A Deal With God: The Power of One (12 page)

“All right, Miss Murphy,” Pastor Beckmann said. “You have one week to take care of this.”

After service the following day, Deana sat down with Mrs. Jarvis.

“You know how to read music, don’t you, Mrs. Jarvis?”

“Yes, of course,” Mrs. Jarvis answered. “Why do you ask?”

“I play guitar and I’m having a hard time learning to play a couple of songs I like. Could you meet me back here at three tomorrow and maybe help me for a bit.”

“Yes, of course dear. I’d be glad to help.”

“Thank you so much.” Deana said gratefully.

Deana went to find Pastor Beckmann.

“I know I can make this work Pastor Beckmann,” Deana stated, “but I need your cooperation. Please be here at three o’clock tomorrow and don’t say anything to Mrs. Jarvis. I want you to listen to a song I’m working on. I think you’ll be happy with what you hear.”

Early Monday morning, Deana and Luke went to a big music store in Athens. Deana found a beautiful, used electric piano. It was not too expensive, so Deana bought it. She put it in the back of the Stratus and drove Luke home so he could take his nap. While he slept, Deana went online and found the chords, lyrics, and bass and treble lines to her favorite new Christian song. She printed out the song and took it with her to church.

She plugged in the electric piano, found a seat for Luke and set up the sheet music. She started to practice the song on her guitar. As she strummed a few chords Mrs. Jarvis walked in. Deana asked Mrs. Jarvis to join her.

“You play the lead off the treble and bass line and I’ll play the rhythm on guitar. I’ll sing the first song.” Deana stated.

Deana nodded to Mrs. Jarvis to begin. The acoustic guitar provided the rhythm and the electric piano provided the lead. It sounded beautiful. Then Deana started to sing; and she sang like a professional. The sound was outstanding and fresh. Pastor Beckmann loved it and asked Deana and Mrs. Jarvis to play new songs together every Sunday.

Deana was pleased by Mrs. Jarvis’ enthusiasm. In fact, she confided to Deana that she’d been ready for a change in the music at the church for a while; she just wasn’t sure how to bring up the topic for discussion.

Later that evening after dinner, the boys did their homework and played video games. At bedtime, as Deana was putting the boys to sleep, Leon was in the kitchen getting a drink of water. What he heard coming from the boys’ bedroom made him smile; the sound of laughter, singing and happy children.

Six months earlier Leon had stood in this same spot as Rebeccah was putting the boys to sleep. He heard bickering, fighting and feelings getting hurt. What an amazing difference one person can make.

He heard the boys and Deana tell each other “I love you.” There was a pause and Leon knew Deana was kissing the boys good night. Deana was the warmest, most affectionate woman he’d ever known.

The next day at work Leon was asked a question by a younger driver. He wasn’t sure how to respond.

“Aren’t you the dude that dates Deana, the real pretty waitress?” the young man asked.

Leon nodded yes.

“I don’t know how you bagged her, but that is one rocking girl. I really admire you, you must have some game.”

The truth was, Deana was a source of pride for Leon. He loved having her on his arm when he walked into the nice restaurant in Athens, when they went to the movies and even church.

Leon had a huge decision to make. He loved Deana, but he hated being married.

It was Tuesday and Deana had extra time to cook today. She prepared the butter basted fried chicken that Leon and the boys liked so much. It was becoming her favorite also. It was that good.

When Leon got home he was starving. Deana was just taking the food out of the oven as he walked in. She also had a pitcher of sweet tea ready for him. It was the perfect meal.

When dinner was over, Leon went into the living room to watch television. Matthew and Mark did their homework. Luke stayed in the kitchen to be with Deana. He had a little toy truck he played with while he waited for Deana to finish. Later, Deana would read to him.

Leon heard Deana turn on the radio in the kitchen. She often listened to the radio as she cleaned. He overheard Luke laughing and knew Deana must be dancing for him. Deana would dance if she was in a good mood. Leon couldn’t help but peek into the kitchen to see. Sure enough, a fast song Deana liked was playing. She would shake her butt to the beat and Luke would laugh hysterically.

Leon was torn. Deana was the most amazing woman he’d ever met. He knew he could date a different woman every day for the rest of his life and still never find one like Deana. She was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Still, the thought of being married again petrified him.

The last four months with Deana had been the best four months of his life. Deana had brought him so much happiness. She lifted his spirit; took care of his home and his family. She’d given him everything except for one thing and she wanted to give him that. But Leon would have to be ready to take the next step. Again, it was marriage.

Deana came into the living room just after nine o’clock. They watched television together until almost eleven. They started to kiss. Leon loved the way she kissed him and gave him her affection. Half an hour later she got up to leave. He walked her to her car and hugged and kissed her. He did not want her to leave. They would not be seeing each other until Friday night this week. Leon hated the time apart. And yes, he knew the solution to his problem.

Leon decided it was time to invest in a diamond ring.

All day Saturday, Deana was nervous about performing at church the next morning. She had been practicing the song alone all week. She left Leon’s a little earlier than usual to get in an extra twenty minutes of practice time.

Sunday morning, Matthew, Mark, Luke, Leon and Deana walked into church together. Instead of sitting with the boys as usual, Deana with guitar case in hand, walked to the front to sit with Mrs. Jarvis. They were going to play one song. It was the most popular song on that week’s Christian music countdown. It was the song they had played Monday.

When the time came for Deana and Mrs. Jarvis to perform, Deana had butterflies. Her voice shook and her hands trembled as she played the chords. The first two minutes were rough. Deana struggled. Fortunately, they had decided in advance to play the long version of the song. She had five minutes to redeem herself. Soon, she caught her groove and let loose. They found their sound.

When the song finished, they got a standing ovation. Deana and Mrs. Jarvis’ performances would become even better in time as they spent more time working together. It didn’t happen overnight, but gradually more people started coming to the church. What Deana and Mrs. Jarvis accomplished was very impressive.

The next day Leon called Mr. Vito. “Is there any way you can give Deana Saturday, March 16th off?” Leon requested.

“Are you nuts, Leon? I can’t give my only Irish waitress off any part of St. Patrick’s Day weekend; what about the 9th or the 23rd?”

“The 9th would work,” Leon replied. “Thank you Mr. Vito.”

“This better be important, Leon. I can’t have too many Saturday nights without a full staff.”

“It is important, sir,” Leon responded. “It’s about as important as it gets. Let me put it this way: hopefully, you’ll be changing the last name on Deana’s time card soon.”

“Well Leon, if you’re saying what I think you’re saying, the odds are pretty good she’ll say ‘yes’. You and the boys are all she ever talks about. If she does say ‘yes’, you need to make sure you thank God for sending you a special girl like Deana.”

“The truth is, Mr. Vito, if Deana was not as special as she is, I would never even consider re–marrying. Thanks for your help. I’ll tell Deana the good news when I get home tonight.”

That evening, after the boys were in bed, Deana came into the living room to watch television with Leon.

“I have something to discuss with you Deana.” Leon said as Deana approached. “In twelve days, on Saturday March 9th, I want to take you someplace special. The Friday night before, when you are at work, I’ll leave the boys with the Johnson’s. Early Saturday morning I’d like us to leave for Savannah, which is on the east coast on the Atlantic Ocean. I cleared it with Mr. Vito so that you won’t have to work that Saturday night. We can come back Sunday morning for church, and then go get the boys.”

“Is there something special about Savannah?” Deana asked.

“Savannah is very romantic,” Leon answered. “There are some beautiful sights there, especially as the sun is setting.”

At first Deana was a little confused. Then she remembered what she said to Leon a week and a half ago. Her doctor’s appointment was next Monday. The time line was fitting. Would Leon propose marriage to her in Savannah?

“I’d love to go to Savannah with you.” Deana responded.

That was the first ‘yes’ Leon was looking for. In twelve nights, hopefully he’d get a second ‘yes.’

When Mr. Vito told Delores and Peggy that Deana would be off the following Saturday, they were curious and wanted to know why. After Mr. Vito let on that it was something important, they were even more inquisitive. Eventually, they wore Mr. Vito down and got it out of him; Leon was going to propose to Deana.

When Deana got to work on Wednesday Delores and Peggy were all smiles. Deana wanted to know what was up.

“We know something you don’t know,” Peggy teased. “It’s about your big Saturday night off in a week and a half.”

“What have you heard about my trip to Savannah?” Deana inquired.

“You have no clue why Leon is taking you?” Delores asked.

“I think I may know why.” Deana said. “But I’m not positive.”

“It seems one of us is about to get a change in status,” Peggy proclaimed.

Saturday morning, March 9th, Leon picked Deana up at her place just after 9am. The ride through eastern Georgia was beautiful. Leon had reserved a hotel room a few blocks west of the beach. They enjoyed a quick lunch together.

At the hotel room, Deana went into the bathroom and put on her blue bikini. Up to this point, Luke had been the only one of the Samuels’ to have ever seen Deana in a bikini. She wore it only when the weather was warm enough at the little beach in Dothan.

As Deana emerged from the bathroom, Leon was speechless. Deana looked like a fitness model; muscular and toned yet feminine.

“Did you want to go down to the pool and show off your girlfriend?” Deana teased as she spun her hips to the side and shook her butt at Leon. She knew he had watched her the other night in the kitchen.

“I don’t think I’m in any condition to go out in public right now,” Leon joked. “Why don’t we watch a movie and rest up for later?”

“Rest up for later,” Deana repeated. “Are we going to a club tonight to dance the night away?”

Deana was enjoying seeing Leon squirm.

“Uh, maybe,” Leon responded and added, “I’m not positive exactly how tonight is going to play out.”

“Oh, I see,” Deana replied. “Would it be a safe to assume you brought me here to Savannah to do more than just watch movies?”

“Yes that would be a safe assumption.” Leon finished.

Deana lay down next to Leon and they watched a movie. After it ended, they dozed off and got out of bed just after 5pm. Tonight would be the last early sunset until fall. At 2am Daylight Savings Time would kick in.

Deana put on a tank top and jean skirt over her bathing suit. She was surprised Leon put on dress slacks and a nice shirt. They jumped in the truck and headed to the beach.

When they found a good parking spot, Leon reached in the back of the truck and grabbed a large cooler and beach blanket.

As they approached the beach, they were treated to a magnificent sunset. The sky was both red and caramel colored. Dusk over the Atlantic Ocean was breathtaking. Leon spread the blanket on a nice flat stretch of sand and placed the cooler in the bottom corner.

“There is something I want to ask you,” Leon said kneeling. “Deana Murphy will you marry me?”

Leon removed a small box from his pocket. He pulled out a diamond ring and took her left hand, kissing it. Then he put the band on her left ring finger. Deana wrapped her arms around him and started to cry.

“Deana” Leon interjected after several minutes, “We are one word short here. Please don’t leave me hanging.”

“Yes, of course I’ll marry you Leon,” Deana said between sobs.

Leon opened the cooler. He popped the cork on a bottle of champagne and filled two glasses.

They drank the champagne. Deana took off her skirt and tank top. Leon removed his shirt and shoes. Deana and her new fianc� danced and frolicked in the Atlantic Ocean.

CHAPTER 11
WHAT COULD GO WRONG?

“We’ve had a four month courtship, how would you feel about a four month engagement?” Deana asked Leon after they were fully intimate together for the first time in the hotel room in Savannah. She continued, “I think the 4th of July weekend would be a lot of fun because everyone will already be in celebration mode. The boys will be out of school, so if we do a honeymoon, it will be much easier.”

“Deana, you’re always so practical,” Leon said, complimenting her. “I love that about you.”

Unfortunately Leon was not as practical. He was letting his mother, Gracie, put together an engagement party for them for the following Sunday. It would be on St. Patrick’s Day weekend, a weekend that Deana would be working long hours.

The following morning, Leon drove Deana to church. She was going to do another new song with Mrs. Jarvis. She wasn’t nervous this week. The Savannah trip took her mind off of performing in church, which was a good thing. The song had only three easy chords so she focused on her singing. She would have the words in front of her, so it would be like karaoke. When the time came, Deana sang lead and Mrs. Jarvis backed her up. They sounded even better than the previous week.

After church, Deana and Leon drove to Macon to get the boys. Leon told her about the engagement party.

“You know I’ll only be able to stay a couple of hours.” Deana said. “If we leave immediately after church it will still be afternoon before we get to Athens. I’ll have to leave at three because Mr. Vito wants me at work at four because of St. Patrick’s Day. A good portion of the engagement party will be missing half of the happy couple.”