Chapter 38

"I guess I'm still having a hard time believing that he's going to be here. I know Fort Belvoir, Virginia is only a flight away but it's been so long since I've done any more than had a brief conversation on the phone with him."

"Just remember if you need me I will be there."

"I know AJ, that is why I love you so much! Meeting Francesca today was an experience. I was surprised that we were so close in age. I hadn't even thought to ask you about her age at all. However, she didn't seem to shocked or surprised about my age."

"Francesca was raised in Italy. They seem much more laid back about things like that. I know she was happy that you spoke Italian even if she did tease you about your accent."

"I thought my accent was fine!" Sam protested.

"I think it's charming," he told her.

Sam snorted and cuddled into his arms as they sat on the couch. "Do you mind her staying in the guest room tonight?"

"Not at all AJ. I'm glad she agreed to be my maid of honor and we can both get dressed in there tomorrow."

"She said she loved your dress when she saw it hanging in there. I can't wait to see you in it."

"Just a few more hours now, my love."

"Samantha don't you think we should get to bed so we're rested for tomorrow?"

"AJ when I think of going to bed with you, I'm not thinking of resting," she grinned at him and winked.

"Well in that case it's all the more reason to go." The two of them went into the bedroom hand in hand.

They woke to a dark dreary day with a constant drizzle that was going to ruin their outdoor wedding. However, by noon the sun was out and things were drying out. Everyone heaved a sigh of relief that the day would not be spoiled after all.

Shortly after lunch Francesca and Sam retreated into the guest room to get dressed. Francesca dressed first in a lovely teal gown that complemented her coloring. Once she was ready she helped to lift Sam's gown over her head and do up all the buttons in the back.

"You look amazing Sam," Francesca told her as she settled Sam's veil on her head.

"Thank you Francesca," she hugged the girl that was about to become her step daughter even though Sam was only five years older than Francesca.

There was a knock on the door and Francesca went to answer it to make sure it wasn't her father trying to catch a peek at Sam before the ceremony. Instead Francesca saw an older man in uniform that she didn't know. "Yes?" she inquired.

"I was told my daughter was getting dressed in here, could you direct me to the right room?"

"I'm here father. Francesca you can let me in."

Francesca opened the door and said, "I will see you out there Sam," as she left the room.

Entering the unfamiliar bedroom the General came face to face with a beautiful young woman, "Samantha?"

"Yes father, thank you for coming."

"You look just like your mother," he told her in nearly a daze.

Sam's heart sunk. Here it was, the blame for her mother's death, the disappointment that she hadn't been a boy.

"You're SO beautiful!" he took a step closer to her and saw the stunned look on his daughter's face.

"Ummm, thank you," she replied still unable to believe his words.

"I've brought you something," he reached into his pocket and brought out a long slender velvet box. Opening it he showed her a simple strand of beautiful pearls. "These were your mother's she wore them on our wedding day. She always said if she had a daughter she would pass them along to her. She would want you to have these today."

She was glad she didn't wear mascara because she couldn't hold back the tears.

He could see that she was speechless so offered, "May I help you put them on?"

All Sam could do was nod and turned her back on him to make it easier to put on the necklace. Once it was on, she turned to the mirror on top of the dresser.

"You're incredibly beautiful Samantha," with hesitation showing on his face, General Samuel Blaze held out his arms to his daughter.

To be continued…