Chapter 30 Wiling Hearts

Noah and Sami met 35 days ago.

ENDING OF PREVIOUS POST:

Sami watched him walk down the first step, before he turned. "What time's church?"

"Eleven o'clock, but you don't need to."

"I promised I'd try at least once." Noah glanced toward the parking lot. "I'll pick you up at ten-thirty." He went down two more steps then turned back. "What should I wear?"

"Anything you want."

"What does your dad wear?"

"Dress slacks and a button-down shirt."

"That's what I'll wear. See you in the morning."

Sami remained by her door until she couldn't see Noah any longer.

Just after she locked the door, she answered her wrist communicator. "Noah?"

"I love you, Sunshine."

"I love you, too. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."


TODAY'S POST:

Chapter 30

Around ten-fifteen Sunday morning, Sami answered her door. "Good morning."

Noah leaned over, kissed her, and then petted Jasper. "Buddy, I'm surprised you didn't let me in."

"He hasn't learned how to unlock this new door. It confuses him." Sami smiled. "I'm sure he'll figure it out before long."

"You're right." Noah scanned the area. "You ready?"

She pointed to her bare feet. "I haven't decided which shoes. Should I go comfortable or stylish?"

"I always choose comfortable. I'm not into stylish."

"I'll be right back." She disappeared into her bedroom, but said, "I don't believe that. You're a classy dresser."

When Sami returned, Noah took her in his arms. "So, this socially inept gorilla dresses all right?" He kissed her.

The kiss ended, and she scanned him from head to feet. "I'd say yes, for a ruggedly handsome man."

He chuckled. "Thank you, I think."

Sami twirled. "Do you approve?"

"Young lady, you could wear a garbage bag and put other women to shame."

Sami answered her phone, "Yes, Mom, we're leaving my apartment as we speak." She motioned Noah toward the door. "See you in a few minutes." She held up her phone. "It was..."

"I know. We'd better leave."

"You're right. Are you sure you're all right with this?"

"I agreed to go once. We'll see about a second time." He held the door for her.

*****
Noah searched the full church parking lot before he found a parking slot. "I didn't expect a crowd."

"Are you sure you're okay with this?"

"I've already answered that. Yes." He exhaled and said under his breath, "I think."

After Noah opened Sami's door, she took his hand. "I won't leave your side. We're in this together."

He leaned over and pecked her cheek. "Thank you."

As they entered the sanctuary, Sami pointed to two rows of pews toward the front and off to the right. "That's where my family sits."

"Assigned seats?"

"Not really, more of a habit."

"Two rows?"

"A huge family."

He nodded and walked beside her as they went down the aisle.

Before they sat, Sami kissed her mom and dad's cheeks. Her parents scooted over making room for them to sit.

In the row in front of them sat Angela, her husband, Brent, and their two sons, Greg and Austin. Angela stood and hugged Sami. "I'm glad you're here."

Brent shook Noah's hand. "Welcome." He grinned and teased, "I see you're brave enough to try this. Don't let these girls scare you off."

"I don't plan on it."

The music started and Pastor Hudson walked to the pulpit. Noah and Sami sat. She guided Noah through the service on when to stand and when to sit. When the congregation went up front for communion, Noah remained in the pew.

After the service, Pastor Hudson stood at the door and introduced himself to Noah. They chatted briefly before Sami hurried Noah to car.

As he opened the passenger door, he said, "Thank you for the save."

"Pastor Hudson can talk your ear off."

"I had the feeling that was the case. Straight to the restaurant?"

Sami nodded. "Yes. We've outgrown my parents' house."

The drive to the restaurant was short. As they parked, Noah asked, "Since everybody was at church, how long until we eat?"

"Maybe a half an hour, if that long. Before church, my sisters started things. It just needs to be set out. You okay?"

"I'm fine."

She leaned over and kissed him. "I'm not sure."

Noah returned the kiss. "Don't worry. I'm good."

Inside the restaurant, Greg toddled up to Noah. "Unc No, we eat?"

Noah glanced at Sami. "Translate, please?"

"Greg won't turn three for a few months. He's just really becoming vocal. He's calling you Uncle Noah and wants to know if you're going to eat with us."

"I've never been an uncle before." Noah squatted to Greg's level. "Yes, I'm going to eat with you. Is that okay?"

He nodded. "You sit by me."

"Sunshine, is there a special seating order?"

"Not really but Angela and Brent normally keep the boys close."

Still squatting in front of Greg, Noah said, "You'd better ask your mom about that." He grinned as Greg ran off toward his mom.

Sami took Noah's hand. "You're doing great. You've won Greg over."

"It's not Greg I'm worried about. It's your parents and sisters."

"Mom and Dad already like you. I think allowing me to go to the Father's Day celebration won everybody else over."

John, Sami's dad, walked to the head of a long table. "Noah, I'm glad you could make it. Let's all welcome Noah. I have suspicion he's going to be a permanent fixture at our table. It warms my heart that our family keeps growing." He took a sip of water. "Everybody, take your seats."

Sami led Noah to her usual seat and there was an extra place setting next to hers.

Once everybody found their seats and the two children were seated, John blessed the food. Then he said, "Let's eat."

Greg frowned across the table at Noah. "Unc No?"

Noah reached across and touched Greg's hand. "See, we're close."

The child grinned.

Throughout the meal there was constant talking, joking, and laughing.

As the meal ended, there was a knock on the restaurant's door. Rebecca jumped up. "I'll get it."

Everybody watched Rebecca escort in a man, who carried a large white box. She moved the dishes around so there was a place for it in the center of the table.

As the man removed the box, Rebecca said, "Joseph and I have an announcement. In December we're expecting our first child."

Laura's eyes widened. "That's only six months away. Why'd you wait so long to tell us?"

She glanced at Sami. "I couldn't share good news until Sami was home."

Tears welled in Sami's eyes.

Sami got up, went to Rebecca, and they hugged. "Congratulations."

When she returned to her seat, Noah held it for her and pecked her cheek.

As everybody cleaned up and visited after the meal, Noah noticed Greg headed for the door. Noah caught up with him and lifted him by the back straps of this jump suit. "Where you going, buddy?"

Greg pointed. "Out."

"The crowd too much for you, too? Why don't we both go outside?"

Outside, Noah visually scanned the area while he carried the toddler. "I think I found something." They walked past a few stores. "I bet this one has a ball." He sized up the child.
"Maybe we can sort of play ball. You're probably too young, but we'll figure it out."

On Greg's recommendation, Noah purchased a small, colorful, beach ball. In front of the restaurant, Noah blew it up and more rolled than tossed the ball the two feet to Greg. Greg sort of tossed it back.

*****
Inside Angela frantically yelled, "Where's Greg?"

The search began. Brent glanced out the window and pointed. "Sami, he's a keeper. Hey, everybody Greg's playing catch with Noah. I guess we got too much for them."

Tears welled in Sami's eyes and said under her breath, "I love that man so much."

Angela and Sami rushed outside, as Sami asked, "Where'd you get the ball?"

Noah pointed. "A store. We needed something to do."

Angela picked up her son. "Thank you for keeping an eye on him. He's turned into an escape artist." She paused a moment. "The end of this month Brent and I have an anniversary. With a broken hip, Mom can't keep up with him. Would you two consider babysitting? We'd leave Friday afternoon and get back in time for Sunday dinner."

Sami glanced at Noah. "I don't have a problem, but Noah starts back to work tomorrow, and his schedule's unreal."

"Let me know the exact date and I'll see if I can make sure I'm off. I'm working on having closer to regular hours."

"I'll let Sami know within a couple of days."

The leftovers were passed out equally among the family members. As they carried their containers to the car, Noah said, "You think Angela will ever get Greg down for his nap?"

"I predict he falls asleep on the way home."

As Noah drove home, Sami said, "If you can't get off to help babysit, I understand. I'll do it. Don't worry about it."

"I'm serious about making changes in my hours. You deserve, no we deserve to have a normal relationship."

"Thank you."

*****
Once Jasper had his early evening walk, and the extra food refrigerated, Noah studied Sami. "I'm surprised you haven't already asked."

Her eyes widened. "Asked what?"

He put his arms around her waist. "I know you're dying to know my thoughts on church. I'm amazed at your restraint."

"If you're already aware of this, why are you keeping me in suspense?"

"I wanted to see how long you could hold out."

She stared into his eyes. "I can be very patient, when I need to be."

"I'm learning that." Noah took her hand and led her to the couch. After they both sat, he continued, "Church wasn't what I imagined it would be. I think I'll be able to attend. Please allow me the freedom to change my mind."

"I promise." Sami exhaled. "I'm sure with your work schedule you won't be available very often."

Noah studied her eyes. "Sunshine, you're worried. Talk to me."

Sami avoided eye contact before she focused on Noah. "I'm scared when you go back tomorrow, you'll be so busy we won't see each other, and you'll forget about me. What we have will dissipate."

He pulled her into a hug and kissed her. "Sunshine, there's no way I could ever forget you. You're embedded in my heart, forever." He swallowed. "I'm seriously working on my hours getting closer to regular work hours. I don't know how long it'll take, but I promise I'm working
on it."

They kissed, and then she said, "Thank you."

"I won't let anything come between us."


CHARACTERS:

Sami Martinez - Twenty-five-year-old high school teacher, who's working to find a kidnapped teenage girl.

Noah Taylor. - Homeland Security team leader, who works in the Human Trafficking department. Alias - Trey Morgan

Jose, Bob, & Sarah - Agents who work under Noah. Bob and Sarah are married.

Laura Martinez - Sami's mom.

Jasper - Sami's Great Dane, a large breed dog.

Myra Rodriguez - Kidnapped teenage girl whom Sami was close to.

Big T - Neighborhood pimp; not a friendly person

Numerous Team Members - They will show up periodically but not really important to the story, except they're there.

Chief Galvin Baldwin - Noah's supervisor.

Marc - Sami's old boyfriend.

Mateo Enrique Aguilar de Pereira - a very close friend of Sami's; a rich playboy