Sarah and the Widow's Mate (Christmas Holiday Extravaganza)

by Gay N. Lewis

  Stealing into a remote, shadowy corner under the Christmas tree, Sarah materialized as a small fashion doll and blinked the shoes onto her feet. Maybe if she tried them while in teeny form, she’d be able to stroll. Lifting her muslin robe, she admired her footwear. Mm-mm-mm…gorgeous! Okay, so far, so good. She took a step. Made it! Another step. Uh-oh, wobbly ankles again. Maybe if she walked faster, balance would be no problem. Gathering speed, she raced forward, rotating her arms about in helicopter mode. Zigzagging around in a haphazard path, she torpedoed a lower limb of the tree and fell hard on her backside, Breath escaped from her in a loud whoosh. A golden ornament tittered back and forth and then crashed to the hardwood.

  Mortified, Sarah vanished. Oops, forgot to take the shoes. What did the humans say about walking and chewing gum at the same time? Bet she couldn’t chew gum either.

  At times like these, invisibility proved a blessing. No one detected her red face from this trial and error, but one day, if the Superiors willed it, she planned to walk like a human lady—wearing alluring high heels similar to the ones she’d forgotten to pick up down there.

  Cathy glanced at the glass debris at her feet. Stooping down, she picked up Sarah’s heels. “Look at this. These miniscule doll shoes are exactly like mine.”

  “They must belong to one of those fashion dolls we played with as kids. Where do you suppose this pair came from?”

  Cathy turned the items over in her palm. “You think some little girl had her playthings in here?”

  “Must be, but the footwear is a match to yours. That’s really odd.”

  “Sure is. What are the chances? One in a bazillion? Maybe the designer made these same shoes I have on for dolls too. I guess it’d be a good way for him to advertise. The grown-up version cost me a week’s salary. Wonder how much this adaptation cost some child’s parent? People who frequent this restaurant usually have loads of money, but still, it’s quite a coincidence to find these.” She tucked them into her sparkly evening bag. “I’m keeping them as a memento of tonight. I’ll have a show-and-tell story for my grandchildren one day.”

  “Gary just came in.” Cathy, whose eyes constantly sought the doorway as if looking for the man of her dreams, whispered her words to Maureen.

  “That guy could grace the cover of a romance novel. He’s magnificent.”

  Sarah nodded from her place at the ceiling. Indeed, Gary’s manly form looked great in his dark suit accented with a green tie. As Sarah watched, Gary hugged Beth and shook hands with Charles. Wonder how to get him to notice these two lovely ladies? They seemed nothing at all like scheming Sheila. Did she dare try a human disguise? Why not? If she failed, it wouldn’t be a new experience.

  Sarah, dressed as a male server, entered the room with a whisk broom and dust pan. After brushing up the fragments of the broken ornament, she ambled past Gary.

  “Man, see those two good-looking ladies over there?” She nodded with her head. “Heard ’em say they hope you’ll talk to ’em.”

  Gary glanced at Cathy and Maureen and then back to Sarah. “Thanks, man.”

  Sarah nonchalantly walked from the room, set the dust pan aside, and returned to hover.

  Walking over, Gary smiled broadly. “Hello, Maureen and Cathy. You both look stunning.”

  Sarah nodded. At least she’d made that greeting happen without accident. An improvement, for certain. Now she needed to see about Beth and Charles.

  “I think everyone has arrived.” Charles roamed his eyes over the crowd.

  “When we take our seats, I’m sure everyone else will find their place cards, and we’ll begin.” Beth moved to her chair and Charles pulled it out for her.

  Once the guests found their locations, Beth once more stood. “I want to welcome you to our Christmas party. We are pleased to have members of our board with us tonight. Would our esteemed guests please rise?” Several men and women stood, and the group applauded.

  “I’m also delighted that all our fine employees are here. Thanks to each of you, the bank has experienced a good year. I’m proud of the job you’ve done, and you will receive a token of my appreciation in your paychecks this month.”

  A round of cheers and applause greeted Beth, and she smiled.

  “Before the meal is served, I want to ask my son, Gary, to say grace.”

  Gary stood and the audience bowed their heads. “Lord, thank You for Your bountiful blessings. May the food we are about to receive nourish us for Your service. In Your Son’s name, amen.” He sat down.

  Beth grinned. “I ask him to say the blessing at home too. He makes his prayers short and sweet every time.”

  “That’s ’cause I’m always hungry.” Gary lifted his water goblet in a toast to his mom, and the attendees snickered.

  As the servers brought in food, Charles leaned into Beth. “This is turning out well. Have you given any more thought to selling your house? If you do, we can come here again next year.”

  “No, I haven’t decided, but I’m thinking about that charming bed and breakfast place in Saxonberg. It would make an ideal location for a special bank occasion. If we started early enough, people could return to Houston before it got too late.”

  “That’s true, it would. I enjoyed my time with you that day.”

  “I enjoyed it as well.”

  “You think we might do it again sometime?”

  “I’d love another daytrip into the country.”

  “If Amanda has something going for New Year’s Eve, would you like to go? If she has reservations for two rooms, we could spend the night.” Charles lifted his brows and his face radiated a bit of pink.

  Widening her eyes, she dropped her fork and zeroed her attention to Charles. “The B&B was a relaxing place, but I don’t think it would look appropriate to others for us to spend a night there, and I wouldn’t want to drive back. Perhaps we can think of something closer to home—maybe an early quiet dinner somewhere. I don’t care for the idea of being out late on that night. Too many drinking drivers. It’s not a safe time.”

  “Anything you want, dear lady. I’d love to welcome the New Year with you. I have great hopes for next year.” He touched her arm. “And they include you.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  “Well, that was certainly an interesting evening. Beth made a date with Charles for the year’s end. Maybe her affections are growing for the guy. Wish I knew if that was a good thing or not.”

  Sarah, reclined on her back, gazed up at the universe as the sky sparkled with God’s glory. With her eyes focused on a faraway twinkling star, she spoke her thoughts aloud as if an angel up there might hear and respond.

  “Gabriella is somewhere below watching Maria, and it would be nice to talk to her, but then again, my unseen new friend may be busy. I wish the Superiors would give us two working angels down here another opportunity to interact again.” Her eyes searched the heavens. “Celeste is up there somewhere. I’d like her to bring down a midnight snack, stay awhile, and we could chat a bit. I’m hungry and I’m not sleepy.”

  Turning over, Sarah examined the rooms in the mansion. Beth slept soundly and Maria puttered in the kitchen.

  Propping her head face-down on her arm, Sarah fretted. If Beth’s fondness grew stronger for Charles, she would need to hurry up and find out if he might be the right one. “I’m pretty much ruling out Bad News Bryan. Everything I see and hear about him makes me think he doesn’t care as much for Beth as he lets on, but Charles? I just don’t know.”

  Down below, Maria turned off the kitchen light and slipped into the bedroom she shared with Carlos. Sarah sighed. Everyone except her looked ready for a stress-free sleep.

  “Sarah, do you mind if I come up?”

  Gabriella! “Yes, I was just wishing we could see each other.”

  Gabriella misted through the cloud. In her hands, she held a basket. “I guessed you were hungry. Maria made blueberry muffins for breakfast, and I decided we could share a few.” She handed one to Sarah.

 
With a mouthful of warm muffin, Sarah nodded. “I’m always hungry. This is delicious. Will Maria miss the treats? She thinks a gremlin resides in her kitchen.”

  Gabriella shook her head. “I’ll replace the ones we are eating.”

  “Can you cook?” Sarah stopped chewing to stare at Gabriella as if her friend in crime suddenly grew ten feet taller.

  Gabriella laughed. “Not yet, but I placed an order with Chef Andrew. He’s making a duplicate batch of muffins as we speak. He’ll have someone deliver them before morning.”

  “He’ll do that for us?”

  “Ask and you shall receive.” Gabriella spoke with a muffin on its way to her lips. “When I began my missions on earth, I took too much upon myself. I failed to ask for help from the others.”

  Sarah nodded. “Yeah, I do that too. Mother Goodness usually responds when I need advice. Gale of the Four Winds came once when I needed him, but there have been times when I asked for some specific item or bit of help and didn’t receive it. When the answer was no, I always found out the Father had something better in mind than what I requested.”

  “Yes, it works that way, but keep asking. The Almighty wants to hear from all of us. Have you noticed that humans request things from each other?”

  “Like what?”

  “Take a man’s need for a raise. If an earthling asks a boss for a promotion or a bonus when he’s done a job worthy of one, more often than not, the boss gives it to him. On the other hand, a lot of the earthlings go through life never asking for what is due them from another human.”

  “I suppose they are too afraid to ask or maybe they don’t believe they deserve recognition, when they really do.”

  “In my line of work, the guys ask the women for dates, love, and marriage.”

  Gabriella nodded. “Do some of the ladies say no?”

  “Yes. Charles asked Beth to spend a night in a bed and breakfast, and she declined. She suggested a better situation for the two of them.”

  “She was generous and spared his feelings. Some of the greedier humans won’t liberally give to others to promote goodwill or help one another financially. Occasionally, a mortal only needs encouragement, but I’ve noticed that many people don’t ask for what they need, and if they do, others decline to give it.”

  “If these mortals did more to help each other, many of us could stay in The Heavenlies.”

  Sarah polished off her third muffin and dusted her hands. “I’m wondering at this moment how to go about detecting which one of Beth’s suitors is right for her. I’ve asked for guidance, but the only answer I receive is to proceed with my instincts.”

  “That’s tough. I’m happy my duties are as a guardian.”

  “How do Maria and Carlos truly feel about the changes coming to this household?”

  “They plan to move into their own space.”

  “Beth says she doesn’t want that.” Sarah drank from the water bottle Gabriella handed her.

  “I know, but I think Maria and Carlos would prefer their own home if Beth marries. They can continue to work for Beth. They’ve saved their money and can afford a down payment on a house.”

  “Beth doesn’t seem to know this.” Sarah wrinkled her nose. “I’m gonna bet she’d approve of their choice though.”

  Gabriella’s eyes grew the size of saucers. “Do you make wagers on the humans?”

  Sarah slumped. “No, I just use their idioms. Aren’t you tempted to talk like them sometimes?”

  “I don’t think so, not too often anyway.” Gabriella gathered up the basket and napkins she’d brought with her. “Time for me to go. I’m happy we could visit. I received word from Mother Goodness that you would enjoy a snack and a chat.”

  “That was thoughtful of her. Where are you sleeping?”

  “I’ll be where I can see Maria. Goodnight, Sarah.”

  “Goodnight, Gabriella, and thanks.”

  After Gabriella disappeared, Sarah once more reclined on her back and studied the heavens. “You are amazing, Father. I didn’t request a visit from Gabriella, but you heard my wish, saw my need, and responded favorably. Thank you for smiling upon me this night. Please give me insights on how to help Beth.”

  The star she stared at seemed to wink at her, and Sarah turned to her side to fall asleep.

  * * *

  As the new day dawned, Sarah heard her name called from above. Tomas!

  “Hi, Tomas. I’m awake, and it’s okay to come down.”

  Tomas drifted into view and joined Sarah with his hands held behind his back. What could he be up to? Sarah gazed at him with uplifted eyebrows, and he returned her quizzical expression with a grin.

  “How nice to see you. A visit last night with Gabriella and now one from you.” She bit her lip. “Uh-oh, did you come because I’m in trouble?”

  “No, you aren’t in trouble. I was sent to give you a message.”

  “Okay, what is it?”

  Tomas’s black eyes twinkled. “Aren’t you curious about what I’m hiding?”

  Sarah nodded. “Okay, I’ll bite. What are you holding behind your back?”

  “A surprise. Guess.”

  With squinted eyes, Sarah cocked her head. “Did you bring me breakfast?”

  Tomas removed a basket from behind him. “Compliments of Chef Andrew. He sent you a vegetable omelet, biscuits, and fruit.” As he spoke, he unloaded supplies.

  “Chef Andrew is working overtime on my behalf. This is a lovely gift.”

  Tomas laughed. “I think all of us up there are trying to help you stay out of restaurants.”

  Sarah felt color creep up her neck. “I’m mortified.”

  “Oh, don’t be silly. Stuff happens, and it just so happens that your debacles bring us comic relief from our more difficult chores of keeping the humans safe. We think of you as the Lucy Ricardo of The Heavenlies.”

  “Yeah, while some of you protect mortals from danger, I make you laugh. I suppose I’m good for something.” Placing food on a plate, she handed it to Tomas, and then filled one for herself. “May I say grace?”

  Tomas nodded, and Sarah offered her thanks for a delicious provision. While they ate, Tomas brought her up to date on events in The Heavenlies. When they finished, Sarah tucked away the leftovers and then helped Tomas load the articles back into the basket.

  “Okay, what’s the message you have for me?”

  “If Beth marries the wrong man, her life will be in danger. There is a wicked person down here on this planet who schemes to kill her and inherit her fortune. I’m preparing to come down and protect her if the wrong marriage occurs. I just received my orders.”

  Sarah covered her mouth with her hand and then dropped it. “What am I supposed to do?”

  “Your orders haven’t changed. You are to lead her to a good man who will cherish her. When you do, the one who wants to harm her will come to light. By helping her find the virtuous man, you will guide her away from nefarious situations.”

  “Do you know who the good guy is?”

  Tomas shook his head. “No, and I don’t know who the bad one is either. We are playing the waiting game. Much of it depends on Beth’s choices.”

  Sarah shivered. “And a lot depends on me. What if I don’t succeed in guiding her to the right man?”

  “Then I come down and carry out my orders.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  Wedding day! Sarah paced up and down on her cloud. By Earth’s time, four hours existed until the Taylor-Carlson ceremony.

  Merciful heavens! Still no closer to the truth of the men in Beth’s life, but for some reason, the Commander gave her a directive to go to this wedding before she left The Heavenlies. She applauded herself for receiving the invitation from Beth, but what on earth did the Commander expect her to do at the event? Life would be so much easier if the Superiors simply laid out expectations in a logical, written form. Of course, she had been known to lose her orders, so that might not be the answer either. The Superiors allowed angels to make choi
ces just as the Almighty One gave humans the same privileges. So, at this event, she just needed to wing it.

  Oh, my stars! Wing it? How funny. Living below, she’d picked up another expression humans used. “Wing it.” She spoke the words again and then belly-laughed as if her tongue-in-cheek words made her the comedienne of the century.

  When did she last inspect her wings? Better brush them before getting into that beautiful gown. Of course, the appendages wouldn’t be included in the ensemble, but she needed to keep them in good repair, and this latest thought served as a reminder.

  After completion of the arduous task, her thoughts turned once more to the evening. What to do about transportation? Better telephone Beth and make arrangements to go with her.

  Twirling her fingers in the air and placing her hand to her ear as if she held a cell phone, she dialed Beth’s landline. Maria answered on the first ring.

  “Hi Maria, this is Annie. Is Beth there?”

  “Oh, Miss Annie. We wonder about you. Hold on, here’s Beth.”

  After a pause, Sarah heard Beth’s voice. “Hello, Annie. I’m so happy to hear from you. I didn’t know how to get in touch, and I haven’t seen you at church. I’ve been a little concerned.”

  “Oh, thank ya, honey. I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch, but I haven’t forgotten about ya. Do ya still want me to go to the weddin’ with ya?”

  “I certainly do. I’ll pick you up at seven o’clock. That will give us time to get there and be properly seated for the eight o’clock ceremony.”

  “If it’s okay with you, may I come to your house and we’ll leave from there? I have a few things I need to do, and I’ll already be out and about.”

  “Sure, that’s fine. See you about seven here at my house then?”