Authors: Nancy Hopper
“
Gary, I’m stuffed.” Tasha complained, throwing her napkin down with resignation.
“
It’s about time.” Gary drawled, helping her up from her chair. “I thought we were going to be here all night.”
“
You poor man.” she teased, laughing at the look he shot her.
Tasha discovered that Gary hadn’t lied. The view from their balcony was breathtaking. The light covering of snow turned the valley into an enchanted place.
“
You’re off to a good start in Alaska if you’re so happy to see snow on the thirtieth of September.” Gary chuckled, pleased by the way she’d run outside without a coat, and didn’t mind at all that she had snow in her hair, and on her sweet face.
“
It’s always welcome as far as I’m concerned.” Tasha murmured.
“
And what about me?” Gary asked, his eyes twinkling. “Will I always be welcome, too?”
Tasha let her eyes answer him. “Always, darling.” She promised huskily.
Gary’s answering kiss was intense and possessive, and left her breathless. She ran her fingers through his soft hair, as his lips explored the contours of her throat and the hollow below it. His hands slid over her shoulders with a gentle caress that gave her shivers.
“
I love you, Tasha.” He confessed softly. “I wouldn’t trade places with any man in the world tonight.” He swung her up into his arms, and carried her to the bed. Tasha sank deeply into the softness of the feathers under Gary’s weight, once again. The flame of his tongue was hot and tantalizing against her skin, then sweet and exciting against her own tongue.
The shimmering dress came off and slid to the floor, unheeded. Gary smiled appreciatively at the white lace teddy beneath, and slowly began unhooking the pearl buttons that fastened the garment from top to bottom.
“
Is this a test of my patience, Tasha?” He asked calmly. “If so, you may be sorry. What if I use up all my patience, now? It may be that you’d appreciate a bit of it later on, don’t you think?”
Tasha blushed as Gary slipped the teddy down, and worked it over her hips. She was glad when he pulled back the covers, and allowed her to slip between the burgundy satin sheets.
“
If you aren’t a sight.” He complimented softly. He sank to the bed beside her, letting his eyes feast and wander as they chose. “You’re so very beautiful, Tasha Mine. But I knew you would be.” He murmured.
He released his cuff links and let them clatter to the night stand. His dinner jacket joined her dress on the floor, his shoes fell into a heap alongside hers.
Tasha’s uncertain fingers loosened his tie and unfastened the buttons on his soft shirt. When she was finished, he made short work of shedding the rest of his clothes, and joined her in the bed.
His warmth against her jolted Tasha to a new awareness of him, and caused butterflies to fill her stomach. She was embarrassed that she was uneasy; and embarrassed that she hadn’t even been able to look at him.
“
You know, I think you’ve led me astray, just a bit.” He accused lightly. “You have worked very hard, trying to make me believe that you are a woman of the world. You’re a shy, nervous virgin, aren’t you? Not that I mind, really.” He assured her with a grin.
She blushed and buried her face against his warm, hairy chest. “So, I admit it. I’m not what I pretended to be. I never wanted another man to touch me.” She stiffened when she realized what she'd said.
“
Don’t apologize. I’m delighted.” Gary chuckled, oblivious.
“
I suppose you are.” She sighed, wishing she could be so comfortable.
“
Why don’t you just relax, and let me take care of this?” He suggested. “I’ve waited a long, long time for this moment. I know you’re nervous, but I’m not. I’ll just take my time, and you can let me know when you’re ready for more.”
His fingers on her skin were making her believe that he could make her feel just about anything he wanted to.
“
How will I know?” she gasped.
He chuckled, and pulled her closer. “Trust me, you’ll know.” He assured her.
Alaska was cold. Even Juneau was colder than Tasha had anticipated. Still, she was having the time of her life! Gary bought her a divine sealskin parka with a hood that she wore constantly.
The small group that made up Gary’s church was extremely dedicated and enthusiastic. Tasha was made to feel at home immediately.
Marietta was warm, and did her best to befriend Tasha. She called once or twice a week for lunch. It became a pattern both girls looked forward to, very quickly. Sometimes they made a point to go to the lodge to see Joe and Delanie. Delanie managed the kitchen, and the girls could always count on a wonderful lunch there, along with the fellowship.
Tasha was grateful for the outings, because Gary’s hours were long and excruciating. He was working for the state government on a fishery patrol. He came home late every night, exhausted and chilled.
On Wednesday and Saturday nights they held church services in their home, as well as on Sunday morning. Gary had little time to prepare, so there was a freedom and informality in their worship and teaching that was awesome for Tasha. She saw God move in their midst, in a mighty way. It changed her. She began to grow and mature in ways that surprised her.
Gary was very pleased with his wife. She was learning how to be selfless. How to put others and their needs first, always. How to listen, how to befriend. How to open the doors to peoples’ hearts with just an encouraging look. How to steer conversations gently into the paths that allowed her to gain insight and be a counselor and friend. Oh yes; he was very proud.
It was miraculous and wonderful, because the changes were borne of love – not preaching or insistence on his part. Tasha was learning quickly how to love others, and herself. She was quickly blooming into the woman that Gary had known she could be.
Tasha tried to understand, when Gary did shut himself in his study, but it was hard on her. She was so lonesome sometimes. If he wasn’t too beat, he’d stay awake long enough to remind her that she had a husband, but it was a struggle for them that first year.
The church wasn’t blind to it, either. Everyone noticed Gary’s exhaustion, though not much was said. It got to the point that Tasha asked Gary to look for another job. He was usually too tired even to take in a movie with her.
“
When would I look, honey?” He asked wearily. “Jobs are hard to come by. Too hard to give this one up, while I look for another. And I’m busy from five in the morning till seven at night with this one. What can I do? It pays very well, and we need a big house for services.”
“
I know, Gary. I know. It’s just that I worry so much about you. And it’s hard that we’re apart so much.”
He smiled sadly, and stroked her cheek. “It won’t always be this way, sweetheart. I promise you. Starting a church takes a great deal of sacrifice. Very few realize how much, until they’ve tried it for themselves. And I have to tell you, I wasn’t sure you’d be up to the challenge. But you’re incredible. Hang in there. It will be all right.”
They’d been married four months, when Pastor Brooks came from Los Angeles. Tasha would never forget the way Gary hugged him, the way his face glowed when he saw his friend walk into their service, unannounced. Gary introduced him to the group, and sat down to let him speak.
Pastor Brooks looked around the room, his eyes troubled. “It’s good to be here. I’ve always loved Juneau, as I know Gary has. He was so glad to come back to you, and I know how much it means to you all, to have him with you. It is easy to see how much you all love him.”
He put his hands in his pockets and walked over to the window. “Gary is one of the most dedicated young men I’ve ever met. Unfortunately, he’s also a very stubborn man. He feels that God sent him up here to take care of you all, and he intends to do just that, come Hell or high water.”
He looked at Gary with great consternation. “I’m sure that many of you were with us last Spring, when brother Gary fought his battle with cancer. Like the rest of us, he had hoped that he’d won for good. Unfortunately, it appears that the battle isn’t over, yet.”
Tasha felt a block of ice slowly fill her chest. Freezing fingers of fear began moving out from her heart, threatening to immobilize her whole being. She could no longer move, or think. She felt simply suspended in time, waiting to hear his next words, yet dreading them with every part of her being.
“
When did you mean to tell us, Gary?” He asked quietly. “Or, have you told your church that you will be having more surgery?”
Tasha forced her eyes to turn to Gary, aching at the sight of his bent head, his clasped hands. He raised his head slowly to meet his friend’s eyes. Tasha felt a stab of pain, seeing the tears in her husband’s eyes.
“
Not until I had to.” He whispered.
There was a hush in the room until Pastor Brooks let out a harsh sigh. “For heaven’s sake, Gary. You need our prayers and support! Why are you denying us the privilege of standing with you in this? I’m sorry to come in here and do this, but there is too much at stake to let you keep this to yourself. You can’t stand alone this time, Gary.”
Gary was silent. He kept his eyes on the floor.
“
Well, for everyone’s information, Gary plans to be admitted next Tuesday to have another section of his colon removed. I will be staying in Juneau, to do whatever I can to help; and financial support will be coming from churches around the world to provide financial support.” He sighed again. “I don’t think we need any other message this evening. I’m sure that we all have a burden on our hearts that we want to take before the Lord.”
“
Can't we stay and pray together?” Delanie asked in a hushed voice. It crushed Tasha's heart to see the tears in Delanie's eyes.
Gary smiled grimly, and nodded. “Okay.” He conceded.
When at last everyone had prayed, and said everything they could think of to say, they all reluctantly went home.
Turning to Gary, Pastor Brooks said, “Gary, you know our hearts are with you.”
Tasha’s eyes filled with tears as she watched the two men embrace, but she was still numb inside. Somehow, she managed to get through the time that followed. Everyone was extremely upset, and Gary was not ready to talk about it at all, judging by his quiet patience for those who’d approached him.
She closed her eyes in relief as she shut the door behind the last ones to depart. She turned and looked at Gary, but he was standing with his hands in his pockets, looking out the window. She looked at Pastor Brooks, who met her eyes with sadness.
“
I’m very sorry, kids. I hope I'm still welcome to stay here tonight".
“
Of course you are.” Tasha said immediately. She showed him to their guest room, and said goodnight.
Gary was not in the house when she had settled their guest. She changed into her night clothes and brushed out her hair. She put on her robe, and found her husband on the back porch. He was just staring into the darkness.
“
Gary? Honey, come to bed.” She urged him gently. It was silent and cold outside. She shivered.
“
How could you do it, Tasha?” He snapped coldly. “How dare you go behind my back, and tell them?”
“
Gary! I didn’t.”
“
Then, who did? No one else could have gotten the information! How long have you known? All three weeks?”
“
Three weeks?” Tasha cried. “You’ve known for three weeks and you haven’t said a word?”
“
No, I damn well didn’t tell you. I knew you’d tell them!”
“
Gary, damn it!” Tasha cried, grabbing his arm as he stormed by her. She thought her arms would be pulled from their sockets as she was jerked by his momentum. She held fast, and somehow managed to get her arm around his neck. “Damn it, Gary! Don’t do this! You’ve got to stop it, and talk to me!”
“
Let go, Tasha.” He insisted woodenly.
“
I won’t let go until you listen to me! I did not tell anyone, Gary, I didn’t even know! How do you suppose I feel, knowing you didn’t even trust me enough to tell me? And now you call me a liar! Be fair to me, Gary!”