Chapter 25 - Page 346 - Jim And Rhasha's Big Event

   Almost two weeks later, on Saturday night, Jim lay on his back in bed with Rhasha next to him. Her leg was draped across both of his legs and her arm was across his chest. The light was still on, but Rhasha was asleep. Jim could feel Rhasha's hair on his chest.

   Jim thought about all the things he and Rhasha had done together. He remembered the first day he met Rhasha, then a girl twisted and crippled from hunger, with swollen stomach and sunken face and hair that was matted and dirty. He recalled the tear that ran down her cheek and fell on the mat of leaves on which she lay. He knew that was the moment he first fell in love with her. When God healed Rhasha, he remembered the first words she said. The words echoed over and over in his head: "I love you."

   Love warmed him as Rhasha snuggled her head against his chest. Her hair tickled his chin. Sweet contentment covered her face. She moved her head to Jim's shoulder and Jim saw her contented smile as she opened her eyes to find him looking at her face as she slept.

   Still half asleep, she whispered, "I love you." Then she closed her eyes and went back to sleep.

   Jim smiled and kissed her forehead. "I love you too, angel." He turned off the lamp and went to sleep.

   When Jim woke up, sunlight streamed through the window. Rhasha was already awake, staring into his eyes. "Good morning sunshine," she said. "You have beautiful eyes."

   "Good morning to you too, sunshine. You have prettier eyes."