Skye sat with the members of the choir in the front of the congregation and to the left of the altar.
The choir number was scheduled midway through the service, before the pastor’s message.Skye was in the front row and stepped forward before the choir for her solo.Slightly nervous, she felt her stomach twitch with the first few notes, but as the song progressed she gained confidence, and her strong, clear voice rang through the church with a richness and clarity that was breathtaking.Her versatile voice had a three-octave range, and the difficulty of the musical score called upon the full range of her ability.
When the vocal presentation was finished, a hushed awe filled the church.As was the custom there was no applause, which suited Skye.If there were any appreciation for her talent, the praise should be directed to her Creator; He was the One who deserved the glory, not she.
Brad and his family found Skye and Jordan on the steps of the church after the service.The two men shook hands andchatted easily.Peggy winked at Skye knowingly while Janey skipped blithely up and down the stairs with her friends.
“It’s good to see you, Jordan.”Brad’s arm was draped around Peggy’s shoulders, holding her protectively close to his side.His smile fell on Skye.“Mom would have been very proud to have heard you today.You were great.I can’t recall a time you sounded better.”
Skye blushed becomingly.“God and I thank you.”In her heart, she recognized she’d been singing to Jordan.The song was one of joy at the freedom and new life offered through Christ.
“I’ve been trying to persuade this stubborn sister of yours to let a friend of mine in the music world listen to her, but Skye won’t hear of it.”
Skye cast a pleading glance to Brad, but he quickly ignored the silent appeal.“You should, sis.”
Peggy’s apologetic gaze met Skye’s.“You two leave Skye alone.Let her make her own decisions.”
Skye sighed, grateful for Peggy’s intervention.“Yeah, you two, leave me alone,” she remarked with a half smile.
The men spoke for several more minutes while Brad described his new job eagerly.
“Are you ready to go?”Jordan smiled at her.
“He’s flying home this afternoon,” Skye explained to her family.
“Did you get my letter?”Janey wanted to know, leaping three steps at once to land directly in front of Jordan.
“Sure did, cupcake.”He used Skye’s pet name for her niece.“I’m glad you and Sampson like his house so well.”
They bid their farewells, and Skye promised to stop by Brad and Peggy’s later for dinner.
The ride to the airport was quiet and serene.Jordan’s arm rested possessively around her shoulder, and when he tenderly kissed her temple, Skye turned and smiled at him peacefully.
“Tired?”Her small yawn prompted the question.
“No, content.”It was so right to feel his arms holding her securely.Though another separation was inevitable, none of the agonies she’d experienced with their first parting remained.
She felt Jordan’s eyes rest on her thoughtfully, but didn’t turn to intercept his gaze.Gently the pressure of his lips moved across her hair.
When the car and driver he’d hired pulled along the curb at the airport, the driver stepped out to attend to the luggage.
Jordan turned Skye to face him, and stared deep into her cobalt-blue eyes, the tenderness unmasked and bare.“We never did have our talk,” he whispered.“There never seems to be enough time to say all the things we need to say.”He paused.“I know it bothers you that I don’t believe in God the same way you do.All I ask is that you be patient with me.”With that he slowly drew her into his arms.
He’d asked her to be patient, and Skye realized that she’d wait until doomsday for this man.She trembled, anticipating his kiss, then savored the moment with all the longings of her soul.Jordan shuddered, his breathing ragged and barely controlled.He rested his forehead against hers, as if fighting for command of his senses.
“You go to my head,” he murmured heavily, the warmth of his breath fanning her flushed face.
“Good thing,” she whispered.“I’d hate to think I was feeling this way alone.”
Again, he folded her tightly into his arms.“I’ll phone Wednesday evening.”His own voice was as shaky as hers.
“I’ll be waiting.”Suddenly she was free.She felt cold and dazed without his arms around her...
“How you doing, Sprout?”Playfully Skye ruffled the crop of short blond hair.
“All right, I guess,” he said without enthusiasm.
“Aren’t you feeling well?”Concern knitted her brow; Billy so seldom complained.This subdued behavior was very unlike the gregarious youth Skye had come to love and admire.“Are you going to tell me what’s the matter?”Gently she began to stroke his head, as if to ease his discomfort.
