Whispered Southern Secrets (Magnolia Grove #11)

Chapter 15

Chapter Fifteen

John David

The next couple of days we don’t discuss Honey’s previous marriage, sex, or a future. We simply live one day at a time. Family get togethers. Church functions. Movie nights. Long walks with Cash.

It’s mindboggling she thinks I don’t want to have sex with her. I’m human. Even Jesus faced temptations and He was the son of God. My military experience, although short, did teach me lessons in self-discipline. I’ve done a lot of exercising to help with all my unholy thoughts concerning Honey.

The juvenile office assigned me a new case. This time it’s a seventeen-year-old girl. Her name is Daisy. It’s getting cold out, so yard work isn’t an option. I’ve worked with the Sunday school teacher to have Daisy as her assistant.

After service Daisy comes to my office for me to give her a ride home. “Mr. Brewster?”

I allow the kids to decide with what they’re comfortable calling me. Brother John David. John. J.D. Mr. Brewster. Mr. B. James was the only one to insist on “Preacher Man.” Not sure he used it as my name or a nickname.

“Yes, Miss Daisy?”

She’s painfully shy. It’s hard to believe she has offensive that warrant her to need community service. Her sweet and shy demeanor is probably how she was able to get away with shoplifting in the first place.

“Would it be possible for me to learn to sing while here?”

“Absolutely. That’s a wonderful idea. Do you want to sing in the choir?” She nods slowly. “I know just the person we can recruit to help us.”

I knew Honey wouldn’t be able to tell Daisy no once she met her. Am I playing dirty? Kind of. But it’s for the greater good. Daisy gets to learn how to sing from the most talented woman I know—other than Mama, of course. And I get to have Honey helping with the church choir.

As we’re finishing up choir I get several texts from James.

James: Preacher Man! Why did you never read this verse during a sermon:

James: Ezekiel 23:20There she lusted after her lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of horses.

James: Does that mean what I think it does?

James: This book is wild! Why doesn’t anybody read their verses? Nobody would be dozing off or watching the clock to go eat if you were talking donkey balls and horse jizz.

Me: I’m beyond proud that you’re reading the Bible. Keep going. You’ll be surprised what you’ll find in there.

James: I’m tellin’ ya!

Honey walks over to me. “What has you snickering at your phone?”

“James. He’s reading the book of Ezekiel.” I stand up and pocket my phone.

“Why is that funny? I’m confused.”

“Donkey testicles,” I tell her and then walk off. “Ready to go, Daisy?”

“I’m even more confused!” Honey calls out.

I spend the rest of the afternoon helping and visiting with folks. One family needs grocery delivered. I go and pray with a few families. Dad, Mama, and I go to the nursing home to sing and pray. By the end of the afternoon, all I want to do is go home to Honey.

But she’s not going to be home when I get there. We don’t live together. The last time she was there when I walked in was like my fantasy come to life. There was even a dog wagging its tail excited to see me. I want that Hallmark moment. After all, isn’t that the American dream? White picket fence, dog, and family. Maybe not in that order. It’s not that I believe it’s an unforgivable sin to live together before marriage. A part of me feels that since I was so loose with my morals that now I need to pick at least a few things and hold on to them. Marrying a woman before moving in together and having a sexual relationship was one of them.

Deep down I knew there was no need to worry about dating or being with other women. It was always Honey. Both of us returning when we did. Both single. There’s no denying how perfectly everything has aligned. As crazy as it is, and it is crazy since it’s not even been a year, I’m going to propose. I’ll have the rest of my life for her to get comfortable enough to share all her secrets. Or maybe she’ll always be a mystery. As long as she’s my wife, I’ll be happy.

With my mind made up, I hurry to find my father. He’s sitting in the den reading while Mama is crocheting.

“Honey likes to crochet.”

They both stop what they’re doing to turn and look at me. Mama gives a knowing smile. “I know. She’s crocheted with me and Minnie a few times. She got us shirts for Christmas last year. Mine read, ‘It Takes Balls to Knit.’ Minnie’s was a little more saucy. It read, ‘Wanna See My Knitties.’ There were two yarn balls positioned…” She clears her throat.

I’m unsure if I should go ahead and bring up my intentions while we’re on the subject of her. Yes. Isn’t she so witty? I should marry her.

“I love Honey.”

Dad raises his head and beams. “Are we talking about eating? I’m starving. I like honey, too, son. Are we thinking of having your mama’s honey glazed chicken, again?”

“No, sir. I’m talkin’ about Honey Beaumont. I’m in love with her, and I aim to marry her.”

“Oh that’s wonderful!” Mama is already getting teary-eyed.

Dad on the other hand rolls his shoulders back. “About time. I’d like to be able to see some grandbabies without both of us being in diapers.”

“Would you do the honors of marrying us?” I ask him.

“There would be no greater joy in this world son.”

“Other than those grandbabies,” Mama quickly adds.

I kiss them both on the cheek and then hurry back outside to my truck. A sudden thought has me only making it halfway in my truck. I don’t have an engagement ring. I’m sure Honey doesn’t put a lot of weight into a ring, but darn it, I want to do this right.

It’s too late to go purchase a ring, but it’s not too late to go speak to Mr. Millard Montgomery. Honey’s parents’ passed away years ago, but even if they were alive, she’d put more stock into getting her grandparents’ blessings. No disrespect to the deceased. Honey has always held a tremendous amount of respect for her grandparents. Which is weird she vanished for a while after she got married. But that’s in the past. I’m not going to focus on that or pry. I want Honey’s future.

The sun has already set as my truck bounces along the driveaway of the Montgomery house. Next door is Olivia’s house. Her voice and Honey’s carry over from the background. This is perfect. I hurry up the wooden steps and knock on the door.

Mr. Millard answers the door. “Hello Brother John David. If you’re huntin’ for Honey she’s next door.”

“Good afternoon, sir. Actually I was hoping I could take up a little bit of yours and Mrs. Minnie’s time.”

His salt and pepper eyebrows furrow over his dark brown eyes. “I hope nothing tragic has happened. Come on inside.”

As we step inside the warm and cozy living room, Mr. Millard calls out to alert Mrs. Minnie that they have a guest and it’s me. She hurries into the room carrying a tray of cookies. They smell fresh out of the oven. Does she keep cookies on standby for anytime a guests arrives? I eagerly accept the cookie and it tastes every bit as delicious as it smells. The rich flavoring and soft texture is mouthwatering.

“Mr. Millard, I’ve come to ask for Honey’s hand in marriage. It would mean the world to have your blessing in this union.”

“Have you asked her?”

“No. I felt it important to ask you and Mrs. Minnie first. Honestly, I’m not sure if she’ll have me. I don’t even have a ring.”

He chuckles and then him and Mrs. Minnie seems to silently communicate with one another. Finally, he stands. He walks out of the room without a word, not so much as a backward glance. Mrs. Minnie continues to smile at me with glassy eyes. Mr. Millard returns with a tiny box. “That’ll solve one of your problems. You might be better off asking God for me with getting Honey’s hand.”

I open the ring box to see a stunning antique engagement ring. It’s simple. Understated. Yet beautifully unique. Like Honey.

“It’s been in the family for years.” Mrs. Minnie tells me, her voice filled with pride and her eyes wet with emotion.

I shake my head in disbelief and happiness. There were too many feelings happening at once. This is happening. I’ve gotten the first couple of steps taken care of in a matter of minutes. We have blessings and a ring covered. Now I need to ask the woman of my dreams if she’ll finally have me.

Cash comes barreling through the room. An idea is already taken form as I stare at the adorable little guy with ears too big for the rest of his body. “Minnie do you have any bows? Ribbons? I want to attach the ring to his collar. It only feels right Cash should assist in this proposal.”

Mrs. Minnie blushes with excitement. “Oh how cute! I’ll get something together.”

Her grandfather seems a little more reluctant to the idea. “Better make sure he doesn’t eat it or you’ll be proposing while sifting through kaka.”