Strength of the Heart

by Carrie Carr

  "Are you cold?" Lex asked, her warm breath tickling Amanda's ear. "I may need to warm you up." She lowered her head and kissed a particularly sensitive spot beneath Amanda's ear. Her hands continued to stroke and tease, Amanda's moans fueling her passion.

  "God, Lex." Amanda's hands tangled in the dark hair. Each kiss from Lex set her nerve endings on fire, and her hands couldn'st stay immobile when moist lips blazed a trail down her chest.

  With an evil chuckle, Lex slowed her descent and focused her attention on a small patch of skin beneath Amanda's ribs. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the taste and texture of the skin as a giggle escaped through Amanda's clenched lips.

  "Not fair, Slim. I'm tickl--oooooh." Her complaint was cut short and all thoughts disappeared when Lex continued on her course.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  LEX SAT NEXT to Amanda on the sofa, nervously picking at an imaginary spot on her jeans. They had been discussing everything but the ceremony for what seemed like forever to Lex, and she was quickly becoming bored. A sharp elbow in her side caused Lex to look up. Amanda frowned at her and nodded to their guest. "Huh?"

  "Are we boring you, Lexington?" the reverend asked. "Perhaps we could find something more to your interest?"

  "No, no. I'm sorry," Lex apologized as she sat up straighter. "What were you saying?"

  The cleric stood threw back his head and laughed. "You haven'st changed at all, my girl. I couldn'st keep your attention in church, either." He turned his attention toward Amanda. "Lexington used to come to my church with her mother, God rest her soul. Poor Victoria was always on the go with this one."

  Amanda patted Lex on the thigh. "I understand the feeling, Reverend. She's a handful."

  "Hey!" Lex tried to look insulted, but failed when her own smile broke through. "Look who's talking." She decided to change the subject, before he told too many stories about her. "You don't mind performing the ceremony away from the church, do you?"

  "Not at all. But may I ask why you won'st consider the church? I'm sure it's large enough to accommodate your needs." He looked from Amanda to Lex, the latter finding something on the toe of her boot suddenly very fascinating. "Lexington?"

  His scrutiny made her feel embarrassed. "Umm, well, it's mostly me, I'm afraid."

  "What's the matter? Is there something I could help you with?"

  "It's me, Reverend. The last time I was in church, aside from Martha's wedding, was when my mother died." Lex ran one hand through her hair nervously. "I don't feel comfortable there."

  "Do you believe in God, or is that a part of the problem you have with the church?"

  Lex contemplated the question seriously. "Probably not like you do. I mean, I believe there is a higher power, but I don't feel the need to dress up and drive into town every Sunday to prove it. I've put up with enough hypocrites who are ruthless and nasty, and they seem to think showing up in church on Sunday makes everything else they do okay. Is it so wrong of me to feel that way? Does it make me a bad person?"

  "No, it's not wrong at all. As long as you have a relationship with God, He doesn'st care where you worship. And I understand your feelings completely." He turned to Amanda. "I hear from your grandmother you were considering an outdoor ceremony."

  "That's right." Amanda took one of Lex's hands in her own. "We were going to have it out at the ranch, but she suggested having it here in her backyard. What do you think?"

  "Well, since it's going to be a small family gathering, I say we go out back and take a look." He stood and held out a hand to Amanda, who accepted his aid and stood as well. "Lexington? Would you care to join us?"

  "Sure. You two go ahead, and I'll be right behind you." Lex waited until they were out of the room and leaned back against the sofa and closed her eyes. She felt someone else in the room and opened her eyes to see Anna Leigh standing in the doorway. "Hi. You just missed them."

  Anna Leigh walked over to the sofa and sat next to Lex. "No, I didn'st. I saw Amanda showing Reverend Hampton the way to the back yard, and thought I'd come in and check on you. How are you feeling? You look a little tired."

  "It's been a long week. And with all this talk about the ceremony, I guess I'm a little out of sorts."

  "Are you having second thoughts?"

  "No. I never thought I'd be getting married. I'm not exactly the settling down type, and living and working out on a ranch isn'st usually the best way to meet people." Lex turned so they were looking eye to eye. "Do you think Amanda will be happy, living the rest of her life out at the ranch?"

  Anna Leigh clutched both of Lex's hands. "I think if you were living in a cardboard box in your barn, Mandy would be happily sitting beside you. But, she adores the ranch, and I believe you'd have a horrendous fight on your hands if you tried to move."

  "You think so?" Lex wanted to believe her. There was a small knot of apprehension deep inside of her that feared losing the woman she loved. Much to her dismay, Lex felt tears well up in her eyes and slide down her cheeks.

  "Oh, Lexington." Anna Leigh wrapped her arms gently around Lex and pulled her close.

  Lex rubbed her wet face with her hands. "I'm sorry. I don't know what's come over me lately."

  Anna Leigh grabbed a nearby box of tissue. She pulled several out and wiped at Lex's face. "You have nothing to apologize for. I believe a good cry cleanses the soul."

  "Well, mine should be nice and spotless, considering how much of this I've done lately. I haven'st been this weepy in my entire life." Although she was bothered by her outpouring of emotion, she felt strangely relieved, as if a large weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She accepted another tissue from Anna Leigh and quietly blew her nose.

  "Perhaps it's because you feel so much more."

  "You're probably right. Having Amanda in my life has certainly brought out my emotions."

  Anna Leigh didn'st know how to take that. "Is that a bad thing?"

  "No. Before I met Amanda, I wasn'st living, only existing. Nothing held any interest for me except working on the ranch. She's made my life all the richer for being in it."

  "That's one of the most honest statements of love I've ever heard," Reverend Hampton voiced from the doorway. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but we were growing concerned when you didn'st join us." He stood behind Amanda, whose eyes were glistening with unshed tears.

  Anna Leigh stood. "I'm afraid it was my fault, Reverend. Why don't we go into the kitchen for some refreshments, and you can tell me what you think of our plans for the wedding."

  Lex needed to connect with Amanda, so she got to her feet and met her in the center of the room. Arms wrapped around bodies as both women tried to meld into one another. "You heard, huh?"

  "Every word. That was beautiful, love."

  "Just the truth." Lex pulled back slightly. "I love you with all my heart, Amanda. There's not a moment in the day I don't thank God for bringing you into my life."

  Amanda felt her heart skip a beat as Lex's face came closer and their lips met. She found herself lost in the emotions as they reconnected.

  AT MARTHA's INSISTENCE, the entire family gathered at the ranch house for dinner. The new dining room held everyone comfortably, with a couple of leaves removed from the formal table allowing everyone to sit closer together.

  Jacob rubbed his stomach and stretched. "The ham was wonderful, Martha. I'm going to harass you unmercifully for the recipe to the glaze."

  "You'll do no such thing, Jacob. I'll write it down for you before you leave tonight." Martha decided to have a little fun. "Lexie, when do you want to go shopping for your dress?"

  "What?" Lex's fork clattered noisily on her plate, as all conversation stopped and every eye focused on her.

  "A dress. You can'st get married in boots and jeans."

  Lex looked at Amanda fearfully. "We hadn'st discussed what we'll be wearing."

  "Oh, Lexington. There's the most chic little boutique in Austin. I'm sure we can find you the perfect thing," Anna Leigh added, picking up on the game.


  "A...buh...umm..."

  Amanda was trying hard not to spray iced tea through her nose, as she had taken a sip when Lex began stammering at her. She quickly swallowed and patted Lex on the back. "I'm sure you'll look beautiful."

  Lex tried to speak, but only a squeak came out of her mouth. She leaned back in her chair and would have fallen except for Travis's hand against her back.

  "Settle down, now. I think they're pulling your leg." He hadn'st seen her turn that particular shade before.

  "I am so going to get you back for this, Amanda." Lex ran through several different scenarios in her mind.

  "I can'st wait." Amanda looked across the table at her grandmother, then at Martha, who sat near Charlie at the other end. "Speaking of what to wear, I do need to go shopping. Martha, would you like to go with us?"

  "I'd love to. When are you thinking about going?"

  Charlie stood and begun to clean off the table. "Since you cooked this fabulous meal, how about letting us guys do the cleanup? You ladies can discuss wedding plans."

  "That's a great idea, Charlie." Jacob and Travis picked up several items from the table and took them into the kitchen.

  Ronnie, who had been quiet up until then, shook his head at Lex's expression. "Good luck."

  "Maybe I should help the guys." Lex stood and reached for a plate.

  "Oh, no, you don't." Amanda slapped her hand. "You're going to listen to the wedding plans, and you're going to participate, too."

  Anna Leigh stepped around the table to link her arm with Lex's. "We can also talk about the sleeping arrangements for the guests coming in. I'll save your old bedroom for you, so you can stay with us the night before the wedding."

  "What?" Amanda stopped in the doorway, causing Martha to run into her.

  Martha pushed Amanda through the hallway and into the den. "You said you wanted a traditional wedding. One of the traditions is not seeing each other before the ceremony. It's only for one night."

  LATER THAT SAME evening, Amanda was snuggled against Lex, her head pillowed on Lex's shoulder. "How on earth did we let them talk us into that?" They were lying in bed, the only light a flickering candle on a nearby table.

  "Don't blame me. I was ready to elope months ago." Lex wasn'st upset. The happy glow on Martha's face more than made up for any discomfort the wedding plans might cause. "I don't think Martha ever thought she'd be getting to do all this."

  "They are having fun, aren'st they? I don't see why we can'st go shopping together, though."

  "Another one of their silly traditions. We can'st see each other dressed for the wedding until it's time. Bunch of hooey, if you ask me." Lex swallowed heavily. "Do you really want me to wear a dress?"

  Amanda almost felt guilty for her part in tormenting Lex earlier in the evening. "No. It was fun to tease you about it, though. This is as much your wedding as mine. You can'st enjoy it if you're uncomfortable the entire time."

  "Are you sure? Because I'd do anything to make it perfect for you, even wear a goofy looking dress."

  "The only thing you have to do to make it perfect for me is be there. I don't care if you're in your boxers and tee shirt." Amanda chuckled at the mental image. "As long as it wasn'st those horrid black boxers with the red lips on them. Those are scary."

  "You shouldn'st have bought them if you didn'st want me to wear them. Teach you to try to mess with me." When Amanda had joked about all of Lex's cartoon shorts, Lex told her if she wanted to see her in more "grown up" clothes, she should buy her some. The black satin boxers had been a gag gift, which Lex had promptly worn to bed regularly ever since.

  "I know, I know. Never dare you to do anything, right?" Amanda leaned down until their lips were almost touching. "I bet you won'st kiss me."

  Lex raised and covered Amanda's lips with her own. She kissed her slowly, deepening the kiss and rolling Amanda over onto her back. "You lose again."

  Amanda considered that as Lex continued to work her way all over her body. She decided losing wasn'st so bad, after all.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  I'M NOT COMING out," Lex yelled. "I look like a complete idiot."

  Martha rolled her eyes. "God grant me the patience to get through this day," she muttered, trying to ignore Anna Leigh's laughter. Since they knew she would be the harder of the two to outfit, the two women had decided to take Lex shopping first. They left Amanda at work, her pleas for them to take pictures of the event falling on deaf ears.

  "Lexington," Anna Leigh called from outside the dressing room door, "it's only the two of us out here. I'm sure you look lovely." She watched under the door as one athletic-socked foot stomped childishly.

  "No."

  Martha stood next to Anna Leigh. "Lexington Marie Walters! You get yourself out here this instant, or I'm coming in after you."

  Lex glared at her reflection in the mirror. Martha never bluffed. She unlocked the door and stepped out, wanting to be anywhere but where she was. The whole experience was quickly going downhill.

  The ivory dress had multiple ruffles, the two largest circling the sullen woman's shoulders and knees. Both older women suddenly covered their mouths with their hands, attempting to hold back their laughter. "Oh, my," Anna Leigh finally choked out, understanding why Lex had refused to step out of the dressing room.

  "Who the hell picked this out?" Lex jerked the lower ruffle away from her body. The dress looked even more absurd against her white socks.

  "I believe it was the saleslady." Martha tried to straighten the fabric. "The one you told to go to--"

  "Okay, okay. I get it." Lex waved one hand in a dismissive gesture. "Can I please get out of this monstrosity?" Her patience was wearing thin. She had been trying on dresses for the past several hours, each one more ridiculous than the last.

  "Of course you can, sweetie. You go on, and we'll send something else over in a minute."

  Muttering about elopement and jeans, Lex slunk back into the dressing room and slammed the door.

  "Excuse me, ma'am." A woman holding a light-colored garment tapped Anna Leigh on the shoulder. "I hate to interrupt you, but I accidentally overheard your conversation." She handed the hanger to her. "Try this." The saleswoman looked around, hoping no one was listening. "I'm new, so I'm only in charge of hanging up the clothes, but this looked like it would fit." She rushed away before either woman could thank her.

  "Well? I don't suppose we have anything left to lose at this point, do we?" Anna Leigh handed the garment to Martha, who quickly draped it over the door.

  A loud groan followed its appearance. "Not another one," Lex pleaded.

  "This is the last one, I promise."

  "Okay. But I'm going to want it in writing."

  Moments later, Lex stepped out of the dressing room, a thoughtful look on her face. "I think I can handle this." She held her arms out wide. "Well?"

  Martha was speechless. She glanced over at Anna Leigh, who had a similar look on her face. The three-piece outfit appeared to be tailor-made for Lex, the soft ivory silk contrasting nicely with her tanned skin. Pleated pants, a sleeveless blouse, and a matching lightweight jacket complimented Lex's broad shoulders and slim hips. "You look beautiful, Lexie."

  "She certainly does." Anna Leigh touched a silk-clad arm. "What do you think about it?"

  Lex shrugged. "It's not so bad. At least it's not some slinky dress." She stood in front of Martha. "Are you sure it's all right? You look kind of upset."

  Martha wrapped her arms around Lex. "You look perfect. I guess it's finally hit me you're getting married." She pulled back. "My little girl has grown up. It's a hard adjustment."

  "It's not like I'm going anywhere." Lex touched Martha's cheek. "We live a few yards away from you; nothing's going to change."

  "It's not that. You'sve got your own life. You don't need an old woman bogging you down."

  "I'll always need you." Lex decided to lighten things up. "Do you think my boots will look okay with this suit?"

  "Boots? Oh, no you d
on't, Lexington Marie." Martha swatted her on the rear. "Go get out of these clothes before you ruin them. We'll find you the right shoes, won'st we, Anna Leigh?"

  "We'll certainly try. I hope the shoe store is ready for us."

  MUTED CONVERSATION MINGLED with the normal sounds of a busy restaurant. Silverware against china and the tinkling of ice in glasses blended in well with the sounds of hurried footsteps as servers rushed from one table to the next. At one particular table, Amanda sat across from her father. "You didn'st have to buy lunch to see me. I've missed you, too."

  "Well, between both our busy schedules lately, this was about the only time we had free." His photography studio was constantly busy, and Michael had to seriously think about hiring an assistant. "You about ready for the big day?"

  "Almost. I'm supposed to go shopping for a dress with Gramma and Martha tomorrow." An evil grin found its way onto her face. "Although, after today, I can'st guarantee if either one of them will be ready to go shopping ever again."

  "Why?" He raised his glass of water and took a drink.

  "Because they're shopping with Lex today."

  He struggled to keep from spraying water all over the table and coughed several times after swallowing. "You're going to put Lex in a dress?" Michael wiped his chin with his napkin. "I don't mean to sound tacky, but people would pay to see that."

  A teenaged waiter stood at their table, notepad in hand. "Excuse me, folks. What can I bring you to drink, today?"

  Once the waiter had taken their order and left, Amanda responded to Michael's question. "I told Lex I wanted her to be comfortable for the ceremony. She could wear boots and jeans, for all I care."

  "I'm sure she appreciates the thought. But knowing Lex like I do, I'll bet she wants to dress in keeping with the occasion. Although, I do feel sorry for Mom and Martha."

  "Me, too." Amanda couldn'st begin to imagine what the shopping excursion was doing to Lex. She was sure she'd hear about it later.