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“You look,” I gulped, “dazzling.”
“Thank you dear,” she smiled and it touched her eyes. “Think you could stifle what you’re feeling?”
I swallowed and dropped her hand, “That’s embarrassing.”
“No, it’s just, well you’re making me feel the same thing,” the church doors opened and she spun around. “Oh, my mom and dad are here,” she said turning back around. “I’ll see you afterwards. Want to eat lunch at the rock bridge?”
“Don’t want to eat lunch at Babe’s with the rest of the parish?” I asked, puzzled.
“Not today. I’d prefer a picnic in the forest Mr. Gray.”
“Sounds perfect,” I said but as she began to walk away, I called her back to me, “Oh, Jules?”
“Yes babe?” She asked, leaning into the pew.
“Pray for me,” I said with a wink.
She rolled her eyes at me and shook her head but couldn’t hide her smile. I watched as she joined her family wishing I could sit next to her as well but satisfied just to be in the same room with her. Just looking at her, I knew that Julia Jacobs was definitely my past, my present, and very much my future.
I’m going to marry that girl one day.
After church, I hopped in my truck and followed Jules home. Turns out, she had a basket already packed. I drove the winding path to the dirt patch free of trees on the side of the road nearest our rock bridge. When I parked, I got out and immediately started loosening my tie. I swung my jacket over the seat, untucked my shirt, and rolled up my sleeves.
“Ahh, that’s much better,” I said. Jules gaped at me. “What?” I asked.
“So quick to undress around me Gray? You should probably check yourself before you wreck yourself.”
“Oh, whatever. You love it. I can see the twinkle in your eye from here.”
“You’re a flirt Gray.”
“No, I’m a tease. There’s a difference,” I joked, hunched over, untying my shoes and throwing on the extra pair of Converse I kept in the cab of my truck.
She laughed out loud, “That’s so? You should probably get your own soundtrack then.”
“I have one.”
“Oh yeah? What song?”
“‘Peanut Butter Jelly Time.”
“Shut up,” she laughed.
“Ready?”
“Yup.”
I had Jules walk ahead of me so I could make sure she was always steady on her feet. She had taken off her heels and I worried she might hurt herself.
“Please let me carry you Jules. It’s not even a quarter mile away.”
“No, sweets. I got it.”
“Please Jules, I’m afraid you’ll step on a piece of glass or something. Jesse and his friends always drink out here. I know they leave their bottles laying around.”
“No, I’ve got it,” she insisted.
She took three additional steps before she gasped and grabbed at her foot.
