Chapter 40

The late summer sun tucked itself behind some clouds as we walked up to the familiar, quaint, downtown ice cream shoppe. “Recognize the place?” Brad’s eyes lit up and hinted of mischief.

“Of course, I do. This is where you brought me the first night we met,” I answered. “How could I forget?”

The couple standing in front of us at the glass window took their two large chocolate-dipped ice cream cones and a handful of napkins from the counter and left the register. The woman cashier smiled as Brad and I closed the gap, ready to place our order. Her sweet Southern accent welcomed us. “And what may I get you two this fine, lovely evening?”

Brad looked at me briefly then spoke on my behalf. “Hope will have a small scoop of your cookies and cream ice cream, and I will have….”

“Would you like that in a bowl or in a cone?” she interrupted, looking at me.

“She’ll take it in a bowl,” Brad asserted my preference.

“A bowl is fine,” I replied, forcing a sheepish grin. “Thank you.”

The cashier’s eyes met mine, astute understanding making itself known. “And, for you, Sir?” She returned her attention to Brad.

“I’ll take a bowl of your pralines and cream, but make mine a big scoop, and be sure you sprinkle it with extra nuts. Gotta have those nuts,” he answered, precise and to the point.

“Absolutely,” she smiled, presenting a cordial air. “Will that be all?”

“Yes, that will be it,” Brad answered.

“I’m good, too.” I plastered on a smile.

“Very well. Your total is on the screen.” She pointed at the register. “I’ll collect it in a moment when I return with your order. I just need to go check on something, but I’ll be right back.”

“We’ll be here,” Brad answered.

I listened to other workers in the background as things clinked and clattered. “They seem to be busy tonight,” I observed aloud.

“More so than a year ago,” Brad acknowledged, “and I vividly remember that evening.” Turning to me, he took my hand, lacing his fingers through mine. “You were absolutely stunning, and I couldn’t take my eyes off you.” His eyebrows danced while his eyes focused on my face. “You were quite the intellectual, as well. Engaging. Always two steps ahead of me. And, Lord knows, you kept me on my toes!”

“Well, that’s not hard to do,” I teased, chuckling at his goofy grin.

Puckering his lips, he blew me air kisses. “I liked that about you. Still do.”

Pausing to receive our frozen treats, Brad handed me my selection first, paid the cashier, then picked up his bowl. Staring into the paper container, he scowled. “Wait. This isn’t what I ordered. Where are my extra nuts?” He set his bowl back on the counter, pushed it toward the cashier, and glared at her. “I would like what I paid for.”

Surprised by the harshness of Brad’s tone, the woman pulled her shoulders back and drew in a deep breath, as I looked around to see how many eyes had turned our direction. Several patrons stood nearby with eyebrows raised, making me wish I could fade into nonexistence. “I’m sorry. That can easily be fixed,” she apologized. “Please give just me a second, and I will take care of that for you.” She retrieved Brad’s bowl, turned to open a jar of nuts behind her, then sprinkled a small scoop onto his ice cream.

“It’s hard to find good help these days,” Brad mumbled, rolling his eyes.

“Hush,” I scolded, nudging his arm. “That’s not nice of you. She’s doing the best she can. There’s a lot going on back there.” I nodded to the other employees buzzing around in the background. “I’m sure it wasn’t intentional.” Glancing behind me, I realized the number of people had grown. Lowering my voice, I added, “Be nice.”

Just then, the woman returned with Brad’s ice cream. “Sorry for the wait. Again, I apologize for the inconvenience. I hope you enjoy your evening.”

Brad dispensed formalities. “Thanks.”

Steering us across the patio to a table away from the main walk, Brad pulled out one of the black, wrought-iron chairs and scooped the air over the seat. “For my queen,” he declared.

“Awww. You’re so sweet.” I curtsied, playing along. Well, most of the time, anyway. I kept the derogatory thought to myself.

Sitting down, we both ate in silence for several minutes, observing all types of couples and various families strolling past. “I’d love to be like that couple over there some day,” Brad daydreamed aloud. He pointed to an elderly man and woman standing by their car in the parking lot several feet away. Thoughtfulness and patience engrossed the older gentleman as he held the car door open for his aging wife. She took her time strategically maneuvering her way around her walker, shuffling to the passenger seat. Placing his hand between the woman’s head of white curls and the rubber doorframe, the man made sure she didn’t bump her head on the car as she stooped to sit.

“That’s the type of relationship I want to have,” Brad mused. “I know it takes a lifetime of dedication and love, but I think it’d be worth the investment. You imagine that could be us someday?” His voice had mellowed, his abrasive attitude from earlier gone.

I smiled. “Would you like it to be?”

“Actually, there’s nothing I’d like more,” he answered. Setting down his empty bowl, he took my bowl from me and placed it on the table next to his. He then lowered himself onto one knee in front of me, taking my hand.

I covered my mouth with my free hand, my eyes growing wide. Is this what I think it is? I dared to wonder, but remained optimistic.

“Hope Blythe, you stole my heart the moment I saw you. Your contagious smile. Your joyous laugh. Your infectious love for God.” My heart began pounding in my ears. “Every day God gives me with you is a priceless gift; and, if you give me permission, I would like to spend the rest of my life showing you just how much you mean to me.” Reaching into his right pants pocket, he pulled out a half-carat diamond engagement ring. Pinching it between his fingers, he extended it toward me. Unbelieving, I looked him in the eyes then gazed down at the ring in his hand, reeling in shock.

“Just say, ‘Yes,’” a male voice shouted from behind me.

Instinctively, I turned toward the utterance, releasing a self-conscious laugh. “He hasn’t asked, yet.”

Brad gently touched my knee, drawing my attention back to him. “Then let me remedy that.” He smirked, clearing his throat. “Hope, my heart is 100% yours. I can’t imagine a future without you in it. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

I bounced up and down in my seat like a giddy schoolgirl, hardly able to contain myself. “Yes!” I bursted with excitement. “Yes, I will marry you!” I held out my hand as his shaky fingers slipped the diamond onto my left ring finger.

“She said, ‘Yes’!” Brad announced, jumping to his feet. Pulling me to a standing position, he lifted me off the ground in a great big bear hug, spinning us in a complete circle. Landing on my feet, clapping erupted all around us.

“I love you,” I smiled, touching the side of his face.

“And I love you.” Lifting my chin with his finger, he bent and kissed my lips. “Yep. Sweeter than ice cream!”

Heat spread across my cheeks as I laughed. “Good thing I’m feelin’ nutty about you tonight!”

“Yeah, about earlier, I’m sorry. Anxiety,” he explained. “I’ve been a bundle of nerves all afternoon. I mean, what if it didn’t come out right or you said no?”

I tilted my head with disbelief. “You really thought I’d turn down a marriage proposal?” I laughed. “We’ve been glued at the hip for an entire year. I would think you’d know me better than that.”

He shrugged. “How does that saying go? ‘Hope for the best, plan for the worst’?”

“I see what you’re doing there, putting a double meaning to my name.” I cheesed a grin.

Brad let out a hearty laugh. “Happy accident!”

Taking our paper bowls, plasticware, and soiled napkins to the trash, Brad reached for my hand and guided the two of us down to the lake and a wooden bench overlooking the water. Sitting down next to me, he dug a gray flip phone from his front pants pocket and handed it to me. “Thought you might like to call your mom and dad.”

“Awwww. You think of everything.” My heart melted with his kind gesture. “They’re not going to believe this! Shoot, I’m not even sure I have a complete grasp on what just happened here tonight.” I giggled, punching in Mom and Dad’s home number. Waiting while the phone rang, I grinned at Brad then stared down at the token of love wrapped around my finger, my mind whirling. We’re engaged!

“Hello?” Dad’s voice broke through the surrealness.

“Hi, Daddy. It’s Hope. Is Mom there?” My chest filled with giddiness again, a chill of excitement running through my veins.

“Yeah, let me go find her,” he answered.

“Thanks, but don’t go too far, and make sure you put me on speaker,” I instructed. “You’re gonna want to hear this, too.”

“OK. Give me one second. I know she’s home, but I’m not sure where she’s at.” We waited while Dad yelled into the house. “Renee, can you come here a minute, please? Hope’s on the phone and wants to speak with the both of us.”

“I’m here,” Mom chimed in a few seconds later. “Was just finishing up some dishes. What’s up?”

I could barely contain myself. “Brad asked me to marry him!” I blurted out.

“And?” Mom’s anticipation hung in the air.

“I hope you said, ‘Yes,’” Dad teased.

“I absolutely said yes!” I squeezed Brad’s hand as he leaned against my arm, kissing my cheek.

“We’re so happy for you,” Mom celebrated our announcement. “I told you he was a keeper.” Brad looked at me sideways, flirting with his eyes.

“I had a feeling that’d be your answer,” Dad added.

“You did, did you?” I played along.

“Yeah, that’s why I welcomed him to the family last week when he came and asked for your hand in marriage.”

My voice raised an octave. “He did what? You mean you already knew he was going to do this, and you didn’t tell me?” I jabbed Brad in the ribs.

Dad chuckled. “What? And ruin the surprise?”

“Yeah, well, there’s that,” I conceded with a smirk.

Good humor coated Dad’s words. “So, how long before Brad takes you off our hands, and I get to start converting your bedroom into a man cave?”

I rolled my eyes and groaned. “Dad….”

He snickered. “Just asking.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

The following months transformed into a long list of wedding organization and details: picking a date, selecting a bridal party, finding a venue, deciding on a caterer, choosing a photographer, shopping for a wedding dress, coordinating tux styles, asking our pastor to officiate, addressing invitations. The list went on and on, consuming most of Brad’s and my free time. Amidst our crazy planning, Brad and I took a break one evening, indulging in a late night movie on TV.

“Why don’t you use the empty guest bedroom at the end of the hall, Brad?” Mom motioned to the back of the house. “Crash in there, if you like. Spare towels are in the hall closet if you need them in the morning. Cold cereal is in the pantry. Milk is in the fridge. Make yourself at home. Hope you guys don’t mind, but this old woman needs her beauty sleep. I’m going to go join your dad for some shuteye. Feel free to stay up as long as you like, just turn off all the lights when you head to bed.”

“We’ll do that,” I promised.

“Thank you for your hospitality,” Brad added.

“Any time. You’re practically family.” Mom paused by the couch and kissed my cheek then headed toward the other side of the house. “Good night, you crazy love birds.”

“Good night,” we answered in unison.

Snuggling up to next to Brad, I rested my head against his shoulder. “I could stay here forever,” I sighed. Closing my eyes, I drank in the warmth of his closeness, inhaling all the goodness of the moment. “I hate to be a party pooper, but I’m afraid I’m going to need to call it a night, as well. I can barely keep my eyes open.”

Brad lifted my fingers so he could view the sparkly diamond on my left hand. “Soon you’ll be all mine, and we won’t have to worry about saying good night,” he smiled, kissing the side of my forehead. “Won’t that be nice?”

“That will be very nice,” I agreed. “But for now….”

“I know. Go get some sleep. I’ll see you when the sun comes up,” he promised. “Don’t worry about the guest room. I know where everything is.”

“Are you sure? I can pull out a washcloth and towel and find an extra blanket for you. It’s no problem.”

“I’m sure,” he insisted. “Go take care of you. Get some rest.”

“If you’re sure.” I stood and bent down, cupping Brad’s face in my hands, focusing on his lips. “I love you, Mr. Bradley Moore. I still can’t believe you picked me to be your wife. How did I ever get so lucky?” I pressed my lips to his and inhaled slowly.

“I love you, soon-to-be Mrs. Moore,” Brad reciprocated, looking up at me. Letting out a deep sigh, he smiled, dimples caving his cheeks. “Don’t forget to dream of me,” he winked.

I smiled and blew him kisses as I walked toward my room. “You know I will.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Bright rays streamed through my blinds and fell onto my pillow the following morning. “Not yet,” I moaned. “I’m not ready to get up.” Pulling the covers over my face, I scooted deep under my comforter. No such luck. “I’m awake.” Slipping into my pink, full-length terry cloth bathrobe, I tied it shut over my blue and white cotton cami and matching sleep shorts, then tiptoed to my bedroom door and quietly inched it open.

Mom is running errands and will be attending a baby shower later this morning. Dad said he was going to be helping with a project at a church member’s house, and Julia is at a sleepover, I reminded my groggy mind. I’m sure they’re gone and won’t be home for hours. Why am I acting like a mouse? I chuckled at how silly I must look creeping down the hall. Rapping on the guestroom door, I projected my voice. “Hey, Sleepyhead. You awake yet?”

Sheets began to rustle, the bed creaked under shifting weight, then I heard Brad clear his throat. “I’m decent. You may come in,” his husky voice beckoned me. Cracking the door, I peered around its thickness. “Well, there’s my Morning Sunshine,” he yawned, covering his mouth. “Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?”

“You’re quite the charmer,” I answered, remaining by the door. “I’m getting ready to make some eggs and toast. Just came by to see if you would like some.”

Brad stretched and released a deep sigh. “That would be nice, but why don’t you come give me a hug first?” He extended his arms.

I glanced over my shoulder. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? Maybe you should give me a hug when you come out to the kitchen.”

Brad’s lower lip protruded into a fake pout. “Awww. You’re going to make me wait? Not even a little hug?”

“Waiting isn’t gonna kill you,” I laughed. “Pull yourself together, and I’ll meet you in the other room with some food.”

I turned to leave, but Brad didn’t relent. “Are you going to make me beg? It’s just a hug. It’s not like we aren’t engaged or anything. Come give your soon-to-be hubby an idea of what he can look forward to in a few weeks,” he petitioned. Puppy dog eyes stared into mine, his lower lip extending out a little further.

“One hug,” I acquiesced, “but only one. Then I’m gonna go make us something to eat.”

“I’ll take whatever I can get,” he conceded. Welcoming me into his arms, he toppled me onto the mattress next to him. Rolling on top of me, he pinned me to the bed.

“Hey! I came in here for an innocent li’l hug. What do you think you’re doing, Mister?” I laughed at his playfulness.

His eyes flared with mischief as he planted a big, wet, sloppy kiss on my lips. “I’m accepting your hug and adding a kiss.” His lips grazed my neck from my collarbone to my jawbone then he started nibbling on my left earlobe.

“Brad, stop. We promised each other we would wait until we’re married. I love you, but we need to stop this before it goes any further.”

Ignoring my pleadings, he challenged my resolve. “Do you know how long I’ve wanted you?” Sliding his hand past my bathrobe, he inserted his fingers into my shorts and shimmied them below my hips.

I gasped, mortified and shocked by his assertiveness. “Brad, I said no.” I wrestled against his weight, pinned between the mattress and his groin.

Disregarding my feelings, he continued to fondle me with one hand while trying to remove his t-shirt with the other. “Lie still. This will be fast. Relax. You’ll enjoy it more that way.”

I blinked my eyes in disbelief. How would you know? Have you done this before? I panicked internally, my anxiety rising. The thought appalled me. “This is not ok, Brad. Get off me,” I objected. “I don’t want to be doing this.”

“We’re about to be married. There’s nothing wrong with what we’re doing,” he negated my feelings.

I craned my head to the side and struggled to remove his hand from inside my clothes. “Right, but we’re not! You can wait,” I insisted. “Get off of me! I’m not finding this fun.”

Lust saturated his eyes. “But I am.” He started humping my pubic bone, causing me to cringe to the very core of my being. “What are you worried about?” he asked, pulling at my clothes, avoiding eye contact. “No one’s home.” He lifted my shirt, exposing my breasts.

“That doesn’t make it right,” I argued, fighting to cover myself. “I’m serious, Brad. Let me up.” Wrestling to rise off my back, Brad pushed me back onto the bed. “I’m sorry if I’ve somehow misled you,” I apologized, “but you’ve got to stop. No sex before marriage, remember?” My voice began to tremble.

“Come on, Baby. Don’t you want to know what it will be like?” He kicked off his shorts and adjusted his boxers, starting to press into me.

“No. I’m not kidding. Please, Brad, not like this,” I begged. A tear trickled down the side of my cheek as I felt his skin touch mine. This isn’t happening. He’s not listening. God, please make him stop! “I’m serious, Brad.” I raised the volume of my voice, hoping to be heard. “Please, stop!” I gasped in pain.

“Shh. It’ll be over in just a moment. Don’t move.”