Discover Four Oaks, a proud, stately antebellum plantation home and the families who breathed life into it. Taking a new look at an era that reshaped our country, Four Oaks will guide you along a journey of memories, possibly some of your own! Four Oaks Small bubbles rise to the surface of the pond from amphibious creatures, enjoying the cool of the evening. They gather as light foam, near the shore. Traces of an evening fog drift among the Willow trees that hang over the beach of small, smooth pebbles. Up in the Willow branches, tufts of Spanish moss seem almost like decorations, added by some unseen hand. There is only a slight rustling sound in the grass as the couple walks hand-in-hand to pause under the Willows. Springtime has finally arrived and the trees are in full bloom. The path they walk is lined with daffodils and occasional Wisteria. In the receding twilight, the colors are already fading. The couple hardly seems to notice. She is younger, with a slightly-limp blossom from a small, blue wildflower slipped into her hair, just above her left ear. He pauses and pulls the blade off of a tall piece of grass and holds it between his thumbs, blowing and making the grass reverberate as a whistle. In the thicket nearby, a small, invisible animal scurries for cover. The sound of their laughter carries across the water and echoes back from the stone wall that borders their domain. They pause at their favorite spot. Finding the log bench, after he brushes off the accumulated leaves and dust, they sit side-by-side facing the water. The evening is cool. She slides close to his side and his arm naturally drapes around her like a priceless stole. They seem to be swaying back and forth to some music that never reaches the ears, music from their souls. Up the slope and beyond the lush garden which was recently turned and planted, the house, Four Oaks, stands majestically behind the circular driveway. The four columns on the verandah make this home much like its sister, Arlington House. Behind the main house, the summer kitchen is filled with the aroma of the shoulder that is roasting in preparation of the next day's main meal. Whiffs of this scent reach the couple by the pond and even though they are well sated from today's repast, they notice the aroma and comment on the pleasure in store for them. She looks up at him with dewy eyes like she has so many, many times before. He has been her rock in times of trouble, so stable and caring. Even when she is moody or agitated, he seems so fair, so able to calm her fears. He looks down at her upturned face and takes her shoulders in his hands. Her arms slip around his waist. After all these years, he still shivers at her touch. His head lowers as he finds her willing mouth with his.
About the Author: Dr. Dan S. Gilliam, Sr., was born in Washington, DC; and, now, resides in the Texas Panhandle with his wife and their two rescued dogs. He earned a Doctorate in Ministry from Cornerstone University in 2001; and, in 2011, earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Pastoral Counseling and Psychology, from Maranatha University. He and Marlene spend time writing, and working in various ministry capacities.