Gooseberry Island

by Steven Manchester

  In return, for David, life was placed back into perspective even more. A shared pride was renewed, reminding him that he’d once served a purpose higher than himself with people who also chose service over self—people who equally valued the crazy notions of patriotism, loyalty, courage and honor. Perhaps Max’s greatest reminder to them, though, was that they’d each helped pay the price for freedom. They’d paid by losing the embrace of a cherished brother, who was sure to serve as the guest of honor for many Veterans Days to come.

  Thank you, Lindsey, David thought as he drove home. It’s exactly what we needed to do.

  ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

  Within a few days, David received an email from Max’s mom:

  Dear David,

  When I went to the cemetery on Veteran’s Day, I was overwhelmed that you guys took the time to go to Max’s grave and leave what you did there, as well as to visit with him for a while. I saw the wreath and pictures, and I was touched at the thoughtfulness of you and your friends. Even though you experienced incredible horror in Afghanistan, it’s comforting to know you had each other and in the end, you are still brothers…that Max is loved and honored by his friends. He spoke of your ranger team with great fondness.

  A Grateful Mother,

  My love,

  Joan Essington

  He immediately replied:

  Dear Mrs. Essington,

  You are very kind, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Trust that your son was loved very much and still is.

  David

  ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

  Over the winter, David finally met Lindsey’s dad. They weren’t quite done shaking hands when Denis bluntly asked him, “Have you quieted your demons from the war?”

  “Dad…” Lindsey blurted, embarrassed.

  David waved her off and gave the man’s concern some considerable thought—until it bordered on an awkward moment. “I’m taking them head-on,” he finally answered.

  “Are you winning?”

  David shrugged. “Some days are hell, but it’s getting easier.”

  Denis nodded. “You keep fighting, you hear me?”

  “Yes sir.” David looked at Lindsey. “Until every one of them is silenced.”

  They settled down at the kitchen table with a bucket of fried chicken and all the fixings.

  As David and Lindsey started to leave, Denis pulled David off to the side. “Listen, David, you seem like a great guy. But my daughter…”

  “Is the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” he quickly answered, “and I won’t mess it up.”

  “And if you can’t silence those demons?” Denis asked.

  “Then I’ll walk away,” David said firmly. “There’s no way I’ll drag Lindsey down. You have my word on it.” His eyes filled. “She belongs in the light, not the darkness.”

  The old man shook David’s hand again, and this time he meant it. “My daughter was right about you,” he said.

  David’s eyebrow stood at attention.

  “You are a good man.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  Once they were alone in the freezing car, Lindsey turned to David. “I can’t imagine not sharing my life with you, David McClain.”

  He looked into her eyes and whispered, “You’re reading my mind now too?”

  ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

  Gooseberry Island in the spring was magical. Ancient oak and maple trees—sprouting new buds—lined the sidewalks, causing the concrete to buckle and ripple at each base and proving that Mother Nature’s roots were stronger than any man-made materials. White crushed-seashell driveways created aesthetic boundaries, while gas-lit lanterns illuminated the walks in front of each home.

  Early mornings were truly the most beautiful and serene. In the solitude of dawn, Lindsey thought, Even God feels close.

  While she sipped her morning coffee, she took it all in. Steam rose from a ground fresh with dew. Birds chirped, the wind sang in the trees and, for a moment, there was silence; it was a new day filled with hope.

  The sun peeked over the brim of the world to chase away a dark, shadowy horizon. Flowers turned their faces toward its welcomed warmth. Slight breezes played ping pong with the distinct smells of decaying leaves and wet earth—a reminder that the world was waking up again amid the sweet aromas of pancakes and coffee.

  Animals stretched out and began another day of fending for their young. Cars were started and pulled out of their respective driveways, dads and moms off to work to put food on tables and shoes on feet.

  The sky—a vast patch of baby blue—squeezed out the last of any gray clouds that remained. Gooseberry Island was a place where faith became reality every day—or could.

  Lindsey thought about David and how he’d also made it through some harsh winter storms. Although his body was nearly healed, more importantly his soul was on the mend and his spirit had finally returned to its true essence. He’s been knocked down about as hard as a human being could be, but he’s gotten back up, and that’s what defines the man I love, she thought, proudly.

  ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

  Life got busy and in the way, with David working more—as a draftsman apprentice at Luna Bella Architecture—and seeing Lindsey less.

  Deciding to resurrect an important piece of their past, where it all began, Lindsey emailed him at work.

  My Love,

  My heart is totally yours. As long as we give ourselves completely to each other, every moment we share will be magical.

  Just so you know, the man I marry will be the one I share the rest of my life with, all of me, in every way—until my last breath. And you are the man I will become one with.

  Lindsey

  He responded:

  Babe,

  I’ve missed you, too, but I’m always with you—never any farther from you than your mind. Close your eyes for a moment and there I am—wherever you want me to be.

  Sometimes we have to work in the present in order to enjoy the future.

  I love you completely and look forward to every moment we’ll spend together.

  David

  While Lindsey was at work, David headed over to her house to speak to her dad alone.

  Denis opened the door. “Oh hi, David. Lindsey’s still at work,” he said.

  David nodded. “I know, Mr. Wood, but I’d like to…”

  “Call me Denis, please.”

  David nodded and took a deep breath. “Denis, I love your daughter very much and would like to spend the rest of my life with her.” He took another deep breath. “And I’d like to ask your permission…”

  “I appreciate the gesture, David,” Denis interrupted, “I do. But I’m afraid I might have forfeited that right with some of the bonehead moves I’ve made. I wish…”

  David placed his hand on the man’s shoulder, stopping him. “Lindsey loves you very much, and she respects you a lot more than you realize.” He nodded. “And I also respect you and would never ask for Lindsey’s hand without your blessing.”

  While his eyes filled, Denis placed his hand on top of David’s—and simply nodded.

  “Yes?” David asked.

  “Yes,” the man said, fighting hard to keep his emotions behind the wall he’d spent years building.

  ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

  The doorbell rang. As she rushed to answer it, Lindsey nearly bowled her father over. It just has to be David, she thought.

  She tipped the young messenger and rushed the package into the house. For such a large box, it’s surprisingly light, she thought. Under the watchful eye of her curious father, she tore through the brown wrapping. The most beautiful dress she’d ever laid eyes on was hidden among the tissue paper. As she lifted the white lace into the air, a folded piece of stationary floated to the floor. She picked it up and read:

  Baby Cakes,

  Sometimes I say things I don’t mean—things I wish I could take back as soon as they leave my lips. There are times when I get frustrated and angry, unable to understand where you are. But then I wish I was right there
with you. Sometimes I’m stubborn and defensive, feeling as if I’ve lost control, but I must also remember to let go and trust. There are times I want to go to you, but for fear of rejection I hold my ground and do nothing. And that has always been the wrong decision. Sometimes I don’t listen as well as I should, failing to hear what you’re really saying, and I respond in ignorance.

  Lindsey, I love you, and because I love you I’ll try harder to understand, to have more patience and to always admit when I’m wrong.

  I saw this dress and thought of how beautiful you’d look in it. Please wear it tonight and meet me at Capriccio’s. I can be out of work by 6:00 and I’ll shoot right over. I can’t wait to see you.

  David

  P.S. I really do love you, Lindsey.

  Lindsey wiped her eyes and caught her father’s grin. She smirked.

  ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

  It was almost 6:30 when Lindsey screeched into Capriccio’s lot. She intended to be a few minutes late, but never expected it would take her so long to get ready. As much as she wanted David to wait, she also wanted him to gasp when he saw her. The valet attendant opened the car door, took one look at her and swallowed hard. She smiled. The extra time paid off, she thought.

  She expected the maître d’ to escort her right to David’s table. The older man smiled and handed over a dozen long-stem roses. “Mr. McClain called and said he was running late. He said that the card would explain.” Her father’s daffy smile covered the distinguished man’s face.

  Blowing a wisp of hair from her eyes, Lindsey reached into the baby’s breath and retrieved the card. It read:

  Babe,

  I would say that I’m sorry, but those would just be words you’ve heard before. This time, I’ll say I love you, a truth that lives within my heart. I do love you, and I want things to always be good between us—with no need for excuses or apologies, only room for laughter and the whispers we secretly share. Let’s always remember our love and return to it every day.

  Meet me at the Eagle for drinks. I can definitely be there by 7:00.

  I love you,

  David

  Lindsey looked at the maître d’, who continued to grin. “Did he say anything else on the phone?” she asked.

  “Not exactly,” the kind man muttered. “Just that he can’t wait to see you.”

  “It certainly doesn’t seem that way,” she said.

  As Lindsey reached the parking lot, she was surprised to find that her car hadn’t been moved an inch. The valet attendant opened the door and smiled sweetly. “Best of luck,” he said.

  “Same to you,” she replied, confused by the curious comment. Within ten minutes, she was at the Eagle.

  ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

  The Eagle was much less posh and sophisticated than Capriccio’s, but they served one heck of a margarita. Lindsey made a beeline to the lounge, grabbed a table in the shadows and checked her watch. I’ll give David ten more minutes, she decided. If he doesn’t show, I’m going home.

  The bartender sauntered over. “What’ll you have, miss?”

  “Margarita, no salt and a cup of ice on the side.”

  “Cup of ice on the side?” the man repeated, a silly grin dancing across his tanned face.

  “Yeah,” she confirmed, her sarcastic tone reaching toward anger. If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear that I’m playing the butt of some stupid joke, she thought. The man nodded once and turned on his heels. Lindsey checked her watch again and thought, David has seven more minutes. Looking down at the beautiful white dress, she shook her head. What a waste, she thought, and could feel herself getting upset.

  Within seconds, the bartender returned with a bottle of champagne. The smile never left his face.

  “I ordered a margarita,” she snapped and felt sorry for the outburst before the attack left her lips. “I’m sorry,” she added, quietly. “It’s just that my boyfriend was supposed to…”

  “Meet you here at 7:00, I know. He called a few minutes ago and asked that I pour you a glass of champagne. He also asked me to give you this card.” The man poured out the bubbly and handed her another of David’s cards. With a wink, he was gone. Lindsey reluctantly opened it.

  Sweetie,

  Please bear with me. There are going to be times when other things might seem more important to me than you, but you have to trust that they’re not. I love you more than anything in the world.

  I guess the rest is up to faith. I’ll be at the Dockside by 7:30. I’m hoping more than anything that you meet me. Please be there, and bring the champagne.

  David

  Lindsey stood and noticed that every patron in the bar was gawking. I was right, she thought, there is a conspiracy. Her first thought was to go home and put an end to David’s foolish game. Then it hit her. There’s no way he would have had the time to drop off both cards. This is something he’s planned. Looking back at the crowd, she smiled. This is something he’s planned very carefully. Her excitement made her legs start moving. Within minutes, she was in her car and speeding off to the Dockside.

  As expected, David was nowhere to be found. Instead, a white stretch limousine sat idling in the front of the dilapidated shack. The chauffer held a sign reading, LINDSEY WOOD. Her eyes watered when she saw it.

  With her dozen red roses and bottle of champagne, she climbed into the back of the car. The driver offered a familiar smile and handed her a tiny card. It read simply:

  Lindsey,

  I knew you’d come. I knew you’d do what it took to find me, again. Enjoy the ride. I’m waiting for you!

  All My Love,

  David

  Even though it only lasted minutes, Lindsey enjoyed the ride. As the car slowed to a stop, for the first time she stole a peek out the window. They were at the beach. David’s waiting somewhere in the dunes, she thought.

  The driver parked the car, opened the door and helped her out. “Have a great time,” he said. “I’ll be here when you get done.”

  Lindsey felt like hugging him for his smile. She’d seen it in the faces of many different people all day. Something big is up, she thought, and my quest is not yet complete. Grabbing her roses and champagne, she picked up her shoes and started for the ocean.

  A path of small seashells glimmered under a full moon of light. It was obvious. Each one’s been carefully placed. They were the last clue on David’s peculiar map. The row of shells looped and meandered through the shifting dunes until reaching several enormous conch shells, arranged in the shape of an arrow. Lindsey took a deep breath before stepping over the last dune.

  The sight nearly pulled her to her knees. David was seated at a small round table right smack in the middle of the beach. He was dressed in a black tuxedo, and he stood when he saw her. Their eyes locked and, even with the distance between them, Lindsey could see that his eyes were filled with tears. She hurried to him.

  On the table, with the help of a magical moon, a hurricane lamp illuminated two place settings, an empty vase and an empty ice bucket. Beyond the table, the lighthouse stood guard in the distance, keeping a bright eye on everything. Soft musical notes drifted on the gentle breezes, beckoning Lindsey to her thoughtful prince. Allowing herself permission to cry freely, she finally picked up the pace and sprinted.

  As she reached him, she expected him to embrace her. He didn’t. He dropped to both knees, grabbed her hands and blurted, “Be my wife, Lindsey, and spend the rest of your life with me.”

  Instinctively, she dropped to meet him in the sand. “Yes,” she answered through the sniffles. “I thought you were never going to ask!”

  David laughed and pulled her to him. “I love you,” he whispered.

  “And I love you,” she countered before gesturing toward the table. “And I love all of this. But why the treasure hunt?”

  “I wanted to let you know that this is the last time you’ll ever have to find me.”

  “So you’re mine now, all of you?”

  “I am,” he whispered.

  “G
ood,” she said with a giggle, “because this is the last time I chase you.”

  Between the laughter and tears, they kissed passionately. When they came up for air, he said, “I went to your dad to ask his permission for your hand.”

  Her body tensed in his arms. “And what did he say?”

  David smiled. “He said that he’s never seen you so happy, which is exactly what you deserve.” He kissed her forehead. “He said I could have both your hands.”

  After a long hug, he grabbed her hands, pulled her to her feet and led her down the beach. They stopped at the very spot of their first date, in the sand just in front of their park bench. David pointed and Lindsey looked down at a huge sandcastle sitting near the dunes.

  “Oh David,” she whimpered, and buried her face into his shoulder.

  “Every princess deserves a castle,” he said and grabbed her face to stare into her eyes. “I want to spend the rest of my life, every moment of it, with you on Gooseberry Island,” he told her and became completely choked up. “Falling asleep to the rhythm of the surf. And if either of us ever feels lost again”—he pointed back toward the lighthouse in the east—“there’s the light that will guide us home to each other. Neither one of us will ever have to feel alone again.”

  She began babbling but couldn’t speak past the emotion.

  “The sandcastle is only temporary,” he whispered. “We’ll work hard and save and build a house someday where we can raise our children and spoil our grandchildren.”

  She nodded. “Count me in,” she said and kissed him again. “David McClain, I fall deeper in love with you every day, and I’m so looking forward to spending the rest of my life trying to figure out why your eyes shine when you smile at me.”

  ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

  Minutes before David and Lindsey were going to exchange vows, she stood with her father—both of them taking a few deep breaths.

  “You look beautiful,” he said. “Just like your…” He stopped.