Wings Of A Nightingale

“Don’t push your luck, Romeo. Stop playing the role of a debonair when we are in a hurry to catch our flight. And erase that smirk from your face.”  Flashing her most adorable a la Mona Lisa smile, Claire picked up her hand carried luggage and eased her way towards the New Era Airlines check in counter.

“Hey, wait up, Juliet! I’ll be right behind you. I just want to show off my charm to the woman who is the mother of my son. And for the record, that was not a smirk.” Andrew grinned from ear to ear, slung his backpack and pushed the stroller of their three year old son Zachary.

*****

Andrew Taylor, a Lieutenant in the US Army was stationed in Manila, Philippines when he met the charming and brilliant Claire Delgado. She was with a group of educators from the United States for an outreach program “Operation Literacy”. Andrew’s team served as their guide and bodyguard when traveling to far-flung areas.

They readily developed a special bond and found comfort in each other’s company. On their free time, they enjoyed exploring the beautiful tourist spots of the country. They even planned to revisit the picturesque white sand beach, clear deep blue water, and breathtaking sunset of Boracay Island. They were there when Andrew gave Claire a promise ring.

When Andrew’s rotation in the Philippines ended, he went back to the US and fulfilled another assignment overseas. After the completion of their outreach program, Claire went back home and taught kindergarten in a suburban town in Texas. They continued to keep in touch though sporadically due to strict military protocols.

A year after, they decided and arranged to get married. At the start of spring when lush green leaves and colorful flowers started to bloom, Andrew and Claire exchanged their wedding vows in a beautiful garden setting with friends and family in attendance.

Seven years flew by. They made their home in a small community in El Paso, Texas. While waiting for Andrew’s return from active duty, Claire made herself busy juggling between family life, a mother, and a teacher. Not a single day that she hasn’t thought of her husband, prayed for his protection and safety. Andrew, now a Lieutenant General continued to carry out overseas assignment. Prior to retirement, he was stationed permanently at the US Army base in Fort Bliss, Texas. When he retired, his time was spent with Claire and their three year old son.

They went back for a long-awaited vacation in the serene, breathtakingly beautiful Boracay Island. The morning sun crept over the horizon spreading orange glitter on the rippling water. Patches of white clouds drifting by under the cerulean sky. Claire took a leisure walk along the shore feeling the gentle touch of the breeze caressing her face.

She smiled, her heart overflowing with love when she saw a gorgeous man and a handsome, spunky three year old boy coming her way. Andrew…her Romeo, her knight in shining armor, her husband, the father of her son.

When the two love of her life reached her, Andrew let go of little Zachary, who raised his arms for Claire to carry him. She scooped the toddler, hugged and showered him with kisses. Andrew gently pulled both of them in the circle of his arms. “Happy Anniversary, sweetheart! As my promise stands when I gave you that ring seven years ago, I will never get tired of letting you feel my love, more today and the days to come.”

Claire lovingly looked at the promise ring that Andrew slipped on her finger during their first visit to the island. Together with her wedding ring, it never left her finger all these years.

Andrew, Claire and little Zachary will continue to create memories to be added in the storybook of life. As they held hands, the three of them strolled along the scenic shore leaving three sets of footprints in the powdery white sand of Boracay

-©Lark-

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