The following Monday through Friday, as Marc had predicted, were extremely busy days at the office. By the end of the week, Carla was ready for a relaxing change and was more than ready to see Marc again. On Saturday morning when he came at eleven o’clock to pick her up, he looked refreshed and more handsome than ever, wearing jeans and a sweatshirt. Energy seemed to emanate from the happy grin on his face.
“It’s a little overcast outside now, but it’s supposed to be a sunny day. Are you ready to hike?”
“I am,” Carla replied, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. “Do you think I can get by with one big water bottle?”
“Yeah. I put some in my backpack, too.”
“How about a snack?” She picked up a sack from the counter. “I have one ready, if we want to take it.”
“Sure,” he grinned. “Let’s go!”
On the short drive, Marc told Carla about the breakfast meeting he’d had with Joe and Gene. “It was really interesting.”
“What did you talk about?”
“The Bible.” Marc said the words in a matter-of-fact manner, knowing Carla would be filled with curiosity.
“The Bible?”
“Yep. We’re studying I Kings. That’s where Gene’s reading now, and they’ve both kind of caught me up on the history before the kings era.”
“I can’t believe it—Gene Chemosh reading the Bible?”
“Well, he is.”
“Unbelievable.”
“You’ll like Gene.”
Carla looked at Marc. “I’ll like Gene?”
“I thought it would be fun to have a little dinner party at my place—sometime next month maybe. You’ve already met Joe, and maybe he and his wife and Gene and his wife could come over so we could all get to know each other.”
Carla smiled and nodded, albeit with a questioning look on her face, as she didn’t exactly know how to process this idea, let alone how to respond. She ended up saying nothing, and the subject was dropped.
When they arrived at the trailhead, the weather was beautiful, and the two started the hike, making small talk every few steps. Carla was enjoying herself already, but when she heard Marc humming cheerfully up ahead, she stopped for a moment and a smile spread across her face. “God,” she whispered under her breath, her mind glancing back to a distant memory of her father’s early morning humming, “I am absolutely saturated with happiness.”
About two-thirds of the way to the top, they could see all of Rock Pier.
“Wow, what a view!” Carla panted.
“Let’s see if we can identify some buildings.”
“Is that the bank downtown?” Carla pointed.
“Yeah. And that’s the park by Waverly church, isn’t it?”
Carla looked to see where Marc pointed. “Yes, it must be.”
“And over there on the northwest side—see the cemetery?”
“Uh…Yes!” She looked up at Marc, not sure what to say.
“Next Saturday will you go with me to the grave site?”
Carla slipped her hand into Marc’s. “Sure.”
“I’d like that.” He squeezed her hand.
After they’d hiked another half hour, Marc stopped, “Hey, you know I’m kind of hungry. What’d you pack for a snack?”
“Not a whole lot—just some sandwiches and some fruit.” She exhaled in deep satisfaction. “Because I have a promise to keep.” Carla looked at Marc, and her smile widened as she added, “I’m hoping you’ll be hungry for chili relleno casserole later.” She had accurately anticipated Marc’s delighted surprise.
“Are you inviting me for a Mexican dinner tonight?” Marc’s face had a huge grin on it.
“Yes, I am. “ She took the brown bag out of Marc’s backpack and handed him an apple and a sandwich.
They sat down together on a large fairly flat rock, and Marc pulled up his knees, setting a half sandwich on top of each knee. “So I finally get to have that casserole?”
“If you want,” Carla replied, a coy look on her face.
“Well, I want!” He smiled broadly. “Thanks.” Marc had downed one sandwich and reached for the next. “What a gorgeous day! I was hoping it would be.”
“Me, too!”
“Come over here a little closer. I can’t hear you very well.”
“What?” Carla laughed shyly, scooting over close beside him.
“Ah…that’s better.” He took a huge bite of apple and then another and another, until he’d finished it. Carla remained silent, as she finished her own, enjoying not only the peacefulness of this spot above the bustling little city below but also the amazing pleasure she felt at the moment. They sat together without talking, comfortable in the silence.
Finally, Marc spoke again. “I wanted to take you up here because you can see so far from up here, especially on a clear day like this.” He smiled, turning his head to look at Carla with intensity. She looked back at him with the same intensity, waiting for him to continue. “Since I’ve met you, I can see a lot more clearly, although it’s taken me a while—a painful while.”
The expression on Carla’s face reflected Marc’s seriousness. He reached over to take Carla’s apple core from her hand and threw it a short distance before standing to his feet and pulling Carla up beside him.
“You know, Carla,” he said, looking out across the panorama before them, “I’ve often thought about what you said that day in the car outside Corners. I understand now about God being your source and your best friend.” He turned to Carla, taking both her hands in his and unconsciously caressing them with his thumbs. “He’s mine, too—my Source. I’m learning to put Him first in my life.” He chuckled. “It’s a completely different ball game, but Joe’s been helping me. He’s such a great friend—kind of like a dad.”
Carla stood there, her heart beating with happiness that bordered on euphoria.
“And you’ve taught me more than you know. Remember you told me there were three levels of marriage, and I called you Miss Idealist?”
Carla nodded.
“Well, I’m holding out for all three just like you are.” Marc tapped his index finger gently on her chest, his smile radiating through his eyes. “I’m also confident we won’t be disappointed.”
He took Carla’s face in his two hands. “I feel closer to you than any other person in my life, and I respect you so much… I love you—more than I’ve ever imagined I could love anyone.” He looked at Carla and asked gently, “May I kiss you?”
Carla responded by putting her arms around his neck. Marc kissed her, holding her to himself for a long moment. Then he released her, catching both her hands again in his own. “I want to honor God, even when—especially when—you and I are together, alone.” His voice was husky with emotion, as he searched her eyes. “That being said…” His smile grew from gentle to broad. “… Do you have time to plan a wedding?” He caught her to himself again in a close embrace and whispered in her ear, “I’ll be the groom.” Carla’s face beamed with happiness as she whispered back, “I’ll be the bride.”