Catching Serenity

by JoAnn Durgin

  His tender kisses trailed across her skin in a featherlight path, warming her temple, her cheeks, her mouth. “Put me out of my misery and marry me tomorrow.”

  “How about in a month?” she managed to murmur.

  He sighed and nuzzled below her right ear lobe. “Two weeks.”

  “What are you doing to me?” Her heart pounded, her mind spun, her pulse was erratic.

  “Hopefully driving you wild so you won’t want to wait any longer than tomorrow.” Jackson continued what he was doing, making it impossible to think.

  “You’re doing an extremely good job of it. How about a compromise?”

  “I like the sound of that.” Jackson stopped, giving her a heavy-lidded, irresistible grin. “You look incredible in your gorgeous blue gown tonight, Miss McClaren. A vision. I couldn’t keep my eyes off you. And now, I’m having a very hard time keeping my lips from yours.” To reinforce his point, he kissed her again, this one deep and slow.

  “One week from today, at the same place on the beach where we first built the sand castle with Justin, provided we can get Pastor Tom booked,” she said, coming up for air. “If it rains, we’ll move to the house. But, what about your family? I’ve never even met them.”

  “Sweetheart, I’ll make sure Pastor Tom’s there if I have to kidnap him myself, and somehow I think the Lord will shower us with the blessing of sunshine.” His smile reached his eyes. “As far as my family, I’ll invite them. If they’re not here in a week, I’ll take you to Chicago in a month for a long weekend. Take Justin to see the Willis Tower. I hear he likes it. Mom will want to plan a big reception. She’ll need longer than a week to plan it, guaranteed, but nothing’s stopping this wedding now that you’ve agreed. It’s a date.”

  He kissed her again. “You’ve made me the happiest man on earth and I’m not just talking about tonight.” He murmured against her lips, “I promise you the world as best as I can give it to you, my love. Sand castles, Justin, all of me—and anything else your heart desires—included.”

  “Deidre and my mom will be my attendants. Maya the flower girl.”

  “Your dad and Charlie will stand up with me and I insist on Justin standing up with us.”

  “I agree, but be forewarned that he might get antsy. Sometimes I forget he’s only five.”

  Jackson laughed and kissed her again. “He won’t be the only one. We’ll have a quick dinner at a fancy restaurant and then I’m whisking you away to some exotic island. I’m sure your parents will agree to watch Justin. And then we can start the process of getting to know one another better.”

  “Oh, Dr. Ross, the things you say,” she said, smiling. “Where shall we live? Is Doc Rasmussen ever coming home again?”

  “Yes, but there’s another luxury cottage further down the beach, rather secluded. I kind of have an ‘in’ with the realtor if you’re interested.”

  “In decorating it or—”

  “Sure, you can decorate it, as long as you and Justin move in there with me. We’ll be a family. I realized I missed your birthday somewhere along the way. I need to give you an extra special gift, a really great one since it’s belated.”

  “Not important,” she said. “I barely acknowledged it myself. I was so busy with getting the business started, anyway.”

  “For one thing,” he whispered, dropping light kisses here, there, everywhere, “I’d love to give you a little princess at some point.”

  “So you can spoil her rotten, I’m sure. What do you suggest we name her?” Serenity asked, feeling as though she’d burst from joy.

  Jackson nuzzled her neck and pulled her close. “I don’t know…haven’t thought that far ahead yet.” He laughed then, rich and hearty. “How do you feel about Prudence?”

  Serenity laughed with Jackson until her husband-to-be silenced her in the best way imaginable.

  ~CHAPTER 49~

  Serenity smiled into the gorgeous eyes of the strong, loyal man of faith she would soon call her husband. Holding onto her father’s arm, she began her short walk on the white runner leading to where the ceremony would take place. How blessed she was to love and be loved by this man who promised her a future of great love, faith and family. Tall and unbelievably handsome in his Army Service Uniform, Jackson loved her with his eyes as she slowly made her way toward him. His gaze traveled from the simple garland of Vi’s Violet roses in her hair to the matching bouquet she held before moving to the elegant off-the-shoulder gown made from Chantilly lace and ivory silk and finally to her exquisitely beaded, low-heeled ivory shoes. She’d never felt so cherished and beautiful. Treasured.

  Clinton patted her arm and Serenity squeezed his hand. She murmured a quick prayer of thanks, especially when she noticed two handsome men—the younger of whom strongly resembled Jackson—and the other one escorting a woman and two young girls. An older couple—a distinguished gentleman accompanied by a lovely woman—slipped into white wooden chairs at the front. Jackson’s family. Thank you, Lord. She noted Jackson’s upright posture and the muscles clenching in his jaw. He fought the deep emotion, just as she did, but what happiness swelled her heart. Reaching for his hand, she held on tight.

  She wished she could have met them prior to the ceremony, but they were here, and that’s what was most important. They’d have plenty of time to get acquainted later. If she’d learned nothing else, it was that sometimes things don’t always work out the way anyone planned. Roundabouts and detours in life were often blessings in disguise.

  Diedre held a tissue in one hand and dabbed at her eyes as Pastor Tom welcomed them, his open Bible balanced in his hands. Elise stepped into place beside her and Serenity handed her the bouquet as her dad kissed her cheek and took his position next to Jackson. Justin stood in front of both men, and they each put a hand on her son’s shoulders—all three of the men in her life gathered together in this joyous celebration she wouldn’t have thought possible even a few months ago.

  Further into the ceremony, as they’d planned, they recited short vows, exchanged rings and then held hands and turned to face their guests. “‘Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous,’” Serenity said.

  “‘Love does not brag and is not arrogant, ’” Jackson said. “‘Does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own. ’”

  “‘Is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth, ’” Serenity said.

  Together in unison, they said, “‘Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. ’”

  “And now, by the power invested in me by God and the great State of South Carolina, I now pronounce you husband and wife, Jackson David Ross and Serenity Grace Ross,” Pastor Tom said, closing his Bible. “Jackson, you may now and forever kiss your lovely bride.”

  Cheers sprang up all around them as Jackson gathered her in his arms and lowered his head. “Hello to the rest of our lives, Mrs. Ross.”

  “I look forward to every day the Lord grants us together, Mr. Ross.”

  As they shared their first kiss as a married couple, Serenity smiled when she heard claps and cheers all around them. “I love you,” Jackson said against her lips before tantalizing her with promises whispered in her ear. “We’ll continue this…and much more…on the island later tonight,” he said with an irresistible grin.

  “Yes, we will,” she said, brushing her lips against his one more time before they parted. “I look forward to it.” Easing out of the kiss, loving the sound of his deep chuckle, Serenity spied Justin standing a few feet away. He smiled, opened his arms wide and ran into their embrace.

  Serenity swallowed her tears at the handsome picture Justin made, especially dressed in his Sunday best. Like a miniature version of Danny, and a glimpse into the future.

  Her groom—so regal in his military uniform—filled her with anticipation of everything to come. She’d asked him to wear the Purple Heart. He’d resisted, and they’d compromised: he wore it beneath his
uniform.

  This man represented hopes, dreams and the sweetest of promises for a lifetime. Along with them would come disappointment, aches and the inevitable heartache. But hopefully the good would far outweigh the bad.

  Her gaze strayed to Mama and Dad, reunited, happy and more in love than ever. Her eyes softened when she looked at Maya and Charlie, Deidre and Wes and their children. And now one more on the way, a happy and welcome surprise. Such dear friends—all with different needs, wants and fears. But they had each other and shared this wonderful community of Croisette Shores. It was more than beaches, palm trees and sand castles. It was home. Who knew what the future would bring?

  I do.

  “Yes, You do, Lord,” she said, winking at Jackson when he gave her a curious look.

  Rest in Me, child.

  I will, Lord. I’m so thankful. Blessed. Eternally grateful.

  Lifting Justin in his arms, Jackson tousled his hair and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Did you want to say something, little man?”

  “Yup,” Justin said, not in the least embarrassed that the eyes of all their wedding guests were on him.

  Watching Jackson with her little boy made her so happy, Serenity thought she’d burst. He’d always be Danny’s son by birth, and she’d make sure he knew what a good man his father was. But, in his heart, Justin would belong to Jackson.

  Her eyes misted. You’d like Jackson, Danny. He’ll be a wonderful husband and a great father to your son. He’ll take care of us, shelter us, protect us. Keep us safe. And our gracious and merciful God will watch over us all.

  “Mommy? Are you okay?”

  Serenity returned his precious smile. “Yes. I’m just thanking God. What do you want to say, honey?”

  “Okay, everybody,” Justin said, squirming out of Jackson’s arms and planting both feet on the sand. Marching in front of the gathered group, he clapped his hands although he already had their attention. “Let’s do it just like we practiced.” Her mother gave her a wink and her father beamed from ear-to-ear.

  Jackson shot her a grin and raised a brow. “Know anything about this?”

  “Haven’t a clue.” When he slid his arm around her waist, she leaned against his shoulder. He kissed the top of her head, and she breathed a sigh of pure contentment.

  Justin raised his arms, holding them like a maestro preparing to cue his orchestra. “Watch me, now. Here we go. One, two, three…”

  The voices of their loved ones surrounded them in unison, settling in Serenity’s soul and filling her heart with more love than she’d ever imagined as they joined hands and sang a few choruses of “Amazing Grace.”

  When they finished, Justin planted a warm kiss on her cheek. “And they lived happily ever after.”

  ~The End~

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Catching Serenity is JoAnn Durgin’s fifth published, full-length novel. She is the author of The Lewis Legacy Series: Awakening, Second Time Around, Twin Hearts and Daydreams (Torn Veil Books), and Christmas novellas, Meet Me Under the Mistletoe and its sequel (coming for the 2013 holiday season), Starlight, Star Bright (Pelican Book Group/White Rose Publishing). An estate administration paralegal in a Louisville, Kentucky law firm, JoAnn lives with her family in southern Indiana. A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (national and Indiana chapter) and the Louisville Christian Writers, JoAnn’s prayer is that her contemporary romantic adventures will touch hearts and lives with the redeeming love of Jesus Christ. She’d love to hear from you at www.joanndurgin.com or via her Author JoAnn Durgin page on Facebook.

  Awakening

  Book #1 of The Lewis Legacy Series

  Available on Amazon Kindle

  Always a special low price!

  Book Description

  A God-fearing man. A God-seeking woman. For Sam Lewis and Lexa Clarke, it proves a combustible combination. Lexa Clarke signs up for a TeamWork Missions summer assignment expecting adventure in a far-off, exotic country. Instead, she’s sent to sweltering San Antonio to help rebuild homes destroyed by sudden flooding. She survives the four-hour bus trip from Houston, dust in the lungs, a flat tire, a tool-throwing incident and a spitting goat—not to mention an inquisition from a distractingly handsome cowboy—all before reaching the work camp.

  TeamWork director Sam Lewis isn’t sure what to think of his newest volunteer. She’s feisty, witty, and incredibly pretty, but looks more prepared to board a cruise ship than build houses. Burned by a past betrayal, he’s got a job to do, a reputation to uphold. Sam can’t afford to be distracted by a woman who attracts animals, defies his rules, finds trouble at every turn and questions God’s purpose. But when she tumbles from the top beam of one of the houses into his arms, Sam suspects his life will never be the same. During their weeks together in the TeamWork camp, Sam and Lexa learn the power of forgiveness and healing.

  Enduring a chain of incidents which challenge their faith, trust and growing relationship, they look to the Lord for guidance as together they discover a love greater than either could ever imagine. At the end of the eight-week work camp, Sam is committed to a year-long, dangerous overseas mission for TeamWork. Can Lexa trust the Lord enough to let him go? Will Sam safely return and keep his promise to meet her at the Alamo? You’ll keep turning the pages of this sweeping romantic adventure.

  With great characters, plenty of humor, enough emotion to make you shed a tear or two, and an ending that’ll have you cheering, Awakening will leave you breathless. Hold on tight. The adventures of Lewis and Clarke have only just begun!

  CHAPTER 1

  Mid-June 1997

  Lexa Clarke was on a roll, and it wasn’t even noon.

  San Antonio—40 miles. The highway marker filled her with anticipation. Soon, she’d be a survivor of the four-hour bus trip from Houston. So far, so good. The guy with the beady eyes seated beside her reeked of knock-off drugstore cologne and offered her things, none of them legal. With nearly every seat occupied, she was stuck. Burying her head in her dad’s old police union newsletter did the trick. Smart thinking, bringing that along.

  The senior flirt across the aisle graced her with a gap-toothed smile and nudged her with his cane a couple of times. A young mother attempted conversation, but finally gave up when her two rambunctious boys demanded constant attention. When Beady Eyes snored—a loud, obnoxious wheeze—Lexa attempted to read her novel, but her thoughts always strayed to the upcoming eight weeks.

  Maybe building houses in a summer predicted to be one of the hottest on record wasn’t the smartest idea. Lexa swallowed her doubts and lifted her chin. When you want to make a difference in the world, you’ve got to make some sacrifices. The TeamWork driver would pick her up in less than an hour, and then the real adventure could begin . . .

  The bus pulled into the Greyhound bus station along with Lexa’s high hopes. Holding out one hand, the driver helped her to the curb and grinned with surprise when she handed him a generous tip. He hurried to retrieve her rolling suitcase. “Enjoy your stay in San Antonio, Miss.”

  Lexa broke into a grin, equal parts relief and excitement. “Thanks. I’m sure I will.” It might be long hours of hard work with no pay, but it’s how she chose to spend her summer. High hopes should count for something.

  As she toted her designer suitcase through the terminal, Lexa’s grip tightened when she glimpsed curious stares directed her way. A middle-aged couple waved and called to the frazzled mother with the two boys. Lexa’s eyes misted with unexpected tears at the sight of their Going to Grandma’s suitcases. Her version had been pink with daisies for all those weekend trips to Nana’s house in Galveston. The man swooped the older boy into his arms and peppered his face with kisses while the woman bundled the toddler in a tight hug.

  She squinted against the assault of late morning sun as she made her way outside. The sunglasses left on the dresser in her Houston townhome would come in handy about now.

  Lexa jumped when a teenager’s bulging backpack sideswiped her arm. With earphones s
trapped across his head, he was oblivious to the outside world as his thumbs worked furiously over some type of electronic gadget. A group of boisterous guys and girls piled into a compact car. Its tires squealed when it roared away from the curb, spewing a cloud of dust in its wake. Alone on the sidewalk, Lexa’s throat clogged. She clamped a hand over her mouth, her other across her stomach, sputtering and choking. Nothing like coughing up a lung.

  Recovered from her attack a few minutes later, Lexa spied a white Volvo station wagon putt-putting in her direction. A tall man in a cowboy hat sat behind the wheel. A trickle of perspiration made its slow, winding path down her back as the car simultaneously wound its way toward the curb. It stopped with a rumble inches from where she waited.

  Lexa brushed a hand across her damp forehead and peered through the open passenger window. “Are you from TeamWork?”

  He cut the engine. “Yep. Sam Lewis. At your service. You must be Alexis Clarke.” Deeply-etched lines on either side of his mouth complemented a blinding smile and aviator sunglasses shielded his eyes from the blazing sun.

  “Call me Lexa.” Her neck craned upward as he climbed out of the car to his full height. She skimmed over the black T-shirt and faded jeans that tapered to well-worn boots. In spite of being covered in a layer of dust from the top of the black Stetson down to his toes, he somehow managed to look clean-cut. Truly, this man epitomized the urban, modern cowboy.

  Sam towered over her as he reached for her bag. “Afraid you’re going to have to let go unless your fingers are going in the back along with the suitcase.” The drawl was deep and warm. “You can trust me. I promise I’ll take good care of it.”