Beka arrives in a plain old rental car
no limos
or chauffeurs
or gowns
totally unfamous
at least while she’s here

she looks different, I think
sophisticated
elegant
but when she starts talking
she’s the same old Beka
with better grooming

Josh is with her
and the two of them
speak a language all their own
he stays and visits for a while
and then heads off in their rental
to see his own family
back in Bragg County

Beka sits on my bed
and asks about Ben
and Ethan
and she tells me of her
not-so-glamorous life
that looks great on the outside
but isn’t always easy

she tells me
in confidence
that she and Josh
are getting engaged
and I am surprised
since Josh is still in school
and her career is so new
but still happy for her
the love in her eyes
unmistakable