Another Angel of Love

by Henry K. Ripplinger

  Giggling and laughter surrounded him and yet he couldn’t see anyone. He stomped back to the car.

  “Well, I hope that’s the end of it,” Henry said sternly. As he was about to pull away, he quickly put the car into neutral and jumped out, hoping to catch those rats red-handed. He ran to the back of the car, fully expecting to catch at least one of them.

  But they had fooled him again.

  “I’m warning you guys!” he shouted into the night. “I know you’re there. Enough is enough.”

  He looked at Julean and they both burst out laughing. Henry held his breath as he stepped on the gas, not sure now what to expect. The car went forward unimpeded.

  As Henry approached the corner, however, there was a blockade across the road, with a sign that read road closed.

  “Road closed? Impossible, we all came this way earlier, when we went to the hall. What on earth could have happened?” Henry stopped the car and got out to look for a broken waterline or something. He walked at least fifty feet down the street. There was absolutely nothing wrong up ahead as far as he could see.

  As he walked over to remove the blockade, Henry suddenly froze as a geyser of water gushed out of the hydrant at the corner like a tidal wave directed at him. Henry stood there, at its mercy, its full impact knocking him back. He stumbled and fought against the blast, trying to regain his feet and move out of the way of the full stream.

  Julean witnessed it all. She’d seen someone at the hydrant and reached over to the horn to alert Henry. But it happened so fast she hadn’t made it in time. She gasped and put her hands to her mouth as the huge stream of water hit Henry square in the chest. All she could think was if that didn’t cool him off, nothing would. She chuckled, hoping that he was all right.

  Henry stood there, soaking wet and gasping for breath as the ice cold water streamed by him. He didn’t know whether to cry, scream or run into the darkness after them.

  “How could those guys do this to me?” Henry mumbled under his breath. “On my wedding night! Those buggers.”

  Henry moved the barricade and got back into the car. Julean wanted to laugh but didn’t dare. As they drove off, the distinctive clattering of tin cans—no doubt reattached to the back bumper—followed them. Henry hit both hands against the steering wheel.

  “It’s unbelievable! Things couldn’t be working out more perfectly for those guys.”

  He didn’t dare stop. “Cans or no cans, clanging or not, we’re heading to the hotel,” he said to Julean. “If I stop, God knows what they might do next!”

  When they finally arrived at the hotel. Henry was too embarrassed to pull up front. He had some clothes in his suitcase but he’d dropped it and Julean’s off at the hotel the day before.

  “Oh, let’s just go in the way you are,” said Julean. “Who cares! It’s our wedding night. Anything can happen, you know.”

  “Yeah, okay.”

  They parked in back of the hotel and went in the guest entrance. Two other guests were lounging in the lobby and a hotel attendant stood behind the registration desk.

  “Why don’t you go get the key to our room, Julean. I’ll wait here by the elevator.”

  Julean looked at him and could no longer contain her laughter. “Sorry, Hank, but you look hilarious.” She laughed so hard the other people in the lobby turned their way. Julean’s gown immediately gave them away as newlyweds.

  The other hotel guests smiled and Henry heard one of them comment, “Well, she sure cooled him off!”

  While Julean picked up the key, Henry pressed the button for the elevator, which, much to his delight, opened immediately. The doors slid closed, cutting off the laughter from the lobby.

  “Well, you have to admit we do look funny,” Julean said, diplomatically, using the term “we” when both of them knew who the funny-looking one was.

  In less than thirty seconds, the elevator bounced to a stop on the third floor. Julean gave Henry the key and he opened the door. And just as she was about to walk in, he picked her up in his cold, wet arms.

  “Oh, Hank, you’re so wet!—I mean, wonderful.”

  “I love you,” Henry responded as they entered their honeymoon suite.

  A fire burned in the fireplace and several lit candles created shadows that danced across the walls.

  The room smelled of lavender. A bottle of champagne in an ice bucket sat on a counter. Dozens of roses filled the room, Henry’s were among them. A card was propped up on the counter beside the glasses from the hotel management, congratulating them and informing them that the hotel staff was completely at their beck and call.

  Everything looked incredibly romantic and sensual. Henry kissed Julean again, then put her down. She turned, put her arms around him and kissed him tenderly.

  “I’m going to take a shower and get changed,” Julean said. “Why don’t you take off your clothes and wrap a towel around you until I’m finished?”

  “Yeah,” Henry replied. “I can hardly wait to get out of this wet suit.”

  Julean walked toward the bedroom where their suitcases were. She gasped.

  “Oh, Hank, you have to see this.”

  Four pillar candles sat on the end tables, and two large bouquets adorned the dresser. Their bed was turned down, and a Belgian chocolate rested on each pillow. Across the foot of the bed lay two white robes with the words bride and groom embroidered on them in blue and pink stitching.

  “Look, Hank,” Julean said. “There’s a robe for you. That’ll keep you warm until I get back.”

  “Boy, they sure do it up right,” Henry said.

  “Yes, they certainly do.”

  After he heard the shower go on, Henry picked up his robe and went out into the living room area to take off his damp clothes. The warmth of the fire felt good. He put on another log, then sat down on the chair beside the fireplace and watched as it caught fire.

  As the flames danced in front of him, a smile spread across his face as he thought about Julean. Now, on their wedding night, he was glad he and Julean had waited. What a perfect way to begin a marriage, with all the discovery and excitement of each other still to come. And along with this fresh thrill and anticipation of the journey, a freedom, security and peace surged through him. They were now truly ready to give the ultimate gift to each other: their total and complete selves in an atmosphere of love and commitment.

  He put on the robe, went over to the stereo and turned it on. The record player had a stack of four long-playing records on it. He pressed the button, anticipating some romantic music. He wasn’t disappointed. The first record was by Nat King Cole, the second by Perry Como. After that he no longer cared. He went over to the counter to the bottle of champagne and started to open it, but then decided to wait for Julean.

  As he put the bottle back in the bucket, Julean emerged wearing low-heeled white slippers and a knee-length diaphanous gown, a picture of pure beauty. As Henry’s gaze travelled up, he discovered that he could almost see her breasts through the semi-sheer material. His desire for her grew almost uncontrollable. The soft light of the candles cast a warm glow on her luminous skin and voluptuous body. Her eyes sparkled with an intoxicating gleam.

  Henry drew near to his lovely wife. Their gazes locked as he reached out for her, and she leaned into him. Henry kissed her then, lightly, knowing full well that if he didn’t take a shower right then and there, he would never make it.

  “I can’t believe I’m doing this, but I’m going to take a shower.”

  “Okay, I’ll be here when you get back,” she winked.

  “You better be. I’ve had too many pranks for one night.”

  Henry rushed into the bathroom. It was large and spacious and still steamy from Julean’s shower. He showered just long enough to get clean and fresh. He couldn’t wait to get out. He was too self-conscious to walk out in the nude, so he put on his pajama bottoms.


  Julean was on the bed, propped up by a pillow, her legs curled under her. Henry ached as he looked at her; he desired her so much. She waved an empty glass at him, suggesting he get the champagne.

  Henry got the bottle from the living room and filled her glass, then his. He sat beside her on the edge of the bed, and as Henry raised his glass towards her, she raised hers to his.

  “Here’s to you, honey. I love you.”

  “And here’s to you, Hank. I love you too—with all my heart.”

  As they sipped their champagne, listening to Nat King Cole’s “It Had to Be You,” Henry took the glass from Julean’s hand and set it on the table. Julean slid down on the bed as he moved over to her. He put his arm under her head, and she leaned into his chest. He had never felt such an urgency to hold someone before. The words of the song, candles and the faint smell of her perfume intoxicated him.

  Henry tipped Julean’s chin up and kissed her hard and long and then again. All the months of waiting and holding back disappeared with each passionate kiss. He could finally feel the release of their total love for one another pass through their bodies, their spirits, their souls. They had become one in mind, in purpose, in flesh.

  Henry lay back and raised his arm as Julean snuggled closer, closed her eyes and buried her head into his chest. They were both exhausted from the day; the gamut of emotions; the giving of themselves.

  Henry kissed Julean’s forehead softly, tenderly. He heard a Johnny Mathis song playing and the crackling of the fire, which was dying out. He briefly watched the shadows of the candles dance to the music on the ceiling. Henry held his new bride in his arms, feeling the warmth of her body, his eyes flickered like the candles and then closed as he dreamt he had just made love…to his first love.

  Henry was surprised by the number of people who showed up at Julean’s house to see them off. A caterer had brought in a bunch of hors d’oeuvres and kept them warm in chafing dishes. When Julean and Henry arrived, people were everywhere. The gifts were laid out on the tables Julean’s parents had rented and set out around the perimeter of their rumpus room. Henry couldn’t believe the number of things they’d received.

  Around three o’clock, Julean and Henry left to drive to Estevan, a town near the border. From there they would drive to Minot in the morning. “Just married” had been printed on the back window of Henry’s car with bright red lipstick. “Love birds” and “Don’t kiss and drive” were written on both sides of the car. In smaller writing were little private notes, written everywhere. Some were naughty enough that Henry was glad you had to be up close to read them.

  Everyone laughed.

  As they got into the car, people waved and shouted their best wishes. Henry turned the ignition, and the Chevy sprang to life. He crouched down and waved to as many people as he could see and they sped off, honking the horn for at least half a block.

  Chapter Sixty

  Hi Jen, hi James. This is a pleasant surprise!”

  “We were just on our way home and decided to drop this off for Chloe.”

  “Oh my gosh, what did you buy her now?”

  “It’s a dollhouse. James is good at putting things together so he said he’d set it up for Chloe.”

  “Is Auntie Jen here, Mommy?” Chloe called out as she came out of her bedroom.

  Jenny ducked behind a door. “I’m over here, Chloe.”

  Chloe ran out into the living room, “Where’s Auntie Jen, Mommy?”

  “I’m over here, Chloe!”

  And as Chloe crept up to the door, Jen snuck out and ran into the kitchen.

  “There she is, it’s Auntie Jen!” she shrieked and she ran after her.

  Jen ran through the kitchen and back around to the living room. When Chloe ran in, Jen was on her knees with open arms and Chloe ran right into them for a big hug.

  “Oh Chloe, I love you so much!”

  She laid Chloe on the floor and tickled the little girl until she was laughing hysterically.

  “Jenny, I don’t know who the bigger kid is,” James said.

  “Look what Uncle James has for you, Chloe.” Turning to James she added, “Maybe set it down here, James.”

  “Look Chloe, look at the picture on the box. It’s a dollhouse!”

  “Open it!” the little girl demanded, nearly dancing with glee.

  James knelt down and began opening the box.

  “Hurry up, Uncle James.”

  “I’m going as fast as I can, Chloe.”

  James began tearing at the box more aggressively until the flaps were open. He reached in and brought out a folded cardboard dollhouse, along with several packages containing parts and instructions.

  “Well, Chloe, you help Uncle James put the dollhouse together while your mommy and I visit. Okay?”

  “Here, Uncle James!” Chloe said, handing him one of the packages.

  “Thanks, Chloe.” James took the package and set it down and began opening up the dollhouse and looking at the instructions at the same time.

  “Can I get you a drink, Jenny?” Tammy asked as she made her way into the kitchen.

  “A glass of orange juice if you have it?”

  “I do. How about you, James?”

  “Not now, I’ll spill it all over for sure.”

  Tammy handed Jenny her drink and noticed the huge diamond ring she was wearing. “Oh my, Jenny, is that an engagement ring?!”

  “Yes,” Jenny smiled, tilting her hand in the light until the diamond flared, “James proposed to me last Saturday when we went out for dinner.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me!? My gosh, look at the size of that rock! It’s three times the size of the one Robbie gave me.”

  “Oh, Tammy, an engagement ring is an engagement ring— it’s the love behind it that’s important.”

  Jenny herself wondered why she hadn’t phoned Tammy like Tammy had when Robbie had proposed to her two weeks ago. Tammy had almost flown through the phone in excitement. The sparkle of the huge diamond had made Jenny happy when she first put it on and yet the initial happiness seemed to have faded. She shook her head. Why was she thinking this way?

  “Do you mean, you haven’t told Tammy our news that we’re getting married next May?”

  Jenny was momentarily embarrassed. “I was waiting until we saw her in person to break the news—and now you’ve spoiled my surprise.”

  “Well, congratulations!” Tammy gushed. “I’m so happy for you, Jen! For you both, I mean.” Tammy set down her drink and rushed over to give Jenny a hug.

  “Maybe I should convince Robbie we should delay our wedding at Christmas to the spring as well and we can have a double wedding! Wouldn’t that be something!?”

  “Yes, that would sure be different.”

  “I don’t think Robbie would hear of it, though—he called last night and you’ll never guess what he’s done. He joined some athlete’s group for Jesus.”

  “He what?” asked James, looking back at the two girls sitting on the couch.

  “He’s turned his life over to Jesus, and he was so excited about it. He said it all started when we began going to church together. It made him think about family and when he saw some of the guys he plays with get down on their knees and pray before and after a game he got interested.”

  “That’s wonderful, Tammy.”

  “Sounds to me like he’s losing it, if you ask me.”

  “Oh, James, it’s great that he’s turning his life over to God. Maybe you could take a lesson from him.”

  James grunted under his breath and then asked Chloe to hold something for him. Jenny watched him working with the little girl and it made her heart happy. Perhaps there was hope for this business-minded man of hers.

  “So, tell me more, Tammy? What happened next?”

  “Well, he said he attended one of the Campus Crusade meetings
two nights ago, gave his life to Christ and now he’s a born again Christian.”

  “A what?” James blurted, startling Chloe.

  “He’s become a born again Christian. You know, he’s made a personal commitment to Jesus and received His Holy Spirit.”

  Once again James stopped what he was doing and turned to Tammy. “What the hell is a Holy Spirit?”

  “Watch your language in front of Chloe,” Jenny mouthed to him.

  He frowned at her and waved a hand dismissively, wanting to hear Tammy’s explanation.

  “Well, James, the Holy Spirit is the third Person in the Holy Trinity and—”

  “Forget it, Tammy, you’ve lost me…hand me that, Chloe.”

  Tammy turned back to Jenny. “He sounded so different when he called. He apologized over and over for the way he treated me and for his lack of support, and he begged me to forgive him.” Tammy’s eyes began to tear up.

  Jenny reached over and took her dear friend’s hand. “Oh, Tammy, that’s so wonderful.”

  “He said he doesn’t want to wait until Christmas to get married. He wants to come home at Thanksgiving and get married then and take me back with him. He said that he’s neglected his responsibility for too long and that it’s unfair that I should be raising Chloe alone.”

  Tammy began to cry.

  “Why is mommy crying?” Chloe wanted to know.

  Jenny got up and knelt down in front of the little girl. “Because she’s so happy that she has you and daddy.” Jenny sorted through all the plastic bags. “Boy, Uncle James is doing such a good job! It’s almost done and then we can set up all the furniture in the different rooms.”

  Jenny tore the top off one of the clear plastic bags and poured the contents on the rug. “Here, let’s put this chair in the living room. Now, where should we put this bed?”

  “In the bedroom.”

  “That’s right Chloe! Where is the bedroom, here?”

  “No, silly! That’s the bathroom. There’s the bedroom,” she said, pointing her finger.

  “Well, you know better than me. Okay, you and Uncle James put the rest of the furniture in the rooms.”