“No, just give me a good reason why I should say yes. After all, I never planned on marrying again.”
“I never planned on marrying at all.”
“Then why should we get engaged?” she asked.
“Other than the fact we have it on good authority that our marriage will be a resounding success and last a lifetime?”
“Besides that,” she replied with a smile.
“I’ll give you two reasons,” he said, putting a finger beneath her chin and tipping her face up toward his. “I love you with all my heart, and I know you love me. I can see the love shining in your eyes, and I can feel it in your touch.”
“But we haven’t known each other for long. We’re practically strangers.”
“So were Isaac and Rebecca.”
Sue pulled slightly away. “I’m not interested in having an arranged marriage.”
“Neither am I,” he said, moving closer. “Our marriage will be based on love. You’re everything I’ve dreamed about and more.” Rubbing her hand with his thumb, he asked, “Can you picture yourself with someone like me?”
“Truthfully,” she admitted, “that’s all I’ve been picturing for the last few days.”
Sue saw Sam’s eyes gleam as he leaned closer. She put a restraining hand on his chest. “But what about Danny? Are you willing to have a ready-made son?”
He nodded. “I know Danny’s part of the package, and I’m glad he is. He’s a good boy, and I’ll do my best to be a good father. I’ll make sure your—our—son feels happy and loved.”
“I know you will. You’re that type of man.”
Searching her eyes, he said softly, “So it’s settled? You’ll marry me?”
“I don’t know,” she said slowly. “I’m not sure I’d make a good pastor’s wife. I can’t play the piano or sing.”
Sam started to grin. “The church has a pianist and the choir loft is full.”
Seeing his smile, Sue sputtered, “Don’t you dare laugh! This isn’t funny! Would the Ladies Auxiliary expect me to lead prayer?”
“Probably,” he said with twinkling eyes. “But you can handle it.”
“I’m not good in Easter productions. The one time I was in a church play, I tripped against the scenery and made the walls of Jerusalem fall on the choir.”
Sam’s lips quivered. “I own a hammer. I’ll nail the scenery securely to the floor.”
Sue didn’t return his smile. “I can’t do so many things—I wouldn’t be useful to you.”
A droopy curl fell onto his forehead as he gave her a wicked grin. “I happen to have lots of uses in mind for you—none of which involve music or church dramas.”
Sue blushed hotly. “I’m being serious.”
Sam’s voice lowered to a husky murmur. “So am I.”
As he reached for her, she put out her hand to stop his advance. “I know we’d like to let our emotions take over, but we should think this through. Besides being tone deaf and clumsy, I feel faint whenever I talk in front of a crowd.”
“It’s a good thing I’m the preacher then.”
“Regardless, I’m not a churchy type of person—I’d rather wear blue jeans than dresses.”
“Me too,” he replied solemnly. “I don’t look good in nylons.”
Refusing to laugh, she muttered, “I hate sitting on front pews, and I’d be expected to.”
“Susie-Q,” he said, scooting closer, “if seating arrangements are all that’s keeping you from accepting my proposal then we’ll sit on the back pew.”
“You couldn’t do that!” she objected in a scandalized voice.
“Why not? If I’m sitting behind Edward Pruette, he won’t feel safe enough to doze off during services. Besides, walking down the aisle when it’s time to preach will make me feel important. I’ll enjoy the attention.”
As she fell silent, he smiled and reached for her. “So that’s it then? No more objections?”
Pushing his hands away, she said in exasperation, “Sam, you’re just not looking ahead! You should marry a woman who can help you at the church—not someone like me. A pastor’s wife should be the epitome of Proverbs 31.”
“Honey,” he chuckled, “I’m looking for a wife, not an associate pastor—and I’m definitely not looking for Ms. Proverbs 31. She’d intimidate the life outta me and likely be boring to boot. I don’t care if you lift a finger at the church. All I want is your love.”
Sue bit her lip and focused on the pulse beating rapidly in Sam’s throat. “It’s just such a big step,” she whispered, “and I’m not pastor’s wife material. I’ve struggled in my walk with God, and—”
He interrupted with gentle firmness. “Your struggle will help you relate to those who are hurting and confused. My congregants will love you just as much as I do.”
“But—”
“Shh! No more buts. Marry me and I promise to do my best to make you the happiest woman in the world.”
As he cupped her face and murmured tender words of love, Sue’s heart flipped over and danced. This time when he reached for her, she allowed herself to be gently pulled into his arms.
“I already am the happiest woman in the world,” she breathed against his chest. “You’ve made me that.”
“So you’ll be my wife?”
Nodding slowly, she said, “But only if you’re certain you want me.”
“I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.” Pressing his lips to her forehead, he whispered, “But how about you? You’re pretty enough that you could have any man in the world. Are you really willing to marry a backwoods preacher like me? I’ll probably never be rich or famous.”
“I don’t care,” she said. “I’ve never had much money, and the thought of being married to someone famous makes me shudder.”
“Will you be content living in Charlesberg? I have no desire to move to a bigger city, but if you—”
“I love small towns and enjoy being by the forest.”
“So do I.” He trailed a finger down her cheek. “I can’t believe you’re willing to marry me. You’re so lovely, and I’m not very good looking.”
Sue gave a sputter of laughter. “You’re so handsome that you make my knees go weak. Whenever I’m around you, I feel like I need to be using crutches.”
“I have a pair in my attic,” he said, chuckling with delight. “I’ll lend them to you.”
As Sue gave a gurgle of laughter, she saw his eyes suddenly cloud. After a moment, he said in a troubled voice, “You loved Bill very much, didn’t you?”
“You know I did.” She pulled back a little. “I loved him with all my heart—just like I love you. Is that a problem?”
“Love’s never a problem,” he said slowly. “But I may not measure up to your memories. I can’t replace Bill—I wouldn’t know how.”
Sue swiftly took his face in her hands. “I wouldn’t want you to try. Comparing you to my first husband would be silly.”
“I don’t want you to be disappointed. You deserve the best.”
“You are the best!” Nuzzling his chin with her cheek, she whispered, “I’m not trying to find a substitute for Billy—I want you for you.” Seeing a faint hint of insecurity in Sam’s eyes, Sue leaned close and murmured, “I happen to think you’re pretty terrific.”
As she echoed his own words back to him, Sam smiled. “Are you sure?”
“Positive. Billy was special, and I loved him dearly, but, Sam, you’re...”
“I’m what?” he coaxed.
Blushing wildly, she whispered against his chest, “Being with Billy was like being with a comfortable friend, but when you hold me I can hardly breathe. I’ve never felt...”
As her voice came to a smothered, breathless halt, she saw a pleased smile passing over Sam’s face. Kneeling in the tissue paper jungle, he raised her blushing face and lowered his trembling lips to hers. Their first kiss was gentle at first—like a summer breeze—and it was full of such sweet promise that it brought with it an aching pain
and a sense of wonder and delight. As their breath mingled, a peaceful feeling of harmony enveloped Sue. Sam held her even closer and slowly deepened his kiss. As her body began to tremble, he brought their kiss to a close.
Pulling back a little, Sue gazed into Sam’s eyes. Seeing that he was looking slightly dazed, she giggled softly. “I make your knees go weak too, don’t I?”
“You turn my bones into liquid goo.” As she cuddled close, his blue eyes twinkled. “I think I could get used to this. Is marriage just as nice as being engaged?”
“With the right person, marriage is even better.”
As Sue reached up and smoothed the droopy curl away from his forehead, Sam handed her the velvet case Poppa had given him. “This may not be what I think it is, but open it and let’s find out.”
Lifting the hinged lid, Sue gasped. Inside was a beautiful engagement ring with a large diamond surrounded by clusters of amethysts. Looking at Sam with laughing eyes, she said, “Twinkles and Poppa think of everything. It’s even my favorite color.” Her smiled deepened. “The night we met, Nathan said you were a slowpoke with women, but you certainly proved him wrong. Talk about a whirlwind romance! I didn’t know a man could move this fast.”
“If I remember right, Nathan also said that some enterprising girl was gonna have to light a fire under me to get me moving.”
“Is that what I did?”
Sam gently traced the contour of her lips with his thumb and whispered, “You not only lit a fire under me, you set me completely ablaze.”
Drawing her close, he kissed her again. Their kiss grew more passionate and demanding until the room seemed to spin. When Sam moved his lips to her neck, Sue shivered in delight. Snuggling down against his chest, she sighed in happy contentment.
Sam took the ring and slowly slid it onto her finger. “I never expected to fall in love. In fact, I was determined to stay single. I’m so glad God stepped into my life and brought me you. I love you, Sue.”
“I love you too,” she whispered softly. “I love you so very much!”
At her words, Sam gathered her tightly in his arms, and after they had kissed once more, they stood as if in a dream. Leaving the mounds of tissue paper behind them, they went to find Danny to tell him the good news.
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
“Excuse me, miss,” Rick said politely to the teenager sitting behind the reception desk at Fairfield Middle School.
Looking up from her magazine, the girl stretched and yawned. “Can I help you?”
“I hope so,” Rick said, looking over his shoulder at the police filling the principal’s office. He pulled his baseball cap lower over his face. “What’s going on around here?”
“I’m not supposed to say.”
Rick smiled. “I won’t tell. I promise.”
“Sure, you won’t.” The girl rolled her eyes. “Regardless, I can’t see why secrecy matters. What’s happened is all over the Charlesberg Gazette.”
“Care to fill me in?”
“Some jerk broke into the building a few nights ago and rummaged through student files. It’s been a gigantic pain in the neck putting things back in order.”
Rick leaned his elbows on the counter. “But why are the police still here?”
“Heightened security or something. Seems like a lot of bother over some stupid files, if you ask me.” She yawned again and snapped her gum. “Is there anything else you wanted to know?”
“I have an unusual request.”
“Well, lay it on me,” she replied, tossing her magazine aside and twisting the class ring on her thumb.
Focusing on the ring, Rick said in a charming voice, “I see you’re a woman in love.”
The girl blinked. “I’ve got a boyfriend if that’s what you mean.”
“It is.” Keeping his face turned away from the police, Rick said softly, “I’m in love too, and I need an angel to help me out.”
Rolling her eyes, the girl said in a bored voice, “Cut the malarkey. Whatcha want?”
“My high school sweetheart just got divorced. She’s staying with some friends while her house is fumigated, and I can’t track her down.”
“What’s that got to do with me?” the girl asked, blowing a bubble.
“She’s awfully careful about her son’s schoolwork. I’m sure she’s been calling for his assignments while they’re out of town. Do you think you could check?”
“Maybe. What’s her son’s name?”
“Daniel Winston.”
Turning to a stack of papers on her left, the girl nodded. “I have his assignments right here. His mom called a few minutes ago to get them.”
“What’s her phone number?” Rick said eagerly.
“She didn’t leave one.” As Rick’s face fell, the girl smirked. “But she was my last phone call—her number’s in the Caller ID.”
“Can you write it down for me?” he asked, glancing at the principal’s office. It looked like the conference was winding down. He needed to get the number and get out—he was out of time.
“Whatcha gonna give me if I do?” the girl asked slyly.
“How about my undying gratitude?”
“How ’bout twenty bucks?”
Rick nodded and pulled out his billfold. As the girl wrote the number down, he passed her the cash. “If Sue Winston calls again, don’t mention me. I want to surprise her.”
“No problem.” The girl yawned, picking up her magazine.
Rick turned swiftly and went down the hallway. He began to smile. All he needed was Internet access and he’d be able to turn the number into an address. And once he had that...
His smile grew.
* * *
A cheer went up from the crowd in the living room as William came out of the sick room with Gil in his arms. As he placed her gently on the couch, Danny rushed to cover her knees with a blanket. Seeing the way the boy was grinning, Gil knew something had happened.
“I got a surprise for you!” Danny shouted, confirming her suspicions. “A good one!”
“What is it?”
“I’ll show you,” he replied, running over to his mother and picking up her hand.
“Oh!” Gil gasped as the diamond in Sue’s ring sparkled and shot a fire of rainbows into the air. “I’m so happy for you all!”
“I’m pretty happy for us too,” Sue said, grinning widely.
Sam chuckled. “When time travelers tell a couple they’re meant for each other, the couple had better listen. After all, who are Sue and I to stand in the way of fate?”
“Who indeed?” Gil laughed. Turning to Danny, she said, “You told me your mom needed a new husband. I think we got her a good one.”
“You bet! Sam’s the best! And guess what? Mom getting a husband means I get a dad!”
As Sam smiled and put his hand on Danny’s shoulder, Sue laughed. “It generally works that way.”
Danny gave a little hop. “Sam’s gonna teach me martial arts, and pool, and baseball. Life’s gonna be terrific!”
“I’m sure it will be,” Gil said, feeling heart-glad at Danny’s pleasure.
“That’s not all the surprises for you, lovey-girl,” Twinkles said, crossing over to the piano. “The guys have been working on another one.”
Poppa, William, and Danny went and stood beside Twinkles. The old woman struck three notes, and they began to sing The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music in a beautiful three-part harmony. As their acapella voices blended flawlessly, Gil began to cry. Danny was singing the same song that she’d heard Death Row Daniel singing in his prison cell—it was the same song that had touched her heart and convinced her to pick Daniel Winston as her case subject. When the last note was sung, Gil clapped until her hands stung.
Running into her arms, Danny asked, “Did I do good? Are you proud of me?”
“Proud? I’m way past proud!” Giving Danny another hug, she glanced over at William. “You’ve been holding out on me. I didn’t know you could sing.”
“I�
�m not sure you can call what I do singing,” he replied. “Compared to these two, I just warble along. However, I enjoyed Poppa’s lessons.”
Twinkles gave Gil’s hand a pat. “When you were unconscious, we had to rope the doc into singing lessons. The poor man’s pacing was wearing a hole in my carpet.”
As Gil laughed, the oven timer went off. “That’s my cue,” Poppa said. “I hope everyone’s hungry. I made lasagna for lunch.”
“It smells marvelous,” Gil replied as her stomach rumbled.
Twinkles gave her husband an affectionate swat on his rear as he walked past. “Poppa’s lasagna is better than marvelous. He’s a wonderful cook.”
“Thank you, love,” Poppa replied as he went to the kitchen. As he took the bubbling lasagna out of the oven, a heavenly aroma filled the house.
While the men were busy talking in the kitchen, Twinkles whispered to Gil and Sue, “Poppa’s a wonderful cook now, but you’ve never tasted anything as ghastly as his lasagna when he first started making it. Just thinking about it gives me indigestion. His parents and I used to think of ingenious ways to dispose of his leftovers. We never actually buried any of his culinary attempts in the backyard—but we were mighty tempted.”
“Surely it couldn’t have been that bad,” Gil said with a laugh.
“It was worse! You’d never believe a man with Poppa’s IQ would have such a hard time figuring out which spices went with which foods. I had quite a battle convincing him that cinnamon and cayenne pepper couldn’t be added to every dish.”
* * *
That afternoon, William went into Gil’s room to carry her outside for some fresh air. The minute he walked through the door, Gil gasped and stared at him with wonder in her eyes. “Your beard!” she exclaimed. “The bristle brush is gone! Let there be dancing in the streets.”
Blushing a little, he asked, “Is my chin nice enough looking for you?”
Her lopsided dimples peeped out. “Well...”
“Come on, I haven’t been without a beard for years. Do I look okay?”
“Tell me truly,” she said mischievously, “did it take hedge clippers or a weed whacker to get rid of that ghastly thing?”
“Gil—!”
“More than hedge clippers? You poor man. Did you have to get someone to pull it out by the roots like a stubborn old onion bulb?”
Time Tsunami Page 29