Chapter 3

Sunday morning was a flurry of activity. I went to Laura’s house at 10:00 to arrive at church in time for the 10:45 service. Laura greeted me with a light kiss and I noticed two pair of eyes taking it all in.

“Misser Ben! You kissed Mommy!” Mattie exclaimed somewhat loudly.

“Yes, I did, Mattie. I like your mommy! Is that okay?”

“Okay.” She smiled. That was enough for her.

Laura went to get her purse and keys since we were using her car. Hanna pulled me over and I expected to be given the third degree.

“Mr. Ben, what did you do to my mommy?”

“Whatta you mean, Hanna?” I wondered what a nine year old would think I would do to her mother. Did she think I was mean? Perhaps she knew enough about the birds and the bees to think I took advantage of Laura?

“She’s walking around all happy, singing all the time. And she keeps asking what I think of you and stuff. What’d you do?”

“I just did what you told me. I was nice to her.”

“Well keep it going, okay?” She smiled so sweetly. Again, I saw her mother in her.

“Okay! I can do that. So, what did you say when she asked what you think of me?” I teased her with a sly smile.

Her mouth twisted impishly. “I just said you were all right.”

“Oh ... girl!” I clutched my chest with a grin of my own. “That’s the best I get?”

She ran over and jumped into a big hug and whispered loudly in my ear. “Actually, I said you’re awesome!” She gave me an extra squeeze and then took off with a little giggle.

We made it to church on time to get Mattie and Hanna settled in junior church activities when I saw Sarah and Bobby. Both greeted me with the usual hug and I introduced Laura. She hugged them both like they were old friends, and we wandered up to the sanctuary for worship.

Laura sat between Sarah and me and chatted before the service began. I was really pleased they were becoming fast friends. I couldn’t hear all they said, but I heard lots of giggles accompanied by looks my way. I expected they were going to gang up on me. No surprise – I looked forward to it!

At lunch, Hanna and Mattie both clung to Sarah and Bobby like favorite aunts and uncles. At the perfectly sized round table, Mattie insisted on sitting between Sarah and me, while Hanna sat between her mom and Bobby. She was a bit put-out that she didn’t get next to me, but Laura won that minor battle. It didn’t bother her too long. She and Bobby were having a great talk. Laura was beaming the whole time.

I had just finished paying the check when Bobby got everyone’s attention to give us some news.

“Laura,” he said. “I’m so glad we are getting to meet you and these two lovely girls ... and that you’re here today. And Ben, you’re our closest friend and ... there’s something we need to tell you all.” He smiled and started to choke up a bit.

Sarah rescued him. “Well, we’re officially expecting!

Laura and Sarah went into controlled scream mode and Laura ran over to hug Sarah. I did the same with Bobby but without the scream, and then gave Sarah a big hug while Laura explained to Mattie what expecting means. Hanna joined in hugging Sarah and Bobby.

As we were leaving, Laura asked Sarah and Bobby to come to her place for a little while to get to know each other better. Sarah agreed, but only for a little while. The strong friend she was, she knew I needed more time alone with Laura and the kids.

The weatherman was wrong, and it never really rained. So, the four adults sat out back in the Adirondack chairs while the girls played outside. Laura and I explained the events of the previous day for the first hour and Sarah and Bobby just grinned with approval and happiness for us both. They both said a lot of their prayers seemed like they’re being answered.

It was about 2:00. Mattie quietly walked up and climbed into my lap and was softly snoring within a minute. Sarah and Laura were talking with each other when Mattie came to me and they looked over at us with watery eyes and crooked smiles. I’m sure I looked the same, nobody was surprised. They knew me! But even Bobby was misting a bit although he would completely deny it.

We talked about another hour by which time Sarah and Bobby announced they needed to take off. Laura and Sarah shared contact information and made plans to get together, do baby preparation stuff, and just hang out. Something told me they would become inseparable friends.

Bobby walked in to help me lay Mattie down on the sofa. He normally knows exactly what to say, but all he could offer out of earshot from the woman was, “Dang, Bro! She and her girls are awesome! And right next door, too! Don’t screw it up!”

A few hours after they left, I ordered Chinese food for delivery thus giving Laura a break from cooking. We watched “Back to the Future” together and Hanna loved it. Then it was bedtime for two little girls and more alone time for Laura and me. We had no agenda tonight. We lightly discussed social topics, politics, and a host of other areas of interest. Again, we agreed on just about everything. We weren’t fully aligned on a few minor points, but we hit all the major ones.

The biggest difference between our two nights together was that this one had a much higher frequency of kissing. Every kiss, big or small, long or short, was packed with passion. I got up to leave around midnight and we shared another toe-curling, deep kiss while standing at the door. I hugged her while recovering from the intense passion and I whispered in her ear, “I really, really, extremely like you!”

She whispered in my ear, “Ditto, but we’re going to run out of adverbs at this rate!”

Even though I was self-employed, Monday was still a workday. Laura was on summer break, so she was home with the girls. She called my cell at about 10:00 AM. Using her pure logic, she informed me that since I had to eat lunch anyway, she made enough for me and I was expected at 12:00. I’m not stupid. I was there at 11:50.

At lunch, she also convinced me that I shouldn’t have to eat lunch or dinner alone. I had no say in the matter. I tried not to argue with her logic, and from that point on we ate two meals a day together. Over time she emptied the meager fresh food in my kitchen and we stocked up her pantry. She fought me and lost on who would pay the grocery bill. This wasn’t moving in together or making assumptions. It was being pragmatic. But it had the elements of living together in that we were getting familiar with each other through a daily routine.

The Friday of our first week together was fast approaching. I wanted to do something special because our entire experience as a couple had been either at her house or at church. It was time to take dating up a notch. Since it was my normal night with Sarah and Bobby, I assumed they might be available and I was right. They agreed to come to watch the girls thus allowing me to take Laura out on our first real date. I arranged for a gourmet Italian meal to be delivered for the four of them—pizza! It was the girl’s favorite.

Wednesday at dinner I told Laura of the plan.

“This Friday we’re going out on the town! Sarah and Bobby are coming to watch the girls, and we’re going to dine and dance the night away.” I thought she’d jump out of her skin she was so excited. Her smile? Priceless!

“What do I wear?” she asked seriously. I had less than serious answers but decided to play it straight.

“It’s a dress-up night.”

Friday evening, I arrived at the front door. Amazingly, it was the first time I used that entrance. I knocked—also a first.

I was greeted with the vision of jaw-dropping beauty before me.

Laura had her hair styled and put up in a way I’d never seen on her. I loved her hair down, but up like this made her neck look longer and extremely kissable. She was beautiful even without makeup so I was glad she took a minimal approach. Her black dress was both simple and elegant. It was sleeveless with thin straps that made her appear both delicate and delicious. Her breasts were beautifully highlighted with a crossing pattern that provided sufficient modesty while highlighting their perfection. The dress flowed to a little above her knees giving the admirer (me, in this case) ample opportunity to appreciate her marvelous, shapely legs.

I was not worthy!

“Hi, Ben!”

Was it her dress or her voice? I thought her sex appeal was off the charts before. I was melting in front of her.

“Ben? You can close your mouth now and come over here and give me a kiss.”

I rushed to her to comply and stepped back to look again.

I finally uttered a sound trying to appear to have some intelligence. “Ah, hi! I mean ... WOW!”

She blushed and turned around to the audience - Sarah, Bobby, Hanna, and Mattie were standing behind her all grinning ear to ear. “I think he likes it!” she giggled.

Trying to regain my composure, I handed her a bouquet of flowers. “I’m a little embarrassed now,” I said, “because as beautiful as these are—I mean—you put them to shame!”

She turned red, gave me another kiss, looked sweetly into my eyes and simply said, “Thank you, stud!”

I melted a little more. Then I heard Sarah explaining to Mattie why her mommy called me “stud” and the humor brought me back to some level of composure. I turned to the onlookers with gifts.

“Mattie and Hanna, I have flowers for you as well along with some of your favorite jelly beans!” Sweet little hugs and kisses on the cheeks followed.

“Sarah, these are for you!” I handed her a bouquet.

She hugged me she asked with a grin, “Where’s my jelly beans?”

“I’ll share with you, Miss Sarah!” Mattie offered. What a sweet child.

“Bobby, I didn’t forget you!” I handed him a six-pack of his favorite brew.

“Thanks, Bro, but where’re my flowers?

More giggles followed while Mattie asked, “Why’d Mr. Ben call Mr. Bobby ‘Bro’, Mommy?”

The ping of a text announced the arrival of our ride. We quickly said goodbye and left to begin official date number one. I had arranged for an Uber to eliminate the stress of parking downtown and give us a chance to talk more attentively. I felt like I was floating on a cloud.

I held her door for her and helped her in the back seat. I always hold her door for her, but the special feel of the night made her take notice. “My shining knight! Thank you!”

The ride was long, but we didn’t care. We held each other, and just drank in the feeling of being together. She kept asking where we were going. I told her to the restaurant of someone who shared her ancestry ... McDonald’s! I wanted her surprised, so I wasn’t going to give in until we arrived.

I had dinner reservations at Ditka’s Restaurant in downtown Chicago. It was not the fanciest restaurant, but I always like the food and it was close to our next destination.

As we were seated, Laura’s eyes were wide and glowing.

“I always wanted to come here! Iron Mike was my dad’s favorite player of all time. Every good and bad play was compared to what Ditka would have done!”

“Really! Sometimes you see him here. I saw him once at the big table at the top of the stairs on the second floor.”

That seemed to somehow impress her.

We held hands across the table and silently prayed, then shared a dozen oysters as an appetizer. Laura couldn’t pass up the obvious question.

“So ... oysters! A well-known aphrodisiac! What are your plans for tonight?” Her voice was teasingly accusing me of nefarious intent.

I raised both eyebrows a few times. “You’ll have to wait to see!”

Laura ordered a cup of Crab Bisque, and the Crab Cake entrée.

“You’re not feeling crabby tonight, are you?” I touched her hand and impishly smiled.

“Not yet, but the night is young!” I was so glad our humor meshed.

I went with the Wedge salad and the Day Boat Scallops. I loved the steaks, but didn’t want to fill up too much since I knew that night’s next destination.

We shared bites off each other’s plates. I offered Laura a bite of scallop and she licked her lips. She flashed me a sultry smirk that inflamed my desires. Her eyes sparkled with a naughty glow. Her moans and sighs proclaimed how she savored each bite, and spoke volumes about her skills as a seductress. I’ve never wanted someone more than I wanted her at that moment.

The food was excellent, the conversation comfortable, and my dinner companion was perfect. I couldn’t help noticing every man glancing at her. She was a vision of beauty and grace. I felt on top of the world.

I was fuller than I’d hoped I’d be, but neither of us could resist dessert. Laura had the Grasshopper Pie – one of my favorites. I went with the Blueberry Cheesecake. Again, we shared with suggestive moans and expressions. The sweetness of the dessert and looks between us as we fed bites to each other released a flood of pheromones that continued to stoke our fires.

We finished dinner and walked out the front door. No sooner out and she pulled me into her until our lips met. We shared the tastes of the fabulous meal in an even better way!

“So ... what now?” she asked.

“We have a short walk, and then you’ll find out!”

“This doesn’t have anything to do with the oysters, does it?”

“How would you feel if it does?” I joked back.

“Tempted!” I felt the swelling of passion by the grin across her face and the look of desire in her eyes.

We held hands and walked several blocks to a nearby Jazz club to enjoy some cocktails and dancing. It was light jazz, perfect for a romantic evening. The music was excellent. The volume was comfortable enough to enable close conversation. We sat at a small, intimate table and both ordered Moscow Mules. I thought to myself, ‘Do we even have the same favorite cocktail?’

Laura continued to glow as she drank in the atmosphere. We both immersed ourselves in our growing bond and companionship. With every passing moment, we grew closer and closer. Holding her tightly on the dance floor was divine. I felt I was experiencing what heaven had to be like.

We were dancing slowly to a very romantic tune, moving together side to side, gently swaying as one. I gently kissed her neck. No words were needed. Our dancing embrace passed a library’s worth of communication between us.

I felt her shake her head, breaking the spell.

“Is something wrong?”

She pulled back to look at me and smiled. “Are you kidding? Everything is beyond wonderful! There was just some guy looking at me with a clear intent of cutting in, and I wanted him to know it wasn’t going to happen.”

“Thank you. I expected to be beating guys off with a stick with the way you look tonight, but I’m a lover, not a fighter!”

“Lover, huh?”

“Oh yeah!”

I had no sooner said the words when the band started a lovely jazz style version of “The Way You Look Tonight.” The timing couldn’t have been better.

Swaying slowly to the mellow jazz, with her head on my shoulder, I felt her kiss my neck. Nature took hold of me and it was clear she felt the evidence of my arousal.

“I think somebody is awake!” she whispered with a giggle.

I chuckled. “It’s not going to soothe my embarrassment, but please take it as a compliment!”

She pulled her head back to look into my eyes with a grin. “Don’t be embarrassed. I’m totally flattered, but maybe we should take a break and return to our table. I don’t want other women to be more jealous that they already are.”

“If you’re not embarrassed, I can deal with it!” I said. “I really don’t want to stop and let go of you!”

“Just hold me tight.” She smiled. “It’s dark enough in here that I think we can keep things hidden.”

We danced for several more songs. Mr. Happy may have been hidden from everyone else, but he was more than evident to the two of us.

Finally, I laughed. “Maybe the oysters weren’t such a good idea! I think a break may be best!”

We walked back to the table and I added, “I guess my rise raised another subject we should cover!”

“Good idea!” she added. “At least the elephant this time has a big trunk!”

Our resulting burst of laughter caught lots of attention, but we didn’t care.

We calmed ourselves a bit as she continued. “I’m glad I stumbled on that hot spot on your neck, though. Something tells me I’ll find some more secret places.”

“I expect we’ll both have fun exploring when we get to that crossroad, and I do mean when and not if!” I clarified. “Something tells me we’re both gonna find that a fantastic experience!”

Her smile of agreement made my temporary condition much worse.

We talked a little longer, danced some more once I was back under control, and then thoroughly enjoyed just being together.

I arranged for an Uber to take us home. During the relaxing ride, we exchanged soft kisses and snuggled. The back neckline of her dress was cut very low, and I could rub a good portion of her back with skin to skin contact. I never wanted the ride to end, but, of course, it eventually did.

We thanked Sarah and Bobby, and they made a graceful and quick exit with warm smiles of understanding. It was a little after midnight and we decided to sit together a little longer.

Laura let her hair down and I started to run my hands through it. That made her purr with contentment. I knew now was the time.

“Laura, you know I EXTREEEMLY like you!” She laughed and turned to look at me. Her timing was perfect as I continued. “I’m also, madly, deeply, and EXTREEEMLY in love with you!”

I softly kissed her as tears streamed through her beautiful smile. She looked deep into my eyes through our puddles of emotion. “I would never have believed this could happen. We’ve known each other just under a week, yet ... I know ... I’m madly, deeply and EXTREEEMELY in love with you too!”

Every emotion that had been building throughout the week and the special night we just shared came to the surface. We locked into our most passionate kiss yet. More followed. We couldn’t get enough of each other. It wasn’t lust, although there were elements of that in our lips and tongues meeting. This was love and passion overflowing.

Fifteen minutes later we took a break to embrace. “Are we nuts?” I asked. “Can this happen this quickly?”

“There are two little girls upstairs that know it’s true!” she explained. “And Sarah told me last Sunday that she never believed in love at first sight until she saw us together. So, yeah. It can happen this quickly. It has surprised the heck out of me, but what a great surprise!”

She looked at me, and again we joined in a deep kiss. This was real, and I had no doubts.

“Now what do we do?” she asked. “It’s getting late.”

“I could stay like this for an eternity.” I sighed. “But I should probably head home and get some sleep. I think this weekend will be filled with happy discussions we both want to have. When should we get together tomorrow?”

“I want to spend every moment with you I can!” she pleaded.

“Me too, but I should mow in the morning and do a little yard work, or the neighbors will complain! By the way, I’ll take care of your lawn at the same time.” Laura gave me a look like she wanted to argue and then thought better of it.

She smiled. “I guess I can let you go long enough to do that. How about if you come over at lunch and plan to stay until the wee hours of the morning?” she said with a kiss.

“I think we have a plan.” I agreed. “But if I don’t leave now I’ll never get up in time to do anything in the morning.”

“Ben Hawkins!”

“Yes?”

“I love you more than I ever thought I could love anyone!”

“Laura Wilson!”

“Yes?” she said with a giggle and a smile.

“I’m looking forward to telling you that same thing every day. And I’m anxious to show and prove my love every moment of every day.”

After another long and passionate kiss, we reluctantly said our goodnights.

Saturday unfolded just as we had planned. We were already a family. Hanna and Mattie had already captured my heart. Every day I was with them, the bond grew stronger.

And Laura? We both ached for the other. If we were near each other, we had to be touching. If we were out of reach, we still touched with loving gazes. I felt like a whole person again. The emptiness Megan left me with was now filled to overflowing. Happiness doesn’t begin to describe how I felt. I had a joy so deep that I could feel it in my bones. And I could see the same in Laura too.

Then came Saturday afternoon. It was special in a different way.

Laura had to do some chores upstairs ... laundry and such. It was raining a bit so the girls were inside. I got to spend quality time with each one.

Mattie was concentrating on her tablet, so Hanna and I worked on a puzzle together. The finished picture would be a large grouping of dolls. So, lots of colors and a very busy picture made for a stiff challenge. She was quite good at it.

We chatted about the puzzle for a while, then moved to other topics.

“Hanna, as smart as you are, I assume you like school?”

“Yeah. I like summer break, but I miss school and my friends. I get to see them once in a while.”

“Do some of your friends come over?”

“Just a few that live near here. Amy and her sister Terri, you saw them out front one day.”

“I remember!”

“They live the next street over.”

“How about the boys across the street?”

“Yuck!”

“Sorry.”

We talked about her dance school, and the friends she had there that were also in her class at school. She had friends at their old church but they lived too far away. She talked seriously with tears in her eyes about a friend at school, Cynthia, whose dad was mean to her. Cynthia and her mom moved to a secret place to hide.

“I pray for Cynthia every night! God will help her. I hope she moves back so I can see her again!”

“That’s a good thing to do.”

I wanted to lighten the mood a bit.

“So, what do you want to do when you grow up?”

“Not sure. I want to help people. Maybe a doctor or something. Mom says there’s plenty of time to figure it out.”

“You don’t want to be a dancer?”

“I am a dancer!” she said trying to look indignant but stifling a smile.

“Yes! You are!”

“Dancing is nice, and you can make people feel good, but I want to really help!”

Hanna captured my heart so easily. I imagined Laura was just like her when she was little.

Mattie walked over with a box in hand.

“Hanna! Let’s do makeup!”

The box was filled with play makeup.

Hanna shouted, “Mr. Ben! Can you help?”

“Are you allowed to do this without your mom?”

“Yep!”

She opened the box and carefully laid out the contents. Mascara, face powder, lipstick, the works.

“Me first!” Mattie shouted.

“Okay!” Hanna said. “Mr. Ben can do your cheeks. I’ll put the lipstick on!”

I was out of my element, but it was fun. I tried to apply just a little to be subtle. The toy makeup wasn’t forgiving enough to permit that. When we were done, Mattie looked more like she ran into a paint gunfight and lost.

“Mattie! You look so beautiful!” I said. She did, the makeup didn’t. She looked suddenly shy, but happy with herself.

Hanna came up with a fun and devious idea.

“Mr. Ben, let us do you!”

I was afraid! Very afraid! But I was game.

“What do you want me to do?”

“Lay down on the floor on your back and close your eyes.”

“Yeah ... close your eyes!” Mattie added.

“Okay! Here I go!” I laid back. Hanna knelt to the side of my face. Mattie climbed up and sat on my chest. I was trapped and at the mercy of two lovely, kind, awesome, and devious little sweeties.

My face was being gently mauled. There was lots of giggling and snickering. Something told me I was getting the deluxe treatment. I felt makeup being applied all over. I didn’t know makeup went on your forehead and ears.

Suddenly I heard roaring laughter above me. Laura came back down and was standing over me. The girls moved as I opened my eyes hoping nothing was going to fall in them and sting. The girls were rolling on the floor. Laura couldn’t contain herself.

“Girls! You did a beautiful job!” She was spitting laughter as she said it.

“Okay! So ... how do I look?”

“Real pretty!” Mattie shouted while laughing at me.

Hanna was more honest in her couched response. “Unbelievable.”

“Laura ... what do you think?”

“Wait here!” she ordered. She retrieved her phone and started snapping pictures.

“These will come in handy someday!”

“Can I see?” I asked.

“If you can take it!”

“Oh-oh.” I had to laugh at the image. I was struggling to describe it. I went the safe route.

“Great job, girls! I’ve never looked better!”

They totally lost it. They were howling uncontrollably. Laura hugged the two girls and I was the target of their amusement.

Laura finally found a suitable description.

“You look like ... like a deranged clown cheap streetwalker!”

The image on the phone verified her description. Every inch of my face, neck, ears, and forehead was covered with bright blue, green, red, and yellow. My red lips looked five times wider than they really were. I was hideous! Beautifully hideous! I was having a blast!

Calming down a little but still on the edge of busting out again, Laura suggested we move to the table for a snack and something to drink. She tried to quietly tell me that it was okay to go wash up, but I wouldn’t dare. I sat quietly at the table as if everything was normal. Our ‘lemonade and carrot time’ was delightful as they tried to contain themselves. I loved it. Laura calmed her laughter enough that she could absorb our interaction. She saw it clearly. I loved these little angels, and they loved me. Being with them was as natural as breathing.

I finally got to wash off their artwork. Some remained and would only come off in the shower later. I’d wear it every day if I could always feel that way.

Later, dinner was pizza ... always a good choice. After dinner was movie time. The girls changed into their PJ’s and we all sat on the couch with Mattie and Hanna seated on either side of me, and Laura on the end. The girls were both snuggled into me, and I was in heaven. It didn’t take long before they were both asleep in my arms.

Laura carried Mattie upstairs and I carried Hanna. That night, Laura and I took care of the prayers as we embraced while gazing at each sweet face. The girls were out cold. The prayers were not short. They were filled with thankfulness, loving requests for their future, and that they would grow with soft, teachable hearts. I was standing with the one I loved and talking to the Creator of the universe about the little ones He had put in her care ... and I hoped they would be in my care too someday.

I considered what it meant to keep feeling closer and closer to Laura. How could I conclude that it couldn’t get any better one night, and the next night it was better? Closer has so many dimensions. Closeness can be in care, in physical love, emotional love, one-mindedness, all our emotions, all our fears, and so many other dimensions. It’s not singular. This was another dimension. Feeling close to her as we spoke with God felt like all the dimensions were pulled together. Yes, I felt ... we felt closer than ever!

Laura and I returned to the couch. We were tired, overflowing, overwhelmed, overcome, and emotionally spent for the night. It was glorious. “You’ve Got Mail” was just starting so we put it on. I sat at the end of the couch and Laura snuggled into me. Tonight we didn’t need to talk. We stared at the screen only half watching the movie we had both seen multiple times.

Laura laid her head on my lap and I stroked her hair, rubbed her shoulders and back. She was asleep in minutes and I just took in the lovely sight of her peaceful face. Even in sleep, she smiles. I pondered and reflected on how blessed I was at the moment and drifted off to sleep myself.

Laura woke up before I did around 3:00 AM. She gently brought me from my slumber with tender kisses all over my face.

“Ben, I’m heading up to bed. Do you want to head home or just sleep here on the couch?”

“Couch sounds good right now.” I kissed her goodnight as she headed up the stairs.

I set my phone alarm to be up and gone before they all got up a few hours later. I wanted to be upstairs with her. Sex wasn’t my intent. I wanted to hold her in my arms all night, and wake to her angelic smile. I put the image in my mind, and quickly drifted back into my dreams. I was at peace.

Sunday was a repeat of the previous week. It started with church, then lunch with Sarah and Bobby, all of us went back at Laura’s house for a few hours visit, and more conspiracies were brewing between Laura and Sarah. I loved it!

When Sarah and Bobby left, the day took a new twist.

As we waved goodbye to Sarah and Bobby, the girls went outside with some friends to play. Laura and I retreated to her formal living room and took occupancy in a large comfortable chair to talk. I sat down, and Laura sat across the arm of the chair and in my lap. The talk lasted less than a few words when our lips met. It turned into a blissful and deeply passionate make-out session. Hands freely wandered avoiding parts we weren’t ready to explore.