Book Series: Gables of Legacy (Byrnehouse-Davies & Hamilton)
Publishing Date: 2002
Author: Anita Stansfield
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Category: LDS Contemporary Romance
Point of View: Third Person- Tamra and Jess
Chapter Count: 19
Page Count: 324
Point of View: Third Person- Tamra and Jess
Chapter Count: 19
Page Count: 324
To my son, Jake…For
the gift of laughter you’ve given me. For your strong spirit and your “warrior
heart.” The world is within your reach, and it’s a far better place for having
you in it.
Jake is her second oldest, after John.
Chapter 1
There's a lot of info-dumping in these first 21 pages, so bear with me!
Sister missionary, Tamra Banks, serving in the Philippines is sick! She's 22 years old. The last thing she remembers is some life-threatening, mosquito-born illness knocking her flat on her back, delirious with fever. She is in a crude hospital. Her long red hair is matted and tangled, her tall frame stuffed into a too small bed, which a strange woman is sitting next to, holding her hand.
Readers of past books by this author will be very pleased to see Emily Hamilton again. She is serving a mission here in this country with her husband, Michael. They are watching over Tamra while her companion has already recovered and is back to laboring in the field. Remember, LDS missionaries are not allowed to be alone at any time, so, Sister Banks is stuck listening to Emily who gives her a rundown (for the reader's benefit) of her family.
All seven of Emily's children are grown and all but two are married. We already know what happened to Allison.
Emily's youngest daughter, Emma, is living with Allison in Utah because Emma had a strong impression to go to Utah and finish high school there.
Alexa and Amee are also married with kids and living in the States and Australia, respectively. Jess is a return missionary who served in Salt Lake, now attending BYU, but not living with any of his sisters. Like Emma, he is currently single.
James served a mission to Spain, came home, got married and had a baby girl who was just six-months old when Michael and Emily left to serve their mission.
Tamra points out Emily only named SIX children, what happened to number seven? Emily sadly admits Emma's twin brother, Tyson, died shortly after he was born (see Now & Forever) and she hasn't been able to have any more children since. Tamra comments on Sister Hamilton's accent. Emily smiles. She's American born but married an Australian so that's where they call home. At the very mention of Australia, Tamra chokes up but passes out before she can explain to Sister Hamilton the significance of the country.
Tamra wakes feeling better. Sister Hamilton is still there and now it's Tamra's turn for more plot exposition:
Tamra was born in Minneapolis to a single mom who gave birth to an older brother before she came along. Growing up, Tamra was exposed to many live-in boyfriends. Some married her mom and stuck around for a few years before divorcing so mom could move on; none of these relationships produced additional children. Mom ran a seedy bar and she made Tamra and her brother help. Everyone smoke and drank and bed hopped all the time, not a very healthy environment for a growing girl. When Tamra joined the church in high school and declared she was going to serve a mission, her mom told her not to come back. So, when Tamra is released, she'll be homeless with no place to go.
Sister Hamilton immediately invites her to the Hamilton family station, a kind of horse ranch where they'll put her to work helping the family business with a legacy of breeding fine race horses for over one hundred years. They also run a home for wayward boys. There's plenty of room and, Emily assures Tamra, she wouldn't be the first "lost soul" they've taken in (who later became part of the family). She gives Tamra their phone number. Tamra thanks her and, before we know it, Tamra is all better and it's time to check out. She's assigned a new companion and says goodbye to this amazing senior couple.Tamra just happens to have a favorite nonmember aunt from Minneapolis who married an Australian and moved away while she was in high school. This aunt assured Tamra she is always welcome to come live with her in Sydney after she finishes her Mormon mission.
Tamra decides she'll take Aunt Rhea up on her offer, first, before imposing on the Hamiltons. After she's released, that's exactly what Tamra does.
Tamra finds a job in Sydney, learns to navigate the roads and attends her local singles ward. She tries not to let the smoking, drinking and swearing in the home of her aunt and uncle bother her too much. They are good people who respect her values and make her feel welcome. Tamra reads her scriptures, says her prayers, attends the temple regularly and gets involved in family history work.
Apparently, singles wards in Sydney are overflowing with temple worthy, priesthood holding men desperate to marry and settle down, because Tamra gets an insane amount of dating opportunities! She wonders if something's wrong with her, because she feels absolutely nothing for any of these fine men constantly pestering her to go out with them.
Eighteen months later, Tamra is growing restless. She's seriously dating a young man named Jason in her ward but the idea of temple marriage to him leaves her cold. Her job as a receptionist pays the bills but it's not a career. She feels like it's time to move on. But where? Then she remembers Michael and Emily Hamilton and their open invitation to come move in with them any time.
Tamra picks up the phone and makes the call. An older woman, the head housekeeper, answers. Michael and Emily aren't here at the moment, off serving another mission, but she is delighted to extend the open invitation on Michael and Emily's behalf. They won't mind at all.
Her aunt is sad to see her go but gives her blessing (the uncle died a few pages ago, we hardly knew him, therefore we hardly missed him!). Jason is disappointed Tamra won't accept his marriage proposal but there's plenty of fish. Her job has no problem with her resignation.
Very soon, Tamra's small car is packed up and she's off to Queensland in the hot, summer heat knowing with all her heart and soul she's doing the right thing! The Hamilton legacy is beckoning...
Chapter 2
Sadie is the sweet, older woman Tamra talked to on the phone and she's the one who answers the door of the large, very old, mansion with all the gables. There's a two year old girl here as well, Evelyn. Tamra wonders who she belongs to.
While she was driving up the lane, marveling at the beauty of the grounds, a strong feeling hit her, like a Hamilton ancestor was calling to her from the other side of the veil, welcoming her. The sensation occurs again as she's shown to her room and left to settle in. Tamra can tell this house contains a lot of memories. If these walls could talk...
Downstairs, Tamra is chatting with Sadie in the kitchen when a strange man enters. He has dark, wavy hair, worn long to his collar, hazel-blue eyes and is so similar to Michael Hamilton with his handsome appearance that Tamra is struck dumb.
Sadie introduces the man as Jess who is NOT pleased to meet another "lost soul." In a gruff, accented voice, he asks if there's anything to eat, makes himself a sandwich and takes it back to his room.
Sadie explains Jess just arrived yesterday. Completely unexpected as he's supposed to be in Utah going to school. Something is very wrong but Jess won't tell her what happened.
At dinner, Jess, still moody and sullen joins them at the table and tells them what happened. His girlfriend back in Provo, the one everyone was expecting him to marry, dumped him for another temple marriage proposal. Sadie and Tamra express their sympathies.
That night, Tamra takes a long, relaxing bath, brushes out her hair, writes in her journal and reads from the Book of Mormon before retiring to bed, completely at peace with the world. She sighs thinking of Jess and how attractive he is. She falls asleep, dreaming of a woman in white, (a Hamilton family ancestor?) leading her through strange rooms and hallways with no explanation.
Next day, Tamra finds the family library and, most important, the old leather-bound journals belonging to one Alexandra Byrnehouse-Davies. Jess finds her engrossed in reading. Tamra isn't aware of him leaning over her shoulder until he startles her, his head close enough to hers he can smell her hair. Unnerved both at his presence and the unexpected compliment on her hair, Tamra excuses herself and nearly runs out of the room.
Jess can't sleep that night. Why is this woman here? He just got dumped by the love of his life and he's not in the mood to risk his heart again with the lovely Tamra Banks.
Chapter 3
Jess is more civil at the breakfast table. He needs someone to drive him into town today. Tamra remembers she needs to pick up some things too that she forgot to pack. Jess is welcome to ride with her.
At the pharmacy, Jess gets a box of sleeping pills (this is important later) while Tamra buys the personal items she needs. At a shoe store, Jess purchases a new pair of riding boots, (in his haste to leave, he left his favorite pair back in Provo). Seeing Tamra admiring a ladies pair, learning she's done some riding herself, he buys them for her. She's reluctant in her thanks and the ride home is mostly silent. Jess has a pretty big chip on his shoulder and Tamra can't figure out why.
They go their separate ways back at the house. Late in the afternoon, Tamra is helping Sadie by taking a pile of seasonal items downstairs to the old cellar for storage. Sadie is very grateful as she's getting too old to be taking those steep stairs where Tamra discovers more journals belonging to Alexa. With all the dust, these volumes have most likely never been read by anyone in the family.
Tamra opens the first book and begins reading the story of The Gable Faces East. She's intrigued but she doesn't have time for this right now. She puts the journal back, deciding she'll return and finish the story later.
Jess takes her out riding, using the same (romantic) surefire method for any first time female rider who may be a little nervous about riding a horse: mount behind her, hold her safe and secure around the waist with one hand, the reins with the other until she gets the hang of it. They ride to a spectacular overlook and enjoy each other's company very much.
Later that evening, Tamra broaches the subject of Evelyn's parents. Overhearing, Jess enters and angrily explains-Evelyn's parents aren't here because they were killed in a car accident and he was the driver. A truck attempting to pass another car was coming right towards them in the night, Jess swerved to get out of the way. The truck hit the passenger side, killing everyone in the car. Except Jess. Jess was in a coma for seventeen weeks and a long recovery. Evelyn's parents just happened to be his younger brother James and his wife along with his very best friend from childhood, Byron. All were in the car. All three died. Jess lived and he'll never understand why. Then his girlfriend/fiancée decided to call off their engagement. Not a huge surprise as both were already struggling in their commitment to each other. Jess has been spiraling down into depression ever since.
Tamra wants to cry at this sad story.
Chapter 4
Tamra reads more of Alexa's journals. The connection is fascinating as it quickly becomes obvious stubborn, moody men who can't commit to the woman they love without a lot of drama, runs in this family.
The next day is Saturday. Tamra finds the perfect place for a dance aerobic workout in the upstairs hall, a large room with a great stereo and sound system which Jess' sisters created when they lived here. Dressed in her becoming workout clothes, she inserts her favorite CD and is moving to the beat, unaware Jess has been watching her until he comes up behind her and initiates the Samba. He took ballroom dance at BYU and he's good! Tamra experiences a silent thrill at this common interest. When the dance is over, he excuses himself while it takes several minutes for Tamra to calm her beating heart.
Tamra also expressed an interest in seeing the boys' home. Jess gives her a tour but he's back to his moody, sullen behavior again. Tamra can't understand why he isn't more proud of what his family does for this community. Jess takes her up to the gabled attic where Tamra can feel the presence of something in this room. To her amazement, Jess doesn't scoff but agrees. There are certain places all over the estate, he says, where he has felt the strong presence of his ancestors. In fact, he'll show her his favorite spot right now, if she'd like.
The carriage house is very old with equally ancient vehicles in the back, behind the more modern day cars and off-road vehicles. Jess enjoys sitting in one of these old, open top carriages and just meditating. Tamra can feel it too. Someone from the other side is trying to tell her something. But what?
Chapter 5
Jess has one more "haunt" to show her. Readers of past books about this family will recognize the old attic room above the cottage accessible only by a separate outside staircase with a gable that faces East. Jess tells her nothing in this room has been disturbed since 1879. Tamra is nearly knocked over by it, there's so much history in this room! She can feel it!
Next day, Tamra attends church with Sadie and Evelyn. Jess stays home.
Over the next few days, Tamra can tell Jess is purposely avoiding her.
The next time they do meet is in the stables where Jess impulsively kisses her. Tamra is startled at the intense feelings erupting inside of her. She's never felt this way before, about anyone! Jess shocks her even more when he confesses he's falling in love with her.
Tamra wakes up real fast at that, making a short speech how Jess can't possibly know if he loves her when they've known each other such a short time. She's not about to be anybody's rebound relationship. Offended, Jess turns and walks out.
Later that evening, Tamra just happens to run into Jess in the kitchen where, once again, he's raiding the fridge for another late-night snack. Sadie enters and reminds Jess his parents are due home from their mission in two days. Jess snarks a reply, obviously not looking forward to explaining his presence here when he's supposed to be at BYU.
One hour later, Tamra feels a prompting to go to Jess, but his bedroom door is shut. He's probably asleep. They can talk tomorrow. The spirit repeats the prompting, Open the door! What Tamra finds is a person's worst nightmare-an open and empty box of sleeping pills and a passed out body. Jess didn't take the entire package of 35 only the last 25. He's still semi-conscious, mumbling for everyone to just go away and leave him alone.
Tamra dials the Australian version of 911, three zeros. They send an emergency helicopter out to take him away to the hospital where Jess gets his stomach pumped. Tamra drove as fast as she could to the hospital so she's sitting beside Jess, holding his hand, when he comes to. (She had to correct the doctor about not being his wife.) Jess groggily asks what happened. Tamra reminds him what he tried to do. In shame and remorse, Jess turns his head into the pillow. He begs Tamra to never leave him. Tamra cries with him.
Chapter 6
The female doctor talks to Jess, trying to ascertain his motive for suicide. Jess gives her the barest details: car accident killed his brother, he was the driver and only survivor, girlfriend left him, all his fault, can't face his parents. The doctor sympathizes. Tamra is there holding his hand. This visiting hour block is almost over, she doesn't want to leave but promises Jess she'll be here tomorrow.
Back at the house, Sadie weeps. She's so grateful Tamra has been here to take the lead in this family crisis because she is lost.
Next day, at the hospital, Jess has been admitted to the psychiatric ward. He is more fully alert when Tamra comes to visit (after being searched thoroughly for any dangerous objects-anything containing strings or wire, pointy things). Jess tells her he is more than ready to be discharged. He HATES it here. He wants to go home. (Sorry Jess, but when you attempt to take your own life, they put you on suicide watch for three days. And yes, it does suck because you're in a lock-down ward and have no freedom to leave. Any clothing with strings, under wire bras and shoes with laces are locked away for your protection and someone checks on you every fifteen minutes-even if you're in the shower.) He feels like he's been incarcerated. And he really hates these group therapy sessions everyone has to attend where they talk about their feelings (and drug addictions).
Tamra is disgusted at his attitude. Everyone here is trying to help him. If he won't accept that, she's leaving right now and he can just stay here and rot. She gets up and leaves, running into the doctor again who agrees Jess is not the easiest person to talk to but he'll be okay, as soon as he gets in touch with his feelings.
Tamra sits in her car and cries. She drives around for a while before deciding she needs to return, sit down with Jess and they need to define their relationship.
Jess, of course, doesn't want to have this conversation right now. Maybe he is crazy.
Chapter 7
Everyone is convinced Tamra was sent to their home exclusively to save Jess' life. Even Michael and Emily, home at last, after learning what happened, break down sobbing, then turn and throw their arms around Tamra in gratitude for obeying that prompting. Their mission to Africa went very well, by the way.
All three go visit Jess in the hospital where all three adamantly declare how much they love him, how much he means to them. Just stay alive, Jess!
Jess growls in response. He's a crazy person. He took 25 sleeping pills, therefore he is beyond help (25 pills is nothing, Jess. I know someone who took 180 pills and lived to tell about it!) and they should all just go away and leave him here to rot.
The doctor, who has been observing this conversation, encourages his family to keep telling Jess how important he is to them. Michael recounts Emily's miscarriage, shortly after he and his little brother were born. Jess realizes his problems are nothing compared to a woman giving birth. There's nothing more important in life than living for your posterity. Jess declares he's ready to face life again. He wants to go home.
Chapter 8
Tamra suffers guilt for the cruel and heartless words she said to Jess about not understanding love and rushing in too fast-which drove him to take pills. Michael and Emily reassure her she's very wrong. She didn't make him take those pills.
While they're talking, Jess is discharged and they all drive home together in the same car where Sadie is waiting in the kitchen with a late night feast so they can celebrate.
The next day, Tamra runs into Jess in the kitchen fixing himself a sandwich. They decide to share lunch outside on the veranda where they discuss their feeling of mutual love and attraction for each other. He is better able to explain how he knows, in his heart, that he loves her (and probably wants to spend the rest of his life with her).
Chapter 9
Returning from their walk after lunch, they find Michael entertaining Evelyn in a game of tag around the lawn giving Tamra and Emily a chance to talk, just the two of them. Jess goes inside.
Tamra gets teary when Emily just happens to mention the close connection she's often felt to great-great grandma Alexa. She seems to be everyone's guardian angel.
Jess is a bit nervous learning his sisters are flying in from all over, both to welcome their parents back from their mission and to see him. They don't know about the suicide attempt but Jess knows they're going to sit down as a family and talk about it. He helps make the calls because his sisters have been very worried about him, taking off like that without letting anyone know. All are very relieved to hear he's safe and sound at home.
After hanging up, Jess admits he's glad he stayed alive so he could see his favorite sisters again. He's actually looking forward to this visit.
Chapter 10
Emily and Tamra work in the kitchen together and chat some more. Car accidents seem to be this family's lot in life: Emily's first hubby Ryan was taken, Michael's spectacular accident from Now & Forever and now this latest one that drove poor Jess to attempt suicide. Once again, Emily is so grateful Tamra's here. Plus there's another adult to help ready the house for the two big gatherings-one for all their friends and ward family to welcome Michael and Emily home from their mission and the family reunion. The girls are also bringing the youngest grandkids not old enough to be in school but too young to be left home with their dads who work so they can be stay at home moms. Emily is especially looking forward to meeting Amee's newest grandbaby and Evelyn can't wait to play with her cousins. Tamra is happy to help prepare for all this company. Michael bribes Tamra with anything she wants if she can get Jess to come downstairs, talk to them, and be pleasant. Tamra accomplishes this, she seems to bring out his softer side. Michael makes her favorite dessert and performs some much needed maintenance on her car for which Tamra is grateful.
Chapter 11
From his upstairs bedroom window, Jess watches his Mom and Tamra walk arm in arm across the lawn and wonders if he'll ever be happy again. He knows he loves Tamra, she's the most incredible, amazing and the most beautiful woman he's ever met-those lips! All that long, curly red hair!
Jess takes Tamra on a picnic to that special spot by the stream which readers will remember from past Byrnehouse-Davies & Hamilton novels. Tamra declines a bite of Jess' Vegemite sandwich, (he really DOES come from a land down under) preferring the cold chicken and potato salad option Emily thoughtfully packed for her. She tells him her life story, which the reader already heard in chapter 1.
Chapter 12
But there's more to add to Tamra's story. All those live-in boyfriends and stepfathers abused her, sexually. Her mother took her in for some counseling (see, her mother wasn't all bad) and after she joined the church, her new knowledge of the gospel helped heal those wounds, but they're still there and she felt Jess should know.
He's glad because he went through a rebellious period as a teen: stopped going to church, got into drugs and alcohol, experimented with body piercings and got to second base with several girls. Byron was the one who helped him come back. Then they went and served missions before coming home. That's why losing him in the car accident was so hard.
Next day, Tamra waves while Jess and his parents drive off into town for his next counseling session. The errands they run are revealed just as she's trying to decide what she'll wear to the first party tomorrow evening. Jess comes knocking on her bedroom door holding a dress bag containing a very pretty, modest, black formal dress with a beaded bodice and fishtail skirt of gathered material. There's matching high heeled shoes too. Tamra loves it. Jess confesses Emily helped him pick everything out.
Next day all the sisters, including Emma, arrive and all are very happy to meet Tamra. Jess takes her hand and subtle, knowing looks pass between all but Tamra.
Chapter 13
Jess knocks on Tamra's bedroom door to pick her up for their "date" to the party already in full swing downstairs. Jess looks like a fashion model in his tux. He declares Tamra looks good enough to eat but when they start down the stairs, Tamra is dismayed to see they're a wee bit overdressed and stops. She needs a minute. Jess is a little offended and goes downstairs without her. Tamra returns to her room intending to change but Emily comes knocking just a few minutes later to explain Jess' nonconventional party behavior. This was a quirky game he and Byron started doing. A way to defy authority and silly social rules by going to the extreme. It was Byron's idea to help steer Jess away from breaking the Word of Wisdom and it worked. Jess was just trying to carry on the "tradition." Now that Tamra understands, she goes downstairs to find Jess and apologize. Being tricked into dressing up was something her mother often did to her, to better impress a new boyfriend or husband making her feel like a worthless ornament but she understands that's not what Jess was trying to do. They end up having a great time at the party.
Afterwards, Jess leads her to the upstairs hall for some private dancing, he even brought the CD. The rest of the family discovers them, joining in to create a special family memory. (Swaying to Ambrosia's "Biggest Part of Me" from 1980? I'd run away screaming.)
Breakfast is ruined the next morning when the subject of how Jess and Tamra became a "thing" is brought up because it includes the suicide attempt which the sisters didn't know about. Everyone adjourns immediately to the other room to discuss this. Tamra tells her side, obeying that prompting to open the door and everyone gets weepy. Jess gets upset trying to explain how helpless he felt when the dark clouds gathered in his mind and he feared he'd never be happy again unless he took pills to end it. All his sisters repeat how much they love him and need him, how important he is to their family. They want to help him work through this. Jess' pride goes up again and he leaves the room in anger and tears.
Tamra follows him.
Chapter 14
Jess and Tamra agree a trip into town is needed, he has another counseling session today anyway, she'll meet him outside. Tamra is on the receiving end, again, of the family's eternal gratitude for saving Jess' life as his sisters stop her in the main hall, thanking her profusely, before Tamra finally gets out the door to meet Jess.
Tamra drives, (Jess has sworn he's never getting behind the wheel of a car again, and he hasn't. He biked or took the bus in Provo and has plenty of drivers here to chauffeur him.) they grab a burger before the appointment. All Jess' sisters attend this session with him and much progress is made as each sister repeats: nobody blames him and they all love him. Jess is lucky to have such a strong, supportive family who never patronizes him or makes him feel like a lazy, rebellious teen who tried to run away from home by attempting suicide. Nobody has said a word about Jess needing to find a job, move out if he's so unhappy at home, live in his own place and be independent, yet always available whenever his parents or siblings need him to do something for them. There's never been any pressure for him to date more or get married either.
Jess is beginning to realize just how lucky he is to have such a family. Having a "special friend" like Tamra in his life doesn't hurt either!
His sisters' visit comes to an end and they leave. Michael and Emily will follow in a month or so to see the rest of the older grandchildren and the sons-in-law who couldn't make it.
Tamra worries about Jess who becomes more withdrawn and begins avoiding her and his parents. He won't talk to anyone.
Chapter 15
The Boys' Home receptionist is leaving to have a baby. Michael offers Tamra the job who fits in perfectly and loves it. Michael and Emily leave for their extended trip. Jess and Tamra continue to "date" but Tamra can tell Jess is just playacting. Something is very wrong but will Jess talk about it? No.
Tamra finishes reading all of Alexa's journals and starts the ones her posterity kept, including LeNay Parkins story-Michael's mother.
Jess continues to act like Jekyll and Hyde: fun, sweet and gentle with her one minute, harsh, angry and negative the next. It's almost a relief to Tamra when Michael and Emily return.
Jess, on the other hand, becomes even more reclusive and bipolar. Michael, Emily and Tamra have no idea what to do about him except fast, pray and hope he won't succumb to any more self-destructive impulses. Michael and Emily break into "Didn't We Love Him" from Saturday's Warrior.
Chapter 16
Once again, readers of past Anita Stansfield novels will recognize the connection to the story of "Beauty and the Beast." It's Evelyn's favorite movie (the 1991 Disney version) which Tamra is watching with her when Jess enters the room to snark how he's the Beast before sitting down and joining them.
It's almost over when Michael and Emily return from a mysterious appointment in town. When Emily learns what they're watching, she produces great, great grandpa Jess' poetry. Jess is impressed. He had no idea he was named after a writer. Emily reads aloud his most famous poem (which readers will recognize) about Beauty (Alexa) saving her Beast (Jess) through true love. Jess gets up and leaves the room.
In church the next day, Michael is sustained as the new bishop in their ward. Tamra finds Michael's best selling hardback books of fiction in the family library, reads them and loves them. Michael just shrugs, modestly. The following Sunday, Tamra is given a calling by her new bishop. Jess is waiting outside the church office. He's being extended a calling too, with the young men. Their temple recommends were also renewed (this is back in the day when recommends had to be renewed every year, now it's good for two).
Tamra is beginning to wonder why Jess hasn't talked about temple marriage, or even bothered proposing. She gets it out of him, the same answer the men in this family have been repeating to their current girlfriends for years, "We're not worthy!"
Just to shake things up, who should the author decide to bring in but Jason. Tamra answers the door when he comes knocking. Jess is holed up in his room, studying (a few chapters ago, when he was feeling more "up" Tamra encouraged him to enroll in online college courses to finish his degree) and misses the whole tour Tamra gives her ex of the house, boys home and the grounds. They run into Michael who insists her guest stay for dinner. Knowing Jess will be there, Tamra tells Jason she's met someone here. Whatever rekindling he was hoping for ain't happening today. Jason understands.
Chapter 17
At dinner, Jess, previously warned by Emily when she knocked on his bedroom door to announce dinner, hides any discomfort about his competition by showing extra affection towards Tamra, implying they are an engaged couple. Jason congratulates them on their intended marriage and takes his leave.
Tamra is furious at Jess, calls him a hypocrite and storms out of the room. Later, she finds him crying alone in his bedroom, sits next to him, and he sobs in her arms. He just can't get over this depression consuming him and commit to her. He doesn't think he'll ever marry. Who would want him anyway?
One month later, nothing's changed. Tamra knows Jess is near suicidal again when she finds him lying on the floor in the upstairs hall, in the dark, one arm thrown over his eyes, listening to Air Supply's "Makin Love Out Of Nothing At All" (1983) and not moving, unresponsive. (Well, no wonder he's depressed! Someone put in Hamilton: An American Musical, stat!)
This is such a disturbing scene Tamra has to choke back a sob before turning and RUNNING from the room to her own where she cries and cries for hours. (And who could blame her? He was listening to Air Supply! This boy is beyond help.)
Tamra wonders if she should just leave but Jess beats her to it. Everyone wakes up the next morning to find Jess is gone. He left a note saying it was better if he left because Tamra belongs here more than he does. Michael tells her his father pulled a similar stunt on his mom. Before they got engaged, he ran away to join the Air Force but eventually found his way home again. Jess will do the same.
Chapter 18
Tamra, Michael and Emily begin another fast in Jess' behalf. They call every temple they can think of and put his name on the prayer rolls. It's like Jess died and they all miss him.
Tamra knows what she has to do.
Michael and Emily are sad to see her go but they understand. Tamra doesn't even pack all her belongings, she'll find her aunt in Sydney first and go from there.
But Aunt Rhea decided to take a lengthy vacation with some friends, a neighbor has been getting her mail and keeping an eye on the house. Tamra checks into a motel and spends a good week living at the Sydney temple where she is inspired to go back to Minnesota. Maybe reconciling with her mom is next step she needs to take in her life, since marriage just isn't happening for her.
Meanwhile, Jess has also been living in a motel room, but, unlike Tamra, he doesn't go anywhere. Lying in a pile of fast food wrappers, it occurs to him maybe he should call an old family friend, Sean O'Hara. (Yay! We get to see Sean again! Except our favorite older brother and psychiatrist is living an ocean away and with only one more chapter to wrap this story up, I'm afraid we only have time for a phone call.)
Sean and Jess talk for a long time. Sean tells Jess what everyone else has been repeating to him the entire book, God loves him. The gospel is true. His sins are forgiven. He doesn't have to be depressed anymore. Jesus did all that for him. Jess has an epiphany. Sean is right! He can be happy! And just like that Jess is cured.
He hangs up, packs and is driving back home before you can say Touched by an Angel.
Chapter 19
But Tamra's not waiting with open arms when he bursts through the front door of his home. Luckily, Jess has a pilot's license and knows how to fly the family plane. Michael is happy to hand over the keys. Go get her, Romeo!
Jess tracks down Aunt Rhea, who just returned from her long trip just in time to tell him where Tamra is and where to find her in Minnesota (Tamra left one last message for her aunt on the answering machine with all the info). Jess takes a cab back to the airport and is on the next plane to the States.
Ironically, Tamra is on this same flight. Jess sees her but she doesn't see him. Jess decides to wait a few hours, working up the nerve to reveal himself.
Sitting in the center row, just a few seats over from Tamra who has a window seat, Jess notices Tamra is awake from her nap but is crying silently with her face toward the window. Disguising his voice, he calls across the aisle, tricking Tamra into revealing her deepest feelings about Jess Hamilton, the man she loves and wishes were sitting next to her this very minute. If this isn't starting to sound like the end to a very bad rom-com movie, you need to get out more.
Well, congratulations Tamra banks, you just won the boyfriend jackpot! Tamra goes into shock when the strange man reveals himself but recovers quickly when Jess moves over to sit beside her and take her in his arms. He then proceeds to embarrass the heck out of her some more by making her stand up with him so he can kneel in the aisle and propose. The entire plane bursts into applause.
Since neither of these financially well off people have cell phones, Jess swipes his credit card to make the expensive call from their seat on the airplane. Good news like this just can't wait. It's a miracle and a happy
THE END
