Chapter 40

            "Aaron, what happened to you and the church?"  Judy questioned, trying to change the topic but only bringing in another unpleasant one.

            "Well...uh, there were some inquiries about certain truths that they were concerned we'd preach and I just thought it is better to resign than cause a big controversy."  Aaron tried to be evasive and hoped to change the subject.

            "Truth?  What truth?"  Shawanda asked springing back to her huffy personality.

            "Polygamy" Cheryl stated dryly.

            "Yeah" George piped in with a smile and a wink.  "According to what we learned from Charles the scripture says that I can have both you girls" he said as he grabbed the hands of Judy on his left and Shawanda on his right.

            "Muscles," Shawanda jumped in, "You might be good but you ain't that good!"  She said as she leaned away, put her hands on her hips and raised her eyebrows.

            Judy saw her opening and jumped in.  "Oh, I don't know," she began.  "If Juanita was willing to share this hunk of a man, I'd certainly consider it."  She said as she put her right arm through his left and leaned her head onto his shoulder.

            Shawanda shot a quick visual "don't'" at Judy but it was so brief no one noticed but Judy.  She then jumped up.  "Sorry, gang, I gotta run, got a test tomorrow and I have got to study.  Maybe I'll see you Saturday night."  She said over her shoulder.

            George was pleased with Judy's response on one hand but suspected it might have been the thing that made Shawanda run away so suddenly.  He hoped Shawanda would make it Saturday night, but he also hoped she'd leave Jesse at home.

            When George, Judy, and Tabaitha returned to the house, they found that the boys had been put to bed and were sound asleep.  George scooped Juanita up in his arms and swung her around and kissed her warmly and deeply.

            Judy was somewhat embarrassed at the scene made in front of her and mumbled, "I'm going to make me some tea" as she moved toward to the kitchen.

            "I'll join you in a minute," Juanita called after her and then she whispered to her husband as she looked deep into his eyes, "What was that all about?"

            "I love you dear," He said simply.  "I love you more than ever."

            "Why?" She asked.  "Because I called your girlfriend and told her to go over and join you?"

            "I...mmm" He started to answer but she interrupted.

            "Never mind," she said.  "Why don't you go upstairs and make us a hot tub of real soapy water and I'll join you in a few minutes."  She whispered seductively.

            "You've got a deal!" He replied.

            As Juanita joined Judy in the kitchen she noticed that she had made two cups of tea.  "Thanks," Juanita said.  "That was thoughtful of you."

            "I wanted to ask you a question."  Judy responded.

            "Go right ahead,"  Juanita answered.

            As she opened the sugar bowl and scooped two teaspoons into her cup, "George was telling me about the polygamy thing."  Judy began.  "Not that I would even consider doing anything that might hurt you,"  she hastened to add.  "But would you ever consider sharing George with another woman?"

            "Well, I have considered it,"  Juanita responded slowly.  "And I guess if I knew God was directing it, I'd have to."

            "You better watch out, I don't know if God is in it or not, but I think that Shawanda chick has a thing for your husband" she said, trying to direct any suspicion away from herself.

            "Yes, I know,"  Juanita said calmly with a distant look in her eye.  She was reflecting back on comments she had made to Charles' wives, Rachel and Elizabeth, when she had hinted that he might be considering a third wife in Nigeria.  "If it be God's will, so be it."  They each had suspected.  She had never met people so attuned to seeking God's will in every matter.  They were even to the point that they would deny their own needs and desires if they felt it was God's will.  Juanita certainly didn't know many American Christians like that.  She hoped she could be one, if necessary.

            Undressing completely and then covering her nude body with a silver colored silk housecoat, she opened the door of the large, spacious bathroom which was part of their master bedroom, pausing for a moment to give George a chance to open his eyes, she untied the cloth belt of the housecoat and slipped it back over her shoulders and let it drop to the floor.