CHAPTER 4

Mary can't help but feel the love radiating throughout her body. The way that James' hand gripped her inner thigh as they drove down the road was thrilling. His hand traced across the inside of her thigh, leaving only moments as he shifted gears. Twisting in her seat on the way to the bar, she loves how commanding he is. 

How his eyes caught hers made every nerve in her body flush with heat. She has always known his wants and desires without him saying a word. With a movement of his eyes of an indication of his hand, she followed. She had promised herself to him and the wilds before God eons ago. 

James was her soul and the man who knew how to lead her. With a firm hand and the grace of God, he held every ounce and crevice of her soul. As they pulled up to the wine bar, James tapped her thigh twice, commanding her not to move. Like every direction or command he has given her, she found it easy to obey. He was, after all, her husband and the head of their household. 

She never understood why more people didn't do this, as it was the easiest thing in the world. She never had to stress or worry about the bills that were coming. While his inheritance was great, he never spent it on himself but worked incredibly hard to provide for his family. His wealth provided for the town and those who could not provide for themselves. 

His wealth has never removed the struggles from their lives, so they grew up more independent. All her life, she followed his commands and desires except for once. A single act of defiance she still regrets even to this day decades later. She obeyed for thirty years, and her life has never been the same. 

James slips out of the car as Mary dutifully waits in her place. Watching the man of her dreams and fantasies move around the front of the truck. He knows she can open the door herself and, with a little effort due to her height, climbs out, but still, for his love, he wants more as he opens her door with a smile. Mary accepts James' hand as she steps down to the parking lot, knowing she has her and will never let her stumble or fall. 

His support is so complete- she has felt like a princess for the past sixty-five years. The greatest gift that God has ever given them is one another. The complete and utter devotion that two people can give of their entire heart and soul. The beauty of life is waiting for the right moment, the proper kiss, the right man, the right "I do." The truth is that he was everything she never thought she deserved. 

Mary wasn't born a saint and damn near ended up a sinner chasing the bad boys. Running through the night away from the devil in the darkness. She has called out that night to the heavens to find a way to safety. Running from a boy with a bloody lip and a torn dress, she thought she was where she belonged. She had made all the wrong decisions trying to prove she was right. With blood on her lips, she ran into her future as in the night; she stumbled into a boy with a hat and boots in the mist. 

The tears flow easily as she remembers being scared out of her mind running forward. She was in darkness, begging for a ride anywhere to prove her worth. She had never thought of anything as she ran from the darkness into the moonlight. No one ever stood up for her and defied the devil's for her. Holding onto James' hand, she feels like a princess, and in his eyes, her heart bursts with such emotion. 

She looks over her shoulder and remembers the monster chasing her with a bottle. She remembers the tears flowing as she turns and sees the baby blues. He has grown into a fantastic, robust, and distinguished man, but she recognizes those eyes. 

"Are you okay, my love?" James asks with concern that tears at her heart. 

"Yes, James, I am. I was remembering the night we met."

His eyes become soft, allowing her to see that sixteen-year-old boy she once knew. She places her hand delicately on his chest and watches his eyes search hers as the protective man is there. The man who placed her behind him and stood alone in a field between her and the devil who chased her. 

"James?" Mary whisperers, "Please, James, don't leave me."

It takes a few moments, but recognition enters his eyes again as he looks down at her with pure love. His fingers brushed her hair away from her face as he kissed her so purely. With such an innocent desire mirroring their first kiss years ago, "I will never leave you; you are my Mary. You are mine."

"Always and forever, my James."