She was stirred by his heartfelt words and the earnest expression on his handsome face.
"I think we met just at the right time and my God is also your God. He hears and answers prayers." Pulling away from him, she turned around so she could face him. "And it doesn't matter the years, darling. It's what we put into it that matters." She stroked his cheek lovingly. "And I have a feeling we're going to live a very long and fruitful life."
Placing his hand over hers, he closed his eyes briefly and felt the familiar lump lodged in his throat.
"You're mine," he whispered fiercely.
"I am yours," she promised him. "Now and always."
******************
He was told to go straight to her classroom and was brought up short by the sight that met his eyes. Her students were all gathered around her, trying to press against her belly and were talking a mile a minute.
"Auntie Catherine has a baby in her belly," one tow-headed boy piped up. "How did it get there?"
When no one answered immediately, a curly-haired little girl responded. "By magic." She said it in such a profound manner that it had everyone staring at her.
"No, silly," another little girl said loftily. "My mommy said that she and her husband kissed and had sex and made a baby."
This time the silence went on longer. Thoroughly amused and entertained, Dean leaned on the threshold and folded his arms on his chest.
"Is that true, Auntie Catherine?"
"I think it's time for us to dismiss class for today," Auntie Catherine said in her most authoritative voice.
One boy noticed him standing there and ran towards him. "Are you going to put another baby in Auntie's belly?" he demanded.
Dean straightened as he became the cynosure of every pair of eyes in the classroom, including his wife's amused ones. "I'm just here to take her home."
"To put a baby in her belly?" the boy persisted.
"That's enough, Bobby. Now children." She clapped her hands together and got them going back to their seats. "We'll say our prayers and file out in an orderly manner to the auditorium." She flashed a smile at her husband before turning towards her avid listeners.
Waiting until the children had left, he walked towards her.
"Am I going to put a baby in your belly if I do this?" Keeping one arm wrapped around her waist, he used the other to tip her chin up so he could kiss her.
"You already put one there," she reminded him breathlessly. "You handled that very well."
"What? A bunch of kids talking about sex?" he scoffed. "It's practice for when our time comes. We'll know to tell them that the baby was placed there by magic."
She burst out laughing, eyes twinkling with mirth. "That's absolutely the best answer. Ready, Mr. Collier?"
"Whenever you are, Mrs. Collier."
Wriggling out of his arms, she went to fetch her belongings. "Aren't you going to tell me where we're going?"
"And spoil the surprise?" Taking the large tote from her, he slung it over his shoulder. "Not a chance."
*******************
"Watch your step." Taking her hand, he guided her over the patchy and uneven ground, until they were facing a dilapidated warehouse. "Well?" Standing behind her, he wrapped his arms around her thick waist. "What do you think?"
She stared at the building with uncertain eyes, taking in the holes on the sloped roof and the missing window panes. The areaaround it was steeped in waist-length grass and surrounded by towering trees.
"It's..." She cleared her throat. "It's a sight."
He chuckled at her effort at diplomacy. "You're looking at the future home of the Eternal Hope Children's Home."