Always Tried and Proven Read online

  “So, ya wanna go swimmin’?” Pete challenged, wiping the sweat from his brow.

  “What a great idea!” Rose agreed. “Sam, did you bring anything you can wear to swim in?”

  “Sure.”

  Rose turned to her daughter. “Callie?”

  “All right.” She agreed. She looked strained.

  “What is it, darling?” Rose asked worriedly.

  “I’m just tired. Don’t mind me.” She said woodenly. “I’ll be fine.”

  It was a lie. Callie was exhausted, and her nerves were raw. She didn’t even want to go. Watching Sam’s laughing eyes with the crinkles in the corners, his brilliant smiles and handsome face; watching his muscles bulge and play as he worked, was sheer hell. To watch him swim, to stare at his beautiful, almost bare body would be just about enough to kill her. Because she wouldn’t be allowed to touch him. Her longing, and yes, her lust for him were enough to kill her. She wanted Sam as she’d never dreamed she could want anyone, or anything.

  “I’ll go to my van and get my things.” Sam excused himself.

  “Do that, Sam. Your room is down the hall, the second door on the right. Callie will show you.” Rose urged.

  Callie waited for Sam on the front porch, and showed him to his room. It was adjacent to hers. “There you go.” She said with a tight smile.

  Sam caught her arm as she swung away. “Hey.” He whispered. “What’s up?”

  “Nothing, Sam.” She answered immediately.

  “Uh, huh.” He agreed derisively. “Who do you think you’re trying to kid? Tell me. What’s the matter?” He insisted. His eyes were twinkling, but he looked concerned.

  She looked down. “It’s just been a rough day. Let’s go swimming, all right? I’m sure I’ll feel better, after.”

  Sam sighed, and relaxed his hold on her arm. “Okay.” He agreed pensively. He had the strangest feeling that she was going to explode before the day was over. “Okay, Callie.”

  “Thank you.” She said, and went into her room. Sam stood there, watching her go with narrowed eyes. He shook his head, and went in to change. He always carried trunks in his van, because there were many opportunities to swim when he was traveling. He thought again, and put on a tee shirt, too.

  Rose had put some fresh towels on the bureau, and a wash basin and soap, too. He quickly discovered that the house had only one bath.

  He found Rose and Peter waiting for him, and Callie joined them soon after. They trudged out the back door and through the pasture, to a back gate hidden in the woods. After passing through that, they followed a path through the woods to a small lake. It was beautiful, with tall trees around the perimeter, all reflected in the still water, and birds singing. There was a wide, grassy bank down to the water’s edge that made for a very comfortable swimming hole.

  Sam and Pete wasted no time in losing their shirts and heading for the water. Callie watched them dive in, with a tight jaw. “Callie; whatever on earth is the matter with you?” Rose asked in a quiet voice.

  “Nothing. Please stop asking me.” She growled.

  “I don't recall asking you before; but now, how can I rest about it, when you’re so … morose?” Rose objected.

  Callie sighed. “Mom, it’s just Sam. Everything is just … horrid.”

  “I don’t understand. He's delightful; and even he seems confused.”

  “Yeah, well. The problem’s all mine.” She snapped.

  “What is it, Callie?”

  Callie snapped. “It’s just that I always have to wait. I have to wait to see him. Wait to kiss him. Wait to touch him. Wait to tell him how I feel about him. Wait to have sex with him. Wait to marry him. Wait to be alone with him. Wait, wait, wait!” she seethed. “The only thing I’m allowed to do is look!”

  Rose closed her eyes. “Oh. So it’s a very bad case of frustration.”

  “You could say that. I’m going in the water now, if you don’t mind.”

  She smiled. “I don’t mind at all.” She assured her daughter.

  Callie hit the water with a vengeance, and swam hard. She was exhausted, but she felt driven. After swimming half the pond, she felt as though she’d released a month’s adrenaline. And in the water, no one could see her tears. No one knew how tightly she’d held herself in rein all day.

  Sam was watching her worriedly, though. When he got out of the water, she was far away from them.

  Rose smiled at him. “She’s a pretty strong swimmer, Sam.” she reassured.

  Sam raised an eyebrow, still concerned. He shook his head. “I don’t like it. She’s not been herself, at all.” He admitted confidentially.

  “I know. I think she’s going to be fine, though.” She assured him.

  He sighed tiredly. “I hope you’re right.” He said uncertainly.

  “She’s under an incredible strain. I think when she gets settled again and finds a direction, she’ll straighten out. She’s a very intense and creative girl. When she has something to channel her energy and efforts into, she’ll be right as rain. She’s not used to being without an anchor. It just about renders her useless.”

  Sam grinned. “She’ll have plenty to think about before long.” He said with a hint of mischief in his voice.

  Rose smiled. She really liked this man. He was challenging Callie, and he was a man with integrity and ethics. If they could figure things out, he would be exactly the anchor Callie needed. She could swear she saw love in his eyes when he looked at Callie, and that was enough for her. She knew how to pray, now.

  Callie made it back to shore without mishap; and by that time, Rose was ready to call it quits. They walked back to the house with a much lighter atmosphere. Callie was still quiet, but she had calmed down considerably.

  Sam made it a point to walk with her, and he either kept an arm around her shoulders, or held her hand. Callie appreciated it, but she was still having a hard time coping. She remained quiet and tense.

  Dinner was a real treat for Sam. Rose cooked a pork roast, apples and sausages, corn on the cob and rolls. She made superb coffee, and she had chocolate pudding for dessert.

  Sam realized that all of the questions were directed toward him throughout the meal, but he didn’t mind. Callie was silent. He tried to let her know that he didn’t mind their questions, but she pretty much kept her eyes on her plate.

  “So, Sam. Tell us about your tent.” Rose began.

  “That’s a rather large order.” He chuckled. “There’s a lot involved.”

  “What denomination are you?”

  “I’m not.” Sam denied. “I work with any denomination that will work with me. But I was ordained Foursquare.”

  “What’s the main thrust of the ministry?”

  Sam shrugged. “Revival.”

  Rose was impressed. “Do you encounter much resistance when you get to a new place?”

  Sam shrugged. “Not so much,really. Every now and then, there’s a glitch we have to work on. But for the most part, those who think they are interested in revival come, and those who aren’t, stay away. Or leave, when they're ready.”

  “What about the unsaved?”

  “They’re no problem at all.” Sam grinned. “Either they want what we have, or else they don’t come back. They never give us any trouble.”

  Rose laughed. “Unlike some of our Christian friends? I suspect there’s not too much that intimidates you, Mr. Strong.”

  Sam smiled. “There’s not much to be intimidated about, as far as I can see.” He answered without pride. “Either a person is hungry and ready; or not.”

  “Well, I want to thank you for helping Callie get saved.” She said, with gentle warmth in her voice. “I’ve been waiting for years to see her come back to the Lord.”

  Sam was a bit surprised by Rose's candor.

  “Mother’s been a woman of faith for many years.” Callie informed Sam.

  He smiled. “Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me.” He complimented her.

  Rose blushed and smiled. “Would
you like some more coffee?” she asked quickly.

  After dinner, Callie excused herself and went to her room. Sam followed her and stood quietly in the doorway of her room. He discovered that the room was essentially bare. There was an adjacent room, he saw, with a bed in it.

  Callie met his inquiring eyes with an arched eyebrow. “This is going to be my living room when I’m home, and my office. The den will be my bedroom.” She answered his unasked question.

  “Then I should help you get it set up tonight.” He replied. “What do you want to put in here?”

  “My overstuffed chair. My chaise lounge, my desk and chair. And my bookshelves, television and stereo.”

  “May as well get started.” Sam suggested agreeably.

  Callie led him down to the basement. Sam eyed the steps ruefully.

  “Pete can help us do the chaise, and then I should let him go home.” Callie suggested.

  “Yeah. Shelly hasn’t seen much of him this weekend, eh?”

  “No, but she's been working, so it's not so bad. I’ll get him.” She answered.

  Sam worked the forest green chaise lounge out of the room where Callie had stashed her furniture, and had it ready to go up the steep stairs when Peter came.

  “Man. What do you say we take it out the cellar doors, and around to the front?” Pete suggested.

  “I’ve never heard a better suggestion.” Sam agreed.

  The job was a much easier proposition that way, and it wasn’t long before Peter and Sam had the chaise, the bed, the chair and Callie’s bookcases in place. Then, Peter went home to his wife.

  Sam helped Callie arrange some of her belongings, until bedtime. It didn’t take long until she had it looking very homey. When she knew they were about done, Rose popped in and offered them some tea or hot chocolate, and popcorn. They took her up on it.

  When Callie excused herself for bed, Sam said goodnight along with Rose, and watched her walk out. She avoided looking at him altogether.

  Rose was extremely embarrassed and uncomfortable with Callie's behavior, but Sam just chuckled. Rose saw that he wasn’t disturbed by her lack of manners, and sighed her relief.

  Sam gave her a wayward grin, and stood up. “I don’t think I’ll let her get away with that.” He said with purpose. “Excuse me, please.”

  Rose watched him go, with wide eyes. “Whoa.” She said under her breath. Then, she went back to her knitting.

  Callie was taking her shirt off over her head, when she realized that she had company. She whirled with a gasp, and pulled her top down again, savagely. “Sam!” she snapped.

  “What?” he challenged. He walked into her bedroom and towered over her, with his hands on his waist.

  “You can’t be in here! And you startled me.”

  “It’s too late, I am in here, and I’m not sorry.” He said emphatically. “Will you be startled if I take my goodnight kiss without asking?” He pulled her into his arms and attacked her vigorously.

  Callie stiffened in his arms; and then melted. She couldn’t help herself. Her arms wound themselves around his neck. And she kissed him back with all she had. He finally pulled away, and closed his eyes. He gave her a heavy-lidded, passionate look, and turned to walk away.

  “Wait a minute!” she objected.

  “What?” he asked, turning to look at her.

  “That’s it?”

  “What did you have in mind?” he asked, walking back toward her slowly. Even his walk was sexy.

  Callie laughed incredulously. “What? And be refused again? I wouldn’t dream of telling you what I’d really like!”

  He grinned at her, and pulled her into his arms. “Yeah? Maybe I’d really like it too, Callie. And in time, I fully intend to indulge every one of my fantasies to the extreme. But for now, a kiss is about all I can safely get away with. And even that’s pushing the limits, with you.” He eyed the lacy straps of her bra that showed because Callie's top had been so hastily donned, with critical agony before he looked back into her eyes.

  Callie dropped her head against him in submissive petition. “Then give me one more.” She begged.

  Sam chuckled, and kissed her the way he always wanted to. It drove them to a place that was not at all safe. Callie had her hands up under his shirt, and she was stroking his back and ribs with persuasive, slim fingers.

  “Oh, God. I think I’ll die.” She said without thinking.

  “Hmm. Well; wait a bit, will you? I think it’ll get a lot better. But until then, I’m quite certain I’d better say goodnight and get out of here, fast.”

  Callie sighed. “Goodnight, Sam.” She said despondently.

  He gave her a long look before he left, and smiled encouragingly. “I love you, Callie.” he said softly.

  He went back to the kitchen for a glass of water and found Rose there, doing last-minute dishes. “Hey.” He said congenially.

  Rose gave him a teasing smile. “Did you get a proper goodnight, Sam?” she asked lightly.

  “I did, indeed.” He agreed with a chuckle. “I’m not at all sure why I do it to myself, it makes it rather hard to sleep.” He grumbled. “Ah, but it’s worth it obviously, or I wouldn’t, would I?”

  “Indeed?” Rose chuckled. "Sam, tell me. What can I do?” she asked evenly.

  Sam looked at her to see what she meant. Her eyes told him what was not proper for her lips to ask. She wanted him for Callie. She wanted him to end her daughter’s torment. She wanted him to marry her little girl. He smiled and laughed quietly. “Pray for her, Rose. Please, just pray that she can do it.” He advised. “It should be just a matter of getting her oriented to tent and ministry life, and making sure she's ready for the final step; but I have the strangest feeling that there are unimaginable difficulties ahead. I can't be any more specific, but I will feel a great deal better, if I know you will pray.”

  Rose looked quizzical. “I can do that.”

  Sam gave her what he hoped was a comforting look, and said goodnight.

  Sam didn't sleep, though. Instead of feeling better, he found that telling Rose about his uneasiness had only increased it dramatically. He was extremely concerned about Cal, though he couldn't put his finger on it. She was like a powder keg, primed and ready to blow.

  He could feel things under the surface, that he couldn't even put a name to. Memories, wounds, scars, anger … he could sense them all churning inside Callie's heart, but he had no idea what had caused them, or what they were all about. He only knew that he was going to be the one who got to deal with them all.

  The idea of being so close to her that he was completely vulnerable at the same time, scared him to death. Perhaps it was a good thing he and Callie hadn't gotten married right away...

  Sam was up at eight. He found Rose in the kitchen, frying bacon and eggs. He hugged her shoulders lightly from behind, said good morning, and made his way to the coffeepot.

  “What, you’re even cheerful in the morning?” she accused. “How can this be? Sam, you’re too good to be true.”

  “Only by grace.” He yawned. “You’re not so bad yourself, you know.” He said with a boyish smile. “Where’s that feisty woman child this morning?”

  Rose laughed. “She’ll be in bed for some hours yet, I predict. She had a hard two days of moving and she hasn’t ditched her night owl habit yet, by any means.”

  “Well, that’s good. We keep some late nights in the tent. Unfortunately, we also keep a lot of early mornings.”

  “I’ll bet. Sounds like a lot of work.” Rose guessed.

  “It is. Keeps us in shape, though. Actually, I think everyone looks forward to the time when we tear down and move on, and set up again. It gives us a breather from the pressures of ministry, and then we all have something to look forward to at the new location. It's always very rejuvenating to meet new people, see new places and find new challenges to take on. Even the atmosphere of every new city is remarkably different. Different customs, beliefs, histories, denominational dynamics … it's never a
dull moment.”

  Rose chuckled. “I don’t mind telling you, I’m very relieved to have met you. I had some misgivings about Callie going, until I realized just who she had looking out for her. Though I was delighted to find her saved.”

  Sam leveled Rose a very serious and determined look. “I will look after her, Rose. No matter what.”

  “I know that. I have no doubts whatsoever, anymore.” Rose assured him.

  “Reservations about what? What’s the great smell?” Callie asked with a yawn. She came into the kitchen wearing a sleeveless cotton nightgown that had enough ruffles to keep her shape from being visible. Sam found her sexy and adorable with her hair tumbling and her eyes full of sleep.

  “It’s called breakfast, sleepy girl.” Rose advised sweetly. “Wash your face and hands, and you can have some.”

  “Oh, man.” She groaned. “The smell woke me up. But I think it might actually be worth it.” She walked over to Sam, where he sat at the table with a cup of coffee, and wedged her knees between his. She leaned over and put her arms around his neck.

  “Good morning.” She said in a husky voice. She kissed him and then parked herself on his lap, with her arms securely around his neck.

  Rose turned around and gave her daughter that made her wonder if she’d grown a second head.

  “How’s my Sam this morning?” she asked with a yawn, ignoring her mother.

  “Fine.” He answered, trying to be as natural as possible. To have Callie feel admonished or rebuked in any fashion would not be profitable. But her warm, slender body against his, without anything between them but a flimsy, cotton gown was causing quite a panicked reaction in the man. She nuzzled her nose and lips against his throat and kissed his jaw, as she explored his stubbly beard with her other hand.

  “I like your beard. You should let it grow.” She suggested sweetly.

  “Really?” he asked lightly.

  “Really. It’s very sexy.” She advised.

  Rose shut her gaping mouth and abruptly turned back to her stove. Sam tried thinking about the possibility of war in the Middle East. But, it wasn’t working. He took a sip of his coffee and smiled down at Callie.

  “So, are you ready to leave for Vermont today?”