Sara continued, “How old is the baby?”
Michael responded, “I don’t know, honey—looks like fun!”
Dario spoke to the priest in Italian as they moved toward the house. Dario’s wife, Maria, was at the front door; she wheeled Sara into the house.
Maria took Sara’s hand for a moment. “Sara, may I speak with you for a moment?”
“Of course. I see the priest is here for the christening.”
Maria wheeled Sara down the hallway. “We have a special time planned this evening.”
Michael caught up with the two. “Sara, I’d like to suggest something.” Sara noticed his face had a special gentleness as he spoke. “I can’t think of a better place for us to get married. Your dad is in such good spirits. I know it is a bolt out of the blue, but, will you marry me, here—tonight?”
Sara was momentarily stunned. Maria had left the room.
“Oh—oh….” She clasped her hands to her cheeks. “Oh Michael it would be so perfect—with Dad here! Could there be any better place—or time? I’m babbling! What would I wear? Does Dad know? A bouquet? I wanted you to have a ring, Michael.”
“I wanted to leave this suggestion open in case this idea wasn’t right for you. The priest was more than happy to share a meal—if we chose not to go ahead with the plan. There is no christening.”
Sara had tears in her eyes, but was laughing at the same time. “It is so right—beyond my wildest dreams, it is so right.”
“Perfect.”
“I don’t want to waste this moment over a ring for you—perhaps Dad will give me his for our ceremony.”
“I’ll leave it up to you.”
“What will I wear?’
“We thought of that. Maria has kept her wedding dress. It has been in the family for generations. There is a lovely bouquet waiting in the pantry. It is white lilies and greenery with some heather.”
“May I see it?”
Maria appeared with the stunning bouquet; white and pale green ribbons flowed from the stems.
“I could not have picked a more beautiful bouquet. Would I wear a veil?”
“We made a garland of flowers for you; they are from the meadow,” said Maria.
Sara sat there, her eyes glistening. “I cannot believe this is real. I can’t believe it!”
Michael smiled, “Trust me, this is real!”
“This will be the most magical day of my life.”
“I thought, for your dad...I knew you would want him present. I think it would mean the world to him.”
“Say no more. Did he know about this?”
“Yes, he is in on the plan. Maria has a family prayer book, if you choose to carry it.”
“This will be our day. Our wonderful, spur-of-the-moment day.” They shared a laugh and blended it with joyous tears.
“Then, by all means, let’s proceed!”
CHAPTER SEVENTY-SEVEN
An hour later, Sara appeared, radiant and unruffled. Maria had an ivory lace throw hiding the wheelchair. Danny wheeled her to an area under an old olive tree. Michael transferred her to one of the two Italian carved chairs. The ceremony began after a brief conversation with the priest. The words were spoken in Italian, followed with a fairly accurate English translation by Dario. Danny gave Sara his ring for Michael. It was the first time it had left his finger.
“Here, baby. This is for you and Michael—for always. Your mom and I would be honored.”
Michael said a few words, which were translated into Italian. “Sara, my dear friend—I have loved you much longer than I have realized. You are my shining star and my rock. I will be at your side until my last breath.” He slipped the wedding ring on her finger and gave her a gentle kiss.
“Michael, dear Michael, I’ve not had time to prepare. You are my best friend; no one could ask for a kinder man. I intend to walk by your side in the coming years. You have brought me back to the land of the living. I know we will have a productive life. I envision us as two complete circles twirling within the same space, independent, but forever entwined. Thank you for your support. And I too have a little surprise. Please take my hand, and I’ll stand for our blessing. I love you with all my being.”
Michael gently lifted her to a standing position. It was unimaginable to see her so radiant and standing on her own. Michael put his arm around her waist as the priest gave his blessing. Michael was unashamed as he wiped away his tears. He continued to support Sara as the priest repeated the final declaration of marriage in Italian and English. Michael took her in his arms, gently kissed both cheeks, and ended with a tender hug. There was not a dry eye in the crowd, with the exception of the playful children who distracted each other with frequent pinching, tickling, and giggling.
The wedding feast was sumptuous. The newlyweds knew almost no one by name; however, they felt very much a part of the group. Michael had planned the event for weeks. A professional photographer arrived and took a few formal pictures and many impromptu shots. There were two guitarists whose inviting tunes prompted dancing. The wine and champagne flowed freely. The evening was a complete success. At sunset, the small crowd dispersed; the immediate family and Father joined in a glass of fine brandy. The chatter of birds slowly drifted away as the leaves rustled in the wind. The sunset announced the end to the fairytale day.
The bride and groom were ushered to a guest bedroom. It was prepared with flowers in several vases and rose petals on the crisp white matelassé coverlet. Sara wheeled herself into the adjoining bathroom. She returned in a simple sleeveless white nightgown, a gift from Maria. The neckline was embroidered in flowers. She appeared angelic. Maria had placed several candles around, giving the room a rosy glow.
Michael uttered, “Mrs. Evans, you look radiant.”
Sara did not appear embarrassed; however, she seemed somewhat apprehensive.
“I don’t know what to say or do, Michael. We have never been intimate.”
“When you are ready, I’ll carry you to bed. We have a lifetime ahead of us. Nothing needs to happen at this moment.”
“Thank you...I...”
“This wonderful day was very sudden, and now, we have nothing but time. We’ll know when we’re ready. This has been one of the happiest moments of my life, Sara. Let’s just cuddle and talk about our beautiful day.”
CHAPTER SEVENTY-EIGHT
Michael, Sara, and Danny said goodbye to Danny’s extended family. They expressed enduring gratitude for their generosity and hospitality. Dario took them to the family’s graveyard to pay their respects. It was a solemn moment, filled with much hugging and hand-holding.
The trip ended after a day in Venice. Michael knew it was an appropriate ending. Venice should be shared with loved ones. The gondola ride was the highlight of the day. As the gondolier sang, Sara could hear Danny humming along as they glided down the canals. Sunset fell as they dined al fresco; their table looked out over a canal that was framed by a small bridge. They lingered for a while, knowing this was their last evening.
CHAPTER SEVENTY-NINE
The three weary travelers boarded the plane and settled in. Each revealed a spontaneous smile that lingered as they drifted off to sleep. The flight back was smooth, arriving on time. Once in the taxi, Danny took a deep breath, “Hey you guys, I want to say this now while I am still in the Italian frame of mind. Who knows when our time on earth will come to a close? Please take a small urn of my ashes to Terni. The rest of my ashes will stay with Mama and Emilio.
“I understand, Dad. I promise.”
“Count on it, Danny.”
The remainder of the ride was spent in reflective silence.
CHAPTER EIGHTY
Home at last! The newlyweds moved Sara’s belongings to Michael’s apartment. The community organized a celebration for them. The sisters and Father gave toasts to the happy couple. As the weeks passed, Danny’s illness became more evident. Sara and Michael had been staying exclusively at Michael’s home. They installed a compact electric
chairlift for the stairs. Her upper body was becoming stronger by the day. She chose not to discuss her experiences at physical therapy, and Michael waited for any news. He had noticed her legs felt firmer. Their intimacy had progressed at a gentle pace.
The subject of Danny’s illness remained a whisper away from discussion. A few weeks later, they had settled in for the evening. Sara was nestled in Michael’s arms. “Dad is getting much more frail, Michael. Should we speak with him about the store?”
“I don’t know, Sara. He is very private and remains independent. I am concerned if we bring up the subject, he’d lose his resolve. The store is his beacon,” Michael was unprepared for her next statement.
“I took a few steps today,” Sara said with a hesitant smile.
“You what?”
She turned and looked up into his eyes. “I took a few steps today—with braces, of course.”
“My God, Sara! That’s wonderful!”
“Keep tuned in for the latest breaking news; signing out for now.” She tucked herself back into Michael’s arms and shut her eyes.
Michael was speechless, which appeared to be exactly as Sara wanted. It was her battle, and she owned it. He took her face in his hands and whispered in her ear. “Thank you for sharing, Madame.”
As he was drifting off, he experienced a fleeting three-dimensional image of Jenny smiling down on him; it seemed more like a hologram. No, it had to be wishful thinking; he did not believe in such things. Perhaps it was a subconscious suggestion, allowing him to go on with an open heart. It was hard to erase the vision from his mind. Nevertheless, it gave him comfort.
CHAPTER EIGHTY-ONE
The days had passed with no new crisis until one ominous Tuesday when Michael’s cell rang.
“Michael, can you come over? I’m here with Dad. He is not well at all.” Sara was calm, but her tone was tense. Michael ran over to the store. Danny was sitting at the back of the store. He was pale and sweaty. His eyes were glazed over.
“Dad—let’s call an ambulance.”
Danny looked up and implored Sara, “No, honey, take me upstairs…please…take me to my own bed.”
Michael and Manny carried Danny upstairs.
Danny uttered, “Look in my bureau…top drawer, there is a letter.” Michael handed the letter to Sara.
Dear Kids,
However you get this letter, I wish to stay in my own bed until I join your mom and brother. I have a life insurance policy that will cover home nursing care and my final arrangements. The store and home are yours, Sara. Sam Joseph is my lawyer; he has my living will, stating my wishes, and all necessary papers. I have no wish that you continue my business. It is your decision. My only hope is that you and Michael live a life rich in treasured memories and good health. You have been my angels on earth, and I am so proud of your steadfast love for each other.
The hospice is aware of my wishes, along with Dr. Dennis Baker and Father Murphy. I wish dignity and comfort and have no fear of my journey home. Take care, my dear children. Love, Dad
Sara read the letter in silence. She sat there, neatly folding, and re-folding the letter; she placed it on her lap and took a deep breath, and turned to Danny.
“I’ve read your letter, Dad. Of course you will stay here in your own home.”
He looked up at her, giving a feeble wink and a glimmer of a smile. “Thanks, baby girl.”
Manny and Michael undressed Danny and helped him into bed.
Sara called the hospice team. They were set up to assist with Danny’s care.
Within eight hours, Danny had round-the-clock male nurses. Michael and Sara moved back into her old bedroom. Father Murphy visited daily. Danny declined Mass until he was near the end. He spoke often about the old days. The sisters visited for a short time, as he was extremely short of breath. The oxygen made him comfortable, and morphine kept his bone pain bearable. He appeared to be more at peace each day. The end came one evening. His breathing became intermittent, and he was no longer conscious. He squeezed Sara’s hand just before he passed away. One final sigh and he was gone.
CHAPTER EIGHTY-TWO
The local neighborhood turned out en masse for Danny’s funeral. Sara’s recollection was a blur. Only later did she realize how much the little community’s sympathy had helped her through her grief. Michael was at her side, silent and composed.
As Danny had requested, Michael and Sara returned to Italy the following summer. They placed some of Danny’s ashes at the family gravesite. It was amazing to see the improvement in Sara’s physical health and mobility. She had crutches and braces, though a small high tech wheelchair was close by. Her flowing dress failed to conceal her pregnancy. Their baby was due in four months.
Michael and Sara stayed with Danny’s relatives in Terni and enjoyed reviewing the memories of their wedding. They sat at the familiar outdoor table with many return visitors and the same priest from their wedding officiating the internment. Sara was at peace with Danny’s passing. They laid flowers at the cemetery each day. After a few days of taking it easy, when Sara regained her energy, they departed for Zurich.
They took some time visiting the places Michael had encountered during his adventure. The next chance to travel unencumbered would be many years into the future. They dined with Sven in Zurich. Sara was pleased to see firsthand what she had experienced vicariously. Their final stop was the culmination of the past few years. They flew to Dublin and viewed the cover, gleaming in its heavily guarded showcase. They filed through with the crowd and held hands as they marveled at the new addition to the Book of Kells. As the couple walked away, they felt fulfilled beyond their wildest dreams. It was the first time Sara had seen the cover and Michael had not yet seen it restored to its full luster. As Michael had suspected, the stones encased in the cover were emeralds and rubies. The silver and gold lamé shone like it did a thousand years ago. The eight-hour trip home overflowed with recollections of the amazing turn of events. An abundance of good times intertwined with tearful moments.
Michael closed his eyes, and for the first time, took full account of how far he had come on one thin dime—one incredibly thin dime.
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