Give Love Time

Deanna was preoccupied. She wasn’t paying attention to the sound from the T.V. Glancing at her watch, she reached for her cell phone, then put it down. He’s late. Deanna got up from the sofa and went to the window. The evening sky rewarded her with hues of orange, blue, and violet as the Sun began to set. Tears began to slide down her cheeks as she struggled with her feelings of uncertainty and insecurity. It had been along time since she saw Gillespie. His flight should have landed by now. Would he even show this time?

Their 2-year relationship had become strained when he relocated to California a year ago to claim the estate that his Maternal uncle left him. Moving with him wasn’t an option at the time because they weren’t married. Deanna was too afraid to take the risk of uprooting her life without a commitment to build one with him. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania was the only home she’d known. She’d managed to make a good life for herself. Gillespie and Deanna decided to continue their relationship, long distance no doubt. She missed seeing him every day, and the phone calls, and video chats couldn’t quell the ache she had to hold him. The last few months he had become unreliable, cancelling twice when he said he would fly in to visit. She looked again at her watch, then looked at her phone. Sighing, she slowly walked upstairs to freshen up for dinner.

By now the sun has set and still no Gillespie. In her wait, she’d prepared his favorite—Shrimp and Grits, with Gouda, Bacon, and Parsley. The knock at the door startled her, then, with an excitement she couldn’t contain, she ran to the door and opened it.

“Gillespie!”

She nearly knocked him over when she threw her arms around his neck. He almost dropped the package he was holding.

“My dearest Deanna, it’s been too long. I’ve missed you so much”, he said as he kissed her.

Remembering her worry from a few hours ago, she pulled away and stepped to the side so he could enter her home.

“You’re late” she pouted, trying to look upset.

“I know, I’m sorry…I had to do an emergency landing and wait for a replacement plane to finish my trip.”

“Well…” she conceded, “I’m glad that you’re ok.”

They both sat on the couch. Deanna reached for the T.V. remote and cut it off. He was still holding the package in his hands. He looked at her intently, so long that she finally asked, “what?”

“Nothing.” He said, shaking his head. This is for you. He extended the package in his hands in her direction.

Taking the package, she gave the medium sized box a once-over, then gently shook it. Nothing. She removed the cover from the package and inside was a bouquet of pear blossoms surrounded by 4 bright pears.

“They’re from my uncle’s pear tree. They remind me of you--curvy, firm, and juicy” he said flirtatiously.

Laughing nervously, he continued, “You know, pear trees live a long time; one tree produces generations and generations of fruit”

“Thank you!” she gushed. “I love pears. I’d never seen their flowers though... they’re beautiful.” As she lifted the pear blossom out of the box, she saw something shiny fall from its limb.

By this time, Gillespie had gotten down on one knee. He picked up the ring from the box and took Deanna’s free hand.

“Deanna, just like a pear tree, I was us to have longevity, prosperity, and comfort. You add beauty to my life, and I don’t want to waste another minute without you in it. I will sell my uncles’ estate if I must. I just want…. I just want…will you marry me?” He said sheepishly as he bowed his head.

Deanna was in a state of shock. He had never mentioned marriage. She thought that his recent inconsistency meant that he needed or wanted space. She thought that perhaps he had met someone else. She thought…then she smiled widely.

“Yes, yes I will!”