Enchantment: A Christian Romance Novel (The Lewis Legacy Series Book 6)

by JoAnn Durgin

  The ladies of the One Nation Church had presented handmade jewelry to each of the TeamWork ladies, and brightly painted wooden katsina dolls, as well as hand-carved wooden flutes, for the kids.

  “Traditionally, the katsina dolls are teaching tools,” Lila explained. “They’re carved representations of the Katsinam, the spirit messengers of the universe. For that reason, if you’d rather your girls not play with these dolls, we will understand.”

  “Our girls think they’re very pretty and colorful, and they’re a good reminder of our time here in New Mexico. We encourage our children to embrace different cultures. They’re strong in their faith and aren’t threatened by beliefs different from their own.”

  Lila nodded to table filled with all the TeamWork children. “Your children are very well-behaved.”

  “Thank you,” Lexa said. “Your children are grown?”

  “Yes. We have two sons, both in their twenties. They live in Arizona within five miles of one another.” Although she couldn’t be sure, Lexa thought she detected a trace of sadness.

  “That’s nice,” Lexa said. “May I ask how you came to be a Christian?” From what little Lila and Pastor Chevy had shared during dinner, they’d only come to know the Lord in the past decade. To think they’d assembled a group of Native American believers and raised enough money for the church building in a relatively short time was a testament of their commitment to telling others about their faith in Christ.

  The dark-haired woman smiled and pushed a strand of hair away from her eyes. She’d been cooking most of the afternoon, and her round, pretty face was still flushed from the heat in the kitchen. She appeared to be in her mid-forties.

  “There was a five-day revival in Albuquerque eight years ago, and Cheveyo and I decided to go one night. I think we were more curious than anything else. My husband is a policeman, and he’d been hurt in a shooting. I’m thankful his life was spared, but it shook his self-confidence.”

  Lila glanced at her husband. “He was difficult to live with and didn’t want to be relegated to a desk job. A friend of his from the police precinct invited us to go to the revival or we wouldn’t have gone. As we listened to the preacher, he presented a very clear explanation of how and why Jesus died for us on the cross, the power of forgiveness, grace, and redemption. That night, Cheveyo and I went to the altar together. With all the stress after his injury, I almost walked away from the marriage. But on that night, I renewed my commitment and then God renewed our marriage.”

  “What a wonderful testimony of God’s grace,” Lexa said. “Is Cheveyo still a police officer?” If Sam had mentioned the pastor was a police officer, she must have forgotten. More likely, he told her when she’d been busy or had her mind focused on other things.

  “Yes, he’s now a part-time night duty officer at the station. The church is more his full-time job. A few members of our church are also police officers. That’s a brotherhood that’s also quite special in a very different way.”

  Lexa smiled, reminded of her late father, Michael Clarke. “My father was a police officer in Houston, so I understand the life of a public servant. Are either of your sons police officers?”

  “No, they chose accounting. They both wanted the type of desk job their father never did.”

  “I take it your sons weren’t at the revival with you and Cheveyo?” Lexa worried she’d overstepped her bounds by asking the question, but the other woman didn’t seem to mind.

  “No.” Lila said with obvious regret. “We didn’t raise our boys with any type of faith system other than the traditions of our parents and ancestors. And, because they don’t understand our faith, we don’t see them often. They won’t come to visit, even though they grew up in Albuquerque, and I’m afraid they don’t want much to do with us. Our oldest son, Kohana, has two young children now, and it breaks our hearts not to know them.” The other woman’s eyes welled with tears. “I should be reading them stories and Cheveyo should be bouncing them on his knee.”

  Lexa moved her arm around Lila and drew her close. “Sam and I will certainly pray for your sons’ hearts to be softened, especially Kohana’s. We’ll pray that you’ll be able to see your grandchildren. God can accomplish so much if we ask. Trust me, it’s a lesson I had to learn. But if we trust in His promises, He can accomplish miracles that we can’t even begin to imagine.”

  “I know,” Lila told her, smiling through watery eyes. “I’ve seen some of those miracles. I never would have believed we’d be building this church today. I believe God brings those to us who will impact our lives, for good and bad. But, in the case of TeamWork and your husband, in particular”—Lila reached for Lexa’s hand, squeezing it for a long moment—“God brought us a true warrior of the faith. Thank you for the gift of your time, your efforts, and your love.”

  A few minutes later, Kevin pulled out his guitar and led them in a few songs. Then Pastor Cheveyo and Sam presented a short devotion together. As the two men took turns reading scripture and speaking, Lexa sat back in her chair with Hannah on her lap.

  “I’m reading from 1 Corinthians, verses 5 through 9,” Sam said. “‘What then is Appollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. I planted, Appollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.’”

  Pastor Chevy smiled. “The members of our One Nation Church have done the planting. The TeamWork volunteers have watered those plants, but it’s the Lord who’s now going to bring growth to our efforts here.”

  “Daddy and the other man are talking about the Bible,” Hannah whispered before planting a wet, sloppy kiss on Lexa’s cheek.

  “They’re also talking about you, me, Leah, and Joe.” Lexa tapped the end of her daughter’s nose with one finger, smiling at the way she scrunched her cute little face. Leaning close, she whispered in Hannah’s ear. “They’re saying how all of us are working together to build a special place to worship God here in New Mexico.”

  Hannah glanced up at her with wide blue eyes. “I help?”

  “Yes, honey. You’re here to love and support your daddy, me, and our TeamWork friends, and help make things for the kids’ Sunday school rooms.”

  All by itself, the smile that spread across her daughter’s face was worth the trip.

  Chapter 21

  Day 4, Thursday

  ~~♥~~

  During her mid-morning break from helping the kids, Angelina leaned against the tree. After eyeing her tote bag for a few seconds, she grabbed it and pulled out the book. She’d managed to make a cloth cover for it with some of the fabric leftover from making curtains for the church. No guilt there. She’d come up with every excuse in her own mind to justify her reading material. It was wrong, but she couldn’t seem to stop reading the book.

  “Hi, Angel.”

  Startled, Angelina moved one hand over her chest as she glanced up at Lexa. Sliding from her lap, the book landed on the ground, open, face up. Her cheeks burned with shame.

  “May I?”

  “Sure. Have a seat.” Snatching the book and stuffing it in her bag, Angelina shifted to make room.

  “I feel bad that I haven’t had much time to spend with you.” Even the kindness in her mentor’s tone pierced Angelina with guilt. “Chloe and Gracie showed me the crayon holders you all made out of the old coffee tins. The girls told me they were your idea. It was a good one.”

  “Thanks.” Angelina relaxed a bit. “We had fun. Of course, the boys protested the ribbons and lace. I think their tin with the fire engine turned out really cute.”

  “Yes, it did.” Lexa settled beside her, leaning back against the tree. She exhaled a long sigh. “It’s good to take a break for a few minutes, isn’t it? Some of us are going into tow
n soon, if you’d like to come.”

  “Sure. Sounds like fun.”

  “We’re going to buy fabric for curtains in the nursery, preschool, and elementary Sunday school rooms. I talked over ideas and color schemes with Lila last night at the dinner, and we have a clear direction. If we can find a Noah’s Ark print, we’re going to use that for the nursery to coordinate with Gayle’s mural. I hear you’ve helped Gayle a bit with the mural. Are you keeping up with your artwork these days?”

  Angelina nodded. “Art’s my favorite subject in school.” She wondered if she should tell Lexa about Felipe’s books but decided against it. He might not want anyone else to know. He still hadn’t shown her any of his work, but if she kept asking, hopefully he’d give her a peek.

  “I’m glad your mother was able to arrange it so you could join us, especially during the school year.”

  “One of the weeks is a break, anyway, but they were pretty cool with it.”

  “That’s good. I noticed you were reading. I’m glad to see you still enjoy that.”

  “I do. I still remember you reading to me in the TeamWork camp.” Feeling her cheeks grow warm, Angelina lowered her gaze.

  Lexa paused a long moment.

  Oh oh. Yep. She’s on to me.

  “Angelina, I hope you know those books aren’t representative of real life.” Lexa leaned her head down, trying to gain her eye contact. Embarrassed, Angelina refused to look her in the eye.

  “How did you know?”

  “I made an educated guess. I also caught a glimpse of the title. Dead giveaway.” With a gentle touch, Lexa placed one hand under her chin. “Look at me.”

  Lexa waited until she lifted her gaze and then dropped her hand. “I’m going to tell you something that might surprise you. When I arrived at that first TeamWork camp in San Antonio, I had a trashy romance novel in my purse and a few more few stashed away in my suitcase. If I was going to be there for eight weeks, I felt like I needed something to help me relax after building houses or working in the schoolroom all day.”

  Angelina drew in a quick breath, finding that difficult to believe. “Really? You?”

  Lexa smiled. “Really. A couple of the books were sweet, innocent romances, but most of the books were full of sexual situations, fantasies, and poor representations of what a real life romantic relationship is like.”

  “Lexa, can I ask you a question?”

  “Anything.” Lexa meant it, too. In some ways, talking with Lexa about the book, and telling her about Felipe, would be easier than with Mama.

  “If I’m only reading it and not doing anything with a boy, is it so wrong? I found it tucked beneath the bed here at the camp. It’s not like I brought it with me. See, Felipe says things to me sometimes, and it makes me curious. Not bad things, exactly, and I’m sure he’d tell me more if I asked. He hasn’t done anything with me that he shouldn’t, either, but I can tell he’s experienced with girls. I don’t know any details—and I don’t want to know details—but he gets…I don’t know, all these feelings stirred up inside me.” She was rambling, but she felt the need to try and explain herself. Not that there was any valid excuse.

  “Good feelings that make you all tingly and excited inside? And I’m guessing this book makes you feel the same way?”

  “Yes.” Although it was a difficult admission, she had to be honest. She owed it to Lexa since she’d been so open with her. A thought flitted through her mind of how Lexa had defended her against her harsh aunt in the San Antonio marketplace all those years ago. She’d stood up for her when most people would have backed away and not taken a stand.

  “Let me tell you what I’ve learned about that type of book, sweetie. The so-called hero has enjoyed a number of sexual encounters with women. He can be brooding and closed or outgoing and flirtatious, but he’s the kind of man every woman supposedly wants—tall, handsome, and virile. When he meets the heroine, for whatever reason, he decides she’s the one he’s been waiting for his entire life. He only wants her and suddenly he gives up his bad-boy ways. He takes her into his bed and makes love to her. And again. And then one more for the road.”

  Angelina couldn’t help her giggles. The corners of Lexa’s mouth lifted and then she continued. “Something eventually happens to break the lovers apart, but then they find their way back to one another and ride off into the sunset to their happy ending.”

  “That sounds like you and Sam without the sex stuff.” Angelina giggled when Lexa quirked a brow. “I mean, Sam’s very handsome and you’re so pretty. From what Mama says, when you two met, it’s like you both knew you were meant to be together.”

  Lexa smiled. “It wasn’t exactly like that, but what I want you to understand is that the romances in those books are fueled by hormones and a desire for a physical relationship. That’s lust, and it’s the opposite of how the Lord wants us to love someone, especially before marriage.”

  “How do you know you’re…compatible or whatever…if you don’t…?” When Lexa’s brow lifted, Angelina hastened to explain. “I’m not saying it’s right or anything. I’m just curious since you’re being so honest.”

  “It doesn’t mean we can’t be physically attracted to someone. That’s a part of us that will always be there. But we need to learn to exercise self-control and develop a healthy respect for everything about the other person apart from how good they can make us feel when we’re touched in an intimate way. More importantly, we need to be touched here.” Lexa put her hand over her heart and her expression softened. “God works out the details and honors those desires if we honor Him and make wise decisions.”

  “Some people think you shouldn’t even kiss before you get married.”

  Lexa nodded. “True. That’s a decision everyone has to make for themselves.”

  “Okay, then, how about Josh and Winnie?”

  Lexa had started to say something else but that comment stopped her. She was silent for a long moment as if gathering her thoughts. “Josh had a problem,” she said finally. “But he recognized it, confessed his sin, and got straight with the Lord. He’s always been a good man, and he was a Christian, but he made mistakes.”

  “They had a daughter together, but he didn’t marry Winnie until Chloe was four years old.”

  “Josh didn’t know about Chloe for a few years,” Lexa said. “Winnie had a rough upbringing and her grandmother basically raised her. Winnie considered Chloe a gift that God had given to her. She’d always loved Josh, but for a long time, she had no expectations for them one day becoming a family. Amy and I were with Winnie when Chloe was born, and Sam and I always prayed that Josh would come back one day. When Josh did return, a few years later, he made his apologies in private to those he’d wronged, the way God tells us to do. But he made sure to get his life in order before he married Winnie.” Lexa sighed. “Real life is sometimes as complicated as a book.”

  Angelina nodded. “I know. Josh is great, and so is Winnie. All the TeamWork couples are like the best people I’ve ever known.”

  “Josh is a flesh-and-blood example of a true hero, Angelina. He faced his weakness and repented of his sin, and he’s been forgiven unconditionally by God. That’s what Jesus does for us.”

  “What makes Sam your hero, Lexa? I mean, I know he’s great and everything, but what makes him stand out in your mind?”

  “Sam’s deep faith is at the root of who he is—his integrity, honesty, dedication to me and the kids, and to TeamWork.” Lexa hadn’t even needed to think about her answer. “And even though my daddy made it hard to get to know him, I always knew he loved me. He was a hero, too, because—like all public servants—if called upon, he wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice his life for someone else.”

  “That’s pretty awesome,” Angelina said. She hung her head, suddenly overwhelmed with memories of her dad. “Sometimes it’s hard for us to forgive like God does. I guess that’s why He’s God, huh?”

  Lexa smiled. “You’re right. And that’s why we’re human. God knows you
r struggles. Just be sure and talk with Him about them. I’d suggest that you talk with your mother, too. She loves you, and she’d want to know what you’re feeling. Don’t be afraid to share them with her.”

  “I know. I guess it’s hard, too, because the rest of the world doesn’t look at having sex as bad. They look at it as normal. Fun. Accepted. You’re weird if you don’t do it.”

  “That’s true, but look at how messed up a lot of people are in the world,” Lexa said. “They might be beautiful, or rich, or intelligent, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune from things and don’t have hidden issues. I’ll tell you a secret. A lot of those people are insecure and hurting. The world sees what most people want us to see. They’re seeking acceptance, or confirmation of their self-worth, or beauty, or love. As Christians, we know they won’t find those things unless they first find the kind of love and security that can only come from the Lord.”

  Lexa reached for her hand, grasping it tightly. “I’m going to ask you a question, and I hope you’ll answer me honestly.”

  “Okay.” She had nothing more to hide, so why not?

  “Have you ever given into the pressure before? To have sex or to do anything else you didn’t want to do?”

  “No.”

  “I didn’t hear you.”

  Angelina knew full well that Lexa heard her the first time, but she raised her chin and repeated it in a stronger tone. “No.”

  Lexa released her hand. “That’s my girl. Stay strong. You’ve always been independent, even when you were that tiny little seven-year-old in the work camp. I’m proud of you and the young woman you’ve become. In part, spending time with you during that camp—in all your sweet innocence—helped convince me to get rid of those books. I’d encourage you to check into the Christian romance novels out there that are full of good, solid men who don’t use women for the wrong reasons. Books with God-honoring characters and stories that will uplift you.”