by Ralph Smith
As David drew nearer, it felt as if alarm bells were going off inside every inch of him. He stopped a few feet back from the desk. Without turning the man spoke. “It is so nice to see you again.”
Then he slowly turned around in his chair, his hands steepled in front of him, his elbows resting on the arms of the chair, he was calm and relaxed. David’s eyes went wide when he saw his face. It was Him, the Dark One.
Seeing David’s look of surprise, He let out a horrible cackling laugh. David woke a little panicked, and sat up looking around. The room was bathed in sunlight. Morning had come.
“I’m sorry, did I startle you?”
David turned to see Aurora next to him then laid back down. She laid down too putting her arm around him, and said, “I was thinking about getting up, but didn’t want to wake you.” She was smiling.
"No, you didn't wake me," He said kindly “I had a strange dream that’s all. How are you? Did you sleep ok?” David asked, not wanting to put a damper on the day by telling her about the dream.
“Really! Was I in your dream?” Aurora asked with a coy smile “You were in mine.”
“What were we doing?”
"Hmm, I'll show you," she said as she leaned in, and gave him a soft sensuous kiss. Then with a little smirk she added, “I guess I better get out of bed. We can’t miss our own wedding.” She gently stroked the side of his face, leaving him breathless, and hopped out of bed.
He watched her walk to the bathroom, turn, and give him a shy little grin as she stepped out of view. She had completely pushed the dream from his thoughts, so he got up, and went to the kitchen. Everyone else was already up and finished with breakfast. He was greeted by all their smiling faces, and his mother rushed over giving him a big hug.
“Good morning dear. Come, and have some breakfast. Your father said you two had a good day yesterday. We want to hear all about it.”
“Good morning, Mom. Hi Aunt Molly, Michael, Dad; how are all of you?” David asked as he took a seat at the table.
“Good. And where is your lovely bride?” Aunt Molly asked.
"Good morning everyone," Aurora said as she appeared in the doorway. She immediately went over to Ruth and hugged her. “I can’t tell you how much it means that you gave David your mother’s ring for me.”
Ruth, a little surprised at first squeezed Aurora tightly, “I couldn’t be happier for you both, and after all we’ve been through, I’m proud to have you as part of our family.”
David looked at the two of them and felt a rush of emotion. He felt very fortunate. All too often mothers and daughter-in-law don’t get along so well, and it’s a constant source of tension.
“Thank God we dodged that bullet.” Gabe said, half whispering to David. “Your grandmother never liked me.”
“Gabe, you stop that!” Ruth demanded as she and Aurora let go of each other. “She liked you just fine except for that one thing you did.”
“Dad, what did you do?” David asked as Aurora sat down next to him.
“Your father was a bit of a jokester when he was younger.”
“You see, your mom wanted to make me dinner, and she was going to roast a chicken. She told me she was very worried about overcooking it, so….“
“What did you do Dad?”
“I pretended to go to the car for some things, and sneaked around to the kitchen, and….”
“He took the bird out of the oven before it even got warm, and put a live chicken in there.” Ruth said.
“Unfortunately your grandmother decided to go check on it for your mom. You can imagine her surprise when she opened the door and a very unhappy chicken came out squawking at her.” Gabe said, trying not to laugh.
Everyone else started laughing, and Ruth said, “Mom wasn’t too pleased, and we heard her screaming in the other room.”
“It took us 30 minutes to catch the darn thing, and it made a huge mess in the kitchen.” Gabe said laughing now too.
“And you still married him Mom?” David asked through a laugh.
“I have to admit I thought it was funny too. Then after we finally caught the chicken, he looked my mother in the eye, pretending he was innocent, and said ‘I guess she didn’t overcook it.’ I thought your grandmother was going to hit him with a frying pan.” Ruth said.
“With that thick skull of his, it probably wouldn’t have hurt him” Aunt Molly said.
Aurora laughing turned to David and said, “you better not get any ideas.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
Michael declared “A wise man.”
“So tell us about your day yesterday. Bob Johnson called over here all in a twitter. He’s coming to the wedding, by the way.” Gabe said.
“Oh that’s good. I hope you don’t mind that I invited him. He was so excited to hear the two of you were home, and I didn’t want to take the time to tell him the story. I’m not sure exactly what I would’ve told him.”
“Tell us what the two of you did to him. He was downright giddy.” Gabe said.
“Aurora tried out every bow he had, and I encouraged her to show off a little. She hit a bull’s-eye every time.”
“Wow! You did?” Gabe asked.
“It wasn’t that hard” Aurora said, “The targets weren’t moving or anything.”
“Bob was so excited watching her shoot, he gave her a bow as a wedding present.”
“I don’t think Bob has even given as much as a pack of waterproof matches away before. You must have really impressed him.”
“You’ve never seen anything like it. She barely has to look at the target, and off the arrow flies… bull’s-eye. Bob was practically jumping up and down.”
“That’s all very interesting boys, but tell us dear, did you find a dress?” Aunt Molly asked.
“Oh, yes! It’s the most beautiful gown I’ve ever seen.” Aurora said, her eyes a little misty just thinking about it.
“You didn’t see her in it did you, David?” Ruth asked.
“No, Mom. I got fitted for a tux while she picked it out.”
“It’s nice to know one of my boys listens to me.”
“I listen sometimes. I just have a different idea about things than you do Ruthie.” Gabe said mischievously.
Ruth gave him an exasperated look, and then said, “After breakfast let’s take a look at it. I can’t wait to see it. Now what else did you do?”
“David took me to the mission. Then lunch on top of this frightfully tall building.”
“What mission?” Michael asked.
“Safe Haven, they feed poor people and provide shelter for women and children. Didn’t David tell any of you about it?” Aurora said giving David a quizzical look.
David looking a little embarrassed said, “no I haven’t.”
“I’ve heard of it. They do remarkable work there. The young woman, Rebecca, who runs it is well regarded.” Michael said.
“That’s right. Without her, there wouldn’t be a mission.” David said.
“What is it son? What aren’t you telling us?” Gabe asked knowingly.
David sat looking at his coffee cup, and Aurora put a hand on his arm beaming at him with pride, and said, “David is the one who helped start it and provides money for it, but he doesn’t want anyone to know. But you shouldn’t keep something like that from your parents.”
“I wasn’t keeping it from them I just… “ David said weakly.
“Son, we’re very proud of you. Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with us.” Gabe said.
“He’s always been generous.” Aunt Molly said.
“Full of surprises too. You are wise beyond your years, David.” Michael said, “Matthew 6: Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues, and in the streets that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who se
es in secret will reward you.”
Ruth noticing David’s embarrassment at all the attention jumped in to change the subject. “So tell us, what else did you two do?”
David looked up at his mother with an expression of relief, and said, “I took Aurora to the rooftop for lunch, and she didn’t care for the elevator too much.”
"Honestly, I was terrified," Aurora said with a chuckle “it was amazing to look out at the city, but standing in that glass room sliding up the side of the building was too much for me.”
“If it makes you feel any better, it took David years to get over it too.” Gabe said.
“He told me, but I have to admit I was very happy to get back on the ground again.”
“I don’t blame you, dear. I still don’t like it” Molly said. “Where else did you go?”
“We walked around the city, and David took me clothes shopping, so I don’t have to keep borrowing yours” Aurora said looking at Ruth. “Then we went to a park by the river and sat for a while.”
“That must have been nice. The weather was perfect for it.” Ruth said.
“He took me to this lovely place for dinner, and had the piano player play a song for us so we could dance. Then right in the middle of the place with everyone watching, he got down on his knee, and asked me to marry him.” Aurora said smiling brightly at the memory.
“Oh! So romantic” Molly said, and David noticed the slightest tick of her eye as she glanced at Michael.
“Thankfully she said yes.” David said with a sly grin.
“Of course I did. I can’t resist you.” Aurora said playfully.
“So Aunt Molly, what about you and Michael? Are you two going to get married?” David said with a cat that ate the canary grin.
Michael choked on a sip of coffee at which Molly hit him on the arm. Red in the face Molly said, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Aunt Molly, it’s written all over you two.”
Michael and Molly looked at each other dumbfounded, and Ruth exclaimed “is it true? Oh how wonderful.”
Michael said, in an embarrassed stutter, “We have been spending a lot of time together, and...”
Molly, taking on an air of defiance, added, “we are very fond of each other yes.”
“That’s great news. Now, I don’t have to worry about you becoming the old cat lady, anymore.” Gabe said.
“Ha, ha,” Molly said without a hint of laughter, “I don’t even like cats.”
"I'm truly happy for both of you." Gabe said earnestly “Michael is one of the finest men I’ve ever known.”
Molly, trying to hide her pleasure at his words said, “Thank you Gabe.”
David stood up, and said, “Before I get into any more trouble, I’m going to go unpack the car.”
"I'll give you a hand," Gabe said, “it might help keep me out of trouble too.”
"Not likely," Ruth said.
"I'll come too," Aurora said.
"I think I need some fresh air," Michael said, “I’ll come too.”
“You can put Aurora’s dress in our room so she can get ready in private later.” Ruth said.
Gabe waved at her as he, Michael, and David headed out of the door. Aurora stopped to talk to Ruth and Molly “would the two of you please help me get ready later? I’ve never actually gotten dressed up before, and …”
“I would love to.”
Molly added “oh yes! I can’t wait to see you in your dress. We’ll have you sparkling like a jewel.”
Aurora smiled “thank you so much. I guess I’d better go help.” Then she turned, and headed out to the car.
First they unloaded all the clothes, and then they uncovered the camping equipment. David pulled out the bow and quiver, and handed it to Aurora “would you like to show Dad, and Michael a little of what got Bob so excited yesterday?”
“Oh they don’t want to see me show off.”
“Oh yes we do!” Gabe said with a big grin.
“Just once, I don’t want to keep your mom waiting. Pick a target for me.”
“How about that fence post down at the end of the drive,” David asked “it’s further than Bob’s targets, but I’m sure you can do it.”
Giving him a sly grin she said, “all right.”
David handed Gabe and Michael each an arrow. He took one positioning each of them a full 4 feet apart. Then he nodded to Aurora. She walked over to Michael who was on the opposite end of David smiled then took the arrow, and spun. She let the arrow fly, turned, and grabbed Gabe’s, then turned again, and grabbed the one from David. While they were all still in the air, she handed him the bow and gave him a kiss.
"See you later," she said as she walked off.
Each arrow hit the post clustered together. Gabe and Michael stood speechless for a second then Gabe said, “wow! That was something.”
"Yeah," David said a little breathlessly still tasting her lips on his as he watched her walk off.
"You'd better not get on her bad side," Michael said.
The three of them laughed, then walked down the drive to retrieve the arrows and inspect her precision. “You should see her when she’s fighting. Fluid motion. I’ve never seen anyone like her.” David said, “I couldn’t have made the journey without her.”
Gabe knelt down to look where the arrows struck “Look at that, almost no wood between the tips. I thought Bob was exaggerating.”
“I never saw Bob giddy before.” David said, “I guess I should get back and organize our gear for the trip. I’m hoping to make it to Tom’s before midnight.”
"I'll give you a hand," Gabe said.
“I’ve got her ID, and the marriage license at the house. I’ll get it for you.” Michael said.
***
Aurora walked into the kitchen and found Molly and Ruth. “Do you need help with anything?” She asked.
"We're all done," Ruth said. “Did the boys bring all of your clothes inside?”
“Yes, they put them in your room.”
“Oh good, I can’t wait to see. You’re going to be such a beautiful bride.” Molly said excitedly; then taking Aurora’s arm led her out of the room.
Aurora gave Ruth a quick glance, and she said, “I’m right behind you. I don’t want to miss a thing.”
They walked into the room to see the wedding dress, which was hanging on the closet door carefully wrapped in a white plastic bag. Stacked in another corner were bags of clothes, and shoeboxes waiting to be unpacked.
Molly, letting go of Aurora, hurried over to the dress, and stood staring at it, as if trying to see through the plastic wrapping. "I see they wrapped it well enough to keep David from getting a look at it before the wedding," she said a little absentmindedly.
Aurora gave Ruth a smile, and said, “Aunt Molly, would you like to open it up?”
Molly flushed a little and said, “Oh dear, that’s alright. I’m sure you…”
Aurora said, “Please, I’m afraid I might mess it up. I really don’t know about these things.”
“If you insist, dear.“ Molly said, and quickly turned to the wrapping.
Ruth placed a hand on Aurora, and smiled at her as Molly meticulously began unzipping the plastic bag. Then with a deep breath she pulled it off the dress. Aurora felt a gush of excitement when she saw the dress again that was amplified by the ooing, and ahhing from Molly and Ruth.
Molly, positively beaming said, “It’s magnificent. So elegant, and look at this fabric. You will look like an angel.”
“Oh yes. It’s magnificent. No one will be able to keep their eyes off of you.”
“I was a bit nervous. Most of the other dresses had so much lace and material, I was afraid I might have made a poor choice.”
“Not at all” Ruth said, “This dress is perfect for you; elegant and pure just like you. You don’t need all that extra stuff to show how beautiful you are.”
Aurora flushed, “I’ve never thought of myself as beautiful, I just hope David likes it.”
“If you don’t mind, can I show you what else I got, so you can help me figure out what to bring on our trip?”
The three of them went through each of the packages as Molly and Ruth helped her sort the clothes into groups for occasions; day to day wear, evening wear, etc. They put a selection together of enough variety for her to wear while they were gone. When they got to the last 2 bags, Aurora said a bit embarrassed “oh, these are undergarments.”
“Let’s see what you have. Did you get something special for tonight?”
"Molly," Ruth said in a slightly exasperated tone “you are going to embarrass the girl to death.”
“Thank you, Ruth, but the truth is I don’t know anything about well … a wedding night. What if I’m terrible, and do everything wrong?” Aurora said in a rush then looked down to hide her eyes hoping they wouldn’t think badly of her.
Ruth put a comforting arm around her, and said, “I was terrified on my wedding night too, but Gabe and I loved each other very much, just the way you and David do, and nothing will change that. You’ll know what to do. Intimacy between a husband and wife is an extension of that love. It brings you closer together because it’s something you only share with each other. I’m sure David is just as nervous because he’s never been with anyone either.”
Aurora looked up at her, tears in her eyes, and said, “Since my Mother couldn’t be here on this day I’m so thankful to have you here in her place.”
Ruth hugged Aurora tightly, and Molly let out a wail “oh that’s lovely. I want the two of you with me on my wedding day, too.”
At that Aurora and Ruth chuckled a little, and Ruth said, “I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Neither would I.”
Molly threw her arms around the two of them so forcefully she almost knocked them over. “I never thought at my age that I might meet someone. I just didn’t want to make a big thing out of it because it’s your special day.”
“It’s wonderful, and only adds to the occasion. I’m so very happy for you. I never thought I’d meet someone either.”