“You have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes."
~ Song of Solomon 4:9
Unlike more spacious restaurants,
diners and chain buffets, the Apple Farm
was a family-owned business run by an elderly couple with warm smiles. It had been a preferred dining spot since
their earliest dates.
Jack led Marcy to a small table adorned with white linens
and a bouquet of wild daisies. Despite
the late hour, the place was packed - a testament to the cozy atmosphere and
friendly service. A few well-placed
candles offered the only light. There
was no background music. Atmosphere came
from patrons’ conversations and the clinking of crystal and cutlery.
Jack pulled out her chair.
She sat gracefully. Without a
word, the waiter approached and poured them wine. No menus tonight; Jack had ordered for them in
advance. There would be no further interruptions
from the wait staff.
“You look amazing,” he told her and meant it. Marcy swept her hands over her dress, which
looped around the back of her neck, showing off bare shoulders. Other guests watched them admiringly – they
made such a cute couple.
Jack watched her sip the wine. He loved watching her. She enjoyed his gaze; feeling his eyes drift
from her lips to her cheeks and nose. She
blushed.
They lock eyes across the table. Everything around them fades away, lost in the
depths of each other’s souls. It’s not lustful,
but a longing to escape forever into a universe all their own. She senses his devotion, he hers.
Time stood still stopping just for them; an eternity to
enjoy each other’s company. Anyone could
see the energy between them. Something
surreal was happening at their table, something natural, expressive, and
affectionate.
Jack leaned over and kissed Marcy lightly on the cheek. She couldn’t help but smile with pleasure at
the sweetness. Her innocent pleasure made
its way across the eloquent table, straight into his heart. Everything around them faded away.
Marcy asked modestly, “What was that for?”
Jack didn’t hesitate: “I want everyone to know you’re my
girl.”
They held hands, laughed and talked throughout dinner. After the main course, the waiter complimented
their “sweet” demeanor with a complimentary piece of chocolate cake. “Happy Anniversary,” he said. “May I ask what the secret to your long marriage
is?
It was then that Marcy realized he thought they were there
for their umpteenth wedding anniversary! She couldn’t bring herself to correct him
because for a moment, it felt so beautiful to be permanently tied to this man she
loved so much.
The couple looked at each other and laughed. Jack squeezed Marcy’s hand across the table. Both in their mid-70’s, they had each lost
spouses to cancer nearly a decade ago. Marcy smiled before speaking. “I only wish I’d
met him sooner.”
Father, in Your name we pray: imperfect, anxious, struggling, lonely, confused,
weary, human. Let my past serve as prologue. I’m ready to face my future. Thank you for another chance at love. Amen
