Truly, Madly, Deeply

by Karen Kingsbury

  “There.” She gave her mom one last hug. “See you in a few hours.”

  When they pulled away Annalee turned to him. “I can’t imagine Maddie right now.” She leaned her head back and stared at the sky. “She thinks it’s a date at the zoo.”

  “Which”—Tommy chuckled—“shows you how much she loves the place. She works there, after all.”

  “I think it’s beautiful.” Annalee hadn’t felt this carefree since September, before treatment began. “Maddie loves animals. I got that from our date last time. I really like her, Tommy. I mean… I’ve met her before, of course. But I know her so much better now. Her heart… her amazing story.”

  Tommy’s eyes shone. “I mean… only God could’ve brought those two together.”

  Like other times since her cancer, they didn’t spend the conversation talking about treatment and nausea and how many rounds remained. They both knew the answer. Just one. One more round of chemo and she’d be finished—for good, she believed. With every breath she trusted God for that.

  Instead they talked about his classes and the finals he was studying for. Annalee had enough credits that the school had arranged for her to take the semester off. That way—if she was well enough—she could finish in the spring. Even if she had to take a few classes online over the summer, she would still graduate in May with Tommy and her class.

  Typically the zoo was crowded on Saturday. Annalee and Tommy had been before. But today—with the clouds and the threat of snow, and with temperatures in the mid-thirties, the parking lot was practically empty. Tommy found a spot. “Looks like the perfect day for an engagement.”

  “They’ll have the place to themselves. Amazing.” Annalee waited until he helped her from the passenger side. She was still weak. Still unable to walk far without the wheelchair. But she was getting stronger every day. She could feel that, too.

  Tommy had brought a thick blanket for the outing. So in addition to Annalee’s coat and gloves, scarf and hat, once she was in the wheelchair Tommy tucked the heaviest, softest blanket around her. She giggled. “We could have a blizzard and I’d be warm.”

  “All right then.” He sounded strong, confident. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

  They reached the front entrance and met up with Tommy’s uncle Dayne and aunt Katy and their kids. Annalee hadn’t met them yet, so Tommy made the introductions. Of course, she knew who Dayne Matthews was, the famous actor who in the past ten years had been making movies.

  Tommy’s aunt Katy put her hand on Annalee’s shoulder. “We’ve been praying for you.” Her voice filled with empathy. “You look wonderful, by the way.”

  “Thanks.” Annalee stared up at Tommy and then back to Katy. “I’m getting better. Definitely. And I have a lot of love around me.”

  Tommy moved to her side and took her hand. “She’s easy to love.”

  Katy nodded. “I’m sure.” She hugged Tommy. “The two of you are the cutest.”

  More of the family arrived. Tommy’s uncle Ryan and aunt Kari and their kids. Also his uncle Landon and aunt Ashley and their kids—including Cole, who was home from Liberty University on Christmas break. Grandpa John and Grandma Elaine were here, too

  Five minutes later Maddie’s parents—Tommy’s uncle Peter and aunt Brooke—hurried up. Maddie’s mother carried a bouquet of white roses and hydrangeas, and her face was lit up with joy. Her daughter was getting engaged, after all.

  For just a moment Annalee tried to imagine how her own mom might look at a time like this. Full of love and happiness, but also aware of the passing of time. The way Maddie’s mother seemed to look right now.

  Brooke was explaining why they were late and how the florist hadn’t had the flowers ready like they were supposed to and how Peter had driven so fast that water sloshed out of the vase onto her pants. And everyone was laughing and talking and Annalee let the thrill of the moment wash over her.

  She gazed at the sky. A hint of blue was breaking through the clouds. Exactly how she felt about her life.

  Another few minutes passed and three people joined them. Tommy’s grandpa John did the introductions. “Please say hello to Maddie’s biological parents—Larry and Louise Quinn.” Grandpa John’s voice seemed choked by emotion. “And this”—he patted the other man’s back—“is Dawson’s father, David Gage.” He grinned. “Today, we’re all family.”

  At that, Maddie’s parents, Peter and Brooke, and their younger daughter, Hayley, approached the Quinns. According to Maddie, her real parents and her sister had never met her biological mom and dad. But she had expected they would one day.

  This was that moment.

  Annalee watched as the couples said a few words to each other and then Brooke and Louise Quinn embraced. For a long time. When they pulled away, both women were wiping tears.

  Tommy leaned down and whispered near Annalee. “I can’t imagine.”

  “Me, either.” Annalee didn’t look away from the two couples. To think the Quinns had given up a frozen embryo that had, years later, become the baby the Wests gave birth to. It was like something straight out of science fiction. Yet it wasn’t. Because here—between the two sets of parents—was a love that could only be divine.

  Finally Tommy’s parents and his siblings rushed up the walkway out of breath. His mom tossed her hands and laughed. “Forgot my phone.”

  “We had to turn back.” His dad gave a nervous laugh. “Lost ten minutes.”

  “But we’re here now! And it’s only twelve-twenty!” Tommy’s mom waved at the group. “Hello, everyone! I see a few new faces.”

  More introductions and then Maddie’s dad explained the situation. “Dawson asked us to wait till twelve-thirty.” Peter looked at his watch. “Which is in one minute. Then we’re supposed to stay together and head to the lion area.” Peter went on to remind them that Maddie and Dawson had gotten here an hour earlier. “By now, they’re probably watching the meerkats. Maddie loves those little guys.”

  “Here we go.” Tommy bent down and kissed Annalee’s cheek. “This will be one of the happiest moments in my cousin’s life.”

  “I can’t wait.” Annalee felt a thrill as Tommy began to push her again. Slower this time, since they were in the middle of the group. Maddie had been engaged once before. To a longtime friend of hers. Connor something. A relationship that at first seemed like Annalee’s and Tommy’s.

  But their dating days had always been a little off according to Maddie. Something she hadn’t fully realized until she met Dawson. Apparently Connor was dating someone new now, too. Tommy said that Connor and Maddie had actually talked recently and they’d both agreed that their breakup was the best thing.

  Hard as it had been.

  The group reached the lions and Brooke’s dad organized everyone to line up along the exhibit wall. As if they had never in all their lives been more intent on watching wild cats. Sitting in her chair lower than the rest of them, Annalee caught a glimpse of Dawson and Maddie walking their way.

  Maddie didn’t seem to notice the people crowded around the lion encounter. Dawson was grinning, talking to her about something Annalee couldn’t hear. He walked Maddie to a spot just behind Peter. Then speaking in a louder voice he looked right in Maddie’s eyes. “Maddie West… I have a surprise for you.”

  That was the cue they’d all been given. Those words.

  And in a rush the group turned around and yelled, “Surprise.”

  Annalee had a front-row spot. Maddie put her gloved hands to her mouth and then looked up at Dawson. “What…” She turned to the group. “You’re… you’re all here!” Her eyes welled up.

  Dawson couldn’t stop smiling. He put his arm around her and drew her close. Then with gentle care he took off her gloves—one at a time—and slid them into her coat pocket.

  Maddie made a sound that was more laugh than cry. “Dawson… what are you doing?”

  Sunshine broke through the clouds and shone down on them as Dawson took Maddie’s hands. “God alone could�
�ve dreamt this up, Maddie. This crazy, amazing story between us.”

  The crowd of family formed a half circle around them, so everyone could hear what Dawson was saying.

  “You, Maddie.” Dawson framed her face with his hands. Their chemistry made Annalee forget the winter cold. Dawson looked at Maddie for a long beat. “You are the one I’ve always prayed I’d find.” He ran his hand over her hair. “And now you’re here.”

  “Dawson…” Maddie put her hand on his. She seemed completely unaware of the rest of them. “What… what is this?”

  “I found you and now…” He shook his head. “I don’t want to spend a day of my life without you.”

  “Me, either.” Her voice was softer than his. Like she was mesmerized by the magic of the moment.

  Tommy took Annalee’s hand and looked into her eyes. “One day,” he whispered. “One day, Annalee.”

  Her heart felt light as air. One day. Yes, she wanted to tell him. This was all she wanted one day. When she was well and they were older and the time was right. But here all she did was nod and let her eyes do the talking. Then they both turned again to the beaming couple before them.

  Dawson took a step back and dropped to one knee. From his peacoat, he pulled out a velvet box and opened it.

  Again Maddie put her hands over her mouth as happy tears slid down her cheeks. “Dawson!” She danced in place a few seconds and squealed.

  Suddenly one of the lions let out a ground-trembling roar. So loud Dawson couldn’t have been heard if he shouted.

  He laughed and lowered the box. For a second he looked down and shook his head and then, as the lion quieted, Dawson’s eyes found Maddie’s again. “Have I mentioned that I love how this is your favorite place? The zoo?”

  Everyone laughed, and Maddie covered her face for a moment, her tears and laughter mingling in the most happy way.

  In a heartbeat, the moment grew intimate again. Dawson took her hand once more and held up the ring. The diamond glistened in the sun. He smiled. “I’ve asked your parents and my dad… and I’ve asked our God above. Now… the only one left to ask is you.” He hesitated. “Maddie West… will you marry me?”

  “Yes!” Maddie danced in place again as Dawson rose to his feet. He took hold of her face and she settled down. Fresh tears spilled from her eyes. “Yes, Dawson Gage. A million times yes.”

  He kissed her. A kiss that made Annalee catch her breath.

  The small crowd seemed lost in the moment as the couple kissed again. As if the sheer beauty of the passion and romance between Dawson and Maddie was something that made time stand still. And after a few seconds they all burst into applause.

  “Way to go, Maddie,” Tommy shouted.

  And the rest of the family added their congratulations, too. The next half hour was full of hugs and pictures, and eventually all the parents took a photo together. When finally it was time for Tommy to take her home, Annalee could only hope that someday—if the Lord allowed—the moment that had just played out wouldn’t belong to someone else.

  It would belong to her and Tommy.

  26

  The five o’clock Christmas Eve candlelight service was exactly what Tommy needed. After their beautiful day at the zoo watching Dawson propose to Maddie, Annalee had gone in for another round of chemo. Now she was struggling with a low blood count, so she was back in the hospital tonight with her parents.

  And Tommy was here at church with his family. Believing God. Trusting Him with every heartbeat.

  This night was one of his favorite moments of the holidays. Sitting next to his parents and Malin and Johnny, soaking in the wonder of that first long-ago Christmas Eve.

  Typically Pastor Dell Johnson would read from the Bible about Mary and Joseph and Bethlehem and they would sing “Hark the Herald” and “Angels We Have Heard on High,” and Tommy’s heart would fill with gratitude. That God had allowed him to be in this family, and that he had his health and his friends and his team. And Annalee. For the last three years she’d also been part of the reason he was thankful on this night.

  But tonight after Pastor Dell read the Christmas story, the man closed his Bible and looked long at the congregation. The place was packed—like usual on Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday. All generations gathered together, each person holding an unlit candle.

  The pastor came a few steps closer to the edge of the stage. He was a fit man probably in his forties, born in Vietnam. He and his family had been at this church for twenty years. He took a deep breath. “Tonight… I want you to really think about Mary and Joseph. What it must’ve been like that Bethlehem night so long ago.”

  His voice grew soft and a hush fell over the room. “Just a couple kids following orders, showing up for a population count.” He hesitated. “Mary’s in labor. Joseph, scrambling for a place where the baby could be born.”

  Tommy noticed people sitting taller in their pews. Listening more intently. Even the children quieted down.

  “You think they weren’t scared to death?” He sauntered toward the far end of the stage. “Never mind that God had placed a baby in Mary… or the fact that they’d both been visited by angels. They were young and unmarried, about to have a child in a city with no room.” He paused and looked the other direction. “They were scared to death.”

  Never had Tommy thought about the story like this. Mary and Joseph might’ve been the same age as Annalee and him. Just a couple of kids, young and in love and so afraid they could barely think straight.

  Pastor Dell was walking closer again. “Here’s what I want you to take away from this story tonight.” He smiled. “Yes, Mary and Joseph were scared. They didn’t know what was coming next. But…” He spread his arms out. “They trusted God. In their weakest moment, they trusted Him. And so they kept walking. Kept seeking God’s plan. Kept believing. And by nightfall they weren’t afraid any longer.” He paused. “They were parents.”

  A chill ran down Tommy’s arms. He looked at his mom and dad and saw their eyes glistening, their attention glued to the pastor.

  Then the man went on to say something Tommy would remember forever.

  “We’re all afraid of something. We’re human. But tonight God wants us to lay our fears at the foot of the manger. The way Mary and Joseph did. And do this…” He moved to the center of the stage and peered across the dark room. “Keep walking. Keep seeking His plan. And keep believing.” He grinned. “The miracle you’re waiting for might be closer than you think.”

  Tommy closed his eyes and let Pastor Dell’s words fill him one more time. The miracle you’re waiting for might be closer than you think. He could hardly wait to share that with Annalee later tonight.

  Ushers came down the aisles then and lit the candle at the end of each row. Each small white candle had a plastic receptacle at the base so the melted wax wouldn’t drip. Tommy watched his dad light his mother’s candle. Then she lit Tommy’s and he passed the flame on to Malin, who lit Johnny’s.

  In the time it took them to do that, a warm glow pierced the room and rose from the congregation. The way we’re supposed to shine in this world, Tommy thought. Then—the way they did every year—Pastor Dell led them in an a cappella round of “Silent Night.” This time, as they began to sing, the words hit Tommy differently.

  “Silent night, holy night, all is calm… all is bright.” Hope welled inside Tommy’s soul. All was calm and bright because Mary and Joseph trusted God to get them through an impossible situation. That was the only reason.

  “Shepherds quake… at the sight.” The song grew and filled the church. “Glories stream from heaven afar… Christ, the Savior, is born… Christ, the Savior, is born.”

  His family’s voices around him made Tommy smile as the song played out. “Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.”

  The truth of the song had never meant so much. Tommy let the words breathe encouragement through his anxious heart. It was up to him this Christmas Eve to keep walking, keep seeking God… keep believin
g. And if he did… if he did then he wouldn’t have to be afraid any longer.

  Just like Mary and Joseph.

  When the service was over, and they were on their way out to the parking lot, Tommy walked behind his parents. They held hands, smiling at each other. Laughing about something Tommy couldn’t quite hear.

  And a thought hit him. His parents had spent the last few months afraid, too. At least his mother. She hadn’t wanted him to be a police officer, but not because she didn’t honor and respect the badge and uniform.

  Because she was scared to death.

  And now… after taking one step after another in faith, his parents weren’t just okay. They looked more in love than ever. Tommy put his arm around Malin on one side of him and Johnny on the other. Then he nodded to their parents. “It’s going to be a beautiful Christmas.”

  Malin seemed to understand. “Ever since they went dancing, they haven’t stopped smiling.”

  “Because…” Tommy smiled at her. “They never stopped believing.”

  * * *

  TOMMY HAD DRIVEN separately to the Christmas Eve service. If the best part about Christmas was the giving, then tonight figured to be a blast. He had a number of deliveries to make before he would go home and wrap gifts for his family.

  Tonight was the Christmas party for IMPD officers stuck working December 24. Tommy had heard about the event from Officer Raul. The man wasn’t quite back to work yet, but he planned to be there tonight. “Wouldn’t miss this,” he had told Tommy.

  “Tell you what.” Tommy had thought of the idea mid–phone call. “I’ll bring chicken sandwiches. The way your mom did when you were in the hospital.”

  The men and women on the Indianapolis force loved Chick-fil-A. So that was Tommy’s first stop. He had ordered thirty sandwiches and a bucket of fries. Other people were bringing dessert and salad. But Tommy’s part was a surprise.

  His food was ready, lined up across the back counter when he walked in. Tommy paid for it and drove across town to the police station. The air outside was freezing, with snow expected tomorrow. He grabbed the bags and an oversized plastic container of his mom’s Christmas snowball cookies, and jogged inside.