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The bell of her dress fanned around her when she sat and blew her heavenly scent my direction. I shook my head to regain control.
“Hi Elliott.”
“Where are your parents?” I asked, trying to talk about anything but the blindingly obvious fact that she was too gorgeous for words.
“They’re on their way. I drove my own car so I could see you.”
Beautiful and eager to see me. A deadly combination.
“Me too,” I said, trying not to stare, “I’m glad you did.”
I grabbed her gloved hand and the piece of cloth separating our skin did nothing to stifle the sudden lightning bolt billowing over the pews surrounding us.
“You look nice,” she said with a wink.
“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.
