by JoAnn Durgin
He spent as much time with her as humanly possible. Their families often dined together. He and Sarah also double dated with Tess and Charlie, Debbie and Arnie, Candy and Randy, and a few others. Sam smiled as he recalled how Randy bounded up the stairs of the town gazebo at the Fourth of July ice cream social and announced his intention to date Candy Wright. “She’s my Miss Wright, but I’m not going to rush things,” he’d announced, prompting everyone to laugh and clap.
He’d taken Sarah to his cousin’s ranch across the state the previous weekend. The image of her galloping on a stallion, her long blonde hair flying in the wind behind her, would forever be imprinted in his mind. Was there anything the woman couldn’t do? Much to his surprise, she’d gone nuts over the sight of him wearing his Stetson and chaps. Who knew? He’d helped out on the ranch while Sarah helped the other ladies cook dinner. When he’d come back inside the main house, all disgustingly sweaty, dusty and dirty, she’d thrown her arms around him and kissed him with such passionate abandon that he’d wanted to whisk her to the nearest pastor and beg him to do the honors. She’d taken to wearing his Stetson in recent weeks—perching it on her head, prancing, and teasing him. He couldn’t wait to make her his bride.
Sam broke out of his musing when he spied the sheriff’s official vehicle coming toward him on the dirt road. After pulling the car to a stop, Tommy waited for the dust to settle before coming around to the passenger side of the car and opening the door for his beautiful fiancée. Sarah stepped out of the car, and what a vision she presented. As soon as she spied him, with Caty parked behind him, she broke into a wide smile. With a few parting words to Tommy, Sarah slowly walked toward him.
The woman could walk like none other. Not strutting, not floating, but the personification of perfect posture with her head held high and her shoulders squared. Her brown dress sported white polka dots and—tied at the waist with a brown bow—might appear drab and lifeless on any woman but Sarah. Same as with her Perry’s Diner pink uniform. A thin, off-white scarf was draped loosely about her neck, the ends flying in the wind, rendering Sarah the epitome of classic, timeless elegance. In one hand, she carried a cluster of wilted, pitiful-looking daisies.
Standing in front of his plane, Sam was content to simply watch her.
This woman is mine. How did I ever get so blessed?
Her hair was pulled in back in the usual loose bun like she preferred. Setting her hair free from that bun had become one of his favorite things in life. Once they were airborne, Sam hoped she might allow those glorious blonde waves their freedom to tumble about her shoulders.
“Something wrong?” Sarah stopped six feet away. “You’re looking at me a little funny.”
He gave a slight shake of his head. “Counting my blessings and admiring you.”
“Thank you.” The slow flush started on her neck and crept up into her already rosy cheeks. “It seems like the perfect day to fly.”
He took her hand and assisted her up onto the steel runner and then into the seat. Quite a feat in her pretty dress, but she managed with style and aplomb.
“That was quite an adventure in itself.” She laughed, straightening the skirt of her dress and arranging it around her. “I guess pants might have been a better choice.”
“The view’s much better this way,” he said with a wink as he climbed into the pilot’s seat beside her. “You’re right about the weather. Very little breeze and not many clouds.” He made sure she was secure and then pulled his harness across his body, fastening it. “Are you nervous?”
“Not at all.” She gave him a tight smile. “Any reason I should be petrified of falling to my death from this plane?” Her face blanched. “Please tell me you’re not planning any aeronautical acrobatic stunts. If that’s the case, I’ll stand on the ground, content to watch, wave and blow you kisses, thank you very much. Soaring through the clouds without leaving the ground.”
Sam brushed the back of his hand across her cheek. “No stunts today, promise.” Reaching for the instrument panel, he began the preparations. He needed to stay focused on getting the plane into the air and giving her the ride of a lifetime in his treasured plane. The innate tomboy in Sarah would love it. He couldn’t wait to hear the delight in her voice and witness her joy when they lifted into the air for her first plane flight.
Wait a minute. He did a double take. Sarah wasn’t wearing her engagement ring. He frowned. “Sarah, baby, where’s your ring?”
“It kept slipping around on my finger, so I took it to the jeweler to be resized. I’m sorry. I didn’t get a chance to tell you. Rest assured, the ring’s fine, and I’ll have it back in place in a few days.”
He blew out a breath. “Have to say, I’m relieved. Okay, then, what do you say we see what Caty can do? Ready?”
“Sam, wait.” Sarah put her hand on his arm.
He paused in his pre-flight check of the controls. “Second thoughts?” A sharp pang of disappointment shot through him. Maybe she wasn’t as daring a girl as he’d thought.
“No, but I’d like to pray first.”
“Of course.” Exhaling a breath of relief, Sam took hold of her hand. “I usually pray before takeoff, as a matter of fact, but present company has me inordinately distracted.”
“Why do you keep saying things like that?”
“Because you make me a little crazy, that’s why.”
A smile teased the corners of her lovely mouth. “Crazy is as crazy does.”
“True enough, and that’s why we’re so good together.” He lightly skimmed his finger over her ring finger, knowing the diamond wouldn’t be back in place soon enough for him. “Let’s pray.”
In his prayer, Sam asked that he’d be able to maintain full control of the plane at all times. She squeezed his hand when he prayed to keep her nerves calm and that she might enjoy the flight.
“Here. You’ll need to put these on,” he said after ending the prayer. Handing her a pair of goggles, he helped position them over her head and then made the necessary adjustments.
Sarah watched his every movement—every turn, twist and flip of the controls. Her eyes widened even more when the engine rumbled and the propeller started its rotation.
He strapped on his goggles and gave her a wide grin. “Away we go!” Sam relished the anticipation in her expression as he guided the plane down the runway. Her smile grew wider as the plane picked up speed and then slowly lifted into the air.
“Oh, my.” Sarah tentatively peered over the edge of the plane a minute later and then squeezed her eyes shut.
“Everything okay, baby? Take a few deep breaths, in and out.”
She appeared to take his advice as her chest rose and fell. “I’m fine.” Opening her eyes, her dark lashes fluttered on her flushed cheeks. “Thanks. That helped.”
Sam wanted to kiss her as much as he’d ever wanted anything in his life, but he could kill them both if his attention was distracted. Maybe this plane ride wasn’t the best idea. Then again, perhaps it was the best idea in the world. Her scarf flew about in the wind, blowing wildly, and she finally unwound it and tucked it beneath her. Sarah’s silky blonde hair loosened with the force of the wind, tumbling about her shoulders and whipping around her face. After a few futile attempts to contain it, she laughed and gave up her efforts to smooth it down.
Sam pointed out the aerial view of a few Rockbridge landmarks—notably the bank, City Hall, Tucker’s General Store, Hartmann’s Hardware, and Perry’s Diner. He’d told Myrna and Jimmy he planned on flying above them at about this time, and Sarah’s squeal confirmed they stood on the ground, waving as they passed by. “Fletch and Sally are with them, too! And Eddie! And, look, it’s”—she leaned a little too far over the edge for his liking—“Perry Sellers. Oh, this is so great!”
Sarah practically jumped up and down with her enthusiasm. In some ways, she was like a small child with her brown eyes bright, smiling and laughing, her voice filled with excitement as she pointed out more familiar sights.
“It’s Thornton’s Creek! Oh, it’s so pretty from up here!” In that moment, a strong gust of wind hit the plane, forcing him back to reality. Sam fought to keep the plane steady. He needed to show Sarah he was a skilled pilot and that she could trust him.
“Whoa! Everything all right?”
“We’re fine. Just stay in your seat. No worries,” he said, keeping his voice steady and firm. If only he could rein in his thoughts as easily as his plane. Giving her a smile, he winked.
“Thank you for one of the most thrilling rides of my life.” Sam helped her down from the plane a few minutes later and then drew her into his arms.
“You’re welcome. I love your enthusiasm, as always.”
She appeared somewhat contrite and flattened her palms against his chest. “Sam, I owe you an apology. I had no right to accuse you of being afraid. I’m sorry.”
“No, you were right. Maybe afraid isn’t the right word, but it was more like I didn’t trust in my own abilities. My confidence was shaken, and I doubted myself. I can do all things—”
“Through Him who strengthens you.”
Pulling him toward her, Sarah gave him the kind of kiss he’d been thinking of all day. The kind of kiss he’d be dreaming of for a long time. He loved that she took the initiative as often as he did.
“Marry me, Sarah.”
She giggled. “You’ve already asked me that, silly man.”
“I don’t want the most beautiful girl in the world to forget it, either. I’m going to keep asking you right up until the day.” He kissed her cheek. “We have a date to get hitched in Rockbridge Community Church at eleven in the morning on Christmas Eve.”
“I don’t think you need to be worried.” She gave him another long kiss he’d never forget. “It’s a date, Captain.”
Chapter 44
♥
On December 24, 1962, eight months after his return stateside, U.S. Air Force Captain Samuel Joseph Lewis married Sarah Jane Jordan in Rockbridge Community Church. Pastor McDonald performed the ceremony. Tess and Debbie served as Sarah’s attendants, and Charlie and his father stood with Sam. At Sarah’s request, Sam wore his Air Force dress uniform. Sarah wore a simple, white silk organza, off-the-shoulder, scooped neck gown with a short veil edged in Belgian lace, and she carried a bouquet of red, white and pink roses.
After a lunch and reception at Quentin’s with their close friends and family, Sam and Sarah drove out of Rockbridge—tin cans tied to the bumper and Austin or Bust—Newlyweds on Board written on the back window of Volvo.
♥
After entering The Driskill Hotel a couple of hours later, Sarah twirled in a slow circle. “This is so beautiful!”
Sam moved his arm around her waist and pulled her close. “I’ve never stayed overnight, but I had a meeting here in the hotel a few years ago, before I went overseas. The plaque on the wall outside said it was built in the 1880s by a cattle baron.”
“That’s right, Mr. Lewis.” A bellman pulled a cart behind them with their bags. “Colonel Jesse Driskill. The hotel has a rich history.” Pride infused the older man’s voice.
Sarah stared in wonder at the magnificent, lavishly decorated Christmas tree. Garlands of holiday greenery adorned with red bows draped the elegant grand staircase, and tiny white lights twinkled from the mezzanine balcony and at various points around the perimeter of the massive lobby in the historic downtown building.
A woman played “O Holy Night” on a harp in one corner as Sarah’s steps echoed on the beautiful inlaid marble and tile floor. Her gaze traveled upward to a colorful, stained-glass light fixture, quite possibly a Tiffany, hanging from the ceiling near the Christmas tree.
Sam took her hand as they walked together toward the front desk. As the bellman directed them to the bank of elevators a few minutes later, Sarah noticed a group of children lining up on the staircase.
“Are the children going to sing now?” she asked the bellman.
“Yes, Mrs. Lewis. We can wait, if you’d like to hear them.”
“I’d like that.” Mrs. Lewis. She loved the name, loved the man more.
Sam stepped behind her, wrapping her in his arms. “You didn’t ask your husband if he could wait,” he whispered, his voice teasing as he pressed his warm lips to her temple.
Turning her head and lifting her chin, Sarah met his waiting lips in a kiss. “Not long, my love. Humor me, please.”
“Not a problem, but if they sing more than three songs, I’m carrying you upstairs myself. All five flights.” Sam chuckled, but then he quieted as the children began to sing “Silent Night.”
Allowing the words of the old hymn to flow over her, Sarah closed her eyes and breathed a prayer of thanks. Thank you, Lord Jesus. For coming to earth as a tiny baby, for living as a man and walking among us, for dying on the cross to save us from our sins, and for life eternal.
“Amen,” Sam said. Scary how often the man could read her mind. In this case, however, it was more than nice. He tightened his hold on her, and Sarah swayed in his arms as they listened to the sweet voices of the youngsters.
♥
The Next Morning
The Yellow Rose Suite, The Driskill Hotel
After enjoying a sumptuous breakfast in the dining alcove of their fifth floor honeymoon suite, Sam carried his wife back toward the bedroom. This morning, his gaze barely registered the marble entryway, floor-to-ceiling windows, crown moldings, hardwood floors, and inviting décor in rich shades of gold, ivory, brown and yellow. Sarah had taken an excruciating amount of time yesterday, running around and checking out all the antique furniture, tapestries and the fanciest bathroom he’d ever seen.
He’d enjoyed her enthusiasm, especially when she’d finally moved into the bedroom with the huge poster bed and discovered a single, long-stemmed yellow rose resting on the overstuffed pillows. Dropping into a chair, Sam listened with an amused smile to her chatter, partly due to nerves, he suspected. When she seemed to run out of things to say, he’d risen to his feet and pulled her into his arms. The things they’d whispered, the things they’d shared during the rest of the night, he’d treasure in his heart for the rest of his life.
God, you are so good to me. Thank you for the gift of this woman.
Sarah sighed as he lowered her onto the bed. “I’m going to hold you to the promise that I’ll finish nursing school, no matter what comes. And lots of foot massages.”
“I want that for you, too, and I always keep my promises. I have a Christmas gift for you.” She watched as he walked to his suitcase and pulled out a festively wrapped, square package. Crawling onto the bed beside her, Sam held it out to her. “For my beautiful wife.”
Her pleasure of seeing the wrapped gift, not knowing what the box held, made Sam smile. He couldn’t wait to see her reaction. “Go ahead. Open it.”
“Let me open the card first.” Carefully sliding her finger along the edge of the envelope, Sarah lifted the flap and pulled it out. She scanned the printed sentiment and then gave him a quick kiss. “Thank you.”
Within seconds, Sarah stared at the book in her hands with obvious astonishment. “Sam, is this what I think it is?” Moving one hand over her heart, her gorgeous brown eyes were wide as she stared at him.
“If you think it’s a first edition of To Kill A Mockingbird, signed by Harper Lee, you’re right. The movie’s out now, by the way, and I’m going to take you this week. I hear it’s pretty good, and from all reports,
Gregory Peck does a great job in the role of Atticus.”
“I can hardly wait.” Sarah reverently thumbed through the book, and then clasped it to her chest. “I’ll treasure this gift always, especially because it means so much in terms of our own story.” She picked up the elaborate bookmark he’d nestled inside the book. “For my special Tomboy. Love, Captain Lewis.”
A tear slipped down Sarah’s cheek. “This is the most beautiful gift anyone’s ever given me. Thank you. That seems so inadequate, and I feel horrible that I don’t even have a gift for you. Forgive me. I promise I’ll make it up to you. We can pick out something in the next few days.”
Sam absorbed the moisture from her tear with his thumb. “Sarah, don’t you know? You’ve already given me the most precious gift in the world.”
“I have?”
“Yes,” he said, running his finger down the length of her cheek. “You.”
Putting the book on the bedside table, he cradled her close and enjoyed the benefits afforded a married man as he caressed his wife and murmured how beautiful she was. Nuzzling her, he realized the scruff from his morning beard must be rough on her tender skin. “Shall I go shave? Brush my teeth?”
“Later.” Smiling, Sarah loosened her robe and then opened her arms to him. “Welcome home, Captain Lewis.”
Resting in one another’s arms later in the morning, Sam felt her smile, heard her satisfied sigh. “What are you thinking?”
“About our children.”
“Tell me.”
“Don’t ask me why, but I believe our firstborn will be a son. He’ll be tall and strong, a man of God, just like his handsome daddy.”
“Lord, help him.” He chuckled and nestled her closer, loving her warmth, her softness.
“Oh, He will. Maybe we’ll have more than one son, and at least one daughter.” Tracing her finger in a light, circular pattern on his chest, Sarah leaned her head on his shoulder.
“How many children are we talking?” He buried his lips in her sweet-scented hair.