by Rebecca York
Had this been her father’s shame? The secret that haunted him forever? She read on.
The bridge was unprotected until the 3rd Marine Battalion arrived. At the same time the 57th Infantry Regiment withdrew from north of Dong Ho and were being pursued by the North Vietnamese communists. Civilians seeing the retreat knew the communists were not far behind so they fled too, only to be caught in the middle. Chaos broke out, made worse when the North Vietnamese donned the uniform of the South, picking up retreating Infantry as well as civilians.
Skimming through all this information, Sarah’s heart thumped. Where was her dad during all this? The 3rd Marine Battalion deployed two companies to the south end of the bridge. Twenty tanks were on their way. Seeing this, they requested help from the Artillery of Brigade 258, Naval artillery and jet fighters. Flames and smoke erupted throughout as the enemy troops were defeated. A great many tanks were destroyed, while the remainder took the road north, seeking shelter in nearby villages.
Having successfully stopped the VC troops from crossing the Dong Ha Bride and taking Quang Tri, the bridge was then destroyed by a Captain Ripley and the Marines of the 3rd Battalion. Listed were their names.
Her eyes flitted down the list until it came to the name Shaunnessy. Sarah sighed with relief. Not only had their dad made it back, but he had been one of the heroes of the war.
Gathering this information, Sarah quickly opened her laptop and wrote all the pertinent information down. She intended to use the pictures and make a fitting tribute to their father on a video which she’d give Meghan on Christmas morning. Then she put the box and the memories away for another day.
She had the coq au vin roasting in the oven when she heard the door open and Meghan and Liam came in.
“Hey,” she called out, coming down the hallway. “How was your day?”
“Good. And yours?” Meghan answered, helping Liam off with his coat and gloves.
“Interesting. I think that’s the best way to describe it.”
Meghan gave her a funny look. “Your face is flushed. What have you been up to?”
“Nothing much. I’ve got dinner in the oven, and I was working on an idea for a Christmas present for you guys.” She grinned. “I also have something to tell you and Byron when he gets home, and I hope it’ll be happy news. Oh, and Mick is no longer talking to me. I thought I was doing something nice, but it blew up in my face.”
Meg stopped short. “What? That doesn’t sound like Mick. I’m sure you’ll be able to talk things out. Right?”
“I hope so. I don’t know.”
“Oh, I’m sure that whatever happened he’ll think it through, and find that he over-reacted. You want him to come around, right?”
“Yes. I really like him, Meg. I’m ashamed of how I spoke about him before.”
“Well, I told you he’d changed. He’s still a work in progress, but he’s worth waiting for. In my opinion.”
“Mine, too.” They smiled at each other, and then Meghan got busy with her son, and Sarah cut up some French bread for dinner.
“Something smells delicious,” Meghan sniffed. “What is it?”
“I picked up some chicken on the way home. One of your favorites.”
“Coq au vin?”
“Yes! I hope it turns out as good as yours.”
“It’ll taste better since you’re doing the cooking.” Meghan sat Liam down at the table with a glass of milk, a sliced apple, thinly sliced cheddar cheese, and crackers.
“Food always is better when somebody else does the work--the exception being hospital food.” Sarah made a face, then went to the fridge. She’d enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, but now with a baby growing inside of her she poured an iced tea for herself and her sister.
“Cheers,” Sarah said. “It’s going to be a very special Christmas after all.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Dinner was served at half past six as Byron had the night off. Meghan had called him at Nick’s, telling him that Sarah had some news she wanted to share.
They were all seated around the table, the savory dinner on a platter before them. The scent of garlic, thyme and braised chicken swimming in a broth of burgundy wine, mushrooms, carrots and onion made Sarah’s mouth water.
Still, her palms were damp and she had a jumpy stomach. She’d better make her confession now, and not wait for it to ruin her special meal.
“Well, first we must have a toast.” She raised her iced tea in the air and clinked glasses with Byron, Meg and Liam. “To your new baby, and our growing family.” She took a sip before putting the drink down.
“And to having you here with us,” Meghan added, lifting her glass. “We are so grateful that you decided to move to Heaven.” Meghan’s eyes glittered with the threat of tears.
“I’ll second that,” Byron said, arching a brow at his wife.
Sarah cleared her throat and gave Byron and Meg a long look. “I don’t know quite how to say this.” Sarah wiped her hands on the cloth napkin, and blurted, “You see, I’m not just toasting your baby, but to one of my own.” At their blank expressions she put a hand on her stomach, and sucked back tears. “I’m so sorry. But I’m having a baby.”
Meghan’s eyes filled and she sniffed, dabbing at her eyes with the napkin. “Oh, Sarah!” She reached across the table and took one of her hands. “Why are you sorry? A baby is such a blessing.”
“You’re crying. I didn’t mean for this to happen.” Tears streamed down her own cheeks. “It’s Rick’s. I just found out ten days ago. I didn’t want it. I was going to get rid of the baby. Today. But I couldn’t.” Her voice hitched. “I didn’t want to ruin this for you, Meg. This is your time, your moment, and I thought I could just make it go away.”
Byron stood up and placed his hands on Meghan’s shoulders. “We’ve been waiting for you to tell us.” He grinned. “Found the box the morning after. Out in the garbage.”
“Oh, no! You did?” She looked at one face and then the other. “Why didn’t you say something?”
“I wanted to. Almost did several times.” Meghan jumped up and ran around the table to give her a huge hug. “But this was your decision to make. I did pray a little, that might have helped,” she said with a smile. “We are so excited. This is the best present you could ever give us. A baby that will be as close as a sister or a brother to ours. They will be best friends, and grow up like siblings. Like you and me.”
Sarah’s heart pounded. Her ribcage expanded to encompass her joy. Knowing that she’d made the right decision after all, that Meghan would want this child as much as her own.
“So, no Hawaii,” Sarah said with a laugh. “I’m going to be a mother, and have an apartment not far away at all. We will have the greatest Christmas, and many more to come.” Tears splashed down her cheeks, but she didn’t mind. “I almost made a terrible mistake today, but I knew I wouldn’t forgive myself.”
Byron was still standing and he dropped a kiss on her head. “Thank you, Sarah. You’ve made us unbelievably happy.” He looked at his son. “Liam. We are going to have two babies in the family. Your mom’s and your auntie’s.”
His big hazel eyes grew wide. “Two puppies?”
“No. Better than puppies. Two brothers or sisters for you to grow up with. Merry Christmas, Liam. Merry Christmas, my wife, and to Sarah.”
Keats jumped off his doggy bed, and tail racing, ran to the door. Woof, woof! They heard the sound of someone knocking on the door.
Byron strode down the hall and peeked through the peephole. “It’s Mick,” he said, opening the door wide.
Sarah was out of her seat immediately. “Mick!” She ran to him and threw her arms around his middle. “I told them.”
“I’m sorry I missed it.” Mick put his arms around her waist. “Happy news, right?”
“You bet it is,” Byron said, his hand on Mick’s back, ushering the two of them in. “You’re just in time for dinner.”
“I don’t want to interrupt; I just came to a
pologize to Sarah. I overreacted today. I’m sorry.” His warm brown eyes gazed deeply into hers.
Her mouth went dry. Everything she wanted was in this one room. All she had to do was open her heart and take it.
Could life really be that simple?
The answer was in Heaven.
“Mick, come to the table. Eat with us. This is the happiest moment of my life, and we all want to share it with you.”
His face broke into a smile, and his eyes glittered, as if he too wanted to cry.
They passed the basket of bread as they sat at the table, and Byron ladled out the rich coq au vin that smelled so enticing. They ate, drank and shared laughter and joy as they talked about the miracle of having two babies, not one.
Mick raised his wine glass and toasted Sarah’s iced tea. “I’m going to be hanging around if you want me to. I promise not to pressure you, but I like having your back, being your friend. So, when you’re ready to move into your new apartment, I’ll do the heavy lifting. That alright with you?”
“It’s better than all right,” she answered quickly. “I want you in my life, Mick. One way or another.”
“I also have something to celebrate today,” he told them, looking at all their eager faces. “I quit my volunteer job at Veteran’s Hospital and I’m now going to train as a 911 operator. I feel that I can do as much help there as I can shuffling patients from one floor to another.”
“That’s an awesome job, Mick. And with your crisis training, you couldn’t be more suited for that kind of work.” Sarah leaned over and pecked his cheek. “I’m so proud of you.”
Byron and Meg also offered their congratulations and Liam surprised everyone and spoke, “I know 911. Trouble.”
Meghan clapped her hands. “Did you learn that at school? Good job, Liam.”
He smiled. Mick gave Liam a fist bump. “That’s right. Call that number and help will arrive.”
Mick turned his gaze on Sarah, and her pulse raced. “You need me, I’ll be there anytime.”
She reached out a hand to stroke his face. “I plan to do that. And often.”
Meghan sighed, and held hands with Byron. “Just like us when we first met.”
“We were worse,” Byron answered. “Quit fighting it, you two. It’s obvious that you’re crazy about each other. Sometimes love just happens. No rhyme or reason for it. You can spend your whole life searching for it, but when it happens, it just does.”
Mick looked at Sarah, his eyes telling her what his heart felt.
She swallowed a lump in her throat. “I love the name Johnson.”
He beamed. “It’s a great name.” He glanced at Byron’s and Meg’s curious faces. “I told Sarah the baby could have my last name. I’d like that.”
“So that was what the fight was about,” Meg said. “Looks like Sarah has reconsidered.”
“Could be,” he said, not taking his eyes off Sarah.
She blushed. “Yes.”
Mick’s face lit up, and he looked like a man who’d just won the world’s biggest lottery. “That makes me mighty proud.”
Dinner was finished, and the girls sat at the table discussing baby names while the men put the dishes away. Later they moved to the living room, threw a few logs on the fire and played Christmas music.
Sarah looked at her family and sighed with pleasure. Only a month ago she thought her world was falling apart, but it was only beginning. Dreams she hadn’t even dared dream were coming true--it was a Christmas miracle.
Epilogue
Meghan had a baby girl named Serena that following March. Sarah’s baby was born mid-August on a bright and sunny day. Mick and Sarah named her Summer. She had blonde hair and blue eyes, the prettiest little thing they ever saw.
In October, a cool, autumn day when the leaves were painted in yellow, oranges and red, there was a wedding for all the town people to see. Down by the swan-filled lake, near the water’s edge, a minister waited for the bride and groom to arrive by carriage. Many of the congregation stood but five rows of white plastic chairs were set aside for immediate family and friends.
The seating was divided—half on one side, half on the other, leaving plenty of space for the horse and buggy to parade through, Rusty’s mane braided with autumn leaves. The carriage was decked out with braided orange and red rope trim, and a yellow velvet throw kept the bride and groom warm. Darcy wore a black jacket and his Derby hat sported a bright orange feather.
As they pulled to a halt ten feet from the makeshift altar, Mick jumped down and helped his bride from the carriage.
Mick had elected to wear his Marine uniform for the ceremony, while Sarah was in an ankle-length white silk wedding dress. Orchids adorned her hair and wrist.
Darcy gave a little toss to his reins, and Rusty and the carriage trotted over to a grassy area on the right.
Meghan, matron of honor, came forward with Byron, the best man. Liam waited next to his mother, the ring bearer.
They stood across from each other as Sarah stepped toward the altar, her hand snug in Mick’s arm. The babies were being watched over by Nick and Jennie, and their two girls, Brooke and Katie, who each held a blanketed baby on their lap.
Reverend Higgins raised his hands. “We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments, the joining of two hearts, and to give recognition to the worth and the beauty of love. Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is fuller, memories are fresher, commitment is stronger.”
He paused for a moment, then continued. “Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid. Love is patient and kind, love does not envy or boast. It is not arrogant or rude. Love bears all things, believes in all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. When a couple treats each other with kindness, love, and respect, the best of what marriage has to offer is the result.”
His words softened as he looked into the faces of Mick and Sarah. “Your relationship will take more than love. It will take trust, to know in your hearts that you want only the best for each other. Dedication, to stay open to one another, to learn and grow, even when it’s difficult to do so. And faith, to go forward together without knowing what the future holds for the both of you.”
He let the weight of his words sink in, then spoke again. “Mick and Sarah, are you prepared to say your vows in front of your family, your friends and the congregation?”
“We are,” they said together.
“Then please repeat after me. I, Michael Johnson, take you Sarah Shaunnessy, to be my wife, my partner in life, and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow and forever.”
Mick repeated the words, his eyes on Sarah, who blushed prettily and smiled so brightly.
“Sarah Shaunnessy, do you take Michael Johnson to be your husband, your partner in life, your one true love? Do you promise to cherish your friendship and love, today, tomorrow and forever?”
“I do.”
“Mick, Sarah—please hold hands.”
They turned to each other, hands clasped.
“These are the hands that are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever. These are the hands that will countless times wipe tears from your eyes, tears of joy and sorrow. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years. These hands will help hold your family together as one, as you overcome adversity. These hands will give you strength when you need it, and will work alongside yours as together you build your future.”
Sarah blinked away tears.
“May I please have the rings,” he said to Liam, who nodded. In the boy’s hands was a pillow bearing the rings, and he quickly pushed it toward the minister.
“Thank you, my son.” The reverend held up the rings.
“Mick, take this ring, place it on Sarah’s left hand, and repeat after me. I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you.”
&nb
sp; “Sarah, take this ring, place it on Mick’s hand and repeat after me. I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you.”
When the simple act was completed, Reverend Higgins spoke again. “Today you have pledged yourselves to a lifetime of caring for one another. May this commitment made in love, kept in faith, lived in hope, be eternally renewed. As you stand before us, it is our hope that you will go through life loving, trusting, and caring for one another completely and forever.”
He put his hands on each of their shoulders. “I now pronounce you man and wife.” The reverend smiled. “You may kiss the bride.”
As everyone cheered, Mick gave Sarah a sweet kiss that promised a lifetime of bliss. At that moment, Sarah knew her heart was in a safe place, that this sweet town had welcomed them into its embrace, that life with her family, the joy of her and her sister’s new babies, would unite them forever.
It was a heavenly miracle.
The End
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About The Author
NEW YORK TIMES, bestselling author, PATRICE WILTON knew from the age of twelve that she wanted to write books that would take the reader to faraway places. She was born in Vancouver, Canada, and had a great need to see the world that she had read about.
