A Promise of Love

A Promise of Love

An Inspirational Romance Novel

By

Doris E. Davis

"Many waters cannot quench love;

rivers cannot wash it away...

Song of Solomon 8:7

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Copyright 2013 Doris E. Davis

All rights Reserved.

ISBN 9781301940653 for the EPUB format

Smashwords Edition

Dedication

To my husband who is not only my hero,

but my friend and helper.

Many thanks to Regent University (formerly known as CBN University) and all my professors in the School of Communication, particularly John Lawing in 1985

Thank you Jamie for the perfect book cover.

James Arch Davis

Chapter One

The announcer’s voice filled the jam-packed Miami auditorium. Allison Brady stood there with another Miss Florida hopeful and it seemed the voice was coming from a distant planet. An envelope was opened and the anxious girls held hands tightly, eyes closed as the runner-up was called …Miss Linda Benson…The new Miss Florida…Miss Allison Brady! The announcer’s voice rose in volume accompanied by screams and applause from the audience. Allison’s hands flew to her face in stunned shock! It had happened so fast!

Allison floated over to the announcer after a quick hug from Linda. The roses, the crown, the music that rose to a crescendo, the tears of joy were all part of Allison’s big moment. Each moment evolved into one ecstatic dreamlike world that she had miraculously entered. Allison accepted a bouquet of roses, the crown as cameras clicked and flashbulbs went off in a profusion of light blinding a trembling 21 year old blue-eyed blond beauty. She lifted a hand and waved to the audiences’ applause, deafening ears that already were hearing with disbelief and shock.

One more, please, Miss Brady, called the photographers as they encircled her moments later. She was beyond reality now. The smile was mixed with a certain degree of trembling associated with indescribable intoxication. Allison Brady had won the Miss Florida contest!

Darling Alli, we’re so proud of you. You will be a wonderful ambassador for Florida and for our Lord, too! her dad said as he hugged her. Her mother stood close by awaiting her turn.

Thank you, Mom and Dad. Oh, Mom, the roses are for you! Allison handed the lush red roses to her mother who was beaming from head to toe.

Allison, how lovely! Thank you! Her mom accepted Allison’s roses and began a search for her hanky to dab eyes that were beginning to tear again.

I Think I’d better get these two back to the hotel before the place is flooded. Mr. Brady laughed jokingly with a nearby photographer about the tears of joy that were being shed. Allison had finished giving her statement to the press.

One more question, Miss Brady, where does your reign as Miss Florida begin? A reporter had pushed his way through the press crowd and apparently had not heard her answer this question before. Allison smiled politely becoming more composed now.

First a trip to Tallahassee and then down to Disney World for a parade appearance, she answered. An official came from behind Allison and raised his hand to the reporters to get their attention.

That will be all for now ladies and gentlemen, he announced. We thank you but we’re sure you’ve got your story. Again, thank you.

The crowd moved away slowly with a few still trying to get in another question and picture or two, but the official who’d gotten their attention waved them off as he escorted Allison and her parents back stage.

Oh yes, they had gotten their story. But Allison Brady could have danced all night. Soon she and her mom and dad were whisked away to a hotel. A week of rest and she’d be on her way to Tallahassee and then on to Disney World for a guest appearance. The new reigning Miss Florida…it was a dream come true! She whispered a silent prayer, Thank you Lord for giving me this opportunity to give you the glory in all I do and say!

The plane touched down at Palm Beach International Airport just as the sun was setting. The horizon was breathtakingly colorful with shades of orange and pink. Allison adjusted the bow on her silk blouse under a conservative blue linen suit. Her eyes were bluer when she wore blue, especially this powder blue shade. She wore a corsage of chrysanthemums dyed two different shades of blue. A last check in the mirror now-- yes, her make-up was perfect, a soft and natural look.

As the plane came to a full stop, the glowing 5’ 9" Allison stood up, ready to stretch her legs. She was ready to greet those who would be here to meet her. The Florida Tourism officials, among others, would be here. She would be taking part in the filming of a Florida commercial to air on nation-wide TV and the filming would be done here in Palm Beach.

Sheila Wallace, chaperone and public relations manager, gave Allison a wink. This is it, Alli, Palm Beach! Here we go! Allison gave her a thumbs up sign. Sheila leaned over to the first class stewardess. The stewardess stood at the door of the jet and awaited Miss Florida who appeared and stood poised at the top of the steps, waving to the group who’d come to meet her. She smiled graciously at their applause. An official ran up the steps of the plane and handed her a bouquet of flowers. Then she followed Mrs. Wallace down the steps to be officially greeted by the mayor, and city officials. Allison felt like a celebrity! She was Florida’s celebrity!

The formalities over, their drivers took them to the Ritz-Carlton which was to be home for a week or until the shooting of the commercial and other appearances were completed. There was to be an interview with the Florida Citrus Commission and a representative for the Florida Nurserymen and Growers Association. They were in town to make preliminary arrangements with Sheila Wallace for a meeting later to schedule an appearance at their convention in Tampa. The week was going to be busy, but this had become a way of life for Allison and she was beginning to like all the attention she was getting all over the peninsula of Florida and the many opportunities. She had been able to tell about her passionate work with Special Olympics. Allison liked their slogan, Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. She always ended her speeches telling about her Christian faith.

In the hotel lobby, Sheila motioned for the bellhop to escort Allison to their hotel suite. Allison flashed a smile at Sheila as she followed the bellhop to an elevator. Sheila adjusted her glasses and turned making her way to a group waiting to talk to her.

Once off the elevator, the bellhop pushed the baggage cart down a hallway heading to their hotel suite. Oh, the joy of a peaceful and quiet hotel room, Allison thought! She felt her corsage wobbling and reached up to take it off, but it fell to the floor before she could catch it. As she stooped over to pick it up, another hand reached for it at the same time. Allison was looking into the eyes of an attractive man who at first startled her.

Oh, hi! Allison greeted him cheerfully with a broad smile. He handed her the fallen corsage as they both came to a standing position. Allison couldn’t help but notice the man’s good looks. Were those eyes the color of sapphire?

Well, Hello-o The handsome man responded, seeming pleasantly surprised to see her. This looks like it has had a busy day! he said, smiling, and handing the limp corsage to Allison.

She thanked him and turned to head in the direction of the bellhop. Allison glanced back at the man. She blushed to see that he had turned back for another look at her. Allison’s pulse quickened. Well, Palm Beach has some good looking men, if he is any representative sampling, Allison thought.

It wasn’t long before Allison was settled in the hotel suite. A long hot bath was just what the doctor ordered to relax tense and fatigued muscles, and soon she was climbing into a bed that felt heavenly after a busy day. There had been the flight to Atlanta to pose for pictures with Miss Georgia for the cover of Sports Illustrated and back to Palm Beach. The cover and feature story for SI was concerning the upcoming annual Florida/Georgia football game. Miss Georgia and Miss Florida would be appearing at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville to participate in the pre-game show.

She pulled up the covers, smiling as she thought of the tweed-like suit she’d worn at the photo shoot for SI. She’d worn a white chrysanthemum with orange and blue ribbons pinned to the lapel of her suit. Pictures were taken before a football stadium backdrop with all the trappings of college football. The Florida Times Union, a major North Florida newspaper, snapped pictures as well. The colorful pom-poms and mascots would leave no doubt in the minds of readers that this was the season of seasons…college football!

Sheila snapped on the light and came in handing Allison the next day’s itinerary. Just a bedtime story. Sheila smiled. I see you’re tucked in and ready for some rest. Good night!

Good night, Sheila. Allison said as Sheila closed her door. Allison glanced at the schedule disinterestedly and quickly laid it on the bedside table turning off the light. Her eyes, heavy with sleep, soon closed. Six months into this now and she was becoming experienced at what to do, how to act, and when to smile. It was all for the crowds and the cameras.

Stretching her rested body the next morning, Allison yawned like a contented kitten as she remembered where she was. She and Sheila were at a hotel in Palm Beach! The draperies were drawn and Allison slipped out of bed to have a peek at the new day. Slipping on a lilac lace negligee, she walked barefoot across the carpeted hotel floor to open the draperies. She pulled the sheers aside letting in the sunshine.

Before her was a lovely view of the Atlantic Ocean in the distance with palm trees swaying in the early morning breeze. The sandy beach was dotted with bright umbrellas and a few people out for an early morning walk. She pulled the draperies on the opposite side of the room and saw the pool area and a promenade with little shops that lined the boundaries of the hotel building. Swimmers were already splashing in the pool and sunning in lounge chairs. She quickly closed the draperies. The bright Florida sunshine was streaming in almost too brightly and Allison turned to dress for the day. As she turned, she softly prayed, Lord, you have created a beautiful world. Thank you.

The poignant smell of coffee wafted into her room from a little sitting room that separated her room from Sheila’s. The all-efficient Sheila had ordered room service. Allison smiled thinking of Sheila’s two cups of coffee that began her day. Allison had picked up the habit and she’d joked with Sheila that she was teaching her all of her habits.

She could hear Sheila talking on the telephone at the moment. Poor Sheila had to do all the work, the planning, the organization and arrangements for meetings weeks in advance. At first Allison had listened intently to every plan, every conversation. Now, a more experienced Miss Florida, she knew it was all part of the routine; all she had to do was appear, speak, pose, and carry out the plans.

After slipping on a pretty crisp white sun dress trimmed with red piping she quickly glanced at her day’s itinerary. There was an 8:30 AM meeting with the producer of the Florida Tourism commercial, then another meeting with the director on instructions for the shots. Then the first part of the shooting was scheduled. At 12:30 PM she would be attending a luncheon. Hurriedly, she brushed her soft blonde hair and slipped into red patent high heeled sandals and stepped into the sitting room.

We’ve got to hurry, Allison Sheila Wallace stated as she poured coffee for Allison. Our Mr. Michael called and asked if we could meet a little earlier than planned. These film folks are ready to get some shots. He sounded nice over the phone. He told me that Mr. Dobson, the producer, was ready to get things rolling. Sheila chatted on lively between sips of coffee and bites of toast.

Sheila Wallace never missed a beat. She was all business, but she was human, too. Allison had learned all about Sheila, as she had gotten to know her. She too, made a mistake along the way but always made corrections. At first Allison thought her invincible. She was Mrs. Sheila Wallace, but call me Sheila she had urged Allison. Allison asked her to call her Alli then and they had become good friends. She had marveled at how she could do a week’s work, fly to Miami to be with her husband, Tom, or sometimes she would meet him for lunch when he would fly to meet her and still be everywhere on time, on the job, dedicated to her position as P.R. manager for the Miss Florida Beauty pageant. Tom, was a pilot whose home base was Miami. They had separate careers that took them miles apart but when they planned their time together it was their time and nothing was allowed to stand in the way. They made it look easy and – romantic. But, Allison knew this was something they worked at, and Sheila had admitted that it was always work but extremely important in a marriage. Allison thought that when she married she would like him to be like her Tom, a strong Christian man.

This is Allison Brady, our Miss Florida, Mr. Dobson, Mr. Michael from the Florida Tourism Department was saying as he introduced Allison. He squeezed Allison’s hand, sounding like her dad when he always said This is our Alli. He’d introduced her to Charles A Dobson, producer for ADCOM, a New York film and Advertising company.

Miss Brady, it’s a pleasure to know you, he responded. Let me introduce you to John Brannon, our director. He led her over to a table where a man was talking and gesturing with his hands as he looked over papers on a table. But, he stopped talking abruptly as he caught sight of Allison and Mr. Dobson.

Mr. Brannon, may I introduce Miss Florida. This is Miss Allison Brady. Mr. Brannon stood up and took Allison’s hand.

I’m very glad to meet you, Miss Brady! Mr. Brannon greeted her, smiling broadly. Sit down, sit down, he beamed, as he pulled out a chair. He gave her all the details of the different angles and shots then leaned back and said, "Sweetheart, there you have it, the plan for each shot and you’ll need to see Peg in wardrobe.

We’re going to give the world a Florida they can’t resist. Filming takes time and patience, but the end results are worth it," he said, eyes twinkling. John Brannon excused himself as he spotted someone across the way he needed to