“I know. You’ve had a tough couple of days.”
“Understatment.” She managed a smile through her tears. “You probably think I’m nothing but a walking salty shower.”
“You wouldn’t be normal if this didn’t affect you.”
“I’m pretty normal then.”
He smiled and stroked her hair again. “I’d go more for pretty amazing.”
“I don’t think I’m anything near amazing.”
Zack’s answer was near her ear, his breath warm on her neck. “Yes, you are.”
His warm lips moved to nibble her ear and then moved in gentle kisses down her neck and to the hollow of her throat.
Sondra couldn’t help a small groan. Zack took a deep breath and gently pushed her away. “You should get some rest. I’ll knock at eight.”
Rejected again, Sondra moved to the other side of their connecting doors. She was numb; beyond tears. Wearily, she rubbed her forehead and moved over to the window. She leaned against the cold glass and closed her eyes. Will I ever be able to tell him how I feel? After a few moments, she answered herself. After Nikki gets her babies.
She stepped away from the glass her breath had frosted over. A quick wipe over the glass revealed a breathtaking view. The National Mall felt festive. It was a celebration of freedom. The Washington Monument pointed its cement finger to the skies, as if crediting the heavens with its construction. It was a clear reminder that the Founding Fathers knew from where their freedoms came.
Chapter Fifteen, Philadelphia
Stress manifested itself in a massive headache. Sondra swallowed a couple of pain pills. I don’t have to worry about how it will impact anyone else. That’s something, I guess. She stared at the ceiling. Counting sheep was out of the question. Her head throbbed. Thinking about Dewk alone in the snow and then the twins was too much. She rolled over and cried herself to sleep. Again.
She woke to a quiet rapping on the door. The clock next to the bed read eight oh four. She gasped, jumped out of bed and tied her robe as she opened the door.
“Ready?” was Zack’s unnecessary question.
“Sorry. I just woke up. Give me a minute.”
“Breakfast is sitting on the table. I hope you like French toast.”
“As long as it has strawberries and powdered sugar, I’m fine.”
“Will you settle for powdered sugar and maple syrup?” he asked.
“I’ll settle.” She grinned at him before she shut the door. One thing was certain, if their marriage ever turned into a real one, he already knew how bad her morning hair was. If he could stand her anyway, he was a keeper.
The two hours to Philadelphia passed quickly. Zack spent most of the time relaying stories of his time on his mission and Afghanistan. Sondra appreciated his ability to find humor in both situations. She shared her own humorous experiences from her mission and in the courtroom. By the time they arrived, Sondra was relaxed and pain free.
“I thought we’d stop at Independence Hall first.” Zack said.
“Philadelphia wasn’t on my bucket list, so I have no idea what’s here.”
A light dusting of snow blanketed the grounds between the red brick buildings. They were dwarfed by modern skyscrapers. Despite the surrounding buildings, Independence Hall had a commanding presence. Sondra stared up at the white steeple. “There just isn’t any old architecture in the west like there is here.”
“Unless you count the ancient Indian ruins.” Zack said.
“Yeah. Not counting those.” Sondra dropped her gaze to Zack. “Have you seen any?”
“I’ve been to Mesa Verde a couple of times and have seen the ones around Lake Powell.”
“Were those trips alone or with your family?” Sondra asked.
“Before my grandpa died, we would spend almost all our summers in Utah. We explored a lot of the state.”
“Sounds like fun. I grew up there but I don’t think I’ve been as many places as you have.”
“We’ll have to fix that.” Zack’s smile looked like he meant it. A rock settled in her stomach. She wondered how they would ever have time to explore anything in Utah in the next few months. He was spending far too much time ensuring that their arrangement was temporary. She didn’t have any hope for anything beyond the birth of her sister’s children.
The tour guide waved them over, and they joined the other tourists walking into Independence Hall. While the guide was explaining that the building was originally built as the Statehouse of the Province of Pennsylvania, Sondra leaned over to whisper, “It’s hard to imagine how much time it took to create this beautiful building.”
“The colonists were artists. There’s no doubt about it.” Zack agreed.
Sondra ran a pink-tipped finger along one of the elaborately decorated walls. “Every curve speaks of a labor of love, doesn’t it?” Zack nodded while Sondra continued, “I don’t know how you’re feeling, but the only other buildings that have felt this way for me are the temples. I feel like I’m standing on hallowed ground.”
“Agreed.” Zack smiled and took her hand.
They listened while the guide said, “The Declaration of Independence was signed in this building on July 4, 1776. After the war, it was clear some kind of governing document needed to be created. Since the Founding Fathers felt the debate on the Constitution should be held in secret, the windows were kept closed all during the sweltering summer.” Even though snow had settled on the grounds, Sondra could imagine how uncomfortably hot it had been for the men with the windows shut against a breeze. The high ceilings would have been ineffective in drawing the hot air when there was no fresh air being pulled in from the outside.
After the tour ended, Zack and Sondra wandered through the open parts of the building. The curved stairway was a silent testament to the creative engineering of the colonists. “What a legacy these people left us.” Sondra’s voice was hushed.
“And they were very aware that what they were leaving was for future generations.” Zack’s tone matched hers.
“We live in such a disposable society that it’s hard to imagine people who didn’t have that attitude.”
“The challenge for us is to preserve what we have been given.” Zack reached for her hand.
They stopped at Christ Church. A volunteer guide met them at the door. His white hair matched the painted walls. He discussed some of the history of the building, then led them to Pew 56. “George Washington and his family rented this Pew. Benjamin Franklin’s was Pew 70. Most of the pews and the balcony were rented with just a few spots open for servants and slaves of worshippers. Many of the Founding Fathers worshipped at Christ Church. Church records showed where they sat week after week to be uplifted by the word of God.” He paused in his speech. “Do you hear that?”
Sondra and Zack exchanged puzzled glances.
“It’s what you don’t hear that’s amazing. This building was built soundproof for their day to shut out the worries of the world. Despite the noise of modern traffic, the church continues to shut out the sounds of the city.”
The guide was quiet as they appreciated the silence. After a couple of minutes, the guide continued his presentation. “The bells at Christ Church tolled the entire day the Constitution was ratified on July 4, 1788.” The guide pointed at the wine glass pulpit. “That was built by Jon Folwell, who also crafted the Rising Sun chair located in Independence Hall. It is also known as George Washington’s chair since he used it during the creation of the Constitution. Have you had a chance to see it?”
They nodded, and Zack answered. “The guide there explained the sun represented the rise of freedom over the land.”
The guide continued, “Mr. Folwell was a visionary man, much like most of our Founding Fathers. Although if you remember, Benjamin Franklin often wondered if the sun represented a rising one or a setting one. He didn’t make up his mind until after the Constitution was ratified.”
After the short history lesson, they walked down the street and stopped at
Benjamin Franklin’s grave. Not far from that was the building where Thomas Jefferson had penned the Declaration of Independence. The building was closed for maintenance, so they walked to the Constitution Building where they sat through a movie honoring the living constitution.
After the movie, they stopped at a display where a criminal had written letters regarding him not having an attorney. These simple handwritten letters had ensured all citizens would be entitled to representation regardless of ability to pay. As they stopped and read through the display, Zack said, “It’s amazing that the constitution allows someone of limited means to make such a difference to the entire country.”
“It is, and it really is a testament to the inspiration behind the constitution.” Sondra agreed.
After a meal at another historic restaurant, they walked back to their car. Zack drove them to a hotel overlooking downtown Philadelphia. It was a connecting room similar to the one they had shared in DC. When Zack repeated his room inspection, Sondra asked, “Is this another room you visited with your family?”
Zack nodded.
“You like the familiar, don’t you?”
“I feel close to Mom when I stay where she’s been.”
“It sounds like you were really close.”
“We were. She was…is…a wonderful person.”
Sondra reached up to touch his cheek. “She must have been to have raised such a wonderful son.” She dropped her hand. Zack turned away and shut the door behind him.
She took a deep breath, then walked over to the curtains. She pulled them wide. The city below was a mix of old and new. Ultramodern buildings towered above the carefully decorated colonials. Asphalt ran into cobbled streets. The mix of old and new reminded her of the Constitution. The inspired document could embrace the old and the new while retaining its power to guide the nation.
As a lawyer, she had studied the document more than most Americans. Being here where it had been created and signed gave power to the books she had studied.
The next morning, Sondra was up and ready before Zack knocked. The butterflies in her stomach wouldn’t settle, and she picked at her breakfast.
“Nauseated?” Zack asked.
She shook her head. “No. I just don’t feel like eating.” She pushed the French toast and strawberries away and re-covered them with the metal lid. She didn’t want to admit it, but the prospect of meeting his grandmother was the cause of her unease. As much as she thought she wanted to meet her, the continuation of their lie seemed wrong. “Should we be doing this?”
“What are you talking about?” Zack drew his brows in a frown.
“You know. Meeting your grandmother.”
“It was your idea.”
“I know, but I was pregnant then. Blame my pregnant brain. I wasn’t thinking clearly.” She bit her lip and then continued, “Do you really want to introduce me as your wife when it’s just a temporary arrangement?”
“I’m sure Jade has filled her in by now. Besides, Granny is 83 years old. She is healthy, but there are no guarantees. She might die before I ever see her again. Meeting you would make her happy.” Zack reached for her bejeweled wrist. “Besides, I want her to meet you. There hasn’t been anyone else I’ve wanted to introduce her to. Not even Hannah.”
“Are you sure?”
He nodded and stepped through to her room to grab her coat. “Let’s go.”
They drove for a few minutes until they had reached the outskirts of the city. They turned down a lane lined with skeleton trees. Large homes were set back from the road, each completely individual. A long driveway met the road in front of a gray two story house.
As they parked, Sondra stared at the structure. When Zack had said his grandparents had built it themselves, she had pictured a much smaller home.
A porch wrapped around the bottom story. Furniture was placed randomly around the porch. White legs of chairs and tables peeked out from under winter covers. A large stone-lined flue divided the front of the house in half. The gray stone matched the gray siding. “Is this your grandmother’s house?”
Zack nodded.
“Did she pick the paint to match the stones or the other way around?”
“The house was originally white. She switched colors after Grandpa died, so I would imagine she chose the color to match the stones.”
“She did a good job with the color coordination.” Sondra said.
“It’s the artist in her. She and Mom might not have been blood relatives, but they were certainly spiritual ones.”
Zack walked around the car to open the door. She trembled at his touch. He quirked his brows in a question and she shook her head. She doubted he would understand her sudden fear of his grandmother. What if she doesn’t like me? She took a calming breath. Why am I so worried? A picture of the determined woman at the funeral flashed up. She’s not afraid to speak her mind, that’s for sure.
She peeked through her lashes at Zack while they walked up the curved sidewalk. Eager anticipation showed in his expression.
A large ornate knocker decorated the oak door. Zack used the knocker and waited patiently. After a minute, he knocked again.
“I’m coming. I’m coming.” Could be heard through the door. Sondra recognized the voice.
Sondra looked at Zack. “Is that your grandmother?”
He nodded.
Just then the door opened to reveal a five foot tall woman with short dark curls framing her face. She wore zebra-striped leggings topped with a red button up shirt splattered with large orange, yellow, and blue flowers. Thick wool stockings went up to her knees over the leggings. Combat boots finished the ensemble.
Sondra stared a moment and then met Zack’s eyes. His eyes twinkled.
The woman standing in front of her no way looked like she was eighty-three. Sixty-five maybe.
“Granny, this is Sondra. We were married a couple of weeks ago.” Zack hugged her while he was making introductions.
“Come on in. I’ve been anxious to meet you. I was disappointed to have missed you at the funeral dinner. Jade said you’d be coming down to visit.” As she stepped back, she glared at Zack. “And why you wouldn’t invite me to the wedding, I have no idea.”
“I’m sorry Granny. We kind of decided to elope.” Zack looked like he’d been caught with his hand in a jar.
Granny reached out and patted Sondra’s stomach. “I heard about that, too. I can’t wait to meet my new great grandbabies.”
Sondra inhaled deeply. This was touching too many nerves.
Zack hugged his grandmother while sending a concerned look at Sondra. “We have a lot to talk about, but what I really wanted to see is that painting you were working on the last time I was here.”
“That was eight months ago. I finished that right after you left. I thought I showed that to you during one of our skype visits. I’m working on another one.” Thoroughly distracted, Granny led them through the entryway and up the stairs to her studio. She had several unfinished canvases stacked around the room as well as some sculptures and a few pieces of pottery.
Sondra looked around the room, her eyes wide. She stepped over to a familiar face. “You do beautiful work.” Sondra admired a portrait of Mitchell. “Is this one you finished recently?”
Granny nodded. “I finished that just a couple of days before he died. I was working on this one last time Zack came to visit.” It was another portrait. This one was of a woman.
“That’s Mom.” Zack offered.
“She’s beautiful.” Sondra moved closer to admire the painting.
“She is.” Zack agreed and then hugged Granny again. “You did a fantastic job of portraying her.”
“If I can’t leave anything else behind, I want to leave a piece of myself through my art.” She sounded matter-of-fact, ignoring all the praise, like this was just something you do.
“These are truly masterpieces. The only problem is that Jade and I will be fighting over these.” Zack frowned at his mother’s image.
/> “Oh. Posh. Stuff and nonsense. With today’s technology, you just take a pic and have it blown up on a canvas. Problem solved. You both have your own.”
Zack laughed. “I think you know too much about technology for your own good.”
Granny joined in his laughter. “It’s a good thing I’ve figured things out. I wouldn’t be able to stay in touch with you if I didn’t.”
“That’s true. Our weekly skype visits have been a lot of fun.”
“They have.” She reached over and patted his back, then she turned to Sondra. “Would you like to see the rest of the house?”
Sondra nodded and thought, Granny. That name undoubtedly suits her. As they followed her down the hall, Sondra noticed Granny’s hair was slightly askew. The vibrant, dark-haired woman marching ahead of her was wearing artificial hair. Somehow, it felt natural. Sondra smiled. Granny probably wouldn’t be caught dead without it.
The perfume trailing out behind her was a nationally-known label, if Sondra’s nose was working properly. It was one of her favorites.
They walked the length of the second story, which held five other bedrooms and three bathrooms, one attached to the master bedroom at the end of the hall. The room was dominated by a cherry queen-sized bed. The posts at each corner were elaborately carved and towered over Granny. A cheery patchwork quilt seemed to warm the room. An oak rocking chair in the corner was adorned with a sheepskin. Sondra indicated the skin with her chin. “Was that a family pet?”
Zack chuckled. “That was grandpa’s favorite addition to the room.”
“You would think it had decorated the Taj Majal.” Granny joined in his laughter. “I didn’t have the heart to get rid of it when Ibraham died.” She stepped over to the closet and opened the door. “I haven’t thrown out his clothes, either.”
The closet floor was lined with men’s shoes and worn cowboy boots. Pants, shirts, and suits hung in the closet. Dust puffed out as Granny touched the material.
“He’s been gone a dozen years. What are you waiting for?” Zack asked.
Lined With Silver Page 15