Marley gently cupped her chin and lifted her face to his. The first graze of lips was beyond electric. They pulled apart and looked deeply into each other’s eyes, questioning, seeking permission.
“I love you, Marley,” Julia whispered.
The next kiss spoke of the love, and passion, and promise to come.
**************************************************
April 22, 1973
Marley glued his eyes to the rear of the church as the music changed to the wedding march. As Julia stepped into view, he choked back a sob of joy. He’d never seen her so radiant, dressed in ivory satin that draped her petite figure perfectly. Lace sleeves added a delicate complement along with the flower wreath in her hair. She’d let it grow again, and it just grazed her shoulders. She made the wreath herself, and the dress was borrowed. It was last worn in 1928 by Jean Mullins as she walked down the the same aisle to wed William Ready.
Julia’s eyes were on Marley, and they glistened in the soft lighting as she watched him all the way to his side. Although she walked alone, they both knew God the Father was giving them to each other. She laid aside her bouquet, turned to face Marley, and joined hands.
“And with the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Marley, you may kiss your bride.” Pastor Luke grinned, and the entire congregation erupted in cheers and clapping. Most of those in attendance knew Julia from the time she was a child and were heartbroken over the difficult path her life had taken as well as her absence from the community. They watched her grandmother grieve and prayed along with her that JuJu would come home. When Marley moved in, he became like a grandson to Jean Ready, and the community adopted him as well, many of the local ladies praying he might stay and marry one of their own. It seems he had, after all. Prayers were answered all around.
**************************************************
“Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear Julia! Happy birthday to you!” Everyone sang as Marley and Julia cut the combination cake. Julia’s birthday was tomorrow, so Marley surprised her by having the baker add candles. Rather than a separate event, they decided to hold the ceremony immediately after Sunday church with a buffet lunch in the fellowship hall to follow.
As they fed each other cake, Marley asked around a mouthful, “Can you believe it?”
“No, I can’t. I’m in church. I just got married. I love Jesus! And I love you, Marley Westbrook!”
“Forever?”
“Forever and ever. Amen,” Julia responded.
“Are you ready to get out of here, then?” Marley asked with a mischievous grin and a twinkle in his eye.
“Absolutely!” Julia grabbed her bouquet and called for everyone’s attention for the traditional toss. Turning her back on the single ladies gathered, she flung the pink and white flowers over her head.
Everyone screamed with delight when it landed in the hands of the chatty cashier from the grocery store. Lucy Barnes was the town spinster who attended every wedding, and was now rumored to be dating the butcher. This was her first catch, and based on the butcher’s red face, it might not be her last.
Marley and Julia held hands and laughed joyfully as they ran through the rainfall of rice on their way to the car. Someone had found Julia’s Mustang in spite of their efforts to hide it and tied cans and ribbons to the back bumper, Just Married sprayed on the rear window with shaving cream.
Pulling over just before they reached the interstate, Marley got out and cut the strings to remove the cans. Leaving the ribbons and window declaration, they hopped on I-16 to Savannah, windows down, breeze blowing through, listening to Elvis Presley sing I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You.
**************************************************
“All right, Mrs. Westbrook, here we go!” Marley laughed as he picked Julia up and carried her through the front door. After a weeklong, blissful honeymoon, they were back home. Marley set her down and returned to the car to retrieve their bags. Looking like a pack mule as he came in and huffing almost as badly, he dropped everything in a pile by the stairs. Joining Julia on the sofa, he grinned and asked, “Now what?”
Julia returned the grin. “What do you mean, now what?”
“We’re married now. How does this work?”
“How does what work?” Julia responded with a punch to his right shoulder. “What are you talking about?”
“Well, you’re not the boss of me anymore, for one thing.” Marley rolled aside just in time to miss another punch.
“Oh, you! You’d better watch out, or you’ll be in the doghouse our first night home.” Julia pulled herself up at the realization of what she’d said, and tears welled in her eyes.
Marley wrapped her in his arms. “I know, sweetheart, I know. I miss Coco, too.”
They sat that way for a few minutes while Julia collected herself. “I’m fine. It just hit me hard for some reason. Wow.” She wiped her eyes with a tissue. “Too much emotion over a short period of time, I guess.”
“I hope some of that emotion was the good kind.” Marley wiggled his eyebrows.
Julia laughed and got in the second punch. “You’re so bad.”
“Hmm, that’s not what you said on the honeymoon.”
Julia blushed and went for his shoulder again, but Marley caught her hand. He pulled her up from the sofa and lifted her easily into his arms.
“Hey, where are we going?” Julia asked.
“I guess that’s up to you.” Marley’s gaze sent shivers down Julia’s spine. She caught her breath before responding and returned the look.
“Well, Mr. Westbrook, I don’t suppose there’s anything else to do around here, like putting away the luggage, checking things around the house...”
Marley interrupted and strode to the stairs. “Nope. Nothing else to do. Absolutely nothing.”
Julia’s laughter pealed all the way down the hall.
Chapter 40
June 24, 1973
Marley had given Julia a new Bible with her name inscribed as a wedding and birthday gift, so she returned the favor by doing the same for him.
“Thanks, babe, I love it.” Marley leaned over for a kiss.
“I know you have one, but I thought it would be nice to have matching ones with our names.”
Julia stood up. “You want more coffee?”
“No, I’ve had enough. I need to let Old Jake and Dolly out for some exercise. And I need to exercise off that breakfast you made.” He grinned and patted his stomach.
“Okay. I’m going into town for a bit then stopping by the church. I promised Wanda I’d help fold bulletins.”
Marley kissed Julia again before heading out the door. Turning around, he pulled her to himself and asked, “Have I told you lately how crazy I am about you?”
“Only every day,” she replied with a smile.
“You know, I could probably wait a little while before letting them out...” Marley trailed off, a sheepish grin on his face.
Julia backed up and swatted him with the dish towel. “Get out of here, you! Go!”
Marley threw his hands up in mock surrender. “Okay, okay, I’m going. But I want a rain check.”
Julia threw the towel at him as he scurried out.
Deciding to take care of church business first since she would need to go straight home after grocery shopping, Julia pulled into a shady spot under the massive oak tree that hugged the front corner of the quaint old building. Pastor Luke’s and Wanda’s cars were also snugged up nearby. She cracked the windows a few inches and got out.
An hour later, she was done and ready to run errands. Even in the shade, her car was hot inside. If June was any indication, it was going to be a beastly hot summer. Summers were hot in South Georgia anyway, but this was shaping up to be a record breaker.
Gathering what she needed for Marley’s birthday cake and dinner, Julia paid for the items, wished Lucy Barnes a good day, and hurried away before she could launch into anoth
er story about her love life with the butcher, Grady Johnson. Ever since catching Julia’s bouquet followed by a lucky snag at another ceremony a few weeks later, Lucy had marriage on her mind. No one knew for sure what Grady had on his since he clammed up whenever Lucy’s name was mentioned. Julia chuckled to herself as she pushed the buggy to her car. Unloading everything into the front seat to avoid a meltdown in the trunk, she shoved the cart towards a nearby spot, jumped in, turned the AC to full blast, and made a beeline for home.
Noticing the tractor was gone, Julia assumed Marley was mowing the back field. He had found a good used one in Brunswick and was able to borrow a trailer from the hardware store to bring it back. The old one, damaged in the fire, was sold for scrap, the barn rebuilt, tools and equipment replaced.
They decided not to replace the old farm truck since they had Marley’s. On the farm, he used the tractor to move most things anyway. Later, he bought the used trailer from Joe, so they had all that was needed. Except for Coco. Julia winced at the memory. She and Marley talked about getting another dog, but she wasn’t ready. The loss still hurt too much.
Sighing, Julia gazed across at the corn standing tall. It looked good, but they needed rain. Dark clouds were forming, but whether or not they would bring the blessed moisture, only God knew. Before she could get the remaining groceries out of the car, a loud crack made her jump. Panic filled her mind as she whirled around, looking at the barn, wild memories flooding in. Oh, Lord, help me. Help me.
I am with you. Do not be afraid.
The comforting words brought Julia’s thoughts under control. She gathered the remaining bags and made it to the porch as fat drops began to drum rhythmically on the tin roof.
Marley appeared at the back door a few minutes later, soaking wet.
“Oh my, look at you. Let me grab a towel,” Julia said as she dashed to the laundry room. Returning, she asked, “Did you get finished?”
“Yes, thankfully. I was already heading up here when the rain started. That lightning bolt scared the crap out of me, though.” Marley rubbed his wet hair and stripped out of the wet clothes.
“Me too,” Julia responded softly.
Marley looked up. “You okay?”
“Yeah. Yes, I am.” She smiled. “Want me to run up and get you some clothes?”
“No, I think I’ll shower downstairs then go up. Thanks. Anything new in town?”
“Not really. I always enjoy chatting with Wanda. Oh, Lucy Barnes is picking out wedding dresses. Other than that, nothing much.”
“I wonder if Grady knows about that.” They both laughed out loud.
**************************************************
“Oh, man, I’m stuffed. You know, your cooking skills have improved a hundred percent over what they were a year ago.” Marley leaned back in his chair. Julia had set up the birthday dinner in the formal dining room, with candles adding to the ambient light of the crystal chandelier.
“And just what was wrong with my cooking skills a year ago?”
“Uh, well...you didn’t use them for one thing. Not for me anyway.” Marley grinned, hoping he wasn’t in trouble.
“A year ago, you wouldn’t have appreciated them,” Julia responded, looking sideways at her husband.
“Maybe.” Marley considered a short response safe.
Julia smiled as she stood to clear the dishes. Marley got up to help, but she insisted he sit down and enjoy the kingly treatment on his special day.
Returning with a candle-lit cake, she serenaded him, laughing and trying not to drop it.
Marley grinned like a Cheshire cat and blew out the tiny flames. Standing up, he said, “The storm cooled things off, so let’s sit outside, okay?”
“Good idea.” Julia cut two slices, laid them on small plates, and added forks. “You want me to make some coffee?”
“Sure, if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. You take these out. Here, let me get a tray out of the hutch. Okay, I’ll be right out.”
In five minutes, Julia joined Marley on the front porch, two steaming mugs in hand.
“Thank you, babe. Best birthday ever, you know.” He held out his cup, she held out hers, and the Westbrooks toasted to many more.
**************************************************
Christmas 1973
“You open yours first,” Julia said, sitting on the floor beside the tree, carefully balancing her coffee mug. The sky outside was overcast, allowing the tree lights to sparkle more brightly and the early morning fire to warm their toes.
“Are you sure? Why don’t you go first?” Marley asked although he really wanted Julia to wait. His surprise for her would overtake everything else.
“Yes, yes, I’m sure. Go!”
Picking up a large box closest to him, Marley ripped off the paper and tossed it aside.
“Marley! Don’t destroy the paper. It can be reused.” Julia smoothed out the wrinkles, but the bow was a lost cause.
“Sorry, I didn’t know. Are we that poor?” he asked with a grin.
“No, we are not poor, but there’s no need to waste something you can use again.” Julia replied with a grin of her own. “You’re forgiven.”
Marley returned to the box, opening it to find a brown leather jacket. “Wow! This is really nice. Thank you.” He leaned over to give Julia a kiss then stood up to put it on. “Man, this is great. I love it.”
“I’m glad. You need something a little nicer than your canvas work coat, don’t you think?”
“Yeah, I guess I do.” Marley removed the jacket and sat down again. After opening two more presents to discover new work gloves and a wool scarf, it was Julia’s turn.
She picked up the smallest box, opening it to find a gold cross necklace. She’d told him about the one from her childhood, and he remembered.
“Oh, Marley, it’s beautiful. Thank you. I’ll try really hard not to misplace it.” Julia laughed and turned around for him to fasten the clasp behind her neck.
Two boxes later, Julia also had a new scarf and a matching hat, pink-and-white plaid wool. One more box stood far under the tree. Marley reached in and pulled it out.
“Oh, what’s that? I didn’t see it before.”
“Open it,” Marley whispered, his eyes shining. He truly hoped she was ready for this.
Carefully tearing the paper, Julia opened the box and stared. “It’s a dog leash. Marley, what did you do?”
“Something really good, I hope. Come with me.” He stood up and extended his hand. “Grab your coat,” he added as he grabbed his and hurried Julia out the back door to the barn.
Marley opened the door to the new loft, nodding for Julia to follow him. She still hadn’t said anything. As they reached the landing at the top, the faint sound of whining reached their ears. Julia looked at him, shaking her head. “Marley...”
“Just hold on, okay? Please?”
She nodded, and he opened the door. An electric heater was keeping the room toasty, and in a crate by the window was a three-month-old, jet-black puppy wiggling so hard it was shaking the crate. Marley closed the door behind them and opened the latch. The bundle of fur launched itself at Julia, causing her to fall back onto the cot, giggling and trying to protect her face from the Lab’s wet slobbering.
“Oh, my goodness! Calm down, calm down. Good girl, calm down.” Julia stroked the puppy’s fur and looked up at Marley who had been holding his breath. His expression spoke the question he was unable to ask.
“I think I’ll call her Bailey.”
Chapter 41
Present Day
JuJu looked around, taking it all in. Things would be different starting today. New living arrangement, new schedule, new perspective. She would surely miss her room with the big windows that overlooked the front yard and her bathroom with a window overlooking the back. It was nice to see what was going on from all angles. She chuckled at the memories of spying on Marley the year before they were married, hiding behind curtains so he wouldn�
��t see her. That was a rough year. But with God’s help, of course, they found their way through the anger and hurt to each other. Trouble came calling again a couple of years later, and it was almost more than they could overcome. Broken trust is hard to get past. They both went into marriage with secrets, and secrets in marriage are never a good thing. You can’t know joy if you haven’t met pain. Oh, Grandma Jean, you were so wise.
Sighing, JuJu told herself everything would be fine. Months of prayer had gone into this decision, and it was absolutely the right thing to do.
July 4, 1975
Lugging the heavy picnic basket from the truck, Marley grunted in the blistering sun. His Atlanta Braves baseball cap protected his face but did nothing else to relieve the misery. Julia grabbed a blanket and the thermos, following Marley to the parade grounds. The humidity was stifling, and in her condition, Julia shouldn’t get overheated, but she insisted they attend the annual festivities anyway. They were fortunate to find a spot under a tree where Marley dropped the food and waited for Julia to spread their blanket.
She was only four months along, so bending over wasn’t a problem yet, but the morning sickness had just recently ended, leaving her wiped out. This would be her first big outing, and she didn’t plan to miss it. She would sit on the blanket in the shade sipping iced tea and enjoy the attention from the older church ladies. My, how things have changed, Lord. Two years ago this time, I would have run from these same women. Now, they treat me like a daughter, and I love them for it.
Marley wandered off to chat with some of his buddies after they’d eaten, so Julia leaned against the massive oak trunk and closed her eyes. The parade wouldn’t start for another half hour, and she could use the respite before going back out in the sun. Laying her straw hat on the blanket beside her, she sighed deeply.
“Well, look who’s here! If it isn’t Mrs. Marley Westbrook.”
Julia jumped at the unexpected interruption. Opening her eyes, she was greeted by the sight of Nancy and two small children.
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