by Gay N. Lewis
Bowing her head, Sarah thanked God for understanding vexation and impatience.
When noon arrived, Sarah, dressed as Annie, rang Beth’s doorbell.
Maria answered. “Hola, Señora Annie, please come in.”
Beth arrived a minute later. “Yes, Annie, welcome. Give me your jacket. I would have been happy to drive over and pick you up.”
Sarah waved her hand. “Thank ya, honey, no need. Taxi drivers need to earn a livin’.” Sarah removed her coat and handed it to Beth. “The temperature turned a little chilly.” She chuckled. “No chance of exposing body parts in these slacks.”
Beth and Maria laughed. “Maria made tortilla soup to go with the enchiladas. It will warm you.”
Sarah followed Beth past the gigantic Christmas tree and into the kitchen.
“You have a gorgeous home, and I love your Christmas decor. Angels are my favorite.”
“Thank you. I’ve collected them for years. Sometimes I think God gave me a special one to watch over me.”
“Oh, He did, honey. I’m sure of it.”
“This is a nice, big kitchen.” Sarah glanced around and spotted the coffeemakers. “Lots of fancy gadgets. Probably difficult to operate. Ever have trouble making those things work?” She pointed toward the larger of the two.
Beth gestured toward a chair and the table, and Sarah sat. “Technology changes every day. I enjoy the latest appliances, and most of the time we have no trouble learning how to use them.”
Maria twittered. “Except for terrible coffee.” She glanced at Sarah. “Gremlin make it.”
“If something has no ready explanation, Maria attributes it to an unseen spirit.” Beth laughed. “I’m thinking of downsizing, and if I do, these extra devices will need to go.”
“This is an extraordinarily big place.”
“Yes, it is too large for Maria, Carlos, and me, but I’m having difficulty giving it up. My husband and I built it, and we had so much fun going over plans and details.” Her face softened. “Many good memories.”
“Decisions of magnitude require time and prayer. When the good Lord doesn’t give answers right away, it’s best to wait until He does.”
Beth nodded as she ladled soup into bowls. “My thoughts exactly.”
Maria brought cups and glasses to the table. “What you like to drink?”
“Water is fine. Thanks, Maria.”
Beth and Maria worked together and soon set the table with delicious foods and tantalizing aromas. Beth offered thanks and the three picked up spoons.
“This soup is wonderful. I’ve never had it before.” Sarah directed her compliment to Maria.
“Gracias. I make up recipe. Mamacita taught me to cook before she go to heaven.”
“Your mother would be proud of you.”
Maria nodded.
“By the way.” Beth glanced at Sarah. “You about scared me into heaven yesterday when you shot out of my car.”
“Oh, honey, I’m sorry. I have a thing about botherin’ folks, and when I saw Bertha, I knew she’d take me home and save ya the trouble.”
Maria giggled. “Beth tell me you shock and scare her.”
Sarah shrugged and placed a sheepish grin on her face. “I’m full of surprises.”
“I think a surprise now and then is fun. It’s been years since I did anything spontaneously.”
“You offer party for Señor Wingate.”
Beth put her spoon down and gazed at Maria. “You’re right. That offer came out of the blue, and it was rather impetuous.”
“Who is Señor Wingate?” Sarah turned her gaze to the hostess.
“Bryan Wingate is a real estate broker who wants to give his employees a Christmas party, and I volunteered my upstairs ballroom.”
“Nice of ya.”
“House ready for Christmas. Not much work to decorate dance room.”
“I know, and it will be fun, but I worry about giving Bryan the wrong impression.”
“What could he imagine to be wrong about the offer?” Sarah cocked her head as she glanced at Beth.
“He’s handsome, polite, and I enjoy his company, but he probably thinks I’m more interested in him than I am.”
“Señor Wingate want you by his side as hostess. See you fit together.”
“That’s what concerns me. He has mentioned marriage before, and I don’t want him to think I’m ready to jump into matrimony with him.”
Sarah nodded. “A wise woman considers these things. Ya mentioned two fellas yesterday.”
Maria giggled again. “She like Señor Chadwick too and he like her. Comes often.”
“My word, honey. Ya got some outstanding ardent admirers.”
“But are they attracted to me or just my bank account? God blessed me with wealth, and I don’t know the true motives of either man.” She toyed with her coffee cup. “An evening with a man is pleasurable, but why does a man want more than a night out now and then?”
“I know what ya mean. Two things are always on a man’s mind. Intimacy and money. A smart lady doesn’t give either one too quickly.”
Beth and Maria nodded simultaneously.
Sarah blotted her lips with her napkin. “I’ve seen young ladies give themselves physically to a guy in hopes of marriage, but once the man has what he’s after, hopes for a weddin’ go out the window.”
“My niece is living with a man now who refuses to marry her. I doubt he ever will. Why should he? He has the benefits of hearth and home without any commitment.” Beth sighed and shook her head. “And then there’s another kind of man. My heart breaks for the girls who find out too late that a spouse is a freeloader. My daughter’s childhood girlfriend works hard to keep her household afloat while her capable, healthy spouse lives the life of a footloose, affluent parasite. Golf once or twice a week, beer with the buddies, cards at night. He quit work and lazes around now that he has someone to support him.”
Maria clucked her tongue. “Remember Señora Dickson?”
Beth nodded. “Hannah Dickson is my age and inherited a large portfolio from her parents and then another one from her husband. She remarried and turned financial matters over to her mate. The guy took her for all she was worth and then left her. She went from affluence to a near-penniless existence. While he was married to her, the guy lived the life of a rich, single man while he squandered Hannah’s investments.”
Sarah reached out to pat Beth’s hand. “You are too smart to allow that to happen.”
“I hope so, but who knows? What if I allowed my heart to take control over my common sense? That happened in Hannah’s case.”
Sarah clucked her tongue. “God will give ya the answer, and if ya rely on Him, ya will continue to use your wealth as wisely as ya do now. I’m certain the Lord is pleased with ya, and maybe He thinks marriage is good for ya. I’m a-thinkin’ ya made a wise choice the first time, and He will help ya to make a sensible selection the next time.”
“No work out for Señora Dickson. She talk to God about husband.”
Waving a dismissive hand in the air, Sarah directed her glance to Maria. “Sometimes after we talk to the Almighty, we don’t listen or wait for His response, and then other times, we just don’t obey what He says to do.” Sarah shrugged. “We’re kind of stubborn that way.”
“That’s true, but marriage is too risky for me. I just can’t believe God would sanction another union for me.”
“Oh, honey, don’t ya rule anything out. Ya never know until ya explore possibilities.”
“Ready for cake?” Maria set a fresh, three-layer coconut cake in front of Sarah.
“Oh, my yes, honey. Thank ya. That’s beautiful enough to be a weddin’ cake.” Sarah placed a forkful into her mouth and closed her eyes. “Mmmm—so good.”
“Maria can bake anything. This recipe is one of my favorites. I’ll send some home with you. We must have nuptials on the mind today, and you’re right, this concoction resembles a fine cake that might be served at a bridal reception.”
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br /> “No weddin’ cake could beat this one.” Sarah blotted her lips. “Oh, how I love weddings.”
Beth swallowed a bit of coffee, and then placed the cup in the saucer. “That reminds me. I’ve a wedding to go to.” She smiled at Sarah. “Would you go with me as my guest?”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Back on her cloud, Sarah breathed deeply. What a relief. Part of the assignment done—she would appear as a guest at Laney and Cannon’s wedding. Tucking the generous portion of cake from Maria into a misty pocket for later consumption, she leaned back on the piled-up vapors. The half-reclining position gave her a chance to relax and consider possibilities. Wonder what to wear? After the chapel ceremony, the dinner would be held at Beth’s country club. This occasion presented an opportunity to dress formally. Sarah felt her heart flutter with excitement. Suppose she might receive the Superiors’ frown if she chose a glitzy frock? People expected humans to show up in the proper apparel. How about shoes? Did she dare wear adorable footwear?
Sandals required painted toenails, didn’t they? Blinking, she applied a glossy red color to her toes and turned her ankles about for inspection. Squinting one eye, she changed the color to bright purple. Probably not appropriate for a mature lady such as Annie. Trying a light pink, she scrunched her nose. No, this opportunity might only come once in the cosmos. Go for red.
What about the dress? What color did females deem proper for weddings? How about some bright red, eye-popping costume? That idea brought another heart flutter. She snapped her fingers, and a fire-engine red floor-length gown appeared. Matching stiletto sandals completed the ensemble. Maybe she could practice in them, and all would be well. Hearing no thunder proved a good sign. Perhaps this outfit might work.
Adorned in the new clothes, Sarah called forth a cheval mirror and pranced back and forth in front of it. “Looking good, Momma.” The phrase she’d once heard on Earth popped out loud and clear. A couple of young males spoke it to a female as the girl sashayed by, and it reached Sarah’s ears as she relaxed on her cloud. “Yep, now I understand what the dudes meant. I don’t care if I am supposed to be a mature woman, I’m looking good in this get-up.”
A clap of thunder sounded behind her.
Oops. The Superiors forbade vanity. “Sorry.” As she spoke the word, she glanced upward. Did they intend for her to change the costume along with the attitude? Peeking one last time at her image, she blinked away the mirror but kept the clothes on. “Okay, until otherwise, I’m wearing this, and I’m going to practice wearing these shoes.”
Three steps later, she tumbled through her cloud.
Righting herself, she grimaced. Merciful heavens, she couldn’t even walk in six-inch heels on top of a cloud without disaster. Okay, keep the dress and shun the shoes.
After blinking away the dress, Sarah sat on the cloud to zero in on the conversation below.
“I like Señora Annie.” Maria placed the remaining enchiladas in the refrigerator.
“I do too, and I’m pleased she will go with me to the Carlson wedding.” Beth turned on the dishwasher.
“Why she not let Carlos drive her home after we eat?”
“I don’t know. Strange isn’t it? She said she prefers to be independent and insisted on phoning a taxi.”
“Maybe she jump out of taxi at red light.”
Beth laughed. “She’s definitely full of surprises, but there’s something special about her. I think it’s the way she talks about God. I can tell she has a close relationship with Him, and anyone with a close friendship to the Almighty appeals to me. She speaks as if she sees and hears from Him daily.”
Maria nodded. “Señor Padre real to her.” Maria finished wiping down the kitchen surfaces. “We ready to decorate dance room?”
“I think so. Bryan expects about forty people. The ballroom is large enough for that small group, plus trees. How about four tall ones? Let’s place one in each corner. We used to do it that way when Grant and I entertained small groups. We can set the buffet tables against the windowless wall.”
“I get Carlos bring down trees from attic.”
“Ask him to lug the boxes with the extra lights and garland too.” She snapped her fingers. “Why didn’t I invite Annie to the party? I think she would make a fun guest. Maybe I could phone her.”
From her cloud, Sarah shook her head. Worrying about the wedding, how to act, and what to wear as a human brought enough trauma to her brain. No telling what kind of trouble she might cause at another mortal event.
“You no ask Señora Annie for phone number.”
“Why didn’t we think to do that?”
Maria shrugged. “Don’t know.”
“If we see her in church, we’ll get her number and address.”
Sarah shuddered. Perhaps she should attend church and worship from the rooftop—wouldn’t be good to appear in person and see the ladies.
“She say she come here in taxi for wedding. She not want us know where she lives. Maybe she homeless.”
Beth turned wide eyes to Maria. “Surely not, but it is odd. I’ll find out one way or another, but I’m not sure how. Pastor Browning had never met her.” She puckered her brows. “In fact, no one seems to know her, but if she requires financial help, I will be happy to ease her circumstances. I don’t know what kind of monetary condition her husband left her in. It might embarrass Annie if she knows we’re aware of her state of affairs, so I’ll investigate and give to her without her knowledge if I find she needs it.”
“Like you help Señor Johnson’s family? You find way to buy new school clothes for kids and give birthday presents. They never know you do it.”
“Yes, it is a joy to give anonymously. The Bible teaches our rewards are greater when we give that way, but I’m not seeking rewards. The Lord has given me so much, and I’m pleased to return His goodness in any way I can. And speaking of people in need—we need to let the shelter know we plan to supply the food for their Christmas dinner.” She snapped her fingers. “And that reminds me, while I’m out, I’ll shop for the Johnson children.” She smiled. “Those little ones are old enough for bicycles.”
“Mr. Johnson try hard for family.”
“Yes, he is admirable. Service to our country in Iraq made him a disabled veteran. He works from home as a consultant on the computer, but his time is limited—what with all those hours of physical therapy. One day he will be able to work full time, but for now, I’ll help all I can. He must never know. He would never accept charity, but I don’t think of it as charity. It is my way of serving my country—just as he did. ”
Beth gathered her coat and purse. “While you and Carlos retrieve those items from the attic, I’ll go to the hobby store and pick up extras. Let’s have soup for dinner. After that large lunch, I’ll need to watch the calories.”
Sarah watched Beth drive away. Maybe this would be a good time to check on the men in her charge’s life.
* * *
Flying invisibly into Bryan’s real estate office, she spotted Sheila standing next to Bryan as he sat at his desk. Floating midair, she watched. My stars! The hussy brushed her leg up against Bryan’s arm, and he responded by smiling up at her. Sarah gritted her teeth. What sort of stuff did they scheme? Taking to the corner of the room, Sarah crossed arms over her chest and glared at the two.
“I’m looking forward to the Christmas party. I bought a slinky red dress to wear. It’s covered in sequins and stops right about here.” She touched her leg about mid-thigh.
“With your figure, every man’s eyes will drop from their sockets.”
“There’s only one man I’m interested in, and I hope he notices.” She winked at Bryan.
Sarah snorted.
Sheila and Bryan glanced up, and Sheila took a step back from Bryan, who frowned.
“Maybe Gwen walked by the door and we heard her blow her nose. She suffers with allergies.”
Sheila’s blanched face reinforced Sarah’s distrust of the woman. What motives lurked in the min
d of this siren of seduction? Couldn’t be good.
“Looks like our plans are coming together. Go back to the front before someone becomes suspicious.” Bryan almost whispered his remark.
Sheila nodded and left his office.
Hmmm. Something smelled rotten in here, but Sarah couldn’t put her nose on it. Maybe with a little more time, she would diagnose the problem. Now to check on Charles Chadwick at the bank.
* * *
Sarah congratulated herself for finding the bank without getting lost and floated into the president’s workspace. Chadwick worked quietly at his desk. Seemed a nice guy, but who knew for sure? Stretching out in mid-air, she rested her wings. As she dozed off, she heard a familiar voice.
Cannon Carlson!
She sat up and gazed at the man. Still as handsome as ever. In fact, he appeared even more so. Being in love and about to take a wife seemed to agree with him. Smiling, she remembered how she had successfully brought Laney and him together. Two stubborn people, and the assignment proved difficult, but she’d worked it to a successful conclusion. Their wedding would take place in a few days. Sarah cringed. The wedding she planned to attend as a mortal. Looking heavenward, she mouthed the words, Please don’t let them remember me.
What was Cannon doing here?
“Afternoon, Charles. Got a minute?”
Chadwick stood and the two men shook hands.
“Didn’t expect to see you today. How are the plans coming for the wedding?”
“Laney’s busy with details. I’m all set. Got the honeymoon planned and can hardly wait.”