Sherryl Woods - Waking Up in Charleston

Its not the end of the world, Mary Louise said, her adoring gaze on Danny.

Though she rarely looked away from her fianc, she evidently didnt see the barely concealed panic that Caleb spotted. Hed counseled enough couples during his ten years as a minister to recognize the signs of a man being pushed toward a commitment he wasnt ready to make.

Danny, is this wedding really what you want? Caleb asked directly. Aware that Mary Louises eyes had widened with dismay, he quickly added, I know you love Mary Louise and I think its wonderful that you want to take responsibility for the baby and do the right thing by Mary Louise, but there are other options.

Danny squirmed uncomfortably and avoided Mary Louises hurt expression. What kind of options?

You could acknowledge paternity and pay child support. Or you both could agree to give the baby up for adoption to a family more prepared to give a child the life he or she deserves, Caleb suggested, careful to keep his tone neutral.

Even so, Mary Louise leapt up. No way, she said, quivering with outrage. She scowled at Caleb, then whirled on Danny. This is our baby. How could you even think about giving away our baby, Danny Marshall?

Danny gave her a sullen look. I didnt say Id do it. I asked Reverend Webb what the options are. Jeez, Mary Louise, settle down.

Im keeping the baby and thats that, she said fiercely. If you dont want to marry me, then dont. I dont want you if you cant love both of us. And you can keep your stupid money, too!

I never said I didnt want to marry you, Danny said placatingly. You know I love you, baby. Its just

Just what? she asked.

How are we going to make it? Danny asked reasonably. I cant quit school. I worked too hard to get accepted and win a scholarship to throw it all away now. I dont want to wind up in some dead-end job for the rest of my life, like my dad.

You wont have to. I can stay with my folks for now and keep working. Its only minimum wage, but Ill get another job. I can handle two, Mary Louise promised staunchly. We can put all that money into savings so well have it when I have to go on maternity leave. I wont have to take off long. Once the baby comes, Ill move to be with you. We can figure out a schedule so you can take classes when Im home. Then you can watch the baby while I work.

It was evident shed already given this a lot of thought. Caleb admired her earnest conviction that she could handle a pregnancy and two jobs and that Danny could keep up with his classes and take care of the baby. But Caleb was more realistic. He knew the toll that would eventually take on the marriage and on Mary Louise and Danny individually. He also knew shed never listen to him if he tried to tell her any of that.

However, he did know someone who might be able to get through to her in a way he couldnt.

Okay, you two, I think thats enough for today, Caleb said. The pair needed a cooling-down period. Im sure this has caught both of you by surprise. You need to spend some time thinking about what you really want and what will be best for the baby. Danny, can you get home from college again next weekend, so we can talk some more?

I guess, Danny said, his reluctance plain, but the stoic lift of his chin told Caleb he would do it. Hed always been a good kid, one who took his responsibilities seriously. Hed worked hard to get a college scholarship, even harder to earn money to help with bills for meals and books.

Great, then well talk again next week right after church, Caleb told them. In the meantime, Mary Louise, theres someone Id like you to meet.

She regarded him with evident suspicion, clearly not happy about the monkey wrench hed thrown into her plans for a hasty wedding. Who?

Let me speak to her first and get back to you, he said.

I dont know why youre so opposed to this wedding, Mary Louise said to him plaintively. Youve known us forever. You know were in love.

I do, Caleb agreed. But I want your marriage to have the best possible chance to succeed, and the way to accomplish that is to make sure youve given this serious consideration from every angle before you rush into something. Ive seen too many young people who start out crazy about each other wind up bitter and divorced because they did the right thing and then resented each other afterward. I really dont want that to happen to you.

Danny gave him a grateful look. Thanks, Reverend Webb. Ill see you after church next week. Mary Louise, you ready to go?

For a moment, based on her pouty expression, Caleb thought she might insist on having this out right here and now, but apparently she caught something in Dannys steady, unrelenting gaze that told her to wait till next time.

Remember, I want both of you to do some soul-searching this week. See if there are some other solutions that might make sense. If marriage is what you both want, then think about the best way to make sure you have plenty of support, Caleb suggested. And Ill be in touch with you, Mary Louise, probably tomorrow.

Okay, she said, and followed Danny from the room.