She laughed as she placed her hand on top of his—a thing she now could do with ease. “Yes, I’d love to dance with you.”
The moment he led her toward the courtyard that now served as the dance floor, Jared picked up his microphone. “Here they come, ladies and gentlemen, our lovely birthday girl and the man who captured her heart. Let’s celebrate that, what say you?”
To the sound of applause, Martha wheeled out a very large, three-tiered cake, glowing from top to bottom with candles. Katie drew in a breath as she looked at William. He winked in return. This she had not expected and would rather not have had, thank you very much.
“Yes indeed, here she comes,” Jared said. “If you can’t see her for the crowd, she’s the one with the red face that almost matches her hair. The very one whose eyes are shooting daggers at me right now. Ouch. Geez, Katie, none of this is my fault. I’m just a guest.”
Justin grabbed his mic off the table. “Ah, but isn’t she adorable? How about we sing ‘Happy Birthday’ loud enough to wake the dead? Uh-oh, now I’m the one in trouble. That’s okay, I can take a hit for the team every now and again. Hey, check it out everyone! Her escort is laughing because he knows I’m right. Careful, William, that might get you in trouble as well. You know what that means, right? If not, it means no kisses later on, bro.”
Everyone laughed as William steered her toward the cake. As the crowd sang, she blew out the candles in one breath.
“Perfect! I hope you made a special wish, Katie, because I know William has. You see, he has requested a very special song for his very special lady. So while Martha cuts the cake for all you mortals out there, let’s get to it, shall we?”
The cheers, whistles, and applause died down as—much to her delight—“Unchained Melody” wafted through the speakers.
William wrapped an arm around her waist and took hold of her hand. As they swayed to the tempo of the music he gazed into her eyes. “Have I told you that I love you and that you look exceptionally beautiful tonight?”
Katie had chosen a semi-formal turquoise-blue, off-the-shoulder dress and accented it with the sapphire jewelry her parents gave her for Christmas. With the way he looked at her right now, it made her happy she took extra time with her hair and makeup. She smiled. “Thank you, kind sir. I love you too, and you look pretty good yourself.”
He did look good too, dressed in a black, western-style suit, white shirt, and tie. As always, his flirty grin sent her blundering butterflies into some sort of out-of-control, topsy-turvy free-for-all. She hoped that would never change.
“Thank you kindly, ma’am.” He gathered her a bit closer. “So tell me, are you enjoying your evening?”
“Yes, I am and not just because it’s my birthday. Take a look at everyone here, William. They all look so happy. I’m so glad they can share this moment with other couples just like them.”
“Me too—and to think you had a hand in creating some of the joy you see right here tonight.”
“We had a hand in it,” she corrected.
“Ah, but if not for your one very special, out-of-the-ordinary request, the work we have undertaken would never have happened.”
“I’m still amazed General Thomas granted us permission. I actually didn’t expect it. Apparently he is as kind and compassionate as the history books all say he is.”
“I won’t argue with the history books on that point. Besides, General Thomas thinks it’s good for the morale of those who’ve struggled far too long. If you stop and consider it, it’s kind of an extension of what your future plans are anyway. So why not help the veterans you can now? Regardless of the general’s reasons, I’m not about to question our good fortune. We’ve had far more time together because of it.
She wouldn’t question it either. If anything, she hoped their work would continue until she drew her last breath. Even then, it still would be fun to help soul mates find their way to each other.
After “Unchained Melody” ended, the twins followed up with “Love is a Many Splendored Thing” and “Twelfth of Never” as William had asked. He had sung those songs to her as they danced on Christmas evening. That part of her Christmas day she would always hold dear to her heart. What followed shortly thereafter could sink into the outer depths of oblivion for all she cared. As “Twelfth of Never” faded out, William led her toward the edge of the dance floor. From there, they slipped into the shadows.
“Want to take a little walk with me along the beach?” He gave her a roguish grin as he cocked his head toward the ocean. All the while his eyes danced with mischief. “I found a place that no one else has invaded as of yet tonight. In this place we could be all alone.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that,” she teased. “Is such a place safe?”
He shook his head ever so slightly. “Can’t guarantee it.”
“Hmm. Well, it is my birthday. So far everything has been perfect. So I suppose I can afford a small risk.”
“Might not be so small,” he countered.
“Now you have me intrigued.” She kicked off her shoes and abandoned them at the far edge of the lawn.
Hand in hand they strolled along the sandy beach without a word passing between them. Right now they weren’t necessary. Not when they simply enjoyed each other’s company.
After a time, Katie gazed up at the radiance of the night sky. The full moon and stars appeared far more brilliant than what she had ever seen them before. The sound of the lazy ocean waves as they crashed onto the shore made for a wondrous melody. For her love of the ocean, Rachel chose this venue as part of her birthday gift. For the beautiful memories her friend created tonight, Katie could never thank her enough.
She took in a deep breath of the heady brine as she closed her eyes. “The night is so beautiful, don’t you think?”
“Yes, it is.” He halted her steps and turned her toward him. “I conjured it especially for you, don’t you know.”
She hid her smile. “You did?”
William chuckled. “Yes, but only if you think so. Still, I’ll have you know the night is not half as beautiful as you are.”
Before she could respond to the compliment, he cupped her face and joined his lips to hers. At once he dropped his hands and wrapped his arms around her waist. He cuddled her close to his chest. She could swear she felt every portion of his body as if he were mortal. The warmth between them amazed her. One wondrous kiss turned into two and then three. Her heart swelled with the love she had for her soldier.
He broke away long enough for her to catch her breath and then he kissed her again. “I have a gift for you, but I’m not sure I should give it.”
“Why not?”
“Because it just might freak you out. On the other hand—”
She lifted her hand. “I promise you I won’t get freaked out, so give it up already.”
“What I have to show you isn’t like the other visions I’ve shared. This one is a future event. Do you think you can you handle it?”
Katie wrapped her arms around his neck and laughed. “Why don’t we both find out?”
He chuckled. “Why don’t we just—”
****
As William leaned down and kissed her, a brilliant, incandescent light flooded her mind’s eye. Within the light, a lovely pink and white bedroom shot into focus. Dainty floral wallpaper decorated the walls from floor to ceiling. On the wall to her left, she spied a large framed picture of William. She had never seen the photograph before. Someone must’ve taken the picture before he entered the service. He wore a pair of jeans and a two pocket shirt that she guessed may’ve been beige in color. He had a booted foot propped up on an old wooden fence. His crossed arms rested upon his knee. With his cowboy hat tilted upward, he sported a charming grin for the camera. Her heart fluttered as she gazed at the portrait.
On the right hand side of the room there were pictures of her family hanging in small clusters above her bureau. On top of the bureau sat many of her personal treasures. Some of them she kne
w well, some she had never seen before. Nonetheless, she knew without question they all meant a great deal to her.
She gazed out of the open French doors. A warm breeze played with the white, sheer curtains that hung from them. While they swung to and fro, Katie inhaled the rich scent of honeysuckle mixed with roses. She gazed out over the ocean from what had to be the second floor of the home. The beauty of the rolling waves that tumbled onto the shore had a soothing effect on her soul.
William appeared at her side then. As he approached her, he gave her that grin that never failed to awaken her kaleidoscope of butterflies. Before she could say a word, he offered her his hand. “Are you ready to go home, my love?”
Home? Did he mean—? Excitement filled her entire being as she placed her hand in his. “Oh, William, is it finally time to begin the forever part of our life together?”
His grin grew ever broader as he gazed into her eyes. “Yes, my love, it finally is.”
She let go of a breath as tears filled her eyes. “I’ve been ready for that since the first day we met.”
“Come on then, let’s go. I have so much I want to show you.”
She didn’t give her mortal body so much as a passing glance. In the mere blink of an eye she passed through a dazzling crystal portal that must surely be made of the most brilliant starlight. Once on the other side of it, she and William walked down a luminescent fairy path. The same fairy path she’d seen in a vision on a Christmas evening so long ago. This time, William turned in the opposite direction of where their magnolia tree stood. There along the side of the pathway, she saw a beautiful park filled with trees and flowers. Her parents and grandparents were there awaiting her arrival, as were Rachel and Don. A host of friends and family who had gone on before were also in attendance. Each of them welcomed her with smiles and open arms.
After the short celebration ended, William once again claimed her hand. As they continued their stroll along the path, she gazed at the unbelievable beauty of the luxuriant meadows on either side of the walkway. Beautiful horses grazed in the meadow to the right. She could see Warrior and Miss Scot among them. As she searched for Shahar, her gorgeous Saddlebred pinto bolted from the middle of the group and ran up to greet her. She knew now what William meant by that sweet reunion he had with Warrior, for she had one now with the dearest horse she had ever had.
After she gave her mare the affection she craved, they continued their journey. Magnificent trees in countless varieties beautified the path. So did the unimaginable splendor of the flowers in every shape and hue. They seemed to have grown in wild abandon everywhere she looked. Their fragrance was indeed, something to die for.
William gave her a nudge. With a nod of his head, he directed her attention toward the opulent home up ahead. “That one is ours. Does it meet with your approval?”
Her mouth dropped as she gazed at the amber walkway that led to the doors of their home. The white marble facade surrounded a multitude of square paned windows that reflected the light. Ornate pillars, such as she had never seen before, circled the home.
“Oh, William. Never in my wildest dreams have I ever imagined anything so exquisite.”
William stopped shy of the large double doors and opened them. At once he picked her up in his arms and carried her over the threshold. She felt like a bride with her groom. Without releasing her from his arms, he kissed her as he had never kissed her before. That kiss caused an unquenchable fire to burn deep within her soul. A fire that encompassed every aspect of the wild, fierce, passionate love they shared. A love that at the same time also spoke of gentle tenderness and deep commitment for and to each other. Another such kiss followed.
****
William broke the kiss and flashed a devilish grin. “I think we better stop this vision right here, before I get in trouble.”
As the vision closed, she breathed out a sigh. She hated the scene to end. How she wished she could live in the moment forever.
With a gentle touch, he caressed the side of her face. “There you go, happy birthday, from me to you.”
“Thank you so very, very much.” She gazed into his eyes. “Will it truly be so?”
“I promise you when the day comes, you will love every moment of it—and then some.”
“Please tell me. How long will I have to wait for that day to arrive?”
He chuckled. “I’m so sorry, my love. I can’t tell you the exact time or place. If I should do such a horrendous thing, I might risk everything we have right now.”
“Can you at least tell me the location of the house where I’ll draw my last mortal breath?”
He shook his head. “Sorry. I’m sure you’ll figure it out yourself someday.”
“Then in fair exchange, I want the picture of you I saw on the wall.”
“That I can arrange.”
She nodded. “Okay, I can live with that. As long as we are together as we are now for the rest of my life, I won’t mind the wait. Besides, we still have a lot of work to do, right?”
“Indeed we do, and once you return home, we’ll get right to it. You see, Bartholomew has asked us for a little help.”
She gasped in delight. “Bartholomew? Finally, after all of this time?”
“After all this time he found the one he’s been searching for. She needs a little nudge in the right direction, though.”
“Oh, I’m excited to get started. Where are we headed?”
“A little village called Cherry Valley in Otsego, New York.”
“Sounds like my cup of tea. Can we begin the preliminaries tomorrow?”
“I don’t see why not.” He paused for a moment as he searched her eyes. “I won’t regret giving you my birthday gift, will I? I mean, you’re sure you won’t mind waiting for our own happily ever after?”
“Not if you kiss me now, I won’t.”
He complied. Her butterflies soared higher than they had ever soared before. She let them go without a fuss.
Instead, the joy within her grew. No, she wouldn’t mind the wait. Because in the meantime she knew with the passing of each day—just as they had since that wondrous day in Normandy—they’d fall deeper and deeper in love.
A word from the author…
Making an impossible love quite possible after all…
I am an author of paranormal and fantasy romance. I have (and have always had) a soft spot for fairy tales, the joy of falling in love, making an impossible love possible, and happily-ever-after endings. I love music, art, beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and thunderstorms.
When I’m not busy conjuring my latest novel, I spend time with the members of my very large and nutty family here in the lovely, arid deserts of southern Nevada. I also pursue my interests in family history, mythology, and history.
Visit me at www.dk-peterson.com
~*~
Other Debbie Peterson titles
available from The Wild Rose Press, Inc.:
Bound by Oath and Honour
Court of the Hawk
Spirit of the Knight
Spirit of the Rebellion
Spirit of the Revolution
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Love Letters from Heaven Page 23