Sarah's Story

Beautiful

Josiah and James walk through the door. "Wow Sarah. You look so nice, like yourself." Her daddy tells her.

"You are beautiful. Truly breathtaking." Josiah adds.

"Told you." Beth adds with a grin. Sarah lets out a breath she didn't know she was holding.

"Stand up, sweet girl."  Sarah does, on shaky legs, with the knowledge that when she stands her shirt will hang right but really wrong.

Josiah, seeing her face, walks over to her and takes her hands. "Tell me what you are thinking." She looks down and he takes her face and lifts it back up, "Sarah please."

"Mr. Rose, why don't we start carrying all this stuff down to the car."

"Oh right."

"Be right back Sarah."

"K." She whispers. After they leave, he focuses back on her.

"Sarah?"

"I am feeling- ugly." She finally gets out, her face flaming red.

"What? Sweetie you are... How I wish you would see what I see. You look so beautiful."

"Do you think that, really?"

"No. I know that."

"But." She gestures down to her chest, unable to verbalize her concern.

"Seriously Sarah. I am just so happy to know you are healing and that the tumor that threatened your life is gone. That is what I see when I see you in that t-shirt. The strong surviver, the woman I fell in love with."

"Really truly?"

He lowers his forehead to hers, looking deep in her eyes. "Yes. Really truly my crazy, sweet, loving and, beautiful girl."

"Okay. I believe you."

He laughs as he stands straight. "About time."

"Don't give up on me."

"Not ever." He draws her into his arms and hugs her tight. She relaxes into the strength of his arms. As she rests against his chest, she forgets , for a second, about the cancer and the surgery. All the things that made her feel like less of a real woman. She only feels the love that flows through him and into her. He strokes her hair and bends down to kiss the top of her head. "I could stay like this forever." He whispers.

"Me too."

"Guys, we are back!" Beth sings out. He moves her to his side before James walks in but doesn't let her go.

"So, sweet girl, did Josiah convince you that you are beautiful?"

"Yes daddy." She is blushing and lays her head against his side.

"Ready to head home?"

"Yes. Very much!" Said with a lot more enthusiasm.

"Okay. I will call down for transportation."

"I can walk y'all."

"Come love. You know it is SOP."

"Yeah," she sighs, "How would we survive without good ole SOP." They all laugh.