"Ladies and gentlemen...your new Miss Illinois-Marilyn Benson!" We stood and shouted, hugged each other, whistled, clapped our hands, and just went absolutely crazy.
Marilyn stepped forward and accepted the trophy from last year's winner and proudly stood beside it. Photographers and admirers snapped photos from all angles, their flash units exploding like silent fireworks, lighting the stage like noon on a sunny day.
"Pete this is fantastic!" Beth said.
"It is, isn't it? But it's also so unbelievable to have her win after all she's gone through the past couple of months." I had to think that the Father had a hand in this. Marilyn needed to know that her new life was exactly what He wanted for her. This was the sign that she needed, that His way was The Way.
I saw Joe Murphy run up to the side of the stage and stand their waiting. After Marilyn had posed for what seemed like a million photos, she made her way over to him. She bent down and gave him a big hug and a kiss. Their new relationship seemed to be headed in the right direction. Joe was a changed man. I had not seen him happy like this since before he lost Pat. Whatever Marilyn had done to awaken him from his zombie-like trance was working.
Kim appeared from backstage where she had been with Marilyn, prepping her and giving her the motivation that she needed for the competition. "Marilyn, you did it, you finally did it!"
"I know...thank you Lord, thank you Jesus! I can't believe it Kim. That other gal was bigger, I was sure that she was going to win."
"I never had a doubt Marilyn. She lacked the one thing that no one else in the competition had but you."
"What's that?"
"Courage. After being raped and nearly killed by Gary, you didn't let it deter you from your goal. You are unbelievable girl..."
"Thanks Kim, but without all of your training and direction I would have fallen short. You're the best training partner ever."
The next half an hour saw dozens more photos and interviews from the local press and fitness magazines. Even ABC Channel 7 had a film crew there. They had a great success story to tell about a woman who overcame adversity to win not only a contest, but also her self-respect and confidence.
We all agreed to meet at Palermo's for a well deserved Italian dinner, complete with pizza. Marilyn rode with Joe to the restaurant, and on the way the floodgates opened for her. Through her tears she spoke to Joe. "These are tears of joy and relief Joe. I've been worried about so many things lately, and without prayer I don't think that I could have kept my sanity."
"What do you mean?"
"Trying to live up to Pete's expectations as a partner, trying to change my behavior from the poor choices that I used to make, going to school, preparing for the contest...Gary raping me and then the incident at Kim's place...I'm just mentally worn out."
Joe pulled over to the side of the road. "Marilyn you've been through a lot...more than anyone I know. But you've stood strong through it all. Why? Because you asked for His help. Remember in Matthew he tells us, ‘If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.' He heard you; He tested your faith-He loves you."
Still sobbing, she said, "Joe I asked Him for a lot of things, one of which was that He would heal your heart. I think that I got more than I asked for."
"Why?"
"Because not only does it look like He did that, but you're beginning to work your way into my heart as well. I want to keep seeing you Joe; I think that you are a special person and that you have so many things to offer to this world. I feel good around you, and although it's only been a few short weeks that we've known each other, I find myself wanting to spend more and more time with you."
"That's good to hear, because I've been praying about ‘us' also. You have something that makes me want to be a part of your life. You have an inexplicable pull; I find myself being drawn to you and when I'm not around you, I can't wait until I am."
"I know. But promise me this Joe...we'll go slowly; we'll take our time and not do anything spur of the moment. I've made a commitment to God; I'm special in His eyes and I'm going to respect myself because He dwells within me."
"Agreed; I wouldn't have it any other way."
He gave her a kiss and pulled back onto the street, continuing on their way to the restaurant.
Pete and Beth were the first to arrive. They got a table large enough to accommodate everyone and sat down. "What a night it's been," said Beth.
"It's great isn't it," I said. "Things are going to be okay...for all of us."
"Pete..." She placed both of her hands on her stomach.
"What's the matter, are you okay?"
"Yes....." A big smile appeared on Beth's face. "I think that I just felt our baby move inside of me!"
I put my arm around her shoulders. "We are blessed Beth. I can't wait to see our little guy."
"How do you know that it's a boy?"
"I don't, I guess that I'm just dreaming that it will be a Pete junior."
"What if it's a little girl?"
I smiled and kissed her cheek, "Then I'll have the most beautiful daughter in the world."
Beth took a sip of water and thought out loud. "I never thought that I could be happy again after what we've been through the past couple of years babe. I felt like Satan had a hold of me and would never let go. Without your love and understanding, I don't know where I'd be right now."
"I can't imagine my life without you Beth. I never thought that I could love you any more than I have in the past, but since you've been carrying our child you've become radiant-there's a glow about you. You're the most beautiful woman in the world."
"Thank you babe; promise me one thing..."
"What's that?"
"You'll teach me the prayer to St. Michael. I need to know that he's going to continue to back you up. ‘We' can't take any chances now."
"I promise. He's going to be a very busy guy working with his Midnight Warriors."
Next: Epilogue
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