischievously.

“They’ll think we’re, I don’t know, a couple.”

“Come on, Lori. We’re just friends. No one suspects you of romantic intentions right now. It’s too weird to them. It’s weird to you, too, remember? You said you didn’t expect anyone would marry you.”

“I wasn’t talking about marriage,” Lori defended quickly.

“Hm.”

They found the posthole diggers. “Need anything here?” he asked her before they reached the cash register.

“At the hardware store?” she asked.

“They sell candles, and candy. I don’t know. I buy lots of stuff here; but then I’m always here,” Caleb grinned.

“No thanks.”

Outside the store he said good-bye. No hand shake. No hug. Just good-bye. A little wave. And another few days’ thinking for them both.

To God be all glory.

Lori’s Choice Part 13

Not for younger readers. The subject of Lori’s Choice should be reviewed by parents before minors read it.

“Marybelle,” Lori phoned. “Can you come over?”

“I might have to bring my siblings. They can play outside if you need to talk,” her friend offered.

“It’s not too cold?”

“They have coats.”

When Marybelle got to Lori’s house an hour later, she had two kids with her and a plate of chocolate chip cookies. Waving them for Lori to smell, she asked, “You’re not morning-sick are you?”

“Nope. I’m past that part. It wasn’t too bad even when I did get it. Hopefully that’s not a bad sign,” Lori worried.

“What’s up?” Marybelle asked, pointing the children to the dog running back and forth in the yard hoping for companionship.

“I couldn’t sleep last night. I wanted to call you, but sometimes when that happens late at night I figure God would rather I pray.”

“My parents probably appreciate that,” Marybelle said.

“I think I’m in love.”

“Pardon?”

“I never thought a whole lot about him before, but now… What am I supposed to do?” Lori begged.

“Can you tell me who it is?” Marybelle was helping herself to the cups in the cupboard casually.

“Caleb Donnigan,” Lori blurted, then ducked into the refrigerator for the milk.

“Really? Mister ‘I ran into him and haven’t stopped thinking of him since’?” she teased.

“That wasn’t serious. This is. He’s too nice to me. And I tell myself it’s just because he feels sorry for me. Good Christian charity. But then he looks at me sometimes, and I want to melt. I say the stupidest things around him.”

“So you don’t mean a crush,” Marybelle unwrapped the cookies, intensifying the fresh, gooey chocolate smell. It wasn’t a question.

The expectant mother slid the glass of milk across the counter with a coy spin, “Well…” Even after all the experience protecting her heart, the flutter of romance was something Lori relished.

“Lori!”

“I don’t know. I mean it’s unreasonable. I just like being with him, and he’s so nice, and I could do what his mom does for the rest of my life and be perfectly happy.”

Resisting the temptation to add that the young man wasn’t bad looking, either, Marybelle did what a friend does. “That’s not true. Contentment comes from God, not circumstances.”

“Yeah. I know.” Lori took a deep breath to calm down. “Ok.”

“What sort of stupid things?” Marybelle giggled. Life was changing. Circumstances and feelings were getting more serious. A girl still needed her girlfriend, though.

“I just can’t help but answer him absolutely truthfully,” Lori confessed, using her blustering energy to heft her subtly plump frame onto the counter. “Even if it’s awkward. And then when I answer, it doesn’t feel awkward. He doesn’t make me feel like I shouldn’t have said what I did. He just listens.” She continued her defense.

“So he’s a nice guy. All the girls know that. He is your friend. You’ve known him from church for forever.” The snacks passed out, Marybelle leaned back in the high chair pulled up to the counter to watch her friend.

“I know. That’s what I said at first. Am I just being dumb? I mean, putting myself into situations that tempt me to think about him in a romantic way?”

Marybelle arched her eyebrows, and said as elegantly as possible through her mouthful of cookie, “Such as?”

“He drove me to a doctor’s appointment. It wasn’t a big deal. He was just doing a favor because our car was in use elsewhere. But it was just the two of us.”

“So it was a big deal?”

“Not if that was all. I had dinner at his house last night,” Lori added.

“With his family.”

“Yes. They’re so nice. Sometimes I think they’re hinting, and other times I think I want them to be hinting so I’m hallucinating.”

“Lori, I’ve known you a long time. I’ve heard these things before from you,” Marybelle warned.

“I thought I was over that stage.”

“You thought because you’re pregnant you would stop being a romantic? It’s part of who you are.”

Lori nodded. She pulled the drawstrings of the hoodie she had on. “It doesn’t seem fair that I should be tempted and tried in all these other ways and in that way too.”

“But come on, Lori; you’re a pro at handling crushes. You are always spouting verses that tell us at small group how to handle our hearts.”

“Would you pray for me, though, Marybelle? I know this restlessness always comes back to faith. I’m worried about what my life will look like for the rest of it, and I just want answers. I don’t need any more than God, though. You’re right,” Lori coached herself. Marybelle pushed the plate of cookies back across the counter to her.

To God be all glory.