Part 2

© Copyright 2006 by Elizabeth Delayne

here he is,” Dan pointed down the long parking lot as a car turned the corner at the far end. “He wouldn’t make a good spy.”

“Good thing that’s not his mission in life,” Celia said dryly. She turned around in her seat and looked at Noel. “Hey, Noel–you still have on your ring?”

“Oh!” She tugged off her glove that she’d only just put on and looked down at her ring. She’d been determined not to take it off this time.

She lifted her hand, held it to her lips. “Just one more time.”

Celia chuckled. “Ready?”

“As I’ll ever be. I’ve got to make it inside before Becca shows up. My dress is out and a lot of obvious stuff is packed. I’ll have to hide some boxes.”

“We could come in.”

“No–I think we should make Carter feel successful. And unless she wants a four course meal, I don’t think she’ll notice too much out of place. I don’t think we’ve ever cooked more than spaghetti. I’m just worried about...”

“Having to lie.”

“Yes–at least I didn’t have to say anything to Carter. He’s the actor.”

“It will be fine. And if you do, just tell Becca the truth and invite her to stay over. That way, she won’t have to see him.”

Noel thanked them both and got out of the car, trying not to run as she made her way to her door. Once inside, she went directly for the boxes, moving several into her office that was already packed and ready to go.

When the doorbell rang, she jumped. She tucked her dress into her closet along with her bags and shut the door, leaning against it and taking a deep breath. Then she opened the top box, lifted out an armful of wrapped picture frames and carted them into the den, tugging off paper as she set them as neatly as possible on her mantle. She move one to an end tables and glanced nervously around.

The doorbell rang a second time as she moved into the kitchen and took a few potholders out of a box before shoving it into a cabinet with several other boxes

And on the way to the door, she finally remembered to take off her ring. She held it to her lips one more time, then took it off and slid it carefully into her pocket.

All right, for better or for worse.

She pasted on a mediocre smile, and opened the door.



When her cell phone rang just after midnight, Noel checked the caller ID. She flipped it open and flopped onto her back to stare up into the dark.

“Does Santa know you’re calling your fiancé on your wedding day?”

Dave laughed quietly. “I couldn’t resist. Besides, the rules just say I can’t see you, not that I can’t talk to you. Happy birthday and future anniversary.”

“Thanks. I hope in the future, that merits quite a celebration. I’ve had to deal with two events in one my whole life. Now its going to be three.”

“I guess it will have to,” he sighed dramatically.

“How’s Carter?” she whispered. She couldn’t help it, not with him whispering on the other end.

“Thoughtful. Pops made a good play–has him cornered down in the kitchen with a motivational talk.”

“Play. Isn’t that football?”

“Hey, I’m not Dan. I don’t have to stay with the military jargon. You know, this time tomorrow, we’ll be...”

“Married?”

“Married. How’d it go with Becca?”

“I nearly forgot to take off the ring and I kept forgetting that I was supposed to be upset–she was trying so hard to make me laugh. I had to remind myself to stare into the distance and look mournful. She noticed that a lot was packed up, but I don’t think she figured it out. I have to say, I started to worry.”

“Why?”

“Because for a 13 year old, she’s really good with this playing the game. She didn’t even ask me. I think she wanted to. I don’t want there to be secrets between us. But there will be. She’s a girl, after all.”

On his end of the line, Dave groaned.

“How about with you? What happened when she got home?”

“She went to bed, left Carter and Pops to deal with me. It wasn’t easy. I really miss mom and dad. They should be here. For this, for us, for them.”

“I know.”

“I’m glad Pops tagged himself in. He knew just what to say to pull Carter out. Maybe he could have done it in the first place without all the plans, but at least they...hey–I can hear them coming up the stairs. I’ve got to go.”

“See you tomorrow night?”

“It’s a date.”

“Call me if you think of me.”

“I’ll have to try not to.”

As she closed her cell phone, Noel stared up into the darkness. The prayers of so many stood with her tonight. She wondered if Carter knew how many people loved him, ached for him–what so many people were willing to do for him. She would remember that.

I really hope you enjoyed Operation Carter! Have a Merry Christmas!


E-mail me if you have a comment!


lizdelayne@hotmail.com


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