Christmas in the Air (17 page)

T
he next morning David stood with his right hand raised and his left hand on a Bible as he was sworn in as the new judge for Cox County Superior Court I. David shifted in his long black robe, feeling uncomfortable in the garment. It would grow on him and he would grow into the role it represented in the coming months.

The courtroom looked different somehow, though he'd spent plenty of hours on the other side of that gleaming mahogany desk where he would now preside. The twin desks where the prosecution and the defense made their cases appeared smaller than he remembered.

Judge Douglas leaned on a cane as he swore in his replacement. “I would like to present the Honorable David William Wright.”

The sound of applause around him only added to the surreal feeling that came with achieving a goal of being judge two years before his thirtieth birthday. Several of his supporters had taken time out from their busy lives
to share his achievement with him. Allison waved when she caught his attention. She and Brock stood next to David's parents. David could pick out fellow defense attorneys, friends from the prosecutor's office and even Martin Rich from the live nativity among the guests.

Only one person was conspicuously absent, but he shouldn't have expected Sondra to show. After his too-public proposal and her humbling refusal, she would probably feel too conspicuous anyway. He hadn't realized how much he'd still hoped, until disappointment filtered through him. Maybe he was just as mistaken in believing there was a chance for them at all.

And then someone pulled the courtroom door open and there she was.

David's breath caught in his throat. It seemed as if it took forever to reach her as he wound his way through the crowd, shaking a few hands as he passed, but finally they came face-to-face.

“Hey.”

“Hi.” She still wore her parka and a stocking cap, and both were wet with snow. “Um…sorry I'm late.”

“I'm glad you came. Thanks.” David kept his hands to his sides instead of reaching out to grip hers. He'd never in his life wanted to touch another human being more than he wanted to gather her into his arms right then, but he wasn't entirely sure he'd be able to let her go.

“The drive was rough.”

“You just drove up this morning?”

“Well, I started last night, but it was slow trip on Interstate 65 with the snow blowing.”

David swallowed. “You shouldn't have taken that kind of risk just to be here for this.” He didn't know what he would have done if she'd been in an accident while making her way north to the event. To him.

“I really wanted to be here for this.”

He lifted an eyebrow, still not certain what statement she'd made by coming. “Then I'm glad you made it in one piece.”

Sondra was looking about nervously as if she'd noticed that they had a crowd. It shouldn't have surprised her after their very public last meeting. He was sorry about that. He was sorry about a lot of things. Because having an audience had been a mistake last time, and he didn't want to repeat it, he took her by the arm and ushered her into his new judge's chambers.

“Sondra, I—”

“David, I—”

Because they both began at the same time and in the same way, they laughed, but the sound died away quickly.

“Really, Sondra, let me—”

She shook her head to stop him. “You have to give me the chance—”

“No, I need you to understand that I didn't mean to embarrass—”

“Please, David. Let me say I'm sorry.”

The side of his mouth pulled up despite his best effort to remain serious. Only the two of them were competitive enough to battle about anything, even being the first to apologize.

“Okay, you win.” David indicated with his hand for her to take one of the guest chairs opposite his new desk, and he sat in the other. “You go first, but you don't have anything to be sorry about.”

Sondra pressed her lips together, and her eyes shone too brightly. After several seconds, she finally spoke. “I'm so sorry about what happened the night of the election. Your question just took me by surprise.”

“Hit you broadside is more like it.”

“That, too.” She shrugged. “I was surprised and terrified and…just not ready. All I could think about was what I would be giving up. Not what I would gain.”

Gain? He studied her face, looking for hidden meanings in her words. Had she found his offer worth considering, even before, when it was so one-sided? Even though he knew it was risky, he still was tempted to hope.

His words came out in a rush. “I shouldn't have asked in front of everyone. I didn't even realize what I'd asked you to sacrifice. I shouldn't have expected you to give up your whole life for me. I had no right.”

Though her eyes were still shiny, a smile appeared on her lips. “I thought you said I could go first.”

He held his hands wide and opened his mouth to explain but then closed it again. “Okay, go ahead.”

She nodded but didn't speak right away. Her smile vanished, and she chewed her lip. His stomach tightened as his already tenuous hope wavered, but still he waited.

Sondra's heart beat so furiously in her chest that she was convinced David could hear it. Her eyes burned with the emotion dwelling so close to the surface. How
could she tell him what was in her heart? Could she lay herself bare that way? What if— No, she wouldn't allow her fears to keep her from having what she needed. Not this time.

Taking a deep breath, she began. “I'm sorry I humiliated you in front of, well, everyone. I was scared. I'm still scared.”

Strange, as she spoke the words aloud, her feelings inside contradicted her. She didn't feel frightened anymore. Inside her was this strange calm assurance that all would be well. “I didn't know if I was ready to give up my plans, my dreams, for anyone.”

He leaned forward in his chair. “You see, you don't have to—”

“David, are you going to let me finish this here, or will I have to go deliver it as a speech from the judge's seat where you won't interrupt?”

He closed his mouth and waved with his hand for her to proceed, but from his expression, it appeared that whatever he had to say was making him crazy. She could relate to that, yet she had to slow her thoughts if she wanted to do this right. And she wanted that in the worst way.

“What I didn't realize was that since I'd met you, my dreams had changed. I didn't want the same things anymore. So I wouldn't have to give up anything to have everything I wanted.”

David opened his mouth, preparing to interrupt her again, but he must have remembered because he shook his head and stopped himself.

Sondra only smiled. Always the courtroom attorney, David would forever try to get the last word in during their unavoidable debates, but she looked forward to their disagreements and to the opportunity to make up after them.

“What I want, David, is you. I'm in love with you, and I want to build a life with you right here in Destiny. That is, if the offer still stands.”

Facing her, David leaned so close that she could see every facet of his translucent blue eyes and could feel his warm breath on her cheek. Her hands were already trembling before he reached for them. As their fingers laced, Sondra felt a tremor that made her wonder if hers were the only hands that had been shaking.

But then the side of David's mouth lifted. “Now you're all done apologizing, right? Because I wouldn't want to develop a reputation as a man who can't take turns.”

The emotion that had been clogging her throat dislodged in a nervous giggle. “I'm all done.”

“Sure?” At her nod, he smiled. “Okay, now, what was I apologizing for? Oh wait, I remember. I'm sorry I proposed to you in front of everyone in town.”

He paused, his expression becoming serious as he peered so deeply into her eyes that he must have been able to see into her heart as well.

“But my proposal was real. The offer, flawed as it is, will be there whenever you're ready to accept it. You're the only woman I've ever loved or will ever love. I know it's God's plan for us to be together, so I'll be waiting until you're ready.”

Sondra wasn't sure whether she had moved her head first or if David had shifted, but suddenly his lips were touching hers, sealing those promises with his kiss. She folded her arms behind his neck, feeling strength in acquiescence, freedom in entrusting him with her heart.

When David pulled away, he was wearing one of his mischievous smiles. “Are you prepared to hear my proposal again? I've just added an element that I'm sure you'll find will really sweeten the deal.”

Sondra shook her head, and, in case he hadn't gotten the message, she said it aloud. “No.”

He rested his hands on her forearms, and his grip tightened reflexively. “What do you mean? No, you don't want to hear my proposal again? Or are you saying ‘no' to my proposal?”

She blew out a breath, amazed that after all she'd told him, he could still worry that she would shoot him down.

“Neither. I don't need to hear the proposal again, though I would probably enjoy hearing those words in private instead of over a public address system. And, no, I don't need you to sweeten the offer. The only thing I need is you.”

David just looked at her for so long with his eyebrows drawn together in confusion that she took pity on him.

She cleared her throat. “Are you going to ask me again, or aren't you?”

“Well, when you put it like that….” He let his words trail off, but he still slipped out of his chair, black robe and all, and came to rest on one knee in front of her.

Déjà vu had her drawing in a sharp breath, but the man she loved only continued to smile. That smile was so appealing that she couldn't help returning it.

“Sondra, if you agree to be my wife, I'll spend every day making sure you know you made the right decision.” He took a deep breath. “Will you marry me?”

The word “yes” had barely crossed her lips before he lifted up to press his mouth to hers. His arms came around her in a fierce hug, and then his lips caressed hers again in a kiss of hope, of permanence. Moving back from her, he stood and crossed to the corner of his office where his suit jacket hung on a coat tree. He reached in the pocket and produced a felt box Sondra recognized.

He pointed to the box and raised an eyebrow, and at her nod, opened it. The emerald-cut diamond ring was still nestled inside it. David returned and crouched in front of her, finally lifting out the ring and slipping it on her finger where it belonged.

Sondra stared down at her hand, as amazed by the promise the ring represented as by its glimmering beauty. But then she lifted her head to look up at him again. “You had the ring with you. How did you know I'd be here?”

“I didn't. I was only hoping. If you hadn't come today, I was planning a road trip to Louisville.”

She feigned a shocked look. “You mean I could have saved myself a treacherous journey on icy Indiana roads if I'd only waited a few days?”

“Guess so.” He stood up and pulled her with him, gathering her into his arms once more. “I also guess we
have some news to share with the crowd out there.” He indicated the door with a tilt of his head.

“Wouldn't they have all gone back to their own busy lives by now?”

David rolled his eyes. “With the two of us in here? Are you kidding? I guess I'll have to teach you a thing or two about life in a small town.”

“So I take it we're big news?”

“The newspaper photographer should be arriving at any minute.”

A
s it turned out, the photographer was already waiting when they came out of the door. And just as David had predicted, most of the ceremony guests were still milling around, munching on the light snacks and waiting for news.

David grinned at his new fiancée's shocked expression. He supposed he could have told her that the
Destiny Post
photographer was just late showing up for his swearing-in ceremony, but he enjoyed seeing her surprise.

He hoped his announcement would shock her just as much and please her a whole lot more. No doubt the
Post
photographer, who'd been at the paper since Lyndon Johnson was president, would be happy he'd been tardy, too, since he would get to break the story that would eventually make statewide news.

“May I have everyone's attention please,” David said needlessly, since the room was already becoming quiet
as he crossed to the lectern where defense and prosecution usually made their cases.

He gestured for Sondra to come nearer, and her shoulders tightened at the repeat of the earlier fiasco, but she came to him and took the hand he offered. “I wanted to announce to you all that the population of Destiny, Indiana, is about to become seven hundred and one. I have asked Sondra Stevens, the love of my life, to marry me—again—and she has agreed.”

A whoop that could only have been from Brock Chandler rose up from the crowd.

“You sure she said yes this time?” Judge Douglas called out from the chair where he was resting.

“I'm sure.” He lifted the hand he held, which happened to be the one on which she wore his ring.

“What'd ya have to promise her?” Hal Douglas prodded.

“That I'd be an incredible husband.” In effect, he had said that, and he was determined to keep that promise. “I even offered to sweeten the deal to convince her to stay here with me in Destiny, but Sondra wouldn't hear of it. I'm thanking God for my blessings because she agreed to marry me without any perks.

“That makes my gift to her and to the community that much more special.” Unable to resist, David pulled Sondra to him and kissed her, right there in front of his parents and everyone.

Sondra waved her hand in front of her face, clearly embarrassed, but she was smiling, too. He watched her
until she drew her eyebrows together in a questioning expression.

“Spill it, Wright, or we'll be here until next Christmas,” Brock called out.

He waved at the deputy, who held little Joy in his arms. “I didn't think it was fair to make my wife-to-be give up her life to come to Destiny, but I also couldn't move Cox County Courts across the state line. A compromise was to bring at least part of Sondra's work with her.”

David glanced once more at Sondra's perplexed expression before his big announcement.

“With a little help from that trust fund from my grandparents that was languishing at First National, I have purchased the site of the now-defunct Clear View Motel and surrounding properties. On that site, if my fiancée agrees to it anyway, I hope to build the largest recreational vehicle dealership and parts and service center in east-central Indiana.”

Because Sondra appeared more shell-shocked than thrilled as she stared into the crowd, David rushed on anxiously. Why did he insist on continuing to surprise her in public? He was still a member of the group that never learned from its mistakes—just him and that three-legged dog. But he was ready to burn his membership card.

He spoke to the crowd but watched her in his peripheral vision, hoping to see her eyes light up, or a smile or anything to suggest that his idea wasn't a big mistake.

“A combination facility like this could provide job
opportunities for Destiny residents as well as bring tourism dollars to Cox County. There might even be a possibility for an RV park near Clemens Reservoir….”

His words trailed off as he caught sight of Sondra staring at him now, her expression incredulous. “Are you kidding?” Her words were just above a whisper.

He continued, this time meeting her gaze. “But all of that would be up to the dealership's owner and operator: Sondra Stevens—soon to be Wright.”

She shook her head. “You can't be serious.”

“I am.” But her comment made him second-guess whether he should be.

Whatever she'd been about to say after that was drowned out by applause that flooded the room. Everyone around them recognized that the idea would benefit Destiny. The court was still out on whether it would be a good thing for the woman he loved.

“If you get the approvals, do you have a name in mind for the place?” the photographer called from the rear of the room.

He shook his head. “Not at all. That and the rest of the decisions would be up to the owner/operator.”

“How about Clear Rolling?” Judge Douglas supplied.

“I know,” Allison called out. “Clear Roads Ahead.”

Soon names were being bandied about over a business that was still no more than a pipe dream. Only Sondra hadn't contributed, hadn't said anything more.

David backpedaled as quickly as he could. “All of this is very preliminary. We won't go forward with it at all if it's not what's best for Sondra.”

“We'll call it the Road to Destiny RV Center.”

He turned at the sound of her voice, and she was smiling back at him. “You did this for me?” she whispered.

Then she turned back to the crowd of people who had supported him and would accept and support her just the same. “Does anybody here wonder why I'm in love with this guy?”

After several few minutes and a lot more excited ramblings about the proposed dealership, the crowd began to dissipate. As soon as they were alone in the courtroom, David led Sondra back to his chambers. He removed the judge's robe from over his shirt and tie and hung it on the coat tree.

He was only halfway into his suit jacket before Sondra threw herself into his arms. She pressed her lips to his and pulled back, still resting her hands on his shoulders.

“I still can't believe you did all of this for me. Where did you even get the idea?”

“It started with Allison giving a lecture about what real love was. God put His two cents in, as well, and I listened.”

“Looks like you mastered the skill.”

Tilting his head, he lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her with all the hopes, dreams and promises in his heart. So this was what it felt like to have everything he'd ever wanted in life—even the parts he'd never realized he could ask for.

When he pulled away, he rested his forehead against hers. “Loving you is the best thing I've ever done. I'm determined to do it well for the rest of our lives.”

She smiled back at him. “Don't worry, I'll be here to see that you do.”

 

On a snowy Sunday afternoon in early March, Sondra processed down the aisle of New Hope Church toward the man who had earned her heart. His eyes were shining with tears as she approached him in her simple white gown. She had to blink back tears of her own when he smiled at her.

“You're so beautiful,” he said, not bothering to whisper.

“You're pretty handsome yourself.”

Until she heard the chuckles behind her, Sondra had almost forgotten they weren't alone in the sanctuary. Still, the ceremony was private, just the way she wanted it. She insisted that it had been enough that they'd met in a stable stage, and he'd proposed during an acceptance speech.

As she glanced back at their few guests—the Chandlers, her mother and his parents—she was convinced she'd made the right decision.

When she turned back to him, David held out his hand. Without hesitation, she placed her hand in his, just as she was entrusting him with her heart and her future.
Thank You, Father, for sending David to me.

“Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?” Reverend Jeff Reed asked.

“I will.”

The words she'd never expected to say came so easily. She wasn't afraid, and she knew she never needed
to fear while in the security of David's arms. His love was steadfast and sure.

“David, will you love, honor and keep her, forsaking all others, keep you only to her, as long as you both shall live?”

“You bet I will,” David answered to laughter from their audience.

Soon the formalities were over, and David drew her into his arms.

“This is for forever,” he whispered as he lowered his head for their first kiss as husband and wife.

Bliss. That was the only way she could describe feelings welling inside her as he took her hand and led her up the aisle.

They'd come so far to reach this point, these vows, and a faith they could share in a life together. It felt as if they'd run a marathon coming from opposite directions to the same finish line. Only the race didn't end here. It was only the beginning. From this point on, they would run side by side.