by Gay N. Lewis
Amanda came into view, wearing a dark brown skirt and cream-colored silk blouse. Her classic beauty was enhanced by a pearl necklace and earrings. “Are you two ready for dinner?”
Charles grinned. “You came at the right time. I think we’re both ready for a change in conversation.”
“Good. Follow me to the dining room.”
“May I make a stop at the ladies’ room first?”
“Certainly.” She guided Beth to the powder room.
After Beth used the facilities and washed her hands, she stared at her face in the mirror. From her perch on the roof, Sarah watched. Beth’s face gave no clue to her feelings.
What must her charge be thinking? Did Chadwick’s revelation upset her? Would she back off from this guy? He might be the one God intended for her, employee or not—it didn’t matter to the Supreme One, but it may well matter to Beth.
On the other hand, this guy may not be the one the Creator chose for this dear lady. How could she possibly find out? Maybe with more time and prayer, it would come to her. On the first mission, the Superiors gave her a deadline. They asked her to find a mate for a young man in a matter of weeks. Mercy! Recalling those days made her heart flutter. At least her instructions for Beth included no timeframe. Remembering that brought relief.
Shivering in the night air, Sarah called forth her favorite blue blanket. All these concerns didn’t relieve her discomfiture. She could always turn up her personal thermostat, but the covering from the blanket brought sanctuary. Focusing below, she saw food. A bite or two always provided wellbeing.
Charles and Beth sat down to a delicious hot, creamy soup of some sort. A cup of hot tea ought to taste good right about now, and so would a cup of soup. How about slipping into the kitchen to find something?
Blinking away her blanket and vaporizing into the kitchen, she spied a tray of raw veggies. Beautiful, but not substantial enough. A woman plated fish and steamed rice on elegant china. She couldn’t take a chance of scaring the daylights out of the lady by taking a bite. Remember the servers who saw food floating in the air? Sarah silently sighed. Maybe those cookies continued to sit in the entry hall. Easy to resist fish anyway—not one of her favorites, but cheeseburgers? If they adorned the plate, she might risk terrorizing the cook.
Finding cookies, Sarah quickly took two and gobbled them down. Now to listen to Charles’s plans. Did he hope to forge a romance with Beth and spend the night here? If so, Beth’s words would have made him realize the futility of the idea.
The rooftop seemed a better choice than the dining room where food would tempt her.
Other guests sat at the table with Beth and Charles. Since none knew each other, the conversation consisted of general chitchat.
When the meal ended, Charles helped Beth into her jacket and then turned to Amanda.
“We enjoyed our evening with you. I’m pleased you had space for an extra two people.”
Amanda offered her hand to Charles. “Often I don’t, but when you called for dinner reservations, I was happy to have an opening tonight.”
Beth nodded. “It was delicious, and I’m pleased Charles surprised me with a wonderful afternoon. I hope to see you again soon, maybe during the Christmas holidays.”
Whew! Sarah breathed relief. No need to interfere and create a catastrophe. The old boy’s intentions turned out to be honorable after all. Maybe he’s the good guy. Certainly looked that way, but time would tell.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Thanksgiving Day dawned sunny and cool. After sleeping soundly, Sarah yawned and stretched. When she remembered the date, elation soared. This would be the day many people honored the Lord God for His goodness. Angels always experienced joy at seeing humans praise the Almighty.
Peeking below, she saw a flurry of activity in Beth’s kitchen. Maria held a large brush—ready to coat a gigantic fowl with some kind of varnish. Why did she need to paint the bird? Did she intend to make it red, white, and blue? The cupcakes sitting on the table had an American flag on the top of each one. Pilgrims and pumpkins of all sizes adorned the living room. These people certainly enjoyed decorations. Well, if the turkey came out with patriotic stripes, she didn’t care. A taste would be the order of the day, regardless of how Maria decorated the thing.
Beth removed pies from the oven. “The family will arrive around one o’clock, and we’ll eat about three. The grandchildren will need a snack to hold them over. Will you make macaroni and cheese?”
“Sí. I make after I baste Señor Bird and put him back in oven.”
“While you do that, I’ll make breakfast for us.”
Sarah sighed. Breakfast. This promised to be a long day without food. In The Heavenlies, no angel or human resident ever went hungry or thirsty, but down here, it seemed as though God allowed it. Mother Goodness said deprivation helped her identify with the humans. Going without a meal showed her how the homeless and less fortunate felt. Of course, only one person who visited from heaven could truly relate to the mortals. Jesus. He experienced circumstances and temptations as a man on Earth. Angel episodes down here remained more limited.
Rummaging around in her cloud, she found a packet of crackers. Groaning, she munched on the dry things while she inhaled the aroma of delicious cooking from below. In fact, a perfume of treats wafted up from every house in the area. Many people below—not just Sarah—expected a huge meal today. Wonder what Chef Andrew scheduled to serve on the buffet in The Heavenlies right now?
About noon, Gary arrived. Such a good-looking man. What if he needed a sweetheart? After she finished with Beth’s assignment, she might be available to assist him. Wonder if it would be okay to request a project? Aha, something to think about instead of food.
When Beth opened the door, her tall son gave her a gigantic hug. “Hi, Mom. The house and yard look beautiful with all the fall decorations.”
“Thanks. Maria and I take the fall stuff down next week and replace it with Christmas decor.”
“Lots of work, but we recipients enjoy it. The food smells great. When do we eat?”
Beth laughed. “When your sister gets here.”
“Got any snacks?”
“Go see Maria in the kitchen. You’ll find something, but don’t spoil your appetite.”
About an hour later, Kimberly arrived and her family tumbled out of the car.
Such adorable little people—all under the age of six. A set of identical twin boys comprised the oldest, next a cute female about the age of three or four, and a baby who appeared not yet two years old. Merciful heavens! Kimberly’s hands stayed busy. No wonder she expressed no interest in the family business. The woman worked full time at home, and her choices would prove outstanding in the future. The Almighty took much pleasure in the work of a mom. He created life first, then marriage, and after that, children. Not all mothers received the blessings of staying home to rear children, and God appreciated the labors and trials of those who held two jobs—one outside the home, and the other in the home.
While Kimberly rescued the baby from some sort of a protective device, the twins ran to the house with the small girl a close second behind them.
Beth opened the door, evidently anticipating their entrance.
“Grandma!” Such cries of joy. Beth stooped to accept little arms thrown around her neck. The force of love knocked her backward, and children and grandmother fell to the floor. Gales of laughter greeted Gary as he came to help.
“Uncle Gary!” The boys removed themselves from Beth and attacked their uncle’s knees.
“Hey, squirts. Ready to play football?”
“Ready.” The boys jumped up and down. The little girl held back with her chin down and her eyes gazing up at Gary.
“Okay, guys—later. Who is this beautiful young lady standing back here? She’s afraid she’ll be crushed by you ruffians.”
“Aw, Uncle Gary, you know that’s just Brittany.”
Gary knelt and opened his arms. The little girl walked into them, and he lift
ed her as he stood.
“Brittany, are you afraid of these guys?”
Brittany buried her head in his shoulder.
“Hi, Sis.” He lowered his head and gave his sister a kiss on the cheek. “Hello, little guy.” The baby gave him a smile and uttered something unintelligible. With his free right hand, Gary shook hands with the father of the young troopers.
Such a happy group. This collection seemed the ideal family. Sarah knew that not everyone in America experienced such camaraderie. Some kinfolk flunked in their attempt to hide animosity at get-togethers, but no hostility appeared in this family. That might change if Beth fell in love with the wrong guy. The man who found a place in Beth’s heart must also find one in the family’s affections.
As Sarah listened to the boisterous assembly, she overheard Kimberly refer to her husband as Wesley. Nice name, and this guy seemed to be an excellent dad and provider. Wonder if his parents had named him after John and Charles Wesley? Those two men had a special place up in The Heavenlies.
As the crowd sat down to dinner, Beth took her place at the head of the table. All joined hands as Beth invoked God’s blessing.
“Father, thank you for the family assembled in my home. You know how precious each one is to me. Please keep them safe. Thank You for our country and for those who struggled to forge us into a nation. In gratitude, we ask for Your blessing on the ample provision of food before us. Let us remember to help the unfortunate, and please allow those who are hungry today to find food. We are grateful for our own nourishment this hour, and we are thankful for ways to serve You. I ask that our family find joy in feeding the needy, as well as visiting the sick or imprisoned. It is the least we can do in the name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.”
Beth passed the meat platter to her right, and the dishes began to circulate around the table.
Sarah’s appetite grew so great, she felt her body would waste away. Silly thought. An angel couldn’t wither from existence. Disappear at will and materialize again when needed, sure, but never cease to exist. Once created, the heavenly beings stayed in actuality—always ready to serve the great God—but her stomach cramped from deprivation. With everyone in the dining room, perhaps no one would notice a trip to the kitchen. Hmmm. Beth prayed that her family would feed the hungry, and she qualified in that department. Right? Why, my word, she could fulfill the prayer request right now. After all, she found herself sick with hunger definitely needed help with it.
Slipping invisibly into the room, she found a turkey leg Maria left off the meat platter. When she picked it up and took a bite, she heard a voice behind her.
“Hi. What’s your name?”
Merciful heavens! Stuffing the bird’s roasted limb into her pocket, she turned around to find Brittany standing before her. Oh, my stars! Even though angels might be invisible to adults, children often saw them due to their sweet, innocent faith.
“My name is Sarah. I’m your grandmother’s angel. What are you doing in here?”
“Momma said I could come get Teddy.”
“Oh, I see. Who is Teddy?”
Brittany picked up a miniature stuffed bear from under a ladder-back chair and held him up for inspection. “Teddy.”
Sarah smiled. “Hello, Teddy. Your friend, Brittany, certainly is blessed to have you for a buddy.”
Brittany hugged the bear to her chest. “You know my name?”
“Yes.” Sarah smiled and hoped the girl wouldn’t remember this conversation.
“You got big wings.”
Sarah twitched her wings. “Yes, to someone as small as you, they look large.”
“Angels in my storybook got shiny clothes.”
“Yes, I know. I’d like to have a sparkly robe, but I must wear this plain one.”
“Where’s your halo?”
“I don’t have one yet.”
“Why are you in the kitchen?”
Merciful heavens, this child could ask so many questions. “The food smelled good and I was hungry.”
“You can eat with us.” She pointed to the dining room.
“Thank you, honey, but that wouldn’t do. Most people can’t see angels. You can because you are special. Your brothers and the baby command a lot of attention from your parents, and I know you sometimes feel lonely. Always remember how unique you are, and that God loves you very much. Okay?”
“Okay.”
“You’d better go back inside now before your parents start to worry about you.”
Brittany waved. “Bye.”
Sarah vaporized to her cloud, the leg of turkey in her pocket. Once situated, she took it out and ate while she gazed at the scene below.
Kimberly lifted Brittany to sit in her chair. “What took you so long, honey? Did you find Teddy?”
“Uh-huh.” Nodding vigorously, she shook her multiple curls. “I talked to a hungry angel.”
The twins jumped down from their places. One of them spoke first. “I want to talk to the angel too.”
Wesley reached out to grab both boys before they could bolt away. “Sit down, guys.” He glanced at his daughter. “What are you talking about, sweetie?”
“A real pretty angel’s in the kitchen. She’s hungry.”
Beth smiled. “Children her age often develop imaginary pals. Remember Tandy?”
Kimberly shook her head. “Tandy played with me when Gary ignored me.”
Gary laughed. “You were a regular nuisance, little sister.”
“You got all the attention, and I felt left out. I had to create a diversion.”
Brittany looked up at her mother. “What’s a nique?”
“A nique?”
“Grandma’s angel said I’m nique.”
Kimberly frowned. “I’m not sure about that word.”
“God loves me. I’m special and nique.”
Every adult eye widened as they gazed at the child.
Beth spoke first. “Yes, honey, all that is true. You are special, unique, and God loves you.”
“Uh-huh.” Brittany’s curls bobbed up and down. “That’s what Sarah said.”
Beth locked eyes with Kimberly. “It’s best to let it go. Make-believe companions eventually vanish.” She spoke in a low tone, obviously not wanting to upset Brittany.
After dinner, the women washed dishes and the men watched football.
“Where do you think Brittany came up with the idea of an angel for a fantasy friend?” Beth placed a bowl into the refrigerator.
“She has a storybook about them.”
“I’m surprised she asked about the word unique. Is it in the book you read to her?”
“Not that I can remember.”
Maria picked up the platter with the extra meat servings left on the counter top. “Turkey leg gone.” Her eyes appeared as if they would fall from their sockets. “Brittany tell truth. Hungry angel been in kitchen.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The women struggled through the massive entry hall, dragging a gigantic artificial Christmas tree. They placed it in the center of the foyer. Maria climbed atop a twelve-foot ladder and grappled with a large tree-topper.
“After I get angel to sit on top, we string garland.”
Sarah floated above the tree to admire the topmost decoration. Why, my word, the angel resembled her. Long, blonde curls, blue eyes, and a petite form, but with one exception—this image possessed huge, glimmering, gossamer butterfly wings, such as the ones Celeste sported. The porcelain face radiated a soft aura—probably painted with a certain kind of fancy paint. And her beautiful white dress resembled an elaborate ball gown with its voluminous satin and lace skirt.
What made it shimmer and take on that amazing supernatural gleam? She zoomed in a little closer. Some kind of tiny blingy thingies—must be the sequins and other sparkly doodads. And look at the slippers! Small heels covered in white satin. Merciful heavens! How wonderful to dress in this kind of finery. Would the Superiors ever allow her that sort of apparel? Probably not. Certainly not the subtle hal
o this inanimate figure wore. Sigh. This angel, the ideal size for the tree, made a favorable impression.
Beth untangled strings of shiny red beads from the box and then climbed the second ladder to drape them around the tree. As the women made multiple trips up and down the ladder, the red necklace soon encircled the length of the tree—top to bottom.
“Next we put on white crosses.” Maria removed handmade white crocheted six-inch crosses from a special box. Although the same size, each exhibited a different design—Celtic, budded, Christian, and Pisan. She handed several to Beth, and they struggled their way from the top to the bottom, interspersing the representations throughout the tree.
Once the ladies had placed a cross on each limb, Beth surveyed their work. “I think we’re ready for the angels.”
Sarah felt her eyes widen. Angels? How delightful. Wonder if any resembled her friends?
Beth brought forth several miniature angels dressed in gold, red, and white.
Merciful heavens! So many angels of different sizes—all dressed in beautiful fabrics and colors. Wonder what the Superiors would say if she wore one of these stunning robes and placed herself on the tree? Seemed the textbook place to hide, and she’d have the perfect excuse to wear one of these adorable frocks. Sarah felt her heart pick up speed in anticipation, but she calmed herself.
“Now we can finish with the silk poinsettias.” Beth handed huge flowers to Maria, and one by one, they wedged them among the branches.
“Okay, now for lights.” Maria plugged in the cord, and the tree blazed with thousands of miniature lights.
“Oooh.” Sarah forgot to remain quiet and clamped her lips shut, but apparently the ladies failed to hear her murmur of appreciation.
“Most beautiful tree ever.”
Beth laughed. “You say that every year.”
“Fireplace next.” From an additional box on the floor, Maria removed greenery to make a bed for the nativity scene. Moving to the hearth, she reverently placed the foliage first and then the large, ceramic crèche on the mantle.
“I’ll bring Santa.” Beth climbed the stairs, wrapped her arms around a six-foot Santa Claus, brought him to the entry hall, and positioned him near the front door. To all visitors, he appeared to welcome them into the home.
