Wings of Love

by Jeanette Skutinik

  Amy helped Bob while he divided up the kids in two teams. He’d been slowly getting them ready to this point, an actual game.

  Bob had been a blessing to this center, not only did he devote his time and energy, he had purchased brand new equipment for them including helmets and roller skates.

  After the game was finished Bob had the kids all sit down in a circle on the floor.

  “I am really proud of all of you kids,” Bob animatedly told them. “Not only have you improved your grades in school, you have impressed me with you skills in hockey.” He reached into his back pocket and fanned tickets in front of them. “So you’re all going to a Motor City Blades game next month.”

  “Yeah,” the kids all jumped up and down exited beyond belief.

  “We’ll even let Miss Amy go,” Bob grinned at her.

  Amy watched as the kids went ballistic, cheering loudly to show their appreciation.

  “We’ll see you kids next week,” Bob waved then called out. “Don’t forget to study hard for your spelling test.”

  “You sure made their day,” Amy said as they walked out the door.

  “Wait until they see the fifteen passenger van I ordered for the center. It should be here in time for the game.”

  “You’re kidding me, right?” Amy looked in disbelief at Bob as they rode home. She seen he was serious. “Wow that sure is awesome. It will open up a whole new world for them.”

  “Well it’s not a totally selfless act,” Bob glanced at her. “It makes me feel really good about myself to be able to help them.”

  “Then it’s a win win.” Amy felt good to see he finally believed in himself. “I was going to bring them nail polish and bubble gum,” she laughed. “But after what you did it pales in comparison.”

  “Hey, now wait a minute. I am not letting those girls paint my fingernails!” Bob laughed with Amy. “That’s where I draw the line.”

  ***

  Adam pulled the seven foot tree through the front door with the help of his father. They had been nominated for the job this morning as his mother and Amy prepared for the LaPointe Christmas dinner. Laurel and Michelle worked hard setting the tables that had been lined up in the dining room for all the company which was expected for this holiday.

  “We found a beauty,” Mr. LaPointe smiled at his wife as he approved the tree.

  “You always pick out the nicest trees dear.” Mrs. LaPointe stood and watched as they set it in the tree stand in the front living room window. “Oh my, it must be the best one yet.”

  Amy, Laurel and Michelle came into the room to admire it also. Mrs. LaPointe dug in a dusty brown box marked Christmas decorations on it and handed Adam a strand of lights.

  “You get the lights strung up and the girls can decorate the rest.” She placed two more boxes of ornaments upon the couch. “Let me know when you are all done and I’ll place the star on top.”

  Amy enjoyed helping his family decorate the tree. It was fun seeing all the ornaments that had been collected over the years. Adam and his sisters explained each one as they placed them on the tree and the memories attached to them. The radio played softly Christmas music, at this moment Happy Xmas (War is Over) by John Lennon and Yoko Ono was filling the room with Christmas spirit.

  “We’re ready mom,” Adam and his sisters hollered when the tree was finished as the LaPointe Christmas tradition continued.

  Mrs. LaPointe stepped up the ladder as Mr. LaPointe held her hand to steady her. He handed her the glass blown gold star tree topper. She placed it on top of the tree proudly paying homage to it.

  “This star was brought here when great, great grandfather and grandmother LaPointe arrived here in 1851. It has been a part of our tradition ever since. “She climbed down the ladder as Mr. LaPointe took her in his arms and gave her a kiss.

  “Merry Christmas my love,” he said as his wife blushed. “That’s a tradition too.”

  By the time all the preparations for the Christmas holiday dinner were finished most of the guests had arrived. Adam guided Amy over to an elderly couple sitting at a table among other family members. The woman had her gray hair up in a bun and she wore a hand knitted Christmas sweater over her red dress. The distinguished gentleman next to her was an older version of Adam and his father.

  “Amy this is my grandpere and grandmaman,” Adam had his arm around Amy’s waist. “Pere and maman this is Amy.”

  “Oh, you found a lovely girl,” said grandmaman as she stood up and placed her hands on her cheeks giving her a kiss.”

  “Bout time you found yourself a girl,” grandpere said as he puffed on his pipe. “Amy it’s nice to meet you.”

  “Nice to meet you both.” Amy smiled as she held Adam’s hand nervously.

  The home was filled with a mixture of familiar aromas from the kitchen and the love and laughter of family making a memorable holiday season. Adam spent the next hour mingling with Amy as he introduced her to all his aunts and uncles and cousins.

  “I don’t think I’ll ever remember all their names,” Amy said hesitantly. “I was so nervous.”

  “You did fine babe. Merry Christmas, Mrs. Makowski.” Adam bent over and kissed her on the cheek. “Is anybody sitting here?”

  “Merry Christmas to you both,” said Mrs. Makowski. “We saved you a spot.”

  Bob reached for a sweet pickle from the relish tray in the center of the table and took a bite. “So what’s new?” Bob almost choked as he stifled a laugh.

  “Merry Christmas,” Amy patted Bob on the back and sat down next to him. “You okay?”

  Bob shook his head as he took a drink of water. “I’m fine.”

  “Merry Christmas you two lovebirds,” Joey looked at Angie with a smirk on his face.

  “Have you two been in the eggnog already?” Amy laughed at their odd behavior.

  “That was nice of your parents to invite us all,” Angie changed the subject quickly as she gave Joey a look of warning.

  “I’m going to go see if your mom needs help,” Amy excused herself from the group. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Okay babe.” Adam watched as Amy walked away. “Good job you two dorks, you almost gave it away.”

  “It isn’t everyday we get to have a fun at your expense,” said Joey.

  “You know what they say about paybacks dude,” Adam joked back. “I’m glad you all could make it.”

  Adam had never enjoyed a Christmas as much as he enjoyed this one. After the Christmas dinner was finished and nobody could eat another morsel Adam and his father excused themselves.

  They went outside to hitch up the horses for the traditional LaPointe sleigh ride. Adam put the bridle on the horse and fit the bit into its mouth then buckled the reins to the loops on the side of the bridle.

  “A good woman is hard to find,” his dad backed the horse up to the sleigh. “I think you found one in Amy. I’d be proud to have her as a part of our family.”

  “Thanks dad,” Adam said as he coaxed the horses to move forward. “See you later.”

  The sleigh bells rang loudly, signally to all those who waited on the front porch that the rides had begun. After numerous trips back and forth the line of passengers finally disappeared. Adam searched through the group to find Amy’s face illuminated by the campfire as she waited for her ride. Adam picked her up as planned for the last sleigh ride of the evening while the rest of the family and friends gathered around the fire drinking hot cider and cocoa.

  This was their magical evening under the stars, tucked inside the sleigh with blankets. The horses pulled the sleigh effortlessly through the snow covered road, their bells jingle jangled with each step. Adam stopped the horses on the side of the road, the lantern flickered dimly as the wind blew past. He gazed into her eyes which out shone the stars in the sky and held her hands in his.

  “Thank you, babe, for being my best friend and the love of my life.” Adam took a small white box from his coat pocket and opened it as he knelt down in the sleigh holding her left hand
in his. “You stole my heart when you kissed me that night. Amy, will you be my wife?”

  Amy’s eyes filled with tears of joy as she looked in amazement at him. “You are the flame that burns within my heart. Yes, Adam I would love to spend the rest of my life with you.”

  “I am a man that truly has it all,” his voice trembled as he slipped the ring on her finger. “I love you Amy Marie Makowski.”

  Adam viewed Amy holding out her hand as she treasured her engagement ring that sparkled in the moonlight. He gently kissed the tears away upon her radiant face.

  “It’s absolutely beautiful,” said Amy as she snuggled closer to him under the blankets.

  “So are you.” Adam eyes danced with happiness as he stared into Amy’s eyes. He pointed up at some mistletoe which was dangling next to the “Our First Christmas 1977” ornament. “Now how do you suppose that ever got there?”

  “You are all I’ve ever dreamed of and more.” Amy let out a heavy sigh of happiness as she cuddled up to him to feel the warmth of his body. “What a wonderful first Christmas together.”

  Adam pulled Amy into his arms as he kissed her underneath the moon and the stars and the mistletoe. He felt a lump in his throat knowing that he was the luckiest man in the world. Back at the house he knew they were all anticipating their arrival home. But they would just have to wait a little bit longer because he wasn’t ready to share Amy with anyone just yet.

  Chapter 15

  Amy finished making her veggie dip for the New Year’s Eve party that Joey volunteered to host this year. She decided to give Janet a call while she waited for Joey and Angie to return with the food and munchies for tonight.

  Amy picked up the receiver and dialed Janet’s number as she sat down at the kitchen table. She wrapped the plastic silverware inside a napkin tying it in a bow with ribbon while she waited for her to answer the telephone.

  “Hi Janet. It’s Amy.” She continued with the task at hand as she spoke.

  “I was just thinking about you,” Janet exclaimed. “Did you set a date yet?”

  “Yes, we decided on February 14,” Amy paused with her work as she beamed with happiness.

  “Aww, how sweet, Valentine’s Day,” Janet sounded excited. “Let me know when you want to go shopping for dresses. I can’t wait to be your maid of honor.”

  “I’m so glad you can make it!!” Amy told her as she got up to open the cupboard door to look at the calendar. “It will have to be soon. How about we plan for next Saturday?”

  “That works for me,” agreed Janet. “I’m so happy for you and Adam, the first of our group to tie the knot.”

  “Can you believe it?” Amy put all the wrapped silverware on a tray for tonight. “Not to change the subject, but we all have been watching My Generations. You are playing the part of Kendall to perfection. So tell me, does she end up sleeping with Dr. Braxton?”

  “My lips are sealed,” Janet teased. “You’ll just have to stay tuned in to see.”

  Amy heard Joey and Angie come through the door carrying bags of groceries. “What are you doing tonight?”

  “Luke and I are going to ring in the New Year at Times Square.” Janet answered.

  “How exciting!” Amy motioned to Joey and Angie. “It’s Janet.”

  “Happy New Year!” Joey shouted towards the phone as he unpacked the groceries.

  “We love your show!” Angie also chimed in as she put the bags of shrimp in the refrigerator.

  “She says Happy New Year to you both and thanks for watching the show.” Amy relayed the message. “It was nice talking to you. You and Luke have a good time tonight. I’ll see you next Saturday.”

  Amy cleaned and cut vegetables for the dip she made as Angie fixed cocktail sauce for the shrimp. Joey brought in two six foot submarines from Tubby’s which he left on the back porch to keep cold.

  “Knock, knock,” said Bob as he came in the back door carrying several bags of ice. “I got the keg in my back seat, where do you want it?”

  “I got a tub on the back porch,” Joey said as he put his coat on. “Come on, I’ll help you bring it in.”

  “Do you want to give me a hand?” Angie emptied out a bag of New Year decorations.

  “Sure,” said Amy as she grabbed a step stool from the hall closet. “I’ll put up the streamers while you blow up the balloons.”

  Amy and Angie decorated the living room and kitchen as well as set up the area where the food would be served, when the doorbell rang.

  “Joey, you better get the door!” Angie hollered from the kitchen.

  “How many people did he invite?” Amy asked as she opened and stacked the plastic champagne cups together.

  “I have no idea,” Angie admitted. “You know Joey, the more the merrier.”

  The party was in full swing when Amy went upstairs to wait for Adam’s phone call. She shut her bedroom door as We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions by Queen blared from the living room.

  Amy grabbed the phone on the first ring. “Hello?”

  “Hi babe, what are you doing?”

  “Waiting for you to call,” she admitted. “Do you remember what tonight is?”

  “New Year’s Eve?” he teased then continued his conversation. “It was a year ago we had our first dance, our first kiss and you stole my heart right from under my nose.”

  “You do remember.” Her thoughts flashed back over the last year. “We sure have been through a lot this past year, some bad, but mostly good.”

  “We’ve only just started,” Adam sang softly over the phone.

  “Have you been drinking?” Amy laughed because he messed up the words to the song while attempting to be romantic.

  “Maybe,” Adam answered. “I called the hall and the caterer today. Everything is set for the 14th of February.”

  “Great. I have an appointment with Father Francis and my Aunt Sarah offered to do our wedding cake.” Amy shared the plans she had been working on since he went back to school. “I also have our invitations written up and ready to be mailed. Next week I am going shopping with the girls for our dresses and flowers.”

  “Everything is falling into place,” Adam stated. “Oh, my Uncle Jim offered to take our wedding pictures and I set up an appointment for the tuxedo rentals in two weeks.”

  “I hope we didn’t forget anything,” Amy worried not wanting anything to go wrong on their special day. “I want it to be a day we will cherish forever.”

  “I know I always will,” said Adam. “By the way, how did the game go yesterday?

  “The kids had the best time of their life. You should have seen their faces when Bob came out on the ice.” Her face brightened as she recalled the excitement of the kids. “He is their hero. After the game he introduced them to the whole team and gave them each an official NHL hockey puck.”

  “That’s great he did that for the kids,” Adam said. “Everybody needs a hero.”

  “After the game I took the kids out for ice cream,” Amy lay on her bed staring up at the ceiling. “That was a whole trip in itself.” She laughed remembering the messy faces and hands she had to clean up afterward.

  “Sounds like you had a really good time.”

  “I love working with the kids.” Amy felt her emotions fill her heart. “It is rewarding to see we are making a difference in their lives.”

  “I’m proud of you Amy,” Adam stated. “You and Bob are doing an admirable thing.”

  Amy could hear the ruckus downstairs as the countdown began. “Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one.”

  “Happy New Year,” Amy and Adam said together.

  “Do you remember the first song we danced too?” Adam asked.

  “I sure do,” Amy sang to him the first line of the chorus.

  He continued with the last line of the song then stopped abruptly. “Well, I hate to leave you on that note, literally, but there are some other guys waiting in line who need to use the phone. I’ll see you soon Amy.”

  “I
love you,” Amy whispered. “Sweet dreams.”

  “You too, babe.” Adam hung up the phone.

  Amy thumbed through her 45’s until she found If You Leave Me Now by Chicago. She placed it on the turntable and set the needle onto the groove of the record. Listening to the song, she hugged her pillow and reminisced about their first dance. She could almost feel his hands resting upon her hips as they swayed to the music. Amy swore she smelled his Old Spice cologne mixed with the scent of his shampoo. Adam still made her heart fluttered just thinking about him. She brushed a tear off her cheek that had escaped and choose to smile instead, thankful that they had their whole life ahead of them. Amy listened to the song one more time before rejoining the party, which is exactly what he would have wanted her to do.

  ***

  Adam just finished talking to his college coach and the owner and coach of the Motor City Blades. He also had been in contact with three other clubs in the NHL that wanted him to play. He been offered a four year contract with the Blades but he wanted to discuss it with Amy first. He headed straight to the nearest pay phone and called her number.

  “Yello?” Joey answered the phone.

  “Hey, Joey. How are ya doing?” Adam asked as he leaned his elbow on top of the phone enclosure.

  “Great, off to Chicago tomorrow.”

  “Awesome, you ought to be able to knock them out of the playoffs.” Adam paced back and forth. “Is Amy there?”

  “Yeah, she is lying down. She hasn’t been feeling too good lately.” Joey said. “Let me go get her.”

  Adam could here Joey’s footsteps as he ran up the stairs and then his voice. “Amy, Adam’s on the phone.” He waited for a few minutes until he heard Amy pick up the phone.

  “Hello, Adam?” Amy’s voice sounded groggy from sleep.

  “What’s wrong babe?” Adam was worried and wanted to know immediately.

  “I must have a touch of the flu,” Amy answered. “My stomach hurts and I have the chills and then break out in a sweat with a fever.”