A Deal With God: The Power of One (14 page)

“Do you see that puddle on the table, Leon?” Delores asked. “Do you know what that is?”

Leon did not answer.

“That is where Deana was sitting after she found out.” She took out her rag and wiped up the big puddle. “These are Deana’s tears. You did this to her.”

Leon looked stunned.

“Let me tell you something about your ex–girlfriend,” Delores started. “For all practical purposes, I should dislike and be jealous of Deana. She is younger, prettier, more popular and quite honestly, a better waitress than I am.”

“We have a tip policy here at Vito’s amongst the servers; if two waitresses give service to the same table the tip is split 50/50, no matter how much or how little service is given. For years, waitresses before Deana always shorted me. I was lucky to get 30%, even if I did 90% of the work. Your ex–girlfriend gives 75%–80% every time to me and Peggy. Deana says it isn’t good for only her to prosper. She says we should all prosper.”

“One time when I knew she was looking, I deliberately shorted her. I just wanted to see what she would say or do. Deana didn’t bat an eye. She didn’t get upset or lose her temper. As a matter of fact, I’ve never seen her lose her temper. That is why she is such a great waitress. She has an incredible memory and focus to detail. Deana also has amazing composure when handling customers.”

“I’ve never seen her lose her temper either,” Leon agreed.

“The truth is, Leon, I don’t give a rat’s rear end about you. You can die destitute and alone. When you meet your maker, you can explain why you spit in the face of the angel he sent to you. You can burn for all of eternity and you will deserve your fate.”“What I do care about,” Delores continued, “Is those three boys sitting at my table. How are you going to explain this to them? Luke sometimes calls Deana ‘mommy’, even though she doesn’t encourage it. Four months ago he spoke so poorly, practically no one could understand him. Now he speaks like a five year old. If you noticed, I gave him a menu. You could see his lips move as he tried to sound out the words. Deana says he will be reading on a second grade level by the end of this year.”

“Matthew and Mark’s teachers have come into the restaurant. They can’t believe what Deana has taught them in just a few months. They look at Deana like she is a miracle worker. Matthew’s worst grade is a “C”, and Mark may even make second honors.”

“You are a thirty–two year old man, Leon,” Delores finished. “You have three beautiful boys. They are your responsibility. Even if Deana was ugly, even if Deana was obnoxious and gross, she is the best thing for your family. You need to get her back. You need to do the right thing!”

Delores went back to her station to check on the boys and one other table. Leon sat in the back room thinking to himself. He knew every word Delores said was true.

Ten minutes later, Leon and the boys were in the truck on their way to Deana’s. When they got there Deana was on the porch still in her work uniform. She was sitting on the top step. Her feet were on the second step. Her knees were even with her shoulders with her arms across them and her head resting on top and she was still crying. Before the truck was even in park, the truck doors opened and the three boys ran to her. Luke hugged and embraced her with his entire body. Matthew and Mark stood at each one of her shoulders as if protecting her.

The brunt of what Delores had said to Leon was hitting him. All he could do was sit in the truck and watch the love his boys showed to Deana. Their feelings for her were on full display.

After what seemed like a long time, Leon finally walked over. Deana asked the boys if they would please go inside and watch television while she talked to their father.

“I’m so sorry,” Leon began. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“You used me,” Deana said. “You used me and it was very unfair what you did to me. I don’t deserve to be treated like this.”

“I still love you,” Leon said. “Things just seemed to be going too fast. My first marriage wasn’t very good and here it is only seven months later and it looks like I’m rushing into a second one. What if we were to live together for a while?”

“What do you think we’ve been doing the last four and a half months?” Deana replied. “We’re closer than just about any married couple I know. I’ve told you every intimate detail about myself. I’ve shared every intimate everything with you. Is there something you’re expecting to find out about me down the road you don’t already know?”

“No,” Leon said shaking his head side to side. “You’ve been nothing but candid and open with me about everything.”

“I don’t just want to be your friend,” Deana continued. “It’s not fair to me or the boys. We should be a family. I should be able to do the paperwork if someone has to go to the emergency room. I should be able to sign them up for school or for sports. You shouldn’t be able to walk through the front door with some other woman and kick me to the curb.”

“I would never do that to you.” Leon replied.

“There’s only one way I can believe that.” Deana stated.

“How’s that?” Leon asked.

“There’s a special ceremony that takes place in front of God, a preacher, friends and relatives. You promise in sickness and in health you will forsake all others.” Deana said. “It’s called a wedding.”

“I don’t know what to say.” Leon replied.

“There are only two things you can say.” Deana followed. “Let me rephrase that. There are only two things I want to hear you say. If you can’t say them, you can take your butt back home without me.”

“What would those two things be?” Leon asked, even though he pretty much knew the answer.

“Tell me you love me with all your heart and you’ll love me unconditionally forever.” Deana answered.

“I do love you with all my heart.” Leon started. “And, I probably always will.”

Just as he said ‘probably’ he realized his mistake.

“Probably?” Deana said, trying not to scream at Leon.

Deana turned red and her eyes glared.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Deana exploded. “Take your ‘probably’ home with you!” Deana pointed Leon in the direction of his truck with her right hand. Deana had switched the diamond ring from her left hand to her right hand, signifying the end of the engagement. Leon did not know why this hurt him as badly as it did.

“I’ll still pick up Luke after you leave for work and before the boys leave for school.” Deana said. “Other than that you are on your own. I’ll call you tomorrow when I get home from Atlanta and you can pick up Luke here.”

Deana rushed through the front door and quickly into her bedroom. She locked the door and couldn’t stop herself from crying again.

Later that night, Leon was home alone in his bed. He knew Deana should be there with him, not at her place alone and crying. How could he have been so stupid? He had to make this right, no matter what Lester and Claire thought.

To this day, neither Leon nor Deana know Julie sent the text to Deana from Leon’s cell phone. When Deana saw the ‘
Can we just B friends’
‘ text, she assumed Leon was breaking up with her like she feared. When Delores referred to Deana as his ex–girlfriend, Leon assumed Deana broke up with him for being spineless.

CHAPTER 12
THE RESOLUTION

Deana did not feel like wasting her entire day off going to and from Atlanta. Nor did she want to write a big check for an engagement gift to Leon under the circumstances. She definitely was not in the mood to pose for any more pictures, even if it was at a botanical garden. Her eyes were red and swollen and her face was drained. Nonetheless, she picked up Luke like she promised and headed to Atlanta to finish the photo album for Leon.

Leon had one of the worst nights of his life. Deana was all he could think about. How could someone so small have such a huge hold on him? Leon had been in love before. He had a two year relationship with a girl named Amber in High School. He had his marriage to Rebeccah. For some reason though, the feelings he had for Deana were different; they were so much stronger and intense. It was becoming obvious to Leon there were different degrees of love that a man could feel for a woman. His love for Deana had grown to the highest level. He hated himself for falling so deeply in love; he did not like feeling this vulnerable. He was actually afraid of losing Deana. What if she packed up her things and moved back home to Tampa?

Deana and Luke got to the botanical garden just before eleven o’clock. Last week Deana had been excited and talkative. Today she was quiet and sullen. Mr. DeRoberts and his associates could see she was upset. Regardless, the plan was to forge forward. Deana wore blue jeans and a pretty white top. She was positioned in front of waves of beautiful flowers. It was a beautiful shot, maybe the most beautiful of the seven. It would become page five in the photo album.

Mr. DeRoberts had what he needed to finish. He told Deana he’d need five hours. At 5pm the photo album would be finished, complete and perfect.

“Miss Murphy,” Mr. DeRoberts stated, “You may be the most photogenic customer I’ve ever worked with. I think you missed your calling as a model.”

“Thank you.” Deana said somberly.

Deana and Luke went to lunch and a movie to kill the five hours. At five o’clock they were at the studio picking up the photo album. The seven pictures were stunning with the ‘praying you love me forever’ photo serving as the grand finale.

Deana and Luke went to dinner; then headed back to Dothan. She called Leon and told him she would be back at seven–thirty. Leon was relieved she was at least still talking to him.

“I’m looking forward to seeing you tonight,” Leon said. “There’s so much I have to say to you.”

There are some choice words I’d like to say to you Deana thought to herself but didn’t say out loud.

“Before anything else is said, I still need to give you your gift.” Deana replied “I’m hoping it will leave you speechless.”

“Hopefully not too speechless, I really do need to talk to you. I’ll see you soon, I love you.” Leon said as he hung up.

He loves me, probably. How do I even begin to process all this Deana thought. Nine days ago he proposes marriage, gives me a diamond ring, and wants to marry me. Yesterday he just wanted to be friends and shack up with me. Tonight he’s back in love. Lord help me, Deana prayed.

Deana and Luke played the radio loud and sang along to the songs they knew. It helped clear Deana’s head. One hour later they pulled into Dothan. Leon and the boys had gotten to Deana’s and were there waiting. Deana got Luke out of his car seat and like the night before, she asked the three boys to go inside and watch television. She wanted to speak to Leon in private.

She reached into the back seat of the Stratus and pulled out the photo album.

“A picture is worth a thousand words,” Deana stated. “There are seven pictures here of me. I put everything I had into these pictures for you. I left nothing out. If there was anything, anyone ever thought I was hiding from you, they were wrong. Everything is in this book for you in living color. Picture five was taken today. You can see the tears in my eyes.”

“Whether you love or hate this photo album,” Deana continued, “please tell me you love it. Even if you throw it in a dumpster on your way home. It would kill me if you didn’t love it because what I put into it is such a big part of me. Like I said earlier, I left nothing on the table.”

Deana handed Leon the book. She watched his eyes as he looked at picture after picture. When he got to picture five, she could see the emotion build up in his eyes as he saw the tears in hers. He stared at it for almost ten minutes.

“I was so wrong and stupid,” Leon began. “I never should have doubted you. The reason my first marriage was so bad was because we were wrong for each other. We didn’t love each other enough and we both failed as spouses. I realize now that my relationship with you is so different. Last night, one night without you, was all it took. After sharing the best nights of my life with you, last night I found out the hard way what my life without you would be like. I hated it.”

“I called Lester this morning,” Leon continued. “I told him if you would have me back, I would ask you to go to the Justice of the Peace next Tuesday and get married. Kenny can be my best man. We can apply for the licenses tomorrow and we can have everything formalized in one week.”

“That is very sweet,” Deana said as she switched her ring back to her left hand. “But you have to understand, I’ve been waiting for my wedding day since I was four years old. I need a little time to enjoy being engaged. I have some money saved. I need time to plan a nice ceremony and party. I know this is your second marriage, but it is my first and only. I also want time to enjoy the process. I agree with one thing you said last night. Fourth of July probably is too soon. I’m willing to compromise. How about Labor Day weekend? It would be August 31st, just after my birthday.”

“Labor Day weekend sounds great,” Leon said. “This photo album is amazing; you never cease to surprise me. And yes, I do have two very important things to say to you. I love you with all my heart and then some. Also, I’ll love you unconditionally forever and ever. Now please come home with me.”

Luke was standing at the door. “What did daddy say?” he asked.

“Daddy said he is going to marry me and we are going to be a family,” Deana replied.

“Is it okay for me to call you mommy now?” Luke asked.

“Yes, of course it is, honey.” Deana answered with a tear in her eye. Tonight though, it was a happy tear.

Wednesday night, when Deana was at work and Lester was at a church function with Claire and Julie, Leon drove up to his parents’ house with the boys. Deana had made a casserole during the day for him to take up to his folks. Gracie, the Colonel, Leon and the three boys had a nice dinner together.

“Deana and I came to a final decision Monday night,” Leon said as Gracie was removing the dirty plates from the table after dinner. “We are going to be married at Dothan Christian Church on Saturday August 31st. There will be a short service at 5pm followed by a big party in the park across the street. I say big, because I’m pretty sure Deana will go all out.”