Captivated (25 page)

Chapter 25

March 2, 1945

Sam spent the entire day with Sarah and Lilli. He was there as a shoulder to cry on, and Lilli took care of everything, making dinner, bringing tissues, wrapping blankets tightly around his sisters shoulders. She was the picture of helpfulness and care. Just watching her move through the small house, knowing exactly what to do, made Sam fall more deeply in love with her. For the first time in weeks, he allowed his mind to wander to what life would be like with Lilli by his side.

When he finally made it home, he went straight to his bedroom, not wanting to tell his family about the events of the day just yet. Tomorrow would certainly be soon enough to let his parents know that Rob was missing. After all, it seemed like Sarah could use a nights sleep without everyone calling to see how she was doing, and he knew Lilli would take good care of her. Without wasting any time, he slid out of his clothes and into his pajamas. Propped up against his pillows, he opened the leather journal and fanned through the pages, he saw Lilli's penmanship on more pages than he expected.

The very first letter brought a smile to his lips, New Years Eve. He remembered her hesitation to dance with him, and was happy to discover that she had actually wanted to. His eyes moved slowly along to the next entry, enjoying every word she had taken the time to write.

Dear Sam,

I had so much fun with Kate and Wes tonight! I am so glad you talked me into going to the restaurant with them. I think they fit together perfectly! Kate smiles constantly, and the way Wes looks at her, let's just say, you don't need to wonder if he really loves her, it's obvious that he does. Do you look at me like that? Whenever I catch your eye, you give me a smile that makes my pulse quicken, but when I don't notice, do you look at me like Wes does, with your love showing on your face? Maybe it's a secret that girls aren't supposed to know about, but I have to admit my feelings would only increase if I knew that was how you looked at me.

I think I told you at the coffee shop that I thought you were dead, because Joe never mentioned you. Of course I know now that you never mentioned yourself. When you sent the picture, my eyes were fixed almost permanently to Joe's face. I would look at him when I woke up, and again before I went to sleep. I know that's not what you want to hear, but I am getting to the point I am trying to make. One day Viv came over, and I showed her the picture, and she thought you were the cutest. After our meeting, I couldn't keep my eyes off of you in the picture. It made so much sense that the words were coming from you, if I had only taken the time to look at all the faces in the picture, maybe I would have figured out that you were the one writing.

I don't know why I said all of that, perhaps that was more of a journal admission than something I would normally write in a letter. I am so thankful for you Sam Carter, I don't know how I let not talking to you go so long. I love each and every conversation we have. I don't think I realized how badly I missed you.

All My Love,

Lilli

Dear Sam,

Thank you for taking me around town today! I loved seeing your High School and the lookout. The sunset was breathtaking, but it wouldn't have been as breathtaking if you weren't sitting beside me. I feel so safe when you're near, your arm around my shoulder, the slight smell of your cologne. Have I ever mentioned that I think you smell wonderfully? You might think my admission funny, but smell has always been the thing I notice first. And I think you have the perfect smell.

Sometimes I think you are too wonderful to be true. I know you've talked about never having a girlfriend, but it's hard to believe. Not because I don't believe you, but because I can't imagine that girls weren't after you! I am sure you were highly sought after when you were in high school. I can only imagine how many girls talked about you at their lockers at the end of the day. And to think, you like me, love, me! It's enough to make me nearly giddy. I don't know what it is that you see in me, but I'm so glad you see it.

All My Love,

Lilli

Dear Sam,

I miss you! I know that you had to go with your dad, to wherever it is you went. But, I have been thinking about you all night. Somehow I was still expecting you to knock on the door and sweep me off to dinner, or for a walk in the orchard. It's incredible how much you fill my thoughts. When I sleep, I see you smiling at me. I never tire of that smile. I wonder if you are ever angry or sad. You've certainly had the opportunity to be angry with me, and yet, you never have been. Thank you for never giving up on me.

Love,

Lilli

Dear Sam,

Seeing you today was like an early Christmas! I can not tell you the excitement I felt when I first saw your tousled blonde hair! You make me so happy Sam Carter, I can't tell you how much. How could I have ever thought myself in love with Joe. Even on our first date, I should have known that he was a charmer and a ladies man. I should have known that very night that when I couldn't imagine a life with him, it meant something. But with you, I can always imagine our future. It always plays out so wonderfully in my mind, especially now that I have seen this orchard and know your family. To think, Grace will be my very own niece, and I'll get to watch her grow up even after Rob comes home!

I'm so tired I think I must go to sleep, even though I have lots more to write. I guess I'll just have to tell you in my dreams, because you're always in them.

Love,

Lilli

Dear Sam,

I can't even describe how wonderful tonight was! I admit, I was a little cold as it's still February, but the chill was worth the surprise. Dancing under the cherry trees, hot chocolate waiting for us on the make shift table. Not to mention the amazing chocolate cake! I forgot to ask if you made it, or if your mother volunteered that part of the evening. Swinging around in your arms felt so natural. I love being so close when you laugh, I can hear it start in your chest and fall out of your mouth. Tonight, I wanted you to kiss me, more than I ever have before. Of course, lately, I've been dreaming of a kiss more and more. I don't fault you for not kissing me, because I made my position clear before. But now, I'm starting to wish I had a bit more courage.

If I had courage, I would run to the big house right now and tell you that I love you and kiss you right on the spot! It's the truth you know, but somehow, I can't get the words to tumble out of my mouth. I don't know why it's so difficult for me, but the timing never seems right. I know you love me, which means it should be the easiest thing in the world for me to say, but I still feel just terrible for treating you so badly, and I think part of that guilt is keeping me from saying it. I can write it all right, sure! But we both know I'm a bit more free with a pen than my tongue. Gracie is crying, I should go get her so Sarah can sleep.

Love,

Lilli

Sam couldn't wipe the smile off his face, there were a few more journal entries to read, and he read them with the same amount of care as the others. He couldn't believe that Lilli had really loved him all this time and not said it. She sure was an interesting girl, and he loved her even more for it. As he finished the last of the entries, he got an idea that made it very hard to sleep. Tomorrow, he would ask Lilli for his letters back after kissing her soundly, and then, he would compose his own journal entry.

Chapter 26

March 16, 1945

"Wes, you are going way too fast!" Kate screamed, gripping her seat with one hand and slamming the other to the roof above her.

Wes laughed, "Katie, I'm not even going the speed limit."

"Well while I'm blindfolded, you are going to fast."

"I'm going to have people honking at me!"

"Wesley Mason, I don't care if people honk at you, I am about to throw up! Now slow yourself down. Lord, I can't even imagine how quickly you'll drive when I'm having a baby."

"Well, you won't be blindfolded then, and something tells me you won't mind me going fast."

Kate couldn't help but laugh a little, he was probably right, but she didn't like being blindfolded at all. He had taken her captive about twenty minutes ago and had the distinct feeling that he was driving her around in circles. Finally, the car stopped and the motor puttered to a stop. Kate felt her seat belt loosen, and she waited for Wes to open the door for her. He took her hand and helped her from the car. She could hear gravel underfoot, and wobbled a couple times as her foot fell into a hole or tripped on a mound, but Wes never let her fall.

He helped her up four steps, kissed her forehead, and took off the blindfold. She was standing on a porch, looking at the skeleton of a new house. Scanning the structure in front of her, she turned a confused expression toward Wes, who was beaming.

"Where are we?"

"We, are at 34 Holly Drive," Wes answered simply. "I'd like to take you for a tour."

"A tour of what?" she asked, staring through the building.

"A tour of the house!"

"This is a house?"

Wes laughed, "It's going to be a house, now take my hand and let me show it to you!"

He offered his hand, and she slapped her own into it, flashing a falsely accommodating smile at him. Taking the smile as a cue, he pulled her through the doorway, there was no door hinged in it, but Kate tried to use her imagination. Wes turned to the left and they walked through another large opening which lead into a large, open room, at least Kate thought it was a room.

"This will be the dining room, I like how big it is, and, if you follow me, it leads right into the kitchen, perfect for entertaining."

Kate smiled at his explanation and followed him through another smaller opening into a smaller room, which apparently, was the kitchen. After the kitchen, the walked through a hallway and into another large room, which Wes explained was a den. Beside the den sat a small office, then the two retraced their step to the front door. Wes lead her up the stairs and showed her into a small bedroom.

"I think this will be a perfect nursery. We can put the crib in the corner, between the two windows, and a changing table just, there," he threaded his arm around her waist and pulled her in, planting a kiss on her cheek.

"A nursery, huh?" she smiled sweetly.

"Of course, we'll need more than one," he winked.

"No arguments here, but where will they go?"

"Well follow me!"

He took her by the hand and lead her down the hall, pulling her into two other small bedrooms. It was hard to imagine what they would look like once the walls were up, but with the natural light pouring through, she thought them quite perfect. Finally, Wes took her further down the hall, to a door, the only door she had seen in the house. It was beautiful cherry wood, and the handle was elegant and turned easily under Kate's hand.

The door opened and her breath caught in her chest. In front of her was a large bedroom, there were four large windows outlined, which would allow plenty of sunlight even when the walls were up. She could imagine a large bed between two of the windows on the far wall, and thought a cherry dresser set would look very nice with the door. Wes pointed to the left, where she saw another small doorway, which lead into what looked like would be a sizeable bathroom. Another outline showed a large closet and Kate spun herself to take in the full room. While she turned, a single piece of furniture caught her eye.