Christmas Diamond, a Novella: Inspired by The Jewel series and the Virtues and Valor series Read Free Page A

for some time to bring your show here and helped fund some of it. We brought our entire family down from Boston to enjoy it. But, TJ's love of it is what prompted the initial inquiries. And, unless his mother got him a sweater, he doesn't have any other presents this year."
    "I'm sure mom got me a helmet and a snorkel," TJ laughed as he flagged down a waiter and grabbed a glass of ice water. He held it out to Faith who happily accepted it, if for nothing more than to give her hands something to do. "I can't believe the living granddaughter of one of the Virtues is participating in the show." He looked at his father with a grin. "That was the surprise you were talking about, isn't it?"
    " Si ," Tony said, smiling.
    Faith took a sip of water and said, "The North American Na-16 I fly, Texas Diamond , is my grandmother's most prized possession. Gran loves the fact that I've been able to bring so much joy to so many people by flying her at shows like this."
    "Loves? Helen Green is still alive?"
    "Yes, of course. She lives in a home in Suffolk. I've been sending her a post card each day since I've been here."
    Elizabeth interjected, "Faith's grandmother and grandfather both flew in the war. And, her cousin Alfred flies one of our P-51 Mustangs with us. He flies the yellow tail that flew with the 352nd fighter group out of the 8th Air Force. I'll see if I can find him and introduce you."
    "I would absolutely love that," TJ said sincerely. He bent closer to Faith. "What a fascinating family history. I'd love to talk to you more about it."
    Faith took another sip of her ice water. "Well, you know where to find me now," she said coyly, wondering where this flirtatious side of her had come from. Never in her life had she batted her eyes at a man until just that moment.
    A uniformed waiter appeared at Tony's side and said something low in his ear. Tony grinned and turned to Elizabeth. "It would appear that dinner is ready to be served. Let's see if we can get all of these people to their seats." He turned to Faith. "Miss Green, would you do me the distinct honor of joining my family at our table?"
    TJ extended his elbow and Faith shifted the glass of water to her left hand and laid her right hand over his forearm. He patted the tops of her fingers with his right hand and they proceeded toward the front of the room.
    The Viscollis occupied the head table but numerous family members, in-laws, and close friends apparently occupied the satellite tables nearby. The smiles and interested looks she drew from them as she approached the head table on TJ's arm made Faith feel giddy and nervous all at once. She looked forward to a very interesting evening.

CHAPTER 3

    FAITH sat on the dry sand and looked out at the ocean. A full moon bathed the beach in a silvery light. It allowed her to see beyond the darkness of the night, but the empty waters and the vacant beach also helped her feel alone and isolated.
    At nearly one in the morning, no sound but the gentle surf lapping over and over onto the shore broke the silence of the night. Which is why, when someone sat down next to her, a startled cry escaped from her lips and she nearly jumped out of her skin.
    "Sorry," TJ apologized, loosening the bow tie at his neck and unbuttoning the top button. "I thought for sure you saw or heard me coming."
    Faith put a hand to her chest. "Quite all right. Must have been wool gathering."
    So that she would not have to consider just how handsome this man looked in the starlight, she looked back out at the water. The silvery moonlight reflecting on the crystal clear waters shimmered like a diamond mine. She thought about how nice it was to not feel so alone at the moment, surrounded as she was by the raw beauty all around them.
    "I'm really looking forward to the show next week." TJ confided.
    Faith nodded. "Elizabeth does a beautiful job with coordination and choreography. I've flown in a few shows, and hers is by far the best one." She brought her legs up so she