Finding Love

CHAPTER 2

Will their love last?

Ruth melted at the touch of his lips on hers. Caleb had a way of making her feel all giddy and weak in the knees. They had dated for over a year now and they remained inseparable when they were not in class or completing their college assignments. Ruth laughed when he pulled her into a warm hug wrapping his arms around her. Ruth was convinced she had fallen in love with him. They both were on the same page and their feelings were mutual. "Are you ready to meet my parents?" Caleb asked. He took her hands in his and Ruth smiled. "Yes I am," she admitted. However, Ruth was far more nervous than she cared to admit. This would be the most pivotal moment in their relationship. He sensed her apprehension and kissed her gently on the hand. Ruth was concerned about how his family would react to her family background. 

"Ruth, you have nothing to worry about," he reassured her. "Maybe I am overreacting," she said. Ruth did not want to be so pessimistic about it all. Caleb never judged her for her broken home but embraced who she was now. Would others feel the same or be more judgemental and critical? Things were going so well between them that she could not believe it sometimes. He respected her boundaries about waiting but Ruth felt something was still missing from her life. God, her mother, Caleb, and Malissa were the most important people in her life. However, she felt more and more that she needed a deeper connection and commitment to God. She later realized her home was void of that spiritual connection for a long time.  As she grew older she finally saw how the enemy got such a stronghold on her Dad. Most certainly, she believed the word of God and the power of prayer but had not fully given her heart to the Lord. She had good values and standards but was it good enough? What was she waiting for? She never admitted she was a Christian and knew one day that would have to change. Ruth started to believe her relationships would be in a better place if she gave her life fully to God. 

Caleb looked at the girl of his dreams deep in thought. He loved and cherished her so much but was concerned about the scars she experienced from her childhood. Ruth was different from all the other girls he had dated in the past. He knew he had met a rare gemstone. She was sweet, kind, warm, and beautiful on the inside and outside. Her good nature, smile, and light drew you in. What he would give to read her thoughts at this moment as he watched her closely. He wanted her to know what was in his heart.

"Ruth," he said gently commanding her attention. "I want you to know you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. My heart has not stopped beating rapidly since I met you," Caleb said looking directly into her soft brown eyes. Ruth blushed at his declaration and softly squeezed his hands. "Ruth Dawkins....... I am falling in love with you, " he stated. Ruth gushed with joy looking at him with bright eyes, "Caleb, I am falling for you too," she announced with enthusiasm and zero hesitation. Caleb pulled her into a kiss that kept Ruth blushing at his lovely declaration. Goosebumps intensified on the surface of her skin. Caleb had just confessed his love for her.

"Awwww...." Malissa said walking into the room and smiling at the happy couple. "You two love birds are at it again," she teased. They broke their kiss and sat quietly across from each other giggling. "Don't stop on my account," Malissa continued to tease them. Caleb's eyes never left Ruths's, "And to think this relationship started with a party someone did not want to go to," Malissa announced. Ruth rolled her eyes and glared at her friend who loved to rub this fact over and over. Malissa was proud to be the matchmaker. "I am going to see you tomorrow. I'll call you later," Caleb said getting up to leave.  "Okay," Ruth smiled.  Caleb turned and said,  "Ruth I am beyond falling, I love you Ruth Dawkins with all my heart." Ruth said responded immediately,  "I love you too with all my heart, Caleb Scott." Malissa looked on in shock with a wide open mouth wondering when this all came about. Ruth giggled at Malissa's reaction. It was priceless. 

The DInner

"Ruth, would you stop pacing back and forth?" You are giving me a headache and making me nervous," Malissa said watching her closely.  Ruth was going to meet Caleb's family in a few minutes and she was freaking out. Caleb knocked at the door taking Ruth deep out of her thoughts. "This is it. All the best and if they have a problem with you, it is their loss," Malissa said giving her a supportive hug.