Page 65 of Gideon
“Interesting, but fair. I think the important thing is to be honest with yourself first. I understand, more than most, how that need to protect yourself kind of takes over. But, honestly, Gideon, ignore it. If you have found happiness with your wife, take it,” he counseled kindly.
“But if it’s only going to last for a moment—”
“Then take that moment, Gideon. Take it, and hold on to it for as long as you’re allowed to have it. Happiness is rare in this world, even outside of Zion. None of us know what’s going to happen in the end with all this shit. Take the happiness you have and soak up every moment of it for as long as you possibly can.” His words were wise and gave me something to anchor myself to as my world seemed to be storming around me like a violent sea.
“Thanks, Zeke. Hey, give Levi a call for me and tell him to set up a dinner. The honeymoon is coming to an end and it would be good to get everyone together. Discuss some things, you know?” I asked him, clearing my throat.
“Sounds good. And Gideon? Hold on to that happiness in the meantime, okay?” Zeke reiterated.
“Will do, brother. Thanks again.” We ended the call, leaving me on my own to ponder over his words. And to wonder what the hell I was going to do with my vixen of a wife.
A motion caught my attention from the house. Naomi stood there, waving a towel above her head in an attempt to get my attention.
“Dinner’s ready,” she called out, motioning me in.
“Be right in,” I called loudly across the driveway. She gave me a killer smile, turning to head back into the house.
I made quick work of putting my tools away, cleaning things up before heading inside after her.
“What’s for dinner?” I called out, shutting the door with a thud and kicking my shoes off at the door.
“Not-fried fried chicken,” she said with a smile, her face beaming with pride.
“I’m confused,” I chuckled, walking into the kitchen and seeing the tray of chicken sitting there looking — and smelling — absolutely delicious. “Ah, I see. You baked it in the oven?”
“Yup. I added some breadcrumbs and oil and I think it turned out well. Plus, there are some roasted broccoli and carrots too. I think it’ll go perfectly together.” I could tell she was looking for my approval. She damn well had it. I was a shitty chef in the kitchen on a good day. While she wasn’t much better, she was trying, and it was adorable of her to do so. I longed for the day where I could either eat out at a restaurant or keep simple foods in my boat as I sailed on the open sea.
The thought of her there with me, on the boat for months on end, entered my mind and took hold. I tried to shake the thought away, but Zeke’s words stopped me. Take the happiness for as long as you can have it. He had a point. None of us knew how much time we would have with our spouses when it was all said and done, least of all me. But I would hold on to this for as long as I could.
“This tastes delicious, Naomi. Thank you,” I praised her with genuine gratitude as I took my first bite. It was a lovely meal. I think it was the first one we had shared without any of our bickering, too.
“What’s that?” she asked, finishing up the last of her plate and looking over my shoulder towards the front door. I turned to see what she was talking about and noticed the headlights pulling into the drive.
It wasn’t any of my brother’s cars.
It was Father’s.
“Naomi, get upstairs,” I said firmly, my tone terse and cold. She looked at me with wide eyes, fear sparkling back at me as she stood from the table, glancing around at the mess from dinner. But none of that mattered right now. “Get upstairs now,” I reiterated in a hushed hiss.
I didn’t want her to be around him. Not if I could help it.
She had just slipped up into the bedroom. The door shut firmly behind her when the front door opened abruptly. More like crashed open.
“Gideon, my son!” Father’s voice boomed, echoing through the small space.
“Father,” I greeted him, taking his outstretched hand. A smile split his face, making him look happy and younger. Happy Father was always a precarious situation. One wrong word and the whole mood would come crashing down. If you were unlucky, like Malachi often was, his fists would follow.
“What happened in here?” His eyes narrowed as he took in the state of the kitchen and the table behind me.
“Dinner, Father. It’s quite a phenomenon. You eat a wonderful meal after a long day’s work.” I cursed myself inwardly for throwing sass so early in the conversation, but fuck it all, he brought it out in me.
“Don’t you sass me, boy! I stopped by to make sure you were handling things as is expected of a Temple, and find the place in shambles due to your wife’s negligence. Things certainly donotseemhandled.” Father’s harsh tone washed over me like ice over fire.
“You’re right, Father. I apologize,” I stated solemnly, working to keep my tone cool.
“Where is your new bride? Shouldn’t she be cleaning up this filth? You know, Gideon, it doesn’t look like she’s taking to her wifely duties all too well. You need to be firm with her, Son,” he suggested. More like scolded.
“Father, Naomi is simply feeling under the weather. You understand,” I tried to reason with him, but he cut me off.
