Note: If you have not read installment one, please read it before proceeding with installment two.
The rustic log cabin located deep in the
Dark Hills Forest contained all the modern conveniences of electricity, running
water, and an inside bathroom. The pantry was fully stocked with groceries, and
the house had been spotlessly cleaned. There was a note attached to the
refrigerator that read:
Dear Love Birds,
Everything is ready for the two of
you. Have a romantic time. We love you both.
Hugs and Kisses,
Mom and Phillip D.
"Boy, your momma just thinks of
everything. I'm glad she's my mother-in-law."
The rest of the bright, warm day passed
quickly. The two of us picked fresh blueberries (getting more on our face than
in the bucket), and observed the animals and plants surrounding the lake. As we
enjoyed the cool breeze that blew over Lake Wilson, I showed my new wife my secret
childhood hideout in a cave.
"Danny, this cave is just as sweet as
honey on biscuits. Let's keep it our little secret."
How could I refuse her anything when she
talked to me like that?
Our nature walk concluded with a swim in
the clear cool waters of Lake Wilson. We splashed and kissed each other by the
roaring waterfall. The whole day seemed too good to be true. When would I be thrown back into time and
become single once again?
Dinner that night was a simple breakfast
meal of fried eggs, sausage, sausage gravy and Ravena’s buttermilk biscuits in
candlelight. We had chilled Diet Cherry
Vanilla Dr Pepper to drink in crystal goblets, and fresh blueberries with
whipped cream for dessert. Soon the dishes were cleaned and put away.
Our sexual desires could no longer be
stifled by the spark of passion that was blazing inside of both of us for this
magical night.
In the coolness of the evening, a small
fire crackled and glowed in the old stone fireplace. Everything seemed right
for this moment in time the two of us would spend consummating our marriage. We
were both prepared for whatever might happen.
Ravena looked breathtakingly beautiful. I
blinked twice, and inhaled deeply to make sure this wasn't another one of my
self-induced female mirages. Thank goodness it wasn't.
We advanced slowly towards each
other. A feeling of anxiety overtook my
entire being as I wondered if I could truly be the kind of husband Ravena would
need in all aspects of her life. But when I kissed her plump lips, and
surrendered myself to her will, I knew that these fleeting moments together
were always meant to be.
The woman that I was making love with was
the wife that I'd patiently waited for God to provide. My life-long partner had
not been provided for me in the manner in which I expected. Ravena was here. No
longer was my wife some fantasy living in my mind, but a flesh and blood
reality nestled safely in my arms. How could I ever let her go?
Sunday morning sunlight filtered through
the wooden shutters. Rolling over in bed, I felt tired but satisfied with last
night's events. The wedding itself had been a memorable experience to say the
least. The honeymoon night had been an charmed evening with Ravena. Now I was a married man. I liked the title of husband, and a couple of
years down the road I hoped to also be called a father.
The clock on the wall read 10:00 AM. I closed my eyes once again and rolled over
to hug Ravena. All I got was a rumpled
pillow and an arm full of empty sheets. I sat up, and cried out for my Ravena. Had
I scared her off by being myself?
"Dumplin', where are you?" I
screamed like a frightened child.
"Honey, I'm takin' a shower. I'll be out
in a while."
"Take your time." The familiar
sound of the shower calmed my racing mind.
Who was this lady in a silk kimono
standing in front of me? Her dark hair was damp and clung to her face. It
looked like one of my bad haircuts. The full red lips, the rosy cheeks, and the
sparkle in her emerald eyes were gone.
Evidentially, either Avon or Revlon had
helped to create the illusion that II thought I’d made love to last night. Come to think of it, chances were that I
didn't smell or look the best right now, either.
As
I entered the bathroom for my morning shower, utter amazement hit me. The room
was in shambles. Had I missed a tornado that came through here earlier? Damp hose
were hanging on the shower. Toothpaste was squeezed in the middle of the tube.
Various undergarments were also hanging on the shower, and towels were strewn
all over the wet floor.
"Am I married to a slob, or is this
normal for a female?" I wondered.
"I don't go for any of this."
The next three days disappeared quickly.
Time was spent on quiet walks in the forest scavenging for nuts and berries,
fishing, and contemplating about all the dreams we both had for our future
together as a couple. Life seemed to be full of only glorious sunshine and
wonderful roses.
At the end of the third day, we cleaned
the cabin up and left. I had to fake exhaustion so that Ravena could drive us
to wherever we now lived. Hours later we arrived at a small brick home located
on a cul-de-sac named Holly Berry Court.
"Daddy bought this home for us as a
weddin' present? Wasn't that sweet of him?"
Vito Gionelli generous. gift would help us
as newlyweds.
Returning to work, I was pleased to
discover my recent promotion to the position of senior editor. I loved the
hustle and bustle of producing a newspaper. Ravena found it gratifying to fill
her days with volunteering and counseling at a local home for unwed mothers.
She wanted these women to feel loved and productive in our community.
As any newlyweds soon discovers,
disagreements will happen occasionally. Just one week after that blessed
wedding day, I foolishly remarked, "The neighbor lady had on a beautiful
sun dress yesterday. I bet you'd look just as good in it as she does."
Ravena didn't like me noticing any other
women but her. I was now her property.
Eventually, I was accused of infidelity, being a tightwad, and thinking
she was ugly… none of which was true.
Before we went to bed later that night, I
made sure we were best friends once again. After a long discussion we both
apologized for our words to each other. I assured her that she was the only
woman I ever wanted .
Over the
years, the urban life seemed to be
tailored especially for us. With Ravena's creativity and my ability to live
within a budget, our home became a wonderful refuge for both of our stressful
careers.
Three
months our wedding, I came home tired,
and irritated that tI missed a deadline at work. In her black cocktail dress with the delicate
aroma of her perfume filling the air, I wondered, "What is she up
to?"
After a
wonderful meal, I sat back and waited
for Ravena’s news. Had she' gotten another speeding ticket (or damaged her car)? Ravena began to speak softly with a face that
showed no emotion.
"Danny,
have you noticed that I've looked awfully tired lately. I'm nauseous
frequently."
"Now
that you mention it. Yes."
"I
haven't had a period in the last two months either. Darlin', maybe you better
come, and sit down next to me."
I obeyed cautiously. "I sure hope Ravena
isn't sick," I thought.
"The
only thing she might be sick of is you.
Wake up, Danny, and smell the coffee.
Put the clues together. Do I have to spell it out for you? Ravena might be pregnant." Mr.
Conscience spoke with apparent irritation.
"This
should not be happening. We took all the necessary precautions, I thought. I
wanted to wait about two years before I became a father. I didn’t really know
Ravena that well," I reminded myself.
"Accidents
do happen in the heat of the moment.
Well, don't get yourself all upset yet.
Maybe she isn't pregnant, and we're both mistaken. But I doubt it, because I'm hardly ever
wrong," Mr. Conscience proudly declared.
"Danny,"
Ravena waved her the fingers of her left hand in my face, "pay
attention." I smiled weakly and tried not to get uptight about what I knew
she was going to say.
"I
met with Dr. Banion today. I told him how I'd been feeling lately. He took a
blood test, and told me I’m pregnant. Danny darlin’, you're gonna be a
daddy."[i]
I hope you have enjoyed reading Unconditionally Cherished (as much as I did writing it a long time ago). Is this the end of Danny Philman’s adventures? Stay tuned to find out.
[i] All installments of Unconditionally Cherished adapted
from All for One:
The Towns of Ohio Completer Trilogy by Robert Kinker, Book Three,
Part Two: ”Accept Me As I Am”
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