Abide: A Christian Romance Novel (The Lewis Legacy Series, Book 7)

by JoAnn Durgin

  Walking close on their heels was Carson and…wow. The man with Carson had to be Commander Lewis. If it weren’t for Sam’s deep smile lines and the slight tinge of silver at his temples, Will could pass for his twin.

  “I didn’t know I’d meet Will tonight,” he whispered to Caty. “I think I’m a little nervous.”

  “He still wasn’t sure whether he could come when I spoke with him yesterday.”

  “I feel like I should stand at attention or salute or something.”

  Caty ducked her head and smiled. “He gets enough of that at work. Don’t indulge him. Around us, he’s just Will.”

  “Right.” Caleb chuckled. “Like you’re just Caty.” He kissed her temple. “The most remarkable woman I know.”

  After the introductions were made and everyone was seated around the long table, Sam Sr. welcomed them all. “We’re not only here tonight to celebrate Sam’s birthday, we’re also celebrating another momentous occasion.” He nodded to Caty and Caleb. “Caty and Caleb’s engagement.”

  Carson whooped it up, and Lauren joined him. Will came around the table to shake his hand, and they talked for a few moments. Caleb was pleased to find the commander surprisingly warm although much more reserved than his brothers. Lauren was having a ball chatting with everyone, and he hid his smile at her puppy love for Commander Will when he said something to Carson. Those two brothers seemed pretty close. A quick glance around the room confirmed half the females in the place were stargazing at the astronaut.

  Retrieving the envelope from his pocket, Caleb handed it across the table. “Happy birthday, Sam.”

  “What’s this?” Sam took the envelope from him. As he opened it, a grin spread across his face. “Thank you, Caleb. I’m sure we’ll be happy to accept your hospitality.”

  “What is it, Daddy?” The little blonde scampered out of her chair and went over to her father, peeking over his shoulder.

  “Mr. Reid has given us box seats to an Astros game with the Milwaukee Brewers at Minute Maid Park this coming Saturday.”

  “How nice of you, Caleb.” Lexa gave him a bright smile. “Nothing could be more perfect for Sam.” Caty had checked ahead of time with Lexa to ensure Sam would be in town and available to attend.

  “Everyone is invited,” Caleb said. “The more the merrier. Hunter Pence is making his MLB debut as the Astros center fielder. He’s from Arlington High School near Dallas, and I’ve been watching him for a few years. Before the game, if you’d like, I’ll be happy to give you a tour of the baseball memorabilia in my office.”

  Sam Sr. chuckled. “Caty didn’t tell us about that. We’ll look forward to seeing it.”

  Caleb held up one hand. “She’s only being a loyal Belac employee. That has something to with a confidentiality clause which I can assure you I’ll be reevaluating in the near future.”

  “You’re going to love his collection.” Caty squeezed his hand.

  “That’s so cool!” Joe said. “Uncle Will, are you going on Saturday, too?”

  Will shot him a grin. “I’ll do my best, Joe.”

  “Even though you were probably joking when you told Rebekah about having promotional baseballs made with Belac emblazoned on them, have you thought any more about that idea?” Caty asked as they ordered their dinners.

  “Not yet, but I’ve come up with something I think you’ll like. I’m going to be sneaky and make you wait until Saturday.” He’d made a sizable donation as a new corporate sponsor for the Astros, and the league owners had promised their new banner would be added to the stadium by the weekend game. His loyalty to the Rangers would remain firmly in place, and he was also a part-owner in that franchise. As long as he kept it in Texas, no reason he couldn’t support both teams.

  Taking Caty’s hand, he admired the engagement ring she’d chosen—a 2.02-carat, Blue Nile Signature Round Diamond on a platinum band. The facets sparkled in the light. He would have bought Caty whatever she wanted, but this one suited them both. Knowing they most likely wouldn’t wait long to be married, they’d gone ahead and ordered a matching band for her as well as a simple platinum wedding band for him. Both his bands and Caty’s would be engraved with the Scripture reference for John 15:4 as well as the word Abide.

  After everyone had ordered, Sarah called for their attention. “Sam didn’t want us to make a big deal about his birthday, so instead of celebrating his birthday, tonight we’re celebrating Caty and Caleb’s engagement.”

  Carson grinned. “Surprise!”

  Beside him, Caty gasped, clearly as surprised as he was.

  Sam Sr. rose beside his wife and lifted his water glass. “To Caleb and Lauren. Welcome to the family. Caty, thank you for bringing them into our lives.” They all raised their glasses in a rousing toast.

  “We have gifts,” Lexa told them. She asked the kids to take everything to them.

  Sam gifted him with an autographed copy of his Seven Rules of Marriage book, and her parents gave them a gift card to one dinner each at four different fine restaurants in the area. Carson gave him a subscription to Kindred Spirit and, together with Will, gave them a gift card to the local Christian bookstore. Will also offered a tour of NASA and Mission Control, an idea Lauren pounced on immediately, as well as Joe.

  Lexa handed Caty an envelope from Doyle-Clarke Catering containing a gift certificate for a private catered dinner for up to eight persons in his home with the menu of their choice. “There’s no expiration date,” Lexa told them. Caty had told him that her father was especially close to his daughter-in-law, something to do with the fact that her mother died when Lexa was a young girl—close in age to Lauren when they’d lost Helena—and her father had more or less neglected her.

  “We have something for you, too!” Prancing around the table, Leah and Hannah presented them with a rather sizable package wrapped in festive paper with brightly colored hearts.

  “Go ahead. You can open it now,” Leah said.

  “Thank you, girls.” Caty kissed each of their cheeks. “Caleb, I wonder what this could be?”

  “It’s from Joe and Chloe, too.” Hannah giggled when Caty pretended to shake and rattle the box.

  “Chloe is Josh and Winnie’s oldest daughter,” Caty explained as she carefully removed the wrapping paper.

  “Just rip it off already. Why do girls always take so long?” Joe’s comment made Caleb smile.

  “My sentiments exactly, Joe,” Carson said. This guy was fun.

  Caty moved aside layers of tissue paper. “What have we here?” She held up two crowns made from gold poster board, decorated with fake jewels, and decorated with white fur trim around the bottom.

  “You’re the princess and prince!” Hannah said, clapping.

  Leah beamed. “You have to wear your crowns all night!”

  Sam laughed. “Don’t let it go to your heads.”

  “Sam, I think we’re going to get along just fine,” Caleb said.

  Lauren helped Caleb position his crown while the twins served as Caty’s eager ladies-in-waiting. He’d wear that crown all night and dance up a storm to keep Lauren smiling.

  Thank you, Jesus.

  He’d never felt so much a part of a family as he did with Caty’s family, and he’d only just met them. God always knows. The verse from Jeremiah 29:11 came to mind about the Lord’s plans to give him a future filled with hope. A promise he would claim.

  The threats were never far from his mind, but tonight—as much as any other time since they’d begun—Caleb felt at peace. No matter what happened, he could face the future with confidence.

  Yes, he would abide.

  They would be all right.

  ~~♥~~

  After their delicious meal filled with lively, ongoing conversation, the dishes were cleared. Caty smiled as Sam rose to his feet and announced, “Let’s get to it. Time for some dancing.”

  Caleb pushed back his chair. “Shall we, Miss Lewis?”

  “Dance with Lauren first, and then we’ll dance,” she said.
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  “And that’s why I love you, my princess.” Before he could act on the suggestion, her father approached and asked to dance with Lauren. Watching her dad move toward the dance floor with Caleb’s daughter, Caty gave her mother a nod. Sarah gestured for her to dance with Caleb.

  “Everything okay?” he asked as tears sprang into her eyes as they walked to the dance floor together.

  “Fine. I’m afraid you caught me in another emotional moment.”

  He nodded to Lauren, standing between Carson and Sam Sr., laughing and spinning as they line danced. “Look at her. They’ve made her feel so welcome. I can’t remember seeing her smile that big in a long time.”

  Who knew an oil man had such rhythm? Caty was in awe. Tucking his thumbs in his belt, Caleb moved like a natural dancer as they performed a few more line dances together. They boot-scooted, two-stepped, and then joined in the West Coast Swing beside Sam and Lexa. Caty smiled and gave Will and Carson a thumbs-up as they danced with their nieces. On occasion, Will swept one of the girls into his arms while Carson did the same with the other. Lauren even danced with Joe, and she found that incredibly sweet. She was more surprised to see Joe dancing. If Commander Will could dance, that must have given him inspiration.

  A few times, Caty nearly dislodged her crown. Caleb’s landed on the floor on numerous occasions, sending the twins into a fit of giggles as they scrambled after it, seeing which one could grab it first and plop it back on his head.

  “Line dancing is good for the soul,” Caleb said, breaking into her reverie. “At least, a Texas soul.” His face was flushed from his efforts.

  “You know it.” A slow waltz began, giving Caty an opportunity to catch her breath. “Where’d you learn to dance so well?”

  “My mom loves to dance Texas-style, and she made sure I learned. Those skills made me a novelty at Princeton until I taught them the East Coast Swing. That convinced a few of them we know how to do certain things right down here in Texas.” He stressed his drawl on that last part and then stole a quick kiss.

  A short time later, after a few more line dances, Caleb danced with her mother while Caty danced with Dad.

  “Caleb is a good man, sweetheart.” He kissed her cheek. “Your mother and I are thrilled for all of you.”

  “Thank you, Dad. Your opinion means everything to me. I know Caleb might not be what—”

  “Not as tall as we expected?” His blue eyes smiled when she looked up at him. “Honey, we can’t predict who the Lord will bring into our lives. Your mother and I have prayed for your husband since before you were born, same as we’ve done for all our children. There are no prerequisites or limitations on that person. All we’ve asked is that your husband be an honorable man who loves the Lord and loves you with all his heart. Our prayers in that regard have been answered. And Caleb has a lovely daughter to boot.”

  Caty’s heart swelled with love. “You’re the best. Say, would you mind going with Caleb to fly model airplanes sometime?”

  He smiled. “Not at all if that’s something he enjoys. That’s one kind of airplane I’ve never flown before.”

  “From what I gather, that’s the one happy memory Caleb has from when his dad was around. He left the family when Caleb was ten to drive a truck on the open road, and he died a few years ago without ever contacting them again.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. Then all the more reason to fly a model airplane with him. I can see if Sam and Joe can join us. Maybe Carson.”

  “Not the first time. Make it just the two of you. If you go again, then invite the others.”

  Her father leaned his head on hers. “Sounds like Caleb’s risen above adversity. His story reminds me somewhat of Sam’s friend, Marc Thompson, in Boston. Marc’s dad was a famous basketball player who played for the Celtics in the NBA.”

  “I did hear that somewhere along the way.” Caty pulled back to look at her father as they continued to dance. “Marc played for the Red Sox farm team in Pawtucket, right?”

  Her father nodded. “That’s correct. His dad developed a brain tumor and pushed everyone out of his life. He died alone without reconciling with his family. As a result, Marc stepped up to become the male figure for his mother and sister. Then, as you know, he went on to become a highly successful business owner of a sports agency in Boston.”

  “I guess having their fathers leave like that can make a man stronger,” Caty said. “I’ll tell you one thing.” The unspoken sentiment was that it could also have had the opposite effect.

  “What’s that?” Her dad’s grin surfaced.

  “I can’t wait to meet who the Lord has waiting for Will and Carson.” Leaning her head on his chest, Caty heard the low rumble of her father’s chuckle.

  “That makes two of us. It could be that Will is destined to remain single, but I doubt it.”

  “I hope not. We both know Carson will get married once he settles down.”

  “Yes, Carson needs to find his place first,” her father agreed. “Will’s found his place, and that needs to be his sole focus for now. Rightly so.” Sam Sr. shook his head. “Sometimes I still can’t believe your mother’s dream from all those years ago is coming true in a few months.”

  Caty smiled. “That pleases you as much as anything else, doesn’t it, Dad? That it was Mom’s dream?”

  A smile creased his handsome face. “Every bit as much as Sam leading his TeamWork crew.” He kissed her cheek. “And the work you’re doing with the Montford Mission. Not to forget your sisters in raising their wonderful families and working on their own ministry projects. I realize how many families have children who stray from the faith, but your mother and I are blessed that all of you have stayed close to the Lord. I don’t know of many families who can say the same.”

  “You and Mom created a true legacy of faith, Dad. Thank you for that. Have I told you lately how very much I love you?”

  “You just did. Love you, too, Catherine.” He moved his hand over his heart as the song ended and Caleb came to claim her once more. With a nod, her father took her hand and joined it with Caleb’s and then quietly departed.

  She caught Sam’s eye as he danced with Lexa, and he winked.

  And then Caty made one more turn on the dance floor with Caleb, the princess and her prince for the evening.

  Chapter 48

  Saturday, May 12, 2007

  Caty wasn’t sure what was more fun. Watching Lauren with Justin or watching Caleb watching the two young people.

  He grunted. “I never thought I’d be sitting here, eating ice cream after the Greenbriar-Browne dance, while my daughter and her first crush are sitting across the room making eyes at each other.”

  Caty smiled. “Kind of like I’m making at you right now?’

  “I’ll never get tired of it with you, Caty. I also refuse to call this her first date.”

  “That’s because it’s really not. I keep telling you that.” Why wouldn’t he listen? “I had a little chat with her before the dance started, Caleb. Lauren understands you won’t allow her to date ‘for real’ for another few years.”

  She grinned as she scooped another bite of her ice cream. “I’ll never forget the look on your face as you saw your young lady come down the stairs tonight in her pretty pink dress.”

  “Look at them. Were we ever that young?”

  “I don’t know about you, but I was…once upon a time,” she said. “But I’m thankful everything in my past led me to being here with you right now. Slurping ice cream and wondering how I ever got so blessed.”

  Caleb swung his gaze back to hers. “You say things like that and I have to ask…Caty, will you run away with me tonight? If the plane’s free, I’ll have the pilot fly us to Reno, and we can be married by morning.”

  “Hmm. Tempting. You do like your surprises, don’t you?” With a small smile, Caty spooned another bite of her praline ice cream from the cup. In her midnight blue gown, she didn’t want to take the chance she’d spill any of the sweet treat on her dress.
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  “You think I’m joking? Sam told me about marrying Lexa in San Antonio. It’s not like surprise weddings are unheard of in your family.”

  “Yes, but although their wedding was a surprise, it wasn’t really a shock.”

  He tilted his head. “How so?”

  “I’m sure Sam told you he’d been gone for a year on a trip to Africa. That mission ended up being pretty dangerous, as it turns out. During that year, Mom mentored Lexa. She was still young in her faith, and she took Lexa under her wing. I feel safe in saying the entire family fell in love with her. Sam let us know he planned to meet her in San Antonio but swore us all to secrecy. Hardest secret I’ve ever had to keep other than not telling people I work for Belac,” she admitted. “Did he tell you about the yellow roses and asking the children to run over to Lexa and give her flowers?”

  “He did. Sounds like a movie considering it took place in the front of The Alamo.”

  “I suppose it does.” Caty grinned and took another bite of her ice cream. “I was proud of you tonight, Caleb. The highlight of the evening was seeing you dance with the headmistress.”

  He grinned as he took another bite of his butter pecan ice cream in a waffle cone. Clearly, he wasn’t as concerned about any drops of ice cream falling on his black tuxedo or black necktie. The man was a dream all his own in that tux, a close second to his casual look. Who was she kidding? Caleb looked good in everything he wore, and then some.

  “Winthorpe was a good dancer once she settled down and allowed me to lead.” After another bite, Caleb gave her a rather sly smile. “Want to know the highlight for me? Seeing the look on your face when you saw that guy you knew from years ago. The one you had a crush on. Grant something or other.”

  Caty laughed. “Grant Sims. I can’t believe he showed up, especially since I’d just told Lauren I’d gone to my first boy-girl dance with him. Of course, Lauren was more interested in whether or not I kissed Grant.”