Lined With Silver

by Roseanne Evans Wilkins

  This time, it was Zack who reached out to her. “Thanks. Angels that surround us aren’t always invisible. And I don’t believe in coincidences, either. Remind me again why you took that flight to DC?”

  * * *

  Thursday was a blur. There were several clients who needed last-minute assistance before the holidays. Sondra took Friday off to prepare for Christmas. She ordered a dinner from a local restaurant with enough extras for leftovers. She didn’t want to cook on either day. They stayed up late and watched Christmas classics. They both slept in the next day.

  When Sondra let Dewk in, he tore around the living room in crazy circles. “He usually comes in earlier.” Sondra apologized.

  Zack laughed and handed him a huge bone. “I thought he’d enjoy this.” Dewk stopped and made a beeline for his rug.

  “That one is going to take some work.”

  “I thought it would keep him busy.” Zack chuckled at Dewk’s enthusiasm while he handed Sondra a narrow box. “I got you a little something.”

  The lid had a well-known name embossed in silver ink. She looked up at Zack and then back at the box. “You shouldn’t have.”

  “But I did. ‘For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift.’”

  Sondra interrupted. “D&C 88:33. I was a missionary, too, remember? Quoting scriptures to guilt me into accepting this? That’s low.” She lifted up the lid and saw the sparkling tennis bracelet. “Ohhhhhh. I don’t think you need to guilt me. This is beautiful.”

  “May I?”

  Sondra nodded, and Zack attached the bracelet to her wrist. She twisted her arm and admired the sparkles that closely matched the ones on her ring. “I love it.” Her expression fell. “But I’d be terrified to wear it. What if I lose it?”

  “The clasp has special features to keep it from coming undone. See?” He twisted the bracelet around so she could see the workings of the clasp. “I don’t think you need to worry. You wear your rings. Why wouldn’t you wear your bracelet?”

  “Rings don’t have a tendency to fall off.”

  Zack moved the bracelet again. His touch sent prickles up Sondra’s arm. “This one fits just right. It’s not going anywhere.”

  Sondra admired the brilliant facets again and then offered Zack the package she’d carefully wrapped earlier in the week. The festive wrapping looked drab in comparison to her flashing jewelry.

  Zack ripped through the packaging and pulled out an envelope. He quirked his brows in a question and then opened the card. “Airfare for two to Philadelphia?”

  “I thought that’s where you said your grandmother lives.”

  “She does.” He nodded, his brown eyes unreadable.

  “I wanted to meet her, if that’s okay?”

  “I would love to have you two meet, but this is a surprise.” He glanced at the tickets.

  “Anyone who can inspire enough love to have her grandson marrying to protect her must be a wonderful person. I hope you don’t mind?” Sondra asked.

  “Of course not.” He squinted at the small print. “Are the tickets refundable?”

  “Yes. Fully. Why?”

  “If you can get a few days off after the funeral, I thought we could drive from Maryland and then return from Philadelphia.”

  “I can probably take the week off after the funeral. We aren’t particularly busy right after Christmas.”

  Zack ran his hand down Sondra’s arm and paused to encircle her jeweled wrist with his long fingers. “Thanks for your sacrifice. My heart is at peace.” He pulled up her fingers and gently nibbled at her fingertips, watching her astonished expression. Not seeing a response he expected, he turned on his heel and shut his door behind him.

  Sondra stared at the door. What was she supposed to do with him? Maybe their trip to Philly would help iron out some wrinkles. She could hope.

  That evening, Zack emerged from his space to help with a simple supper. They were working quietly at clearing dinner when a brisk knock summoned them to the door.

  “You must be Brad.” Zack reached out to shake the extended hand of a tall blond man. Even though he was only a couple of inches shorter than Zack, his sunken cheeks and sickly pallor made him seem much smaller. His clothes hung on a skeleton frame. Despite his weak appearance, his eyes still shone with lively interest. He nodded, then Zack turned to Nikki. “I remember you from Trek.” He reached out to shake her hand as well.

  Nikki snuck a look at Sondra, who was turning pink as they spoke. She met Zack’s eyes. “I remember you, too. You took really good care of Sondra then. Looks like you’re taking really good care of her now. We appreciate your sacrifice.”

  Zack nonchalantly put his arm around Sondra and moved her back to the couch. She was grateful for his guiding arm because her legs felt like mush. Having her family meet her faux husband shouldn’t be so unnerving.

  Nikki deposited a plate of cookies on Sondra’s table as they headed to the loveseat. The scent of vanilla and cinnamon wafted off the plate.

  Sondra inhaled with a smile. “Snickerdoodles?”

  Nikki nodded. “I know they’re your favorite.”

  “You know me too well.” Sondra passed the plate around to share while Brad handed Zack a gift card.

  “We didn’t know where you prefer to eat, so there are four choices on the card.” Brad said.

  “Thanks. This will come in handy. Sondra and I have been doing a lot of eating out lately.”

  Nikki turned and furrowed her brow at Sondra, who confessed, “The odor of cooking foods hasn’t been appetizing. It’s easier to eat where I don’t have to smell it cooking.”

  Nikki laughed. “It’s a good thing you’re living on a lawyer’s salary.”

  Sondra shot a look at Zack. “He won’t let me pay.”

  “She’s my wife.” The sound of his voice didn’t leave room for argument.

  Brad and Nikki exchanged a meaningful glance.

  Sondra switched subjects. “You’re looking good, Brad.”

  “I’ve put on ten pounds since they started the new process.” Even his voice sounded healthier, fuller.

  “That’s encouraging.” Sondra smiled.

  “Yes, it is. I didn’t ever think I’d be able to say this, but remission is looking like a real possibility.”

  Sondra squealed in delight. “I’m thrilled.” She turned to Nikki. “Have you let Mom and Dad know?”

  “We went on skype this morning. They’re as happy as we are.”

  They spent a few minutes discussing politics. After they’d run through the current state of world affairs, Nikki caught Sondra’s gaze. “How are you feeling—other than nauseated?”

  Sondra patted her non-existent stomach. “We’re doing fine so far.”

  Brad dropped his gaze a moment, staring at the floor. Then he looked to meet Sondra’s eyes as he reached for Nikki’s hand. “I can’t tell you how much this means to me—to us. Thanks.”

  “Just concentrate on getting well.” Sondra moved to Brad and hugged him.

  “I am.” He smiled, stood up and reached out to help Nikki, still chivalrous despite his weakened state. The cancer had ravaged his body but not his soul.

  After they left, Zack said, “I really like your family. Mine could never talk about current events like that.”

  “Mom and Dad felt like it was important to keep us aware. It would seem odd not to.” She stared at the glowing gas flames. “I just pray that Brad will get better.” She looked up at Zack and touched her tummy. “This sacrifice will mean a lot more if he can stay and be the father I know he wants to be.”

  Zack pulled Sondra to her feet. “You are an amazing person.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “There aren’t too many people I know who would sacrifice so much for their sister.”

  Sondra reached up and touched Zack’s cheek. “I’m not the only one s
acrificing here.”

  “My sacrifice is small.”

  Sondra wanted to argue. She needed to argue, but Zack’s mouth on hers stopped any thoughts. They stopped the muscles in her legs. If Zack hadn’t reached out to hold her up, she would have melted right into the floor. Her arms somehow found themselves wound around his neck, and one of her hands was working its way through his hair when Zack came up for air.

  Sondra could hardly see. This kiss was everything she’d ever imagined it would be. When she focused on his face, her brows furrowed. He didn’t seem to be sharing the same ecstasy she was. As she watched the different emotions race across his face, a final one of remorse remained. Remorse?

  He gently settled her on her feet. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for that to happen.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “This is supposed to be temporary, remember? I don’t want to complicate things.”

  He turned on his heel and retreated to his own space.

  Sondra stared at his door and then at the bracelet. Real jewels or not, they were beautiful. How was this gift meant to symbolize temporary? Maybe she was reading far too much into his behavior. Maybe a tennis bracelet didn’t mean much when you had money to spare. She retreated to her own room and cried herself to sleep. It wasn’t a long cry. She was asleep shortly after her head hit the pillow.

  Chapter Twelve, Funeral

  They attended the ward together and ate meals just as they previously had, but the tension in the air was thick. Based on the kiss they had shared the night before, Zack’s attraction was as real as hers.

  But the vital need to keep the twins safe held Sondra back. How would she spend any time convincing Zack that she wanted this to be much more than temporary without putting the babies at risk? She couldn’t do it.

  The following week was much the same. They ate their meals together, Zack drove her to work, and they both retired early. Sondra fell asleep. She had no idea what Zack did with his time, and she was too exhausted to investigate.

  There were a couple of times during the week when Zack’s dark eyes were lit with a quiet flame, but both of those times ended with him withdrawing, turning away, and disappearing.

  If Sondra had been in a different frame of mind, things would have ended differently. She knew it. As it was, she was chafing at the need to put the babies’ safety first. Sacrifice meant something different when she was thinking about it. To have the man of her dreams living in the same house and sharing the same marriage certificate and to have it all temporary because of her sister’s needs was a nightmare.

  * * *

  “Please switch my calendar for next week.”

  Cari pulled up Sondra’s calendar on her PC. “I don’t show many meetings planned.”

  “I thought it was light. I’m going to be taking tomorrow and the next week off.”

  “Finally going on that honeymoon?”

  “We spent a weekend together after the wedding.” Sondra said.

  Cari produced an unladylike snort. “That wasn’t a honeymoon. That was a business trip.”

  Sondra caught her breath. Cari was too close to the truth. She kept her voice under control as she said, “Zack’s father passed away. We’re attending his funeral in Maryland and then driving down to Philadelphia.”

  “This is a bad time of year for car travel.”

  “You’re right, but it’s not particularly good for plane travel either.” She stared at the screen while Cari made the necessary adjustments. “And you’re right. We need some more time alone.” Sondra’s smile was wry. “Although it’s not like we’re living in a packed house.”

  “Speaking of packed houses….” Cari’s eyes narrowed. “Has that Scott guy been giving you any trouble?”

  Sondra shook her head and furrowed her brows. “Why? Should he?”

  “I just didn’t get the feeling he’s a good loser.”

  “There was nothing to lose.” Sondra protested.

  “Yeah. Right.” Cari rolled her eyes. She switched topics. “I need to get these briefs typed before I leave tonight. Did you have anything else?”

  Sondra wearily rubbed her brow. “No. I don’t have any pending cases until mid-January, so this is a good time to go.”

  Cari nodded. “And I’m taking next week off as well.”

  “An even better reason to be gone, then.” Sondra put her phone to her ear as she walked into her office. “Nikki. I have a favor to ask.”

  “Anything.”

  “Can you take Dewk for the week?”

  The silence on the phone was palpable. Finally, in a strained voice Nikki said, “Of course we’ll take Dewk.”

  Sondra amended, “Well, you don’t have to take him as in have him in your house. I was wondering if you’d feed him and make sure he’s doing alright. I’m going to Maryland with Zack and I need someone to keep an eye on him.”

  “This is a first. Who did you have watch him before?” Nikki asked.

  “Scott was a willing volunteer, but we aren’t really on speaking terms these days.”

  “I can’t imagine why not.” Nikki snickered.

  “Yeah. Well. I’m out a sitter. Can you handle it?”

  “I had visions of Dewk chewing through my furniture, but I can handle feeding and checking in on him. No problem. When will you be back?” Nikki asked.

  “Sunday after next.”

  “Wow. A honeymoon after all.” Approval sounded in Nikki’s voice.

  “If you weren’t a phone call away, I’d smack you for that.”

  “Not?” Nikki sounded genuinely surprised.

  “Not. And don’t ask any questions. I really don’t want to talk about it.” Sondra grated.

  “That bad?”

  “As I said….”

  “Okay. Okay. I won’t pry, but don’t think I’m not absolutely dying for some answers.” Nikki admitted.

  “Me too. Me too.” Sondra shut the phone and stared at the wall. Here they were planning another trip that had honeymoon written all over it, and she knew it would be nothing of the kind.

  * * *

  As usual, Sondra could barely get through her dry toast while Zack ate a hearty breakfast. The herbal tea he made just managed to keep everything down.

  “There’s a storm coming while we’re gone. Would you like me to take the Hummer?”

  Sondra shook her head. “My car is front wheel drive. I really don’t want to switch back to having you boost me in and out. I’d much rather you drive my car, if it’s okay with you.”

  “If you’re sure.”

  “Positive.”

  Zack paused a moment and then grinned. “You know, I’m surprised you don’t own a Hummer of your own.”

  “Me?” Sondra’s eyes reflected her surprise. “Why do you say that?”

  “Well, I think of you as indestructible. Don’t you have a sense of adventure to match?”

  Sondra shook her head. “The only kind of adventure I crave outside of a good courtroom battle is finding the next big sale. I’m not one to adventure out in the wild blue. Do I have to be outdoorsy to be indestructible?”

  He pursed his lips. “I don’t suppose you do, but I’ll bet you’d enjoy four wheeling if you ever tried. Have you ever driven a Hummer?”

  “No. And I doubt I’ll start.” She wrinkled her nose at him.

  “I wouldn’t make you. Not everyone can do it.”

  “Is that a challenge?” A dangerous glint entered her eye.

  “I wouldn’t dare.” His answering look was amused.

  “When the twins are born, I just might take you up on it.”

  “Only if I get to choose the road.”

  For a moment, she wondered if it was safe to accept his dare. “You’re on.”

  They shook hands. Zack didn’t let go and Sondra didn’t pull away. Their eyes locked. For a whisper of a moment, Sondra was positive Zack was bending down for a kiss.

  Zack’s eyes steeled and he released her hand. “Where is your luggage?”


  “I left it on my bed.” Sondra pressed her lips together to hide their quiver. His resolve to keep things temporary was crushing.

  He loaded the car and then helped Sondra over the slippery walk. Their breath created small white clouds.

  Zack had left the car running. As she settled into the warm car, she smiled up at him. “This is delicious. Thanks.”

  “What?”

  “The temperature.”

  “Ah. That. I didn’t want to have to scrape ice off the windows.”

  “Whatever the reason,” she continued as he got behind the wheel. “I’m enjoying the warmth.”

  “I’m glad you’re comfortable.” He checked traffic and pulled into the street. Sondra stared at his profile a moment. He didn’t look like he wanted to talk, so she turned her attention to the passing scenery―not that there was anything to see.

  When Zack arrived at the curb, he pulled out the luggage and had it checked. “I’ll meet you at the gate, if it’s alright with you. I thought you’d be more comfortable waiting inside than riding the shuttle from parking.”

  “That’s fine.” As she watched Zack pull away, she was absolutely positive that Scott would have never even thought to drop her off at the door. Temporary or not, living with Zack was a great way to learn what she found valuable in a man and what she didn’t.

  As Sondra walked to the gate, she passed the same store she’d stopped at before her last trip. Her stomach churned, and she wished she could take some Dramamine. She wasn’t sure of its effect on the twins, so she walked on without stopping. Constantly keeping the needs of two other humans at the front of her mind wasn’t easy.

  Zack settled in next to her in the waiting area. He leaned close and asked, “How are you feeling?”

  “A little queasy. I think I’ll be okay.”

  “Here. I bought some ginger ale.” He handed her a green bottle.

  “How’d you get that through security?”

  “It’s at one of the specialty shops. It has real ginger in it, so it should be better than the stuff they offer on the beverage cart. We’re seated close to the bathroom.”

  Sondra groaned. “That could be a good thing or a bad thing.”

  “I’m hoping you won’t need it, but I thought you’d better be close just in case.”