I do not own The Magic of Ordinary Days.
Cool to see Skeet Ulrich very un-Skeet-ish. Even if I am 20 years late to the party.
The Magic of a Simple Life
"I know you don't usually eat in the middle of the day but . . . will you come home for lunch today?"
It is easy to say yes to her.
"Yes."
He's done it so frequently in the year since she came to live with him it's second nature now.
And she smiles.
And it's like . . .
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"See you then."
"See you then."
. . . everything in his whole world.
He walks in the front door, removing his hat, expecting to see lunch on the table.
It's . . .
"Livy, is everything okay?"
"Yes."
. . . not.
"I took the baby to your sister's about thirty minutes ago. Freshly fed and diapered."
He nods.
"Okay."
And she comes to him, smiling, he thinks, somewhat nervously.
Meets him there . . .
"She's going to watch him for a couple of hours."
. . . next to the dining table.
He nods again, holding his hat comfortingly in his hands.
"Okay."
And Livy, his demure wife, huffs fond amusement at him.
"Because, well, I thought . . ."
Smile widening further.
". . . we might like some time alone together."
He nods, a third time.
"Okay."
And then . . .
"O-oh-"
. . . it finally dawns on him.
"R-really?"
She's still smiling as she nods.
"Mmmh."
Eyes clear and untroubled, unhesistant.
"If you'd like to."
As she reaches for his hand.
Squeezing it.
And Ray . . .
"Y-yes. Of, of course."
. . . stammers out his agreement.
They've kissed, lightly, in the last few months since he confessed his love for her, begged her to stay. Offered her the ring he should have offered her the day they met and stood before the pastor and took their vows.
They've held hands.
Danced, of course.
So long ago at Martha's birthday party.
He's smelled her hair.
Dreamed about her.
She's lately been more and more likely to lay a gentle hand on his shoulder, his arm.
His back, his knee even, more recently.
And Ray Singleton, unused to frequent touch before her, has had to navigate the overstimulation of all these touches, these feelings, these desires.
These situations that he desperately wants to enjoy.
With her.
And has been allowing himself to more and more often.
With her.
Livy.
But this . . .
"I mean, only if you'd like to."
And she's practically glowing as she responds.
"Yes. I do."
And her answer is so simple, unfettered, he can't help but believe her completely.
And be . . .
"Okay."
. . . absolutely stunned.
Then he doesn't move.
Doesn't speak.
Doesn't do anything but . . .
"Ray? Are you okay?"
"Yes."
. . . stand there.
And she smiles, lips turning up so prettily.
"Come with me."
And he puts his hat down.
"Husband."
Takes her proffered hand.
"Wife."
And leads him up the stairs.