I never considered myself lucky. Nothing special ever happened to me. I have always been more comfortable on the outside looking in. I have a quiet job at the local library. I rarely meet any interesting people, nor do i care to. That’s just the way it is. At least that’s what i thought until now.
It all began one Saturday when i was walking through the park,minding my own business with my dog; Gretchen. Lots of people were all around, having picnics, riding bikes, and playing ball. I didn’t give much thought to any one particular person. It seemed to be an average day for me. I would find a nice spot in the shade where i could read my book and relax after a long week being cooped up in that dusty old library.
I got to my spot under that old oak next to the pond and began reading my book. I was just about to the good part, when this big ugly dog came charging toward me,dripping wet from his fun in the pond. He knocked my book out of my hand a slobbered all over my face. “Shoo!” I yelped as the dog pinned me to the ground. “Get off!!!” Laughing from a distance as he walked toward me was a tall dark haired man with a leash in his hand. “Here Tex, here boy,get off this nice lady.”
“I’m sorry ma’am. Rex here has an eye for the pretty ones, he just can’t resist getting some sugar.” He chuckled. “I’m Jason by the way and you are?” he said as he extended his hand to help me sit up. “I’m leaving” I said as i stood to gather my book and untie Gretchen from the tree. I was furious. I just wanted a quiet afternoon. “now hold on now.” Jason was flustered by my sharp words. “Rex didn’t mean any harm.” Losing my edge I replied “I know, I’m sorry for being so short,I’m just not very good meeting new people and you caught me off guard.”
“Well that’s o.k,” Jason replied, “how about lets start over, “I’m Jason, and you are?” “Shelby.” He has the most beautiful blue eyes i have every seen i thought to myself as he nodded. ” I know of a good coffee shop a few blocks away if you would like to go.” My mouth was dry with panic and i felt like i couldn’t breathe. Is this attractive man with the stunning blue eyes really asking me for coffee? “Oh i don’t know.. I… Uh…” Stumbling on my words seemed to be the only thing i am good at these days. “Come on, It’s just a cup of coffee and some friendly conversation nothing more. I just moved here a few weeks ago and i don’t know anyone yet. I just wanna have a conversation with somebody other than ole’ Rex here. So, what ya say? Jason’s eyes sparkled with anticipation as he waited for my answer. “O.k, just coffee.”
As we walked to the coffee shop he asked me about my life and my work and what there was to do around town,and i asked where he was from and what brought him to Kansas. When we got there, we sat in the back booth by the window and put in our order to the short, homely waitress whose name was Maude according to her faded name tag. Before we knew it a hour had past and it was time to get home.
“So, can i see you again?” Jason asked as we walked out of the cafe door. “Sure, I mean if you want to.” i said shyly staring at my feet the whole time. He waited as i fumbled in my bag for a pen to give him my number. “Thank you” Jason said as i handed him my number. ” I had a great time, see you soon!” He called out as we parted ways. I nodded and began to walk home.
I don’t think he will call. They never do. I might as well put him out of my mind. He was just being nice when he asked me for coffee. But putting him out of my mind was easier said then done i figured out. All night I tossed and turned, thoughts of what could be in the future. A few days past and Jason didn’t call. I was just about ready to give up hope that he would when the phone rang.
“Shelby, How are you?” He said. “I’m good and yourself?” He asked if i would like to have dinner and of course i said yes. That was all it took. We were pretty much inseparable from that night on. Jason and I fell in love. Something that i never expected to have and really never gave much thought on the subject.
One July day, Jason and I were sitting under my tree in the park in the very spot where we met . When Jason asked me to take a trip with him. He told me it was a little vacation that he had been planning for a little while. “Where to?” I asked curiously. We are gonna go ans see my folks in South Carolina. I want to show you where i grew up and i want them to meet my bride to be. “O.k..What!” Jason laughed at the expression on my face. “You look like you just saw a ghost.” he continued to chuckle as he pulled the little red box from his pocket. He got down on one knee and took me by the hand. “Shelby, I fall more and more in love with you everyday. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I wanna have children and grow old together. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” I looked down into those beautiful blue eyes and touched his cheek. I wiped away the tears that were streaming down my face as i said “yes.”
We had a wonderful time at his parents house. We planned a fall wedding in November. We married under that big oak in the park. Since Rex was the reason we met in the first place, we thought it was only right to make him the ring bearer. And Gretchen, of course, was by his side. It was a beautiful service and the weather was just right.
We have been married for almost ten years now and our love is as strong if not stronger than it has ever been. We have two beautiful children. I feel like the luckiest woman alive. For all the women out there who have similar views as i had, never give up hope. I believe that their is a special somebody out there for each and everyone of you. So, keep your heart and eyes open.
