Always Tried and Proven Read online

  “I’ll get them.” Sam responded immediately.

  Sam had decided where they were going to eat, and he led Callie there without divulging any information. Callie bit her lip when she saw where he intended to go. It was one of the nicest restaurants in town. It was quite spendy, and very uptown. But he seemed to know what he was doing, so she parked and buttoned her lip.

  They had a very nice dinner. Callie’s Scallops were divine, and Sam and Sadie were delightful dinner companions.

  As soon as she was done eating, Sam stood beside Callie’s chair and held a hand to her. “Dance with me.” He challenged lightly.

  Callie felt all the blood in her body rush to her cheeks; and then promptly rush out again. She shot a look of terror at Sadie, who happened to be carefully studying the ice in her water glass, just then.

  She gave Sam her hand, and stood up in response. There was nothing else she could do, with any grace. He smiled, and drew her under his arm as they walked toward the dance floor. A string ensemble was playing soft music, and the man beside Callie seemed to be in the mood for romance.

  “Thank you, Callie.” He whispered in her ear as he drew her into his arms. “I thought for a moment that you were going to refuse.” He chided lightly, a teasing glint in his eye.

  Callie let her hands rest on his arms, and she shot him a look that offered battle. “Don’t you know, Reverend, that preachers do not dance? Especially with unmarried women?”

  “Why not?” he asked lightly.

  “Because it does not look good.”

  Sam chuckled. “I’d bet my last dollar that you couldn’t get one person in this place to agree with you, right now. You know that we look fabulous together.” He argued. “Admit it. And while you’re at it,” he charged, “admit to yourself that there is nothing bad or inappropriate going on.”

  “Sam, that’s not the point. People talk.” She reminded him tersely.

  Sam shrugged. “Let ‘em.” He answered shortly. He pulled Callie so close that her face was snuggled into his lapels, and she couldn’t argue further. She discovered that she enjoyed the feel of Sam’s strong, warm arms around her. She liked his scent and the cologne he wore. She liked the feel of his waist under her fingertips. She liked the feel of his chest beneath her cheek. She could feel his hip against her, and a dart of excitement rushed through her. She came to the realization that she was extremely attracted to this man. Dangerously and deeply attracted to him. She pulled back a little bit, and he allowed her to retreat.

  “Tell me about your family, Sam.” She urged.

  “I really don’t have any blood family left.” He replied.

  “What? No wife? No children? No parents?” she teased in an outraged voice.

  Sam’s eyes scolded her. “If I had a wife and children, would I be out here dancing with a beautiful single woman this way?”

  Callie forced herself to meet his eyes. “It has been known to happen.”

  He chuckled. “Not with me.” He assured her. “Although, you probably wish I did have a wife and a dozen kids. It would give you a wonderful excuse to send me packing, wouldn’t it?”

  She just glowered up at him. He shook his head, and looked down at her as if to scold her. “No wife. No children. No girlfriends. No lovers. Nobody but the tent crew, and a couple fathers in the faith. Although, there is a beautiful woman that I’ve been trying to get close to. Perhaps you could tell me; what’s the way to this beautiful woman’s heart?”

  Callie shook her head. “You’re incorrigible, Sam.” She accused. “I’m not sure that I have a heart, anymore.”

  Sam tipped her chin up with a finger, so that she had to look into his eyes. “Yes, my dear, you have a heart. And I intend to find it. And when I find it, I intend to possess it. So why don’t you cooperate, and just let me get close enough to touch it? It could be over and done with that fast, Callie.”

  The song ended, and Callie pulled quickly out of Sam’s arms. She turned and began to walk quickly back to the table, without a backward glance. Sam followed her, with raised eyebrows and an exhale that would have been a whistle of wonder, if he’d dared to make a noise.

  He’d just hit a nerve somehow in her, and he was frankly amazed that he was still standing. She certainly looked as though she’d like to deck him. He watched Callie thoughtfully. She’d been hurt. Badly. By someone, God alone knew who.

  Callie sat down at the table, and allowed Sam to push in her chair. She directed her attention toward Sadie, and smiled. Tension built at the table, and Sam did nothing to further or to dissipate it. He simply sat and watched Callie desperately trying to retreat, and pretend that he did not exist.

  Sadie watched the two of them with wide, appraising eyes as Callie lightly chattered, and Sam just watched her like a hawk. Finally, Callie couldn’t stand it anymore, and she excused herself to go to the Ladies’ room.

  Sadie gave Sam a look of chagrin, and followed her. “Callie? Callie, where are you?” She demanded, looking under the stalls. “Callie, whatever is the matter?”

  “Nothing.” Callie denied. Her nerves were showing in the very sound of her voice.

  “Nothing, my foot. You come out here, and talk to me.” Sadie insisted.

  Callie came out of a stall, and looked at Sadie wearily, as she washed her hands. “Perhaps you ought to tell me a bit more about your Mr. Sam. What, pray tell, does he want from me?”

  Sadie made a noise of frustration, and put her hands on her hips. “I have no idea what he wants with you, although I have to admit he’s behaving very much out of character. The way he looks at you, I’d swear he’s on the prowl. And now, he’s even dancing with you! I’ve been tempted to ask you what you’ve done to bewitch him! Callie, is he making passes at you?”

  Callie growled in her throat. “No. Yes. No. I don’t know! He is showing a certain interest, but I … I don’t know! I don’t trust him!”

  “Callie, I can tell you this: I’d trust Samuel Stringer with my life. If he’s interested in you, you are a blessed lady. I shouldn’t be so surprised. You are a very unique woman, not to mention beautiful. But Sam has never seemed to be interested in anybody. He just does not express interest in beautiful, single women. Never, never, never!”

  “I don’t know what to think of him. It’s just that … here he is, and I’m a mess.” Callie gasped.

  Sadie soothed her with a gentle hand. “Callie, relax. If Sam is seriously interested in you, he will let you know. Give it a little time, and just enjoy his company. He’s not the kind to play with a woman’s affections – you know that. So, come on. Don’t panic, and don’t run. Just let him do his thing. He will, without much ado. I know he’s bigger than life, but he’s just a man. He is bound to want a wife and have a family of his own. Just because he’s a man of God doesn’t mean he’s sexless, for heaven’s sake.”

  “You can say that again.” Callie growled. “I can't even use that word in the same sentence.”

  Sadie laughed. “Callie, honey. Don’t be afraid to let him in. Just get to know him. He’s not the hurting kind.”

  Callie closed her eyes. “Ugh!” she snarled. “Why does he have to be so darn drop-dead gorgeous, and sexy, and sweet? Why can’t he be some sexless, anemic, mild, tasteless excuse for a man, like the rest of them?” she railed with wild eyes.

  Sadie tried to hide her smile. “Not on your life, darling. Now. We’ve left him sitting alone out there. Let’s go back.”

  Callie sighed and nodded. “I’ll be there in just a sec.” She promised nervously. Sadie nodded silently, and left her alone.

  Sam raised his eyebrows as Sadie sat down. “Well, is she all right?” he asked worriedly.

  “Oh. I think she’ll be fine.” Sadie evaded tensely.

  “She seemed very upset.” He insisted tightly.

  “She is upset, Sam.” Sadie agreed significantly.

  Sam sighed. “Why? What in the world did I do wrong?” he asked in a voice that told Sadie it was of great consequence to hi
m.

  Sadie wagged a finger at him. “Samuel, I can’t keep quiet anymore. You’ve been turning on the charm! I am very concerned about what is going on, here. You have! You’ve been turning on the charm with my friend!”

  Sam nodded, and raised his hands as though surrendering to Sadie’s charges. “Perhaps, a bit.” He admitted. “She’s a very attractive lady.”

  Sadie gave him an incredulous look. “And are you aware of the effect it’s having?” she scolded soundly. “She’s about to the point of breaking!”

  Sam looked at Sadie keenly. “Did she say that?”

  “She may as well have.” Sadie assured him worriedly.

  “What exactly did she say?” he , with very pointed interest.

  Sadie looked at him and would not have dreamed of withholding any information. “She actually said that she wished you were some sexless, anemic, mild, tasteless excuse for a man...er, preacher, I think she meant to say, like the rest of them.”

  Sam closed his eyes and ran his hand over his face, in attempt to suppress his laughter. “And is there anything else I should know?” he asked lightly.

  Sadie closed her eyes and shook her head.

  “Sadie,” he growled. He took her hand, and waited until she looked up into his eagle eyes. He looked like a predator about to strike. Sadie wilted.

  “She said … she wished you weren’t so ‘drop-dead gorgeous’, and sexy, and sweet.” Sadie admitted quickly. “Sam, she’s going to fall, and fall hard for you, if you don’t stop. Please, be careful. She’s very frightened.”

  Sam sat back, and absorbed the words quietly. He was shocked. So, she was not immune to him, then! He felt a stab of ecstasy, and sheer relief. He nodded and smiled slightly at Sadie. “All right, Sadie. Thanks.” He gave her a boyish grin. “And don’t worry about her, I won’t hurt her. I promise you.”

  Callie joined them again, and they left the restaurant without further ado. Callie was relieved to get to her truck, but Sam was there to mess with her before she could get inside.

  “Callie.” He asked gently. “Callie, honey, will you ride with me? Please? I just want to talk to you a little bit.” He spoke calmly and gently.

  “All right.” She agreed shakily. She handed her keys to Sadie and gave her an owlish look. She was on the brink, there was no doubt about it.

  Sam opened the passenger door to his Seville, and saw Callie seated comfortably. He got in the car and then, waited until Sadie had gone, before he turned to Callie and took her hand.

  “Callie, honey. I’m sorry.” He said gently. “Whatever I did, I’m sorry. I never meant to upset you.”

  Callie looked at Sam, and found his eyes tender and soft. They cut her to the quick. She felt tears rush to her eyes, and blinked them back in terror. She didn’t want to cry in front of this man. If she showed any weakness, he’d completely shred her armor. She knew this.

  “Will you please forgive me?” he asked.

  “For what, Sam? You haven’t done anything but be nice to me.” She objected.

  “Then, let me in.” he whispered persuasively. He took her hand, and kissed the palm. He let his thumb caress her wrist, and with his other arm, he pulled her close, across the seat. His lips touched her cheek, and found their way to her jaw. He wrapped his arms around her, and cradled her in his arms.

  “Let me love you, Callie. I won’t hurt you.” He murmured in her ear. His lips found hers and he kissed her carefully. She didn’t object, but she didn’t respond. She was frozen with terror.

  Sam felt tears splash out of her eyes, and down her cheeks. He could taste them on his lips. Something was wrong. Something was very wrong. She was afraid. She’d been wounded, more deeply than he’d ever dreamed.

  She didn’t want to let him get close. And it wasn’t because he was a preacher. Though it didn’t please her, it was far from the reason she held out. He closed his eyes and just held her to himself. Then, he kissed her again. She was more yielded, more receptive. He smiled and kissed her cheek.

  “All right, Callie. I’m not going to push you any more, today. But I won’t go away. Don’t even ask. I can’t.”

  Callie let her head fall against his chest, and she bit her lip. “We need to get to the tent.” She said in a husky voice.

  Sam looked at her with perplexed eyes. Then he started the car, and drove. She didn’t say a word. When he parked at the tent, she opened the door and got out before he could open it for her. She would have jetted away, but he caught her and held her hand. “Callie. Come on, now. Please. Don't run away, darling.”

  He turned her into his arms, and she looked up at him with haunted eyes. “All right, Sam. It’s just that I need a little time to pull myself together, before I have to sing. ” She explained in a shaky voice.

  “Can I see you tomorrow, then?” he asked carefully. “Alone. We need to talk a bit more. Callie, I can’t stand it that I frighten you.”

  She reached up onto her toes, and kissed his cheek gently. “Sure.” She agreed, without meeting his eyes. Then she turned, and walked away. Sam just watched her go. Her kiss had touched his heart.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Callie began to slowly unwind after they arrived at the tent. She found a quiet place and just sat there, alone. She pondered what she could sing, and kept coming back to ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness’.

  She shuddered at the idea, feeling totally unworthy of singing it. Yet, she reasoned, her personal state of being had absolutely nothing to do with God’s faithfulness. She went to Jeremy and went over it softly with him before the meeting got started.

  Sam called the crew together on the stage, as they were finishing up. “Tonight, I want to do things a little bit differently.” He said. “Callie, how late could you possibly stay?”

  Avoiding his eyes, Callie answered. “Eight would be the latest.”

  “All right, then. I want Callie to sing at ten ‘til eight. She’s got an anointing to open hearts, so I want the worship to come first. But please make sure you’re wrapping it up by 7:45. After Callie’s done singing, I want the worship team to be ready again. Ministry team, be ready for anything.” He instructed with a steely gaze.

  Callie went behind the curtains and found a place to sit, out of the way of things. Sam saw her sitting there alone, and made his way over to her. “Are you all right?” he asked gently.

  “Sure.” She assured him.

  “Would you let me pray for you?” he asked gently.

  “I suppose.” She agreed hesitantly. She didn’t have the guts to meet his eyes, tonight.

  Sam took her by the hand, and lifted her to her feet. He took her other hand then, and just stood there silently, with his eyes closed. After praying for her silently for a time, Sam covered the crown of her head, very softly, with one hand. The other hand held the back of her head gently. She felt a heaviness like warm, thick honey pour over her head.

  “Lord, will you show Callie what a blessing she is to this tent? Open her eyes to her effectiveness. Give her peace, Lord. Let love be the flame that kindles hearts tonight.” He whispered plaintively.

  Callie never for one moment thought he was trying to manipulate her with romance. She knew he was thinking of the thousands coming to the meeting. He wanted them to feel the love of God. She could feel it burning in his heart for the people, and was awed.

  Callie felt kind of dizzy suddenly, and she realized that she was swaying. Sam stepped closer and drew her under his arm, still cradling her head with his other hand. “Don’t be afraid, Callie. It’s all right.” He assured her softly.

  Callie felt totally ensconced in warm, heavy peace and comfort. She felt loved and cared for, without any pressure or demand for response. It was wonderful!

  And at that moment, she realized that the love of God burning in Sam’s heart was for her, as well. No different than any other human, but just as wonderful, and individual.

  She felt so special, and humbled. It made a greater impact on her than anything Sam could have s
aid. For the very first time, her heart splintered open just a mite, to receive the love of God.

  “Thank you, Lord.” Sam said, as the feeling intensified. He just stayed there with her until it began to lift a bit. She finally lifted her eyes, only to find that Sam’s were closed. She watched him curiously for a time, and then at last, he opened his eyes. He smiled at her, and released her.

  “I’ll see you later. Go after it, tonight.” He encouraged her.

  She smiled back, and nodded. He forced himself to walk away.

  Callie couldn’t seem to shake the feeling that had come over her when Sam had prayed. Yet it didn’t alarm her, or frighten her in any way. Though her limbs felt heavy, her heart felt light and peaceful. She sat there and pondered it while Clyde opened the service and the worship team did a few familiar songs.

  Then Sam took the stage, and the crowd quieted. Callie looked out through the curtains and saw that he was soaked already. Sweat was running down his temples, and soaking through his shirt. He clasped his hands behind his back and paced slowly. The headset mic he wore gave him complete freedom.

  “Our God is so faithful.” He said in a hushed voice. “He is always faithful. Though our circumstances might tell us the exact opposite, we must hold to His Word and His Truth. His Promises. We must cling to Him. No matter how unbelievable and far from heavenly things seem, if we hold true to Him, He will bring us through.”

  “He will unceasingly hold fast to His Word, His Truth; and those who stand with Him upon His Word, will be always victorious. He always has a plan. He always makes a way. The circumstances of this world are nothing compared to the Truth and the Ways of our God.”

  “He is unceasingly faithful, because He promised. If you ever don’t feel that you know what to do, go back to what He has said. His Word will find you and light the path ahead for you.”

  Callie put a hand to her throat, and wondered. How had Sam known what she was going to sing? He hadn’t been in the tent when she and Jeremy had done their almost inaudible practice run.

  “He is faithful through thick and thin. Through any kind of drug abuse; through alcoholism; through pornography; through prostitution and child abuse. He is faithful through murder; abortion; adultery and fornication; He is faithful in life; and faithful in death.”