by Leah Leonard
Oh no! That queasy feeling was starting to evolve into full-blown panic. “What are you doing?”
Before Stephanie could react, Buck fell to one knee and gazed up lovingly at her. “I know this isn’t the most romantic timing. It’s not how I wanted things to be, and I know you wanted to wait awhile, but Stephanie, having you gone made me realize I love you, I can’t live without you, and I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?”
***
Uri arrived at the Athens airport armed with the information about Stephanie’s flight. Unfortunately, passengers were already boarded and the gates were closed.
“I should like to purchase a ticket,” Uri told one of the gate attendants as he pulled his wallet out to pay.
A young girl behind a ticket counter tried to calm him down. “I’m sorry, sir, however it is too late for that. The gates are closed and I’m afraid we can’t sell any more seats.”
In reality, Uri would be better off taking his jet to the States, but he had to try and see her now. “I shall pay whatever fees you require and I do not need to actually board the plane.”
“I apologize, however only ticketed passengers may board the plane for security reasons. I might suggest you take the next flight instead.”
“When is that?” he asked.
“Tomorrow at this same time.”
“That will never do. Good day.” Uri left the airport and went back to the waiting limo. Apparently the fates were not on his side in this and had his driver take him to the jet.
On the ride to the private landing strip, he considered heading straight for Iowa, but after looking over his calendar and thinking about his father’s recent phone call, he knew it might be best to return to Turkey, if even for a few days. He had important meetings scheduled and he would need to deal with his business and this potential new partnership before he could attend to his loose end in the United States. Other than her flight details, Uri had no other information about where his darling lived, so further research would need to be done before he could venture out.
He returned to his driver who waited in front of the airport. “We must prepare to return home, I’m afraid.”
His driver had been with him for years and tried to offer support. “It is best for now, Your Highness, however I feel sure things will work out for you.”
“I appreciate that,” Uri said.
Thanks to his driver’s keen organization skills, the plane was ready the moment they arrived to the landing strip. They left the limo behind and climbed aboard the jet and flew to Istanbul, landing shortly after lunch.
The city streets were crowded with traffic, but still, they were able to get to the office in early afternoon, which should be just enough time for Uri to tend to all of his various business matters before heading out of town. He had informed his flight team to be on standby to leave, he hoped, as early as tomorrow morning, and his staff at his local palace in Istanbul was also busy preparing his luggage for the trip. He heard Iowa was quite cold in December, and as such, he made sure they packed warmer items than what he was used to. If need be, he could always purchase more once he arrived.
Uri took the elevator to the top of the skyscraper his family owned since before he was born. The office was full today and his secretary greeted him with a warm smile. “Your Highness, so pleased to see you, sir.”
“Thank you. I will be in my office and I do not wish to be disturbed,” Uri marched past her into the large corner office, and slammed the door behind him.
He sat behind his desk, gazing out at the Bosporus below. He loved Turkey. He enjoyed his work and he had a full realization of how blessed he was in his life thanks to the material advantages his position afforded him.
Still, today there was something missing, and until he got it resolved, he could not feel at peace.
He had to see Stephanie, if only one more time. If she told him to his face she wanted no part of him, then so be it, but in his heart, he knew that was not the case. He had never pursued anyone with so much vigor and determination in his entire life. Stephanie seemed worth it. He decided he would persevere and try with her one last time.
Before he could get going on those plans, he had one problem. His father. He could not get the business plans with Tamara’s family out of his mind. He called the Sultan and attempted to set a meeting. “What news do you have for me regarding the business proposal with Mr. Haziz?”
“I am afraid the arrangement was not as I thought. How was your visit to Athens?”
“Not what I thought either. I need to go to the United States as soon as possible.”
“That is for the best. You go on and we can tend to these matters later, should anything worthwhile materialize. How long will you be out?”
“I am not certain. I must be flexible where Miss Stephanie is concerned.”
“Ah, very well, so I see things must have worked out for you in Athens?”
“Not really. Much is left unsaid. I must see what this might be between us.” Uri would not disclose any further details about his time with Stephanie. He planned to make her his wife, and the fewer things the Sultan knew about the difficulties they had at the beginning of their relationship, the better.
“Go then, and keep us all informed of your return date,” the Sultan said. I will hold off any negotiations as long as I can.”
“Very good. I hope Miss Stephanie shall be making a trip here soon,” Uri said.
“I shall welcome her,” the Sultan told him.
Once that call was over, he buzzed his secretary. “Could you come in, please?”
She appeared in the doorway a moment later, a tentative look on her face. “Your Highness, how may I help?”
“Thank you,” Uri said. “I need your help with a very important matter. A matter that must be kept in strictest confidence, meaning the Sultan is not to know. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, sir, of course. What is it?”
Uri relayed his need to locate a Miss Stephanie of Iowa, the details that he knew about flights leaving Athens and the fact that the lady lived on a farm somewhere and he had an urgent matter to discuss with her. “The sooner we can get this information the better. I have already reserved the jet for tomorrow morning.”
“I shall do my best, Your Highness,” his secretary said. “I will advise you of my progress.”
“Yes, please do. Thank you. That is all.”
She bowed and left the office.
Uri stared at the river and buildings below his office and sighed. This was no easy task he’d given her, but he hoped she could find out the details sooner, rather than later. He couldn’t risk sweet Stephanie forgetting about him, or dismissing him for her former life. For now, he would tend to business and wait.
Twenty Two
Stephanie stood near the conveyor belt inside the crowded Des Moines Airport and gazed down at Buck, who was on one knee with a ring in his hand. Nearby travelers turned to watch, which made the ordeal even more embarrassing than it needed to be. Why didn’t he listen? What was wrong with him? She just buried her parents and she already told him she would let him know when it was okay to resume their marriage plans. Somehow, her little trip overseas seemed to have caused Buck to forget everything about her wishes. Men. They were simply impossible sometimes! Her legs felt numb and frozen. She couldn’t decide what to do. She’d been so worried about what would become of her farm without her parents. There were bills to pay, staff to rehire for next year, crops to grow, livestock to consider. This was just one more thing to deal with. The straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back. Of course Buck could help her with all of this. She knew that, but still. He didn’t listen. He didn’t respect her feelings, and for that, she was a little put off, and even angry. Did he not realize she’d just spent most of the past twenty four hours in midair and she was completely exhausted? Apparently not. All of these feelings and thoughts swirled around in her head, but in response to the impassioned proposal, all she could manage to say
was, “Uh…”
Buck sighed. “I know. I should have waited awhile, made it more romantic, but you know I love you, right?”
His first proposal happened at the local steakhouse where he took her on special occasions. It was fairly romantic that time, but this was definitely lacking, to say the least.
Stephanie noticed that unfortunately, a larger crowd formed around them. People loved to gawk. She half wanted to punish him for being so stupid, but she knew he meant well, and she didn’t have the heart to humiliate him in public or hurt him after all they’d been through over the years. He was still a great guy, even if he was a bit clueless. “I guess so.”
“We can go out to dinner tonight if you want, get dressed up, maybe go back to the steakhouse. I just…” Buck’s face reddened with emotion and he looked nearly out of breath. “I couldn’t wait.”
“Wow,” she managed. “I don’t know what to say.”
Buck laughed. “Yes would be nice!”
Over her shoulder, Stephanie heard a lady say, “Oh, isn’t that sweet?”
Another girl said, “Look! He’s proposing!”
The all too familiar flush rose up deep from Stephanie’s center and before she could think of what to do or say, she heard herself reply, “Yes.”
The gathered crowd erupted into applause.
Buck slipped the ring on her finger, stood and kissed her.
Her lips felt numb. Echoes of congratulations came from several people in the baggage claim area, including some of the airport staff. What should have been a joyous time for her was anything but.
She was embarrassed and wished if he had wanted to ask her again that it could’ve waited until they were alone. She should have said no. Why she involuntarily agreed was beyond her. Jetlag, perhaps? Who knew.
Oh well. What’s done is done, she thought.
Buck beamed with pride, shaking hands with all of the well-wishers, thanking every one of them.
Stephanie stood by, still numb and unable to speak. She really didn’t know what else to do. She wanted to remind him she needed time after her parent’s death, but why bother? She couldn’t run the farm alone. She knew that. Aunt Ellen agreed to help out temporarily, but they needed Buck. Besides all of that, her parents always wanted her and Buck to be together. Over the years, he was a staple of their family, like the son they never had. How could she go against their unspoken wishes at this point? Sure they were dead and not here anymore, but it would break her parent’s hearts to think she and Buck weren’t going to stay together, all because Stephanie decided to selfishly go have a fling in a foreign land. Was having one exciting situation worth throwing her whole life away? No, of course not. She was back in the real world, whether she liked it or not. She had real issues to contend with. She knew this day would come once she returned from her trip. Over time, she would rekindle her feelings for Buck. Surely that was possible. She just needed to get some distance between herself and her vacation and thoughts of Uri.
The trip to Turkey was interesting. A diversion. A fantasy, and the Sheikh was an added bonus – a memory she could keep in her mind forever. It wasn’t the kind of situation you would act on in the real world though.
The more she thought of it, the more she realized that things had worked out perfectly, just the way her parents would have wanted. She had actually seen the house of the Virgin Mary. She felt thankful for that. Had it not been for Buck’s support and Aunt Ellen being there for her, who knew what might have happened. She might have wanted to abandon her lifelong dream of going there. He was a good man. He supported that vision and she was certain he would continue to do so in the future with other important matters. Now that she was done with her trip to Turkey, she wanted for nothing. Somehow she could find a way to be content to stay with Buck on the farm and continue on in her parent’s footsteps. They would be proud. She knew that.
She gazed down at the small diamond set on the thin gold band. It was a pretty stone. He gave this ring to her right after her parents died, and now she realized she didn’t even see it back then. Her mind was too filled with grief and horror.
She was impressed Buck thought to get something so nice. Wasn’t this his grandmother’s ring? She couldn’t remember, and she didn’t want to insult him by asking. She gazed at the small but sparkly stone and smiled. This was meant to be. She believed that with all her soul. Now she just needed to get her heart on board with the idea, and everything would eventually be okay.
***
While his secretary worked on finding Stephanie’s contact details in Iowa, Uri hurried to notify his business colleagues to make plans, sign documents and schedule projects out for the next two weeks. He hoped that would be enough time.
Surely he wouldn’t be in Iowa that long. Just in case the journey took longer than expected, he needed to make sure and give himself adequate time, because his business in the United States was more important to him than any of the family holdings, and would theoretically have more of a lasting impact on his future than any of the mundane details he had here at home. He arranged a meeting with his top staff to catch up and make sure they could work without him, and finished up his meeting mid afternoon. He dismissed his colleagues from the conference room when his secretary approached. “Your Highness?”
Uri’s heart raced with excitement. “You have news?”
She sighed. “I believe we have a slight problem.”
Uri looked around to make sure nobody could overhear them. “Come into my office.”
She followed him down the hall to his office. They went in and closed the door.
“Do tell. What have you discovered?”
“Sheikh, I was able to locate the lady you referred to, Miss Stephanie Simonton.”
“Wonderful,” Uri said.
“Her flight landed in Des Moines, Iowa, United States, several hours ago.”
“Good job. Thank you. So what is the problem?” Uri asked, unable to believe the amazing progress his loyal secretary had made.
“Well, Your Highness, I scoured the Des Moines area, but was unfortunately unable to trace her from there. I did locate a midsized farm in the name of a George Simonton, and a smaller nearby farm in the name of Buck Jones that appears to have a Stephanie on staff. I cannot be certain there is any relation to the lady you are seeking though. I do apologize.”
Uri’s ears perked up. Buck. He remembered that name. “I commend your efforts. You seem to have located her after all!”
“You are certain, Sheikh? I can continue—”
“No continuation necessary. You have done outstanding work today. Please contact the landing strip and reconfirm that they will have my jet readied for first thing tomorrow morning.”
“Yes, Sheikh, right away.” She turned to walk out.
Just then Uri’s office door opened and the Sultan appeared. “Oh good, I caught you.”
Uri cringed. He hoped whatever his father had to say wouldn’t delay his plans. He couldn’t allow that to happen, no matter what.
Twenty Three
The ride back to the farm was good. To the best of her ability, Stephanie told Buck all about the cruise ship. “They had four dining rooms, two swimming pools and an all you can eat buffet that was open all day and night.”
“I would love that,” Buck smiled. “I’d be eating all the time.”
Never once did Stephanie even try the buffet, or the dining area, for that matter, but she had to tell him about something. Speaking of which, she was panicked at the thought of Buck finding her new green gown. How would she explain that? Maybe he wouldn’t notice…
“Scoot on over here, hon,” Buck patted the seat of his Ford. “I wanna sit closer to ya.”
Stephanie slid over, leaned her head in the familiar crux of Buck’s strong arm. The man was cute. He looked like a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys and ate like a horse, but all in all, he was really sweet. So different than Uri!
Despite the building snowstorm and icy road conditions, Buck
and Stephanie managed to rattle down the highway and arrived at the farm in the late afternoon.
The skies were still black from winter storms, but the place looked lovely, blanketed all in white. The giant Christmas wreaths, one of their many family traditions, were already hung on the gate out front. Tiny lights flickered on the wooden split rail fence surrounding the property. It was really gorgeous this time of year.
Stephanie’s mom loved Christmas and insisted they decorate each year so people passing by on the highway would see the holiday spirit. Her mom had just finished hanging the lights before her death, but since it was still weeks from Christmas, they hadn’t turned them on yet.
The sight brought tears to Stephanie’s eyes. She scooted over on the seat to be closer to Buck. “You lit up the place, I see.”
“Yep.” He put his arm around her. “Looks pretty, huh?”
“Yes it does. Reminds me of mom,” she told him.
“Me too.” Buck squeezed her shoulders. “It’ll be sad without them, but we’ll manage somehow. I’m here for ya. You know that.”
She did. It was the only thing making this moment bearable.
They rode in silence up the long road and gravel drive leading to the farmhouse that had been in the Simonton family for over a hundred years.
Out front, once they got close to the white wooden house, Stephanie caught a glimpse of dear Aunt Ellen. She must have heard the sound of the pickup on the gravel, and despite the fact the snow was still falling hard, she stood outside on the covered porch in a sweatshirt and jeans.
They parked the truck and Stephanie hopped out of the cab, running up to hug Ellen. “I’m so happy to see you!”
“We missed you, girl,” Ellen said.
Wrapping her arms around her Aunt Ellen’s neck, tears filled Stephanie’s eyes. “Good to see you. Thanks so much for being here so I could do this.”
“Darlin’, I wouldn’t be any other place in the world. You know that. Now get on in by the fire where it’s warm. We’ve had quite a blizzard here since you left.”