Transcendent Love

By Mary-ellen DeLeon

David is a handsome yet shy artist who works odd jobs to make ends meet. After his parents die, he moves to Cape Ann to be around other artists and to paint the picturesque scenery and stunning sunrises over the water. During the winter months he keeps to himself in the quiet town and in the summer he sits on the boardwalk with his easel, charcoals, paints, and brushes doing portraits for tourists. When David sees Jessica for the first time at the gallery he is sure such a privileged woman would never be interested in a meager artist.

Refusing to dip into her trust fund, Jessica Monroe lives in a modest house near the water's edge. She lives life on her own terms and works in a small locally owned gallery within walking distance of the beach. Jessica’s exquisite beauty draws the attention of many men yet she is not swayed by the charms of the wealthy tourists who visit the cape. When she sees David’s work for the first time, she is drawn to it. She has always loved the ocean and David’s paintings capture the true splendor of the sea and they steal Jessica’s heart.

When David visits the gallery to sell his pieces, he wears his baseball cap low, only looking Jessica's way when she is occupied with someone else. Jessica secretly glances in David's direction and often hides in the backroom or behind customers when he stops by.

One sunny Saturday morning, an emboldened Jessica decides to make a move. She finds him on the boardwalk adding the last few brushstrokes to a portrait for an elderly couple. David is intrigued by her forwardness and accepts her invitation to dinner.

When her vibrancy is tragically taken away, David does whatever he can to help her. Will it be enough? Will he get one more chance?

With love, miracles can happen.
Do you believe? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mary-ellen DeLeon
• Release date: May 25, 2014
• ISBN: 9781498988049

Mary-ellen DeLeon

Mary-ellen DeLeon lives in Connecticut with her teenage daughter. She has a passion for writing. Her books deal with difficult yet timely issues of today's society. Her favorite writers include F. Scott Fitzgerald, Robert Parker, Nicolette Gianni, Gillian Flynn, Lauren Kate, and Nicholas Sparks. Writing is an escape, a way to live someone else's life and take control of destiny. Travel into one of Mary-ellen's books and visit a world of love and tragedy, suspense and survival. See who comes out winning in the end.  https://www.facebook.com/MDeLeonAuthor/ @MagnoliaWriter2

Book preview

Chapter 1

David's tears broke through his dream. He awoke and brushed away the salty trails from his face. He looked over at his wife and smiled. She was now his and he belonged to her. He knew that the feelings they shared were true and everlasting. They had a love that would survive anything.

David sat up and looked at the bed next to his.

Jess, it's time to wake up.

David's wife showed no signs of waking

All right then, you can sleep a little while longer.

He tossed the covers aside, got out of bed, and went into the small master bathroom. David showered and shaved in preparation for the day. He returned to the bedroom taking their clothes out of the closet. As he dressed, he watched his wife with one eye. Although a bit thinner, she was as beautiful as the day they met. He moved closer to her. With one finger he traced shapes in the freckles on her face.

David word’s came as if he were singing. Jess, open your eyes.

She did not respond.

All right then. I am going to have to use drastic measures.

David threw open the drapes and opened the French doors to the terrace.

C'mon Jess, the sun is up and it is an absolutely gorgeous day. Let's have breakfast outside.

He didn't really expect a reply. He sighed with sad frustration. How many mornings would be like this?

Open your bright eyes, Babe. Please.

David stared at her for a moment or two. He hit the button on the intercom system to call his newly hired employee. She had been with them only a short while and they were still becoming accustomed to one another.

Hannah, have you prepared our breakfast?

Yes, Sir, I can bring it up whenever you are ready.

Fabulous. Give me fifteen minutes to get Jess dressed and out on the terrace.

I can help you with that.

Thank you Hannah, but I will do this myself today.

All right Sir, I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.

And stop calling me Sir.

David chuckled for a moment as he wondered if Hannah would ever be less formal.

Okay Jess. Whether you open your eyes or not, you are getting dressed.

David pulled back the bed sheets. He gently removed his wife's nightgown, turning her with loving, gentle hands. He wiped down her body with a warm damp cloth paying special attention to her abdomen then he dressed her. He lifted her from the bed and placed her in the wheelchair, being careful to fasten the straps. Jessica had lost so much weight, lifting her was like picking up a child. David tossed her favorite blanket over her legs. He maneuvered the chair out on to the terrace.

Moments later, Hannah came in with a tray. One plate was covered with foil to keep the food warm. A white cloth napkin was draped over the other dish. She put the tray on the white metal patio table.

Would you like me to feed Jessica today?

No thank you, Hannah. I will do it.

Hannah nodded and left the terrace.  She made the bed, staying close by in case her employer needed assistance.

Let's see, David said to his wife. What shall we pretend this is today? Steak and eggs, perhaps?

He could swear he saw Jessica's lips curl ever so slightly.

Steak and eggs it is.

David removed the cloth napkin to reveal two feeding syringes. He lifted Jessica's blouse. The first syringe was filled with lukewarm water and he used it to flush the feeding tube.  David inserted the second syringe and slowly fed his wife the ecru colored liquid.

How's that? He looked up and noticed Jessica's eyes had opened.

Oh, so now you wake up. I get it. Your food is more interesting than your husband, huh? he joked. Hm, maybe I'll have to feed you before you get out of bed tomorrow. It seems like that is the only way to get your attention.

Once Jessica was fed, David removed the cover from his own plate. He laughed. Hannah, how did you know we wanted steak and eggs?

I know all and see all, Sir.

David.

Yes, David.

As he ate next to his silent wife, David thought about the dream he had just before waking. He was walking on the beach with Jessica. It was late September and all the tourists were gone. There was a cool breeze off the ocean. They had removed their sneakers and rolled up their jeans. After walking only a short distance, David stopped and turned her to face him.

With all seriousness he asked, Do you know how much I love you?

He could hear her words as if he were back on the sand with her. More than baseball? she teased poking the brim of his cap.

His face remained serious as he reached into his pocket and fell to one knee.

I know we've only been together for a few months. You are the reason I get up in the morning and the one vision I have before going to sleep. Jessica Monroe, will you marry me? David slipped the ring onto her finger.

Jess looked down at her hand and smiled. He knew she had felt that same attraction from the beginning. After all, she had been the one to find him on the beach and ask him out first. With mischievous grin in her eyes as she removed the ring and handed it back to him.

I'll say yes if you can catch me.

Before David could say anything, Jessica took off down the beach.

He scrambled to his feet and ran after her.

Jess, Jessica, that's not fair. You know I can't run as fast as you. His heart rate increased and his breathing deepened as he sped off after her. Jess! he called.

David realized he would not be able to catch her. She was far more fit then he. He stopped and placed his hands on his knees trying to regain his composure. Tears began to form in his eyes because, for a moment, he thought she might say no. He squeezed his eyes shut.

Jessica looked over her shoulder. She ran back to him. You're giving up so easy? She continued to playfully jog around him.

Jess please, I... I... He blew out a long breath, I love you, please just...

She knelt down in front of him and said, Yes.

Yes what?

Yes, I will marry you.

*   *  *

Jessica’s favorite place to be was near the water. Every summer her family would take a trip from Boston to the shore. Even as a small child Jessica would go in search of sea creatures. She would beg her father to let her take something home, a crab, sea snails, or whatever she could find. Her bedroom was full of sea related décor. Instead of plastering posters of the latest teen idol, Jessica drew pictures of shells, fish, and seaweed and adorned her room with them. It was like her little private beach getaway.

Jessica studied art history in school and her favorite artists included Christian Riese Lassen, J. M. W. Turner, and E. John Robinson. To Jessica, the ocean was an ever changing scene and to be able to capture it was a gift. Sometimes she would look at a painting and pretend she was in the scene. She imagined the pounding of the waves and the scent of the salt air.

It was no surprise to her family that after college, Jessica rented a tiny beach house on the cape. She landed a job in one of the local art galleries. Many of the area artists would stop in to either sell their own work or check out the competition. During the summer months, the gallery was busy with tourists trying to bring home a piece of their vacation. When it turned cold, the gallery was empty more often than not.

Jessica had seen David’s work. She never felt comfortable approaching him. He was very reserved and rarely looked up from under his baseball cap. Generally, the owner of the gallery would tend to the artists selling their goods. Jessica would hide in the back and peek out at David. She wasn’t normally a shy person, yet there was something about the young artist that made her heart race and her palms sweat.

*    *    *

Unknown to Jessica, David had seen her a time or two. He was intrigued not only by her elegance and poise but by her appreciation for art. He wanted to talk to her. She would hide when he entered the studio. He told himself that she was out of his league. No woman as attractive as she would be interested in someone like him, a poor struggling artist who earned the majority of his income doing menial labor.

It had been a long, cold and snow filled winter. David had been working odd jobs to cover the rent. He worked shoveling snow or slinging drinks, whatever work came his way he grabbed. Early in May, some of the older tourist began to arrive. David grabbed his easel, charcoal, paints, and brushes, and headed to the boardwalk. Doing quick portraits was not his favorite thing to do; he would rather take the time to get to know his subject and perfect the piece. Yet it was a way to pay the bills and sharpen his skills.

David was working on a portrait of a couple who were on vacation to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. He sensed the love they shared by the way they glanced at each other and did his best to use that emotion in the portrait. As he worked, they told him stories of how they met, their children and grandchildren. David could not stop his lips from curling as they traveled through their lifetime in memories. He wondered if he would ever find someone to grow old with.

While painting, he did not notice the young woman approach. He was listening intently and concentrating on his work. The woman looked at some of the displayed art. She reached out to touch one but pulled back before making contact.

You have some wonderful pieces here, um, she leaned down as if pretending to read the signature on one of the canvases. David.

He simply said, Thank you.

You have one here that is not finished. Is that perhaps your girlfriend?

Don’t I wish, he mumbled.

You haven’t colored her eyes.

I’m not exactly sure what color they are.

Maybe you should be more observant.

Finally, David looked up and was face to face with Jessica. He quickly looked away, yet managed to memorize the color of her eyes.

When you’re done with the one you’re working on, would you like to do me?

David felt his insides flip at her choice of words. I think I can manage that.

When the portrait was finished, the gentleman paid David and the couple walked away with their piece.

Jessica took a seat in the chair. She bent one leg over the other and gripped the edge of the seat. She leaned forward and asked, Do you come here often? She bit her lip and he wondered if she wanted to take back her words.

Are you trying to pick me up?

Jess batted her eyelashes. Would that be a bad thing?

I’ve see you in the gallery.

You have? she asked with wide-eyed wonder.

He nodded as he took out a blank canvas.

Have you been stalking me?

I could ask you the same question.

Once more, their eyes met for several seconds.

David took his time painting Jessica. He was trying to burn the vision of her into his mind. Painting her portrait gave him an excuse to stare at her features. The drawing he had displayed was one he had been working on earlier in the day and had not finished because other tourists had stopped by.

So, David the artist, what is it that you do when you are not doing portraits or seascapes?

Whatever comes my way, he replied.

She laughed and he felt it in his heart. You have a glorious laugh, Jessica.

You know my name. I’m impressed. Why is it that you never talked to me in the gallery?

Why is it that you always manage to hide when I come in?

Touché.

They laughed in unison.

You must live somewhere around here, no?

I do, he grinned, not taking his eyes off the canvas.

Who do you think makes the best chowder?

He raised a brow. Um, the one by that famous shot of the boat house with all the markers on the side. I can never remember the name of it. The back is all glass and you can look over the ocean.

Yes, I know the place. How about we meet there tonight, say... seven?

He peaked over the canvas at her. Are you asking me out on a date?

Yes, I believe I am. Is there something wrong with that?

Only that you beat me to it, Jessica.

Again they laughed together.

Jessica stood, Listen, David, I’m really sorry but I’m going to be late for work. I shouldn’t have stayed this long. I will see you tonight then?

He rose from his stool. I’ll be there, was all he could think to say.

Jessica lightly touched his arm. Don’t be late. I hate having to wait too long.

Before he could answer she ran off. He watched her skirt flounce in the breeze until she was out of his sight. He was stunned by her beauty and her forwardness, particularly since she had been hiding from him all this time. He wondered what made her approach him that day. Yet it didn’t really matter. Once he looked into those sea green eyes, he was in love. He had never felt so taken by anyone before.

He returned to his seat and finished the portrait of Jess. When he had completed it, he took the earlier one he had started and filled in the color of her eyes.

Chapter 2

Daddy, Daddy look at what I did at school today.

David scooped up his daughter and took the paper she was holding.

This is amazing, Lily. You have a real talent.

Just like you, she grinned back. Do you think Mommy will like it?

I’m sure she will adore it.

Can we show it to her? Lily asked with pleading eyes and pouting lips.

Mommy is sleeping right now. Maybe we can wait until after dinner.

Okay.

David put his daughter down then took her hand. Do you have homework tonight?

Yes, I have to write my spelling words.

Let’s go into the kitchen. I’m making dinner. You can do your homework while I cook.

How come Hannah isn’t cooking?

I’m making Mommy’s favorite tonight. And she loves the way I make it best.

Can Mommy eat it?

We’ll have to wait and see, he told her.

David had already sliced the eggplant and placed it under the cutting board to release some of the moisture. He minced together onions, green and red peppers and a clove of garlic, tossing it all into the frying pan with just enough olive oil. He cooked the contents of the frying pan until it was translucent.

Lily busied herself copying each spelling word four times. When she was done, she asked her father if she could help. David pulled a chair over to the stove.

You can stir the sauce gently. Be careful. The stove is very hot.

I know Daddy, she said with a roll of her eyes. I'm a big girl.

Yes you are, princess.

David tossed the oil mixture into the tomatoes that had been cooking most of the afternoon. He had been sure to remove all skin and seeds from the tomatoes. Normally, Jessica loved the sauce with chunks of vegetables. She could no longer eat it that way.

He added more oil to the pan. He took several pieces of the eggplant, removed the skin, dipped them in egg and breadcrumbs, and then laid them in the pan. He took out a small dish in which he would cook his wife’s meal.

The whole process took almost an hour. Once the two dishes of eggplant were in the oven to bake, father and daughter cleaned up the kitchen. Then he checked his daughter’s homework.

This is very good, Lily. Your handwriting is getting better every day.

I’ve been practicing a lot, she said, blinking up at him.

Lily looked so much like her mother it hurt when David glanced at her. Lily was bright and cheery. She adored the ocean. The picture she had drawn in school that day was evidence of her love of the beach and the water.

Can we show Mommy my picture now?

Let’s go see if she’s awake, shall we?

We shall, Lily mimicked.

As soon as they stepped inside the master bedroom, Lily dropped her father’s hand and ran to her mother’s bedside.

Mommy, look what I drew for you.

David picked her up and gently placed her on the bed. Lily held up the picture.

This is you here in the water. Don’t you look like a mermaid? She paused for a response. And this is Daddy and me on the dock waving to you.

Jessica blinked.

She likes it, Lily.

I thought one blink meant no? Lily questioned.

But Mommy is smiling. A smile and a blink mean she likes it.

Can we put it up on the wall?

For now, but I think maybe we can frame it and put it on your mother’s nightstand so she will see it every morning when she wakes up.

All right, she turned and looked at her mother. Daddy’s making your favorite dinner. Mm, I can smell it from here. Can you?

Lily, why don’t you wash up for dinner? I’ll bring your mother to the dining room.

Lily released a sigh and climbed off the bed.

I love you, Mommy.

David watched as Lily left the room. He turned back to his wife and saw a single tear fall. He moved closer to her and wiped it away with his thumb. Please don’t do that, Jess. You know it hurts... I’m sorry. I... he swept away his own tears.

I guess we should both stop. C’mon. Let’s get you ready for dinner.

Thirty minutes later, David made it to the kitchen with Jess in her wheelchair.

I set the table in the kitchen, Daddy, Lily informed her father. I thought it would be easier for Mommy.

David pushed his wife’s chair up to the table.

Dinner should be ready in about fifteen minutes, Jess. I have to cook the pasta.

Can you make springs?

Certainly.

Lily clapped her hands.

Do you think Mommy can eat the pasta?

Maybe I should make some acini di pepe for Mommy.

You mean the little beads?

"Yup, can you get out the boxes?’

David put on two pots of water. Lily supervised.

All right Daddy, it’s boiling in the little pan.

David took a small measuring cup and poured some of the tiny pasta beads into it. He handed the cup to his daughter.

Be careful not to splash the water. You might get burned.

I know Daddy.

David.

David turned around. His wife remained expressionless yet he swore he heard his name. He shook his head, brushing it off as a day dream.

It looks like the other water is ready too.

Once again, David measured the dry pasta and let his daughter add it to the water. The smaller pasta was done quickly. David drained it and put on just a touch of sauce. He placed the bowl on the table. David removed the two casseroles of eggplant from the oven and placed them on the table as well.

Lily jumped off the chair by the stove and pushed it up to the table.

Are you hungry, Mommy? I am. She unfolded a napkin and tucked it under her mother’s chin. Just in case, she whispered close to Jessica’s ear.

David tossed the other pasta with sauce and joined his wife and daughter at the table. He folded his wife’s hands.

Lily, would you do the honors?

Dear God. Thank you for the food. It smells really good. And thank you for Mommy and Daddy. Please make Mommy wake up soon. Amen.

Amen, David mumbled, trying to hold back the flood of emotions he was feeling. He lifted Lily’s plate and filled it with pasta and a little of the eggplant.

Jess, I did not put cheese on yours. I thought we could try it plain this time. He placed a small amount of the special eggplant on a dish. He mashed it as finely as possible. He dipped the tines of a clean fork into the food and placed a tiny speck of it on his wife’s tongue. Good?

She blinked, Daddy.

I saw that pumpkin.

Give her more.

Let’s wait a moment.

David filled his own plate and took a few bites. He gave his wife another taste of dinner. The meal continued for almost an hour, long after Lily was done eating.

Hannah came bustling in. Oh, Mr. David, I am terribly sorry. My mother can sure chat up a storm when she wants to. She paused for a moment as she watched her employer feed his wife.

You should be careful, Mr. David. You don’t want Miss Jessica to choke.

I am checking her mouth and only giving her tiny bits, Hannah. I’ve done this before.

Surely you cannot expect her to live off the little she actually ingests that way.

Of course not, but it is a way we can have dinner together, the three of us. Right, Lily.

Uh huh, she said sleepily.

Miss Lily, I think I should take you upstairs and prepare you for bed. You can come back and say good night.

Okay, the little one sighed.

Hannah took Lily upstairs and made sure she bathed and brushed her teeth. Hannah combed out the child’s hair and helped her put on her night gown. By the time she was done, the little girl was barely able to stand. Hannah laid her in bed and covered her. She gave her a kiss on the forehead.

Good night Miss Lily.

Good night, Mommy, the child breathed.

Hannah sighed