Faith

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Rick and Mari spent the next several weeks meeting with their pastor twice a week for counseling on their feelings of grief. They were both afraid to ever let their children even be a few feet away from them whenever they were out in pubic, because they weren't sure if someone would grab or attack them. The pastor assured them that these feelings were normal, but that they couldn't let this fear run their lives, because eventually, Ashlyn and Emmy would be old enough to drive cars and go off to college. "Whenever you are together, allow them to be a few feet away from you and just keep your eye on them. Don't let them get too far away while they are this young, of course. After all, they are only eight. Also, if one of them sleeps over at the other parent's house, the other parent can always call--not every five or ten minutes, of course, but just periodically, maybe every couple of hours, and see how things are. Above all, pray and ask God to watch over your children. Wherever your children go, God goes, and He is more than able to watch over them with His loving eyes."

This made Rick and Mari feel better, and they did as the pastor told them. They spent every weekend together at church, the park, the zoo, the mall, and other fun places, and they'd let their children walk a few feet ahead of them, but not so far that they couldn't see them. During this time, Rick had been praying, and Jesus had been showing him that Mari was perfect for him. One Saturday while at the mall, Rick snuck into the jewelry store and bought a beautiful diamond ring. They would be going to the park later on that day. Rick decided to propose to Mari there. He was glad Ashlyn was there. She'd be so happy if Mari said yes, which Rick had a feeling she would, since God had told him she was right for him.

When they were at the park, Ashlyn and Emmy ran off to go on the swings, slide, and monkey bars. Rick and Mari sat on a nearby bench, and Rick slid his arm around Mari's shoulders. "I can't believe how much has happened," Rick said.

"You mean with Joe?" Mari asked.

"Yeah. I still can't get over that. Actually, I was talking about with us. In not too long of a time, you led my little girl and me to Christ, and you've always been there for us since Ashlyn's mother died," Rick told her.

"You've always been there for me since Emmy's father died," Mari replied.

"We'd always had a very strong friendship, and then it grew into more and became a courtship as you and Emmy guided Ashlyn and me to deepen our faith in Jesus. I've really felt us getting closer. Have you?"

Mari nodded. A smile was coming to her face as she thought about it. She had a feeling she knew what was on Rick's mind. She had a feeling he was about to propose to her, and she couldn't wait to say yes.

Rick nervously ran his hand over his short, black hair. He hadn't done this since he had proposed to Ashlyn's mother! He pulled the jewelry box out of his pocket and opened it. "Mari, a gazillion words couldn't say how much I love you and what you mean to me. Will you marry me?"

Mari was so excited! "Yes!" she exclaimed. She and Rick shared a long kiss. Once their kiss was over, they called the girls over to them and told them what had just happened. Ashlyn and Emmy were so excited that they slapped each other five. "We're going to be sisters!" they exclaimed simultaneously. They climbed into their parents' laps and gave them big hugs.

"When are you going to get married, Mommy?" Emmy asked.

"Well, I don't know, baby." Mari looked at Rick. "When do you want to get married?"

Rick thought for a moment. "How about next Saturday?"

"Next Saturday? Isn't that kind of fast? We'll have so much to plan," Mari said.

"It doesn't seem that soon to me. We've known each other a long time," Rick said.

"That's true. Next Saturday, then. Next Saturday we'll get married."

Rick and Mari got married the following Saturday. They were married in their church by their pastor. They wanted a small wedding, so the only guests were Ashlyn and Emmy. It was a beautiful day for everyone.  

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