celestial marriage 1

         A peyote sun spun like a Fatima event behind Tannhauser's truck. Artie was anxious to reach lilac home. It was pink twilight as they pulled close. The last rays caused the field stone house to gleam like a gold tooth. Artie suddenly felt deep love for old spread.
         "You know, Mister Geist. I don't know your first name."
         "Oh jah. It's Otto."
         "Pleased to know you, Otto."
         "Schon!"
         Artie leaped from the truck. He could hardly contain himself, shouting, "Leah! We're here!"
          It was like meeting a shade from the Underworld. The young man strode from the doorway and grasped Artie's hand. Long raven hair, burning obsidian eyes. Reminding Artie of an angelic Jim Morrison.
          "Who are you? Where is my wife?"
          Frozen behind the steering wheel, Tannhauser watched wordlessly.
          "Come inside," commanded the beatific man garbed like a teamster from Nauvoo.
          Artie followed, passing through the lilac. "I ASKED you WHERE is my WIFE?"


           Loading the Indian for their ride from Bountiful, Artie noticed that Leah had chosen only three books to take with her into the unknown.
           Most prized was an edition of combined scripture leather-bound with a zipper. It contained the King James and the Book of Mormon, along with Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price. A hefty tome, well-worn and rain-stained. Then there was Parley Pratt's "Key to the Science of Theology." And for entertainment: a paperback "Dune."
          "That's it?"
          "Travelling light, my love.
          "I was afraid you'd want to take along everything you owned."
          "Saints are practical and willing to sacrefice. Remember what I told you of Nauvoo."
          "I do."
          " Parley Pratt was one of the original Quorum of Twelve Apostles. My copy is old and unrevised. It contains his thoughts on polygamy. Eventually he was murdered by an Arkansas man who swore Parley had stolen his family."
           "He was at Nauvoo?"
           "Yes. When Brigham said they must leave behind their earthly fortunes, the Saints did so. Parley Pratt led his party along the Mormon Trail."
            Artie embraced her and she felt his arousal.
            "Oh, now we're getting horny," Leah laughed. "Buy me a Pepsi."
            "Mormons aren't allowed Pepsi."