“Three weeks.” He whistled. “Man. You don’t know what you’re asking.”
“Oh, and tell me what you think about this.” Candy turned back to her friends. “I’m thinking we can elevate the model planes in the center of each table. . .maybe on a small box. And we’ll cover each box with polyfill to look like clouds.”
“Too cool.”
Brooke nodded. Anna added an affirmative, “I like it.”
They wrapped up the rest of their plans, focusing primarily on the menu, then Candy turned to Darren. “Ready to go shopping?”
“My favorite question.” He grinned. “I’m fine with it. Just don’t take me to the mall or make me watch you pick out shoes for this big event, okay? I have my limits.” He winked at her and she laughed in response.
“Oh, you just reminded me, I do need to get some new shoes. And a new dress, too.”
The women dove into an animated conversation about their attire for the banquet, and Darren sighed. Candy knew he wasn’t really frustrated. He was used to hanging around the women, after all. He knew how they were. And he never seemed to mind.
Still, as they went on and on about evening gowns versus party dresses, she did notice when he began making his way to the door. He mouthed, “I’ll be waiting outside,” and she nodded. Hopefully she wouldn’t keep him waiting long.
❧
Darren heard his cell phone ring and reached to answer it. He glanced down at the phone, stunned to see a familiar number with a 619 area code displayed.
“Mom?” He spoke the word hesitantly.
“Darren, it’s Dad. I’m using your mother’s cell phone. She’s. . .”
“What, Dad?”
“We’re at the hospital. She’s having a little procedure done.”
“Procedure? What kind?”
“Well. . .” He paused long enough for fear to kick in. “Some sort of thing where they put dye into your arteries so they show up on an x-ray. I think they called it a. . .” He paused again. “Hang on, son. Let me look at this paper they gave me. Oh, okay. It’s called a cardiac catheterization.”
“Wait.” Darren allowed the words to register. “Are you saying that Mom has a heart problem?”
“Well, they’re not sure yet. But she had a little spell a few days ago. Wasn’t the first one.”
“Dad, you should’ve called me.”
“She didn’t want me to. You know how stubborn your mom can be.”
“Yes, but I still need to know these things so I can be praying.”
“Well, she’s been through a lot of stress at work over the past few weeks, so I was hoping they’d come back and say she was just having an anxiety attack or something like that, but the cardiologist said it might be something else. So they’re doing this procedure.”
Darren shuffled the phone to his other ear. “Is this some sort of surgery?”
“Not really. And she’s wide awake. They’re putting a catheter through an artery in her leg and somehow leading it up to her heart. Then they put the dye in.”
“She’s awake? Why aren’t you in there with her?”
Another sigh from his father let him know exactly why. “She wouldn’t let me. You know how she is.”
“Stubborn.” They repeated the word in unison.
“Your mother’s got a mind of her own.” His dad sounded weary. “And heaven knows I’ve tried to get her to slow down. She works too hard. And she’s always anxious or upset about something. Her blood pressure’s been running on the high side, but the doctor said that’s probably a result of stress. The lawyer she works for is representing some guy in a high-profile case, and she’s been up to her ears in paperwork as they prepare for trial.”
Darren shook his head, unable to figure out what to say next. His mother had always been high-stress. Always in command. Always demanding and bossing others around, even at the law firm where she worked. No doubt her body had finally started to react. No one could keep up that kind of pressure without eventual problems.
“Dad, I know you don’t want to hear this,” he finally worked up the courage to say, “but you’re going to have to get Mom to listen to you. She’s got to follow the doctor’s orders and slow down. Stay calm.”
“Humph.”
“I know. But. . .” Darren sighed. “Let’s just pray about this. And in the meantime, I’ll be praying for the results of this test. Keep me posted, okay?”
“I will.” Another hesitation followed, then, “Son?”
“Yes, Dad?”
“I love you. And we miss you. Wish you’d come for a visit.”
“I will, Dad. Especially if you need me.” They ended the call, and Darren gripped the phone in his hands. At that moment, Candy and the others emerged from the building, still chirping like baby birds as they talked about the banquet. His father’s news still gripped his heart.
Candy looked over at Darren, her brow wrinkled in concern. “Darren? What’s happened?”
“My mom.” He shook his head. “She’s been having some heart problems. That was my dad on the phone.”
“Oh no.”
The other ladies quickly said their good-byes, leaving Darren and Candy to themselves. She drew near and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m sure she’s going to be fine. This isn’t major, right?”
“I don’t know. And even if it is, I doubt she’ll crack the veneer to let us in to help. She’s pretty self-sufficient.”
“Oh, you might be surprised.” A look of compassion came over Candy as she spoke. “I don’t know if I’ve ever told you this, but my mom had cancer several years ago. Now, she’s always been a real softie—a lot different from the way you’ve described your mom—but the illness really changed her. For the better, I mean. Yes, she went through a lot physically, but she came out of it a lot stronger, and more dependent on God. So, that’s how I’m going to pray for your mom. That God will use this situation to draw her to Him.”
Darren nodded. “Thank you. I needed to hear that.”
“He can do it. And your mom’s in the perfect place to hear right now. He’s got her full, undivided attention.”
“True.” Darren shook his head. “I feel so. . .conflicted. She’s my mom, you know?”
“Of course.”
“I love her, but she doesn’t always make it easy. And now I’m scared something will happen to her before I’ve had a chance to really work on restoring our relationship. Not that I haven’t tried in the past. I have. . .”
“Well, just think about what I’ve said. This illness is likely going to change her. She’s facing her own mortality. And I’d be willing to bet God will use it as a catalyst to mend not just her relationship with you, but her relationship with your dad, as well.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“Time will tell.” She gave him a light peck on the cheek. “So, do you want to pray about it?”
He knew what she meant, of course. Right here. Right now.
“Sure. You already prayed inside. No reason to think we can’t do the same out here.” Darren took Candy’s hands in his and began to pray. Then, after a time, she took over, praying for his mother’s healing. . .both physical and emotional. As Candy prayed, Darren realized just how different his relationship with Candy was from his parents’ relationship. Lord, thank You for sending her to me. I’m going to seal the deal, Lord, just as soon as You give me the go-ahead. Gonna wrap up this Candy and take her home. . .for good.
EIGHTEEN
The day of the banquet arrived at last. Candy worked with the other women to prepare the ballroom at the Dorothy House. She brought in easels and large photos of Amelia Earhart, along with several other women who’d made such a huge difference in the industry over the years.
Once everything was in place, Candy, Anna, Brooke, and Shawneda stared at the room in silence.
“I’m so proud of you.” Anna gave her hand a squeeze. “You’re doing a great thing here.”
“You think?” When they all nodded
, she said, “I’m so excited. And I’m so grateful. None of this would have been possible without you. Have I told you how much I appreciate all of you?”
“Only twenty or thirty times,” Brooke said with a crooked smile.
They all laughed and shared a group hug. Candy enjoyed the moment. It felt so good to have the support of her friends. And how good of Brooke to give so much of her time, especially in light of her own wedding plans.
By six o’clock, both of the guest speakers had arrived, along with their spouses. Candy showed them to their seats and gave them the program schedule. She paused for a few minutes to talk to Margaret Franklin, the older of their two speakers. She paused a moment as she took in the woman’s beautiful face. The wrinkles around her eyes were clearly laugh lines, judging from her joyous expression.
“I just want you to know how much it means to me that you’ve come.” Candy couldn’t hide her smile. “We’re just so blessed to have you here.”
“I’m the one who’s blessed.” Margaret gave her a motherly look. “I’ve asked the Lord to open any doors I’m to walk through, and He opened this one. I’m here because He’s led me here. And I hope the stories I share will bring hope to all of you younger women. That’s my plan, anyway.”
“Oh, I’m sure it will.”
Less than an hour later, the room filled with beautifully dressed people. Most were women, naturally, but a few had brought their spouses or boyfriends along. Lilly came with a handsome fellow she’d met at the library. . .an elementary school teacher. She buzzed with excitement as she introduced him to the group.
“Everyone, this is Phil. Phil, this is everyone.”
They welcomed him in style, then Candy turned to Darren and whispered, “Will you hang out with him while we’re working? Make him feel welcome?” Darren readily agreed.
Candy barely had time to blink before she was whisked away to deal with a technical issue. The PowerPoint presentation she’d prepared had a glitch. No problem. She’d get it straightened out.
At ten minutes till seven, her family arrived. She could hardly believe it when she saw a very pregnant Taffie heading in her direction. “No way. You’re huge!”
“Well, thanks a lot.” Taffie laughed, then pretended to pout.
“Oh, you know what I mean. You look radiant. You’re glowing.”
“Aw, thanks. I’m enjoying this part of the pregnancy. But that third trimester’s sneaking up on me. . .and soon. Hope you plan to come home for the big event.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Candy gave her sister a hug, then turned her attention to her parents. “I’m so glad you came. This means the world to me. And if it weren’t for the two of you. . .” She couldn’t finish the sentence.
“Oh, don’t make me cry.” Her mother reached for a tissue and dabbed her eyes. “I’m already menopausal. And I’m about to be a grandmother. I cry at the drop of a hat now.”
Something about that got Candy tickled. She laughed. Until she looked at the clock. Five till seven. Better stay on top of things. At seven ten, with everyone seated at their tables, Candy took the podium and welcomed their guests. She could hardly believe the crowd. And the room! It looked amazing. Her nerves almost got the better of her as she delivered her opening welcome. She fought her way past the tremor in her voice as she spoke.
“Good evening, everyone. I’m thrilled to welcome you to this, the first annual Newark Liberty International Airport banquet for women in aviation. We’re about to be served our meal, but before we do, I’d like to specifically thank those who’ve worked so hard to make this evening possible.” She began to reel off the names of the many people who’d come to her aid over the past few weeks, then paused to pray for the meal. Afterward, she told the crowd to hang onto its hats, that an awesome presentation would follow dinner.
But first things first. She’d made arrangements with the caterer to have a fabulous meal—prime rib, au gratin potatoes, and a vegetable medley, along with bread and yummy slices of cheesecake for dessert.
Candy took her place at the head table alongside the speakers. Their conversation was so lively that she almost let the time get away from her. At 7:40, just as dessert was being served, she made her way to the podium once again. With great joy, she introduced their first speaker.
Margaret Franklin rose and came to the microphone. She wrapped Candy in a tight embrace and whispered, “You go, girl! I’m so proud of you for putting together this fabulous event,” in her ear. Then, with the assurance of a skilled public speaker, she stood before the crowd and told the story of her adventures as a young pilot in the ’60s, focusing on some rather harrowing flights during the Vietnam War. The room was still and silent. People hung on her every word. “I want to give a word of encouragement to the young women in the room tonight,” Margaret said. “Those of you who might be thinking you’ve got it hard. Life is full of challenges. The question is not whether you will face challenges. We all do. The question is. . .will you triumph over them?”
Candy caught a glimpse of Darren, who sat at a nearby table. He had certainly faced his share of challenges over the past three weeks. He’d shared many phone calls with his father in recent days. She knew he was concerned about his mother’s health.
Tonight, however, he seemed more like the old Darren, the one with the ever-present smile and twinkling blue eyes. He gave her a wink and mouthed, “I love you.” She grinned, felt her cheeks warm, then turned her attention back to the podium.
A hearty round of applause followed Margaret’s heartfelt speech.
Next came the part Candy had been waiting for. She’d prepared a fabulous PowerPoint presentation, focusing on the history of women in aviation. The first photos had been harder to come by. . .female pilots from the 1920s. A few rare photos of the women who’d started the Ninety-Nines. Then the slide show traveled the decades. Everyone laughed at some of the uniforms worn by the women, especially in the thirties and forties, but Candy also heard several positive vocal responses from the crowd as the show progressed.
Finally, the photos transitioned to modern women. Women like Brooke, Anna, Lilly, Shawneda, and herself. Women like Norah, their next speaker.
When the presentation ended, Candy proudly introduced the petite young pilot, who came to the podium, her face awash with joy.
“How do I follow that?” Norah laughed. “Margaret was flying planes before I was even born. And she’s flown to places I can only dream of flying.” After a chuckle from the crowd, Norah spent the next ten minutes telling her story. How her parents had listened to her dreams of flying from early childhood on. How they’d supported her and helped her fulfill her dream.
At this point, Candy turned her attention to her parents and her siblings, who sat with Darren. She could barely restrain the tears as Norah talked. If not for the loving support of her family, her dream would never have become a reality.
Cotton Candy, you’ve got your head in the clouds again.
She could almost hear her father’s teasing words. They’d bothered her as a child, but no longer. Now she loved the fact that her dreams. . .her childish, grandiose dreams. . .had finally become a reality.
And, oh! What a reality.
❧
As the evening wound down, Darren found himself distracted. While he enjoyed the presentation immensely, and while he felt overwhelmed with pride at the amazing job Candy had done, he had something else on his mind. Something else altogether.
After weeks of praying, he’d finally come to a conclusion, one he felt sure the Lord had confirmed. Two conclusions, actually. As soon as the crowd cleared, he needed to talk to Candy. If she responded well to the first matter of business, he would make his move toward securing the second.
He reached into his pocket for the umpteenth time to make sure the tiny box was still there. Then again, where else would it be? His heart raced in anticipation. First things first, Darren. Tell her what you’re planning before you pop the question. And wait for the perf
ect moment. No point in jumping the gun.
He watched as the crowd began to clear. Several people approached Candy, telling her what a great job she’d done.
He couldn’t help but agree. After several rounds of goodbyes, Candy kicked off her shoes and proclaimed it was time to get to work.
“We’ve got a lot to load up,” she said, looking around the room. “The model planes and all of the other decorations need to be boxed up. And anything you see that belongs to us.”
She and the other women went to work, loading up her car with the planes Darren and Jason had worked so hard to build. Even from here, every move she made drew him in. Did she have any idea how beautiful she was, especially in that blue gown? Did she know it made her upswept hair look like something out of a magazine? Could she even fathom that the sound of her laughter caused his heart rate to jump and his head to swim?
Soon. She would know it all very soon.
“Here, let me help you with that.” Darren woke himself up from his daydreaming and went to work, grabbing one of the heavier boxes she had filled.
Finally, once the car was loaded and the room completely cleared, Darren and Candy said their good-byes to her family, promising to come down to Atlantic City for the birth of Taffie’s baby.
When they were the last two remaining, Darren finally found the perfect opportunity to talk to Candy. . .alone.
“Sit a minute.” He gestured at the bench outside the banquet hall.
“I’m tired, Darren. Can’t we just—”
“It won’t take long. But there’s something I need to tell you.”
“I’m so worn out. Can’t it wait until—”
“I’ve had something on my mind for ages.” He put his hand in his pocket once more. Yep. Still there. I’ll get to that in a moment. But something else to deal with first. . .
“What is it?” She yawned, then leaned back against the bench, her eyes half-closed.
“Something about my career, actually.”