Gail and Sherri had just finished a 12 hour shift at the hospital and were taking the bus home rather than walk. Three weeks had passed since she'd last spoken to John when he'd arrived home in River Bend, and she was growing anxious about how things were progressing. She hadn't had time to help him look for an apartment like she'd anticipated, but she hoped that on Sunday she might get time to at least browse the paper.
"My feet are killing me," Sherri said, slipping off her shoe and rubbing her large foot. "Remind me why I agreed to a 12 hour shift?"
"The money." Gail said with a yawn. "And because we're masochists."
"Ain't that the truth," Sherri said, slipping her shoe back on as they approached their stop.
Gail was looking forward to a warm shower and a quick bite to eat before she crawled into bed, but as she followed Sherri up the stairs to their apartment, she heard Sherri make a curious noise.
"Hmm..what's this?" She said as she plucked something taped on the front door. Gail looked over her shoulder. There was an address followed by two words: Dago Red.
Gail gasped and nearly tore the paper out of Sherri's hand staring at it with her mouth hanging open.
"What the hell is Dago Red?"
"It's John. Dago is one of the nicknames he got in Korea." Gail looked on the back of the paper, searching for any other information. "What do you suppose this is?"
"An address, obviously." Sherri deadpanned.
Gail glared. "Come on. Let's go."
"What? Now? But we've only just made it home! It's almost midnight! I'm tired!" Sherri whined as Gail started back down the stairs.
"Then stay, but I'm going." Gail could hear Sherri sighing behind her before the other woman clamber back down the steps.
"This better be good." Sherri grumbled.
Though Gail wasn't totally familiar with all the streets in Chicago, she knew the street listed on the paper. It was only about 3 blocks down. They hurried to the address, Sherri moaning the whole time about her sore feet, until they came to the apartment building. Gail looked at the paper again to be sure.
"Apartment 213."
They headed up to the apartment and Gail took a nervous breath as they stood outside the door. Sherri sighed in annoyance and banged on the door.
"Sherri! Good grief!" Gail reprimanded.
Sherri shrugged and a moment later they could hear the lock click on the other side before the door opened to reveal John standing in a t-shirt and shorts. He smiled widely.
"I was hoping you got my note."
Gail couldn't verbally respond. She couldn't believe her eyes. Was this a dream? Was John actually here? In an apartment, no less? She flung herself into his arms, hugging him tightly and nearly knocking him off balance. He laughed softly, hugging her back, his lips lightly pressing to her temple.
"Come in, please," he told them, gently pulling back from her embrace and leading her inside.
Gail looked around at the barren apartment. There was very literally nothing in it. "How long have you been here?"
"I moved in this afternoon," He told her, before guiltily adding, "I've actually been in Chicago for a couple of weeks, but I wanted to surprise you."
"A couple of weeks! John! I've been worrying myself day and night about where you've been and how you were." She crossed her arms over her chest, huffing. "A couple of weeks."
He couldn't help but look amused though he tried to appear remorseful as he took her hands in his. "I truly am sorry for not saying anything sooner, but I'm here now. And for good this time."
She smiled and sighed, shaking her head softly in disbelief. "You're incredible, you know that."
He blushed softly. "Come on, I'll give you the grand tour."
Gail giggled slightly, squeezing his hand as he gestured to the empty room they were standing in.
"This is the living room. Obviously I haven't had time to get furniture yet, but I expect it will be quite welcoming when I do." He turned her around, leading her into the connecting kitchen, separated by a small counter bar area.
"Do you know how to cook?" Gail asked as she peeked into the stove and opened the cabinets to inspect everything.
"Well…I think I'll be able to manage, but perhaps I ought to get a cookbook."
She smiled in amusement and he led her out of the kitchen and down the hall to the one bathroom, then lastly the one bedroom. It wasn't a large apartment, but it was plenty big for him. "It's wonderful, John. Empty, but wonderful."
He laughed. "Yes, I admit I haven't had time to start shopping for furnishings. I was hoping you might help me with that. Your decorating sense is probably far superior to mine."
"I have an evening shift tomorrow, but if you'd like we can go in the morning."
"That would be perfect." He leaned in to kiss her.
Sherri groaned softly. "Get a room."
Gail began to regret bringing Sherri along. She sighed and cast an annoyed look at her friend before turning back to John. "Well, what are you going to do in the meantime? You're not sleeping here are you?"
"Sure, why not? It'll be fun, like camping."
Gail looked skeptical. "I don't mind you coming and staying the night with me. At least until you've got a bed to sleep in. And don't say you'd be imposing, because you wouldn't be."
He didn't have a good enough argument to decline and she smiled almost triumphantly.
"Get your things, you're staying with me."
As John got his suitcase, Gail turned off the lights and they waited outside as John locked the door. Then, the three of them headed the three blocks back to Gail's apartment.
"So, you've been here two weeks?" Sherri asked him. "Where've you been staying?"
"Oh, the YMCA," he told her before linking his hand with Gail's. "I didn't think it was fair for you to spend your free time trying to find me a place, so I came up here after I took care of my business."
"Well, I'm glad you did. I haven't had time to look!" Gail told him sounding completely exhausted. "I just wish you'd told me you were here. You could have stayed with me."
"As much as I love staying with you," he murmured, hesitantly. "We shouldn't get in the habit of always spending the night together."
She could hear the Catholic dogma speaking through his words. Even though they didn't do anything improper, or totally improper, the Catholic Church would consider them to be living in sin.
"Come on, Father," Sherri grinned. "There's nothing wrong with having a little fun."
"It's just John, now," he said softly. "I'm not a priest anymore."
"So you really did it? You left the priesthood for Gail?"
"Well, for Gail as much as for myself." He nodded. "It wasn't the right place for me anymore."
Gail squeezed his hand lovingly.
When they arrived at the apartment, Gail and Sherri both shed their shoes with sighs of relief. Sherri was practically down the hall before they could even close the front door.
"I call first shower." The shower door all but slammed behind her.
"Sometimes she really gets on my nerves," Gail said with a shake of her head. "I'm sorry she's so crass."
"It's alright," he smiled, setting his suitcase by the door. "Whenever I stay here, I impose on her as much as I impose on you."
"Well, you don't impose on me Francis John Patrick Mulcahy," she replied, sliding her hands around his middle and looking up at him. "I love having you here. I love being with you."
"I love you," he told her, smiling gently before he lowered his lips to hers, kissing her with abandon, his tongue easily sliding into her mouth and eliciting a soft moan.
"Mm!" She pulled back from the kiss and pulled out of his arms, moving to the table and digging through a small pile of mail. "I almost forgot. Your sister sent you a letter to my address. I thought it was odd she would send it to my address, but I didn't open it to see what it said."
"Oh! Thank you." He said, taking the letter when she presented it to him. "I hope you don't mind. When I left River Bend, I gave Kathy your address so she could reach me until I had my own apartment. When did this arrive?"
"Two days ago? Maybe three."
"Thank you for holding onto it."
"Of course. What was I going to do? Throw it out?" She laughed softly, stepping on her tiptoes to kiss his lips before moving past him into the kitchen. "Are you hungry at all?"
"No, thank you. I ate earlier. I'm guessing you and Sherri must have just gotten home from work before you arrived at my apartment?"
"Yeah. 12 hours today. It nearly killed us both."
"12 hours!" John breathed in shock.
"12 hours is nothing compared to some of the marathons we had in OR at the 4077," she reminded him. "But it's been a long time since I've done that, so it was a little grueling."
"Well, please don't let me get in the way if you need to go to sleep."
"I need to eat," she said with a laugh. "I'll worry about sleep after I've done that and showered."
He sat down at the table and opened his letter as Gail fussed around the kitchen.
My Dear Brother,
Though I am saddened to hear the Church has lost a magnificent priest, I am infinitely happy for the journey you are about to embark on. I know this is right for you, Francis; I have felt it since I received Gail's letter inquiring about your whereabouts. There's something quite special about her, Francis. I just know it.
The Lord has certainly opened many doors for you, which just goes to show he had planned this all along. I know you will be an excellent teacher; you loved your studies so much and have always been so passionate about sharing your knowledge with others. Your students will greatly benefit from you.
Chicago is still so far from Philadelphia, can you not convince Gail to move back home with you? I know, your silly old sister is selfish, but I do miss you so. The week I spent with you in River Bend was certainly not long enough. I'm sure Mother and Father would like to meet Gail, too.
Please write soon, dear brother. I'm ever so anxious to hear about everything you've been doing. Best of luck in finding a home. My love to Gail.
Much love,
Kathy
John smiled, looking up as Gail sat down across from him with a sandwich and a glass of milk. "Kathy sends you her love."
Gail smiled. "What else did she have to say?"
"Just that she thinks I should convince you to move to Philadelphia so we can be near her."
"She must miss seeing you."
"Yes, she said as much. And I do miss her, but I never really liked Philadelphia much. I still consider it home, but I don't much care to go back there on a permanent basis." He tucked the letter back in the envelope. "Tell me how you've been. I've missed you."
"I've missed you, too. I really haven't had much time for anything the last few weeks. I've been toying with reducing my hours at the hospital, and now that you're here, I think I actually will." She took a bite and chewed, swallowing before asking him. "What about you? Tell me what happened after you left."
"Well, I went home, of course, and told Colonel Potter my decision as soon as I could. Of course, by the time he had time to talk to me, word had already gotten around. I think the rumor by then was that you and I were planning to elope."
Gail laughed loudly. "That must have raised a few eyebrows."
"To say the least," he chortled. "A few days later I was able to meet with the Bishop in charge of that area. That was much harder than I anticipated it being."
"Why?" She wondered sincerely.
"Well, it was a little shaming to have to kneel there in front of my peers and have the Bishop revoke all my rights, duties and titles. I had no doubts about leaving, but I'm still very guilty and remorseful for breaking my promise to God."
"I wish I could have been there with you."
He shook his head. "It wasn't a pleasant experience."
"Which is why I should have been there." She reached out and covered his hand with hers. "Thank you for doing this, John. I know it's not all about me, but…well…thank you."
Sherri emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in her robe, hair twisted under a turban-like towel. She rummaged through the fridge for something to eat.
"Why don't you go get a shower, John." Gail offered. "I'll take one after you."
"You're sure?"
"Of course."
He nodded and gathered his things, taking them back to her bedroom before digging through it for his pajamas and toothbrush. It was odd how familiar he'd become with her apartment after spending only two nights there several weeks ago, but nothing had changed. If it was slightly untidy, he didn't make any comment.
By the time they were all ready for bed, there had been no mention of the sleeping arrangements. John had noticed Gail didn't make up the couch for him, and he found he didn't much care. He knew he shouldn't grow so complacent with sleeping in her bed, but it was nice to be next to her warm body and he was looking forward to the feel of her head against his chest once again.
Gail noticed that John didn't resist when she turned out the lights and led him to her bedroom. That was certainly a change from several weeks ago when she'd almost had to beg him to sleep in bed with her. Though she was certainly too tired to do anything, she couldn't help but wonder how he might handle being aroused now. She was sure the Catholic guilt would keep him from actual intercourse, but how far might he go? What could she get away with now that he wasn't a priest?
She slipped into bed and he quietly slipped in next to her, automatically stretching out his arm so that she could lie against him.
"See." She gloated as she snuggled against him. "This is better than 'camping out' on your floor."
He kissed her head. "Much better. Goodnight, Gail."
"Goodnight, Johnny."
Daylight filtered in through the curtain blowing in the breeze, gently rousing John from a dreamless sleep. He was surprised to find that there was no press of head against his shoulder and as he looked beside him, he was even more surprised to find that Gail was not there. He reached for his glasses on the side table and peered at the clock. It was nearly 9:30.
Sitting up, John stretched, then climbed out of bed, going to his suitcase to pull out a pair of trousers and a polo shirt. He quickly dressed, running a comb through his hair, then left the bedroom to find Gail.
He found her sitting at the table, a small radio next to her as she flipped through a catalog. John was pleased to hear some ragtime tunes emanating from the radio. She looked up at him as he entered her peripheral vision and smiled.
"You're up. I woke up around 8, but you were sleeping so soundly I didn't want to wake you."
"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting." He leaned down and pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
"Oh, not at all. I've been looking through a Sears Roebuck catalog for your furniture. There've got a department store here, so maybe if you find something you like we can see if they've got it at the store."
"Oh! Wonderful. Anything eye-catching so far?"
"A few things. Have a look, I've circled the ones I think suit you. Are you hungry? I can make you some eggs."
"Oh, thank you, that would be lovely."
He sat, flipping back to the beginning of the catalog to look through it as she got up and began to prepare him breakfast. He mused how domestic they seemed to be becoming. His eyes drifted up from the page to look at her as she broke two eggs over a pan. She was wearing a pair of form-fitting pedal pushers and a sleeveless blouse. John took the opportunity to admire her curves. She was a petite woman with a small waist and rounded backside that gently sloped into strong, shapely legs.
"See anything you like?" She asked innocently, making him blush.
Oh, yes,his mind immediately supplied, but he managed instead to say, "Not just yet."
He returned his focus to the catalog, flipping the page. There were a couple of things circled that he took time to really study. Both looked to be quite modern with a neutral color. He felt either of those would suit him quite well. As he continued to flip through the pages, he found several more she'd picked out, and he began to wonder if she just knew his style or if, perhaps, they had common tastes.
Gail set a plate down beside him as well as a cup of coffee. She had made him two eggs over medium—the way he'd ordered them the last time they'd had breakfast together—and two pieces of toast. He smiled up at her, impressed she remembered how he liked his eggs without asking.
"Thank you."
She smiled back and sat in the chair next to him. "Don't thank me yet, you haven't tasted them."
"They aren't powdered, so I can only assume they'll be as wonderful as they look."
Gail laughed, remembering the powdered everything that they'd had in Korea. She pulled the magazine between them as he moved his plate over in front of him, bowing his head to say grace. When he began to cut into one of the eggs, she spoke. "So, what do you think?"
"Did you pick them out because you thought I'd like them, or because you like them?" He asked, curiously.
She blushed prettily. "Both. Do you like any of them?"
"All of them," he told her after swallowing a bite.
Gail beamed happily. "Do you have a favorite yet?"
He flicked back a couple of pages and pointed out an umber colored couch that appeared very simple, but had quite a bit of detailing. Every edge of the couch had piping to give the seams an elegant appearance and the back cushions had a single row of buttons evenly spaced from end to end. The base of the couch was supported on tapered mahogany legs. It was neither feminine nor masculine in appearance, which John liked; and it looked big enough to comfortably lie upon.
"I loved that one too. We can see if they have it in stock at the store today, if you want."
He nodded, smiling around a bite of toast. "What time do you have to be at work?"
"Around 4 o'clock." She sighed in discontent. "I have an 8 hour shift, so I won't get home until after midnight, and then I have to be back at 9 in the morning."
John looked horrified. "Even at the VA the doctors have regular hours. There are 'after hours' doctors and nurses on staff, but no one has varying shifts like that."
"Well, I'm not quite a doctor yet," she teased gently. "That's why they're called 'rotations' though. It's a rotating shift so you get experience in every part of the hospital—triage, OR, recovery, maternity—it's always something different. It's long hours, but I do enjoy it. It won't be as bad when I start my residency. Plus, I only do this much in the summer because the regular semesters I'm too busy with classes and labs."
When John swallowed his last bit of coffee, they finished getting ready, then headed down to the bus stop. The department store was in the downtown district of Chicago and took them almost 20 minutes to get there. John couldn't remember the last time he'd been in a department store of this size, and considered that he probably never had been. Gail seemed to know exactly where to go, and he followed her over to one of the sales associates.
One thing John hadn't really thought of when he'd made his decision to leave the priesthood, was the fact that he literally owned next to nothing. A few books, a few photos, and clothes were about the extent of his belongings. Gail seemed to realize this as well, because she was politely explaining to the saleswoman that John needed everything from linens to furniture. She noted that John had recently returned from serving overseas as a chaplain in the army, though John figured this was to make sure that he wasn't taken advantage of in the way of pricey items. He quietly thanked her for that.
After several daunting hours of picking out all of his furniture, bed linens, towels, kitchen cookery and utensils, flatware, and some other odds and ends, John was exhausted. Several times he'd made mention that he didn't need to get everything that day, but Gail had pointed out that these were naught but the bare essentials. They decided to have everything delivered to his apartment, and when the final total was rung up on the register, John was pleased that it was less than he expected.
They left the department store and walked a few blocks to a pizzeria where they both enjoyed a slice and soda. Since it would be another two days before everything would be delivered to his apartment, Gail had insisted John continue to stay with her.
"Once they get everything delivered, I can help you put everything away, if you want." She offered. He readily accepted. "Are you feeling overwhelmed yet?"
"Just a little," he admitted. She gave him a sympathetic smile and squeezed his hand.
"It'll be worth it."
"It already is." He murmured sincerely, holding her gaze to try and convey how very much he felt she was worth. Gail leaned in and kissed him softly.
They caught another bus back to her apartment and Gail had to rush to change and get ready for work. "Feel free to do whatever you want. The TV is there, the radio, I've got books in my room if you find something you want to read. If you get hungry, help yourself."
"I think I can manage," he told her with a laugh, watching her pin her hair up.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, dragging him down into a passionate kiss which lingered on for several blissful moments before she pulled back. "See you soon."
He gave a small wave as she hurried out the door. John looked around the empty apartment, debating on what to do with himself for the next 8 hours. Sherri had left at some point while they had been out shopping, so he wasn't sure when she might return. He decided to write Kathy.
Gathering a few sheets of paper and a pen, John sat at the kitchen table and flicked the radio on as background noise.
Dear Kathy,
I received your last letter sent to Gail's address, and have splendid news. I was finally able to find a place of my own! Gail and I spent much of today shopping for furnishings, which was quite an experience, indeed. She has been a true blessing in helping me figure out what all I will need to get established.
I have been enjoying Chicago so far. Most everyone I've encountered has been thoroughly pleasant. It excites me to be a part of this rather large community. Last Sunday I attended services at St. John Cantius. It is quite a breathtaking church, steeped in history, and Mass is even given completely in Latin at certain times. I had a chance to talk with Fr. Stanislaus Duda who became the church's pastorate about ten years back. He seemed quite glad that I might join the church and told me that ever since the end of WWII, the church's numbers have been declining. It seems that there has been an exodus of young couples marrying and moving outside of the city into the suburbs, and no one wishes to make the drive in for church services.
It seems that a completely civilian life is agreeing with me thus far. It's strange not having sermons to write, or confessions to hear, but to be quite honest…I find that I don't miss it. I always considered myself to be one giant, nameless ear. No one ever bothered to talk to me much unless they needed to get something off their chest. Even less did they ever listen when something was bothering me. It's nice to be seen as just a man rather than a man of God…not that there was anything wrong with that, but I think you understand my meaning.
I'm sure you've grown quite tired of hearing me speak of Gail, but she is the best thing in my life right now and I think of her constantly. I've never dated anyone seriously before, so I'm quite new on what I should or shouldn't be doing. I have no way of knowing what is normal for a relationship and what isn't, but Gail has been wonderful. She's never pushed me beyond my comfort zone and when we're together, it simply feels comfortable…like we've been friends forever. Several weeks ago I taught her how to play chess, just as you once taught me, and she beat the socks off of me! I think it would be a close match should you and her ever play a game.
I suppose I should write to Mother and Dad about all the changes in my life, shouldn't I? I can just imagine the shock on their faces to hear that I've not only left the priesthood, but I've got myself a girl as well. I wonder if they'd truly believe it or if they'd think I was pulling a prank.
Perhaps before my classes start in the fall I will come visit you in Philly. If not then, surely for Christmas.
Dominus vobiscum,
Francis
John sealed the letter after remembering to supply his new address to Kathy, then smoothed out another piece of paper with a sigh. This letter would be more difficult to write than the one to his sister. John had so little contact with his parents over the years, mainly because he always seemed at odds with his father, who never approved of John becoming a priest. Though the Mulcahy's were deeply religious, Rowan Mulcahy thought that a man should earn his keep through hard work and physical labor. He didn't consider the life of a priest to be an 'honest living' which always seemed like a conundrum to John, who considered it to be the most honest living one could make. Like he'd told Gail, though, the only thing John ever had in common with his father was boxing. He'd always suspected his father's disapproval of him compounded when he'd turned down fighting pro.
His relationship with his mother, May, on the other hand had always been special to him. Perhaps it was because he was the last born child, but she had always seemed closer to John than any of his brothers, and even Kathy sometimes. He loved her dearly, but remembered the times growing up when she and his father would drink to forget the pressures and stress of their daily lives. He remembered at times they were often more drunk than they were sober, which would lead to vicious spats. Though his father wasn't a particularly violent man, he did have an uncontrollable Irish temper and once he'd gotten through with yelling at May, he often found some reason to turn his ire on John. May had always been proud of John, but after living with Rowan for so many years, she'd grown very apathetic to most things, including her children.
Putting the pen to paper, John thought of what he would say for several moments before he began to write.
Dear Mother and Dad,
I hope you can forgive my lack of true correspondence over the past year, but I really have had nothing of consequence to write to you about until now…
John detailed everything he'd been through from the surgery to restore his hearing, to working at the VA, to reconnecting with Gail—and even about how they'd met to begin with—to his decision to leave the Church and take up a job teaching at Loyola. The letter was several pages in length by the time he'd run out of things to say, but he thought that it thoroughly covered everything. He didn't expect either of them to write back; Kathy would probably make mention of it in a future letter if they ever found it worth their time to acknowledge, but at least he'd done his duty as a son.
As he sealed that letter and addressed it to his mother, the front door open and Sherri spilled in through the front door, carrying a grocery sack. John moved to help her, taking the bag from her hand.
"Oh, thanks," she breathed, setting down her purse. "I really dislike grocery shopping…well, having to bring it home and put it away, at least."
He gave a soft laugh, carrying the bag to the kitchen and setting it on the counter. "Would you like some help?"
"Nah, that's alright. Where's Gail? Work? Poor gal never takes a break. The only day she didn't schedule herself is on Sundays."
John listened as Sherri buzzed right through asking questions without pausing for an answer. He didn't realize that Gail had only allowed herself one day off, though. "Why?" He finally asked when Sherri paused.
"I dunno. Everyone says she's just too eager, you know? Wants to know everything there is to know about being a doctor and afraid she's going to miss something if she's not there."
John recognized that trait from their time in Korea.
"Me," Sherri continued as she put away her groceries. "I think she's crazy."
John laughed, knowing Sherri was kidding.
"So, tell me, Johnny…you and Gaily been sleepin' in the same bed lately." She looked over her shoulder and arched an eyebrow at him, smirking impishly. "Has there been any hanky-panky going on?"
John blushed furiously. "No! I mean, it's all quite innocent. We simply shared a bed, but nothing inappropriate has happened."
Sherri chuckled. "Don't get all flustered, Johnny boy; it's alright with me if you two fool around. I'm sure Gail's told you about my many conquests that I've brought home."
"N-no, she hasn't." John said, feeling quite uncomfortable with where this conversation was going.
"Gail's a good girl, a real goodie two-shoe, ya know? I don't think I've ever seen her go on a date in all the time we've lived together. Me, I never had much use for being…virtuous, if you know what I mean. What about you, Johnny boy?"
"I think I fall in the same category as Gail," he answered simply.
"Do you even know anything about sex?" Sherri asked boldly.
"I really don't think this is an appropriate conversation to be having," John managed, his face bright red.
"Oh, come on. You can at least talk about it, can't you?" When he didn't answer she drew nearer to him. "Haven't you ever been curious, John? Haven't you ever wondered what it was like to touch a woman? See her unclothed? Feel yourself inside of her?"
John swallowed and took several steps back. "Sherri, please. You're making me very uncomfortable right now."
She couldn't help but laugh. "You gotta get out of that priest mindset if you ever plan to get in her pants, John."
"It isn't a 'priest's' mindset that I'm in. The Bible specifically dictates that intimacy should be between a man and woman who have been joined in marriage."
"I was raised Catholic, Johnny. I went to Catholic school. I know what the Bible says. Marriage is the 'cure' for being able to have sex without feeling guilty about it. That's all marriage is."
"How can you say that?" John asked, aghast by her cynicism. "Marriage is much more than that. It's one of the oldest sacraments."
"And sex is older than marriage," she countered. "I mean look at Adam and Eve. God told them to go forth and multiply. Where they married?"
"In God's eyes, yes. Eve was created from Adam and made specifically for him."
"So, what makes a person married, then? If they were married in 'God's eyes' what makes that any different than you and Gail? I mean, really…she's already planning your wedding. You know that right?"
This, again, was news to him. "She is?"
Sherri didn't answer, obviously waiting for a response to her earlier question.
"Well…" John called upon his vast knowledge of the Bible as he tried to think of a response. He realized he didn't really have one. True, the Bible said that man should leave his home, take a bride and consummate their union, but today's wedding ceremonies were more of a social occasion, a way to publically make those vows before witnesses as well as God. If, however, two people had already made such vows in their own minds before God, did that make them just as equally wed? John didn't have a straight answer. "Oh dear."
"Uh oh," Sherri smirked. "I stumped a priest."
He gave her a look of quiet reprimand, but she only chuckled in response.
"Well, you think about it, and if you have any questions, you know where to find me." She gave him a wink before sauntering out of the kitchen and to her bedroom. John sighed, trying to will the blush in his cheeks away and silently slipped down the hall to Gail's room, shutting the door for privacy as he took out his Bible and sat at her vanity to read. Sherri had, indeed, stumped him and he didn't intend to rest until he found an answer to her question. One backed by the Word of God.
He'd read from Genesis all the way to Isaiah when a soft knock came at the door and Gail quietly slipped in. She looked surprised to see him sitting there with his Bible.
"You're home," he said with a smile. "How was your day?"
"It wasn't bad," she said tiredly. "Have you been reading your Bible all day?"
"No," he said, closing the book and setting it aside. "I was trying to find the answer to a question."
Gail sat on his lap as he explained his earlier conversation with Sherri. By the time he was finished, she looked absolutely mortified. "I'm really, John. She really has no couth sometimes."
"It's alright. I think I'm more upset by the fact that I didn't have answer to her question than by the content of the conversation."
"Do you have one now?"
He shook his head. "The Bible doesn't speak much of the customs of marriage or truly define what makes a couple married. It's all a little…ambiguous. Weddings are a ceremony, a rite of passage, a public announcement of the union of a man and a woman. In most every culture, the ceremony is performed by a representative of God—a priest, a rabbi, a shaman, a holy man, so on and so forth. When I performed weddings, I was sanctioned by God to bless the union. The couples repeat their vows, binding themselves before the eyes of God. But, Sherri brought up the point of Adam and Eve. There was no ceremony for their matrimony. There was no one to pronounce them man and wife. There was only God. If two people stand alone in this world and vow to love, honor and obey one another with God as their only witness, does that make their marriage any less than a couple who are married in a church?"
Gail searched his eyes, finding the true anguish there at having no clear answer. She brushed his hair back from his forehead and placed her lips above his brow. "I think only God can answer that. The best we can do is try and make our best guess based on his words as told to us by the Apostles."
John sighed in agreement and the let the matter go for the time being.
TBC
Dominus vobiscum – Latin for "Lord be with you."