Always Tried and Proven

by Nancy Hopper

  “Part of me so desperately wants to just take you, and love you, and say the hell with tomorrow.” He smiled sadly. “But I can’t do that. I live in a fish bowl, and when you get to the tent, so will you. You’ll begin to understand.”

  She nodded slowly. “Is it really just that you’re not feeling safe when we’re too close, Sam? Please, I’ve got to know.”

  He sighed and hugged her, rocking her gently as was his wont. “It is. Callie, what you do to me is almost more than I can bear. You’re in my blood. I can’t concentrate on anything else when you’re around. All you have to do is look at me, and I’m ready to forget everything else and just make love to you. I want you … very much.” He said. “This is new territory for me, Callie. I'm not used to allowing a woman to drop me to my knees with just a look. I don't know where my limits are, at all. That's very dangerous for someone like me. You're very dangerous … for me.” he explained intensely.

  Callie looked up at him and felt convinced to her toes. His hands on her back were caressing her. He kissed her and let his lips explain his need for her, up and down her throat, across her shoulder. The intensity of his desire began to come out and make itself known. She shivered and held him tightly. “Sam,” she gasped.

  “I know. I know.” He growled. He straightened up, and tore his eyes from her. “Point me toward some work, would you?” He asked with a sheepish grin.

  Sam was a master at packing boxes into a small area. Callie was amazed at what he was able to fit into his van. He also worked fast, and he worked hard, she noticed. And he kept his eyes on the job before him.

  Peter walked in at four-thirty. “Callie?” he shouted. “I got off early. Where you at?” He sauntered into the kitchen in search of a cold beer, and dropped his hat on the counter.

  “Hey, Peter, glad you’re here. We are just about ready for your truck.” Callie answered from down the hall. He came out of the kitchen, and just about ran into a big blond guy in the hallway. He looked up quizzically, raising his eyebrows.

  “Who are you?” he asked, bluntly.

  “Sam. You must be Peter.” Sam said with a grin. He balanced a heavy box on one arm and offered Peter his hand. Peter was glad the guy was friendly, when he felt the strength in Sam’s hand and got an eyeful of the bicep holding that box.

  Sam examined Peter’s brown curls, green eyes and cleft chin, and decided he rather liked this Peter. “Callie’s back there, just about finished packing it all.” He told him on his way out the door. “I don’t think I’ll be able to get any more than this one box, in the van. I’ll move it, so you can back up close.”

  Peter whistled softly and went to find his sister. “Hey, Cal. Who’s the hunk?” he teased.

  “Just a good friend.” Callie assured him with a smile.

  “Really. Sure about that?” Peter cross-examined.

  “Uh, huh.” She warned him.

  Peter took off his hat and scratched his head as if that didn’t quite compute. “How come? Is he married or something?”

  Callie’s face hardened. “No. He’s not.”

  “He ain’t married.” Pete repeated.

  “Nope.”

  “Well, what’s wrong with you then, girl? He looks like a fine prize to me. You have to be sick in the head if you’re not interested in a guy like that one.”

  “Peter. Please, don’t. I do like him. A lot. We’re just not there, yet. It's rather a touchy subject, all right?”

  “Oh, boy. Okay, I’ll try to behave with him, then.”

  “Thank you!” Callie said emphatically.

  They all worked steadily until eleven. Then, Pete threw up his hands and called a halt. “Enough!” he growled. “It’ll be here in the morning. Let’s get a pizza or something.”

  “Done.” Sam agreed immediately.

  The two men piled Callie into Pete’s truck, and they were on their way before Callie could catch her next breath. But when Callie smelled the pizza, she suddenly realized that she was ravenous.

  Callie was relieved to realize that Pete and Sam liked each other. Sam could talk knowledgeably about all the things Peter liked — antique cars, boats, photography, computers. She could tell that Pete was quite impressed. He put some pretty technical information at Sam, but he never stumped him. Sam knew what he was talking about, and he actually had to explain a few things to Pete about computers. Callie found that amazing.

  “So, where are you sleeping tonight, Tarzan?” Pete drawled at Sam.

  Callie was gratified to notice that Sam didn’t flinch, even a mite. He took it all in stride.

  “Good question. My van is packed tight.” He shrugged. His arm around Callie’s shoulders kept drawing Pete’s attention. So did the way Callie looked up at Sam with adoration. So did the way Sam’s fingers kept playing with the ends of Callie’s hair, and stroking her shoulder.

  “I do have a guest room.” Callie reminded them crossly.

  Pete looked at her as though she’d lost her mind. “You’ve got to be kidding.” He accused sarcastically. “Ma would skin me if I left you alone in your apartment with him, and besides being inappropriate, you might not be so safe with this Adonis in yonder chamber.” He predicted. “No, he can bunk with me.”

  Callie glared at him in outrage. “Peter, stop!” she sputtered.

  “Huh, uh. There’s enough chemistry between the two of you to light up half of New York. Cut it out, now. You know I’m right. What do you say we hit the road?”

  Callie growled at him, but Sam grinned, and urged her to get up by pushing on her elbow. He laughed down at her, and pulled her under his arm as they went out to the truck.

  “Sam, I’m sorry! I can’t imagine what’s wrong with him!” She huffed furiously.

  “Nothing wrong with that guy.” Sam argued, with a chuckle. “Don’t worry about it. He’s absolutely right; I don’t dare stay at your place. Even if I managed to stay in my own room all night, which is certainly questionable, I’d get crucified if anyone ever found out. Don’t be angry, Callie. He’s using wisdom.”

  She sighed, and shook her head. “I suppose so. I sure wish everything didn’t have to be so doggone difficult.”

  They dropped Callie off, and she insisted on putting her arms around Sam’s neck and kissing him very aggressively before she went inside. Sam got back in the truck, and found Pete looking at him with a highly arched eyebrow. He grinned, shrugged and shook his head. He didn't have any reasonable explanation. Pete just gave him a long, hard look and let out a low whistle as he put his truck in gear.

  He took Sam out to the country, to a little, old farmhouse at the edge of a wood. A couple of big dogs were barking as Peter cut the engine. “Now, Sherman. Now, Bessie.” He growled affectionately. “They always act like they’ve never heard my truck before.” He explained to Sam. “Makes ‘em feel mean to put up a ruckus, I suppose.”

  When he opened the front door, they were mowed over by two gigantic St. Bernards. Sam laughed as they snuffled and whimpered, and checked him over. He wasn’t worried. Their tails were wagging so hard, they slapped his legs audibly. Their steps echoed on the wooden floor boards of the porch like an Army.

  Inside, there was a lot of old-fashioned charm. Hurricane lamps, burgundy sofas that had to have been upholstered in the thirties or forties, but in pristine condition. Doilies on burnished, antique tables. Everything was simple, yet nice. A warm, homey feeling with understated elegance. And, it fit the little bungalow's personality perfectly.

  Peter waved Sam toward a door on the right wall of the living room. “There you are, Mr. Sam. Sleep well.” He said with a yawn.

  Sam thanked him, and didn’t hesitate. He was very tired after his drive and a long day of work. He found a double bed in the room, housing an old-fashioned, wrought iron headboard and a covered with a white, crocheted coverlet. Everything was homey, and kind of country feeling. Sam grinned. He could see a woman’s touch everywhere.

  After finding the washroom, Sam took off all his clothes excep
t his shorts and fell into the very soft, comfortable bed. He sighed heavily. He was immensely pleased with the outcome of Pete’s plan. He no sooner had turned off the hurricane lamp of white milk glass beside the bed than a sound of thunder approached and something akin to a locomotive blew open the bedroom door. Sam chuckled as about three hundred pounds of canine crashed onto the bed and settled down around his curves.

  Well, are you two helping out my guardian angels, tonight?” he asked quietly. He could only hear the thumping of tails and the heavy panting of the dogs. He laughed, and immediately went to sleep.

  It seemed a scant, few minutes later that the light came blazing on and Pete’s drawl pulled Sam out of a dream. “Rise and shine.”

  Sherman and Bessie just about dumped Sam on the floor, in their haste to follow their master. Sam showered and dressed, and found Pete on the porch pouring strong coffee. The front of the house looked out on a charming pasture, knee high in grass, misty with dew and early morning fog. It was bordered by a white board fence that needed painting. A forest bordered the far side, so that their privacy was complete.

  “G’morning.” Pete greeted him gruffly. “Sleep all right?” He was scrutinizing Sam intensely from under bushy, knitted brows.

  “Never better.” Sam assured him with a bright smile.

  Pete shot a look at a pretty woman as she stepped out onto the porch. “’Morning, darlin’. Say hello to Sam, and then see if you can’t fix us some eggs and bacon, would you? This is my wife, Shelly.” He said, with clear pride in his voice.

  Shelly gave Sam a shy smile, said hello, and went back inside. She seemed the shy antithesis of Peter. Yet somehow, they fit together and made perfect sense.

  Pete handed Sam a cup of coffee and a sharp look. “What are you gonna do about Callie?” he asked bluntly.

  Sam chuckled and shook his head. “Well; that’s still pretty much up to Callie. She’s facing a lot of changes right now. She’s got a lot more change ahead of her yet, if she wants to survive in my world. But, I do plan to pursue her.” He told Pete. He took a burning sip of coffee.

  “Don’t tell me that you’re the preacher she’s running off to follow?” Pete scoffed incredulously.

  “I’m afraid so.” Sam advised with a grin.

  “Holy Moses! How are you gonna handle my wildcat sister, until she figures out what she’s up against?”

  Sam chuckled, and shook his head. “Pray a lot, and keep my hands to myself, I guess.”

  “She ain’t gonna let you get away with that.” Pete sneered.

  Sam had to smile. “She can be … very persuasive.” He admitted wryly.

  “I’ve never seen Callie so twisted inside out about a man before. You’re gonna hurt her if you don’t come through in the clinch, preacher. And if that happens, I’ll come looking for you.”

  Sam gave Pete a lazy chuckle, and exhaled tiredly. “Don’t worry about that, Pete. I’ll marry Callie, if she’ll have me. But she’s not ready to face all the lions in my den, yet. She’s gonna have to have a little time to get her feet under her, and pick up the pieces of her life. She needs a bit of time to understand what life with me, really means.”

  “Why don’t you ask her, and see?” he challenged pointedly. “She’s a mess, and I don’t mind telling you, I’m a little bit worried about her.”

  Sam shook his head. “I already asked her. She turned me down.” he admitted. It still hurt to say it.

  Pete laughed derisively. “Sure, she did.” He denied. “She’s so crazy about you, she can’t see straight.”

  “I’m serious, Pete. I asked her to marry me, and she said no. She knew better than I did that we weren’t ready for commitment without compromise. Your sister is pretty bright. Now that I know her better, I know I was a fool to ask her. We definitely have some things to work out, first.”

  “Like what?” Pete queried.

  Sam considered, and decided Peter had a right to know. He wasn't her father; but he might be the only man in her life in a position to look out for her. “She wants me on her terms, right now. I can’t do that. I have to have some integrity and patience, until she begins to understand what I’m all about; what a life of ministry is all about. The very fact that she wants to get me in bed and the heck with the rest of the world, is warning enough that she’s not ready. Because I am in ministry, Callie’s got to do things my way, or I can’t have her. I can’t compromise just because she’s in a hurry. I’ve got to practice what I preach.”

  “And she must show me that I can trust her. Right now she’s running hard toward me, but last weekend she left me in Vermont, and didn’t even say goodbye. I don’t mind telling you, it’s a roller coaster right now. But I’ll hang in for the count. I fell in love with Callie the first time I saw her, and I don’t intend to give up on her.”

  “Well, what do you know? A man with a spine. No wonder she’s so furious.” Pete drawled.

  “She really doesn’t understand even about putting the cart before the horse. You saved my bacon last night, you know. She’s a bit put out with you, but I'm very glad I didn't have to insist on a motel room.”

  “Well, preacher, I hope you know what you’re doing. You’ve got yourself a bona fide, Bengal tiger by the tail, named Callie Anna Wilson. And you’d better stick to your guns, or you’ll regret it. She’ll take you for a ride you’ll never forget. Just don’t make her too mad. She’s got a good arm.”

  “Huh?” Sam asked blankly.

  “She throws things.” Pete explained dryly. “And she hits her mark with alarming regularity.”

  Sam narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. “Ah.”

  “Oh, yeah. I got the scars, and I’ll tell you all about it.” Pete assured him.

  Sam laughed, and winced appropriately.

  After a hearty breakfast on the porch, the two men headed over to Callie’s. Pete was thoughtful and quiet, but finally he had more questions for Sam. “So, do you really think Callie’s got what it takes to be a circuit preacher’s wife?”

  “Absolutely. She’s got the stuff. I can't say it isn't a tough life; but there are times that are rich and sweet beyond comparison. It’s either feast or famine, though.”

  Pete gave Sam an intrigued look. “I find you very interesting, preacher man.” He said with satisfaction. “I think you’re good for Callie.”

  Sam grinned. “I sure hope so.” He agreed.

  Callie was already busy, but there were donuts and coffee waiting in the kitchen when they arrived. They loaded up the space remaining in Pete’s truck, loaded Callie’s truck, and then they made a caravan of three to Pete and Callie’s mom’s house.

  She had a small farm with an old house, surprisingly similar to Pete and Shelly’s place. It was set in a meadow and there was an orchard as well as a garden on the south side. Sam didn’t notice any animals, though.

  The woman standing on the front porch was quite obviously Callie’s mother. She had white streaks in her brown hair, but otherwise she could have been Callie’s older sister. Sam decided he was probably getting a good view of what Callie would look like in about twenty-five years, and found himself pleased. Looks obviously weren’t everything to Sam, but being around Callie had convinced him that they sure didn’t hurt matters. If he thought Callie was the most beautiful creature he’d ever laid eyes on, then her mother was a close second. He was fascinated.

  Callie and Pete took turns kissing their mother’s cheek. Then she turned friendly eyes toward Sam, and held out her hands. She smiled at him warmly. Sam fell in love with her immediately.

  “Mom, this is Sam. This is my mom, Rose.” Callie said.

  Sam took her hands, and smiled. “I’m very happy to meet you.”

  “Likewise. It’s very kind of you come all the way to help Callie move, Sam.”

  “It’s to my benefit, too.” Sam chuckled. “And please, call me Sam.”

  Rose smiled at him. ”All right, I will.” She agreed. “Please, come in.”

  Callie put a hand on he
r mother’s arm. “Mom, we need to get this stuff unloaded. We still have to make another run today, before we’re done.”

  “There should be plenty of time, Callie. You need to take a break, and have something to eat.”

  “We’re not real hungry yet, Ma. Callie and Sam will be staying here tonight; you’ll get your chance to visit. Callie’s anxious to get through with this. Tell you what; let us unload this stuff, then we will probably be ready for a break, before we go back.”

  “All right, Peter. I give.” Rose said with a smile.

  Callie sighed her relief. “Thanks, Mom.” She said, kissing her mother’s cheek.

  Sam smiled at Rose before following Callie and Pete out to the trucks.

  There was a ramp and a set of double doors leading to the basement, that made unloading a snap. Rose joined in to help them stack Callie’s boxes in a back room of the basement. They were done in a little over an hour, and decided they’d rather keep pushing until the job was all done, before they stopped to eat. Rose swallowed her disappointment, and promised to have lunch set out for them.

  By one o’clock, Callie’s apartment was completely empty. She decided to go ahead and clean and collect her deposit, so that she wouldn’t have to return later. Sam and Peter jumped in to help her, and they were done in less than an hour. The place was sparkling, and Callie took care of her business in the office while the men pulled their trucks around.

  When they pulled into Rose’s yard, they were all very ready for a rest and something to put in their stomachs. Rose didn’t disappoint them. She laid out a picnic banquet under the spreading Maple trees that wouldn’t end. The three tired workers felt as though they’d gone straight to heaven, as they flopped and indulged. Chilled water and fruit were so soothing and refreshing after all the hot work.

  Half an hour later, though, they were back at it, again. Callie wouldn’t be satisfied until the work was all done. Sam and Pete worked well as a team, and they were completely finished by four.