by Nancy Hopper
At last, Tasha stirred. She looked around, to find Pastor Brooks sitting patiently in a chair. Gary was standing at the window, leaning with his head against the sill, and his arms folded protectively over his chest. She got up and went to him, feeling a great ache in him. She wanted to comfort him.
She put a hand on his arm, and he folded her against him, without even looking at her. She put her arms around him, and fearfully held him. It was different now. Something very significant had happened, though she couldn’t decide just what it was. She put her head on his chest. It was wonderful, and terrible, and frightening.
At last, Gary looked down at her, and stroked her hair tenderly. His eyes cut her to the quick. It was as though he could see into her soul, and knew all that she was; all that she’d ever been or done; all that she’d ever thought about. Of course, that was impossible. She smiled up at him, and sighed. She put her head back on his chest, and he just held her.
Gary’s eyes met Philip’s across the room. They just looked at one another, for a long moment. There was no need for words between the two men.
Tasha awoke feeling completely refreshed, Monday morning. She smiled, and stretched luxuriously. Then she remembered, and sat up slowly. Had it really all happened?
She got out of bed, and slipped into her robe. The bathroom was empty, so she slipped in for a shower, and dried her hair. She went back to her room, and chose a pretty lavender pair of bib shorts, and a striped top to go under them. Then, she wandered down to the kitchen to find a pot of coffee sitting ready. No one seemed to be around.
She felt hysterical laughter bubble up in her throat as she consulted the clock. It was only seven-fifteen! She’d never been up at such an hour in her life!
“Good morning.” a husky voice greeted her from behind. Soft, warm lips kissed her neck, and strong arms encircled her.
“Gary!” The word was a caress in her throat, so potent that Gary’s eyes darkened in quickening passion. He slipped his arms around her, and kissed her deeply. It took all he had, to stop. God, he wanted her. Right now.
“Gary?” she questioned uneasily.
He looked down at her, and smiled. “Do you know how tempting you are in the morning?” he growled ruefully. “I’m not so sure you and I ought to be under the same roof, anymore.”
Tasha smiled knowingly. “So, send me away.” she challenged confidently.
“Can’t.” he admitted, as if it pained him.
She laughed at him softly. “I didn’t think so.”
“Want a cup of coffee?”
“Love one.” she admitted.
“Good morning, you two.” Philip Brooks said quietly.
Tasha almost fainted in shock, at the sound of the unfamiliar voice behind her. She’d been so intent on Gary, she hadn’t heard him come in. “You startled me.” she admitted.
He smiled. “Is there enough coffee for three?” he asked hopefully.
“You bet.” Gary assured him. “I’ll get it right now.”
Tasha felt out of place as Gary gathered cups, a tray, the cream and sugar. “Carry this out while I put a shirt on, honey?” he asked hopefully.
She looked regretfully at his smooth, brown chest and trim waist and pouted. “I’d rather not.” she said hopefully, but her brows crashed as he shook his head.
“I think I’d better go do it, right now.” he insisted teasingly.
“Okay.” she said. Then she suddenly realized what she’d agreed to. She’d never carried a tray in her life! What if she dropped it? How did one carry so much?
She gingerly picked it up, and found that it wasn’t heavy; but the coffee seemed to swish around in the cups like a tempest in a teapot. She grimaced, and inched her way toward the terrace door, suspiciously and fearfully staring at the coffee cups. She made it though the swinging door, and out through the dining room. At last she was on the terrace, and put the tray on the table with a sigh.
She looked up to find Philip’s eyes gently assessing her.
“How are you this morning, young lady?” he asked with genuine interest.
Tasha shrugged, unsure what to say. Her usual self-assurance was far away. “Fine. Confused.” she admitted, blushing. “I don’t understand anything that’s happening to me.”
“You will.” he promised. “Just trust Gary, and submit yourself to him. He’ll take good care of you.”
“Submit? What do you mean, submit myself to him?” she asked in a brittle voice.
Philip smiled unconcernedly. “It’s very simple, Tasha. Just let him take the lead. Give in, when he makes a decision. Trust his judgment. And try to do the things he asks you to do.”
“That’s archaic! Reverend Brooks, I am an independently wealthy woman, and I don’t have to submit to any man!”
He smiled broadly. “No, you don’t. But you will learn, Tasha. I think you’ll even want to.”
Gary entered the scene with his steaming cup of coffee. “What’s the scowl for?” he asked warily.
“Nothing.” Tasha snapped.
Philip Brooks smiled. “Tasha finds the thought of submission distasteful. I fear I struck a nerve.”
Gary grinned. “I could have told you that.” he agreed, flashing a bright smile her way. “Don’t worry about it, honey.” he advised, chuckling. “Everything is going to be fine. Do you think I could persuade you to cook us some breakfast?” he asked hopefully.
“Oh ... of course.” she answered woodenly. She was disconcerted by the quick change of subject. She got up, and walked back into the kitchen without further ado.
She hunted around until she found a frying pan, six eggs and a pound of bacon. The freezer yielded frozen juice, and she found a pitcher under the stove. There was fresh bread in the bread box. Once she had the butter out, she stood and looked at the stove in complete alarm.
Gary walked in to find her white as a sheet, staring at the stove with something akin to panic in her eyes.
“Honey, what’s wrong?” he asked worriedly.
She whirled and turned eyes full of self-doubt up to him. “Gary, I don’t know what to do. I ... I mean, I’ve never cooked anything in my life. I’m sorry, I don’t know where to begin!” she admitted tearfully. “I didn’t mean to let you down.”
He blinked, and stared down at her. “You’ve never ... cooked anything?” he echoed in disbelief.
“No!” she wailed quietly.
“Oh, my gosh.” he chuckled. “Tasha, I had no idea. Honey, I’m sorry. I’ll show you, it’s easy.”
He started the bacon, and got out the toaster. “You see how easy it is to submit?” he asked teasingly. “You wanted to please me so badly that you tried – though you had no idea what to do. You know, it’s not just a male-female thing, honey. It’s a way of life for all of us, submitting to those God has placed in our lives for balance and guidance. It’s about trusting one another and being willing to do what’s needed by others. It’s simply serving one another.”
“Hmm. I’ve never seen myself as the ... servant type.” she said dubiously, but there was no sting in her words.
Gary’s smile faded nonetheless. He’d really never considered her wealth, but now it began to sink in. “Tasha, do you like living here?” he asked uncertainly.
“Of course.” she answered immediately.
“Even though there’s no maid, no cook, no dishwasher?’”
“I wouldn’t know how to run one, anyway.” she teased. “It’s been a bit of a shock, but I’ve survived it all right.”
Gary smiled slightly, and took the bacon off the fire. Tasha watched, mystified as he cracked the eggs into the pan. She watched with dubious interest as the whites cooked and the yolks firmed up.
Gary smiled to himself as he put the eggs on plates, and turned to hand them to her. He watched her take them, tight-lipped, and carry them meticulously out to the terrace.
There was apparently a great deal yet to be learned about Miss Tasha Charles.
Ten o’clock found Tasha out on t
he beach, enjoying an already hot sun. She was amazed at how good she felt, even after helping Gary with breakfast, and clean-up afterward. And Ruth and Deb had been amazed, watching her like gawking birds. There was something so different about her today, and everyone seemed to notice, though no one but Gary and Philip knew exactly what it was.
She laughed softly at herself. It seemed silly, but she felt a sense of accomplishment that she’d risen so early, and done so much already. She had been happy as a lark, washing dishes with Gary. It was crazy.
Her mind puzzled over the previous night’s events as she lay there. It had all been so strange, and had happened so quickly. Why had she said yes to it all? She didn’t really believe all that mumbo-jumbo, about God and the Holy Spirit.
But when Gary touched her ... it did such crazy things to her. That had to be it. She tried not to think about it too hard, not to analyze, yet she couldn’t help herself. Obviously, he believed it and she could not deny that something profound had happened between them.
“It’s more than that, and you know it.” something inside her insisted. “Admit that it was Me.”
Tasha found herself crying before she knew what had happened. She felt crushed and humbled. There was a heavy weight on her that would not leave. It was Him. She could feel His Presence on her, and she gasped at the tearing of her heart as He took her to task for denying her salvation.
“Oh, God. Oh, my God.” she whispered, awestruck.
“Yes, I am your God. Do not so easily forget it.” He said distinctly in her heart.
“Jesus. Jesus.” she breathed, in awe and fear. She felt repentance break over her like a wave, and she wept into her hands. It was insane. She was laying on a public beach, crying for no apparent reason. She got on her knees because she felt He wanted her to, and rocked back and forth.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t really realize. I didn’t know.” she said brokenly. She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt now, that there was a real, living God; and that her life was going to take a sharp right turn, beginning this very day. There would be no more manipulation, no more scheming, no more selfishness, no more pouting, allowed. She had to change. She could feel it now, she could see it. Jesus showed her.
She felt great fear in that moment, about her own life, and her relationship with Gary. Her new-found love with Gary had to be protected; their relationship had to be maintained at all cost.
And yet, she knew Jesus was telling her He could take Gary away from her with a snap of His fingers. In her heart of hearts, she knew that was quite true, now. He just showed her the truth. There was no longer any doubt about His power over both of them.
Gary had somehow become her life’s blood. There was something so real, so alive and fulfilling about having him near her, having his attention. She needed him desperately. He was the one man in a lifetime who could make her happy.
Gary gazed down at the beautiful, tanned young woman lying on the beach below his study window. Her hair fanned over the towel beneath her in a carefree cascade of elegant beauty. He was mesmerized. He turned at a tap on his door.
“Gary?” Philip asked, poking his head around the door. “Ah, I was right. Your mind isn’t on your work this morning.”
“No.” Gary admitted tiredly.
Philip joined him at the window and followed his gaze. “She’s extraordinarily beautiful, Gary.”
Gary’s eyes flickered uncertainly. “I know it. She’s also extraordinarily rich, Phil. I can’t believe what’s happening between us. I can’t understand my feelings.”
Philip smiled. “She’s not exactly what you would have chosen for yourself, hmm?”
“Never in a million years.” Gary grinned. “Tell me honestly, Philip. What are you thinking?”
Philip smiled mischievously. “I know you well enough to know you didn’t manufacture this, Gary. She’s not your type, and I can feel the very struggle in your spirit against loving her. And you’ve got a tiger by the tail. She’s going to whip you around some before she tames down, son.”
“But do you think it’s right? Am I so blind that I’m missing it?”
“No, Gary, you’re not.” Philip assured him immediately. “Believe it or not, I think the Lord has a great purpose in this.”
Gary sighed his relief. “I’m glad. I’m glad you’re here. You know, it’s kind of frightening to watch the change in Tasha. I can’t help wondering if it will really last.”
“It’ll take time. She’ll no doubt revert and give you hell now and then, Gary. More than anything, she’ll need you to be absolutely steadfast.”
Gary shook his head. “Back to that again.”
“You’ll have to be, Gary. Just remember that she’s going to do as much for you, as you will for her. Believe in her, Gary. Encourage her. She’s facing monumental changes, to meet you in the middle. Just don’t ever forget the miracle that’s taking place. She’s got the hook in her mouth, and the Lord will bring her around. You just hold fast, and let Him take care of it.”
Phil shot one last, amused look at the girl on the beach, and patted Gary on the shoulder. “I’m going to take off. I’ll see you in a few weeks.” he promised.
“Okay, Phil. Thanks, and take care.”
After Philip was gone, Gary flopped in a chair and watched her, constantly amazed by the miraculous response she caused in him. He sat up in grave concern when he saw Jim approach her hesitantly, where she lay on the beach.
Jim knelt next to her and Tasha sat up, smiling and speaking to him. The grimness fell away from Gary’s face when he saw her shake her head negatively, saw her apologetic smile.
Jim stood up quickly and shrugged his shoulders, his face beet red. He waved an awkward farewell and walked away.
Gary sat back, feeling a surge of pride and relief as Tasha relaxed, alone again. He could scarcely believe it; yet it was another confirmation in his heart that Tasha’s transformation was sincere.
He didn’t see her again that day, until dinner. When she came downstairs in a white, ruffled, gauze skirt and matching gauze top that slipped over her shoulders, he was waiting to take her to the dining room. The kiss he gave her was soft, but full of suppressed emotion that made Tasha’s heart sing.
“Hello.” he said softly.
“Hello. I missed you.” she said shyly.
“Did you?” he teased. “But you had offers of companionship at the beach.”
“But I missed you.” she said again. She gazed into his eyes with clear devotion.
“I’m very glad you feel that way.” he had to smile.
Ruth and Debora nearly fell off their chairs when Gary escorted Tasha in to dinner on his arm, and went so far as to seat her before taking his place. There was something very strange and intimate in the air, and the two women looked at one another in amazement as Tasha gazed up at him with a docile look of thanks in her eyes for his solicitude.
“How was the hospital today, Deb?” Gary asked lightly.
“Oh. Fine. I got to work in Pediatrics, and you know how much I enjoy that.”
Gary grinned at her. “You’ll have little ones of your own running around before you know it, Deb.”
Debora blushed, and dabbed at her mouth with her napkin.
“Gary, I think that’s a bit premature. Doug hasn’t proposed, yet.” Ruth objected gently.
Gary just leveled an amused look at his aunt and shrugged. “I’m entitled to an opinion, aren’t I?” he asked innocently.
“Well, Tasha, we didn’t see too much of you today. Did you stay on the beach all afternoon?” Ruth asked brightly.
“Yes. I hope you didn’t mind, Ruth.”
“Not at all!” Ruth assured her quickly.
“I hope you weren’t lonely, Tash. I feel terrible leaving you alone so much. After this, it’ll just be Mondays for volunteer work, and we’ll have a lot more time together.”
“I’m doing just fine, Deb. I just relaxed and caught up on my rest. It was very quiet and pleasant today on the beach.”<
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“Looks like you freshened up your tan, too.” Gary noticed. The admiration in his eyes as he looked at her smooth, copper skin couldn’t be hidden. Tasha just smiled at him in reply.
Ruth and Debora didn’t know what to think. Both Gary and Tasha were behaving so much out of character – especially toward one another. Gary had never been solicitous toward young women, and Tasha had never been solicitous toward anyone.
When the meal was over, Gary grinned at Tasha. “Dishes?” he challenged.
“You’re on.” Tasha giggled.
It was too much. Ruth’s mouth fell open, and Debora abruptly sat back into her chair. With a sly wink at them, Gary opened the swinging door and ushered Tasha through to the kitchen.
The two slipped out for a walk on the beach when they were finished with chores. Tasha could hardly contain her joy with Gary’s arm around her shoulders, his closeness warming and soothing her. When they reached the half-mile point, Gary swung her around, and held her close.
“You have no idea how I felt when I saw you send Jim away today.” he confided huskily.
Tasha’s eyelashes fluttered wide. “You were watching?”
He nodded. “My study window looks over the beach. I was looking at you a lot, today.”
Tasha blushed, and lowered her eyes.
“I wanted to come right down there and kiss you, lady.” he said seriously.
“Why didn’t you?” she whispered with longing.
“I didn’t dare.” he chuckled. “I’d never have gotten any work done.”
“At least not what you intended.” she chuckled. When Gary looked away over the water, she put a gentle hand on his arm. “Did I say something wrong?”
“No.” he assured her quickly. “It’s just that ... there’s so much we have to discuss, Tasha. I know that what’s happening between us is very strong, very potent. I have to be careful, honey. Everything will come in good time, but we have to take things one step at a time, to ensure we don’t misstep. I’m finding that very hard to do. You're sure you don't want to go back to school in the fall?”
“No.” Tasha answered quickly. “I couldn’t stand it, Gary.”