“Sure.” He handed me the keys and released me from our embrace.
The night was cool, and the sunset was vibrant in shades of orange and red. The box was light, and I quickly headed back to the house, pushing the button to lock his car. I looked down at the box and saw my name. Curious, I examined the box closer. There was a note.
Abby, when you get inside you need to close your eyes. I love you. Levi
“What in the…” I re-read the message and walked to the door. I knocked, just to let them know I was there and walked in, shutting my eyes as I crossed onto the carpet.
The first thing I noticed was the silence. My parents’ house was never silent. The temptation to open my eyes was overwhelming. Just as I was about to ask a question I heard Levi’s voice caress my name.
“Abby.”
A warm hand grasped my own, and Levi wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me into the room further.
“I know it’s killin’ you, but don’t open your eyes yet, please?”
“All right.” My heart pounded with an unknown anticipation.
Levi let go of my waist but still held firmly to my hand.
“You can open your eyes now, Abby.”
Levi’s voice was almost a whisper. Immediately I opened my eyes and gasped. The room was completely candle lit and empty of everyone but Levi and me. My heart stopped completely when I glanced to Levi and saw him kneeling before me. Oh my word…
“Abby, from the very first time I saw you, I knew God had handpicked you to be my wife. I wanted to ask you that day, that’s how sure I was.“ He grinned, lost in his memory for only a moment.
My eyes filled with joyful tears as I stared lovingly into his smoldering blue gaze.
“Marry me, Abby? Let me pursue you for the rest of our lives. Because, Abby, there’s nothing more I’d rather do.”
“Levi—“My voice broke. “Yes, yes, yes!” I nodded and the motion caused the tears to spill down my cheeks.
“Okay, boys!” Levi called and Chase and Javan rushed into the room each carrying two small presents. Javan looked to Levi and, at his nod, presented the present to me.
“Mom, this is for you.” He nodded as I accepted the gift.
Chase started to chew on the paper covering the gift he was holding, and Levi grinned and took it away from him.
“This one too.”
“Thank you, my sweet boys.” I hugged them both and then opened my gifts. Each held a velvet box; wide-eyed, I glanced at Levi, who held out his hand. I placed the boxes into his palm and he reached into his jacket and pulled out a third. I waited, awestruck at what was taking place.
“I have three rings for you Abby. Each one fits into the other.” He pulled out each glittering piece and began to connect them together into the most beautiful ring I had ever seen.
“Three because it’s not just about you and I, Abby. It’s about the family we’re creating.” He glanced over at Javan and to Chase.
“Three because it’s not just about our family, our marriage, but because it’s about God holding us all together within that covenant.” He held up the completed ring, and I wiped my tears quickly so I wouldn’t lose the sight of it.
“Will you wear this ring, from me, to make us a family, through God’s grace?”
I held out my hand, and Levi placed the ring on my fourth finger. The diamonds sparkled in the candlelight, and my heart felt like it could burst with joy.
“Levi, thank you!” I lunged for him and kissed him hard on the mouth. He returned the kiss then hugged me tightly.
“If that’s your way of thanking me, I can’t wait till we can get married.” Levi whispered in my ear through a chuckle.
Willi and my parents burst into the room and cheered. My parents hugged Levi, and Willi punched him playfully in the arm.
“Hey, big bro, I guess you’re stuck with us now.”
“Yep, or vice versa, however you want to look at it Willi.”
She narrowed her eyes at his calling her Willi but didn’t comment.
“Let me see the rock.”
Willi gasped when she saw my beautiful ring. “There are three?”
I explained what Levi had said, and I saw my sister’s eyes take on a faraway look. I hoped she would find someone just as great as Levi. A vision of Tony popped into my head, but I shook it away. No. Now I just wanted to focus on Levi, on our family. Our family.
The evening passed quickly, and Willi had taken pictures and posted them on social media. I’m sure everyone and their uncle knew the news. Levi said he’d follow me home but wouldn’t come in. With as much as I wanted to lose myself in his kiss, I knew that was the wise choice.
When I got home that evening, I had a message on the answering machine.
“Abby? This is Pastor Michael. I’d like to meet with you to offer a sincere apology. We missed you last week at church and I found out, to my shame, that it was due to my belief of something that was proved false. I’d really like to speak with you when you have a moment, thanks. Bye.
Well, that was the icing on the cake for a perfect day. My pastor no longer thought I needed to wear a scarlet letter! Hallelujah! Now if I could only guarantee Jack wouldn’t make any more surprise appearances…
Chapter Eighteen
Each day I fell further in love with Levi, and each day I awoke with a smile on my face. Both Chase and Javan had taken to calling Levi Daddy, which melted my heart each time I heard it. The only rain cloud was the nagging concern over Jack. Aside from catching a glimpse of him at the grocery store, we hadn’t seen or heard from him. He couldn’t have given up, could he?
A week before the wedding I got a letter in the mail.
Abigail,
I’m married. Me and Laura are expecting a baby sometime next year. She asked to move near her parents, and I agreed. I begin my new job in two weeks, but I wanted you to know that I’d be gone. For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. Believe it or not, God’s been working on me these past months. I heard you’re getting married, and I wish you well. I’m sending the last of the spousal support with this letter and wanted to know if Levi would consider adopting Chase and Javan. I’m no good with boys. Hopefully I will have a girl. Who knows? But I know I’ll be making a lot less at my new job, so I financially can’t afford the child support, so either way that’s stopping too. Take me to court if you want. I’m beyond caring about it. See ya.
Jack Wains.
I re-read the letter a few times. Mixed emotions began to surface. Nothing in the letter added up. He was sorry, yet he no longer cared about the boys? He was married? He was expecting a baby? He didn’t even want the ones he had! Yet God was working in his life? Resentment boiled within me, and I had to set the letter down and walk away. Yet, as I worked through it, my anger subsided, and I realized what a gift the letter was. Levi and I had spoken about his adopting the boys, but we didn’t know how to go about asking Jack. This letter was an answer to prayer. Though part of me wanted to strangle Jack for dismissing Chase and Javan so easily, another part of me was thankful. I picked up my phone to call Levi.
“Hello, wife.”
“Hi there, almost husband.”
“I hate that I have to wait a week. Can we just elope?”
“Nope, sorry. Wedding’s bought and paid for. Plus your mom and my mom will kill us.”
“I know. I think my mom loves you more than she loves me.”
“Oh, she does. She told me so.”
“Figures.”
“It’s a fair trade though. My mom thinks you’re perfect in every way. She brags about you to everyone she meets. I wouldn’t be surprise if she carried a little photo of you in her purse that she showed off like her pictures of Chase and Javan.”
“Oh, so that’s why she wanted that picture…”
“Whatever.”
Levi’s rich laugher echoed through the phone, and my blood vibrated with the noise.
“So what’s up?”
“I got a letter… from
Jack.”
The music playing in the cab of his pickup was suddenly gone from the background noise.
“Okay, what did he have to say?”
I explained everything to Levi and waited for his response. “Well, as much as it makes me angry enough to spit nails…” His heavy breathing blew across the phone. “I’m thankful. Just mad about how anyone could dismiss my two boys.”
Levi had adopted them into his heart long ago. There was nothing more precious than watching all three of their faces when Chase or Javan said “Daddy”.
“I’ll call one of my friends, see if we can get the paperwork set up for the adoption. If he’s offering, I want to take him up on it while he’s okay with it. No telling if he’ll change his mind all of a sudden.” Levi’s words were steady but held an underlying joy.
“True. Okay, sounds good.” I nodded and then adjusted the phone.
“How are you doing with all of it?”
“Oh, I had pretty much the same reaction. But now I just feel sorry for him, for Laura, and especially that baby. I can’t imagine…” I shook my head and shuddered.
“I know.”
We both paused. I shook my head, trying to clear it.
“Will I see you tonight?” I asked with a hopeful tone.
“Have I missed a dinner yet?” Levi replied through a chuckle
“Nope.”
“Then, believe me, I’m not starting now!”
“It’s chicken soup.” I teased.
Silence.
“On second thought…” Levi began.
I laughed at Levi’s teasing. “It’s not chicken soup.”
“I’m thankful.” He exhaled a large sigh of relief over the speaker.
“I’ll see you later.” I spoke through my giggles.
“Wait, what is for dinner then?”
“Always thinking about your stomach?” I quipped.
“Yes.”
“At least you’re honest. You’ll have to wait and see.”
“Woman! I hate it when you do that.” Levi grumbled good-naturedly.
“I know.”
“Mean ol’ lady.” He chuckled.
“Mean ol’ man.” I shot back.
“I’m glad you realize that.”
“I love you, Levi.” I reminded him.
“I love you too, Abby, even if you tease me mercilessly.”
“Good. See you later.”
“Bye, love.” He spoke softly.
Chapter Nineteen
Willi had flown in two nights ago for the rehearsal dinner and hadn’t stopped questioning me about Tony. The whole event was comical. Tony had watched Willi’s every move, but had never actually spoken with her. Willi had done the same in reverse, but because he hadn’t approached her, she wasn’t going to be the first to break the ice.
“I’m not going to chase after him, even if he is gorgeous.” She commented once.
“I thought you were simply going to propose to him the first time you met? Or did you forget that part of your plan.” I quipped.
“Quiet!” She tossed a pillow at my head.
Willi had stayed the night with me so that we could get an early start. She was on baby sitting duty so I could primp without interruption. I didn’t mind the interruptions, but Willi had insisted. I had my suspicions she volunteered so that she could get more information on Tony.
“You throw like a girl.”
“I am a girl.”
“You look like a raccoon.”
“Yeah, sister dear, you don’t look much better.”
“Whatever.” I joked as I got out of bed. Chase and Javan were already calling for me.
After breakfast Willi followed me into the bathroom.
“I thought you were here to help me with the boys?” I teased.
“Yeah, they were watching Curious George. I’m not needed right now. So, Tony doesn’t have a girlfriend, right?”
I rolled my eyes. “No. No girlfriend, but he sure watched you last night.”
“For all you know I could have had a run in my nylons or a rip in my skirt. Watching doesn’t mean interest.”
“True, but I asked Levi to do some recon for us.”
“No, you didn’t.” Willi’s face drained of color.
“It’s not like he’s going to pin him to the floor and torture him till he gives in and asks you out.”
“Pity…”
I laughed at her wistful expression. Sure, now that she knew it wasn’t a possibility she found the idea interesting.
“But seriously, Tony had already asked him if I had any available sisters.”
“What? When?” she shouted.
“A few months ago, but that was when you were dating that guy from accounting, Spencer?”
“Ah, Spencer.” She hissed the ‘s’.
“Yeah, but I’m sure Levi will let him know you saw the light and ran away from Ssssspencer.”
“In my defense, he seemed really nice at first.”
“Okay, sure. Either way, it’s over, and I’m glad.”
“Me too, sis.”
“Sooo, what did Levi tell him?”
“Oh, just that you were his dream girl. A bungee jumping maven with great legs.”
“Yeah, he didn’t say that.”
“Okay, so I added the great legs part but hey, it’s true. I’m sure Tony noticed last night.”
Willi looked at her pajama clad legs and gave me a dubious expression.
“Either way, Willi, when it’s the right guy, the right time, God will work it out for you perfectly. You deserve to be pursued, chased, and treated with grace and tender love. Don’t expect anything less.”
“When did you grow up on me?” Willi asked as she brushed a tear away from her face.
“A little side effect of going through fire in life, but God takes the ashes and makes them beautiful.”
“He sure does, Abbs, He sure does.”
Chapter Twenty
The wedding was beautiful. Chase and Javan escorted me down the aisle and handed me over to Levi. With tender care, Levi carried Chase, and I held on to Javan as Levi’s father married us all together. Levi had suggested it earlier and I couldn’t agree fast enough. He had explained that he wasn’t just marrying me; he was becoming both a husband and father. The boys deserved to feel a part of the whole ceremony. For that reason, the wedding was short. All in all, it took about twenty minutes, and even then Chase was beginning to get a bit antsy. When the time came to kiss the bride, Levi handed Chase to my mom and pulled me into his arms.
“Hi there, Mrs. Jensen.” His breath tickled my lips. I grinned hugely at the sound of my new last name. The name Levi had given me, claiming me as his own.
He dipped me and kissed me passionately in front of God and family. Though the kiss was long by wedding standards, it was too short for my own. He pulled me up into an embrace.
“I love you, Abby, so much.”
“I love you back, Levi, I’m so thankful.”
“So am I, Abby, so am I.”
Then his father presented us with a wide grin, and we walked away. I glanced back at my new father-in-law, who grinned with tears in his eyes. I glanced over to the aisle where my own pastor watched our exit. That phone message, after Levi had proposed, had led to a strengthening relationship with not only my pastor but also my church family. God had brought me through the pain, reminding me that He specialized in healing hearts.
The reception was beyond entertaining. Levi and I watched in amusement as Tony carefully approached Willi and asked her to dance. Willi blushed profusely but accepted his hand. Tony wasn’t very good at dancing, but Willi didn’t seem to notice. Levi and I cast glances at each other as Willi continued to grin and laugh with Tony over something he had said.
“Maybe we’ll be going to another wedding here soon.”
“You think?” I asked Levi as I snuggled up to him as we walked to his truck decorated in toilet paper and shaving cream.
“If there’s one
thing I learned, it’s that God’s plans are never our own. They are always, always better.”
Epilogue
Levi, I think we’re about to have another reason to celebrate on this day…” I trailed off as another contraction hit.
“So much for my romantic surprise.” Levi grinned as he helped me to the mini-van we had purchased shortly after we married, exactly two years earlier.
“Are you okay, darlin’? Do you need anything?” Levi’s calming tone was in stark contrast to the strained expression he wore as he tried to focus both on driving and me.
“Yeah, the hospital, can you step on it?”
“I’m on it.” He nodded and gripped my hand, tight.
****
Gracelyn Rose was born at eleven fifty-nine, making her birthday the same as our wedding anniversary. All the nurses sighed and grinned when Levi told them the story. Chase and Javan waited patiently next to their daddy for a chance to see their much-anticipated baby sister. With faces full of awe and wonder, they stared at the precious little girl.
Later, as Levi wheeled me out to the van with Chase and Javan walking by his side, he paused after he buckled in all the kids.
“Abby?”
“Hmm?”
He helped me stand. “Just wait a moment. Abby, look.” He gestured with his chin to the van, and through the windows, I saw two giggling little boys and a little pink carrier car seat.
If you told me seven years ago that this would be my story, I would have laughed at you. But not for the same reasons as before. Life is not a respecter of persons. It’s not fair. Sometimes, it’s not the bad people that get challenges thrown their way, it’s the good ones. We can’t see the future, but we can walk in faith. God promises that he will take the ashes of our lives, whatever is left from the roaring fire that threatened to consume us, and exchange it for beauty. Through Levi, God pursued me. I clung to His truth. But it was He who carried me and handed me over to the man I stood next to, the man I grew to love more and more each day. And each day I’m cherished and blessed. After all, is there anything better than to be loved, to be pursued?
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