Free Hometown Favorite: A Novel by BILL BARTON, HENRY O ARNOLD

while
the waiters carried out that order, he led Joella and Cherie by
their hands onto the highest point of the patio where they could
be in full view of the wedding party. When three glasses of champagne appeared on the railing in front of the trio, Franklin
waved his hand for everyone's attention.

    "What a pleasure it is to have you in our home. Thank you
for joining Joella and Cherie Jobe and me in witnessing the
union of our children and the creation of a new family."
    He had to pause to hem in his emotions. He had not anticipated the sudden reminder of the absence of his older daughter
and two grandchildren. Joella slipped her arm around her husband's side, and Cherie placed a hand on his shoulder. The two
matriarchs brought Franklin's attention back to the moment.
    "When Dewayne first showed up on my doorstep, I played
my part as the skeptic. What father doesn't assume that role
when it comes to his daughter? Has God ever created a man
good enough for a father's daughter? Apparently so or the
human race would have come to a quick end:"
    A murmur of amusement passed over his audience.
    "From the moment we met, I knew he was a cut above the
standard; yes, in physical size and in the quality of his character ... all credit due to Cherie Jobe. So the peaceable war
of attrition began that first night here on this patio when he
spoke so eloquently and without shame about his personal
history. About his profound respect for my daughter. In pursuing Rosella's love, you could say he was pursuing her parents'
love as well, and the three of us yielded to his gentle persuasion. This was not a situation of conqueror and conquered.
In all honesty, I say Dewayne Jobe's entry into our lives was
a victory for us all."
    Sly and Jesse burst into applause, inspiring the wedding party
to join them and giving time for Franklin and the women at
his side to raise their glasses of champagne.
    I must confess until now I had not paid close attention to the
game of football; no personal prejudice, just a lack of interest. But things have changed. Joella and I are looking forward to
this last season of Dewayne's college career, and I expect to be
in the stadium doing my part for the home team. And it's nice
to think we might have a potential Heisman Trophy winner
as a son.

    A second round of applause began, but this time without
Sly's instigation.
    Dewayne looked over at his friend and smiled, fluttering his
glass of champagne in his direction.
    Sly shook his head and waved him off. "That's father-in-law
talk," he said, just loud enough above the applause for Dewayne
to hear him.
    "Join Joella, Cherie, and me in saluting this new couple with
an ancient Jewish blessing: `May the Lord bless you and keep
you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you
peace.
    All glasses rose in the air. All champagne was consumed. All
heaven seemed to be focusing its benevolent attention on this
blissful couple.

    A horde of reporters, girlfriends, fans, and family had gathered in front of the team's entrance to the USC stadium,
waiting for their particular player to emerge from the locker
room. It would take Dewayne time to work his way through
the masses, speaking to those demanding a quote for a paper
or an autograph, and waving off the disappointed females who
hoped to score their men by their power of seduction. The
oversized wedding band on his finger was a big deterrent.
    Because the team had won its first home game, Rosella knew
it would take longer for Dewayne to run the gauntlet, so she sat under a tree studying her textbook while she waited. Dewayne was taking his usual light load, and because he had gone
to school through the last four summers, he would only have
to take a couple of classes the last semester of his senior year,
allowing him time to train for the spring combines.

    Without being rude, Dewayne passed through the mob like
he