The last weekend before Christmas, despite how atrocious the mall crowds would be, Erica met up with Cory and Veronica for a final round of shopping.
“Ooh, let’s go in here,” Cory said, and Veronica gave an enthusiastic nod.
Erica sighed. “We’re supposed to be Christmas shopping.”
“Yeah, and?”
“You can’t seriously expect me to believe there’s something you need in there.”
Cory rolled her eyes. “Just come on.”
Against her better judgment, Erica followed her friends into the racy lingerie store. It wasn’t that she was opposed to shopping in a place like this, though she usually shopped at Victoria’s Secret.
Erica knew her friends though. Those two were up to something, and it didn’t take a genius to figure out what.
“Hey, Erica, how about getting these for Todd?” Cory held up a pair of crotchless panties.
Veronica giggled. “I don’t think those are his color.”
“You know what I mean,” Cory said, laughing along with her.
“How about this?” Veronica suggested, grabbing a leather bustier.
Nodding, Cory held up a blindfold and whip. “Good with these.”
Erica glared at them “You guys aren’t funny.”
“Sorry,” Cory said and slid a glance in Veronica’s direction. “What exactly happened to him over there?”
Erica had been expecting this question sooner or later. She hadn’t told them any details, but they knew it must have been bad after they saw the scars on this back.
“He was beaten and tortured,” Erica said.
Though she wasn’t interested in buying anything, she began thumbing through the racks of undergarments.
“What kind of torture?” Cory asked.
“Like the Iraqis on TV?” Veronica added.
News of the American soldiers abusing Iraqi prisoners had just begun to get widespread attention. Erica suspected it had been going on much longer though.
Linc had been captured in the early part of September and told he would be made an example of to repay the abuse of the Iraqi detainees. It never made sense to Erica that Linc had been intended to be used as an example, but no one knew what happened to him. The only thing she could think was that their hideout had been raided before they’d gotten to follow through with that plan.
The American media was showing ugly photographs of its soldiers abusing and degrading the Iraqi prisoners. Every time Erica saw these pictures, they broke her heart. She was reminded of Linc and how he had suffered.
No one would have blamed Linc if he was unsympathetic or wanted vengeance, but it wasn’t in his nature to be like that. Instead, he told Erica that no man deserved to be stripped of his dignity and treated like an animal, no matter what he was accused of doing.
“It doesn’t matter what they did to him,” Erica said.
“I didn’t mean anything,” Cory said. “I guess I just understand him a little better now.”
“I appreciate that, but please don’t ever bring it up to Linc. It’s something he’s trying to move on from.”
“You’re not buying that, are you?” Veronica gasped when Erica grabbed a sexy red negligee with matching thong panties. “Isn’t that against your religion or something?”
Erica laughed. “Christians have sex too.”
“Not racy red nightie sex.”
“Wasn’t it you that said that Christians are the wildest in bed?”
“Sorry, but I gotta go with Ron on this,” Cory said. “Linc doesn’t seem like the hot and steamy sex type. Steamy anyway, he is pretty hot though.”
“I’ll never tell,” Erica said, smiling as took her selection to the register.
“So, what else are you getting him then?” Cory asked as they headed back into the mall.
“There is one other thing I’m doing,” Erica answered.
“No offense, but if you say you’re going to strip for him, I might puke,” Cory said.
“Ignore her,” Veronica said.
“I’m going to be baptized,” Erica replied.
Veronica’s eyes widened. “Are you serious?”
“I’ve been waiting for the right time, and I think this is it.”
“You sure have changed a lot for this guy.”
“I don’t see it like that.”
“At least tell us why you married Linc,” Cory said. “And don’t say love because you knew him for like two days before you married him.”
“I did love him. I loved him then, and I love him even more now.”
“Why?”
Erica hesitated, not wanting to tell them the intimate details of their whirlwind romance. She wasn’t ashamed, but there were some things too special to be shared, even with her best friends.
“No offense, but Linc doesn’t seem like the type of guy that would sweep a girl off her feet,” Veronica said.
“That’s part of the reason I love him,” Erica replied.
Cory frowned. “That doesn’t make sense.”
“Do you know what Linc said when he asked me to marry him?”
“What?”
“He said that if I married him he would promise to come home from Iraq alive.”
“So you married him thinking it would keep him alive?” Veronica furrowed her brow.
“He almost blew that one.” Cory laughed.
“And do you know what the first thing he said to me was when I saw him in that hospital?” Erica ignored Cory’s barb. “He said he was sorry that he almost broke his promise. He was sitting in that hospital bed with two broken knees, a dislocated shoulder, cuts and bruises, blood red eyes from being beaten senseless and these huge gashes all down his back from being whipped, and the only thing on his mind was telling me how sorry he was.”
“Don’t you ever get tired of taking care of him?” Cory asked.
“No, we take care of each other. That’s what a marriage is.”
“So, what time is this Baptism thing?”
“After the morning church services on Sunday.”
“And what time exactly is that?”
“Noon, why?” Erica frowned.
“Duh,” Cory said, rolling her eyes. “I need to know what time to come.”
Erica’s eyebrows shot up. “You want to come?”
“You’re my best friend, and this is important to you.”
“I’m coming too,” Veronica said.
“You guys are the best,” Erica said, smiling so wide her face hurt.
“Yeah, we are,” Cory said as a slow smile spread across her face. “So, Erica, what do you think are the chances of me finding a hot Christian boy of my own to deflower?”
“You’ll have to see for yourself.” Erica laughed.
Though Cory was probably serious, it didn’t matter. The only thing that mattered was that once again her best friends came through when she needed them most.
It was Christmas Eve, and Erica was bursting at the seams to share her excitement over being baptized with the one person it would mean the most to; Linc.
“Rikki, I know it’s not quite Christmas, but I have something I want to give you now while we’re alone,” Linc said.
“What’s that?” Erica smiled.
Linc grinned as he pulled a small black velvet box from his pants pocket. Erica gasped when he flipped it open. Inside was a gold ring with three interlocking hearts. Set inside each of the hearts was a ruby.
“There are three hearts for the three ways we love each other, with all of our hearts, bodies and souls,” Linc explained.
“It’s beautiful,” Erica whispered.
“It’s not your big present, but I never want you to forget how much I love you.”
“I can’t believe how lucky I am to have you.”
“I’m the lucky one.”
“How can you still feel lucky after all you’ve been through?”
“I’m alive because of you,” Linc reminded her as he slipped the ring on her finger. “Don’t ever doubt the power of your love and our faith. A hundred times I wanted to give up and die. Every time that happened, I heard you calling me Todd and saying you loved me. There were times when they beat me so bad I kind of lost track of where I was. Every time, I would close my eyes to give up. Then I’d see your face, and I knew I couldn’t give up. I went through hell, but I’d do it again to get back to you. I love you so much more than you’ll ever know.”
Erica smiled through her tears. “I knew there was a reason I married you.”
Cupping her face in his hands, Linc kissed away her tears before kissing her softly on the lips. “Every day, in every way, I love you. Now, let’s get to church, or we’ll be late.”
Even though he’d gotten very strong and secure with using his walker, Linc still insisted on using his wheelchair for church. While she understood his motives, Erica couldn’t wait for the day to come when he would abandon it for good.
Linc had also been cleared to drive but was content to let Erica do that as well. It wasn’t something she minded, but she sometimes wondered if she should have pushed him to take more risks.
One of these days, she should probably talk to him about it. Not today. Today, she wanted to focus on the joy of the surprise she would be sharing with him in less than two hours.
* * *
That morning, the words of her father-in-law’s sermon moved Erica more than any other before it. She could hardly wait until it came time to be baptized.
Everything was prepared. Just before the services would end, Erica and Sarah would slip into the back. After a few words, TJ would baptize her. Erica had even worn extra clothes under her church dress. She’d planned to bring clothes but didn’t want to make Linc suspicious.
Erica’s nerves were on edge by the time Sarah grabbed her hand and said, “Come with me.”
“What’s wrong?” Linc whispered.
“Trust me,” Erica whispered back before disappearing with Sarah.
Sarah giggled as she linked arms with Erica. “I swear, Linc thinks you two are attached at the hip.”
Behind the curtain that portioned off the baptismal pool when it wasn’t in use, Erica removed her dress where she had shorts and a T-shirt underneath. Then she descended the three small steps that led to the baptismal pool.
As she perched on the side of the pool, she listened to her father-in-law’s final remarks. Sarah waited off to the side, holding towels for Erica and TJ to use when the baptism was over.
“Before we conclude the services today, I have something special I’d like to say,” TJ began, and Erica’s heart banged against her ribs. “Those of you who have been a part of this church for a while know that my son recently returned home from service in the Marine Corps after being seriously injured in Iraq.
“You also know that before he left for Iraq, Linc married a lovely young woman named Erica. I have to confess that came as a bit of a surprise to his mother and me. After Linc told us about his marriage, I asked him what would happen if his mother and I tried to convince him to undo it. My son looked me square in the eye and said nothing would make him dishonor the marriage vows he’d taken before God.
“One week after he was married, my son shipped out to Iraq. Every Sunday, and even every Wednesday, his wife came to church. Erica became a part of our family as if it were meant to be. While my son was serving his country in Iraq, his wife was coming to know Christ. It thrilled me and my wife the day Erica came to us to say she was ready to accept Christ as her savior and commit her life to Him. When we told Erica the next step was baptism, she said she understood. However, she said she wanted to wait. She couldn’t do it without Linc.
“As I said, Linc came home early from his service in Iraq. His injuries were severe, and he spent months recovering in the hospital. Both the marriage and the faith of these young people were tested. None of us knew for certain that my son’s young wife could handle the challenges of his recovery.
“Calling on her faith, and their bond of love, Erica devoted herself to Linc’s recovery in much the same fashion she’s devoted herself to Christ. I have to say her fortitude amazed me, and it continues to do so. Not once has this couple given up on each other, or their faith. Of course, Linc’s recovery had to come first, and her baptism still had to wait.
“Soon after Linc was well enough to come home, Erica went back to work and still she helped Linc with the business of living after the war and after the hospital. In spite of all the trials and tests they’ve faced, they continue to be strong in their devotion to each other, as well as Christ.
“That’s why I was ecstatic when Erica came to me a couple of weeks ago to say she was ready to be baptized. She said in her heart she knew the time was finally right. She had only one condition. It needed to be kept a secret. This would be her Christmas present to Linc so that he would see what his love had done for her. Without Linc, Erica wouldn’t have come to this decision. As for me, I think it’s fitting that as we celebrate the birth of Christ, we have another reason to celebrate.”
Sarah drew the curtains open to reveal Erica in the baptismal pool where she waited for TJ. The entire church was buzzing. Erica stole a look at the congregation. She spotted her whole family, as well as Cory and Veronica, taking up one pew where they sat beaming.
Seeing their smiling faces reminded her of how grateful she was for them. Despite the fact that she’d been so wrapped up in Linc and his recovery, and hadn’t made much time for her family, all of them came to share in this moment with her.
Of course her mother and Hank sat separately from her father who was seated alongside Aaron and Kristy, but the important thing was they’d come. Erica made a silent promise to be better about spending time with her family, all of whom had rallied around her when Linc was missing.
Erica searched the crowd for Linc, smiling when she saw him. He’d been moved to the middle of the front aisle. The expression he wore was equal parts stunned and pleased.
TJ removed his socks and shoes, rolling up the cuffs of his pants before joining Erica in the baptismal pool. While she stood in profile, he faced the congregation.
“Erica, do you believe Jesus Christ is the son of God sent to die on the cross to repay the sins of mankind?”
“Yes.”
“And do you accept Jesus Christ as your savior and agree to devote your life in service to Him?”
“Yes.”
Gathering her in his arms, TJ dipped her backward into the warm water and lifted her back out in one smooth motion. Then the choir began to sing while several parishioners called out amen or praise God.
“Thank you so much.” Erica threw her arms around TJ. “I love you, Dad.”
“I love you too, Erica, and I meant every word I said.” TJ returned her embrace. “I know in my heart that God sent you to save my son’s life.”
Sarah hugged Erica when she climbed out of the baptismal pool. “I’m so happy for you.”
“You’ll get all wet,” Erica said.
“I don’t care.” Sarah handed her a towel. “Daddy’s right. God sent you for Linc. I’ve seen you with him, and I know it’s true.”
“Thank you.”
“You don’t have to thank me. Now, get dressed so you can greet your adoring fans.”
Erica laughed as Sarah and TJ exited the room, leaving her alone backstage.
Reaching for her dress that hung over the chair, Erica groaned when she realized she had no dry undergarments. She’d been so busy playing cloak and dagger to keep the secret from Linc that she’d missed that. Erica had to laugh at herself, thinking how clever she’d been to wear clothes under her dress. Since people would want to congratulate her, she could only hope no one would notice.
When she opened the door that led back to the main auditorium, she found Linc in his wheelchair waiting for her.
“Erica, I’m so proud of you. I can’t believe you did this for me.”
“Is it really a good Christmas present?”
“It’s the best thing I could have besides your love.”
“You’re pretty smooth, Todd Lincoln,” Erica teased.
“I mean it,” he insisted. “You have no idea how it felt for me to be here for this. I’m so happy right now I can’t even explain it.”
“I just have one problem with this.”
“What’s that?”
“I was so busy trying to keep this a secret that I forgot to bring extra clothes.”
Linc frowned. “I saw them when you were baptized.”
“I meant extra underwear,” Erica leaned down to whisper into his ear.
“Are you going commando in the house of God?” Linc joked.
“Is that a sin?” Erica laughed.
“It will be if we don’t get out of here.”
As if on cue, Sarah opened the door leading to the church to tell them everyone was waiting. Erica hid behind Linc’s wheelchair hoping no one could see that she didn’t have any undergarments on.
It seemed the entire church had waited to congratulate her. Once the crowd of parishioners thinned, only their family and close friends were left.
“Well, Erica, I have to say it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be,” Cory admitted.
Even though Cory laughed, Erica suspected she meant it.
“Your dad said some beautiful things, Linc,” Veronica added.
“He wouldn’t be a good preacher if he didn’t,” Sarah said.
“You know, I saw this guy that looked just like Linc,” Cory said.
“You must mean Gabriel,” Erica guessed.
“Who’s Gabriel?” Veronica asked.
“Linc’s brother,” Erica answered, frowning. “You’ve probably met him before.”
Cory mirrored Erica’s expression. “I think I would have remembered meeting a carbon copy of Linc.”
Maybe Cory didn’t remember him since Erica couldn’t remember introducing them, but they should have met at the party over the summer. If not then, her friends should have seen him at his parents’ house in the time Erica stayed there.
“Where is that runt anyway?” Mary laughed.
“Chasing girls again, knowing Gabe,” Linc replied, and Cory’s eyebrows rose.
“Quit telling people that, Linc,” Gabriel said as he came to stand with them. “You’re gonna get me in trouble with Dad.”
“Wow, you do look like Linc,” Veronica said, her eyes wide.
As their group moved toward the parking lot, Gabriel eyed her friends with such interest it made Erica laugh. She knew that look.
“So, Cory, you date younger guys?” Gabriel asked.
“Gabriel,” Mary gasped.
“I don’t think you can handle me,” Cory warned with a laugh. “Ask your brother.”
“What do you mean?” Gabriel frowned.
“She’s right, Gabe,” Linc agreed. “She’s got a mean streak. I’d stay away from her.”
“Is she the one that called you psycho?” Gabriel asked Linc.
Erica held her breath, hoping Cory was going to behave, at least for today. Not only were they in the church parking lot, but she didn’t want her day ruined by a fight between Cory and Linc.
“The very same,” Cory replied for Linc. “I do have a mean streak, and I was wrong to say that. Anyway, see me when you’re legal.”
Cory laughed as she and Veronica hopped in her car and peeled out of the parking lot. Erica smiled, thinking it was just like Cory to be in a hurry to get away from church.
“Man, that girl was hot,” Gabriel said. “Both of them were. Where do you find girls like that, Linc?”
“I’ll show you someday,” Linc promised with a grin. “Right now I think I should get Erica home.”
“Why?” Gabriel grinned too.
“None of your business,” Linc said and tried to take a good natured swipe at him. “Go away, and leave me alone with my wife.”
Gabriel trotted off, but Erica couldn’t be sure if he was looking for his parents or more girls. Once Erica had Linc’s wheelchair in the trunk she got behind the wheel of the car.
Linc was silent until they were out of the parking lot. “Rik, is it wrong to say that I want to make love to you so bad right now?”
“Is it wrong to say all I could think about from the moment you gave me gave me that ring is how bad I want to make love to you?”
“Glad to see being a born again Christian isn’t going to ruin our sex life.”
“Just wait until we get home, and you see this sexy red number I got last weekend.”
“Could you drive a little faster?” Linc asked, and they both laughed.
* * *
After evening church services on Christmas Eve, Erica and Linc went to his parents’ house to celebrate the holiday. The entire family gathered for a festive celebration. They had a huge spread of finger foods that everyone helped themselves to throughout the night.
The kids were allowed to open a few presents before they were sent off to bed. Though they objected, they were silenced by the promise of more presents from Santa if they fell asleep quickly. Then it was time for the adults to open presents. With such a large group, everyone broke in to small clusters to open their gifts. It was a lot of fun, mixed with a little chaos.
Erica got several nice gifts, including her own Bible from Linc’s parents. It was a white one with her name engraved in gold letters on the front. She also got some clothes, slippers, perfume and the like.
Looking around the mounds of wadded up wrapping paper and opened gift boxes, Linc frowned. “Rik, I had one more thing for you.”
“We could have left it at home, but I thought I got them all.”
“Are you sure it’s not under the tree? It could be buried. It’s a small box.”
“I don’t see anything, but I can check.”
Though she didn’t think it was there, Erica crossed the room to look for it. On her hands and knees she crawled around the tree, looking carefully since she wasn’t sure just how small it was.
“You know what, Rik? I think I have it.”
“Okay,” Erica said as she backed out from under the tree.
Linc was on his feet, his walker beside him. Erica thought he was going to grab it and come to her. Instead, he took a tentative step toward her. Then he took another.
Erica gasped. Getting to her feet, she held her breath.
The room had gone silent except for the sound of Linc shuffling toward her. Gabriel walked behind him, quietly urging him on. As he came toward her, Linc kept his eyes on hers. Though it took some time, Erica resisted the urge to meet him halfway, knowing it was important to let him finish what he started.
Linc finally stopped in front of her. “Here it is.”
“Todd,” Erica whispered.
Tears blurred her vision. The last time she’d seen him walking, he was walking away from her and going off to war. Now he was walking toward her and the life they almost didn’t have.
Linc drew her into his arms and held her tight. “Merry Christmas, Rik.”
“I can’t believe you’re walking.”
“Not well, but it’s a start. Mind if we sit down though?”
“Of course not.”
They sat on the love seat, and Linc reached for her hand.
“Thanks for not letting me fall, Gabe,” Linc told his brother.
“I didn’t do anything.”
“You were there.”
“You’d do the same if it was me.”
The closeness of their relationship touched Erica. Outside of her, Gabriel was the person Linc trusted the most.
“I’m so proud of you,” Erica told Linc.
“I was scared to death I’d fall flat on my face,” Linc admitted softly.
“You didn’t though.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Why?”
“I wanted to be able to dance with you by now.”
“Todd Lincoln!”
Her voice was sharper than she meant it to be, but he grinned at her.
“Yes, Erica Lincoln?”
“This is the best Christmas present ever,” Erica said. “I was so scared you’d never walk again. I can’t believe this day is finally here.”
“Me too,” Linc agreed, his expression turning pensive. “I didn’t look like an idiot, did I?”
“You looked perfect.”
“Promise?”
“Cross my heart.”
As he leaned in to give her a soft kiss, Erica felt like her life couldn’t get any better than it was at that moment.
God was good.