But of course, he was home—with the Lord in His eternal home in heaven.
Aunt Edy composed herself. “Nothing would make me happier than to see you marry Ravyn Woods and set off to Indonesia. She’s a special young woman. Such a sensitive soul. She’s been a comfort to me in the last couple of days, and she took in Shelley Jenkins and her boy. Why, she also brings that other young lady to our Bible study.”
“Carla?”
“Yes, that’s her.”
“Aunt Edy, you don’t have to convince me of Ravyn’s big-hearted attributes. I’ve seen them for myself.”
In spite of his comment, Mark’s anguish mounted. He only had to recall how pleased Ravyn had been when he’d mentioned the position at the urgent care clinic. He hated the thought of disappointing her now. Worse, he didn’t want to lose her altogether.
Nevertheless, he knew that if God provided the funds by way of Uncle Chet’s will, then he had to go.
❧
“How can you eat tacos after all that food at the Dariens’ this afternoon?” Shelley pulled out a chair and sat down at the kitchen table beside Ravyn.
“I’m starving. I didn’t get a chance to eat. I was too busy meeting Mark’s family.” She sipped her cola. “All his sisters look alike. I hope I remember their names.”
“They seem very nice.” Shelley smiled and helped herself to a nacho chip, then dipped it in the warm and spicy cheese sauce. “His brothers are good-looking men. Too bad for me they’re all married.”
Ravyn grinned at the remark since her mouth was too full of taco to reply. But all kidding aside, she’d notice how Mark’s siblings went out of their way to befriend her. It went without saying that she and Mark were officially serious about each other.
“For a funeral gathering, it was actually an enjoyable afternoon.”
Again, Ravyn bobbed out an answer.
Shelley tipped her head, looking rather bookish in her navy dress with its gold belt and her hair clipped up. “So why don’t you marry Mark and live happily ever after?”
“Well, for starters,” Ravyn said, swallowing her last bite, “he hasn’t proposed. But, yeah, that is the goal.”
Shelley laughed under her breath and ate another tortilla chip. She’d gained some weight this summer and didn’t appear so sickly thin anymore. “I’ll bet he’d pop the question in a heartbeat if he knew you’d say yes.”
“I don’t know if I’d say yes. That’s why Mark and I are dating.”
“Smart aleck. You forget I live with you. I know that missionary thing is holding you back.”
“Not anymore. Mark might be the newest MD at the urgent care clinic across from the medical center.”
“Oh, right. I sort of heard mutterings about that this afternoon. But I also heard it’s not a done deal.”
“It’s not,” Ravyn conceded, although she had been praying to that end. She had to wonder, too, how Mark’s great-uncle’s death might figure into his decision. She hoped he’d want to remain in Dubuque for his great-aunt’s sake.
Shelley glanced at the clock on the microwave and stood. Strolling into the living room, she instructed Marky to turn off the TV and get ready for bed. After a few whines and complaints, he did as his mother asked and Shelley returned to her place at the table.
“This afternoon I saw a lot of people I hadn’t seen in a decade or more. I felt overwhelmed at the flood of memories. I kept thinking about my parents. They were well-off financially and I was an only child and yet, they didn’t love me the way I longed to be loved. I was a trophy of their marriage and only something to be seen and not heard. But in actuality, I think I would have done anything if my dad would have chosen to spend time with me rather than play golf or attend the men’s club at church or go off on any number of his favorite recreations away from home.”
Ravyn didn’t reply. By now she could sense when Shelley needed to talk and rid herself of the past demons that continually haunted her.
“When we were kids, I used to relish going over to your house. Your folks might not have wallowed in material wealth, but they loved you and I felt that love through you. That’s why I hung around.”
“My parents liked it when you hung around because then they got two babysitters for the price of one.”
“Ulterior motives, eh?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Well, they still loved you girls. And now Mark loves you, too, Ravyn.”
She lifted her gaze and peered at her friend. “Think so? Love is a strong word.”
“I watched him today. His whole face lit up when you entered the room. He didn’t notice anyone else. It was as if he totally zoned out and focused only on you.”
“Really?” Ravyn felt a jolt of pleasure at the news. She hadn’t noticed.
“When you weren’t around, Mark’s eyes searched you out—even while he was talking with other people.” Shelley sighed. “I found it quite aggravating while trying to have a discussion with him.”
Ravyn laughed.
Shelley glanced at the tabletop, running the side of her fingernail along the wood grain. “You are loved, Ravyn, and you don’t know how lucky you are.”
Ravyn reached out and set her hand on her friend’s forearm. “Shelley, please don’t—”
“I’m not saying this to make you feel bad. I’m telling you this, Rav, so you don’t throw away something wonderful between you and Mark just because things don’t stack up according to the way you’ve planned.”
She retracted her hand as an inner wall of defense began to rise.
“Don’t be angry with me. Hear me out, okay? Mark might be that one guy—the one chance at love you’ll never have again. If you let it go you might regret it forever. I mean, if it were me in your place, I’d follow the guy to Timbuktu.”
Ravyn held back a retort. Her mother and Teala had told her much the same thing. If you love someone, you ought to be able to follow him to the ends of the earth. But what close friends and well-intentioned family members didn’t take into account were Ravyn’s hard-earned career and her own plans for the future. Why couldn’t Mark follow her?
A bit miffed, Ravyn collected all the wrappers from her fast-food supper and stuffed them into the paper bag. “You’re forgetting that Mark has yet to mention the word love around me.”
“He’s probably scared. Think about it. Would you want to bare your heart to someone you thought might dump you if you decided to be a missionary?”
Ravyn tensed. “Shelley! You make me sound like I’m a shallow person. I’m not.”
“Of course you’re not. Look at all you’ve done for me and for Marky. Where would we be if it weren’t for you?” She stood. “I didn’t mean to offend you. But now I have to go tuck a certain ten-year-old into bed. He’s got school tomorrow.”
A forgiving smile played on Ravyn’s lips, although as she watched Shelley leave the room, she couldn’t seem to shake off everything she’d said.
In fact, the comments lingered in her mind all through the night. She thought and prayed and prayed some more.
Lord, what do I do if Mark makes the decision to go overseas?
The answer boomeranged back to her soul.
Trust and obey.
❧
A hard rain splattered against the window as Ravyn stared out across the empty tennis courts. She stifled a yawn and turned back to Mark. He had called a half hour ago saying he needed to speak with her, that it was important. Now seemed the perfect time with Shelley at work and Marky at school. But, after working all night, Ravyn felt exhaustion creeping into her senses. The fact that Mark seemed at a loss for words only frustrated her.
She regarded him for several long moments as he sat on the edge of the sofa, which had doubled as her bed since Shelley moved in. His arms dangled over his knees. His expression looked solemn. In a word, he looked like one miserable man.
“Are you sure I can’t get you something? I could make some lunch if you’re hungry.”
“No, that’s
okay.” He stood and shoved his hands into the pockets of his tan casual trousers. He cleared his throat. “I’m glad you had a fun time shopping with my mom and sisters the other day.”
“I did.” She narrowed her gaze. “But that’s not what you came over to discuss, is it? Our shopping trip?”
“No.” He gave a slight wag of his head. “I’m working up to the real issue.”
“Well, you’re making me nervous. Maybe you should just spit it out and get it over with.”
“Easy for you to say.”
Ravyn wasn’t amused by the quip. “Is it about your aunt?” She knew Mark had been preoccupied this last week with various legal matters. “Is it your family? They made it back to New Hampshire okay, didn’t they?”
“Everyone’s fine.” Mark took a few steps toward her. “Look, I just wanted you to know I turned down the job at the clinic.”
“Okay.”
Ravyn felt a tad perplexed. She didn’t know why he’d feel hesitant about telling her that, unless it meant—
Reality slammed into her. “Y–you’re headed for that little island off of Indonesia, aren’t you?”
“Yes, I am.” Mark’s brown eyes seemed so sad. “I’m sorry, Ravyn. I know this is what God wants me to do and where He wants me to go.”
“Then why are you sorry?” She moved toward him. “You’re trusting and obeying God. You’re honorable and committed.”
“Thanks, but—”
“Don’t tell me you’re leaving tomorrow!”
“No.” A rueful grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. “In January. Like I planned. I need to do some healing after my uncle’s untimely death and I want to make sure my aunt’s going to be okay.”
“Understandable and. . .very gallant.”
“You’re very complimentary this morning, Ravyn, and you’re, um, taking this a lot better than I expected. I don’t know if that makes me feel good or bad.” He flashed a bit of a smile before a stony expression washed over his expression again. “What I want to know is, where does my decision leave us?”
Questions crowded her thoughts. Couldn’t he tell she loved him? Why didn’t he ask her to marry him? But then she recalled what Shelley had said about a guy not wanting to bare his heart if he thought he’d get dumped. Ravyn realized she had some explaining to do.
“Mark, I know I haven’t been very supportive in the past of missionaries in general, but after a lot of dialogue with God, I’ve reconsidered.”
“Oh?” He placed his hands on his hips and his expression seemed to soften.
Ravyn inched her way closer. “The truth is I love you. I think I’ve loved you since I was sixteen. I wish you wouldn’t leave Dubuque, but if that’s how the Lord is directing you, and it obviously is, then I want to go with you.”
“You—what?” He looked stunned. “Wait a second. Let me get this straight. Are you saying you’ll give up your nursing career and your future plans to go overseas with me?”
“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying.” Suddenly it all seemed so very simple. “All my well-laid plans won’t mean anything if I’m unhappy. Besides, they’re my plans and they have been all along. They’re not God’s plans.”
Mark closed the distance between them and cupped her face with his hands. He urged her gaze into his. “Are you sure, Ravyn?”
“I’m sure. It means a lot to me that you’re willing to follow the Lord and not cave in to external pressures. No matter what happens I’ll be able to rest in the knowledge that your utmost desire is to walk with Christ.” Tears blurred her vision. “Like my dad.”
A smile grew wide across his face. “You’d have to marry me.”
“Oh, well, forget it,” she teased with an upward flick of her gaze.
His laugh filled the living room and a moment later, her feet left the carpeted floor as Mark twirled her around before wrapping her in a snug embrace.
“Of course I’ll marry you, Mark.” Ravyn felt his lips graze her temple.
“I love you.”
“I know.” With her head pressed against his heart, she smiled.
“You’re perfect for me. You challenge and encourage me.” He gently pushed her back and stared down into her eyes. “God filled my prescription for love—with you.”
Ravyn felt special, cherished, and, yes, loved. And while it wasn’t the proposal of marriage she’d imagined, she’d never experienced such joy. She knew at that precise moment she’d made the right decision.
And now she was about to seal it with a kiss.
Epilogue
Okay, everyone, look this way and smile!”
The photographer snapped several shots while the wedding party stood poised on the deep-red carpeted steps of the church’s platform. Scarlet-leafed poinsettias were lined up in a row at their feet. The plants contrasted in seasonal fashion with the evergreen-colored dresses worn by the six bridesmaids. Mark and his groomsmen looked their dashing best in black tuxedos, although Ravyn’s gaze never strayed beyond her handsome husband. Christmas had always been one of her favorite holidays and now the celebration carried with it an extra special blessing; she’d just married the man she loved.
Ravyn pressed in a little closer to her husband.
A few more pictures were taken. Minutes later, the wedding party disbanded and made its way downstairs for the small reception, the happy bride and groom included. The pastor had agreed to marry Ravyn and Mark in the larger, founding church in order to accommodate the many guests.
As they entered the spacious fellowship area decorated with white paper wedding bells and streamers, family members and friends cheered. Then Ravyn and Mark cut their wedding cake amid more applause and pictures.
“Wow, I hardly recognize you two without your scrubs on,” Liz said minutes later, after taking a sip of punch. “But I’ll say this much, you make a perfect couple.”
Ravyn felt Mark tighten his hold around her waist. She smiled. “We think so, too.”
Liz set her punch down on a nearby table and gave both Ravyn and Mark a hug. “I’ll sure miss you two. Make sure you e-mail me and keep me updated on what’s happening overseas.”
“We will,” Mark promised.
Several other coworkers expressed their congratulations and then Carla approached them. Her cheeks held a rosy hue that matched her two-piece skirt and sweater.
She wrapped Ravyn in a sisterly embrace. “You look beautiful and the ceremony made me cry. It was so lovely.” She took Mark’s hand and gave it a congratulatory squeeze. “And guess what just happened? Mrs. Darien asked if I’d move in with her and I said yes.”
“I’m so glad.” Ravyn felt additional tears of happiness spring to her eyes. Carla hadn’t been in a good living situation for a long time. Her roommates liked to party in irresponsible, even dangerous ways.
“Aunt Edy discussed the matter with Ravyn and me,” Mark said. “We were all for it from the beginning. I think you and my aunt will be an encouragement to each other.”
“Thanks. She’s pretty cool for an older lady.”
Ravyn smiled and then more guests captured her and Mark’s attention.
Finally Shelley made her way to them. Marky sat at a nearby table, eating cake and joking with other kids his age.
“I’ll never forgive you for stealing my roommate.” She flicked a teasing glance at Mark and hugged Ravyn. “I’m going to miss her.”
“Well,” Mark answered with a wry grin, “according to my aunt, wedding bells might be in your future, too.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that.” Shelley actually blushed. “Trevor’s a nice guy and everything and Marky certainly likes him, but. . .” She glanced over her shoulder and Ravyn followed her gaze to the stocky-framed man with light brown hair refilling his punch glass. “We’ll see.”
Ravyn had a hunch Mark was right: marriage lurked around the corner for Shelley. Shelley and Trevor had met during a junior high outing at church about the same time she’d found a new job as an administrative ass
istant at one of the city’s many foundries. With the better salary, Shelley had decided she could assume Ravyn’s monthly mortgage payments and take care of the condo while Ravyn and Mark were overseas.
“Oh, Ravyn, where would I be without you?” Shelley gave her another hug. “Sometimes I’m scared that you’re leaving. I’ve relied on you for five months.”
“And now it’s time to rely on God. He’s always with you.”
“I know.”
“Besides, my parents are just a phone call away.”
“My aunt, too,” Mark added.
Shelley nodded.
A moment later, Ravyn’s father’s voice commanded everyone’s attention. “A special toast to the bride and groom,” he said, lifting his punch glass. “May your ministry together be all God intended from the beginning of time, and may your lives be filled with special blessings.”
“Yes, like lots of grandchildren!” Mark’s mother exclaimed.
Everyone cheered and Ravyn rode out her wave of embarrassment with a smile. Then she looked up at Mark and he gazed into her eyes with unabashed love and desire before kissing her. Applause and laughter filled the room, and at that precise moment Ravyn knew she’d live nothing short of happily ever after.
About the Author
Andrea Boeshaar has been married for almost thirty years. She and her husband, Daniel, have three adult sons, three precious daughters-in-law, and one beautiful and very precocious granddaughter. Andrea attended college, first at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where she studied English, and then at Alverno College, where she studied professional communications and business management. Andrea has been writing stories and poems since she was a little girl; however, it wasn’t until 1991, after she became a Christian, that she answered God’s call to write exclusively for the Christian market. Since then Andrea has written articles, devotionals, eighteen novels, and eight novellas—many of which made the CBA bestseller list. For more on Andrea and a list of her published works, visit her Web site at: www.andreaboeshaar.com.
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