A Deal With God: The Power of One
Page 13
“Half the people coming to my wedding are from church and very devout,” Deana answered. “If I serve alcohol at my wedding, they will be offended. The other half are expecting a big time party. If there is no alcohol they will be disappointed and may not have a good time.”
“Deana, I think I can solve your problem for you.” Robert said. “Consider it my wedding gift. Tell your church friends you won’t be serving or providing any alcoholic beverages. I’ll discretely sneak in a few coolers full of adult beverages on my own for the party crowd. Everyone should be happy.”
“Thank you so much,” Deana replied. “If my dress alterations go well, the rest should go pretty smoothly.”
Deana had found a beautiful designer dress at a consignment shop in Athens. It was an Italian style “Princess” wedding gown. It featured draped satin detail with subtle hints of pearl embroidery. The detachable shrug and draped net pick–up skirt created added elegance. She was so excited about how she looked in it.
Mr. Vito was going to cater the wedding. He was actually closing the restaurant for the night. That way all the employees could attend.
The big surprise of the evening would be the band. Deana put out a feeler for the best band she could get. The resounding answer was the Jacobson Brothers Band; the band that played at the big church near Morrison Georgia. Eli Jacobson played lead guitar; his brother Edwin played rhythm guitar and sang lead vocals. They also had a drummer and bass player in their band.
One afternoon, Deana made an appointment to talk with them. They had burned a four song CD of their music for her which was outstanding.
“I would love to have you play our wedding,” Deana said. “Your music is amazing. Do you think I could perform a few songs with you? I’d be very grateful.”
“That would be fantastic,” Eli exclaimed. “If you could do the first couple of songs with us, it would really get the crowd going.”
“I could do two with you in the beginning in my wedding gown,” Deana stated. “Right before I leave with Leon, I’ll do two more in regular clothes. It will be so much fun. We can practice the Monday and Tuesday before the big weekend.”
Mid afternoon, August 22nd, it was off to Athens to Leon’s parents’ house to celebrate Deana and Luke’s birthdays. It was Deana’s actual birthday; Luke’s birthday was the next day. He didn’t mind celebrating a day early. Deana had baked him a banana–coconut custard cake earlier in the day. It was Luke’s favorite.
Matthew and Mark both had two wrapped gifts with them. Two were for Luke, two were for Deana. Luke had one for Deana and Deana and Leon had a gift for Luke.
Deana was going to make cheese–steak sandwiches with Gracie when they got to the Samuels’ home. Leon and Deana’s reservations were for 6:30. They wanted it to be dusk when dinner was over so they could enjoy watching the sun go down when they went to the lake.
Before she started dinner for the boys, she wanted to exchange gifts and have a talk with Matthew, Mark and Luke.
Matthew gave Deana a handmade soap dish. He gave Luke a little race car Deana helped him pick out. Mark gave Deana a handmade pen and pencil holder. He gave Luke a little fire truck. Luke gave Deana a miniature stuffed soccer ball for her key chain, which Leon had helped him buy. Deana and Leon gave Luke the new lightweight soccer cleats he’d been wanting.
After the gift exchange, Deana told the boys she had a birthday wish she wanted to share with them.
“Two months ago, I had my attorney petition the Circuit Court of the State of Georgia so that I could legally adopt the three of you,” Deana explained. “My request was granted. When your father and I marry in nine days we will officially, all five of us, be a family. My name will become Deana Samuels.”
“My birthday wish, or should I say request, is for the five of us to go to the courthouse and get sworn in so the judge will sign and finalize my petition. We have a court date this Monday afternoon to do this. I want the three of you to be in the wedding ceremony with your father and me. Your father and I will exchange vows like in all weddings, but after the vow exchange, the three of you will come to the side of the altar and participate in what is called a Unity sand ceremony. We will each get a vase full of colored Unity sand. We each get one color. Leon will go first; he will have black colored Unity sand. He will pour his sand into a heart shaped Unity vase which will serve as the first layer or bottom layer. I will go next with a white Unity sand layer. You boys can pick your own colors. Are you all right with this?” Deana asked.
“That sounds pretty cool,” Matthew said. Mark agreed. “Maybe now Matthew and Mark can call you mommy, too.” Luke said.
“Matthew and Mark can call me what they are most comfortable with,” Deana laughed.
Just after six o’clock, Deana freshened up, then jumped into Leon’s truck with him. They had requested the same table they sat at last November. They ordered the same dinners and wine.
“Leon, this has been the most amazing year of my life,” Deana reflected. “Twelve months ago I was in a Tampa hospital thanking God I was still alive. Tonight I sit here with my loving fianc�, nine days before my wedding.”
“I never dreamed I’d ever remarry,” Leon stated.
“The week after our long Thanksgiving weekend I started to get an inkling we might be on our way to a permanent relationship,” Deana admitted. “I knew it was going kind of fast, but I kept getting a feeling we belonged together.”
“I have a confession to make,” Leon stated. “From the very beginning I tried to convince myself I shouldn’t fall in love with you; and not just you, any woman. But, the harder I tried to not fall in love with you the deeper I fell. Valentine’s Night at the lake you overwhelmed me. I reached the point of no return.”
“Everything you did was so amazing,” Leon continued. “I loved your cooking, your parenting, the photo book, and your financial advice. When we dated we both seemed proud to be out with one another. Spending the Holidays together was a blast. Kenny’s birthday was so cool. But the thing you did that so impressed me was the night I went to get water at the kitchen sink and I could hear you putting the boys to bed. The way they respond to you is amazing. Your temperament and tolerance is so impressive. Rebeccah would lose patience with the boys. Before anyone knew it, she would be yelling at the boys and I had a hard time dealing with that.”
“Another great thing was your timing,” Leon continued. “That first week of November, when we met, I had pretty much hit rock bottom. You entered the picture and provided the change that was needed. The Sunday you took me fishing at the resort didn’t hurt either. I really am very much in love with you.”
“How about we go to the lake now so I can show you how much I’m in love with you?” Deana asked. “The sun should be starting to go down right about now.”
Deana was right. It was a sensational summer sunset. Leon drove to where the black top ended; to the clearing overlooking the lake. Leon and Deana kissed as their favorite song played on the radio. As the sun went down and the stars filled the sky, Deana and Leon took their clothes off and things got hot as they played in the cool Georgia water. It was a wonderful birthday for Deana.
It was finally Saturday, August 31st, 2013. The big day was upon Dothan. This celebration was going to be more than two people getting married. It was a big event and party the town desperately needed. Deana spared no expense. Even the floral arrangement on the altar was extravagant. The cake was spectacular. She wanted everything to be perfect. Deana put her heart and soul into this wedding and making it a day to truly remember.
Deana had chosen Delores to be her Maid of Honor. Leon had chosen his brother Lester to be his Best Man. It surprised Deana when earlier in the week Leon told her he wanted to write his own vows. She thought it sounded romantic, so she agreed. She was happy to see Leon starting to open up more.
In the morning Deana had her hair and nails done. She bought a brand new special perfume. She did her own make–up at home. Next, she met with Delores inside the
church. Delores helped Deana into her Italian Princess wedding dress and cowgirl boots. Leon had a matching pair of cowboy boots. Deana looked radiant; she was an absolute vision.
Following the Processional, Pastor Beckmann opened the ceremony with a heartfelt welcome and introduction. He then nodded to Leon to recite his vows.
“I, Leon Samuels, take this woman, Deana, to have and to hold, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I promise to be faithful and forsake all others. If asked if I understand the sanctity of these vows, I do. If you ask me if I love this woman with all my heart, I do. If you ask me if I take Deana to be my lawfully wedded wife, I absolutely do.”
Deana started to cry. She was so overwhelmed she didn’t know how she was going to make it through her vows. “I, Deana,” she said in between sobs, “love this man with all my heart. I love when he holds me in his arms and makes me feel safe. I love when he watches me dance to the radio when I clean the kitchen. I love every minute we spend together. I will love, honor and cherish this man until death do us part. Will I, Deana, take Leon to be my lawfully wedded husband? Yes I Do!!!!”
Following their vows, Leon and Deana exchanged wedding rings.
Pastor Beckmann then declared: “By the authority vested in me by the State of Georgia, witnessed by your friends and family, I have the pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife. You may now seal your vows with a kiss.”
On cue, Leon and Deana shared their first kiss as husband and wife.
Next the boys came up to the altar for the Unity Sand ceremony. There was a big heart shaped vase that was positioned in the middle of the five Samuels. Leon, Deana, Matthew, Mark and Luke had smaller vases filled with sand. Leon went first. He poured black sand from his small vase into the big vase creating its first layer. This would be the foundation. Deana went second adding a layer of white sand. Matthew went next adding blue colored sand. Mark went fourth using orange sand. Luke finished by adding a green layer from his little vase.
Pastor Beckmann explained to those in attendance the significance of the sand and how the layers represent the unique members of this family coming together as one. The center Unity vase would be sealed with wax to keep the sand safe and secure. In a few days it would permanently rest on the mantle at the Samuels’ home.
After the Unity Sand ceremony, the Recessional music began playing and Leon and Deana lead the wedding party back down the aisle and out of the sanctuary.
During the ceremony, Mr. Vito got the food ready while the Jacobson brothers set up the stage for their performance. Since Edwin Jacobson played rhythm guitar, all Deana would have to do is sing. They opened with the song “My Kinda Party.” The crowd loved it. Deana then sang the ballad “Lost in the Moment.” It’s a fantastic wedding song and Deana dedicated it to Leon.
When the second song was over, Deana with microphone still in hand, talked to the crowd. “When I went to a wedding a few years ago in Florida, people had to pay to dance with the bride. I feel I should have to pay to dance with you. Y’all have been so wonderful to me the past year. I could not have been made to feel more comfortable and welcome.”
“Since most of us are on a budget,” Deana joked, “how about we skip the money exchange and I’ll dance with every one of you for one minute. Whether you are male or female, young or old, let’s share a dance together.” Of the eighty people there, Deana danced with seventy–eight people. She even danced with Lester; he was one of the first in line. Unfortunately, Claire and Julie had run off, nowhere to be found.
Over an hour later, Deana finally got to sit down with Leon at the Bride and Groom’s table to have dinner. The sun was starting to set. It was a beautiful evening.
“I can’t believe you were able to dance for over an hour straight without a break,” Leon said to Deana.
“It’s one of the perks of all the training I do,” Deana explained.
By now Deana was starving. She filled her plate and sat back to soak in the celebration. The Jacobson’s had some elaborate lighting so the party could go on pretty late. Everyone seemed to be having a great time.
After Deana ate, she went back into the church to change into the tassel vest, skirt and boots she wore for Leon at Kenny’s birthday party back in January. She waited for her cue to sing two more songs before she left with Leon. They were going on a two day honeymoon to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. While she sang, she looked into the crowd. She saw people she thought didn’t even like each other dancing together or at least socializing together. The party seemed to bring the people of Dothan closer together.
When she was done singing, Leon brought the truck around just as Deana yelled into the microphone, “God Bless you and thank you so much. I love each and every one of you!” She ran off the stage and hopped into Leon’s truck.
“I wore this outfit for you to let you know even though we are married, I will still dance for you and party with you just like when we were courting. If anything, things will be even better.”
Leon looked out the window. What an incredible day and celebration it was. The tone and feel of the day was so festive, a complete contrast from his first marriage.
“Deana, I had the most amazing day,” Leon reflected. “It was a blast. It was so much fun. You throw a heck of a party. You are, without a doubt, the most remarkable person I have ever met. I’m very proud you are my wife.”
“Leon, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your love for me made all this possible.”
CHAPTER 14
DEANA SAMUELS
After Deana and Leon left for Hilton Head Island for their honeymoon the Johnson’s took the boys back to Macon to celebrate the remainder of the Labor Day weekend. They would all meet back at the newlyweds’ house Monday night. Matthew and Mark had school Tuesday and Leon had to work. Deana would start to move out of Mr. McGee’s and fully into Leon’s.
Hilton Head Island is a perfect place for a honeymoon; famous for its pristine beauty. Its South Carolina beachfront is one of the most beautiful on the Eastern Seaboard. The view from Leon and Deana’s hotel room was breathtaking. It was a wonderful beginning they would cherish forever.
Sunday afternoon the happy couple explored the backwaters and salt marshes of Hilton Head aboard a Skimmer Nature Charter. A Skimmer is a twenty foot boat with a canopy over it. The Captain knew where dolphins frequently swam and realized his passengers would be interested in this encounter. Deana and Leon were able to watch and enjoy the dolphins and other wildlife at relatively close range.
Deana and Leon got back in time for an early dinner. The restaurant featured outdoor dining overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. As they enjoyed their meal and each other’s company, they were treated to a magnificent sunset.
“Leon, why don’t we go down and build a sandcastle together. I have never done that before. I saw some children building one earlier and it looked like so much fun.”
Three hours later, an impressive sand structure was erected. It was two and a half feet tall with a molded, tiered roof. It featured a large moat.
“Not bad for our first time,” Deana boasted. “Leon, what do you think?”
“I think we make a pretty good team,” Leon stated. Then he scooped Deana up and carried her into the ocean. The stars were bright and the water was warm. The newlyweds were off to a good start.
Monday was the day Deana was excited about. She hadn’t been able to go fishing with Leon since his birthday in April. One reason they chose Hilton Head Island for their honeymoon was because they would have the opportunity to go fishing together again. They booked an Egret 18’9” flats boat. Its engine was incredibly quiet and lightning fast. They could get to any fishing spot in no time at all.
They decided to fish inshore on the flats. They wanted to catch redfish. During September, the redfish were in tailing mode with their heads down and tail up. It’s a beautiful act of nature. Leon easily caught a twelve pound redfish. He then helped Deana pull in a ten and a half pound red. She was thrilled.
On the way home Leon had a little surprise for Deana. One of the drivers Leon worked with and was good friends with had come to the wedding two days ago. While Deana was doing her thank you dances during dinner, the young driver told Leon he desperately wanted to get Leon and Deana a wedding gift but he had no money. Leon gave him twenty dollars and told the young man what he could do.
On the way back, Leon parked his truck in front of the big water tower everybody passes on their way into town. In big red letters painted on the water tower were the words: LEON LOVES DEANA 4EVER AND EVER. Deana almost started to cry. But, before she could Leon asked her to get out of the truck and for her to sit on the roof of the cab. He positioned the truck so he could photograph Deana and the water tower and the sun going down all at the same time. It was a remarkable photograph.
Tuesday morning, Deana got Matthew and Mark off to school. She and Luke did a quick workout. Then they went into town. Using the money she got as wedding gifts and some of her savings, she bought a brand new bedroom set. She had made sure it was all right with Leon first. Then she proceeded to buy a new larger dresser. She bought two new end tables and a bigger bed with a brand new mattress. The old mattress had always made her feel uncomfortable.
She cleaned Rebeccah’s belongings out of the closet. In a show of respect, she never threw any of Rebeccah’s belongings out. Deana put Rebeccah’s things in storage with her own belongings. In time she would try to sell most of the things she owned that she had kept at the duplex she’d been renting from Mr. McGee. Financially things would be better for Deana and Leon. Deana would no longer have to pay rent, cable or electric. The storage unit was inexpensive so they’d have more disposable income.
Later, Deana went to the bank. Leon had been doing pretty well keeping the mortgage between twenty days past due and current. She direct wired $712 to General Mortgage. She wanted the mortgage paid current all the time from now on. Now that they were going to have joint credit she wanted their score to be as high as possible.