by Ralph Smith
“Go sit Ruthie. I’ll fix breakfast.”
“I’m feeling much better Gabe. I need to do normal things. Now stop spoiling me or I’m getting out the frying pan.”
“I see you two are getting back to normal.”
Ruth and Gabe turned to see David entering the kitchen. Ruth walked over to him, arms extended for a hug.
“Good morning David. How are you today?”
David held her tightly. He had missed his mother’s hugs. “Good mom. It’s wonderful to see you looking so much better. I missed you something fierce.”
“I do feel a lot better” she shot Gabe a sideways look “and if I’m going to get my strength back it won’t be by sitting around all day.”
Gabe said kindly, “Just don’t push too hard Ruthie.”
“He’s right, Mom.”
She looked up at her son, and said, “I won’t. Now please sit down. I want to hear what you have planned for today.”
David gave his dad an “I guess I can’t argue with her look”, and Gabe shrugged his shoulders slightly shaking his head. David grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down. Gabe joined him.
“I thought we’d go to Bob Johnson’s and get some gear for Aurora, so we can take a hike up to that waterfall I found. Then I was thinking we could go into the city to the wedding store so she could get a dress.”
“Don’t forget to get a suit too, dear.”
“Oh yeah! I guess a flannel wouldn’t do would it.”
Gabe said, “Molly might have a stroke.”
“Then I was thinking of taking her clothes shopping. She doesn’t have anything to wear except what she borrowed from you.” David said, “After that, I was thinking about having dinner on the river.”
“That would be nice. I can imagine it will all be a big shock for her. Things are so different in her world.”
“I was thinking the same thing, but the day we went to get dad, I was really impressed at how unflappable she is.” David said, “If it gets too late, we may just stay overnight and come home first thing in the morning.”
Gabe said, “Just give us a call so we don’t worry about you, and don’t worry about tomorrow, Molly is organizing an army to help.”
“Yes, when the two of you were outside yesterday, she made a few phone calls, and the reinforcements are coming this morning.”
“Don’t worry about a thing Mom. Just have a good time. The two of you can do whatever you want. All we care about is that at the end of the day we’re married. So if Aunt Molly wants circus clowns, and you want a string quartet get them both. If you want hot dogs on paper plates, that’s OK too.”
“I think we can find something in between hot dogs and caviar. Neither of us ever had a daughter of our own to fawn over, so we’re very excited.”
"Aurora. Good morning," Gabe said cheerfully. “How are you?” Aurora, standing in the doorway looking a little sleepy, was still wearing David’s shirt as a nightdress.
"Good morning." She said as she walked into the room. “It smells good in here.”
David asked, “Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“Yes, that sounds good.”
Ruth said, “Sit down dear. I’m making breakfast too.”
"Thank you." Aurora said, “Can I help with anything?”
“I have it under control. You just relax. It sounds like you have a big day ahead of you.”
“David said he had some surprises in mind for me.”
“We won’t spoil it then.”
David asked, “Did you sleep well, Aurora?”
“Like a rock.”
“Mom, did Dad tell you about my idea about us staying in the cottage on the north ridge after the wedding?”
“Oh that would be nice and cozy, but we’ll have to clean it up for you first. How long do you think you are going to be gone?”
“I hadn’t thought about it. A few days, at least, I suppose.”
Gabe said, “That’ll be plenty of time. We’ll go up there, and get it ready for you while you’re on your honeymoon.”
Aurora smiled at the mention of a honeymoon, and said, “you’re all being so kind to me I just don’t know what to say.”
Ruth walked over to her with a plate of food, and said, “after all we’ve been through together. You would be part of our family even if you weren’t marrying David.”
Aurora smiled at her a little glassy eyed, and said, “thank you so much.”
“Thank you. You helped bring our family back together again.”
David put his arm around her, and kissed her cheek “you should eat. Mom’s right, we do have a big day ahead of us.” He said to change the subject for her. Aurora nodded silently and took his advice.
Ruth served all of them breakfast then sat down to join them. “I imagine Molly and Michael should be up soon.”
Gabe said, “they stayed up a while talking last night. But knowing Molly, she’ll want to get an early start.”
“I’m going to go shower and dress before we head out. Mom, can Aurora borrow some jeans and a shirt? I was thinking that would be more comfortable than a dress, since we’ll be doing a fair amount of walking.”
“Of course. I’ll take her back to pick some things out while you’re getting dressed.”
As soon as they were done eating, David headed back to his room, and Ruth and Aurora went to get her an outfit. They passed Michael and Molly on their way into the kitchen. David came back to the kitchen carrying a small bag, so he was ready to stay the night in the city. Then Aurora headed back so she could shower, and dress too.
Molly was already a bundle of energy “David, I was thinking we could use the grape arbor for Michael to give you your vows. What do you think?”
“Aunt Molly, that sounds perfect, and like I told Mom earlier, whatever the two of you decide will be fine with us as long as we’re married at the end of the day. So have fun.” David said.
Molly said, like a giddy young girl “oh, we will.”
It wasn’t long before Aurora came back to the kitchen dressed, and ready to go. She had on the jeans and boots they had picked out, and a flattering top exposing the cross necklace Gabe had given her. She had pulled her hair back into a braid again, and David was struck by how comfortable and confident she looked.
“I’m ready when you are.”
“Great! Bob’s will be open by the time we get there.” David said. Then he stood, and turned to the others. “Thank you so much, all of you. I have my cell phone with me so if you need us just call. I put the number over by the telephone.”
They all said goodbye and Gabe walked the two of them out to the Jeep. “You two have a great time and don’t rush.”
David was holding the door for Aurora as she stepped up into the car. “Thanks Dad, you have a good time too, don’t let them work too hard.”
“I won’t. Call me later. I love you son.”
“I love you too, Dad.”
“Keep an eye on him, Aurora. Make sure he stays out of trouble.”
“I will Gabe, but that’s much easier said than done.”
David hopped into the driver’s seat, started the car, and said, “Alright, see you later Dad.”
Then he backed down the drive while Aurora gave him a self-satisfied grin. She enjoyed the way his family made her feel welcome, and at ease. She was excited about them spending the day together alone while not on a dangerous journey. “How far is it to Bob Johnson’s?”
“Not far, 15 or 20 minutes. He’ll probably just be opening up when we get there. I’ve known him as long as I can remember. He can be a little colorful so don’t be too surprised by anything he says.”
Aurora chuckled a little “we do seem to meet interesting people together.”
“Yes we do.”
They drove down the drive, and onto the highway. They passed through a number of fields then David turned off the main road. Off to the right was a huge square building with a tin roof and sides, and a sign out front that said ‘Bob Johnson
’s Sporting Goods’.
“What are sporting goods?”
“Oh, you’ll see.”
The dusty gravel parking lot crunched under the tires of the jeep as they pulled up in front of the building. There was only one truck in front, and David knew it would be Bob’s. David and his dad had been coming here for as long as he could remember. They bought all their camping, hunting, riding, and fishing gear here, as well as work clothes for the farm. The outside was plain and unassuming, but inside it was packed from one end to the other.
David got out, and went to get the door for Aurora offering her his hand to help her step down. They walked up to the front doors, to find them locked. David could see Bob standing at the counter with his back to the door. He knocked a couple of times and saw Bob turn and squint in their direction. Once he recognized David he waved, and headed their way.
Bob unlocked the door, and pulling it open said with a big smile, “David it’s good to see you, and who is this pretty young lady?”
David said, “This is Aurora. She and I are getting married tomorrow.”
Bob said, “Well I’ll be” as they entered the building “I almost gave up on the idea. That’s terrific news. I must say, Aurora, this young man has never brought a girl here before. When he was young, he and his friends would come, and the other boys brought their girls trying to impress them, but not David. It’s very nice to meet you. You must be quite special.”
“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you too.”
“Here, let me get the lights.”
When Bob flipped the switch Aurora froze staring at the enormity of it. There were tents set up on display, as well as racks of fishing poles, small boats, and it went on and on. She stared out at what looked like an endless sea of equipment that could supply an army. “What is this place?”
“The best sporting goods store in the world. Bob has everything anyone needs for hunting, fishing, hiking, and a whole lot more.”
“If I don’t have it, you don’t need it.”
“Except for a wedding dress.”
Bob laughed, “True, I guess, I had to draw the line somewhere.” The he added in a somber tone. ”Oh it is a shame your parents aren’t here to see your wedding.”
“Actually Bob they are. Both of them are home, safe, and sound.”
“What! When … I thought your dad was still in the hospital, and…. Well your mom?”
“It is a long and exciting story that I’d hate to deprive my dad the opportunity to tell you. Why don’t you come over tomorrow for the wedding, and I’m sure he’ll enjoy giving you all the gritty details.”
“For that, I might even close the store. I imagine you’re right. I’m sure he’d be disappointed if he didn’t get to tell me. Along with a few embellishments I imagine. I’ll be there. Now what are you two here for, the day before your wedding?”
“We’re going up to Tom’s place in blue rock after the wedding, and plan to go hiking for a few days. We need some equipment, packs, a tent, and all weather clothes for Aurora.”
“I can fix you up with all that no problem.”
“Also, Aurora lost something very important to her, and we need to get a replacement.”
Aurora looked at him with a puzzled expression and asked, “What?”
David asked Bob, “Do you remember Tommy Hicks?”
“Sure, how could I forget? He won every contest we had.”
“He’s an amateur compared to her.”
Bob raised an eyebrow and asked, “Really?”
“I’ve never seen anything like it. Is everything set up in the back?”
“You bet, I’ll lock the door until Eddie gets here. Ooh, this is going to be fun.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Come on I’ll show you.”
“I’m right behind you. Don’t start without me.”
David and Aurora headed toward the back of the building, weaving their way through a jungle of supplies. She was still mesmerized by the sheer volume of it, never mind all the things she’d never seen before. They arrived at a wall, behind a large rack of hiking boots. It was about ten feet tall and didn’t even go halfway up to the ceiling. David made his way to an archway. When they stepped through she saw a short fence made of posts dividing a large open space with targets at the far end. To her right was a rack with dozens of bows.
Aurora smiled, and walked straight over to the rack, and began inspecting them. She turned to see David watching her with a big grin on his face, and said, “My bow never made it out of the tower.”
“I know. I thought you might want a new one for our trip.”
Aurora lifted her hand, and gently touched a long bow running her finger down the smooth surface. Hers had been handmade and had a rough texture to it after years of use. These were like polished pieces of art to her. Bob appeared through the doorway looking excited at the prospect of a good demonstration.
“Yes that’s a nice one, but I’m thinking this one over here might be a good place to start.” Bob said as he walked over to the rack, and pulled down a short bow then grabbed an arrow for her.
Aurora took it as Bob handed it to her, and said, “Go ahead try it.”
Aurora walked to the fence, knocked the arrow, and pulled back on the string. As she let it fly she turned back, and said, “I like more tension on the string.”
Bob stood speechless as the arrow struck a perfect bull’s-eye. Stammering he said, “Well, I can’t argue with that.”
David chuckled a little but didn’t say anything. Bob walked over and took a long bow off the rack. “Tell me if this one’s too strong for you.”
Aurora held the bow for a moment looking at the camouflage finish feeling the weight, and taking another arrow she knocked it, took aim, and fired. She turned smiling as the arrow found the target directly next to her first shot. “I like this one much better.”
Bob hooted, “I’ll be! You sure are something young lady. Let’s try a few more just for fun.”
David stood and watched as Bob had her try every type of bow he had, giddy as she hit the targets dead center every time. Aurora had a grand time too. David imagined that trying all these bows would be like some women trying on dresses or shoes. Aurora had never had so many choices of anything before.
Finally, Bob said, “I have never seen anything like it before. David I knew you weren’t one to exaggerate, but I thought maybe you were blinded by love. Now I know you are, but I sure can understand why.”
“Thanks Bob, Aurora did you find one you like?”
“I think I still like the long bow the best.”
“Let’s be sure then shall we?” David said then he walked over, and grabbed 6 arrows. He laid each of them on the counter about 6 feet back from the fence about 4 feet apart, and said, “how fast do you think you can deliver these 6?”
Aurora gave him a wicked grin and sprang into action. She was fluid motion spinning from one arrow to the next knocking, and releasing it before the previous had even reached the target. She was standing bow in hand, smiling broadly at David looking calm and relaxed as the last arrow struck. All 6 of her shots were bull’s-eyes.
David stood smiling back at her as Bob exploded with laughter. “You two are quite something. Oh I’m going to be at that wedding. In fact, this bow is my wedding gift.”
“Bob you don’t have to do that.”
“Are you kidding me, no one else can ever do that bow justice, especially after today. I insist.”
Aurora walked over and gave Bob a kiss on the cheek “thank you so much. That’s very kind of you.”
Bob was blushing now “We’d better get you two fixed up for your trip.”
“Yes, we still have a wedding dress to buy.”
The three of them walked through the store, with Bob’s guidance, and got Aurora some hiking books and clothes, the camping gear; everything they would need in record time. Bob knew where every item was, and which ones would be the best. Ernie had arrived, and was sta
nding up front when they came up to check out. He looked at Bob with a strange expression, not used to seeing him so buoyant.
"Hi Ernie," David said, “How have you been?”
“I’m doing ok, what’s up with Bob?”
“Ernie you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. Help me ring them up; they need to get a move on. The bow, arrows, and quiver are on me.”
Ernie, eyes wide said, “Ok if you say so.”
With the gear all loaded in the car, they said goodbye, and as David and Aurora were pulling out, Bob shouted, “I’ll see you two tomorrow.”
David headed back to the highway, and turned to Aurora, and asked, “What’d you think of Bob?”
“Oh what a sweet man. That was so nice of him to give me the bow.”
“I have known Bob almost my whole life. I’ve never seen him as excited as he was watching you hit all those targets.”
“I’ve just always been good with a bow ever since I was a little girl.” Aurora said. “Thank you for taking me there. I’ve never seen so many things in one place or bought so much from a shop before. Actually I rarely ever bought anything from a shop.”
“You’re welcome. Think of today as a wedding gift. I normally don’t spend much money on myself so we can afford to splurge. Now that you’re living in this world you need to be able to blend in.”
“Where are we going next?”
“To get your wedding gown. They may need to alter it. We can get you fitted then come back later to pick it up.”
Aurora couldn’t help but sit there smiling. She was getting a wedding dress. She hadn’t had a dress of her own since she was a little girl, and now she was going to have one fitted for her. Without realizing it, she reached over and put her hand on David’s arm. He looked at her, and smiled, but didn’t say anything so she could be alone with her thoughts.
She sat looking out the window gazing at the plowed fields that had yielded their crops, and were now sitting idle until spring. Her thoughts were quiet, taking in the peaceful countryside. Everything looked so neat, and cared for, unlike the war-torn land they had left. Something caught her attention; she looked forward and saw the buildings of the city rising up ahead of them.