Always Tried and Proven Read online

  “Okay. Okay, Callie. I’ll leave you alone, but I’m going to walk with you. I can’t let you go off by yourself. Sam would be very upset.”

  Callie nodded, and they walked. The mood between them mellowed as time passed.

  “So just who was Mr. Tall, dark and handsome the other night?” Sadie asked curiously.

  Callie shrugged. “He’s just a guy I know that’s got a serious crush on me. Sadie, I don’t expect you to believe me, but I’m going to tell you, anyway. I didn’t think Sam would care. I figured it was going to make him a little mad. We had this argument, and he … well, he was so blasted antagonizing! He told me there would never be anybody else but him for me, and he seemed so … so arrogant! It just made me want to prove him wrong. I lost my head and went out to show him he was wrong, that I could have another guy in a snap of my fingers. I know it was ridiculous. I really had no idea that seeing me with Gregory would upset him so much. I wish I could take it back.”

  “Me, too.” Sadie agreed. “You know, Callie, it’s obvious that you don’t understand about Sam. He just doesn’t ‘date women’. He can’t. What affects his personal life affects his ministry. He went so far out on a limb chasing you that it was suicidal. I can see that you didn’t really understand. But I was scared to death!”

  “I knew that Sam must be willing to do anything, and risk everything for you. He just would not do that unless he was too much in love with you to help himself. And believe me, Sam is never arrogant. When he says something so strongly, it's faith, or a true knowing what is to be, from God. Sam is the most humble man I've ever known.”

  Sadie’s declaration caused Callie’s tears to flow again. “Sadie; do you think he’ll ever forgive me?”

  Sadie’s smile was sad. “If I know Samuel, he already has. Heck; I know he has. That night when you came with that man, and then you came to the front for prayer; I saw him standing and watching you, and his heart was in his eyes. I was terrified for him. I went over and put a hand on his shoulder. When he turned to look at me, I wanted to cry. His eyes just broke my heart. And he said to me, ‘Sadie, I need you to go to Callie. Ask her if she wants me to pray for her, or if she would rather someone else do it. I don’t want to assume’.”

  “He was so full of compassion and concern for you, Callie. He didn’t want to make it awkward for you. He wanted your moment with God to be perfect. And he didn’t want to intrude, because you had come with someone else.”

  Callie’s heart wrenched with conviction. She stopped walking, and just wept bitterly. She was so miserable in that moment that she truly wished she could die. It was more than she could bear, to hear the truth. She dropped to her knees at the side of that deserted road, and wept bitterly for a long time.

  “Callie, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be so hurtful, but you need to fully understand what it’s like for Sam when you come out to play. The man is not making it. You’re slowly destroying him, and you’re going to have to change, if you’re going to stay here.”

  “Oh, if only I could do it again.” Callie cried. “I was a fool! I was afraid of him; I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to fall for him. I didn’t want to love him. I didn’t want to put up with his devotion to God, and I couldn’t help myself. When we argued, I just kind of lost all reason. I didn’t know what else to do! I just wanted to hurt him the way I was hurting.”

  Sadie raised her eyebrows. “Well, you succeeded. You hurt him, big time. Callie, I know that Sam is a lot of man. Especially from where you were standing.”

  Callie groaned. “I didn’t want to give up my life. I didn’t want to lose my band. I didn’t want his religion. I was desperately attracted to Sam, but it all happened too fast! When the band left to follow the tent, I was really angry. I felt as though I’d lost everything.”

  “Then, when I was moving, and Sam and I argued, it was too much. I had nothing left in my life to hold onto, and Sam was being impossible. He laughed in my face and told me I belonged to him. I got so mad I just set out to prove him wrong. But I was afraid he’d be right. And he was. Now, what do I do?”

  “I can’t imagine Sam fighting with anybody.”

  Callie snorted. “Don’t try it. He’s not the kind you want to see riled up.” She advised. “I made him real mad, and he was not a pleasant customer. He gave me a tongue-lashing I’ll never forget. Sometimes I wonder if I’ll even be able to recover. I still hear the things he said to hurt me, in my head.”

  Sadie looked at her sideways. “Sam? I’m sorry, Callie, but something doesn’t add up. Sam is the gentlest man I know.”

  “Not when he’s mad! But I don’t blame him. I drove him to it, I suppose. I was doing everything I could to force his hand. I wanted him, and I didn’t want religion. I wanted him, and I didn’t want marriage. Not unless he’d give up his religion. I had no idea what a fine line he was walking. Baby, did he ever let me know.”

  “Callie, are you sure it’s a good idea for you to be here?”

  “I have to be. I can’t keep running away from Sam, and I’m done running away from Jesus. I’m going to work through this, and give it some time. But if it turns out to be certain there is no chance for Sam and me, I’ll go. There’s nothing else I can do.”

  Sadie sighed.

  “Sadie, are you … are you in love with him, too? I really need to understand.”

  Sadie gave Callie a sharp look. “No. No, Callie, I’m not. I’m just very close to him. When I first met Sam, I thought he was the most perfect human being I’d ever met. But he had no interest in me at all romantically, and over time it simmered down and fizzled out. I didn’t fall in love with him, but there was a strong physical attraction on my part. That’s all. He never gave me so much as the bat of an eyelash, so we just became very good friends.”

  Callie nodded. “Thanks. Will you tell me the truth, Sadie? Do you think he could ever give me another chance?”

  “Yes.” Sadie answered tightly. “I think all you’d have to do would be to show him you’ve changed. And Callie, if I were sure you’d changed, I’d help you. Sam loves you, and he needs you desperately. I wish I were more sure of you.”

  Callie gave her a shocked look, and tears started up in her eyes. “Sadie; thank you for saying that. I will show him. I will! Tell me what you’d do if you were me.”

  “Well, Cal. I think honestly that I would sing. Put yourself in front of him again. Get his eyes on you, and let him see the changes. But let him make every move, or who knows what he might do. He’s not over you by a long shot. But be very careful; he’s tender, and he’s gun shy. And don’t you dare run, if he does make a move. You have to be ready for him.”

  Callie broke into a nervous sweat just thinking about it.

  Sadie laughed. “Don’t worry, now. He’ll be extremely cautious this time, but pretty soon, he’ll come testing the waters. You’ll not see the Sam that chased you unmercifully in the beginning, but he'll come back. Just take it one day at a time.”

  Callie laughed nervously. “I can’t believe you’re giving me advice about Sam. Ten minutes ago, you wanted to rip my face off.”

  Sadie sighed. “Well, that was before you convinced me that something has changed inside you. And I want Sam to be happy. He wants you, and he needs you. Why shouldn’t he have you? As long as you’ll be good, there’s no reason in the world why he shouldn’t.”

  The girls smiled at one another, and turned around to walk arm in arm back to the tent.

  “So tell me what happened when Sam found you here this time.” Sadie urged.

  The issue still made Callie a little nervous. “Well, he was just very nice. Kind of cautious, but friendly. A little distant.” She sighed. “I was so terrified when I looked up and saw him standing there. I didn’t know what he might say to me.”

  “Well, I hope you enjoyed it. I don’t think the quiet times will last. I suspect that these next few months with Sam will be mighty wild. He’s a very frustrated man, and he wants you. There won’t be many dull
moments until this is settled.”

  “I do hope it doesn’t take long.” Callie prayed earnestly.

  “In a way, it’s probably been a good thing for Sam. He’s always been so in control, so perfectly in hand. He finally came up against something that pierced his soul; something that’s caused more than a little ripple on the surface. Something that is testing his mettle.”

  “I don’t think he’s enjoying it.” Callie answered dryly.

  “No. But it is challenging him.” Sadie pointed out. ”Oh, Callie. Won’t you marry Sam, and put him out of his misery?”

  “I’d do it in a heartbeat, if I thought he’d have me.” She answered morosely.

  “Sure he will, sweetheart. He doesn’t draw a single breath without wanting you. Just give him a little time and space. He’ll come back. You know exactly how to turn his head and squeeze his heart.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Hmm. Things like the white dress, or the old-fashioned bun. The perfume you wear, or the way you look at him. You’ve got a thousand ways that grab him.”

  Callie laughed incredulously. “What are you talking about? Has he been bending your ear with silly notions?”

  “No. But I know Sam pretty darn well. I can tell by the way he reacts, what he likes best about you. You turn him into a lovesick mess, when you do those certain things that he loves. Now, I can help you get this thing settled. If you’re sure.”

  “Oh, I am.” Callie assured her.

  “All right, then. Wear the perfume. And he likes your hair down, or sometimes in that bun.”

  “He told you that?”

  “No, he didn’t have to. But he did ask about the perfume once. Now, did you bring a white dress?”

  “No.” Callie answered.

  “Then we are going to town.”

  “Huh?” Callie gasped.

  “Tonight, you will be dressed in white.”

  “Really? Why, I suppose he said he likes that?”

  “Nope.” Sadie answered. Together they answered, “he didn’t have to.” They laughed. “Maybe it translates to 'wedding dress' in his addled brain. Tell me, where are you sleeping?”

  “In Steve’s truck. But Sam just put an end to that.”

  “I’ll just bet! He doesn’t want all those guys gawking at his woman in the early morning light, eh? What did he say about that one?”

  “He asked me to have mercy on him. Said he couldn’t have peace with me in the truck. He actually said that men wouldn’t hesitate to pick a lock to get at a pretty woman.” She confided incredulously.

  “Yeah, well, he’s probably right. I wonder if Clyde's still alive! But it sounds like you’ve got all of his instincts out of the closet. We are definitely going shopping.”

  And shop, they did. Sadie had a nose for the best clothes, and the best deals. She even used her own Visa. She shushed Callie when she would have objected. Callie marveled at the chewing out she’d received from this same woman, just a couple of hours before. The world had certainly turned.

  They found a white dress that Sadie insisted Callie have. It wasn’t what she’d had in mind, but it was divine! It was much too expensive, but Callie found that there was no reasoning with the woman. It was made of the thinnest, softest, most pliable deerskin imaginable. It was dyed a brilliant white. It had cutouts in the yoke areas that showed patches of Callie’s smooth, brown skin. It gave the appearance of a heavy lace. The yokes and shoulders were fringed, as was the skirt. Silver beads framed the fringe, and a few well-placed rhinestones made it dazzling. They found some old-fashioned, high-topped boots that made the whole outfit perfect.

  Sadie had her heart set on a white nightgown for her. They found one that was all comfortable cotton, yet elegant. It was in the line of a painter’s shirt, with a deep v-neck, and ruffles on the neck and sleeves, and around the bottom. It was just above the knee, and had deep slashes on each side. The yokes were embroidered and the thing was very feminine, without being too revealing.

  “If he doesn’t flip for this, I’ll eat my hat.” Sadie predicted.

  “Sadie, he is not going to see this.” Callie protested, holding the gown against her, and blushing.

  “He will, if I know Sam. He’s going to find out everything about you in these next few weeks. You mark my words. It’s going to be a battle to get you to the altar before things get out of hand! But, I am going to be your constant companion. Never fear.”

  Callie just rolled her eyes. “Yeah, that’s why he avoids me.” She sneered dispiritedly.

  “Oh, honey. He’s going to come to you. Just you wait and see. Now, you’ve got to have something very feminine, with a Western flair.”

  “Huh?” Callie muttered.

  “Yeah. He definitely likes you in frilly, Western stuff. I want like, a peasant blouse type thing with round yokes, and a full skirt. Needs to be white.”

  “I have to wear something besides white once in a while.”

  “Why?” Sadie argued. “Just trust me, would you? He won’t know you bought them both, today.”

  They found just what Sadie wanted, and Callie had to admit that she too, was pleased with the look. With the high-topped boots, the outfit was exceptionally cute. They found a belt with a big, tooled buckle that set things off, and they were done.

  “Babe, you are smokin’.” Sadie complimented. She then made her purchase of a big bottle of Callie's favorite perfume, and everything to go with it.

  When they got back to the tent, they found Sam’s trailer empty. The closet was open and empty. They looked at one another and grinned. Sam had vacated, and it was all theirs. They made themselves at home.

  Sadie did Callie’s nails in the softest, frosty pearl. Then she did her make-up and her hair. It made Callie feel a bit like a Barbie doll, but it was kind of fun. At last, she helped her into the suede dress and shoes. “Oh, my.” Sadie gasped. “You’re a blooming vision.”

  Callie looked in the mirror, and was shocked. Sadie had done something to her that she could never have achieved on her own. She looked soft, and seductive, and innocent all at the same time. She looked natural, and glowing. Her eyes looked wide and clear. Her hair cascaded over her left shoulder. A few, wispy bangs accented her forehead.

  “Wow.” Callie admired grudgingly.

  “You’ll knock his eyes out.” Sadie predicted. “You stay out of sight until it’s time for you to sing.”

  “Whatever happened to all your bellyaching about Sam needing to focus on God to do his job?” Callie teased innocently.

  “Yeah. Well, the sooner I can get you married and in his bed, the sooner he’ll be able to do that.” Sadie said sweetly. “What are you going to sing? I’ll tell Clyde and Jeremy for you.”

  “I keep getting ’The Battle Hymn of the Republic’. In the key of E, please. Tell Jeremy I'll ad lib the beginning, and the percussion should come in on the first chorus.”

  “All right. You sit here and behave yourself. I’ll come back to get you when it’s time.”

  “What if he comes here?”

  “He won’t. He’ll be with the Lord until the service. He wouldn’t come looking for trouble, just before.”

  Callie nodded, feeling oddly nervous. Everything seemed to depend on this night. She bowed her head to pray.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  It wasn’t long before Sadie came back for her. They walked to the tent together, and slipped in the back door. Sam was out front already, and Clyde was doing announcements.

  “What’s he doing out front?” Callie asked nervously. “He’s never out there this early.”

  “You ask too many questions. Just do your thing.” Sadie hushed her. “Don’t forget that it’s a surprise you’re going to sing. You will have enormous impact tonight. I'll go out and pave the way for you. Just hang loose, now. And quit looking so scared! You're just singing a song, Callie. It's your specialty, remember?” She patted Callie's shoulder lightly, to soften the words.

  Callie walked to the curtain, and l
ooked out. Sam was standing at the tent’s side door, talking to a strange man. He looked so good to Callie. He was wearing wheat colored jeans, and a shirt striped with the same color as well as sky blue, to match. He had on brown cowboy boots, and he was incredibly handsome.

  She stood and just stared at him while Clyde did the announcements, and then Sadie went to the platform to take over.

  “We have a wonderful surprise for you this evening.” Sadie announced. “I have with me a young lady who has dazzled the State of New York with her talent. Please give a warm welcome to Miss Callie Wilson.”

  Callie went out with a smile as the polite applause rang out. Jeremy gave her a low chord, and she played on it. As she sang the first line of the familiar song, Sam’s head slowly turned to look at her. His eyes were burning with emotions that no one missed, but none could definitely interpret. Sadie thought that she saw shock, disbelief, agony, adoration, longing and passion, all flashing through his soul.

  The sweet tones of Callie’s voice rang clear and clean through the tent as she stood there in shining white suede, under the lights. She looked like a vision from heaven, sweet and innocent, with her big eyes and her wavy, shining hair cascading over her shoulder to her thighs.

  True to style, Callie kept building the song to a greater pitch, a higher intensity, and a more powerful tension; until at the end, the entire tent exploded into praise. Callie led them in it for a few moments; then she quietly put the mic back into the stand while the worship team picked up the ball. As things began to die down, Callie went down the front steps and joined Sadie in the front row, center.

  “Awesome, Cal.” Sadie complimented, squeezing her hand.

  After the worship service, Sam took the mic and began to pace. Back and forth, silently he walked. Finally, he began to speak.

  “We are taking on a new identity. We want to be identified in Christ Jesus. We are warring against the principalities and powers that exalt themselves in the heavens. Those forces that have ruled fallen Adam. Our God has given us all that we need to accomplish His purpose. To see and follow our pattern, Jesus. To bring forth the tangible Kingdom of God on this earth. Let’s look at the full armor of God first.” He said, and gave them a scripture to turn to.