Chapter 22

Chapter Twenty-Two

Charles

I sat at a table at the Christmas gala, with my grandmother on one side of me and Melody on the other. Dinner was over, and a large screen was showing a video about what the cancer wing would do for this community and the surrounding areas.

I wasn’t really watching the video; I was more focused on Melody’s hand in my own. I turned and stared at her. She was gorgeous, timeless. My feelings for her were the same and different.

Her eyes met mine. “Hey,” she mouthed.

It felt like my heart would burst. “Hey,” I mouthed back.

Our eyes held for a long time. Somehow, God had brought this beautiful woman back into my life, and I would be forever grateful for that blessing.

The program finished and the MC said, “Now it’s time to hear from the King family. I will turn the microphone over to Mr. Charles King.”

I had honestly forgotten about this. I stood, not worried about what I would say. I’d spoken at a lot of these over the years; usually my siblings and I took turns.

I took the microphone and smiled at the crowd. “Thank you all for being here tonight. As you know, this cause is near and dear to our hearts. I lost my sister when she was only eight.” It didn’t happen a lot, but sudden emotion filled my throat. “I still remember taking long drives to the cancer unit in Wilmington. My three brothers and I, along with our parents and grandparents, were next to her as her body finally failed and her soul slipped away.”

I blinked rapidly, not sure why all this emotion was suddenly hitting me. Then I found Melody’s face in the crowd. Just like that, the world settled.

“I’m not up here to propose that I know of any great plan that God has for us. In fact, for a lot of years in my life, I wondered if there was any plan. But I like to think that we can deal with the loss of life, any life, by vowing to help others on their journey. I know it’s true for me and my family, and especially for my grandparents. For my sweet grandmother, who is here tonight.” I gestured toward her.

A spotlight was cast on her, illuminating the tears that streamed down her face.

“We can vow to try and make the way easier for others. This cancer wing in Jewel Cove will not only help the people in this town and their loved ones; it will help all the surrounding areas. It is something that I want for others. For their spouses, loved ones, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, parents and grandparents. This cancer wing will help so many. Please consider donating tonight. Give for yourself. Give because tonight, of all nights, our hearts can be a little more tender when we think of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the sacrifice he made for all of us. He laid down his life for us. I’m so grateful to be here tonight, and for all of you. Thank you for coming.”

The crowd stood and clapped. I had tears on my own face, and I felt such comfort as I slipped into Melody’s arms. I would come back to her arms for the rest of my life, if she would have me. I wanted to be with her forever.

The MC was back onstage. “Thank you, Mr. King.” The band started playing loudly. “It’s time for dancing. Please enjoy yourselves.”

I whispered into Melody’s ear, “Dance with me.”

She pulled back, and there were tears on her cheeks. “Of course.”

I took her out to the dance floor, and everyone seemed to melt away. It was just Melody and me getting lost in each other’s arms. The beat of the music and her body pressed against mine felt like the most natural thing in the world.

Melody pulled back from me and tugged her phone out of her little purse. “Sorry, someone is calling.”

“Of course.”

She frowned as she answered the call. “It’s Bill.”

I really wanted to take the phone and throw it across the room.

“What do you mean, someone broke into the store?”