Savannah

By Synae L. Cooper

If you loved Ruby, then you will not be disappointed with Synae L. Cooper's follow up. A master of Biblical Fiction and a lover of her Lord. This book will assuredly enhance your understanding of the women we read about in the Bible.

• Language: English
• Publisher: MORTIFIED BOOKS
• Release date: May 23, 2018
• ISBN: 9781540141286

Synae L. Cooper

Synae Cooper has been writing poetry, prose and short stories for over twenty years.  She has always had a passion for the English language and its innate creative ability for expression.  Using that creativity to communicate The Word, the Gospel of Christ, has not only been a privilege and passion, but has also brought with it the highest sense of fulfillment.  Synae truly believes writing is her purpose and what will eventually help her to one day hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”   Her writing is reflective, hopeful, encouraging, and ultimately designed to point people to God and His Word.   She currently lives in Philadelphia.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Stepping from the master bath, towel tucked tightly under a protruding waistline, Asa Steele walked up behind his wife of 14 years, put his hands around her narrow waist, and placed a kiss on the back of her shoulder.  Happy birthday, Savannah, he whispered close to her ear.  His height stood only about an inch, maybe two, above her own 5’5" frame, so it was easy for him to snuggle her neck from behind.  Cautiously, he glanced at her reflection in the mirror and braced himself for her response.

Adjusting the belt of the designer dress her husband shifted out of place with his embrace, Savannah Steele stepped away from him and sat on the bed.  I’m not seeing what’s so happy about it, Asa. She reached down and slipped into a one inch, slingback leather pump.

Sighing, Asa removed the towel from his waist and finished drying himself off from his shower.  Thirty-five, my love, he said.  It’s a blessing. 

Well, I guess I see it a little differently, Savannah retorted, putting on her second shoe.  A blessing would be thirty-five with two children down the hall getting ready for school right now, she said.  Standing, she moved to her jewelry bureau and opened the massive doors to reveal a well-lit, vast selection of jewels displayed on either side of bureau shelves; her sweetheart mirror was centered and mounted on the back.  She considered what would best complement the day’s outfit:  the emerald set or simple diamond studs with a tennis bracelet.

Asa, tossing his towel onto the bed, ran his hand across his receding hairline and stepped into his dressing closet.  Savannah, it will happen.

Savannah barely heard his last statement.  But it didn’t matter, it was most likely nothing more than what he says the morning of every birthday since they’d wed.  Yet, still, the years ticked by with no child; all the while waiting, hoping, praying that each coming year would be the one where she and Asa would celebrate with a child of their own.  But after 14 years of the same request, it was getting harder and harder to pray.

Three years ago, on her thirty-second birthday, she thought she’d hit rock bottom.  Statistics showed the early thirties were the official start of conception decline, only to continue on a steady decrease with each passing year.  Surely, as if she were part of the study, her thirty-third and thirty-fourth birthdays proved the theory correct.  Every egg lost during a monthly menstrual cycle felt like a defeating blow to her success as a woman. 

Savannah?  Asa called from his dressing closet.

Eyes starting to sting a bit, Savannah noticed that at the angle she was standing, their wedding portrait, which hung above the master bed, was casting a reflection in the bureau’s mirror.  The twenty-one year old version of herself, standing next to a thirty-one year old Asa, seemed to mock her today.  To Savannah, it looked as if the young girl was laughing at the thirty-five year old who had just lived fourteen years in wasted hope and expectation. Savannah chided the younger version of herself, instead of standing there grinning, you silly girl, you should have prepared me for years of frustration and disillusionment.

Blinking quickly, she looked away from the mirror and placed diamond studs into both ears.  What, Asa?  What do you want me to say that hasn’t already been said? she said on a sad sigh.  Oh, I’ve got it, with a snap of her fingers and mock excitement, How about this little nugget of truth...at age thirty-five, the fertility decline actually speeds up, Savannah turned toward Asa’s closet.  That’s new, honey, she said, waiting for his response.

Asa could hear the scorn in her voice and knew better than to feed it with a comment of his own.  Instead, he walked out of his closet dressed in slacks, black socks, and a white undershirt straining his girth, and simply embraced his wife.  Feeling the sting of tears again, Savannah submitted to the embrace.  Tucking her chin into her husband’s shoulder, she wrapped her arms around his neck and swallowed. I shouldn’t have had the party this year, she said quietly.

You have one every year, honey, Asa said, rubbing her back.  Our friends, my partners and employees, your sisters, they all look forward to it.  Trying to lighten her mood he added her favorite description of her birthday bash, It’s the social event of the season, right? He said, lowering his hands to give her hips a playful squeeze. 

Smiling slightly, Savannah slapped at Asa’s shoulders and stepped out of his embrace, Stop Asa, she said, skirting around him, or you’ll wrinkle my dress. 

Asa turned and watched his wife’s slim legs as she headed toward the door of their master suite.  Just before she reached it, there was a knock and she glanced back at her husband. 

Tearing his eyes from Savannah’s legs, It’s just Manny.  I asked him to come up.

I need him downstairs, Savannah headed for the door again.  He and I have to go over the final plans for the party, she said, reaching for the door handle and pulling it open.

Good morning, Ms. Savannah.  This exceptionally lovely day still cannot compare to how extraordinarily lovely you look within it.  Manny Reed was Asa’s personal valet and their Chief Steward (Asa hated when anyone described him as a butler).  A very happy birthday, to you, Mi’Lady, Manny added with a smart snap of his heels and an exaggerated bow at the waist. 

Looking at his bowed head, Savannah was unable to contain a smile.  This kind and gentle sixty-year old man was really a quiet force with which to be reckoned.  He was strong, handsome, and one of the wisest people she’d ever met.  Thank you Immanuel.  I was actually hoping to catch you downstairs after breakfast, Savannah said, one hand resting on a hip, the other on the door knob.  I need to go over the final details for the party.

Standing straight, Manny took the hand resting on her hip, placed a kiss atop, and with a smart bow of just his head, I am your humble servant, ma’am, Manny said, eyes closed, the picture of pomp and circumstance.  Savannah rolled her eyes and smirked, but had to admit she felt a little better.  Manny raised his head, but still retained Savannah’s hand, Please allow me the opportunity to finish dressing your husband, a task I have assumed since his youth and sadly, glancing around Savannah to Asa standing in stocking feet with an undershirt hanging over unzipped slacks, a task with which, regretfully, I appear to have failed miserably, Manny said, placing another kiss on Savannah’s hand.

Alright, alright.  Asa said from inside the room as he headed back into his dressing closet.   Ha-Ha, very funny.  It’s her birthday, she’s lovely, and you’re her servant.  Now get in here, Asa said good naturedly.

Finally chuckling, Savannah pulled her hand from Manny’s.  Do what you can, Immanuel, she said, I’ll be in the dining room.

With a snap of his heels, Manny inclined his head, stepped to the side at Savannah’s departure, and headed into the bedroom suite to assist Asa.

Walking into the room and closing the door behind him, How is she this morning?  Manny asked Asa with a serious expression.

Same as every morning on her birthday, Asa said from the closet, choosing a light blue dress shirt hanging from the top rack of his shelf. 

Noting the color shirt Asa chose, Manny entered the closet and walked toward the section of ties and picked a pattern that would match. 

The party should help, Manny said, handing over the tie and walking out of the closet to place a call on his blackberry.  Beth, Manny said to one of the house maids, Mr. Steele is still in his dressing room; delay your cleaning for another 15 minutes, please.  After nodding into the phone, Manny clicked off and reattached the phone to his belt. 

Stepping out of the dressing closet in shoes, with shirt tucked, tying his tie, I’m not so sure, Asa said to Manny’s comment about the party.  I got new stats this year.

Oh?  What? Manny asked, straightening to his full, slim build and height of six feet, two inches.  Dressed impeccably in his usual dark pants, white dress shirt and trademark vest and tie, Manny was genuinely curious.  He folded his hands in front of pressed dress slacks and waited patiently as Asa tied his tie.

Something about the fertility decline speeding up at thirty-five, Asa said, walking to his dressing table to choose a watch to match his belt and shoes. 

On a deep, understanding sigh, Sorry, Ace.  Manny said, moving toward Asa’s dressing closet.

Shrugging, Asa put on his watch but then snapped his fingers, turning toward the closet just as Manny emerged with the suit jacket he’d just remembered he needed. 

Thanks.  Asa stepped into the suit jacket Manny held open for him.  It’s God’s will, Asa said, pulling his shirt cuffs down from his sleeves, you and I both know it won’t be rushed.

That’s right, Asa, Manny said, stepping back to check Asa’s appearance.  He looked Asa in the eye with a hand on his shoulder.  It’s always God’s will and you have to remember that and not give up on the plan He has for you and Savannah.

Sighing, I know. Asa said quietly, looking up into Manny’s knowing eyes. 

Manny’s father was the long trusted valet to Asa’s father.  The Steele and Reed alliance ran deep with a rich history rooted in trust and mutual respect.  At fifteen, Manny was a very good student and, at six feet in his sophomore year, began to perform very well on the basketball team.  With the affections of his teachers and coach, coupled with the attentions a fifteen year old boy had started to receive from seventeen year old senior girls, his father could see Manny needed something that would ground him. 

So, with Asa’s parent’s permission, Manny was tasked with a part-time job to look after newborn, Asa.  Caring for someone other than himself was a foreign trait to most teenagers, so, under supervision, Manny was charged with changing diapers, cleaning vomit, sterilizing toys, and bottle feeding.  Ironically, not only did these humbling chores settle a rambunctious and arrogant teen, but it also formed the bond between the next generation of Steele and Reed men.  Manny knew Asa better than anyone, even Savannah.

Needing to change the subject, Asa cleared his throat and adjusted his tie at the collar.   Did Robert grab my satchel from my office?  I don’t have time for breakfast this morning.

I told him, Manny said.  He’s waiting for you in the car.

OK, Asa said, pausing to think about Robert.  The young man, 18 now, had been a member of Asa’s household since his birth.  But, when the boy was ten, his father ran off and left him and his mother, Asa’s now, head chef.  At the time, she asked if he would step in and give Robert structure and a manly influence, so ever since, Asa personally invested in Robert by giving him increased responsibilities: running his personal errands, washing his car, becoming the house pool boy, and now Asa’s private driver.  He turned into a fine young man and after winning one of the twenty full academic scholarships Asa’s company offered annually to underprivileged high-school boys, he was well on his way to making something of himself.  Last month, he surprised Asa when he announced he would be starting school in the fall by declaring Asa’s field of study—engineering. 

I know that look, Ace, Manny said in a low voice.

What?  Asa asked blinking up at Manny.

"I’m proud of Robert too, but you know God’s will, and quite frankly, His promise was for you and Savannah to have your own child.  You told me yourself the morning of your

wedding, remember?  Chuckling, Manny folded his arms across his chest.  I remember it vividly because I believe, Manny said with a pointed finger and sly eyes, I was dressing you that day, too."  Asa rolled his eyes, shook his head, and took one last look at himself in the full length mirror. 

’I had a dream last night, Manny,’ Manny recounted.  ‘God showed me an image of Savannah and me playing in the snow with our son.  The mountains and hills stretched out in front of us for miles.  Savannah was laughing and looking at our boy, but I looked up toward the bright sky and I could hear God tell me it was ours, all of it.  Everything I could see and couldn’t see was ours and it was only the beginning; the start of a huge family.’  Manny concluded.  Then, in all seriousness he asked Asa, Have you given up on that?"  Manny asked with sincerity. 

Asa took a moment before he answered.  No, he said, still looking at himself in the mirror.  Then with a deep breath, No, I haven’t given up.  I know what I heard God say.

Manny nodded his