The Lewis Legacy Series Box Set: 4-in-1 Special Edition

by JoAnn Durgin

  “Thank you,” he managed. He burst into tears, sending all those sweet, maternal nurses straight to his side. God help him, he didn’t care who heard him cry. His prayers were answered. He was eternally grateful and would spend the rest of his life protecting his girls.

  ~~**~~

  As soon as they returned to the ranch, Marc pulled in front of the main house.

  “Shouldn’t I go back to the cabin?” Natalie’s voice was subdued. Her head rested against the back of the seat, and one hand was draped across her stomach.

  “I have a better idea.” She nodded, but didn’t comment, seemingly relieved he was taking charge. It had been an exhausting day, and she needed some peace and quiet. Marc took her hand and helped her out of the car. “Let’s go find Sam and Lexa.” Allowing him to assist her into the house, she leaned against him, his arm around her waist, her head on his shoulder.

  “Break it up you two,” Marc snapped, disgruntled as he spied Sam and Lexa cuddled together on the sofa with only the firelight illuminating the room. At least they were dressed, and weren’t actively engaged in the very thing Marc hoped to be doing with his own wife at that very moment.

  Stop thinking about your selfish desires and take care of your wife.

  “What’s up, buddy?” Sam shot Lexa a lazy grin, buttoning his shirt as he sat up straighter on the sofa. “I didn’t expect the two of you to darken the doors of the ranch until at least tomorrow.”

  As soon as they’d entered the room, Lexa rose from the sofa to assist Natalie into the rocker by the fireplace. Retrieving a quilt, she draped it over her and placed a hand on her forehead. They talked together and Lexa looked over at her husband. “Sam.” That’s all it took. That one word. With the mere utterance of his name, one glance, Sam knew. Knew something had happened and now was not the time for teasing. These two had more than mental telepathy going on. It was a deep, spiritual connection, and it floored him each time he witnessed it.

  “Let’s go talk in the kitchen.” Telling Lexa he’d put on water for tea, Sam motioned for Marc to follow. “Sit, please,” he said, pouring water into a pan and putting it on the stove before pulling out the coffee pot and pouring a mugful. Placing it on the table in front of him, he reached into a cabinet to retrieve the artificial sweetener.

  Marc watched as Sam poured his own coffee and sat down across the table. “How did you know I’d need coffee?”

  Sam’s eyes narrowed as he took a sip. “We’ve shared coffee a few times, you know. I pay attention.” He put down his mug and leaned his chin on one hand. “Want to talk about it?”

  “We didn’t even make it to the cabin.”

  “Go on . . . when you’re ready. I’ve got all night. Whatever you need.”

  “I was afraid we were going to lose the baby tonight.” Marc pushed his fist against his mouth and cleared his throat, waiting until he could trust himself to speak again. “Natalie and the baby are fine, thank God.”

  Sam’s eyes were wide. “What happened?”

  “I was looking for that fork in the road when Natalie begged me to turn the car around. She was bleeding. I hightailed it onto the main road and made it to the hospital in record time. Complete with an escort from our local sheriff’s department. Don’t worry, I didn’t get a ticket. But that reminds me, I need to clean up the car. It wasn’t much, as it turns out, but it scared both of us to death since we’ve never been through this before. I couldn’t take any chances.”

  Sam waved his hand. “I’ll take care of it. You have more important things to do, like tend to your wife. I’m just thankful Natalie and the baby are okay. You, too.” He winced and brought a quick hand to the side of his face.

  “How’s the jaw?”

  The smile lines deepened. “About the same as your eye, I imagine.”

  “Right. Thanks again for jumping in to save my hide last night.”

  “That’s what I’m here for. You saved mine, too. What did the doctor say?”

  “She said for Natalie to rest, not lift anything heavy . . . normal procedure. If it’s okay with you and Lexa, I’d like to keep Natalie here in the main house in the second bedroom for a couple of days. I know Winnie and the other women could take good care of her, but they’ve got Rebekah to watch over. I want to be the one to take care of my wife.” He hesitated again, swallowing hard. “More than anyone else, Natalie needs her husband . . . whether she realizes it or not.” The last few words were quiet, but he knew Sam heard every one.

  “You’re right, and I think you’re exactly what the doctor ordered. I know how you feel.” Something in Sam’s expression alerted him there was more to it.

  “Is there something you need to share, Sam?” Marc took a sip of coffee and waited.

  The clock ticking in the quiet kitchen was the only sound for nearly a full minute. “Lexa and I lost a baby.” When he looked back up, Marc glimpsed the deep emotion in those expressive eyes.

  “I’m so sorry . . . I had no idea.” A rush of compassion invaded his senses, and he hurt for his friend’s heartache. “When?”

  “Six months ago. Lexa wasn’t very far along—only a month—which I guess in some small way was a blessing. But it doesn’t take away the hurt, especially for Lexa. And now,” Sam said, shifting in his chair, “the doctors aren’t giving us a lot of hope for conceiving again.” He paused, clearing his throat. “But the Lord blessed us once, and we have every hope He’ll bless us again. In His time, not ours.”

  “You two are the strongest Christian couple I know.” Marc met Sam’s gaze, holding it steady. “Not to be flippant, but it would be a slap in God’s face if you weren’t able to have children. I’m sure you’ll have a whole ranchful. Your kids will be the most obnoxious little Bible scholars around. Probably run around as toddlers spouting the seven rules of playpen etiquette.”

  Sam allowed himself a chuckle. “Thanks. I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  They talked quietly for another few minutes as Marc fixed Natalie’s mug of tea before rejoining the women in the living room. Sam spoke with Lexa for a minute, and she nodded, listening. “Natalie, honey,” Lexa called, pulling on her coat, “I’m going over to the cabin to grab your suitcase.”

  “Let me help you.” Natalie started to rise from where she was now curled on the sofa in front of the roaring fire, but Marc put a restraining hand on her. She didn’t need to be going anywhere.

  “You stay where you are,” Lexa said, her voice firm as she tugged her hat on her head. “The other girls can help gather your things. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” She nodded in his direction with an encouraging smile. God bless that woman.

  “I suppose you should get back to the cabin now,” Natalie told him, but he could hear the disappointment in her tone. “Marc, I’m sorry . . .”

  “Don’t you dare apologize. Your health, and the safety of our child, is the most important thing.” He looked up, but Sam had departed, leaving them to their privacy. “Listen, if it’s okay with you, I’m going to stay here at the main house with you until you’re feeling stronger. I’d like to be able to watch over you.” His eyes held hers, and he kissed her forehead. “Please let me take care of you, Natalie.”

  Leaning back against the sofa, she released a heavy sigh. “You won’t hear any complaints from me. It sounds wonderful.” She took his hand. “Thank you.”

  He stroked her cheek. “Rest now. I’ll get your suitcase when Lexa comes back and put it in the bedroom.” Watching as she closed her eyes, Marc reached for the blanket draped over the rocking chair and gently tucked it around her. She looked so vulnerable to him in that moment, and his heart swelled. Closing his eyes, he breathed another brief prayer of thanks. God, You are so good. “I owe you one, Lord. Another one,” he said under his breath. Not that God was keeping score, as old Mr. Davis would remind him, but he owed Him so much. And one of the very best ways to thank Him was to take care of those lives the Lord entrusted to him.

  ~~**~~

  The next day, aft
er lunch, they sat on the sofa again, enjoying quiet time together. Natalie’s foot was on Marc’s lap, and he massaged it. He didn’t mind, even though foot massage wasn’t one of his specialties. But she loved it, as evidenced by the look on her face.

  “Thank you,” she said.

  “For rubbing your feet or otherwise?” He kept his voice warm, playful.

  “For just being you, I suppose.”

  He sighed. “I still can’t believe we’re having a baby. And the doctor said her heartbeat’s strong. She’s a fighter, our daughter.”

  “I know.” With a small smile, Natalie used her toe to prompt his fingers.

  “You’re demanding, Mrs. Thompson,” he said with a grin, tickling the bottom of her foot.

  “Do you want to paint my toenails, too?” Natalie’s giggle was so infectious and great to hear. She squirmed when he tickled again, and gave him the cutest smile ever.

  “If that’s what you want, I suppose you could convince me.”

  “I love flirting with you. Remember the time . . .” She stopped, eyes wide.

  “Remember what time?” He sat up straighter, but kept his hold on her foot.

  “Remember the time,” Natalie said, “when you . . .” Her cheeks flushed pink.

  He had a pretty good idea what she was thinking. “Go on. Tell me. You’ve remembered something, haven’t you?”

  “I remember being in the bubble bath.” Her eyes avoided his, and her fingers started the dance on her lap.

  “Yes, you do love your bubble baths.”

  Those blue eyes traveled a slow path back to his. “With you, Marc. And you can’t tell me that was before we were married because that would be a big fat lie.”

  “Yes, we did that.” He tossed her a sheepish grin. “Normally, I’m not a bubble man.” He laughed as she swatted his arm. “I know I had bubbles in places I’d rather not remember.”

  Natalie laughed, and it was deep and hearty, sexier than anything. “But you did it for me, you romantic fool. Come closer, please.” She beckoned with one finger.

  “You need to rest, sweetheart.”

  “Marc, release my foot, please, and come here to me.” Her tone indicated she wouldn’t take no for an answer, and being no fool, he obliged his wife. Scooting closer, he relished the look in her eyes. “I want to make you a promise.” The intensity of her eyes mated with his soul. Resting her forehead against his, Natalie said, “As soon as I feel better . . .”

  His eyes grew wide as he listened to her whispered words, and the grin that spread across his face was one of complete joy. His thumbs caressed her on top of her clothing before sneaking beneath her thick sweater.

  Oh, yes. Anticipation is such a sweet feeling.

  Dozing on the sofa many hours later, Marc awoke with a start. Realizing he’d fallen asleep cuddled next to her, he smiled. “Natalie?” Glancing around the room, he rubbed his tired eyes, yawning. The blanket was tucked around him now, and the fire had died long ago. Judging by the position of the sun, it was sometime in the early morning. He placed one hand on the sofa beside him. Still warm. We must have slept here together all night.

  Trudging into the kitchen, he yawned, stretched and pulled out a pan to heat the water for Natalie’s tea. She loved her tea, and he adored making it for her. It was something he’d never imagined doing, but love made him do lots of things, like share a bubble bath. He’d do anything for her. Turning on the burner, he placed the pan of water on the stove and reached into one of the upper cabinets, searching for the box he’d found the night before, some special orange blend. Natalie’s favorite.

  Walking past the bathroom a couple of minutes later, Marc heard running water. Standing outside the door, he called, “I’ve started your tea.” He thought he heard a muffled reply, but couldn’t distinguish her words. “What did you say?” When he heard nothing, he stepped closer. Perhaps because of their scare, he was still nervous about Natalie’s physical condition and wanted confirmation she was all right.

  “Everything okay, Natalie?” Taking a hesitant step inside the bathroom, he opened the door a bit wider. He should duck out and not stay a moment longer, giving her privacy, but he couldn’t move, and stood rooted to the floor. Even though it was steamy, it allowed a glimpse of the outline of her through the fogged glass of the shower stall.

  It wasn’t the sexuality of his wife that rendered him immobilized. It was the definitive curve of a woman with child he hadn’t been able to glimpse beneath the layers of clothing she always wore at the ranch. His child. Their child. Marc swayed a little, holding onto the door frame for support. She was the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen, never more so than in that moment. Natalie was oblivious to his presence as she placed a protective hand on her belly. He wasn’t sure how she’d react if she spied him standing there, but somehow, he didn’t think she’d mind.

  Leave her to her privacy.

  Quietly closing the door, Marc retreated back to the kitchen to turn off the boiling water. Standing at the stove, his head bowed, he thanked the Lord for his wife and baby. Seeing her with the curve of their child humbled and awed him beyond reason.

  “Are you okay?” Wrapped in her white fleece robe, Natalie came to stand behind him a few minutes later.

  Turning to face her, silent, he opened his arms. She moved into his embrace without hesitation, and he kissed the top of her head as he completely encircled her. His wife felt so warm, so wonderful.

  “Does your eye hurt?” She touched the tender area with gentle fingers and leaned forward on her toes to kiss the corner of his eye. Wrapping her arms around him, Natalie rested her head on his chest.

  Marc stroked her damp hair, inhaling its fresh scent. “It’s fine. Not that I want to move ever again in this lifetime, but I’ve got the water ready for your tea.”

  “I love it when you play nurturer.” A secretive grin flirted about her lips as she seated herself at the table. “It’s time for a little talk.”

  “Oh?” Bringing her steaming mug of tea over to the table, he eyed her with hesitation. The look on her face indicated good things, not bad, but his heart wasn’t listening.

  “I think you’re going to like what I have to tell you.” She had no idea how seductive, how alluring, she was to him in that moment.

  “Should I be sitting down for this?”

  “It’s probably best.” She watched as he seated himself opposite her, his eyes wide.

  “You’re scaring me. Just tell me, whatever it is.”

  Reaching across the table, Natalie laced her fingers through his. Taking a deep breath, she began. “Your mother’s middle name is Letitia, a name she absolutely detests. My dad keeps a stash of old newspapers in the corner of the basement, refusing to recycle or throw them out, and it drives my mom crazy. My biggest pet peeve is undeserved rudeness. Your biggest pet peeve is when you can’t go to a double-header at Fenway. You keep your high school class ring in a little box in your sock drawer. I keep the tickets and programs from every play and event we ever attended together in a big box beneath the bed, marked Courtship Keepsakes.”

  She paused a moment, waiting for him to absorb her words. Marc’s heart was pounding so hard he thought he might faint. This was the dream. It was even more than he’d hoped. Leaning his elbow on the table, he covered his mouth with one hand, his eyes wide. Although he couldn’t speak, he nodded for her to continue.

  “I had a dog, a Maltese named Max growing up, and you had a German shepherd named Shep. On our first official date, you came to my kindergarten class production of The Frog Prince, and then you treated the entire class to ice cream. Every single girl in my class fell in love with you and told me they wanted to marry you if I didn’t.” She laughed. “You were my handsome prince, and they were fighting over you.”

  Hearing her memories was the best thing he’d heard since she confessed her love for him—the second time around. “When did you remember all this, my love?”

  “They’ve been coming back to me slowl
y over the last week or so. But I’m glad I did,” she whispered, as he fell to his knees on the floor beside her, bundling her in his arms, rocking her side-to-side, and burying his face in the softness of the robe covering her shoulder.

  “Did what?” he asked in-between kisses on her cheeks, her forehead, her chin, everywhere.

  “Marry you, Mr. Thompson.”

  Moving the robe slightly aside, he kissed the soft warmth of her shoulder, the sweet hollow of her throat, before pulling Natalie into his arms again. If he doubted it before, he couldn’t now. He’d kept the faith, but as much as anything else, the Lord—in His infinite mercy and grace—had given his wife back to him.

  I was wrong, God. This is truly your grace personified.

  Chapter 41

  Sam and Lexa kept watch over both of them during the course of the next two days. Even though he offered on numerous occasions to assist Sam and the other men with chores around the ranch, Sam refused to allow him to help, telling him in no uncertain terms he was to stay with his wife. He didn’t put up too much of a fight after that.

  Marc read to Natalie, sang her to sleep until she covered her ears or begged him to stop, and made them a pitiful macaroni and cheese dinner. Bless her heart, she ate it and told him it was the best she’d ever tasted. Natalie could never lie convincingly, but he loved her all the more for it. They played cards, watched a couple of movies—a romantic comedy for her and an action thriller for him. Was it too much to hope that more of her submerged memories might start to resurface?

  He put in a quick call to each of Natalie’s doctors of her progress, including Dr. Adams. Patched straight through to the fine doctor, he sounded genuinely pleased. He also called Dr. Fontaine, but was told he was attending a conference in Switzerland. Probably sitting around smoking pipes and sharing Freudianisms.