Chapter 24 - Page 345 - Jim's Big Surprise

   Rhasha wiped her eyes and gazed into Jim's eyes. "Yes, Jim. I want to be your wife and the mother of your children."

   Jim held Rhasha tight, but only one thought ran through his head. Children. He hadn't thought about the fact that Rhasha would want to have children. As Jim thought about raising children at his age, he remembered Shanha. "Yes, sweetheart," he said, "I want children too."

   The crowd began to shout and cheer.

   Jim pulled the bamboo ring out of his pocket and slipped it on Rhasha's finger. It fit loosely and felt bulky, but Rhasha held her hand up to admire it. The ring looked so cheap to Jim.

   "Sweetheart, tomorrow I'll buy you a diamond ring."

   She looked into Jim's eyes again and whispered, "I'll cherish this ring as long as I live."

   "Kiss her, Jim," people in the crowd yelled.

   He placed a loving kiss on her lips. Rhasha smiled with contentment. Jim pulled on Rhasha's hand to help her up, and the crowd gathered around them, offering congratulations.

   When everyone had gone and Jim and Rhasha were alone, Jim held Rhasha's hands in his and said, "Sweetheart, I want to ask you one more question."

   Rhasha pulled her hands free and draped them around his neck. Jim put his arms around her waist as she kissed him.

   "You can ask me anything you want," she said.

   "Okay . . . " Jim grinned. "Are we having fun yet?"

   Rhasha giggled and batted her eyes at him. "I am," she said. "Are you?"

   Jim and Rhasha held each other tight and lost themselves in each other's love. That night, they slept snuggled together through the night.

End of chapter twenty-four