Chapter 9: Lying in the SnowShe had not expected Luther to get married, and perhaps, she might admit to herself, it made her sad. But she had someone in her life who was very good at making her happy. So she decided to ask him to make her happy for the rest of her life.
And of course, with his feelings for her as strong as they were, he said yes. And in front of a small gathering of friends, Oswin and Chin were married.
And yes, she did wear her boots.
Due to the sudden influx of funds (mostly thanks to the divorce settlement of Jackie and her husband), they were able to build a much more suitable dwelling for the 4 adults and one child to live in.
Luther had but one request of the house: a weeping willow out in the back corner where he, Jackie and Delilah could picnic in the spring.
"The house is beautiful, Luther. I'm so glad our families are staying together," Oswin said, admiring their simple home.
"Not much in the way of furniture, but that will come. I think my room only has a bed."
"There's a dresser in there too."
"Oh, good. Otherwise, it might look empty," he said, watching Oswin's smile and taking that to mean she still hadn't quite got the hang of sarcasm.
"It's been a really long day. I think I'm just going to head to bed. Thanks for everything, Luth."
"You got it, Kid."
But Luther's night wasn't yet over.
"Jackie, my love," he drawled, finding her in their new dining room. "I have a present for you."
"You do? I love presents."
"I know you do. It's the christen our new home. I'd keep it a surprise, but I need you to be ready."
"Ready?"
"Yes, I had forsaken some furniture in our room so that I could purchase a hot tub." He grinned. "Why don't you get dressed and we'll go take a dip."
She gasped in delight. "A hot tub! Luther, that's fantastic!"
"I put it out behind the Willow. To give us some privacy."
"You're so smart, Baby."
"A genius," he said as she walked to the room to get changed.
"Close your eyes," he told her before he led her to the back of the property.
"Keep them closed, my dear. I have one more treat."
"Oh, Luther! It's so cold! Can't we just get in the hot tub now?"
"No, this is romantic. Take a bite of this. It's an aphrodisiac."
Jackie laughed softly, taking the treat in her hand. "Oh, fine, Luther. If you say so."
"I do," he said.
And the rest of the house slept just as soundly.