Excerpt
I grabbed my crutches and hobbled among the trees, flowering shrubs and flowers. Walkways and steppingstones provided paths through this magnificent site that covered at least five acres. Benches of different types sat alongside the paths. Most of the flowers and shrubs were unfamiliar to me, and I figured they had been shipped from different parts of the country and world. A large ornate, white water fountain sat in the middle of the gardens. The center of the fountain featured an unclothed woman holding a water pot. From it poured crystal clear water that created a sound of calmness and tranquility. I sat on the fountain and ran my fingers through the beautiful, cool water.
“There you are,” Calvin stated.
“We need to talk,” I said.
“It’s cooler under the portico. I have some lemonade waiting. Need help?”
“No.”
He walked beside me as we headed back.
“These gardens are beautiful.”
“Thank you.” He smiled.
When we reached the patio, I chose the same chair as before. He pulled his chair up to mine and faced me. He grabbed my hands and looked me in the eyes.
“I know why you’re here.”
“You do?”
“He’s simplistic, easy to comprehend and be with versus a complicated, intricate, and hard to understand person like me. You’re being pulled apart by opposites.”
“So what do you suggest I do?”
“I think you need the best of both worlds to be happy.” He let go of my hands and sat back in his chair.
“Interesting,” I said. “Do I marry the both of you?”
He laughed, “No, there’s another way.”
“Go on,” I said. He had my attention.
“I made some mistakes with you. I misjudged you by comparing you to other women I met over the years. When God made you, he threw away the mold and that’s a compliment. My being jealous of Brian is driving you deeper in his arms. You hate it when I make decisions for you. All of this have made me stop and reconsider what you need from me. I hear now what you’ve been saying all along, and I think I understand why you won’t marry me. I can give you the best of both worlds, Myra.”