by Sarah Hoss
Sam knew he couldn’t lie, especially to her.
“Yes, Margaret, I love her.”
A moment passed between them while Sam turned back into his celestial form.
The world around him became still as his body warmed and began to tingle. His wings unfurled and blossomed like a spring flower. Grey feathers with white tips danced in the forest breeze. It felt good to be back in his body.
He would go back with her, never to see Tenlee again, and his heart sank to the ground.
How could he explain to Tenlee that he had to return to Heaven?
“Sam.”
Snapping back to reality, Sam turned his attention to Margaret, knowing the time had come. He braced himself for the moment he and Margaret would return to Heaven. Tenlee was lost to him forever. His mission was finished, and it was time to go back.
“I hated seeing Tenlee spend time in such grief, blaming herself for something she had no part in. I will be forever grateful to you for coming here and helping her.”
Sam nodded his head once. “You are welcome. I’m ready to return with you.”
She stretched out her arms as her song began, the notes penetrating his soul. They each had their own special song, and he closed his eyes, enjoying the peace and serenity that hers brought to him. He lifted his face toward the sun, soaking in its brilliance as he prepared to leave.
“You’re not coming back with me, Sam.”
Stunned, he opened his eyes, and a deep ache began to leave his chest. His gaze searched her face.
“Do you have a new mission for me?”
“No. You are being granted a special gift. You shall stay on earth and live as a human...” She watched as his features registered. Then she said, “...here with Tenlee.”
Sam turned around to look at the house before staring hopefully at Margaret again.
She floated toward him, and stretched out her hand, caressing his cheek. Though he could not physically feel her touch, his skin warmed where her hand lay.
“Please take this gift. It is the last thing I can give her. Promise me you will love her and protect her. I know my daughter, and I know she loves you. This is all I ask in return.”
Sam smiled and swallowed thickly. He began to feel his heart beat in his chest again as he changed from his celestial form to human for the last time.
He watched as she floated away.
Tell her I love her. Margaret’s voice rang clear and true in his head.
“I will, and thank you.”
He stood rooted in place as she left. The golden glow faded into a snow white fog, and then she was gone. There was a sudden pang in his chest. His heart saddened at the knowledge of the life he left behind—knowledge he would never be able to share with anyone. The life of an angel.
The tingling in his body disappeared. He couldn’t wait to get back to Tenlee and wrap her in his arms. He sent up a silent prayer of thanks.
Sam turned and ran through the thick snow to Tenlee’s house. His heart raced along with him, and the only thought on his mind was getting to Tenlee.
****
Tenlee turned when she heard the back door open. Getting up, she cautiously walked to the kitchen to see who it could be.
“Sam? I didn’t know you were up.” She sounded as surprised as she was. Her brows furrowed when she saw the armful of wood he carried into the house. “How long have you been up working? I assumed I was the only one awake.”
“Sorry I scared you. I’ve been awake for awhile. Would you take a walk with me, Tenlee?”
“Sure. Just let me get my coat.”
Taking his hand, they left the porch and headed for the woods. The place where they first met. The warmth of his hand seeped into her skin and traveled up to her heart.
She loved him.
Without a doubt, this man was one in a million, and she prayed they could make a life together.
As he turned to her and pulled her into his embrace, a delighted squeal escaped her lips.
“You are beautiful,” he whispered.
“Thank you.” She rose up onto her toes and placed a tender kiss on his lips.
When he deepened the kiss, her arms circled his neck.
Sam broke the kiss and cupped her chin in his hand. “I love you.”
Tears came to the surface and her heart swelled at his confession. Life had changed for her within the last month, and it was all thanks to this man.
“I love you too, Sam.”
Nestling into his embrace, Tenlee closed her eyes and smiled. So much had happened to her in a year, and she was thankful for this outcome.
They stood in silence, listening to the sounds of nature. Enjoying the quiet, respecting the day. As her eyes scanned the area, she noticed something on the ground at their feet. Grey feathers with white tips lay all around them. Tenlee bent down to pick one up.
“Sam, look,” she said and motioned to the ground. “They are all around us. Aren’t they beautiful?” Tenlee stroked the feather as she examined it.
Sam smiled. Bringing his lips to her ear, he whispered, “Merry Christmas.”
Tenlee leaned back to look into his eyes for a long moment. “Thank you, for everything, Sam. You must be Heaven sent.”
Sam touched his forehead to hers and smiled. “If I’m Heaven sent then you are a gift from an angel.”
A word about the author...
Sarah Hoss grew up believing she could try anything and, if she set her mind to it, she would succeed. Sixteen years of dance lessons, cheerleading, and school plays proved to her that her parent's words rang true. Writing was no exception.
Reading the Outlander series made her fall in love with time travels and the historical places books could take her. Always a child with a vivid imagination, she realized as an adult she could put her imagination to good use and began writing.
Marrying her very own hero, they live in Indiana in the town where she grew up. They have three beautiful children and one hyper dog. When Sarah isn't writing, she enjoys gardening, camping, and watching her kids' play sports.
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