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Chapter Fifteen
From This Day Forward
"How fair is thy love, My sister, My spouse!
how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all
spices!"
~ Song of Solomon 4:10 ~
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cold night air enfolded John and Izumi Johannes as they slowly walked back to the
little yellow house. Chaumont Bay reflected the moonlight, giving the appearance
of two moons. Izumi rested her head on John's shoulder. The peacefulness of the night
mirrored her heart. Was it possible that she was really Mrs. John Johannes? She remembered
the vows of the marriage ceremony, that had taken place a little while ago.
"I, John James Johannes, take thee, Izumi Mizukiyo, to my wedded wife, to have
and to hold from this day forward..." Izumi stood still.
"What's the matter, Little Dove?" John stood beside her, gently smiling
into her face.
"John, I'm scared."
"What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee," he reminded. Izumi smiled
when she heard the familiar words.
"So that was the magic," she thought outloud.
"Magic?"
"Don't you remember? On the bus ride here, you said those very same words. They
gave me such peace, for the darkness outside the bus was no longer terrifying."
"I will always remember that," he said quietly. "When I saw the little-scared-rabbit-look
on your face, I HAD to say something." John paused. "Does the darkness
usually have that effect on you?" Izumi stared at the ground, trying hard to
think of a reply. "No secrets, Dove. Whatever is in your heart, will spill over
into mine."
"My father," she slowly began, "would try to hurt me in the dark.
He never succeeded, though," she quickly added, seeing John's alarmed face.
"God always sent the moon's light to my rescue. As long as I stayed in the light,
I was safe." John looked at the bay thoughtfully.
"Thank God, that part of your life is forever over." He put an arm around
his wife. "Just now, when you said you were frightened, what were you frightened
of? Not me, I hope," John added jokingly. A shy smile parted Izumi's lips.
"No, not you. Tonight, you said 'to have and to hold from this day forward.'"
"That's what I intend to do." said John seriously.
"'Are you sure you want to spend 'from this day forward' with me?" The
years of neglect from her parents made Izumi incredulous that anyone could possibly
want HER. It was just too good to be true.
"With God's grace, I will have and hold you from this day forward... forever.
Never doubt that," he said firmly.
"It's too good to be true," she said, repeating her thought. John shook
his head in disagreement.
"With God, all things are possible." Izumi hugged John, as they resumed
their walking. When her grandparents' home was in sight, John quickened the pace.
After reaching the little yellow house, he placed her on the porch swing.
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