My Charmer

A saying we’ve all heard, third time’s a charm, is true for me. Here’s an excerpt from my book, A Goldilocks Life, due to come when I find a publisher.

“Before Steve had even proposed, the honeymoon was planned, at least in my mind. We were crazy in love and spent every spare moment together. I felt sure he would pop the question any day. I couldn’t have been more excited about the prospect of marrying a godly, intelligent, talented guy. It almost felt too good to be true. After two failed marriages, I believed this one would be wonderful. I thought of the saying, third time’s a charm. I prayed it would be true. I would never have known all Steve’s great qualities if I had approached the relationship like I had my first two husbands. In my life prior to knowing Jesus, I slept with men before I knew them very well.

With my mom and Ralph retired to Florida, it occurred to me that Steve and I could honeymoon there. We’d leave my daughter, Kellyn and son, Ray in Mom’s care, then proceed on a romantic get-away. The kids would visit Disney World and other entertaining destinations with Grandma Pauline.  I called Mom to ask if she would mind helping when the time came. She was thrilled to hear our relationship was heading toward matrimony. I made her promise not to tell anyone. I wanted to be the one to share the news with my siblings. There was one technicality—Steve hadn’t asked me to marry him!

The timing of Steve’s proposal caught me off guard. It was early February, about a week before Valentine’s Day. We were imbibing fancy coffee and listening to live folk music at The Bean Counter, a favorite date night. He placed a tiny brown velvet satchel on the table and gazed into my eyes, saying, “I bought you something with my tax return.” I untied it, wondering what could be inside. Out slipped a sparkly gold-set diamond ring! Tears confirmed my assent as I slipped it on. Could this really be happening? My heart was soaring with thankfulness. Upon arriving back at my condo, we spent more time than usual in the back seat of his convertible.

The next seven months flew by in a blur of setting dates, deciding where we would live, and keeping from having sex. I wanted to be a virgin to Steve, and it took all the self-control God granted us for that to happen.

We met with Pastor Steve, and he recommended we attend pre-marriage counseling with a couple we knew from our Sunday school class. John and Lana walked us through the biblical preparations for a couple who had each been married before. We wanted our life together built on solid Rock, not shifting sand, like our previous marriages.

Our church ceremony the following summer was traditional. I wore a simple white dress. My daughter, Steve’s daughter, Aimee and my dear friend, Nancy, stood up with me. Ray was part of the wedding party on the groom’s side. Our eyes were fixed on one another, Pastor Steve asked us to repeat our vows. Later, Pastor said he had never seen a happier couple.

We served cake and punch in fellowship hall afterward. My old friend and singing partner Sue sang an impromptu romantic song at the reception. The day was memorable for all the best reasons.

The honeymoon plans came together, thanks to Mom and Ralph hosting my kids. Steve and I dined out, visited tourist sights, and spent a lot of time in our hotel room.”

Now, 26 years later, we’re more in love with each other than the day we married. The third time is a charm, a blessing I accept with deep gratitude.