Heaven On Earth

by Constance O'Day-Flannery

  The woman looked once more around the bedroom and smiled knowingly. "Sí, I can see that."

  Casey could feel a betraying blush creep up onto her cheeks and she quickly looked down at her tray.

  As Juana moved to the door, Casey called out in a quiet voice, "Thank you for everything, Juana… You have been a good friend to me."

  "Gracias, Señorita Casey. It is a pleasure to serve you."

  The door closed and Casey dug in to her food with relish. Miracles… miracles… The one taking place in her life right now was mind-boggling. Last night seemed more than a dream. The memory of it still made her body vibrate with love.

  Love…

  Casey finished her eggs and sat back against the pillows. She thought she knew about love, but she had only scratched the surface of it. What an all-encompassing emotion. It was vast and she didn't see a limit at all. Last night when she'd had an orgasm, Casey had felt like she was love. It had saturated every atom of her, and when she couldn't contain it any longer, love had seeped out from her pores and just expanded into the room, beyond the room… into the night and whatever was beyond that. She was the love that went out there, wanting to share, needing to share. Receiving intense pleasure because she shared.

  She thought about the past when she had been in love. Then she had held that love close to her, protecting it, keeping it safe. Safe? Hell, she had smothered it! No wonder those men hadn't wanted to make a commitment. Now, through Luke, she realized that love was about freedom. There was safety in freedom.

  No wonder Luke had held back. He'd finally admitted his fear was loss of freedom.

  How could she share it with him when she hadn't even given it to herself?

  Now she could, and that was her miracle. The freedom to love without conditions. She knew Luke finally felt that from her, she knew she had healed the part of her that was so frightened of abandonment, of loss… so fearful of love. She hadn't understood. She had taken all her role models and mixed them up and had come up with the crazy thought that love hurts. It was really only her holding on too tightly that made it hurt.

  Love, real love, doesn't hurt. It's freeing.

  She looked down to her left hand and focused on her ring finger. She'd always thought when she united with someone it would be in a formal marriage… the dress, the witnesses, the ring… all the official marks of a legit union. She couldn't help laughing at herself.

  Last night, looking like a drowned rat, she'd joined forces with a man. So much for the white dress. There was no ring, nothing official, save a nun who, against everything her religion taught, could not deny the sincerity of their love and had pronounced them man and woman, united. She didn't need a ring. She didn't need anything now. She had what was most important. She actually was love.

  That woman in the car, listening to a man singing about trusting yourself… that woman was forever changed. She couldn't go back. It was as though she had emerged into a space that was much bigger and she couldn't make herself small enough anymore to fit back into something much tighter and confining. It just didn't fit any longer. She felt reborn in love.

  It sounded so corny and yet she couldn't deny the truth of it. If she was going to trust herself and this newfound freedom, then she had to be honest with herself now. She was altered. When the words to that song ran through her head again, she burst out laughing.

  "Okay, okay…" she said aloud, followed by the thought, I'm altered and I'm listening!

  She found she actually liked this new and improved model. Somehow she had a feeling it was only going to get better and better. Grinning, she picked up her fork to finish the now cooled breakfast. In her present frame of mind, it was delicious. Life was delicious. Everything was!

  Whatever this source Luke had tapped into, it was the best thing to come down the pike since… she thought about what to compare it with and couldn't find a single thing… since anything. No wonder it was unnameable.

  Luke had so lovingly helped her to make her own connection. And now she was a full-fledged time traveler. Jeez, this was certainly not the life experience of a rational, logical, linear-thinking accountant!

  She thought about the conversation she and Luke had had last night before they'd made love again. She'd collapsed into his arms and had fallen asleep with the sound of his heart beating against her temple. She hadn't even thought about what he had said earlier about her being in service now. Her worrying mind had been quieted and she'd only wanted to remain in Luke's arms while she slept. And oh, how she'd slumbered.

  Now the idea of being in service to something nameless, something that could present opportunities for her to do this again, was too much to handle. She didn't want to think about it, for something inside her said she wasn't ready… just yet. She was the rookie and needed some time to learn this stuff!

  A soft knock on the door stopped her mental wanderings. It didn't sound like Juana. She had a feeling it was a man on the other side of that door, and pushed aside her tray. Grinning, she ran her fingers through her hair and rubbed them over her face while calling out, "Come in."

  He walked into the room, wearing his blue chambray shirt and his dark trousers. His hair was damp, as though just washed, and he was carrying a yellow cactus flower.

  "Good morning, querida."

  She couldn't help the sigh that escaped her lips. Just looking at him caused her heart to expand. "Good morning, my love," she answered with a tender smile.

  Closing the door, he came over to the bed. He offered her the flower, and when she accepted, he bent down and kissed her forehead. "You look… delicious this morning."

  She giggled and held the flower to her heart as she reached up and hugged him. "Oh, Luke… Thank you, thank you, thank you…"

  "I must remember you love flowers so much," he said with a laugh.

  She let him go and grinned up at him. "I do love flowers, but I wanted to thank you for everything. For being here with me, for loving me, for showing me what real love is, for folding my clothes, and for watching my back like you always do. I love you. I love life. I love it here!"

  He sat on the mattress and faced her. "You are so beautiful," he breathed.

  Casey realized the cover had slipped down and she grabbed it up to anchor it under her armpits. Embarrassed, she blushed and wiped under her eyes. "I do clean up so much better. I must look a mess!"

  He gently pulled down her hands and looked into her eyes. Smiling, he said, "You look like a woman in love… exquisite."

  "Aww," she murmured. "Is it any wonder I love you?"

  "It is a wonder," he answered with a grin.

  "Oh! Speaking of wonders, my love… it seems everyone in Santa Fe is talking about your miracle."

  Shaking his head, he laughed slightly. "I've heard. It appears everyone loves a mystery."

  "Hmm, you think Sister Bernardina will keep your secret?"

  "I think she will. She is devoted to Saint Joseph and was the one who asked for the novena. To have it answered and credit given to her saint will only please her. And what does it really matter?"

  "It doesn't," Casey agreed. "Still, it will be hard to go to this celebration later and pretend I don't know anything, when I'm going to be standing next to the miracle worker."

  He smiled and Casey could sense something else was occupying his thoughts.

  "I don't think we'll be going to the celebration, my love."

  "We won't?" she asked.

  Again he shook his head and smiled at her as he placed his hands on her shoulders. She felt something inside of her and blurted out her thought.

  "This is it, isn't it? That's why you're dressed like that."

  He nodded solemnly, and she instinctively grabbed his wrists as she stared into his eyes. "I don't know, Luke… I love it here. I… I'm…" Her words were broken off by a distant rumble of thunder. "We're leaving, aren't we?"

  "Shh… Don't fear. Remember, we are only following the pattern and presenting ourselves for the opportunity. We must hurry
if we are to catch its unfolding."

  "Oh, Luke… I can't help it. I am scared. After last night…" She felt tears welling up in her eyes.

  "Last night will always be with us, anytime we choose to remember, querida. We're together right now, in this moment, and remember to trust what you know in your heart to be true. Everything is happening at exactly the right moment. Just relax, Casey… so you can enjoy the adventure."

  "I know you're right, but I've never had adventures like these and… I'm a rookie!"

  He chuckled and caressed her face. "Oh, my sweet one… you are never without guidance. Don't you know that yet?"

  Again she grabbed his hand. "I know, I know, but I'm so new at this! What if I screw something up and something happens and you and I aren't—"

  "Stop worrying, Casey," he said in a firm voice, as though to stop her chaotic thoughts. "We must hurry. Dress in your jeans and your sweater. Don't take anything from this time with you, not even this flower." He picked up the blossom and handed it to her.

  Clutching it in her hand, she watched him stand up.

  "Now, make sure you are wearing everything you came in with and—"

  "Luke!" she interrupted. "I'm afraid of the lightning."

  He cradled her cheek within his palm. "There is a controlled way to interact with such power, Casey. I would never let anything happen to you. Trust me. I told you you would be returned to your family when we were shown the way."

  Reaching up, she clung to his hand as she listened.

  "Mi amor, I believe we are being shown the time has come to leave. We must make our preparations. I have to take care of some things and I will come back here in an hour. We'll have to ride out to the desert, so I'll have a horse in the alley behind the house. We'll leave by the passageway and no one will see us depart."

  "Can I say good-bye?" Casey asked, swallowing down her tears.

  Luke smiled sadly. "I know how difficult this is for you, querida. You have become close with the others during this time, but they would not understand and it would be very emotional for you. We don't have time for explanations now. Perhaps it is best if we leave their lives quickly. Don Felipe knows this is my style and does not take it as an insult."

  "But Rosa…"

  "Rosa is in love, and love forgives any action, especially one that is done without malice. Besides, she knows of your love for her. Her father will help her understand it is not personal."

  "Yes," Casey reluctantly agreed. "I guess you're right."

  "Now I must leave you for a short while as I arrange for the horse. Use the time wisely and be ready in an hour." He again kissed her forehead. "You are safe, querida."

  "Yes," she affirmed, stunned by his announcement. "I was just thinking that before you came in the door."

  "Hold on to that thought, Casey," he whispered, kissing her lips. "And remember… it's an adventure."

  "Right," she muttered, and swallowed deeply. "An adventure…"

  He carried his heavy raincoat and his black cowboy hat, and held her hand as they stood before the wardrobe door. "You're not bringing anything with you? You're not leaving anything? You must be wearing the same underwear. Everything."

  "I am," Casey insisted nervously. It felt so weird to be wearing her jeans and cotton sweater again. Even her soft Italian flats felt strange on her feet. "The only thing I came back with was my wallet, and you gave that to me."

  "Where is it?"

  She lifted up her sweater and showed him it was tucked into her waistband.

  "Then we're ready."

  His words, spoken to reassure her, sent a shiver of fear through her body. "I don't know if I'm exactly ready, but I'm following you."

  Using his free arm, he hugged her and whispered, "No fear."

  "Right. No fear," she whispered back as thunder rumbled closer. She wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him tightly. "I love you, Luke. I trust you."

  He kissed the top of her head and said, "Thank you for your love and your trust. Now we must leave quickly, querida. The storm is fast approaching."

  She nodded and released him. Looking up, she watched as love filled his eyes and he lowered his head to kiss her. She felt renewed in his incredible love, and when they ended the kiss she breathed, "I'm ready."

  "Adelante, then," he whispered, squeezing her once more before opening the door. "I will lead you."

  She made sure all her lovely borrowed clothes were in order before slipping into the passageway and closing the hidden door behind her. Luke took her hand and together they walked sideways through the narrow opening. It seemed this time they made it through much more quickly, and Casey had no time to ponder as they hurried from the garden and out the back gate.

  She saw a brown horse, saddled and tied to an overhanging tree limb.

  "We're riding that? Together?"

  Luke chuckled as he pulled her closer. "Yes. Stop worrying."

  She almost laughed out loud. "Ah, we're not stealing this horse, are we?"

  Joining her laughter, Luke slipped his arms into his raincoat and stuck his hat upon his head. "I am not stealing this horse. It will be returned, as it's branded with the d'Montoya mark and Don Felipe is a man well respected. My friend will reward the person who returns it and know I have moved on. Now, come, my worrying time traveler. Let us ride."

  Her mind kept repeating, It's an adventure, it's an adventure…

  Fortunately, everyone in town was gathering for the celebration of the miraculous staircase. They rode out of town swiftly and unnoticed. Casey was reminded of everything she had experienced in Santa Fe, witnessing the birth of an Angel, the unexpected friendships, the bonding of like souls and love… all of it laced with love. It helped to take her mind off the jostling ride. She could see the lightning in the distance and winced as she clung to Luke's torso. Burying her face in the raincoat, she kept muttering, "It's all an adventure, an adventure."

  He patted her arm as they left the town behind, and the horse broke into a gallop as they headed out to the desert. Casey cast one last, loving look backward and clinging more tightly to Luke, reminded herself it was all worth it. No matter what happened now, she was a blessed woman. They rode hard for what seemed almost half an hour, and she felt sorry for the horse carrying their combined weight. She saw the mountains were closer and cringed as lightning crashed in the distance. She remembered the last time she had been there, and fear again raced through her body. She closed her eyes and tried to think of Amy, of her niece, of everything that awaited her in the year 2000, but her mind was playing pictures of a beautiful young woman with a stunning smile who crept into her bed and called her hermana. She couldn't just have left without saying goodbye. Surely the note she had left in the pocket of her skirt was harmless.

  Casey's eyes burst open as louder thunder seemed to rock the ground beneath them and she could see a flash of lightning crash into the desert. Oh dear God, they were riding into the storm.

  "Luke! Luke!" she called out to him as the wind picked up.

  "It's all right," he shouted back to her.

  "No… Luke, I… I left a note for Rosa."

  She could feel the muscles in his body tighten as he slowed down the horse. "You did what?" he asked over his shoulder as thunder crashed again, frightening not only herself but the poor horse.

  "I left a note saying good-bye to Rosa. I couldn't just leave and—"

  She couldn't explain more as a flash of brilliant white light seemed to surround them, and the horse reared up in fright. She grabbed Luke, yet found that her fingers slipped on the oily material of his coat and, unbelievably, she was sliding back off the horse.

  "Luke! Luke ...!" she screamed as her world tilted and she felt herself falling backward toward the ground.

  "Casey!"

  As though in slow motion, she watched Luke spin around in the saddle to reach out for her, but her hands seemed too heavy to move and she couldn't reach him as she continued to fall. Terrified, she felt herself suspended in t
his slow-time as she sank back toward the desert floor, away from Luke, and into a hard, painful thud on her back.

  The last thing she remembered was her head hitting the sand and flopping just once before darkness descended and wrapped her in oblivion. Moments later, as her head swam with pain and confusion, she thought she heard him calling her name.

  "Open your eyes. Wake up!"

  She wanted to wake up, to make the pain stop, to be held in his arms again…

  "Can you open your eyes?"

  She blinked and then abruptly closed them again to shut out the bright light shining in them. "Luke…?" Her mouth felt dry and her lips parched. Even swallowing was painful. And her head was throbbing…

  "Ma'am, you're going to be all right," a man's voice said to her. "Don't try to move now. We're cutting away your jeans."

  She forced her eyes open against the pain of the light and stared at the stranger with a helmet on his head. Confused, she could only mutter, "What…?"

  "Looks like you're lucky," he said with a reassuring smile, and Casey noticed that there were others, all helmeted and looking like firefighters, or policemen or rescue workers or… "Where… am I? What happened? Where's… where's Luke?" Even speaking was painful.

  "Luke? Someone else was with you?" He turned to a man who was looking at her wallet. "Look for another one," he shouted.

  More confused than ever, she heard sirens screaming, saw lights flashing and people kneeling around her, using scissors to cut the leg of her jeans and wrapping a big white collar around her neck.

  "Here's the ambulance," the kind man's voice announced. "We'll have you to the hospital in no time. You're a lucky lady."

  She tried to smile at him, but her gaze was searching the small crowd of people above her. Attempting to lift her head, she heard the man admonish her.

  "Don't move. We saw the burn mark on your heel and we're checking for any more burns, but we don't know yet and you could do real damage to yourself if you move now."

  "Luke, where's Luke?" she pleaded, too shocked to cry. Desperate, she reached out and clung to the man's arm. "You must find him!"