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Within an hour, Stone’s life was
changed forever—he became a married man. Once he and Josie were pronounced
husband and wife, they sealed their life-long commitment with a shy but
passionate kiss; both of them had waited their whole lives for this perfect,
romantic moment. Most of the town was there to witness the nuptials, including
the Hendersons, Jake and his family, and even the Johnsons. After the ceremony,
the guests enjoyed food and fellowship inside the church.
Though it seemed like everyone was
intoxicated with bliss, Elizabeth Johnson felt rather awkward among the crowd.
Of course, she recognized just about everyone there, and no one lavished more
love and hospitality upon her than Constance Gaines, but even so, Elizabeth
couldn’t help feeling distant. It had been quite some time since she’d been
social, and she was certain that the townsfolk had generated plenty of gossip
about her after Michael’s death. While she started to feel self-conscious, she
began to wonder if being there was such a good idea.
Maybe it was too soon, and this event
was too much. After all, she and Brock had just met with Pastor Tom earlier that
week and had told him of their desire to see their family and marriage restored.
For Brock, the entire session had been a breakthrough: he repented for his
selfish ways and rededicated his life to Jesus; Elizabeth, on the other hand,
wasn’t able to do much besides weep, but she was finally able to forgive Brock
for all he’d put her through.
And here she was now, feeling
terribly uncomfortable while people around her chatted and laughed. Was it
because she was sitting in the church she had abandoned years ago? Or was it
just impossible for her to find peace in the gentle presence of God anymore?
“I thought you might like a
piece,” Brock said, interrupting her thoughts as he placed a piece of wedding
cake on her lap.
“Oh, thank you.”
“Beautiful day. The ceremony was
nice too.” Lately, Brock had been making a great effort to talk to Elizabeth;
he wanted to get to know her again. Elizabeth had grown so use to the silent
treatment though and was adjusting to this familiar stranger. She appreciated
the changes he was making, but sometimes she simply didn’t know how to respond
apart from the obvious.
“Yes, it was lovely.”
“You know, I started thinking
about Stone and Josie, and how all they really needed was a fresh start. Well, a
strong foundation and a fresh start.
Look what it’s done for them, they overcame a troubled past and years of
separation. And I think that’s exactly what we need, a fresh start.”
“Isn’t that what we’re
doing?”
“Yes, but I think we need to do
something more, official.”
“Like what?”
“I think we should get married
again.”
Elizabeth had to prevent herself
from dropping her cake.
“Brock, are you serious?”
“Absolutely. I want to stand up in
front of everyone and tell them that I’m a new man, and that I love you.” He
gently placed his hand on her shoulder, making her heart race from such a tender
show of affection.
His sincerity also made a lump rise
up in her throat. Even in the days of their courtship Brock had been anything
but bold and spontaneous. Then without further warning he knelt down and took
her quivering hand into his, even though she was still holding her fork.
“Elizabeth, will you marry me
again?”
“Oh, Brock, I don’t know what to
say. I mean…you’ve never been like this before. It’s all so much.” She
was breathless, and her chest nearly ached from her pounding heart. Though it
seems odd, Elizabeth had gotten use to her wilderness of depression and
loneliness, and now Brock was fighting to rescue her.
“I know, I know. It’s all
strange and new for me too. But I want us to do this, to say our vows again,
knowing everything that’s happened, and not sure of what could happen. I think
we should renew our commitment with each other, as well as with Christ.”
“I don’t think I could do it,
not in front of all these people, Brock. I don’t know them anymore, and I
don’t want to make a spectacle of myself and have the whole town talking about
us and our problems.”
“Then what if it was just us and
the boys? Just our family and the pastor, would you do it then?”
Elizabeth looked into his dancing
eyes. How she longed for that kind of joy and merriment to embody her! Then she
thought that maybe, just maybe, this could bring her one step closer to tasting
happiness.
“Yes,” Elizabeth said with a meaningful smile, and
she swaddled her arms around her husband and gave him an embrace that he’d
always remember…and she didn’t care who was looking.
©2004 StoriesByEmail.com
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