Noah and Sami met 32 days ago.

ENDING OF PREVIOUS POST:

"Why don't I order Chinese? The last time I promised we'd do it again and I'd ask what you want."

"I'm surprised you remembered."

"Of course, I remember. I ordered roast duck and didn't ask what you'd like."

"You did ask about the rice."

"I did do that." Noah's eyes met hers. "Sunshine, what would you like me to order you?"

"How about roast duck and fried rice?"

"Sounds good." After he ordered, he said, "While we wait, tell me the story behind that sapphire engagement ring."

TODAY'S POST:

Noah and Sami sat beside each other on the couch as Sami admired the sapphire ring. "Grandma Leya was a few weeks shy from her sixteenth birthday when her parents sent her away."

"What?"

"She was the eldest of eight children. Her parents were migrant workers outside of Houston. I'm confused if they worked in the cotton or sugarcane fields. I think both. There wasn't enough money, so they forced Grandma out of their shack. Back in the 60's migrant workers lived in what was called 'The Quarters'."

"I've heard about them."

"This ended up being good for Grandma. She got a job as a maid, cook, and nanny for Leon and Sandy Stanton. The Stanton's were well to do. Leon worked in management of the sugarcane business. They had two young boys. Grandma had a nice bedroom, food, clothes, and a small amount of spending money. Sandy taught Grandma English and to read. Basically, educated her."

"Your grandma was lucky."

"She became part of their family." Sami stood, got two bottles of water, and handed one to Noah.

Sami took a drink. "Every day while the boys were in school, Grandma rode a bicycle to the grocery store. One day on the way home, her bike's chain fell off. She couldn't fix it." Her eyes twinkled. "Grandpa Manuel noticed and came over to help."

"He came to her rescue."

"He did. Grandpa worked in the sugarcane fields. He didn't speak English. His parents came to the US while his mom was pregnant with him. He was born in the US."

"Was your grandma born in the US?"

"She was. Her parents came to the US when they were young." Noah nodded, so Sami continued, "That was the beginning of their relationship. Grandpa noticed Grandma came to the grocery store around noon on most days so made sure he was there. To start they only talked a little. Eventually their visits became longer."

"How long did this last?"

"Almost a year."

"He's very patient."

"That he was. Because of their culture, Grandpa knew he had to follow certain guidelines. He eventually got impatient and worked up the nerve that on one Sunday afternoon and asked Mr. Stanton permission to date Grandma."

"Did he get it?" asked Noah.

"He did but could only visit Grandma at the Stanton's house until she turned seventeen."

"Did he ever get to take her to a movie?"

"Yes." Sami giggled. "I see this story is taking too long. They eventually had real dates. Mr. and Mrs. Stanton realized Grandma and Grandpa's relationship was getting serious, so Mr. Stanton offered Grandpa a job as an apprentice with a contractor friend."

"That's how he could afford the ring."

"It is. Grandpa went to get permission to marry her from her parents, but they had moved back to Mexico."

"Without telling her?"

"Yep. Grandpa asked Mr. Stanton for permission to marry Grandma. Grandpa spent six months' salary on that ring. He worked two extra jobs to be able to pay rent and eat. He loved Grandma that much."

"That's love. I can see why their marriage lasted. Your dad had a great role model."

"He did. I want my marriage to be like my parents and grandparents."

Noah remained silent as he answered a knock on the door and then held one large sack. "Ready to eat?"

"I am. I'll get plates and silverware."

As they sat and began eating, Noah said, "Please finish the story."

"I'm almost done. When Grandma turned eighteen, they were married. In 1966 Daddy was born."

"Did your grandpa still work as a contractor?"

"Yes and no. Grandpa saved his money and started his own contracting business. I think Mr. Stanton helped. Grandpa had built a name for himself. It's the company Dad still owns."

"Your mom owns the restaurant, doesn't she?"

"Again, Grandpa's doing. Once his contracting company took off, Grandpa bought Grandma the restaurant. At that time, it struggled but Grandma was a great cook. Mom worked there in high school. That's where she met Dad."

"The story comes full circle." Noah lifted her hand and touched the ring. "I understand why this ring's so special. It's symbolic."

"It is. Faith, hard work, love, and family above all else."

"I see that."

Noah glanced at the edge of the dining room table, picked up two small slips of paper, and studied them. "You kept these. They're from our fortune cookies."

"Your fortune said, 'Nothing is impossible to a willing heart.'" Her eyes sparkled. "I'd say it's true." She laid out the two new fortune cookies. "Choose one."

Noah did and broke it open. "You'll get what your heart desires." He leaned over and kissed Sami. "This is also true." He held up her old one. "Do you remember what yours said?"

"I do. The love of your life will appear unexpectedly in front of you. He did." She pecked his cheek and then opened the remaining cookie. "The love of your life will carry you through any circumstance. Wow! This one is coming true."

Quickly they cleared the table and then Noah studied the large dog. "Why don't we take Jasper to the country and let him run?"

"Sounds great, but I don't know of any places. The parks close at sundown. Besides in parks he needs to be on a leash."

"I know a place. I like to get out of the city every so often. It's where I go."

*****
After a short trip outside the city, Noah parked along the Brazos River and opened the car door for Sami. "Thank you. This is pretty. How did you find it?"

"I studied maps and explored until I found an area that would work for what I wanted. This is that spot." He let Jasper out and watched him sniff around. "I think he approves."

"He does." Sami took a moment and then asked, "Want to tell me what's on your mind?" His eyebrows went up, and she continued, "This is your classic, 'there's something on my mind but I'm hesitant to bring it up.'"

Sami followed Noah until he came to a large rock. "Have a seat." He sat beside her and stared at the water slowly rippling over the flat rocks. "Your grandparents. Your dad had a role model of what a great marriage looks like. You grew up in an almost perfect home. I didn't have those examples. What if I don't know what to do?"

Sami studied Noah for a few moments before she placed her hand over his heart. "You'll know because of what's in here. I feel I've gotten to know what's in your heart. I've heard stories of how much you care for people. When Bob was shot, when their daughter died, and other stories. I know what you've done for Myra and me." She held his hand. "You did what you had to do to protect me, knowing I'd probably hate you."

"I'm grateful you understood and forgave me."

"You have a huge heart and care deeply for people. That's why you're so good at your job. You may not know how to express it in words, but you show it. I'm honored you love me. I'm not sure what I've done to deserve it."

Noah took Sami in his arms and kissed her. "Thank you."

She leaned against his chest. "Anything else?"

"No."

"Sure?"

"Pretty sure." He watched the night sky. "It's getting late. We'd better head home."

"Jasper."

The large dog ran to them. After Sami dried his paws, they got into the car and headed toward the city.

*****
Inside Sami's apartment, Noah answered his wrist communicator, "Bob, what's going on?"

"I don't have any way to contact Sami. Is she with you?"

"Hi Bob, I'm here."

"Good. Is it all right if Jose and I return your car between seven-thirty and eight in the morning?"

"Of course. I'll be home and up. Jasper goes out around six."

"I haven't forgotten."

Sarah spoke over Bob. "Sami, have you and Noah been busy?"

"He took me to visit my parents. After that, he had to reinforce that I can't trust everybody."

"I'm sure he did. Have you done anything fun?"

Sami held tight to Noah's hand. "We took a moonlight walk along the Brazos River."

"Sounds romantic. I knew Noah was a secret romantic."

Noah growled, "I can hear everything."

Sarah giggled. "I'm not changing my opinion. I'm sure Sami agrees."

"I do." Her eyes shone.

"What are your plans for tomorrow?" asked Sarah.

"I have some errands to run." Noah paused. "Probably in the morning."

Sami chimed in, "After I get my car, I'll get groceries."

Bob said, "We'll let you guys go. Say goodbye, Sarah."

"'Bye, Sami, Noah. Bob said you should have your wrist communicator around noon. We'll talk then. Maybe next week we can have lunch."

"I can't wait. 'Bye."

Sami went to the kitchen and checked the refrigerator. "I'll cook dinner tomorrow night. Any ideas what I should fix?"

"I thought I'd take you to dinner and maybe a play. I'll check the theater district and make reservations."

"You don't need to. I can cook."

"If I'm not mistaken, couples go out on dates. I've never taken you on one."

"But..."

"But nothing. I know you had dates with Marc and Mateo."

She remained quiet.

"Good. That's settled. We're going on a date tomorrow evening." Noah took Sami in his arms and his kiss lingered. A few more followed. "Goodnight, Sunshine. I'll be back as soon as I finish my errands."

"But..."

He kissed her again. "Goodnight," and left.

Sami leaned against the door. "Why didn't he stay? I guess he needed to check on his place."

~~~~~
CHARACTERS:

Sami Martinez - Twenty-five-year-old high school teacher, who's working to find a kidnapped teenage girl.

Noah Taylor. - Homeland Security team leader, who works in the Human Trafficking department. Alias - Trey Morgan

Jose, Bob, & Sarah - Agents who work under Noah. Bob and Sarah are married.

Laura Martinez - Sami's mom.

Jasper - Sami's Great Dane, a large breed dog.

Myra Rodriguez - Kidnapped teenage girl whom Sami was close to.

Julia - Teenage girl, who was friends with Myra and Sami works with.

Big T - Neighborhood pimp; not a friendly person

Numerous Team Members - They will show up periodically but not really important to the story, except they're there.

Chen - Charles Henry Edward Nichols - Human trafficker and into some really bad stuff.

Chief Galvin Baldwin - Noah's supervisor.

Marc - Sami's old boyfriend.

Mateo Enrique Aguilar de Pereira - a very close friend of Sami's; a rich playboy