THE OVERCOMER

By Tessa Harvey



CHAPTER NINE
 (Continued)


The years went by and Sam and Stella grew closer together and to the Lord their God.

A son, James was born and was followed by twins when James was three years old - Estelle and Emily. Rosalie helped out a lot in those early days. Her asthma seemed to have improved, which was a blessing.

James was blond and blue-eyed, looking a lot like Rosalie, the twins were darker-eyed and their hair was curly and the golden hue of autumn poplar leaves.

They were identical in looks and both grew confident and adventurous. James was quieter and loved to follow dad around whenever he was home.

When the twins were eight and James eleven, an unexpected fourth child appeared, looking very like Solomon, dark-eyed, dark-haired (though Solomon's hair was then white now).

He was named Sam. He grew slowly and no medical person could explain why. The whole family loved him and accepted him just the way he was.

One day when little Sammy was a toddler, his father came home very angry. Work was going well. His secretary, Agnes was an older lady, efficient and friendly. The managers were doing a great job.

There had been staff losses and gains, but nothing out of the ordinary. Their niche in the confectionery market was secure and trusted.

Today though, he felt like smashing a fist against the wall, but suddenly he sensed he was being watched. It was Sammy looking up at him from beside the double bed. He was wide-eyed and his bottom lip was trembling. Obviously he had picked up on Sam's mood.

There were hurried footsteps on the stairs and James burst in. "Hi dad! Hey, I got the nails for the treehouse. Can we make a start now? I've written all the plans..."
he paused for breath. "What, dad?" Puzzled, he saw Sammy. "Hey, I didn't lift him over the stair gate. You know I wouldn't."

Sam raised a placatory arm. "It's ok, son." He was equally astounded. "I'll ask the twins. Come on, we'll take him down and when I have had a drink we can do the treehouse. There isn't much left to finish." 

Stella was in the kitchen. She hugged him and lifted up Sammy. "But the twins are out at Bethany's house. Perhaps we have a climber! Perhaps he is getting better."

"I will watch him and see and we can get a higher gate if we have to do that."

Outside, Sam talked to James. "It's odd that Sammy seemed so slow and now he is trying to climb. I'll help you make a start on the last bit of the treehouse. Sorry it's taken so long. You will feel you are too old soon!"

"No way!" laughed James, racing up the tree ladder, wielding the hammer, nails stowed in his pocket.

Sam followed more slowly, relieved his older son had not realised he was more upset than he appeared to be.

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