by JoAnn Durgin
“Oh no!” Marta said. “What happened?”
“He had an experimental design using a hydrogen balloon and a hot air balloon tied together, and”—he closed his fists, bumped them together, and then opened them—“sadly, it exploded half an hour after takeoff.”
Marta’s lovely smile faded and her eyes clouded. “That’s absolutely tragic.”
“Yes, but he died doing what he loved.” He shrugged. “Oh, here’s one more that’s not so sad. One of the French brothers, Jean Pierre Blanchard, became the first person to fly a balloon in North America in January 1793. George Washington was present to see the balloon launch.”
“Ah, so he was President George Washington at the time.”
Eliot nodded. “That would be correct. It launched in Philadelphia and flew across the Delaware River to New Jersey.” He grinned. “Of course, George had already been there, done that with the whole crossing the Delaware thing, so he declined to ride in the balloon.”
She laughed. “Fascinating. You know, Eliot, from what you’ve told me, the French were heavily involved in the history of hot air ballooning. I wonder if they teach kids something about it in their history lessons…over there.”
He shoved his hands in the pockets of his jacket and looked the other way. “You’re not getting anything out of me, Marta. Give it up.”
“Eliot, how do you know all this stuff? Seriously this time.” When he didn’t answer, she tilted her head and tried to catch his eye. “You’ve been here before, haven’t you? To the Balloon Fiesta?”
Might as well admit it. He met her gaze. “A couple of times, yes. Tyler’s participated in a few races.”
“And is Tyler in a race today?”
“Nah,” he said with a wide grin. “Today’s just for fun.”
“And you’ve obviously memorized a pamphlet with the history of ballooning.”
Laughing, Eliot raised both hands. “Busted. You’re on to me.”
She angled her head to some of the staff as they walked farther into the huge Fiesta Park. “Who are those people running around in the black and white striped zebra shirts?”
He laughed. “That’s exactly what they’re called. Zebras. They’re the launch directors who help launch the balloons every morning.”
“What a fun job. How long does the Fiesta run?”
“Nine days, I believe.” He smiled and waved as he spied Tyler up ahead, standing by his collapsed balloon on the ground beside him. After the introductions were made, they listened as Tyler gave them instructions and told Marta about inflating and then chasing the balloon.
“Sounds pretty easy to me,” she said. “How long does it take to get all the balloons inflated and in the air?”
“It generally takes about two hours, start to finish. We have almost 700 balloons this year,” Tyler said, “and about 300 of those are from New Mexico.”
Eliot enjoyed Marta’s enthusiasm as the balloons started being inflated all around them. “This is one of the most awesome things I’ve ever seen,” she said. “You look in one direction and see a daisy, a tree, an orange, assorted cats and dogs, and…”
“Something wrong?” Eliot followed her gaze and couldn’t help his laughter. “Marta, don’t tell me you’re afraid of clowns.”
“Not usually, no. But when they’re that big? Yeah, it’s a little freaky.” She brightened. “Oh, look over there, Eliot! It’s a peach! Sam would absolutely love that! I can’t wait for the sun to come up so I can take some photos.”
They worked together to inflate the balloon as Tyler pointed out the various parts to Marta. “The tank’s 20 gallons and it’s inside the wicker basket, also called the gondola,” he said. “It has a hardwood base and there’s a leather scuff pad at the bottom and a padded suede trim on the upper rim of the basket.” He showed her the instrument panel, including a champagne console, and explained in brief terms about the double burner system, the blast valve, envelope attachment block, and the fuel hose, among others.
“Do you need a pilot’s license to fly a hot air balloon?” she asked.
“Yes, either a private of a commercial license. I’m a private pilot.”
“I see. And one more question?”
Tyler grinned. “Ask away.”
“Why do the balloons take off at sunrise?”
“The winds are most favorable the first few hours after sunrise or before sunset. They can only fly in stable air. The sun heats the earth, creating thermals, during the day. In certain climates, balloons can fly all day because the sun never gets hot.”
A short while later, Marta’s smile grew wider as the balloon inflated. “This is so awesome!” she called to him. “How tall is the balloon when it’s fully inflated?”
“Almost 27 meters,” Tyler said, shouting over the sound of the butane torch. “It’s one of the tallest ones launching today.”
“Of course it is—it’s the State of Texas, after all.” Marta laughed. “Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Let’s see, 27 meters would be…over 88 feet. Wow!”
“The flight will be a little over an hour and a half,” Tyler told him, and Eliot nodded.
“My head is now officially spinning,” Marta said as they finished fully inflating the balloon. “What time is sunrise?”
“Should be a couple of minutes after seven.” Eliot checked his watch. “Tyler’s launch time is 8:30, so we can walk around and get some photos, get some more food, whatever you’d like to do. Then we should head back to the tank to get ready for the launch.”
“And then the chase begins?” Marta was so lovely, and all over again, Eliot appreciated her enthusiasm for people, for life, for TeamWork, and for the Lord.
He loved her pure joy. Loved her.
Unable to resist, Eliot kissed her. “And then the chase begins.”
Chapter 33
~~♥~~
“Sam Lewis, where do you think you’re going? You get back in that bed right now.”
Crossing her arms, Lexa stared down her husband. “It’s a good thing you’re not laid up often. I don’t know how I’d keep my sanity. The doctor said to have you rest and lay low for a day or two.”
“Nothing doing.” After opening the top drawer of the dresser, Sam pulled out a fresh shirt. “I didn’t come to New Mexico to help finish the One Nation Church only to stay in bed and miss the first worship service.”
“I know, but you were in the hospital emergency room last night. And then you were sick again in the night.”
“I’m well aware of that.” An odd expression crossed his face and he swayed a bit. Reaching for the dresser, he clutched the edge.
“Sam, you’re still feeling the effects from that nasty spider bite and need to rest. I don’t think Pastor Chevy wants you to christen his brand new sanctuary. It’s not like you’re supposed to lead the service. Kevin’s helping with the music and TeamWork will be well represented.”
With a frown, Sam tossed the shirt on the chair. In a few steps, he fell onto the bed, crosswise, flat on his back. “Is that not leading the service comment a crack? If so, it’s defeating your purpose. That challenge only makes me want to go even more.”
“No, that wasn’t a crack. It’s called reality, dear husband.” Tapping her foot on the floor, Lexa moved her hands to her hips. “Don’t make me go get your mother. I won’t hesitate to do it, if needed.”
“Don’t do that. Please. It makes my head hurt.” He opened his eyes. “I’m talking about the foot tapping. I’m a grown man and don’t need my mommy. I only need you, fussy and demanding as you are. Always need you, Lexa.” His attempt at a grin fell short. Clamping one hand on the back of his neck, Sam closed his eyes. A fine line surfaced between his brows as he pinched his fingers over his nose. “Getting up from this bed is the hardest thing to do right now.” His eyes fluttered open. “Did you put lead weights on my feet during the night?”
“Come on. Let’s get you settled.” Walking over to the bed, Lexa took hold of his hand and tugged. “If I didn’t
know better, I’d think you were drunk last night and have a hangover this morning. The doctor didn’t warn me the side effects of being bitten by a widow spider would be so interesting.”
“I just get punchy when I’m not feeling well. Strange phenomenon. Ask Mom. She’ll tell you.”
“She already did. Last night when you were treating us to your rendition of ‘Strangers in the Night.’”
“That was an odd choice, wouldn’t you say?”
“Oh, I don’t know. I’d rate it a little higher than ‘I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair.’”
He snapped his gaze to her. “Please tell me I didn’t.”
“Okay then, I won’t. Don’t let it threaten your masculinity.” She suppressed her grin. “All the more reason for you to stretch out. Come on now. In we go.” Lexa watched as Sam crawled under the sheet and then she pulled up the lightweight blanket and tucked it around him.
“That’s what I get for Mom listening to all those musicals when I was growing up.”
“I think you secretly loved them but don’t want to admit it.”
“You would say that since The Sound of Music is your favorite movie. Remind me to keep Joe occupied the next time you watch it.” His smile sobered and he fixed his gaze on her. “Lexa, I want you to go to the church service. Just put a bucket or the trash can by the side of the bed and I’ll be fine.” He’d already swallowed a couple of pills to help with the head and muscle aches. So far, he hadn’t wanted to eat anything, but he’d kept down the water.
“I’ll pull the cooler over here so you can get more water if you need it, but are you sure?”
He nodded. “Positive. I’d suggest changing out of your nightgown before you go, though. Don’t want any of the other men to see you in it. That’s for my benefit alone.”
Even with the stubble on his face, and not feeling well, Sam was the most handsome, appealing man in the world. “Only for you, Sam.”
“And I thank God every day.” Yawning, he turned on his side, giving her a sleepy-eyed half smile. “Please give Pastor Chevy my best and let him know I’m there with them in spirit. I hope someone’s recording the service so I can listen to it later.”
“I’ll check into that. I’m sure they will.”
After hurriedly changing into the one dress she’d brought on the trip, Lexa darted into the bathroom to braid her hair and finish getting ready. Picking up her Bible, she pressed a kiss to Sam’s cheek. It was warm, but he looked less flushed and wasn’t perspiring.
“God works out the details,” she whispered. “Love you.”
~~♥~~
Angelina stole a glance at Amitola and Avonaco as the church service began. They were such a cute couple and seemed so…adult. They’d probably be having babies in the next couple of years. Her gaze moved to Felipe sitting beside her, and she admired his profile. Turning his head, he gave her a smile. Before she knew it, he slipped his hand over hers. At first, she thought about withdrawing her hand, but she liked it. His hand was warm and it made her feel appreciated and protected. She’d never held hands with a boy.
He’s not a Christian. Quietly, Angelina slipped her hand away from his and avoided looking at him, knowing the question she’d see in his eyes. His new Bible was on his lap and she’d helped him find a few verses of scripture as they’d been read.
He’s learning and growing, Lord. I know he is. Bring him to you in your way, Father, and in your time. She liked how Pastor Chevy had asked Kevin and Cassie to lead the music and worship portion at the beginning of the service. “Isn’t it cool being here for the first service in their new church?” she whispered to Felipe.
“Yeah,” he said. “It’s the first time in a church for me. Ever.”
That truth hit her like a gust of wind in the face. Angelina felt the color rise in her cheeks. She’d been going to church for so long with Mama that she couldn’t imagine being their age and never having been in one before. Reaching for his hand again, she squeezed it. “I’m glad you’re here now. With me.” When he glanced over at her, she couldn’t read what was in his eyes except to tell that the effects of the service weren’t lost on him. Gone was the flippancy, the teasing, the disregard for the things of the Lord. Replaced by an understanding, and maybe an acceptance. Her breath caught.
Interestingly enough, Pastor Chevy’s message was all about teamwork. Grabbing a pen from the pew in front of them, Angelina pulled the outline from the church bulletin and prepared to fill in the blanks. She noted that Amitola did the same.
“In order for teamwork to function effectively,” Pastor Chevy told them, “each person needs to put aside their own needs.” Reading from his Bible opened on the podium, the pastor quoted from Philippians 2:3-4. “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Angelina’s mind wandered to what she’d heard about the infamous TeamWork brouhaha. Lexa had told Mama how the volunteers tore into each other during the weekend Mitch and Cassie met. Amy thought her brother and Cassie had impulsively gotten married, but it was all a huge misunderstanding that brought out repressed feelings between different members of the group. That’s what tension and pent-up feelings could do. Christians weren’t immune to grudges and bad feelings. In a way, she wished she could have been a fly on the wall at the brouhaha, but maybe it was better that she hadn’t been there.
According to Lexa, the volunteers had hashed out everything and aired their grievances. In the end, they were stronger for it. As a social worker, Mama always stressed the importance of communication. That was the key, just like Dean had also stressed when he and Mama caught her and Felipe about to kiss. The TeamWork volunteers were fiercely committed to each other and to their faith. They loved each other. They encouraged one another. More importantly, they didn’t walk away from tough situations like a lot of people would do. They stuck it out, talked with each other, and worked out their differences.
Felipe pressed his lips next to her ear. Having him so close was almost as intimate as a kiss. “What are you thinking about?”
“TeamWork,” she answered. It was true, after all. He pointed to his outline, indicating she’d already missed the first two words to fill in the outline.
“He just talked about cooperation and how two is better than one.” Felipe kept his voice low. “I like that idea.”
So, he was flirting, and in a church service, no less. Pastor Chevy went on to talk about having a dedicated commitment to the objectives. Feeling as though she was copying from a test, Angelina glanced at Felipe’s outline and wrote down the reference for Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12. The pastor ended the message by talking about Paul and Timothy’s ministry, and then telling them how Solomon was an example of someone who knew the advantages of teamwork when the temple was built.
“A team must be coordinated by a strong leader,” Pastor Cheveyo told them. He prayed for Sam, especially that the Lord would quickly restore him to full strength and health.
“Thank you for coming today,” Amitola told Angelina as they walked out of the church together and into the bright sunshine. She glanced up at the blue sky and smiled. “The warmth of the sun seems as though the Lord is giving His blessing on our church.”
“I’m sure He is.” Feeling a sudden urge to hug Amitola, Angelina did just that. “I wish God’s blessing on you and Avonaco as well as on your church.”
“If you give me your home address, I’ll send you an invitation to our wedding.”
“That would be awesome.” Avonaco handed Angelina a piece of paper he pulled from his shirt pocket and Angelina scribbled it down for her. Beneath it, she wrote her e-mail address. “In case we don’t see each other again before we leave,” she said, handing Amitola the piece of paper. In her heart, she knew Amitola would follow through on her promise. Leaning close, she whispered, “Pray for Felipe. This was the first time he�
��s ever been in a church.”
“We’ve been praying. We’ll keep praying.”
Pulling away, Angelina smiled at her new friend. “Are you sure you’re only 18?”
Amitola laughed. “For another few months. I’ll be 19 when we marry.”
“I liked what Pastor Chevy said about the cord of three strands,” Felipe said as they stood outside the church together.
“The verse from Ecclesiastes that Pastor Cheveyo read is one that we’ve picked to be read at our wedding,” Amitola told them.
Angelina was relieved Felipe didn’t bring up the verse in that section that said if two lie down together, they will keep warm. Her lips twisted. No doubt he’d have his own interpretation.
~~♥~~
After thanking Pastor Chevy and speaking briefly with Lila after the worship service, Lexa left the sanctuary. The kids were practically jumping up and down in their excitement to go to the Balloon Fiesta. Sam and Sarah had attended the service and planned to take their three grandchildren to the Fiesta. Marc, Natalie, Josh and Winnie planned to take their families, as well. Amy, Landon, Mitch and Cassie all planned on riding the Sandia Peak Tramway, and Angelina and Felipe planned on going with them. Like the adults, the teenagers had worked hard in the past week and deserved a day away to relax, have fun, and do some sightseeing.
Sheila and Dean had volunteered to take security duty for the rest of the day. Besides that, Lexa was aware that Dean wanted to spend some private time with Sheila. According to Sam, that sweet man was cooking dinner for Sheila in the dining hall. She’d grab something quick for sandwiches and share a quiet dinner with Sam in their quarters. Or maybe take the Volvo and bring something back. As much as she’d like to go the Balloon Fiesta or ride the Tramway, reading and resting sounded like a great way to spend the rest of the day.
Lexa stopped short as she spied Stephanie Colton talking with Winnie and Amy over by the parked cars. This morning she wore black dress slacks, an ivory silk blouse, and a single strand of pearls. Had Stephanie attended the service?
