The Parson's Waiting

stern lecture about a girl of seventeen and a boy of eighteen being in no position to know their own minds, especially when all of their experiences had been limited to life in a tiny town like Kiley. From what she knew, both Jeremy and Maribeth were smarter than average. It would be a terrible waste for them to forgo the chance at a college education.
She hesitated long enough to consider her options. Maybe she could use Jeremy’s own fears to get him to postpone the date for the wedding. If she came at him head-on, he’d fight her for sure. And going to Luke Hall or to Maribeth’s parents would be no solution at all. He’d resent her interference and end up eloping.
“Do you have a job, Jeremy?”
“Sure. I work for my father at the store.”
“I seem to recall that Maribeth used to talk about wanting to teach school. And weren’t you interested in architecture or engineering at one time? You can’t do either of those without a college education.”
Her comments didn’t seem to daunt him in the slightest. “We’ve thought about that, ma’am. I figure in a year or two we’ll have some money saved and maybe we can move over to Charlottesville and go to school nights.”
Anna Louise nodded. “That’s possible, I suppose.” She looked him squarely in the eye. “Unless Maribeth gets pregnant.”
His eyes widened at that. “We’re not planning on having kids right away,” he said adamantly. “We’ve discussed it. We’re going to be real careful. Maribeth’s—” He flushed with obvious embarrassment. “Well, she and the doc have talked about it. It’s all taken care of.”
Anna Louise was relieved on that count at least. “That’s good. I’d hate to see your plans spoiled by a baby you hadn’t expected. Of course, it seems to me that you could ensure that wouldn’t happen if you’d both get into college first.”
He blinked at her. “First? You mean, before we even get married?”
Jeremy sounded as if the idea had never once crossed his mind. “I know it would take real maturity to make a difficult decision like that,” she admitted casually. “And you and Maribeth do love each other, but I was just thinking that a love you’ve shared since you were kids would surely last long enough to allow you both time to get your educations.”
“But we...” He stumbled over whatever he’d been about to say. He regarded Anna Louise helplessly, then visibly gathered his courage. “What about sex?” he finally said bluntly. “It’s not like we can go on waiting forever. I mean, it’s really hard doing the right thing and staying clear of her until the wedding. Maybe you can’t understand about that, not being married and all and being a preacher, but sometimes I think I’m just going to bust apart if I can’t make love to her.”
Despite Jeremy’s idealized image of her, Anna Louise thought she had at least some idea what he meant.
“Jeremy, making love is something very beautiful to be shared by two people who have made a commitment to be together for the rest of their lives. I know waiting until you’re married has been difficult. I’m proud of you for doing that.” She regarded him intently. “But rushing into a marriage at eighteen, just so you can have sex, is wrong.”
“Well, that’s not the only reason we’d be getting married,” he replied indignantly. “We love each other.”
“But have you considered how much you’d be giving up by not waiting? You won’t be able to afford a nice home for Maribeth on what you earn at your father’s store.”
His face fell. “Actually, we were going to have to live with my folks,” he admitted.
“And what about taking your new wife out to a nice dinner once in a while? Or to a movie? Will there be money for that, if you’re both trying to save for college? And what will Maribeth do for a job?”
“Mrs. Rawlings said she could use some extra help sewing.”
Anna Louise could just imagine what Millicent Rawlings would pay. If it was even as much as minimum wage, she’d be surprised. “And how long would Maribeth be content doing that? She’s a smart girl. You’ve said so yourself. How would you feel a year or two from now, if things didn’t work out for college, after all? Wouldn’t you be afraid she’d start resenting you because she missed that opportunity? Or that you might even resent her because you’re stuck in the same old job at the general store right here in Kiley?”
Jeremy’s expression turned bleak. “You don’t think we should get married, do you?”
Hallelujah! Anna Louise thought, but she tried not to let her delight show. The battle wasn’t won yet. He’d seen her point, but he hadn’t agreed with her.
“It’s not my decision, Jeremy. It’s up to you and Maribeth. If her parents give her their permission to get married at seventeen and you want to go ahead with it, I’ll conduct the ceremony and give you both my blessing.”
“But you think we’re wrong,” he persisted.
“I’m just not sure you’ve given it careful enough thought. When you have, I know you’ll make the right decision.”
He regarded her worriedly. “How am I going to tell Maribeth what you’ve said? She’s been counting on us getting married.”
“Don’t tell her this is coming from me. Just talk to her the way I’ve been talking to you. Discuss all the ramifications. Maybe she’ll realize all on her own that it’s too soon.”
He sighed heavily and made his way to the door. “If we decide to go ahead, you won’t fight us, will you?”
“No, Jeremy, I won’t fight you. I only want what’s best for both of you.”
“Thanks,” he said, looking anything but grateful. In fact, he looked downright miserable. “I guess we’ll be in touch.”
“Take care. Tell Maribeth to stop by anytime if she wants to talk.”
She watched Jeremy walk off toward town, his shoulders slumped. Maribeth Simmons, her pretty blond hair cascading down around her shoulders, met