Romance 4 You / Always & Forever"

Well, I promised you 3 stories, well here's the third one. Hope you like it. "Always & Forever" Always and forever, those were the words Katie had heard Michael say to Amelia the day of their wedding. He had promised to love her forever. She remembered looking at them. They were so in love and so happy then. As she stood at the window, and looked out over the rolling hills of his Vermont estate, she remembered how good it was to see him after eight years. She was stranded on the highway totally out of gas. She had always been an impetuous teenager, a free spirit, following her own wants and desires, never stopping to consider the results of her actions. That faithful night was no different. She had promised her father that she would fill the gas tank before she went to Carrie's house, but as usual she didn't keep that promise. Carrie's house was only twenty miles away...she could make it, she convinced herselfeven when she heard the engine sputter, then stop. She got out and . She just couldn't believe her father hadn't put gas in the tank for her. She thought he was kidding when he said he wasn't going to do it...that it was her responsibility to fill the tank for her own car now. She was out of college and a working woman now. She stood there furious with her father, but in her heart she knew he was right. She grabbed her cell phone and called home, but there was no answer. Carrie's parents had made electorate arrangements for her and Carrie...everyone was going to be there. Carrie was leaving for New York tomorrow to start her new job as a buyer for one of there major department stores...and she would be leaving in a few days also for her new job with Jacob & Jacob Law Firm in Dallas Texas. She had worked hard for her law degree. “Ah!,” she remembered now her father was out of town on business and wouldn't return until later that evening. And her mother was at a local fundraiser in Houston. She stomped her foot in a childish manner... “The one time I really need them their not home.” Well next week she would be on her own, she said consoling herself. Dallas would put a distance between her and her parents, and she wouldn't have to listen to all their rules and regulations. She would be in her own furnished apartment provided by the law firm and with a car to boot. She wouldn't have to worry about putting gas in it either...it would be a company car all filled with gas. She smiled happily to herself...”Just one more week.” Her smile faded quickly...but one more week wouldn't help her now. She looked down at the small cruiser her parents had gotten her as a gift. It couldn't take much gas it was so small. How much gas did it take anyway. She scratched her head...it was shameful that she didn't even know how much gas her car took. Her father had always kept it full for her. Why couldn't they have gotten her the Cadillac like she'd wanted, she thought as she leaned against the car as she looked down the road. She was definitely stranded. She got in and put the car in neutral, and pushed it off to the side of the road. It was starting to get dark and that thought frightened her a bit, She was dressed in a tight pink knit pencil dress, and stiletto heels. It was hard enough for the boys at the university to resist her...she could image how her beauty would affect a stranger. When she saw approaching headlights, she felt both comfort and fear. What if this car had some deranged person behind the wheel. What would she do? She positioned her keys between her fingers the way they had taught her to do in self defense class at the university. If nothing elseshe would poke his eyes out....she would not be an easy mark...she'd go down fighting! The headlights of a green army looking jeep got closer until the car pulled up behind her and stopped. Her heart was beating so loudly, she was sure the whole would could hear it, as a tall figure slowly emerged from behind the wheel, and exited the door. He was in full military attire...a Marine, .and very familiar. Michael, she said, is it really you? It had been eight years since they graduated from high school and he decided to attend Seminary at Oral Roberts University. It was a real shock when he had always been the life of the party, and her best bud. But now he had found God . She recalled what her response was when he told her..... " I didn't know he was lost." But now there he stood only inches away from her. She ran to him relieved that it was him and not some deranged stranger. " It's really me small fry, he said smiling at her." She had always hated that nickname she preferred Katie, what her mom and dad called her instead of Kathleen. But it was what he had called her since grade school, because she was shorter than he was. " What are you doing here, she questioned. I heard you had been in Iraq for two years after that I lost track of what you were doing." She looked up into his huge brown eyes, the same eyes that had refused her to love years ago. " Well I guess you could say I'm here to rescue a damsel in distress. Let's see, he winked at her....... by chance you wouldn't be out of gas, would you ?" She felt her cheeks flush a bit " How did you know? He emerged with a gas tank from the trunk of his car. " Your dad said that might be the case when Amelia and I stopped by earlier today." " yes he tighten the top of the can. There, she's all filled up now." He looked directly at her yes, Amelia my wife." Katie didn't know what to say she had no right to expect someone as handsome as him to stay single forever. " How wonderful,” she managed to mumble although she really wanted to cry. Michael had been her true love and soul mate since grade school and he never even knew it. Every man that she dated or was instant and never held a candle to him. He accepted her as she was fault at all. It really hurt her when she confessed her feelings to him at graduation and he was ejected her. He said she needed to grow up and stop being so selfcentered and selfish. And think about others for once in her life. He looked at her a long moment, " This should take you to Carrie's house and back," he said finally bringing her back to the present. " Amelia and I are staying at my folks I hope you will drop by I'd really like you to meet her." All Katy could do was nod as she watched him get back into his Jeep and drive away. " What put a damper on your spirits, Carrie ask. This is supposed to be our night. But you almost missed everything." Katie looked at her. Guess who I saw today?" " Who?" Katie had peaked Carries interest. " Michael Brooks," he was the man who helped me on the highway today when my car ran out of gas. " Michael, best of the dressed Michael?" Katie laughed, she hadn't heard him called that since high school. That name was tacked on to him because he always dressed as if he were going to church. " Yes..... that Michael, she answered, and guess what, he's married and he invited me to meet his wife Amelia." " Oh. That surprised she must be a real Beauty to catch someone like him. Katie had a quick look at her friend. Carrie had always known her feelings for Michael although Katie never acted as if she had any interest in him at all when she was around her friends. " You're not really going to meet her....I mean." I know what you mean Katie reply but if I don't meet him and his wife here wondering why." " Carrie looked at your friend, " you still love the guy after all these years don't you Katie?" With all her gifts packed into the cruiser Katie drove home. This wasn't a decision she needed to make it immediately. She would meet Michael s wife eventually it just didn't have to be today or tomorrow. Her parents were still up and in the sun room when she entered. " Have a good time dear your mother asked?" " it was okay she replied sitting down on the sofa next to her mother I got lots of gifts. I'll unpack them in the morning." " There's something we need to talk to you about, your father-in-law his newspaper it's about Michael." Katie looked over at her father. "What is it?" She looked strange and her father, waiting to hear what was he had to tell her. " Micheal's married," her father said bluntly. " I know he's married dad he told me that you sent him to help me on the highway and I'm sorry that I didn't fill the gas tank it'll never happen again I promise." " that's not it he said looking at Katie said Lee Michael s wife she's......" " She's what Dad she's what" He's her father sat back down in his chair again did he by any chance mention to you that his wife Amelia is dying?" Katie collapse back onto the sofa "no.. no he just said he wanted me to meet her." "And meet her you shall,l they're coming to dinner tomorrow and I want you to be on your best behavior. He looks sternly at her we know you still have feelings for him but he has a wife now, and you're not a teenager anymore. “We expect you to behave as an adult." Katie didn't answer. And as she walked up the stairs to her room she wondered about Amelia, she had to be very special for Michael to love her and she couldn't help but feel jealous and betrayed. Michael have always seen her only as a friend. All the boys in school wanted to be with her, she was the homecoming queen, student council president and class president. But none of them seem to matter to Michael she just couldn't win his heart no matter how hard she tried. It was so humiliating prom night when she kissed him and confessed your feelings for him and discovered that he didn't feel the same. She undressed, climb into bed and pull the covers over her head. Tomorrow would be an absolutely unbearable day seeing Michael with another woman when she always hoped it would be her that would be his wife. She spent hours looking for the most stunning dress she could find to wear for dinner the next evening. She wanted Michael to see her beauty and to regret not using her as his wife. She decided on high heels and a tight-fitting red velvet jacket dress that fit her just right and complemented her long-stately figure and red hair. " Let's see him resist me now, she said twirling around in her bedroom mirror he'll see what he missed." \ She stayed in her room until she heard the doorbell ring knowing her parents would disapprove of her attire. But it didn't stop there disapproving look when she came down the stairs. Her mother's eyes lowered to the floor while her father shook his head and opened his approval. Katie didn't see Michael until she reached the bottom of the stairs. It was then that I saw Amelia standing close beside him. Katie felt her breath catch in her throat it was like taking a step back in time to the days when women wore long dresses that look Victorian. She was dressed in a long plain brown dress with the Petticoat Peeking from beneath and wore black granny lace-up boots. Her hair was in a bun fixed neatly at the back of her head. She looks so pale as a brown eyes met Katie's. " Gosh, Michael was right, you really are beautiful. She extended her hand to Katy I'm Amelia." Katie force that smile, "thank you." She wanted to run and hide. Micheal's he knew her so well, and as they all walked into the dining room for dinner she knew Michael was aware of what she was trying to do and it made her feel ashamed. She picked at her food as she listened to Emilia tell of her work as an Army Nurse and how she met Michael in a Iraq where he was serving as chaplain to the Troops. Katie noticed Micheal's eyes would light up as he looked at his wife it was obvious that he loved her. They had been married for four years and Michael was now coming home to accept an assistant pastor ship at a local church. " How wonderful her mother replied looking directly at Katie isn't it dear?" " yes, Katie reply, wonderful." She could feel everyone looking in her Direction so you'll be living here in Laredo Texas, Katie forced a smile at Amelia... have you found a place to stay yet?" Amelia smiled warmly. Will be living with Micheal's mom and dad just for a little while it'll be easier I'll be in therapy a lot these next few months more tests. She looked intently at Katie I have leukemia the doctor said maybe I have a year. It will be easier for Michael if he's close to home when the time does come." " Amelia, Michael reached over and squeezed her hand ,no one knows that but the good Lord himself." I know dear, Amelia smiled back at him. I know." Katie was glad to be in Dallas at the week's end. Her goodbyes to her parents had been more emotional than she had expected, and thoughts of Amelia still haunted her. Jacob and Jacob was a top-notch law firm excelling in every area including real estate. They owned businesses, apartments, and condos, as well as being one of the wealthiest families in Dallas Texas. They not only provided each client with the best defense possible, but treated their legal staff as family. Her Client List was small, and she expected, being the new kid on the Block, but she did well. Her apartment was absolutely beautiful. From her balcony she could see most of Dallas. Make sure it was provided, as well as meals three times a day, and laundry service to. Her every need had been anticipated right down to the red convertible quick with the Sun Group she was glad she didn't have to bring the cruiser with her she now had a company car that was always filled with gas this was alive she always wanted. Why then wasn't she happy? Ad she closed your eyes at Days Inn it was Amelia's face she always saw. Her sucking cheeks, pale face, and those hunting big brown eyes. But it was her smile that haunted her the most she actually seemed happy. How could she be. Katie poured herself into her work. She loved the firm but at times I felt her talents were being misused. Serving as a defense attorney wasn't really her cup of tea corporate law was really wish you wanted to be but it was the job benefits that had drawn her to the firm in the first place. She took a deep breath and she entered the boardroom for all the legal staff met each morning for prayer. John Jacobs was a devoted Christian, I give God all the credit for his success. It was all she could do to stay awake as you prayed which was usually long but this time she felt a stirring in her inside that she couldn't explain and tears roll down her cheeks that she couldn't control. . It was then that he invited her to lunch and told her about his love for Jesus. Katie had only met one other person with such excitement about serving the lord and that was Michael. Mark asked her if she wanted to know him too and then only minutes Katie found yourself asking Jesus into her heart. She wasn't sure what it all meant but Mark said God would reveal himself to her and his own special way. She started reading the Good News Bible he had given her... She felt like she was a starving child who couldn't get enough to eat. But her greatest discovery was the fact that God loved her, just the way she was, faults and all. Even when she didn't accept his son. That truth transformed her. A transformation not only noticed at work but by her parents too when they dropped by one weekend. " I want to apologize she said hugging them both. I have been such a spoiled selfish brat. How could you put up with me all those years? She saw a smile across both their faces. " Because you love me,that's how." she had answered your own question. " And we always will. Her mother replied. That weekend was the best she ever spent with her parents. It was hard to see them leave, but Loretta Wasn't So Far Away that she couldn't go home often. She finally knew what real love was, it was a giving of yourself for others, as Jesus gave himself for her. She didn't know if she would ever find a man who would always love her forever as Michael love Amelia, but she didn't know a man that loved her enough to die for her and his love was the always and forever kind of love. She wish Michael was there so she could tell him to how sorry she was for all the selfish things she had done but her parents had told her that Michael had accepted a calling to Pastor in Vermont and he and Amelia had moved there two months ago. Katie couldn't bring herself to inquire about Amelia's health, although it was uppermost in her mind when her parents were there. The months pass quickly. Well turned into winter and soon Spring Florida peeking through the warm up, yet still Amelia stayed on her mind. She was looking from her office window when the intercom buzzed. There was someone there to see her. It was a woman or secretary said. Katie turn back to the window it was a good day to go jogging the weather was getting warmer. She would go after her weekly volunteer at the woman's shelter. “ I hope I'm not taking too much of your time," the timid voice up behind her. Katie turned, meeting the smile and huge brown eyes that has haunted her for months...it was Amelia! " No, Katie managed to gulp, please sit down." Katie could see that Amelia was thinner than the last time she saw her. A silence fell between them. Katie didn't know what to say. Amelia seemed to sense that. "We're here in Dallas for a Pastors conference she said looking directly at him Katie. Your parents told me you were working here in Dallas for Jacob and Jacob, so I thought it would be a good time for us to have a talk. Michael will be speaking at the conference, so here I am." She smiled at Katie and Katie smile back" How long will you be here in Dallas Katy asked. " Will be leaving today right after Michael Speaks, we've been here for 3 days." " Oh, Katie said softly, remembering their last meeting at her folks home. She definitely understood why they might not want to inform her of their coming. " Amelia, I want to apologize." Katie walked around and knelt in front of Amelia and gently took her fragile hands in hers. " I'm not that person anymore I mean......" " We know, your folks told us all about it. It's wonderful having another sister in the Lord." Katie saw the tears running down her cheeks. " I'm so ashamed of my actions back then I......" Amelia hugged her. " Love makes us do foolish things sometimes doesn't it. She brushed the tears from Katie's cheeks. That's why I'm here. I want you to promise me something." She looked intently into Katie's eyes. Katy look back at her. " Anything." Whatever it was she would do it. Her heart ached for Amelia as she knelt there holding her hands. She waited as a million took a deep breath. " I want you to promise me that you'll be there for Michael when the time comes, that you take care of him. Her voice became Silent as she took one long last look at Katie. "I want you to promise me that you will not stop loving Michael, that you'll be there for him...and you'll become his wife after an appropriate waiting time." Katie dropped Amelia's hands and stood up quickly. " How can I promise that, I...." Amelia walk closer to Katie. " I know you love him you always have. She squeezed Katie's hand, I've known it from the first time I saw you come down those stairs and look at him. Promise me just to be there. God will do the rest. She gave Katie's had another squeeze. Katie watched her as she walked out the door it was the last time she ever saw Emilia again. Standing there now and Michael and Amelia Vermont home nine months later helping Micheal's parents after funeral was oddly soothing to her. She knew she would see Amelia again. Death wasn't he end only the beginning. Looking around she could see Amelia's touch on everything from the drapes on the windows to the rugs on the floor it was all so Victorian....... so her. She watch Michael talking to the people from his church she'd always known him to be strong but to preach his Wife funeral,l that took real strength. She didn't know if Michael would ever be in her life as Amelia wanted but he belong to God and so did she, and that was more important than her fleshly desire. She wanted the best for him, even if it meant he would one day be with someone else other than her as Amelia wanted. She returned the smile that he flashed at her as he approached. " Thanks for coming Katie, he said taking her hand in his it's good to see you again." " Good to see you too, she lowered her eyes momentarily, then looked up at him again I'm really sorry about Amelia." " I believe you really are." " I really am," she reply. They stood looking at each other she see the sadness on his face and in his eyes. " I think that's the first time you ever called me Katie." Micheal's hand closed tightly around hers. " I think you're right," he smiled and then walked away. This was a sad time for Michael and she didn't want to read anything more into the moment. It was just a squeeze of her hand, may be a sign, she didn't know but in her heart she couldn't help but feel that Amelia was watching . A year had passed since Amelia's death. And Katie moved back to Laredo after her fathers heart attack to be with her mother. It was good to be with them ...to help and be close. Jacob and Jacob were really sympathetic to her decision to return home and even helped her connect with a law firm in Laredo. She worked five days a week, then in the evening spent her hours helping her mother with her father ...cooking, cleaning, doing laundry and praying together. It was all so unexpected when he died. He had been recovering. Playing golf, and taking his med's as directed...but now he was gone and her mother was alone...something she wasn't use to at all. Katie was sad but happy that it all happened so fast...one day he was there then suddenly he wasn't anymore. At least her didn't suffer. Now her mother had decided to travel a bit...She wanted to go with her but being new on the job, she couldn't.. She had helped her arrange an around the world tour after the funeral. She never realized before how many people loved and respected he father, until she sat there and watched the dozens that filed into the church for his funeral. Her mother being a Christian too knew that they were parted in death but united in Christ, and that she would see her father again. She smiled as she watched her mother shake hands with people and exchange prayers with those who needed it...Katie moved around the crowd thanking those who had come. Suddenly she saw a familiar face walking towards her. It was Michael. The last time she'd seen him was at his wife Amelia's funeral. Now here he was at her fathers funeral. She felt the tears sting her eyes as he approached. He didn't speak, just reached over and took her in his arms, as her tears flowed. “I'm here for you Katie, he whispered as his lips kissed her cheek gently. I'll always be here for you Katie..always and forever.” And as her arms went around his neck, and she held on tight.... she knew he would be.......Always & forever ! She wasn't sure where it all would lead, but it was a moment she'd waited for. A moment like this! The End...or is it the beginning? https://youtu.be/3PlLE9gIjug