Chapter 15 Epilouge

Oh, how my life has changed!
In one year we doubled my family size. I was single, 3 girls and 1 boy. Then suddenly, someone REALLY wanted to get to earth, the famous Frosty showed up immediately and we had 6 girls, 2 boys and a husband.
A year or so after that, we were able to be sealed for time and all eternity in the Nauvoo Temple. It was AMAZING. I have never giggled so much or felt so bursting. Knowing we had done things the right way and were ready and prepared. There are LOTS of stories I could tell about that day, but I don't want to diminish the sacredness of it in this forum. I'm not sure I could adequately express it anyway.
We went to court a couple times and finally we were so very blessed to have our 3 oldest girls move in with us. Truly become part of us.
A couple years later we added another son. And a couple years later we suffered the ultimate sacrifice as we offered our son that we wanted to bring to our family, but whose life was cut too short. We, however, will never forget and will acknowledge his memory always. Our little Bryson.
We had some struggles as we learned each others rules and expectations but we found a lot more love. Our family is not perfect, but we know it was blessed and brought together by God and that every day we can grow tighter and build those ties that bind.
All of us have found and forged an immediate bond that we cling too.
It is hard when people try to separate us.
Whose kids are whose? Oh, that's your stepbrother? No, our steps live in the basement.
Which kids did you give birth to? Who cares? We are a family now.
But your not their REAL Mother? No, I am their REAL Mother. I am the only Mother they have really ever had.

I PROMISE, just as much blood, sweat and tears have gone into each child. I just missed the first part of some of their lives but I have reaped much more than their first steps.


I am so grateful that my Heavenly Father brought me to this place in my life. I have never had so much love, hurt, anger, faith, growth and did I mention love? I have learned so much over the years and as we have struggled and striven. This life is truly an amazing gift and I testify, with my entire heart that when you truly allow to yourself to let go and hearken to the whisperings of the Spirit and act on every thing He reveals, you will find so much more joy than you ever thought possible. He is real. He does live. He does answer prayers, He will guide your life...only if you allow it. He is my Savior, my exemplar and King. Most of all, My Father. I have witnessed the many miracles in His hands in my life as my family has been molded, refined and blessed. I will never be able to fully express my gratitude, but I can share with all of you and let you see our strange ramblings, twists and turns and allow you to share the bliss, the ups and downs and hopefully share the desire that will allow you to not be afraid, but step boldly into the light, His grace, His love and give you the courage to make and keep all covenants with Him. I promise, it will become a ride you NEVER forget.
Brad and I don't have as many romantic miracles open up anymore. That's only right. We have a deeper, richer and full life that seeks for each other's happiness more than our own. We are discovering True Love, that lasts and is built on a million memories and acceptance.
Our lives are filled with responsibility, children, work and callings. We still have the spark of love and the desire to be together and most of all, the desire to kneel at His feet and know of the will of God for us and try to be obedient.
I think that's why we are blessed. Even though we don't always do it perfectly, our desire is to do so and He knows our hearts and continues to bless us.
If you take nothing else from the silly love story and vignettes from my life, take this.
Be obedient to what you know is right.
You will always be blessed. More than your ability to receive.
~Lorianne

Chapter 14

Brad takes my hand and we dance. We turn slowly and he dips me. I balance myself against him. MY MOM snaps a picture. When developed, it appears like I am grabbing his bum. Thanks, Mom. We continue to glide. One of the kids shoots a plastic train at our feet. We sidestep and continue our dance. Won't be the last time we have to dodge anything in our married life.
We end our dance and kiss.
I take Brian's hand and we dance. He TEASES me the whole time. Someone takes a picture. It ends up being the best picture from the wedding. Go figure. My husband peruses the pictures and says let's put this one in. Only it's not us, honey! Ooops!

My hands are swollen this morning. I thank him for the KY Jelly. It probably wouldn't have fit if he hadn't added it. He roars. He is lucky, I am in a good mood yet, or this could end badly. In all honesty though, Brian irritates me at times but I can never stay annoyed with him for long. He boasts it's because his chrome dome makes him hot and I can't help myself. I shake my head and beat my head against his shoulder. "This is going to be a lifelong joke isn't it?"
"Yeep." he retorts. If nothing else, he is quick on the draw with his words.

People start coming up and hugging us again. Jayne especially touches my heart. She had helped serve and she tells me how grateful she is we found each other. "Hold him close and remember to count the ways he loves you. He may not always have enough money with a family this big, watch how he cares for you and cherish it."

I am introduced to Buddy and he is so funny. He makes me laugh too. He helps clean up and swings me around the dance floor too. I don't know what Brad is worried about. His Dad comes up and tells me I look beautiful and he is happy for us. His wife stands back and glares. I introduce them to my parents and everyone has a long road to go home so they start dispersing. His Mom hugs me and tells me,"Expect more of the same. With these two guys, what one doesn't think of, the other one will."
I firmly concur.
Holly and her family graciously invite us to their home to eat with the family and get to know everyone better. I accept, not knowing a head of time how drastically things will change.
Brad and I discuss. We aren't leaving until everything is clean.
I go to gather my things. My underwear is stretched across the toilets. Everything is EVERYWHERE. All my personal items out for display across the bathroom.
I am NOT happy.
I quickly gather things up. My keys are gone.
I tell Brad and he says, "Calm down, it will be ok."
I go to pick up our marriage license. It is scribbled and scratched across and wet. No water source was near. Not an accident.
Toilets are plugged in the men's restroom.
This is not funny.
We clean up the nursery and gather our kids. We dance each one outside. Brad's van is COVERED. Words scribbled. Cocoa Puffs 2 inches deep line every available surface. Blown up condoms dot the landscape and open cans of sardines are under seats. Any and all available surfaces are covered in vaseline.
He laughs. I don't.
"At least they don't know where my parents live." I reason.
I walk to my van, I am not getting in his. Yuck. It would ruin my dress.
My sister and children showed them where to find all of my stuff and my van. A huge bra is duct taped to the front and filled with giant purple balloons. Words are written across... Deer Killer...(I had hit a deer a month previous)...Seven isn't enough, send viagra....other things not worthy of remembering.
1/2 inch thick of vaseline coats every surface you might set your hands. Rolls and rolls of toilet paper unrolled filled my van. Florescent condoms covered in vaseline everywhere. I have the key to my car from Brad's set I had given him this morning.
I put the kids in the van. They are still in dress clothes, but they are getting ruined with all the vaseline. The grease stains never all did come out. The side of my dress never came out either.
"Where are my keys?" I demand. My house keys are on there.
The cellphones start ringing.
"Don't worry, we have her keys, we wanted to leave a surprise at the house for you guys. A way to start your life off right." click.
"Who told them?" I demand an answer. All my kids shake their heads no. But I clearly see 2 girls in the photos later when everyone shows us their pictures. Laughing thinking it is funny, until they see my face now.
We drive straight home. It is raining, the kids are cold, hungry, tired and everything they touch gets vaseline on them. They wipe it on their clothes.
I am getting madder by the second.
My phone rings. "Where are my keys? This isn't funny."
"Don't worry. Are you such a priss you can't take a joke? If you get in the house and your kitchen floor is covered in oatmeal and syrup, it wasn't me. I someone short sheeted your bed, it wasn't me. Anything out of place, it wasn't me." Kevin laughs boisterously and hangs up.

I dial back. "I want my keys now. I explain the kids situation and that they have to pee." All he does is laugh and hang up.
I am so angry now. Nicole and Princess are silent with eyes like saucers.
I have to take a couple to the gas station to go to the bathroom. The attendants smile as I usher them through, their warm glances turn confused as they see one angry bride. I quickly explain. "That's crap! Wanna us to take 'em out?" they offer.
"No." I sigh. Load everyone back up and wait. 45 minutes. Brad calls. "I almost have the keys. Are you going to be ready to go to Holly's? They have dinner for us."
"WHAT??? You expect me to go eat with them after this?" I am incredulous.
"You'll do the right thing. They are just paying me back for what I did to them."
"It is only affecting me! I had nothing to do with them." I plead my case. I am so angry my hands are shaking.
He pulls up in the possum lodge van.
He opens the door. He peeks in. "It's fine, they didn't have a chance to do anything. You drove home too fast." he tells me. Trying to soften the day's developments.
We rush in and change clothes. I am disgusted as I look at all the clothes we spent so much money on that have to be dry cleaned.
We start cleaning the van. He pleads with me to reconsider. He kisses me. It is his first request as a married couple.
"Fine, but anything stupid and I am out of there." I give in.
He kisses me longer. "I love you!"
"I love you too."
"Do I test that love?"
"No, but your family is testing my patience." I glower and then smile.
"It will be ok." he assures me. I am not sure I believe him.
I put on my happy face and we drive to Holly's. Everyone is on their best behavior. They apologize and laugh it off.
"So what did your family do to you for getting married?" one asks obviously waiting for a good story.
"Well, they helped out for everything and made sure everything went smooth. Wished us well. They were all happy for us." I stop talking.
I really only talk to Holly and Ethel the rest of the evening. It is late. "Can't we go yet?" I plead in his ear.
"Yeah, I guess she wants to get me home." Brad announces.
I slug him in the arm. I really just want to go home and cry and hold my kids.
We get home. It is about 10 pm. "Time for you guys to get in bed." Brad announces.
"Dad and Brad Dad" rings through the air. "We want to open presents!!!"
We open each gift and card.
Wow! What a Blessing!
Now we shove them off to bed. We kneel down beside our bed and offer our first prayer of our married life. It is after midnight. One by one, the kids filter in, by 6 am our bed is full of kids. My husband laughs. "Is this how you thought your day would be?"
I ignore him. We have to race to get our 3 oldest girls home. Brad and I begin the journey of a lifetime. He drives and I sit in the backseat of the van and listen to all the kid's stories. The conversations turn dark as I realize what everyone has been trying to allude to me, but since I naturally am positive and don't expect the worst that I begin to hear. The story of their lives in this house they are being raised in break my heart, and churn my stomach. They trust me. They tell me more than I ever expected. I try not to comment or show too many signs of anything on my face. They continue talking. My poor girls! I want them with me. I am quietly picking on them and playful. Hiding my sorrowful heart. We stop and eat at KFC In their hometown. They don't want to go home. They cry and and I bawl. I don't want them to leave either. My heart is breaking. I don't have a chance to tell Brad anything. Plus, I don't want to ruin his day. He is so happy. I pledge in my heart. I will not rest until they are safe. We pull up to the house. They slowly get out. They walk the suddenly long sidewalk. They look back once. The door opens and we see them starting to get yelled at. The shades are drawn.
I pray.

Chapter 13

"So, how did you plan the hitchhiker?" I ask.
"I didn't, it evolved." he laughs. "You thought I planned that?" he laughs again.
It is Sunday about midnight. We have been awake sooo long again. "Can we get something to eat? It is after midnight. We wouldn't be breaking the sabbath." I try.
"Sure!" he readily agrees. He pulls into a all night pancake house. We walk in and it is not like anything I have ever seen before. The whole back of the store is a grill and the short order cook. The front is packed tight with tables and chairs. Even at this late hour, they serve a fair amount. The first people I notice are old and rednecks. They are bent over their coffee and conversing about mudding and farming. Tractors this and that. One shakes his head and mutters "Kids." I look up to see the reason for his disgruntled behavior. There a few tables down is a group of junior rednecks. Brad pulls out my chair and I sit down. He looks at a menu and smiles to himself.
"What?" I ask.
"Nothing, I just forgot how strong my accent used to be as I listen to these guys." he states.
I listen carefully. "You used to talk like that?"
"Probably worse." he admits, still smiling.
Suddenly, the young folk get loud. One starts, "I hate this place, ain't got no jobs, no women... Bubba! Sing me a Sowng." (Song for those not from Missouri)
People really call each other Bubba? I thought that was just a Hollywood funny thing.
Nope, it's true.
They all call each other Bubba.
Then he starts, softer in the beginning than increases in noise to a really old, bad country song.
Brad's shoulders start shaking. He is trying so hard to keep the laughter in, his eyes are getting wet, and the nostrils flare.
The old guys look up and down upon the youngsters. They are really annoyed, but they keep drinking their coffee and discuss what a disgrace this younger generation has become. Brad hurries to finish his pancakes. Me too.
"So," he pulls me from my seat. "What do you think? Not only do you meet my family, you get proposed to, with a cameraman, I might add, AND you get dinner AND serenaded. Not bad huh? Just think of all the ways Heavenly Father could bless your life being my wife."
We bust out laughing, pay our bill and walk out. It is going to be a long drive home. We still have 5 hours and we are dead tired. We take turns driving, and sleeping but finally give it up and sleep for a short while on the side of the road. We make it to Susanne's. We show her the ring and she is ecstatic. We take pictures and wake the kids up and pile them in the van. We drive another hour home. Susanne is FULL of wedding ideas. "It's less than a week! What do you have planned?"
"Colors."
"Lorianne!" she gets to work.
We get the kids to school, and I give up. I go to sleep...

"Shenita, I need to find a wedding dress." She runs all over the state helping me look everywhere. We run in and out of stores. I hate shopping, so this is really funny to me.
We look everywhere and everyone is calling my cellphone. "Are cowboy boots ok for table centerpieces?"
I really don't care. I just want simple.
"What are you you serving for dinner?"
"Not."
"You can't not."
"Can."
"Lorianne, you make me crazy!"
"Yep."

Next thing I knew, it was a Cowboy Chuckwagon Theme. Whatever. I continue looking for the DRESS. Finding clothes for the kids. Brad makes some last minute calls to Ex to plead the case that they need to be there. He places a call to the attorney. Next thing I know it is the day before the wedding and she calls and says we can pick them up FRIDAY NIGHT. No earlier than 7 pm. It is a 5 hour drive and we are getting married an hour past that at 10 am. I can no longer pick up my dress as we have to make a run to get kids and FIND them dress clothes now that match everyone elses.
Suddenly things become a little more stressful.

"Well, I don't know what you are talking about Brad. They could've come all along. If you needed them earlier you should've said something." she looks at me like I may be roadkill and then smiles.
"Make sure they are home early on Sunday. They have school, ya know." she smiles sweetly again.
Brad mutters under his breath as we walk away.
We RUN to the stores that are still open. We race from store to store. Princess can't agree to anything. She only wants things that are way too old for her or immodest. She is getting on my nerves. We have 15 minutes left before the stores close. Finally we make the purchases. It will have to do. We drive home. We arrive about 2 am. We have to be up at 6 am to get everyone dressed and their hair done. Plus, I have to pick up my dress and HOPE they didn't sell it.

My phone rings. I groggily answer it. Brian. "HELLO!" he says cheerily. I look up at the clock. "CRAP!" I throw the phone at Brad and make a mad dash to wake everyone up. The alarm didn't go off. I tell him to thank him for waking us up. We can't be late!!! Everyone rushes around like crazy. Curling irons flashing left and right.
Sprays fill the bathroom like a smoke screen. 7 girls in the house make a BIG difference. Suddenly I am very grateful for the 2 bathrooms in my house. Brad is trying to find someplace to shave. Sir Talks A Lot is anxiously licking his lips, hoping it will calm his nerves as his life is thrown out of whack. My phone rings again. "Could you bring Salad Dressing on your way into to town?"
"Salad Dressing???"
"Yeah."
"Ok, I am late, gotta go." I push everyone out the door and into the van.

I run into the store. "Do you still have the white, floor length dress?" I am out of breath from running across the Mall. She takes her sweet time finding it. Whew. I whip out my cash.
WalMart.
I run in and grab a couple bottles of Salad Dressing. Waiting in line is KILLING me. I am supposed to be at the Church and I haven't checked on the cake.
Someone spots me in line. "Aren't you getting married in an hour."
"Yeah. If I get out of WalMart." I still have a 20 minute drive.
We run to the cake. It is gorgeous.
Of course.
My Mom made it.
I hide my vehicle at my Mom's. I have heard about his brothers.
I don't factor in my kids or sisters disloyalty.
I run up to the Church and change my clothes and hide my bags, make up and personal items in the bathroom that shouldn't be used today. All out of the way.
I look in the Cultural Hall and am surprised to see everything ready. It is so beautiful. I didn't even lift a finger. It was transformed like magic.
Everyone is busy placing flowers and getting excited. The Bishop calls Brad and I into his office. I thought the groom wasn't supposed to see the Bride in the dress? Guess that tradition is out the door. Oh well. We offer a prayer and he gives us a run down of how it will go. He wishes us well and tells how glad he is we are getting married and how far he has seen us come. We congratulate him on his anniversary. I hug him and Brad shakes his hand. They excuse themselves and leave me standing alone outside the door of the Chapel.
My Dad comes up and takes my arm.
"I'm scared." I look at him.
He grunts and then smiles.
"Time to go."
The music has started. Canon in D. My favorite.
We step in. Everyone stands. I forgot that would happen. I am surprised and feel the tears stinging at my eyes. Keep inside I tell them. PLEASE!!! They stay right at the rim. Thank You, I silently pray. I blink them away.
I look at Brad. He is wearing a Black Suit, Purple Tie and Black Cowboy Boots. He looks sharp. I stand next to him and our kids line up behind us. All 7. Brian is on one side and Susanne on the other. Brian stands at attention and looks regal. Susanne looks like she could burst with happiness.
The Bishop offers us wise counsel, which we really don't hear as we stand looking at each other. I am sure it was sound though, he is a really good guy.
I am vaguely aware that others are here. Glance quickly at the crowd. I get scared again. I look up at Brad again. His warm brown eyes envelope me and I am fine.
The rings?
Susanne passes me his ring.
Brian looks up and down.
He checks his pockets.
He pulls out a napkin and spreads it on the sacrament table.
Next search brings out silverware.
He sets it out.
He checks another area of his suit.
This time turns up an apple. He places that on the sacrament table as well.
Finally, he brings out a sandwich and sets it with the rest of his bounty.
I don't have ANY idea how he kept it all hidden so well.
He never speaks a word.
He looks perplexed.
The light dawns and he points his first finger to the sky. Oh!
He nods his head.
He removes his SHOE.
He reveals a white sock with the toes cut out.
He takes my ring from off his TOES.
Laughter peals through out the Church.
My eyes widen in disbelief.
He places it in Brad's hand.
Then quickly squirts a 1/4 cup of KY Jelly on top.
"There, that oughta help." he finally speaks.
"Does that come with anti-fungal creme?" I ask.
The Bishop falls against the wooden banister. He laughs out loud.
We place our rings and I take my bouquet and strike Brian in the head. Flowers fly everywhere. So much for a Bridesmaid toss.
"You are a dork." I inform him in case no one had told him lately.
We greet everyone and welcome them into the Cultural Hall. We don't really know what to do. We wing it. We sign our marriage license and it is set on the table for everyone to see.
My cousin's son writes me a beautiful poem and draws pictures to go along with it. I am so touched. It is beautiful.
My Mom says we have to eat.
Eat? I don't want to eat! I am a klutz and I am all in white. She insists, so we gather the kids up and seat them. Everyone else takes their seats. Someone offers a blessing on the food. We look up and Susanne and Brian are motioning to us. We join them by the gorgeous cake.
Someone hands up goblets filled with white grape juice and sprite.
Susanne begins. She welcomes everyone and tells them how grateful she is to have brought us together and some other mushy stuff.
Brian takes over. He has an envelope in his hand. Covered in scribbles. He has pilfered it from his Mom's purse and frantically wrote out his toast.

"Ahem!
Roses are Red,
Violets are Blue.
I'm glad that I found the ring in my shoe.

Lorianne, I am flattered you think I'm hot.
But your 5 years too late, You missed your shot.

The man you are marrying is quite a looker,
Although his cologne makes him smell like a hooker.

Toast to my brother and his beautiful wife,
Your stuck with each other for the rest of your life!

I look over and see my great aunts looking at each other and wondering what he is talking about.
I toy with the idea of tossing my drink at him but think better of it. I laugh instead.

"Anymore surprises?" I ask my husband. "Most likely?" he says." I was a pain in the butt at there weddings. There was a ground assault on Brian's wedding cake with little green army guys and unmentionables at Steve's. Kevin never invited us or we would've done something there too."
"Nice." I look around suspiciously and decide to guard the cake myself.
We eat quickly.
Brad and I go up to serve everyone cake.
"Go sit down, you can't cut the cake yourself."
"Why not?" We decide then and there we are serving everyone.
We cut pieces for ourselves and shove too big of pieces in, but not messy.
We cut the cake and serve everyone. It was so fun. My brother in law, Dan starts playing music.
We clear out tables for the dance. Everyone helps clean up.
Our photographer takes a few shots.
We share our first dance.
From Here To Eternity by Michael Peterson

The Song Fit Perfectly! We even took pictures from our first date and proposal and lined them up with the words and it hangs in our bedroom.

I did everything I could to get you here tonight
Without telling you why
Now girl if you only would, please hold out your hand
Just close your eyes
I've been dying to ask you one burning question
Will you be mine?

From here to eternity
I'm asking you to share your life with me
Now and forever I guarantee, I'll always stay by your side
I promise my love to you
I'm willing and able and ready to
Whatever you need
I am here for you, and I'll always be
From here to eternity

I saved a year for this ring
I can't wait to see
How it looks on your hand
I'll give you everything that one woman needs
From a one woman man
I'll be strong I'll be tender a man of my word
I will be yours.

From here to eternity
I'm asking you to share your life with me
Now and forever I guarantee, I'll always stay by your side
I promise my love to you
I'm willing and able and ready to
Whatever you need
I am here for you, and I'll always be
From here to eternity


Now, it gets interesting.....

Chapter 12

We kiss and hug everyone goodbye and load up. We start driving towards the next place. I recognize it as our first stop on our date. We climb down the embankment. We sit on the ground and watch the water lapping at the edge. We talk about how far we have come and in such a short period. "So, you're sure you wanna be a Frisbie?" he asks. "I don't really know what that means, but I KNOW I want to be married to you." I admit.
I have a great idea. "Hey, you could propose here? It would be great. Where we first kissed, where we had our first date." I am getting excited. He looks at me. "I don't have a ring with me. I can't propose without the ring." he says this softly. I can't believe I said that out loud. I am having another moment where I just wish I could have a rock slide or something divert attention from me. He moves on and tells me we need to get going as we have a long ways to travel. "Where to?" he doesn't answer. We climb back in and start the journey of a billion smiles.

Missouri border. I start thinking. Missouri. Missouri. Missouri.... His Mom lives there. That must be it. I reason silently. We stop in Hannibal, it is the home of Mark Twain. It is closed, so we could only see a little bit. It was fun though. Took a few more pictures.
We travel farther. We see a hitchhiker. "Do you care if I pick him up?" I don't care. He climbs in. He is so happy! "Thank You!!" he effuses. He tells us his story.
He had woken up and prayed and KNEW it was going to be a great day. God had told him in the shower that it would be fine and that he would cover many miles today. He started down the road and had been getting more and more discouraged. Only 4 cars drove this stretch today and none had stopped. He was getting angrier and angrier. He was kicking stones and yelling at the road and swearing and then we had drove up and he just knew he would be safe and his prayer had been answered.
He was a rough looking young man. He was very careful to keep his arms covered. He pulled his sweatshirt sleeves down over his wrists to conceal the many tatoos covering them. "It's ok. What are they?" I ask to help him feel more comfortable.
He starts explaining about gangs he had been in and their meanings. He assures us he is no longer in them. He is on his way to see his ole lady and his baby girl. He had started in Florida and was headed to Washington. He was going the furthest you could go in the US. He starts telling us his journey to the Lord. He wants to start a church called A1 Power to the Lord. We talk for a while and stop at a McDonalds. He has only eaten Double Cheeseburgers the whole way. He wants to tell his daughter when he gets older how many double cheeseburgers it takes to cross the US. We laugh at him and get him 2. He tells us about his family and friends and where he has spent the night the last few nights.
I forget we have a destination in mind as we speak to this young man. He is so animated and happy. He weaves story after story of growing up in the hills where it looked like the movie deliverance. He makes me laugh. Brad asks, "So, would you like us to take you all the way to 29? We would have to make one stop, but I could take you all the way there." He readily agrees. I start thinking again. Where can he take me that it would be appropriate to take a hitch hiker. Nice as he may be, does his Mom really want a hitchhiker around her home? His Brother lives there, but he has several young children. That doesn't seem right either. hmmmmm. "What?" I am shaken from my thought processes. They start another round of stories and I get sucked in.

"Kiss me." Brad says. Is he crazy? I don't want to kiss him in front of anyone else. "Kiss me, quick!" he insists. We are in the middle of nowhere. I kiss him quick and promptly turn all red again. The hitchhiker laughs and Brad has a satisfied smile on his face. "Why?" I ask. "Nothing." he is still smiling. It has been 3 hours since we had picked up Anthony. Brad turns in a drive. For the first time, he falls silent. No one breathes a word. I break the silence. "Is this it?" I wonder. Brad is smiling the biggest smile I had every seen. He got me good. I had no idea we were going here. On our first date he had asked me, "Where else would you like to go that you have never been?" I had told him since I was 12 I had wanted to go one place, but no one ever wanted to take me and I am directionally challenged, so I wouldn't venture out on my own. He smiles and points to the sign. Adam-Ondi-Ahman. "I had you kiss me so you wouldn't see the sign on the Highway." he is so pleased with himself. Brad had come here on his own right after our first date to scope it out and see if it was a suitable place. Anthony breathes slowly, "What is this place?" I quickly explain that this is where Adam spoke to his posterity for the last time before he died. In Genesis. He says, "It's so quiet here, almost reverent." We pull up to the overlook. I am so grateful there are bathrooms here. I run in and Brad is standing next to our hitchhiker, bent over and they are in deep conversation. They straighten up immediately when I come out. "Let's go up to Tower Hill." "Ok." There is a path that leads up to the overlook. I walk quickly leaving Brad and Anthony in the dust. It is a natural sound system. I survey the view. So beautiful. I can't even describe it. I stand by myself. I am just about to turn. I am wondering where Brad is. He always comes up and puts his arm around me. In a voice that could melt butter, I hear "Lorianne." I turn slowly around. Brad is on one knee with a tiny gold box, topped with a tiny gold bow. I smile as the realization lights my mind. Our hitchhiker has now turned into a cameraman and is snapping photos through out the process. "Would you do me the honor of being my wife for all time and eternity?" "Yes." I said softly. Tears ran down my face and he stood up and kissed me and Anthony took pictures. "You two have inspired me man! When I get home, I'm gonna ask my ole lady to marry me." he is hopping like a little kid. "If you want her to say yes, you'd better quit referring to her as your old lady." I advise. We walk the grounds and hike up a path. It is kinda difficult in heels though, so we turn back and head towards the car. We take Anthony to the Gas Station. He doesn't really want us to leave him. He tells us thank you so much. You have changed my life. We thank him as well. I will now have pictures for one of the most important days in my life. I can't thank him enough. Brad and I step arm and arm into the gas station. Over the loudspeaker is playing, Going To The Chapel and We're Going To Get Married. We start laughing.

Brad is struck with a worrisome thought. "I did this wrong." "What?"
"I didn't ask your Dad." he is really upset with himself.
I offer him my cell. He quickly dials. "Hello Sir." he greets.
"Hello." He responds.
"This is Brad. I was wondering if it would be alright to take your beautiful daughter's hand in marriage?" he is smiling.
Nothing. No response. 15 minutes pass by.
"Sir?" Brad asks not so confident anymore.
"I'm thinking." he replies.
I start laughing. I know my Dad is getting ready to mess with him.
"Who is that cackling like a hen?" he asks.
"That is your daughter, Sir." he doesn't know what to think of this conversation. Not going how he thought it would.
"Did you ask your Bishop?"
"Yes sir."
"What did he say?"
"He said to ask her."
""Uh huh."
"Did you ask your Stake President?"
"Yes sir."
"What did he say?"
"He thought it was alright."
Long pause again.
"What does she think about it?"
"Well, she seems alright sir."
Long pause again.
"Well, I guess so." Dad finally says.
"Thank you Sir. We'll see you when we get back."
"Ok. Bye."

Brad is now wondering if my Dad wants him to marry me. I assure him it is fine. He is just worried about me and he has an ornery streak a mile wide that he really likes to mess with people. He wouldn't have said yes if he didn't mean it.

Brad takes me all over Missouri and shows me where he used to live and where friends had lived that where important to him growing up. I am humbled by the places I see. I can't imagine. I always thought we had grown up without much at times. I am keenly aware now how blessed I was. He fills me in on gaps in his life and what he felt about things. He tells me how he wants much better for us and our kids. He takes my hands and cups them gently in his. "I want to make you a beautiful home." I smile.
"Something you can be proud of."

"How far are we from your Mom?" he wrinkles his nose. "Maybe 3-4 hours?"
"Could we meet her too?" I ask.
"Yeah, it's out of the way. But if you want to meet, sure."
"What is she like?" I ask timidly, a little worried about how I will be received.
"She'll love you." he seems positive.
"My Dad's wife just really wanted me to marry someone else. She'll come around. Just give her time. She'll get to know you and love you too."
I stare out the window with tears slipping silently down my neck. "I hope so." I wish.

Brad knocks softly on the door. Larry answers. Brad puts his fingers to his lips. Larry points to his wife resting on the couch. He gets on his knees and gives her a quick peck on the cheek. "HI MOM!" she rouses and slaps him. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" She sits up and wipes the sleep from her eyes.

She stands up and gives me a big hug. "Welcome to the family, sweetheart." she has a thick, Missouri accent. It's really fun for me to hear her talk. "Have you met my boys?" She guides me over to the pictures. She introduces each son and her daughter and what they looked like when they graduated and in the service and what their families are like now. Brad's picture has his ex girlfriend in it. She strategically places herself in front of the photo and says, "This isn't that great of a picture of Brad, I have been meaning to replace it. We'll put your wedding picture up here." she offers.
Wow. This is a MUCH different reception than the last house. The last one I was flooded with pictures of Brad and his ex girlfriend and told how happy they were and that she felt so bad I was a rebound relationship and how he preferred blondes. Polar opposites. We chat for a while, but it is almost midnight. We have a 6 hour drive and an hour back home in order to get back to work in time and get the kids to school. We tell her we will see her next Saturday. She thanks us for coming. We all hug and load up.

Chapter 11

"I need help." Brad says as he comes in.
I am sitting in the rocker holding a miserable baby in low light. I just leave the door unlocked now.
"Shhh!" I hush.
He kneels down on one knee. "What is wrong with her?"
She has hand, foot and mouth. She was licking carts at Walmart again." I whisper.
She is miserable. I feel so bad. She comes down with the worst things. Why she has to lick shopping carts... so gross.
He puts his hand over her forehead. "It's going to be a long night." I predict.
I lay her down on the couch. She snuggles into her blanket and I place my hand on her back until she settles back into a deep sleep. I place my finger to my lips towards Brad.
He smiles.
We go to the other side of the room.
"What is it?"
"Well, I was talking to your atheist friend today. He said, "Explain Dinosaurs." So I want you to look it up and tell me where and what to say."

"What?"

We discuss how the theory of evolution and creationism don't necessarily cancel out each other. I pull out Science Books and The Bible. We find lots of similarities.
6 am and the kids come down the stairs. Brad is still studying and writing notes in his notebook. I am passed out cold in my scriptures. He feeds them and sends them off and leaves me a note with a smurf drawn on it holding a flower. Brad stops by after work. His family has been teasing him saying he has been out lady charming.

Valentines Day. We spend the day moving a friend. Helping him pack, clean and move into the Barbie Mansion. Very Pink. Brad hugs me and says, "Aww, our first Valentine's such a moving experience." We both enjoy serving others so it isn't an issue with me. Later that evening I am totally surprised. Brad comes in with a box of candy and a card. I look at him quizically and thank him.
"Holly made me feel guilty. She said you don't spend a valentine's day moving other people, with no candy or anything." I laugh at him.

Cookie Monster's birthday. Brad had to go try to pick up his children. He didn't get them, but that wasn't the point. He wanted them to see him and KNOW no matter what, he tried to see them. He knew it was an exercise in futility. He was hurrying to get back in time for her birthday party. Most everyone was already there. I had made a big cake and dinner. Everyone was mingling and laughing about the Winnie The Pooh Monster trucks climbing each other. Brad breezes in and announces "Sorry, I was in an accident." he tells this insane long and involved story. I am really worried. I didn't want him going by himself in the first place. He uses my phone and I realize he just lied to me. The story isn't exactly true. I glide over to a table and pick up a handful of skittles. I wait until he turns around. He grins. I tell him I don't like being lied too. I take aim and volley one. Smacks him in the front tooth. He is shocked. I repeat, "Don't lie to me." I finish my skittles and walk away.
He gives her a monkey and it becomes her best friend and accompanies her EVERYWHERE for the next four years until the washer ate it. She was devastated.

"We need to talk." these are words no one ever wants to hear. Something is going to change if you do. Brad looks scared. Nothing like I am feeling in my heart though. We already are totally committed and devoted to each other. He has been talking about marriage and slipping it into almost every conversation. I was worried we were getting too close. I didn't want to make a mistake. I tell him my feelings. He cradles them carefully. It is hard for me to be open and trust that my feelings are ok and will not be used against me and manipulate me. I am learning, stretching, growing and healing though. I find I really can trust him. He tells me his feelings. We acknowledge and hold each other close. What do we do now? He leaves for work.
I kneel down in prayer and offer up my entire soul. Warts and all. I ask What wilt Thou have me do? I leave no stone unturned in my heart. My knees ache and my back is tight. My eyes are red and swollen. My heart, however is full. To bursting, my cup runneth over and I am peaceful. I call one of my best friends. I set up a time for the afternoon to come and have a Priesthood Blessing. He doesn't hesitate, and clears his schedule. I am amazed at his sacrifice. I know it doesn't come easily, but he knows I am in need. He is more than willing.
He welcomes me into his home. I tell him that I know that it is fast, but that we are seriously considering marrying.
He looks at me, and isn't very happy. He counsels me. He doesn't know him. Only met briefly. He extends an invitation to have us over for dinner. He is afraid that I am going to get hurt. He wants me to wait a little while. I am not offended. He begins the blessing. Tears flow like a fountain covering both our faces. I look up to thank him. "I am sorry. Please disregard everything I said before." I smile and give him a big hug. Everything told me not to fear and go forward with faith and lots of other things too.
I go home smiling and a happier heart, if that is possible. I get home and Brad is waiting for me. He is smiling too. He gathers me in his arms. He tells me his daily events. It is identical to mine. His Priesthood holder was 1 1/2 a way from mine and they had never met. The blessings were word for word in most places. We laugh and exchange stories all evening. He asks me what kind of wedding I want.

Brad shows up to church and Karen stops him in the hallway. "Have you asked that girl to marry you yet?" "No." he responds. "Fix it." she smiles and laughs.
The Bishop stops him after church. "Have you asked her to marry you?" "No."
"You can still repent."

We realize that we will have to wait a year to be married in Nauvoo since I was previously sealed before. He isn't being very helpful. SO we decide just to marry civilly. Plan to be sealed in one years time. We start making plans. Brad calls his daughters. "What would you think if I told you I was going to marry Lorianne?" varied answers, but all positive. We set a date. It was the only date everyone we wanted to be there, could come. We call Brad's Bishop and ask him to marry us. He is overjoyed. "I can't think of a better way to spend MY wedding anniversary than to marry you." We are so excited. Brad calls his ex and tells her the date. Doesn't go well and he says, "She won't let them come. She said No. Absolutely not." he is devastated. We cry together.

"Please???" Plan B is really good at begging. Brad and I agree. Read a quick story at the elementary school, eat lunch and back to work. He picks me up at work. We meet her at her class. I forget how SHORT these lunch tables are. Brad holds my hand as I try to get my high heels stuck in there without tearing my nylons.
Brad shows them all at the table different annoying faces. The kids LOVE it.
We race her to her room. Her teacher greets us. Poor girl, she has no idea how her day is going to drastically change. Me either.
Brad picks up a book after she introduces us. Clifford, The Big, Blue, Kitty! He reads it, changing everything in the entire story. It was a lot more fun the way he read it. Laughter echoes through the room. The teacher has lost it. Brad is in his element. We get done, and one little boy grabs his sleeve and says "Will you come to recess???" cheers start up. "Recess! Recess! Recess!!" the teacher tells us we would be more than welcome. We check our watches, why not?"
There are around 100 kids on the playground. Brad starts a rousing game of tag. The teachers file out. The take their positions. Brad winks at me. He tells the kids its time for Simon Says. He has them do sit ups, mountain climbers, turn right, turn left, circle ME in a mosh pit. They are all screaming and going crazy. Then he tells them to get the teacher. They take off and she screams and runs. Finally he calls them off. They all hug us and ask us to come back. It was polite of them to include me. I know they meant him.

Things have a way of changing quickly in our life. One week before the wedding and I am sitting in my house. All alone. Brad hurries in and starts making phonecalls. He tells me, "I am kidnapping you. You need dress clothes, pj's and comfy clothes. Hurry, we don't have much time."
"You're kidnapping me?"
"Yes. I'm busy calling everyone so they can come to the wedding. Our invites won't make it in time. Go!!"
"Fine. Did not know being kidnapped could be fun."
I haphazardly grab things and we fill the van. It starts to dawn on me I have never met anyone but Brian in his family. He has met everyone in my family.
"Where are we going?" I ask.
"I want you to meet my Dad. You are going to LOVE it. His wife Kathie, she is going to adore you! You have a lot in common." he gushes.
"Sounds like fun!" I am listening to him try to explain how in less than 6 months, we are marrying to people he hasn't talked to in a year or more. He is going on about how hard it has been to wait this long.

He loads my stuff and picks me up and carries me to the van. He opens the door, and buckles me, kissing me softly. "I can't wait to marry you." he whispers. I love this man.
He has an unending supply of stories and tells me all about growing up with his Dad. I am so happy to meet him. Can't wait. He grabs my cellphone. I'm going to call him! He dials. "What are you doing?" he asks. "I would like you to meet someone." "The woman I am marrying next Saturday!" he is quiet. Really quiet. I start hearing a female voice getting louder. It is not a happy voice, it is quite angry. After 20 minutes, I finally get really loud and demand, "Does she even WANT to meet me?" "Yes. She wants to meet you!" he lies. He tries to make me feel better. I have never wore so much make-up in my life. I am so nervous, I just keep applying it. I can't imagine why someone would be so opposed to me without ever meeting me.
We pull up and they meet us. His Dad pulls me in for a big hug and I feel right at ease. He was so welcoming and just made me laugh so much. He was so kind. His wife was angry. We talked to them for a while and she makes beds for us to sleep in. It was an interesting evening.
The next morning his Dad asked me if I wanted any coffee. I declined. He asked why. I said, "Anything that tastes so bad that you have to cover with that much creamer and sugar is not worth drinking to me." he didn't bat an eyelash. He just pushed the creamer and sugar in front of me.

Chapter 10

I run into the house. I make a lasagna. Ran out of cottage cheese and had to get more. Gherkin ate 24 oz. by herself. She is 3. Sheesh!!
Still wearing my Realtor clothes, I finish up and grab the supplies for our craft tonight. We are making sleighs. Microwave popcorn, check. Candy Canes, check. Hot Chocolate pks, check. Tape, check. Ribbon, check. Ok.
Knock and in comes 3 very nervous girls and Brad. "This is Lorianne. I have to run to work, I will see you after I get done." he races out.
I don't know what I expected...Wasn't that though.

We all stare at each other. Nicole stares the longest. She doesn't say much yet. Watches every move I make though.
Princess jumps all over me and Soccer Angel sits back and asks odd questions. I ask if they have ever done stunts. Physical stunts. Princess talks a mile a minute. I sit on the floor and Sir jumps on my back. Not comfortable. I ask him to get down. He swings himself around my neck. He is trying to show off. "Stop." I command.
Suddenly he crushes my esophogas. I can't breathe. I swing him off me and flip him over my shoulder. He is wearing swishy pants. I slap his little butt. "Are you even wearing underwear?" I demand. Doesn't feel like it. "YES!" I have mortified him. He is mad. He pouts off to the side. "You hurt me. I couldn't breathe." I explain.
"Sorry." They fall into peals of laughter. "She said UNDERWEAR!" It is going to be a long night.
Nicole still sits back and stares. Watching every move I make. Studying every child and their reactions. Kind of unnerving.
Princess and Sir and Soccer Angel let me teach them flips and spins and elements of swing dance. We clear out the dining room that I don't use as one anyway. This is so fun. I start getting tired. Beep. Beep. Beep.
"Lasagna is done. Come one you guys." everyone stops. No one moves. "Aren't you hungry? It's 6 pm." vigorous shaking of the heads. "OK." I turn it down to warm. We start playing games and talk about Christmas Traditions.
Knock at my door.
Who is that? I wonder and bound down my little stairs at the back door. Ex.
"Oh, no....." I forgot.
"They aren't quite ready. I forgot it was your weekend." I explain.
"You forgot?" he acts like I am the stupidest person on the earth.
"We were playing...They haven't eaten." I let him in the kitchen. Start putting 6 pieces of lasagna in a ziploc. I don't have anything else.
"What is that?" he asks suspiciously.
"Dinner. I said they hadn't ate yet. There is enough for you too."
He acts offended but I notice he takes it and makes sure it gets to his car. He LOVES lasagna.
"Cookie Monster needs 1 tsp. of tylenol for teething pain. She is due now. Do you have any?" I notify him.
"NO. Who is this?" he points at the girls. I introduce everyone. "Your watching his KIDS now? What is going on with you two?" he demands.
I shove a liquid tylenol at him. "My only bottle, please return it." I am not happy.
"I have to give it to her?"
"You can't handle it?" what the heck?
He makes a big deal out of it. Spills it all over his hands. "Can I wash my hands? Is that still allowed?" he is mad.
I point to the sink.
I gather coats and shoes. He heads to the bathroom. I come back with all their winter gear. He is still in the bathroom. Kids are all staring at each other back and forth.
I knock on the door. I hear the bathroom cupboards close.
Thought Processes Not Repeatable.
The kids load up and I close the door. Awfully quiet when you have only 3 and they aren't sure what to think of the exchange that just took place.
"Want to eat now?" vigorous shaking of the heads again.
"Maybe you would like to see some dogs?" that gets a response. I change into jeans and a casual nice shirt. My last outfit was Realtor clothes. Nothing even remotely close to immodest. Keep this in mind.
We get in the van and Nicole speaks."So are you dating my Dad?" real casual like.
"I think you should ask him that."
"Are you dating my DAD?" repetition seems to be her strong point all the sudden. She won;t give up and gets LOUDER and LOUDER. I turn on the radio. Louder. They start laughing. Brad Paisley is singing.
Well I'll never forget the first time that I heard
That pretty mouth say that dirty word
And I can't even remember now what she backed my truck into
But she covered her mouth and her face got red And she just looked so darn cute
That I couldn't even act like I was mad
Yeah I live for little moments like that

Well that's just like last year on my birthday
She lost all track of time and burnt the cake
And every smoke detector in the house was goin' off
And she was just about the cry until I took her in my arms
And I tried not to let her see me laugh
Yeah I live for little moments like that

I know she's not perfect but she tries so hard for me
And I thank God that she isn't 'cause how boring would that be
It's the little imperfections it's the sudden change in plans
When she misreads the directions and we're lost but holdin' hands
Yeah I live for little moments like that

When she's layin' on my shoulder on the sofa in the dark
And about the time she falls asleep so does my right arm
And I want so bad to move it 'cause it's tinglin' and it's numb
But she looks so much like an angel that I don't wanna wake her up
Yeah I live for little moments
When she steals my heart again and doesn't even know it
Yeah I live for little moments like that

"So, is that what my Dad says to you? Is that why you like that song?"
I divert her attention by playing speedbuggy with my van. Arrroomazoomzoom.
They fall apart again.
"Are you dating my Dad?" not again.
She finds her manners at Susanne's house and they love the dogs. Who couldn't? They are labs. Their only complaint is that they are BIG dogs.
I respond, "If they were any smaller, they would be cats in dog suits."
They tell me about their little dogs at home. Ooops!

We travel back home and play a little in the van. I point out a GTO, a Monte Carlo, Firebird, and a Chevelle.
We goof around and pretend to race the GTO.
Go back home. Brad is going to wonder if he gets back to my house and no one is there.
We pull in and get unpacked.
I sit in the living room.

Princess comes up to me and confidently asks, "So, do you work at Hooters?"
I choke on my own spit.
Nicole looks like if she could burst her into flames with her eyeballs, she would right now.
"What? Do you?" she pressures.
"No. I am a Realtor." I answer evenly. What is she thinking??? I don't want to know.
Soccer Angel came up with some doozies as well, but her's were scripted and told to ask by adults so I won't give them space here. We start picking up.
Brad comes in. "Hey Monkeys!!" they run and jump in his arms. It is LOUD all of the sudden.
"What did you have for dinner?" he asks.
"Nothing." Soccer Angel states. Like I hadn't offered them anything.
"I'm starving!" he says and looks at me expectantly. He could smell the lasagna. All the sudden it was ok to eat. Maybe they thought I would poison them. :)
"So did you have a good time?" they chatter excitedly back and forth and I am watching them interact.
Nicole asks the Million Dollar Question. "Are you dating her?" she is not going to drop this.
"Do you want me to?" he teases.
Screaming Yes's are heard. Hope this is a good sign.
"Is she going to be like our Mom?" Princess demands. She is right in his face.
"Do you want her to be?" he teases them again.
Princess and Soccer Angel go crazy. Nicole surveys the situation. I can't tell her thoughts. Only that she is taking it all in. We take a few pictures. Brad sends them out to the car.
He kisses me and says, "See that wasn't so bad." They get out and are planted against the door and listening seeing what they can hear. Strange to me.
He says I'll call you when they are in bed.

I am so tired. It is so QUIET. Going from 7 full of energy to 0. Is quite a transition for one day. I read my scriptures. Brad calls. We are now in the habit of reading scriptures together after he is off work and praying before bed. "So, how did it go?" he is obviously wide awake. "Not too bad." I laugh outloud. "Unless you count being asked if I worked at Hooters."
He doesn't take this well. He is mad. Really mad.
"They wouldn't have done that if I was there." he apologizes profusely. I decide not to tell him the rest. We'll tell him later I decide.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of it." he promises.

Chapter 9

I pull into my sisters. It was not an easy trip. I drive to her house almost daily, but was so tired I briefly forgot where I was and got lost. I knock on the door and promptly pass out on the couch. I wake up several hours later and have the EXACT amount of time to get everyone home, dressed for church, and speed to church.
We stop at home and my phone rings.
"Good Morning Beautiful!" I hear.
I laugh. "Good Morning."
"How did you sleep?"
"Quickly." I banter.
"Nice. Where is your church?" he asks.
I answer in a hurry, I am late. Hate being late.
"Church starts at 9, so I gotta go. I will talk to you later?" I am hovering over the cradle. I am too cheap for a cordless.
"Yeah, be safe."
"Thanks"
We run to the car seats.

We get settled in and the music starts.
It is Fast and Testimony Meeting. We fast for 24 hours and give the money we would've spent on food and usually add a generous amount to help others who may not have enough. We then couple that with the extra time not taken up by cooking, cleaning and eating, to more fully concentrate our prayers and focus on hearing the voice of the Spirit. We then have an opportunity, if you wish to bear your testimony of the Savior that Sunday. If you skip the prayer and focus part we call that starving, not fasting.
We settled down and next thing I know, Plan B is poking me. I ignore her trying to listen. Poking becomes more insistent.
"What?" I demand. I don't like being poked.
"I want to go up there. Pleeeease?" she is almost in my lap. Begging.
"Ok." We stand up and listen to the snickers from the congregation. She is 4. Almost 5.
"I would like to bury my testimony." I stifle a snicker too.
Usually people begin I would like to bear my testimony. It was very sweet and honest testimony of her love of the Savior. She closes and scampers away. I am left standing alone very abruptly at the mic now by myself.
I offer my testimony, and half way through see a dark-haired, bearded man in a brown carhartt jacket and winnie the pooh tie slip in the back and sit down. He smiles at me. I quickly close and I am sure was all red again.
Next is Gospel Doctrine Class. I am the teacher. Brad takes a seat. Now I am really nervous. I ask him to offer the prayer. He humbly prays that His Spirit may be felt and that we may gain greater understanding as we accept His will. Heads turn and look. I introduce him to the class by the name Bro. Frisbie. Not the burning question they are all wondering. Is this her date she said she was going on?
Class goes smoothly and it is time to dismiss to Relief Society.
We spend half the class everyone asking me questions. This is NOT a normal Sunday activity. You can't fault them though. They saw me crash and burn with another relationship and wanted to make sure I was ok. It was sweet.
We dismiss from classes and I find him with my children and half the Primary doing what he does best. Allowing them to climb all over him and teaching them to make monkey faces. They all have their hands pulling their ears straight out, cheeks blown out and half of them with their eyes crossed. Pretty Funny.
He comes up to me and says he has to go now. He has Church in Cedar Rapids today.
"When are you going to sleep?" I ask.
"I'm alright." he answers and leaves.


Lunch is made quickly and I am tired.
I laid down on the couch with the kids playing games at my feet.
I quickly entered slumber.
Next thing I am aware of is Sir Talks A Lot, poking me and calling me.
"Brad's here." it takes me a couple times til I understand what he is saying.
He had opened the door and led him right to where I was sleeping. Nice. I feel like a dork.
"Tired?" he asks grinning.
"A little." I get up.
We go talk at the kitchen table. Sir Talks A Lot comes in the kitchen and his testosterone obviously is feeling threatened or something because he starts being rude. I call him on it. He slams my kitchen door. I am not amused. Brad asks if he can take care of this.
I nod my head and wave him on. This could be interesting. I am well versed in this boy.
Wish I had popcorn.

He tells him that slamming doors is disrespectful.
He nods his head, and is already tuning him out. "Let me show you how you open and close a door." this is funny.
Sir's ears are turning red. He is getting ready to blow.
"Here, you try." Brad offers.
Sir opens and closes the door with an attitude. Full shoulder shake and all.
"No, again." Brad says
"No, again." Brad directs.
"That's better, not quite." he affirms.
He does it right.
"Perfect. Now lets practice." he says sternly.
Sir starts in, now you have to understand I know where this is going. If you let him go when he starts yelling, he will continue and work himself up into a frenzy that will take forever to calm down. Brad doesn't understand this yet.
Sir starts. He is quickly escalating to yelling. I intervene quickly. Brad looks at me. Sir calms down. He leaves the room.
Brad smirks. He says he has to go. I apologize for the outburst and he says, "You know, you might want to listen to your children sometimes. He might have told you what was really wrong."
Now I am annoyed.
I decide I need a nap. He has no clue I am annoyed.
He smiles and waves good bye.
I take the kids to bed after reading a book and I fall asleep. I don't even hear the phone at 9pm.

Another day, another dollar. I get the kids off to school. 2 still with me. A knock at my door. I am greeted by the dark haired man again with the cowboy boots. He asks if he can make up for his stupid comment.
"How so?"
"Could I make you breakfast?" I am intrigued. I already ate, but I would like to see what comes of this.
"Sure." I hear myself say.
He sets to looking around my kitchen. He brings out a bag of groceries. Now remember he is at least 40 min from any grocery store. He starts frying sausage. I have never had biscuits and gravy before. He obviously has made this a lot. He is very comfortable.
"Do you need any help?" I ask. I have never had anyone cook for me before. I am mesmerized.
"Nope, got it." he grins and starts telling stories.
He makes biscuits too. I am even more impressed.
We eat. It is really good.
"What is your favorite movie?" he asks.
"Today, The Other Side of Heaven. Most days, Kate and Leopold." I answer.
" What is the other side of heaven?" he asks. I pull it out and show him the case.
"Do you want to watch it?" he asks.
"In the morning?" I respond.
"I have to go to be at work at one." he looks at me with puppy dog eyes.
"Ok." He loves it. Me too. It is a good movie.

I take out the movie and put it away. He starts singing the theme to the Lion King. Can you Feel The Love Tonight? He takes my hand and dances me around the living room. Gherkin and Cookie Monster laugh and dance between us. He continues singing as they dance all over our feet and climb in and out of our legs.
"You know I thought you were a bad omen before." he admits.
"How is that?"
"Your name. My ex wife was a Lorrie Ann, my ex girlfriend was a Lorrie Ann..."
"Oh." What can you say to that, I wonder.
"I always knew I was looking for a Lorianne. I just didn't know how to spell it!"
"Your a dork!"
Eventually he has to leave for work. "Can I stop by after work sometime?" he asks.
"Sure." I am totally twitterpated.

Thanksgiving rolls by.
"I have a Family Thanksgiving if you would like to come." I say to Brad.
"What day?" he looks sad after I answer. "I have to pick up my girls. I want to go though. I would LOVE to meet your family."
We go over travel plans.
I drive to Susanne's. I have never made a scrapbook before. "Brad brought me doubles of these pictures. How do I make them pretty?" We set to work, before I know it we have a sweet book together that chronicles our first date.
I head to Dubuque. I show Amanda. She looks it over. "Wow, you have this already together?" she probably thinks I am crazy. Things have changed quickly. Feels like we have been together forever.

Fast forward several weeks.

"You prayed me sick?" Brad asks incredulously.
"Absolutely not." I insist.
"You call it what you want, but I have never been that sick and you prayed it on me."
"I did not!" I am getting annoyed but still have a smile creeping at my lips.
"Explain it to me again then." he sits back against my couch with his legs crossed at the ankles and arms folded against his chest. He doesn't exactly exude an attitude of listening. He doesn't have a smile.
He has been on my couch for 3 days. Throwing up, fever, chills, the whole 9 yards...
No one else around him is sick. No one. If he could pass it, should've been to me or Brian. Especially me.
"The evening before you got sick, I prayed. I was concerned we were getting too close and I asked that we would have strength and power to resist and that we may be protected from bad choices as we remain obedient. I didn't pray you would become ill!!" I insist again.
"Your protected. Your welcome. I wouldn't pray this on you." he is obviously feeling better.
I turn around and leave the room.
He gets up and follows.
I start making a chocolate cake in the mixer. Ignoring him.
He wraps his arms around me. Still ignoring. I turn off the Kitchen Aid. He dips his finger in and I feign mock hysteria. "What are you doing?"
"Paybacks." he smears it down my cheek and neck. "Here, let me help you. You've made a mess." Quickly I have less than half a pan. He is covered too. Ugghh. Now I have clean up.
"Maybe he just knew you were the problem and I needed protected." I smirk. Wiping the countertop, the floor, the wall...
"Maybe." he kisses me.
"You better be careful!" I warn.
"What are you going to do, pray?" he taunts.
I stare. He steps back,"Ok, ok...I give up." he shakes his head.

Christmas is coming. "It's my year for the Holidays." Brad tries to explain. "I have to go to see my kids. I am bringing them back."
"Do they know about me?"
"Not really" he evades.
"Yes or no?" I demand.
"No."
"Why?" I am lost.
"How about if I just bring them by and you keep them while I am at work. We'll see how it goes. Let everyone meet each other. I just don't want to cause a rukus with my ex."
"Ok." We start putting up my tree. I want the lights on before the kids get home so we can decorate. He is helping me sort lights and replace bulbs.
"This string won't light." I am perturbed.
"Let me see it." he grabs it and stretches it out. "I can fix this."
He leans in and kisses me. The strand lights up!
"Hey, Hey, Hey... DID you SEE that?" He leans again. I fall over laughing. "Fireworks." Every time he kisses me the strand lights up.

Chapter 8

We climb into my van and he goes on about The Red Green Show.
"I can't BELIEVE you called it the Possum Lodge! That's a beautiful piece of machinery. CLASSIC." he laments.
It is one of my favorite shows. "If the women don't find you handsome, they might as well find you handy." I recite.
I giggle.
I think he is both handsome and handy.
Not telling him that though. I may be a smart mouth, but I am a big chicken with saying what I feel. Easier to make jokes.
It is dark and cool out. The stars are amazing. He turns the heat up. I start getting drowsy. I don't have the benefit of being able to go to sleep at 4 am and not have to be anywhere until 1pm. My day starts at 6 am regardless. Cat naps in the evening don't do much for me.
He starts talking about trucks, mudding, and old cars.
I smile and make noises periodically so he thinks I am paying attention.
I hear what he is saying, but it isn't registering much. Every once in a while, I will make a connection and offer a snippet of my Chevelle growing up, or various other cars I drove. I can identify a lot of OLD cars, but am far from a motor head. I can hold my own for a while but then I have to change the subject. Hunks of metal can only hold my attention for so long.
He is totally oblivious to my predicament. My eyes are so heavy. I adjust myself in the seat so I am now sideways looking at him.
Dooesn't help.
I still find myself head bobbing. I am trying to think of something to change the subject. His voice is so nice and soothing and comforting and warmmmm.
Suddenly, a thought enters my mind.

This is the man you will marry.

What??? Now I am wide awake, nothing could possibly induce sleep, now.
I look at him. Why? I cock my head and try to understand. This man who is funny, charming and sweet. Ok, but he is still talking about mudding and climbing with trucks.

"Shenita and I once went rock climbing in my Chevelle. Not on purpose though." I add to his story.
He looks at me.
"Really?" he isn't sure if I am pulling his leg.
"No, really. It is a funny story, but makes me look like an idiot, but anyway, yeah, my Dad had to pull a fender back when we were done." He laughs trying to imagine me in my pumpkin colored Chevelle climbing rocks around Hell Road.
I am awake for every bit of the trip now devouring every word he says wondering....

We have to stop and get gas. He refuses to let me pump or pay.
Hmmm. I like that.
He opens the door for me to get back in. (He still does. LOVE that.)
We drive to whatever the town is past Nauvoo, and climb down the embankment. We have to cross a set of railroad tracks. He grabs my hand and helps me step over. He guides me carefully down the steep terrain. We laid out a quilt to sit on and another to put over our shoulders. It was cold. We sit and watch the light come up over and cast it's rays gradually on the Mississippi River. Reeds sporadically make their way up at the rivers edge. There is a light splashing sounds as various animals waken around the rivers edge. It isn't quite over the Temple yet. It is getting brighter though. Such beauty, quiet.
Brad speaks softly. He is sitting behind me keeping me warm. "Can you imagine what it must have been like?"
"What?" I murmur.
"What is what like for the Saints." he paused reverently."Making their way across the ice, dragging their families, knowing they would never likely see their homes or families again. I can't even imagine."
"I don't have to wonder. I know." I state firmly. I turn into him and face him.
"They are my family. I have portions of their diaries. I know what they felt like."
I turn back around to look at the water.

"Won't this be a great story to tell our grandkids?"

I pretend I didn't hear that. Who says that on a first date????
I tell one story I remember about a young man who's toddler sibling dies of exposure after being forced out and how he feels. Brad doesn't say anything but I hear him breathe slowly and feel his shoulders slump. It affects him.

I turn and look at him again. He guides my chin and pulls me close and kisses me. Gun Shots ring out. Or maybe it was Fireworks. He kisses me again. More Gun Shots if you ask Brad, Fireworks if you ask me. Every time he kisses me, shots are fired. We both end up laughing. We gather our stuff and as he helps me climb back up the hill he wonders if it's my ex hiding in the bushes. Pretending to be a hunter.

We walk around the town of Nauvoo. It is AMAZING. I have never seen ANYTHING like this before. People dress in period costumes. They tell stories of the time and this section of town is JUST like walking in the 1800's. Everything is the same and refurbished to make it real. Wow. We visit the Scovil Bakery and they give us free cookies and a piece of bread baked in a bustle oven. Delicious. We wander farther and find the Browning Gunsmith Shoppe. We receive a tour explaining how they built the guns and get to feel everything. We got to the Post Office, everywhere. Arm in Arm. Brad taking pictures. He has an uncanny ability to line up shots. He took a picture of our first kiss, walking down the streets and asked me to stop every few minutes and stand in front of statues in the Garden of Women. "If only everyone respected how important Women are in the Creator's Plan. If we only we realized how treasured they are in His eyes." he muses.
We keep walking.
"How would you like a horse drawn carriage ride?" he asks.
"Sure, I have never been on one." He walks me over to the 45 min tour. We are the only ones there. I sit down and he covers me with a blanket. It is chilly, but as he snuggles in beside me and wraps his arm protectively about me, I am soon cozy. We listen to the sound of the tour guides voice. The horses amble on.
One must be sick.
He tossed Road Apples every few inches and smelled really bad.

Really bad.

The quilt soon became more of something to plug our noses with than provide warmth.
Eventually we lulled into a comfortable slumber though with the rhythmic clopping and voice of the Tour Guide.
I wakened to find Brad asleep with his head on top of mine. Out cold. I quickly fell back asleep.

We got done there and the Guides took our pictures. I don't even know how many people asked us how long we have been married that day. We would giggle and say it was our first date.

We looked at the time and knew we had to hurry if we were going to make Carthage before it closed.

We made it barely in time and saw the 15 min Joseph Smith movie. I use the term "saw" loosely. We mostly slept through it. After the lady turned the lights back on, I am SURE she was surprised to have to waken us. We felt more than a little silly. We toured Carthage and was impressed by what we felt there. Before we had left, we had agreed to fast for our first date for 24 hours and break our fast after Carthage with dinner. Brad wanted to eat on the banks of the river again. We gathered our stuff and laid out a quilt.
We offered our prayer and it started to rain. Brad took out another quilt and make a shelter. It rained harder. Soon we were wet, cold and now holding HEAVY quilts above our heads.
He finally agreed to get up. He wanted to eat in one of the display covered wagons. I didn't know if we should. He made his case and I vetoed.
We found a shelter close by with seats. We sat on the floor.
I looked around and said, "These are the names of those who died here. Look here is my family!"
He looked and we found other names.
We sat back down to finish our dinner. We were listening to the sound of the rain and watching it drip off the semi-circle top. It was so beautiful.
The river was still right in front of us.
He looked at me and kissed me again.

Could this day possibly last forever? I had never felt like such a princess, nor cherished.
Reality came crashing back to me in a hurry. I got scared.
"Brad?" I said seriously. Tears started to fill my eyes.
"What's wrong?" he is really worried.
"I don't want to hurt anymore. I don't want my kids to hurt. If you aren't serious about me, I want you to tell me now. Now would be easier than later."
"I don't want to be in your life to hurt you." he said wiping the tears spilling from my eyes that I couldn't have stopped if I had tried.
"I just want to be with you and enjoy you and learn everything there is to know about you. I don't plan on going anywhere. Unless you ask me too." he said just as serious back. He picked up my hand and pulled me to his side. "Let's go play!" he shouted. We ran in the rain and filled the van back up.

Soon we were out of breath. We slowed our pace and climbed the hill up to the Temple.
It was late in the evening and dark. The Temple was closed. We wandered the courtyard and talked about what we wanted in life. Where we wanted to be married. Here. What steps we were willing to take in life to make that possible. What type of person we wanted to marry, what our goals and plans were. He was pinpointed in what type of person he wanted to share the rest of his life with.
After Brad asked if I wanted Hot Chocolate. We stopped at a bar in town that served food. We asked for Hot Chocolate. They served us and took our picture. I have never had so many pictures of myself in my life.
We decide it is time to go back home. I still have an hour drive after our 3 hour drive home.
We climb back into the van and I drive this time.
We turn on the radio.

I got no money in my pockets
I got a hole in my jeans
I had a job and I lost it
But it won't get to me

'Cause I'm ridin' with my baby
and it's a brand new day
We're on the wheels of an angel
Flyin' away

And the sun is shinin'
This road keeps windin'
Through the prettiest country
From Georgia to Tennessee
And I got the one I love beside me
My troubles behind me
I'm alive and I'm free
Who wouldn't wanna be me

Every where we turn the station, this song is playing. Over and Over.
All the way home.
We pull into my drive and I am so happy. I really don't want this date that has lasted over 24 hours to end.
Responsibilities call and I need to pick up my kids. He drives off in the Possum Lodge van and my little blue van seems so empty and quiet now.
I turn on the highway and he is ahead of me. I can see his taillights in the dark.
I call Susanne and tell her I am on my way back and give her an estimated time.
I hang up singing to myself and thinking back over the details of this date. It seems to trite to call it a date, but whatever it was...that's what it was.
My phone rings and jostles me from my daydream.
"Hello?" I answer cheerily.
"Hi." is the icy response. Ooops. Not my sister.
Conversation doesn't go well. I stop the van and pull over no more taillights. I hang up the phone and crumble. The tears won't stop. A small knock at my window.
"Are you ok?" he asked concerned. He sees my tear stained face and mascara rubbed every where.
"Yeah, umm, fine, just tired." I frantically search for a kleenex to blow my nose and wipe my face. "I'm ok. How did you know I was here?"
"I just felt like I needed to turn around. What happened?"
I quickly explain. "it's ok though."
"He's a knucklehead." he says simply.
He gives me a hug and checks my oil. Tells me to be careful and offers to drive me to my sisters. "No, really. I am ok. You have to get home."
I smile. He gives me one last kiss and I drive off. He won't pull out until I do and follows me to his turn off.
I turn off my phone.

Chapter 7

Halloween.
So excited. Kids are home from school and we are making a mad dash to get costumes ready, faces painted, and to Susanne's.
Dan strolled through the house. I stopped and asked him if he would mind making some stew meat for me. I wouldn't have time if I went trick or treating and Brad was coming by at 11pm.
"Sure, I can do that." he agreed.
"Thanks."
I had previously called my ex and told him the rules. No touching, not a date, JUST doing something for our kids. I don't want back together. Nothing like that. He said he understood.
Apparently he got confused.
I was on the phone back and forth between my boss and my client. Some issues were coming up and our solutions were coming together during trick or treating.
Ex was NOT amused.
"Can't you turn that phone off for one minute?" he demanded.
"Not if I want the sale." I retorted. "They want someone who is available and if I don't answer, they will find someone else who will and I need this sale."
"I remember when your family USED to be important to you." he said quietly, but dripping with sarcasm.
I glared.
We walked on, trick or treating the kids bounding up and down the steps of various houses and collecting their loot.
He walked in step with me and I speeded up.
I stood behind our youngest and knelt down to pick her up, she was getting chilly.
He stood beside me and wrapped one arm around me, resting his hand on my hip.
I glared again, and dropped his hand quickly.
"This is not for YOU, it is for them." I stated firmly.
He was angry.
It was a long walk back to Susanne's.
We started the party and the kids were busy decorating cupcakes, making witches brews out of green stuff and noodles and assorted items. Spooky music was playing and it should've been really fun.
He sat in the corner. Tears silently coursing down his face. Kids were running back and forth wiping tears off his face, kids asking him if he is ok.
He just mutters, "If your Mother would just stop this."
Susanne looks at him and says, "Are you ready to stop being a wallflower?"
He gets up and says, "Well, I guess I need to get going."
My phone rings.
"Hello?"
"Hi. It's Brad! Are you ready for our date tonight? I am on break, thought I would just check in and see how you are. I have some juice boxes and a camera in my van for our date tonight." he sounds really happy.
Just at that second, Dan walks in with a pan full of stew meat.
"I hope it's ok, I sauted it in butter. I wasn't sure what you were making this into for your date?" he explained.
"What???" he roared. "You have a date and Dan is cooking for you?" ex is really mad now.
Dan IS a really good cook AND in my opinion is best with meats. Only made perfect sense to me.
Until this second.
I don't respond, and take my cellphone outside.
Ex continues with a litany of misdeeds of me of the night.
Dan is bewildered holding the pan. Eventually, he goes back to the kitchen.
Susanne tries to calm down the ex.
I fill Brad in quickly and he offers some sage advice. I tell him I have to go back in. He has to go back to work.
"I am looking forward to our date." he says.
"Me too." I respond. I really am. I have no idea what to expect.
Ex looks at me and pushes his way past me through the front door. He gets in his car and leaves.
Susanne brightens up and says, "Time for the Monster Mash."
It gets really loud.
I scurry off to get ready for my date.
Brad and I spent the ensuing week on the phone from 11pm to 2-4am. I tired, but at the same time wired and really beginning to wonder at this man that had so much to talk about and share. He labeled himself as just a simple man, but I was discovering for myself that he was anything but.
I picked up the card setting on my table. Brad had dropped it off earlier in the week. It had thanked me for my missionary efforts and that he knew that someday I would recognize the myriads of people I would bless.
So sweet.
I busied myself making beef stew and putting it in the crock pot.
I made homemade blueberry muffins and had those baking.
I showered and dressed. put on my make-up and had just pulled the muffins out. I started packing everything up.
10 minutes. I prayed.
Brad knocked and I welcomed him in. He had just gotten off work and was full of metal shavings.
"Would you mind if I showered first? I have all my stuff with me, I just need to change." he inquired.
"Yeah, that's ok." I showed him where everything was. Bizarre way to start a date, but ok.
He came out and we talked for a few minutes. He asked me if I had my scriptures. We read through and studied what we would be seeing the next day. It was really fun. I loved hearing his insights and sharing what I saw.
"Do you mind if we go over my Gospel Doctrine Lesson for Sunday? Someone has kept me up all night for the last week and I haven't even opened it. I am not sure I will get a chance before Sunday." I ask.
"Not a problem."
"Ok, Lesson 35...." I slam the book shut. :Nothing. Umm, do you want to help me carry everything out to the van?" I try to change the subject and slip the book behind me wanting it to disappear.
"Why? What is the lesson?" he asks.
"Nothing, it....it...we probably need to go." I stammer. My face and chest is red and hot and I am embarrassed beyond belief. The couch cushions could do me no greater service than to swallow me up whole and devour me. Why do I have to be so impulsive? Why couldn't I have pulled it out and saw what it was earlier? He is going to think I am looking for a proposal on the first date.
Mortified if the word of the day.
He smiles gently and reaches behind me and looks it up.
"Recognizing your Eternal Companion." he reads slowly. He smiles, "This is isn't so bad. Here what does it say here?"
I say hardly anything. He starts the lesson and starts offering suggestions on how I could present it. They are actually good ideas. I am impressed. I scribble some notes on the sidebar. I sit back up and he has swiveled around and I lean into his arm instead of the couch I was expecting.
Smooth.
We sit quietly for a few minutes.
"We should probably get ready to go if we want to see first light." he says moving my hair off my shoulder.
"ok."
We travel outside with our dinner for the evening and both arms full. He opens the door to his van.
I say, "Couldn't we take my van?"
"Why?" he is very proud of his van.
"Well, well, I ummm, I don't know." I mumble.
"Spit it out."
"Well, is it able to get that far?" I ask.
"What do you mean? This is a classic!" he feigns like he is deeply hurt.
"Well, it reminds me of the Possum Lodge." I say.
He laughs heartily, "I am deeply hurt, wow, fine, I see how it is." he continues laughing.
"I'll let you drive though." I try to make it better.

Chapter 6

Things are going well at work. I am taking my break at noon and decide to go for a walk around town. I have the answering machine on. I walk out the door and lock it. I look up and see Brad with a big grin.
"Hi." I say
"Hi. Wanna see this fine piece of metal?" he says in a southern accent.
"What is that?"
"My new vehicle. No rips in the interior at all. I can use it for Construction and I only paid a couple hundred for it. " he is very pleased with himself.
"I was going to walk the railroad tracks. Do you want to join me?"
"Yeah. I actually wanted to talk to you. I need a piece of land for my business and to keep things at."
"Oh, ok." we go through his particulars for about 30 min. time for me to go back to work. He comes into the office and we pick out a day to go look at places. I prepare 3 places and he approves them all. He goes back to his van. So he can go to work.
He shows up on the appointed day in his work clothes. We run around for several hours as he measures and comments and talks to some really interesting people that own the properties. We get ready to go back to the office and he asks if I am hungry. He states if he doesn't eat now he won't have a chance again until 11pm. I agreed. We stopped at a little diner and I was introduced to his insatiable appetite
for pepper. I had never seen anyone take off the lid and pour out half of the shaker. My face must have registered shock, because he looked at me sheepishly and said, "I like pepper."
We chatted about different properties and if he thought he would be willing to write an offer anytime soon.
We went to get back in the van and he smiled and said, "We look like Lady and the Tramp." He straightened his chevy hat.

Later that week he stopped by my house. The kids were putting on a "SHOW" on the front porch. It was a screened in porch that we played out on. They were singing, dancing and going crazy. He knocked at the front door this time. We talked for a few minutes and he said, "Wish I knew someone who would go to Nauvoo with me. I really want to go, but I don't want to go alone. I have never been around there before."
Without any forethought I blurted out, "Me either. I have gone and done Temple Work, but I have never done anything else."
"Would you like to join me?" he asked staring right into my eyes.
"When would you go?" wondering if I should back out. What am I doing????
"When is your next day off?" he smiled.
Somehow I saw a strange resemblance between him and the Cheshire Cat.
"November 1st."
"Perfect. I'll pick you up the night before, we will make a full day of it." he grinned confidently.
"Ok, that will be great."
He sauntered off. Wait a second, was this a date? What was this? How do I find out?
Questions FLOODED my mind.
We waved as he drove away.



Susanne called again. "Are you coming to the Halloween Party this year at my house?"
"Most likely."
"You can bring anyone you want with." she hinted.
"Even my ex?" I question.
"Why?" she didn't sound amused.
"Well, I wanted to ask him so we could take the kids around and neither one of us have to miss out."
"Oh." she still wasn't happy. She is not good at hiding emotions. Her voice was flat.
"I have another question though." I pushed.
"Yeah?" I was wearing on her nerves.
"Would it be possible for the kids to stay overnight? Brad wanted to go to Nauvoo with me and he wanted to leave really early in the morning so we could see the sun come up over the Temple."
She is over her dismay. "So it's a date?"
"I, I guess. I am not really sure."
"How can you not be sure?" she is thinking I am utterly ridiculous.
"I don't know. Our conversation segued seamlessly and I just don't know." I admitted.
"That's weird." she dead panned.
"I know." I said.
Gathering all the details, we made plans.

I get all the kids to bed and it is 11pm. My phone rings.
"Hello?" I whisper not wanting to wake the kids up and walk downstairs to the living room.
"Hi. Is this ok to call?" Brads warm voice asks.
"Yeah, it's fine." I am able to talk regularly now. I sit on the couch. I pull my legs to the side of me and cover up with a blanket.
He asks me how my day was. We drifted from topic to topic. Never stopping.

4 am.

He says he has to go to bed. "Oh my, I didn't realize the time! I have to be up in 2 hours." I exclaim.
He apologizes and I say "It's ok, my fault."
We say good bye and hang up.

I guess it's a date.

Chapter 5

Well, this is Plan B's side of the story. We were at Dad's on a Sunday afternoon coming home from church. "Hurry you guys, my home teacher is coming. I don't want him to see my house like it is." He hurries us into the car and starts the engine. We drive home and Dad runs in and picks up the garbage sack up off the floor, throws it into the dumpster and runs back inside. Meanwhile Gherkin, Cookie Monster, Sir talks a lot, and I are getting dressed to go back to Mom's house. Dad throws a pizza in the oven and slams the door. All of us are watching TV, playing,and I'm on the computer. Dad yells at us when we try to help so we back off. We did not realize who his home teacher was. Brad arrives in the Monte Carlo and we see him praying. We sat at the window for about 5 minutes waiting for him to come in. We saw him coming. Instantly we all jump up and down (excluding Dad) Brad comes in and his first words were "Hi monkeys!" "Grease Monkey!" Gherkin, Cookie Monster, Sir talks a lot ,and I say. We jump all over him. We laugh and Dad is stunned. He looks back and forth. All of us sit down and Brad teaches us the lesson. When he leaves we all go back to Mom's.

Chapter 4

Brad kept to his word, he stopped by when he thought we would all be home. Brought home grown tomatoes and peppers. Read us a story out of The Friend in monotone. He didn't read animated yet, like he does now. It was really boring. He would shake our hands and ask if there was anything we needed. I would respond no. He would leave and life would go on. He started calling the kids monkeys and would play with them as he left. They would follow him to his car like he was a Pied Piper.
When you are recently divorced, I really believe God gives you special blessings to help you succeed. He doesn't like His children to fail. Nor, does He make us follow.
Things were not all flowers and rainbows. Yet, I saw clearly how blessed I was and protected, as long as I was obedient to what I knew was right.
I started to review my life and changes. I had joined two Board of Realtors and had been put in positions of huge responsibility. Scary for a newbie. I relished the challenge. It was fun. Meeting new people, trying things I had never done before, completely reinventing my life. I was feeling accepted, smart and happy.
Hey, I am happy. I am happy ... the realization dawned slowly on me. I still had negative people around me. They still told me what I was trying to do was hopeless. I couldn't succeed.
I trusted God more though. He brought people in my life that helped me and blessed me more than I deserved. Satan, was still dishing up his nightly fair but I could discern easily between the two now. I knew who loved me.
I knelt down and prayed, my life is good. The only real obstacles in my life only rear their ugly heads when I invite men in my life. I started making a case why I shouldn't date anymore. I was happy, my children were happy... I was actually building a strong case.
Made perfect sense.

To me.

I set my case before Him, Thy will be done, but you are going to have to hit me in the head with a 2x4 if you want me to date. I just don't see the benefit. I closed my prayer and went to bed.

I wakened early as was my new found skill. (Another one of those veiled blessings)
I began to understand if I wakened by 4 am, God wanted to teach me something and became a sponge. I read and prayed and started our routines.
After I dropped everyone off, I went to get gas at the station. My friend who had long, blonde hair...long, down to the middle of his back, full beard and covered in tattoos, from his ears to his ankles. He looked scary. He was the biggest teddy bear you ever saw. He grunted at me.
"Hey!" I waved. He was too cool to wave back.
He continued pumping his gas.
"Umm,are you dating anyone?" he asked.'
"Nope. Men are pond scum."
He snorted.
"What if I told you there was a guy you should meet? He's as bigga Jesus Freak as you are. Seems like you guys would make a good pair." he looked up and stared at me. Kinda felt like a challenge.
"His name is Brad Frisbie. You should let me set you up." he smiled.
He was an avowed atheist. He believed in doing good things, but was irritated and amused by my faith. He always listened though.
"Thanks, already met him. He is nice, but I don't know if I want to date or not."
I slipped away to pay for my gas.
I got in line and another girl was in front of me. She turned and recognized me.
"Lorianne! How are you?" she turned and hugged me.
"Good. You?" she smiled and went through the usual laundry list answer.
"Are you dating?" she inquired, her blue eyes dancing.
"No, it doesn't seem to fit in with my life now."
"Oh, you have to meet this guy, he is WONDERFUL! I work with him, his name is Brad Frisbie...." I really didn't hear much of what else she said. I was thinking what is going on.... I excused myself and paid my bill and trucked off to work.
The bell rang as I opened the door. My boss, was sitting at his desk turning a card over and over in his fingers.
"Ready, for the day?" I encourage.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah...." He is listens to me about anything. Offers advice and experience when I need it and watches over us like another Father. He was also very grateful when I announced I wasn't getting married anymore. He never interfered, he just smiled and made comments.
"I had a visitor this morning." he slowly grinned. He continued turning his card and smiling.
"Who?" I ventured.
" Contractor, nice, polite."
"Uh huh..." I said people often came in from different companies and left business cards. I busied myself checking schedules and to do lists.
He got up and came over to my desk. He dropped the card in front of me.
Brad Frisbie Owner.
"You too?" I exasperate.
"What?" he is confused.
"Everyone, my sister, my ex, people at the gas station all want me to date him."
He grins and chuckles. Louder and Louder. "Well, he does seem nice." he drops the conversation.
I gather up and head out to my first appointment of the day. Shaking my head, but smiling.
Reaching my first appointment of the day, I show them around the farm.
"Needs new windows, but I am sure we can work that into an offer." I explain.
We walk around squishy mud in the lots.
"Met a contractor yesterday. He might work out." he concedes.
"Great! What's the company? I can recommend some others so you can price compare." I offer.
"Brad Frisbie."
I am stunned.
"Is he following me?" I think. I glance around. "Nope."
We finish up.
I complete the day and head to pick up my kids, but first a quick stop at WalMart.
I grab a cart and see 2 Senior Sister Missionaries that I saw several months ago in my area.
They greet me excitedly and ask how I am.
We chit chat and catch up.
"Are you divorced now?"
"Yep."
"Dating?" my stomach tightens. "No, not now." I admit.
"2 handsome men come to mind...Hmmm one doesn't seem as right as the other. What do you think?" she looks to her companion. She nods agreeably, turning on a 1000 watt smile.
"Ones name is___________." I laugh out loud. "That's my ex."
"I knew that didn't seem quite right." she twittered. "The other, Ohhh, he is NICE.... Brad Frisbie." I quickly excuse myself and off to the the fruits and vegetables aisle. I am quickly joined by another dear friend. She sidles up next to me and says, "Did you meet anyone yet?" I roll my eyes. Are there no other conversations to be had????
"Let me guess...you want to introduce me to Brad Frisbie?" I am wearying of this.
"Yes, he is as kind and gentle of soul as you will ever meet." she encourages.
I dismiss myself and am starting to wonder if he is paying people.
One last jaunt through the bean aisle where I find a young woman I used to teach as a teen brings him up as well. "He's a little old for you, don't you think?" I respond gently. She is about 16 yrs his junior. "Not for me silly!! For you!!"
I smile and I run out of the store and gather my kids and go home.
I don't even think he is interested.
What is with this 2x4? I need a tylenol.