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

by JoAnn Durgin

  “I hope that was the sigh of a happy husband.” After putting Gracie down for her nap, Natalie lounged against the bed pillows. She looked tired, serene, but more beautiful than ever with the bloom of motherhood.

  “You can’t begin to comprehend how much I love you, sweetheart. Happy Mother’s Day.”

  “I think I have a pretty good idea if what you feel in your heart is anything as strong as what I’m feeling right about now.” She patted the pillow next to her with a smile.

  “Oh, is that so?” A grin lifted the corners of his mouth. Closing the blinds, he dropped onto the bed beside her. “You rest. I’ll listen for our boisterous daughter.”

  Natalie stifled a yawn. “Rest with me, Marc. Gracie will let you know when she needs something.” How right she was.

  “Lexa will understand that maternal instinct pretty soon herself.”

  His wife’s smile melted him in seconds as her eyes filled. “Well, it’s about time! I hope they have a boy so we can put together an arranged marriage. After all, Cassidy and Sundance need to be connected for eternity, right?”

  “Oh, we already are.” Draping the sheet over her, Marc curled himself around his wife, spooning her. “The best part of me is sleeping in the next room, you know. Gracie is absolutely amazing. Thank you. I can’t believe what an incredible miracle she is. How can God do that?”

  Natalie turned onto her back, intertwining her fingers with his. “Because He’s God. We’re not supposed to question. We just accept, and believe.”

  “Oh, I do believe, but I’ve got an awful lot to learn. I’ll be thanking Him—and loving you and Gracie—all the rest of my days.” He kissed her nose, and then her cheek, moving ever-so-slowly toward her lips. “I hope we’ll be able to add another little one to our family in a couple of years.”

  She smiled. “Let’s see how it goes with Gracie first. Kiss me.”

  “That’s what I’m doing. I’m really trying to be sensitive to your needs here, Natalie. You need your rest.”

  “I repeat, kiss me. Please. Then we’ll rest together.”

  “Your wish is my sweetest command.” In loving obedience, Marc kissed his wife with everything in his heart, as he planned to do every single, blessed day. And there, in their home, with their baby girl sleeping in the next room, Marc followed the sage advice of his mentor and great friend, Sam Lewis. He took the time to love his wife.

  Quite simply, just to love her.

  THE END

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and events either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

  Twin Hearts is Copyright © 2012 by Torn Veil Books and © 2014 by JoAnn Durgin. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce in whole or in part in any form or medium.

  ASIN: B00HMVPG50

  All Scripture contained within is from the New American Standard Bible. Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

  By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of the author.

  Cover Design: Dino Piccinini

  From the Author

  Dear reader, if you haven’t read the first two novels in The Lewis Legacy Series, you can pick right up with this third book. I loved writing Twin Hearts, the story of twins Joshua and Rebekah Grant.

  Forgiveness and redemption are big themes in my books. Josh was my wayward sheep of the TeamWork Missions volunteers in the first book in the series, Awakening (my debut novel which originally released in late 2010).

  I needed to bring Josh back and tell his story. He’s not looking for love, but he finds it in a tender and surprising way and therein finds his redemption. His twin sister, Rebekah, is torn between two men. Her journey is one we all must make at one time or another—discovering who we are and the values we hold most dear. The relationship shared between these two Louisiana siblings is a loving, teasing and protective one. I hope you’ll see the parallels and similarities in their respective love stories.

  Twin Hearts has all the elements I hope you’ve come to expect from one of my books: humor, emotion, drama and heartwarming romance.

  Please keep in mind that while my main characters are Christians, they’re “human” and imperfect. Like all of us, they make mistakes and errors in judgment, sometimes significant ones. How they ultimately respond to individuals and situations in their lives can impact others with the love of Christ.

  It is my most fervent prayer that I will be a shining light of His redeeming love in an often dark world. We are all called to be servants of the Greatest Love of all. I’m blessed and honored to share my characters and their stories with you.

  Blessings,

  JoAnn Durgin

  Matthew 5:16

  Twin Hearts

  Book Description

  Joshua Grant is a man redeemed. He’s worked hard to put the past behind him. A mergers and acquisitions attorney in a prestigious Baton Rouge law firm, he pours his energies into his career, hurricane relief efforts, and numerous civic and charitable causes. A near-fatal event in the life of a fellow TeamWork Missions volunteer prompts him to make some apologies, starting with his friend and mentor, Sam Lewis, Domestic Missions Director for TeamWork in Houston. It’s been more than four years since the fateful events in San Antonio when Sam threw him out of the missions camp, and he’s still haunted by the bittersweet memory of his final meeting with another TeamWork volunteer. When he also seeks her forgiveness, Josh gets the shock of his life. Could turning his deepest sin into his greatest blessing be God’s answer for his hurting heart?

  Rebekah Grant, Josh’s twin sister, is torn between two men. Adam, a dashing British aristocrat, offers her a world of exotic travel, socializing with royalty, fabulous couture and the life of leisure. Then there’s sweet Kevin, the strong, intelligent, faithful TeamWork member. Will the shy Louisiana lumber man ever take the step of faith to move their relationship to the next level? What Kevin lacks in terms of Adam’s style and panache, he more than makes up for with heart-stirring kisses and soul-searching conversation. When Rebekah suspects Adam is planning to propose a second time, she knows it’s time to make her decision. Juggling both suitors is wrong for so many reasons, but what’s a girl to do if she wants to marry and have children in her lifetime?

  When family tragedy strikes, Josh and Rebekah learn the true meaning and value of love, loyalty and what’s most important in life. Leaning on the encouragement and support from Sam and Lexa Lewis and their TeamWork friends, both twins look to the Lord for His divine guidance. It’s up to them to stake their claim on love before it slips beyond their reach, which means it’s also time for a road trip from Louisiana to the peace to be found in seeking and finding the sweetest desires of the heart.

  Theme Verses in

  Twin Hearts

  Ephesians 1:7

  In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.

  (Josh’s Verse)

  Isaiah 40:31

  Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength;

  They will mount up with wings like eagles,

  They will run and not get tired,

  they will walk and not become weary.

  (Rebekah’s Verse)

  Chapter 1

  Mid-March 2002 — Monday Morning

  Apologizing for past behavior wasn’t a problem for Josh Grant but asking forgiveness from his former mentor humbled him like nothing else. This apology was way overdue.
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  He passed through the revolving door of the downtown Houston high-rise and did a quick scan of the building directory. TeamWork Missions, U.S. Headquarters. Suite 412.

  Shoving his hands deep in the pockets of his suit pants to quell his nerves, Josh exchanged a nod and a “Good morning” with the security guard and headed toward the bank of elevators. He stared at the elevator doors with tunnel vision and crossed his arms, ignoring the blonde in a business suit eyeing him with undisguised interest. It might have been a good idea to bring his briefcase. Call it a crutch but at least he’d have something to hold and give him some sense of normalcy. What he faced on the fourth floor wasn’t one of his routine merger or acquisition deals—this was far more intimidating. He was here for one purpose alone: to see Sam Lewis.

  Impatience took over as he rocked on the heels of his Italian leather shoes and waited to see which of the eight elevators would win the race to the ground floor. Stretching his neck, he loosened his collar and new silk tie, which felt like a noose intent on suffocating him. Sam wouldn’t care if he wore tattered clothes, hadn’t bathed in a week and not a dime to his name. Heart attitude made the man, not the outward representations of worldly prosperity. Although his dad grilled it into him, and his mind possessed that knowledge, his heart hadn’t yet crawled out from beneath the heavy burden of guilt and remorse—its own unique brand of shame.

  Instead of waiting, he pushed the door to the stairwell and bounded up the steps two at a time. His workouts must be paying off since he was barely out of breath when he reached the fourth floor landing. Opening the door to the hallway, he spied a sign for TeamWork pointing to the left. Each step on the tile floor sounded like a clanging cymbal announcing his arrival in the otherwise empty hallway. Like a prisoner going to his doom. Shake it off. Sam was a godly man, and he’d welcome him back with open arms.

  Josh stared at the gold-plated sign mounted on the heavy oak door of Suite 412. His eyes focused. Samuel J. Lewis, Jr., Domestic Missions Director. He readjusted his collar and straightened the tie in the reflection of the sign, basking him in a surreal, golden glow. Ironic since they’d nicknamed him “Golden Boy” at his Baton Rouge law firm. Little did they know that gold was more tarnished than silver.

  With his hand on the door, he hesitated. Perhaps he should have called first. It wasn’t so much the element of surprise inasmuch as wanting to do this face-to-face. Man-to-man. The last time he saw Sam haunted him still. After he’d provoked the TeamWork director into a rare display of aggression, they’d rolled in the mud like wild dogs, throwing punches and pounding each other until Kevin Moore—always the peacemaker—forced them apart. Sam almost broke his nose, but he’d deserved it. The man was more than a close friend—his mentor and brother in the faith, and he’d betrayed him in the worst possible way.

  Get on with it. Inhaling a deep breath, Josh turned the heavy brass knob and stepped inside. It wasn’t a surprise the TeamWork office was tasteful but sparse in its furnishings: an upholstered blue sofa with two matching chairs, an oak coffee table with scattered magazines, a couple of small tables, lamps and a large, colorful throw rug graced the polished, hardwood floor. A middle-aged woman clicked away on a computer keyboard at a desk in the center of the room, her fingers flying as she hummed under her breath. Involved with her work, she appeared oblivious to his presence until Josh cleared his throat to get her attention.

  “Oh, goodness me. Good morning,” she said, removing her glasses. They fell to the chain circling her neck. “I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you come in. May I help you?” Her accent sounded more Midwest than native Texan but welcoming all the same as she tucked a dark strand of hair behind one ear and gave him a polite smile.

  “Good morning. I’d like to see Mr. Lewis, if he’s available.” Funny how strange it was to call him anything but “Sam.”

  Her brow creased. “Is Sam expecting you?” She pulled an appointment book across her desk and glanced at it. “I don’t have anything written down, and he’s in a meeting outside the office.”

  Josh shook his head. “He’s not expecting me, no. I was in the area and hoped to say hello.” Not the complete truth but not an outright lie either. Now that he was in Sam’s office, he wasn’t leaving Houston until he spoke with him.

  “I see.” She retrieved a pen and tapped it against the book. “Would you like to schedule something for later this afternoon or tomorrow?” Her smile was kind, and her appreciative gaze fell on his pale blue silk tie. Score another one for the power tie his sister gave him for Christmas.

  Josh noted the nameplate on her desk. “Do you have any idea how long he’ll be, Mrs. Franklin?”

  “Hard to say, and please call me Bennie.”

  Bennie Franklin? He couldn’t help his chuckle but it helped assuage the tension in his muscles. Based on the grin curving her lips, she wasn’t offended. Somehow it seemed fitting Sam’s assistant shared a moniker with one of the nation’s Founding Fathers.

  “My maiden name was Factor, proving my philanthropic parents had either a clever or warped sense of humor. In retrospect, I’d say both.” She paused a moment, watching him.

  Bennie Factor. Benefactor. Very nice. Josh nodded for her to continue, his smile still in place. This woman must be fun to have around.

  “Then God proved His sense of humor by pairing me up with a man named Franklin.” She shrugged. “It’s broken the ice more times than I can mention, and people don’t forget it. Now, back to business. I know Sam’s meeting Lexa—that’s his wife—for lunch at noon, so I imagine he’ll go straight to the restaurant from his meeting.” She gave him a sympathetic glance. “To answer your question, I doubt he’ll be back before one-thirty or two this afternoon. Tell you what. Leave your card with me. Sam usually calls in for messages, and I can give him your information then.” The ringing telephone interrupted, and she held up one finger. “Don’t go away. Be back with you in a second.”

  As she answered the call, Josh canvassed the perimeter of the medium-sized office. Photos of Sam and Lexa and other TeamWork officials in London, South America and Asia lined one section of the back wall. For a domestic missions director, Sam was quite the international traveler. No one deserved his success more, and inner peace and contentment radiated in his expression. The TeamWork leader’s deep faith was his anchor, and marriage to Lexa obviously agreed with him. He’d heard she’d given birth to their first son near Christmas this past year.

  Photos of various TeamWork missions lined an adjacent wall. Pausing, Josh smiled when he spied one of Amy Jacobsen working alongside his twin sister, Rebekah, in a makeshift schoolroom, with the faces of several children in the background. Stepping closer, he examined the photo to its immediate left, scanning the faces of the volunteers. Sure enough, there he was, with Winnie Doyle beside him as they worked on one of the houses they’d rebuilt during the fateful San Antonio work camp.

  Sweet, beautiful Winnie. She looked happy in the picture, probably laughing at one of his dumb jokes. The last four-plus years melted away as he stared at the photo. His pulse picked up speed even as guilt pierced his heart. He stood rooted to the floor, unable to move.

  “Okay,” Bennie said, hanging up the phone. “As I was saying, why don’t you leave your card and tell me which number is best for Sam to reach you.” She tilted her head and gave him a curious glance. “You look awfully familiar. Are you a TeamWork volunteer?”

  Snapping out of his trance, Josh walked back toward the desk. “I used to be. Bennie, would you mind if I wait here until Sam calls? I won’t be a nuisance, and I’ll stay quiet and out of your way. Promise.” He nodded to the nearest chair. “I’ll sit and read a magazine.”

  “I suppose that’s okay,” she said, but he detected hesitancy as she checked her watch. The phone rang again. “It’s been ringing off the hook this morning. A new missions trip is in the works and I’m fielding questions. Busy day.” She darted a glance at the small switchboard. “Oh, good, it’s Sam. Great timing.” Bennie talked with
her boss for a couple of minutes, nodding and answering the occasional question as she jotted notes. “Sam, before you go, I have a young man here in the office who’s a former volunteer. He’d like to visit with you. Today, if possible. Right.” Bennie lowered the phone. “He said he can meet with you this afternoon at three, if you’re available.”

  “That’ll be great. Thanks.”

  Her brows rose. “And may I give him your name?”

  Fully aware she hadn’t pushed the hold button on the switchboard, Josh cleared his throat and employed his best win-them-over voice he’d used in corporate boardrooms all over Louisiana. “Tell him the wayward sheep has returned to the flock.”

  Shooting him a curious look, she repositioned the phone and started to repeat his message but stopped midstream. Her dark eyes widened as they fell on him. “I’ll do that. Sure thing. Thank you, Sam.” Disconnecting the call, she waved him back over to her desk. “So, I take it you’re Josh Grant.”

  “That’s right.” He stepped closer.

  “In that case, I have a very important message for you.”

  His pulse raced at a furious pace. “Yes?”

  Bennie held his gaze steady, not batting an eyelash. “Sam’s exact words: ‘Go in my office, park yourself in a chair, and don’t move a muscle. I’ll be there in ten minutes.’”

  ~~**~~

  Winnie frowned at the vibrating cell phone on the kitchen counter. “I don’t have time for this today,” she mumbled, picking up a tray laden with lemon and cherry tarts and shoving it into the oven with more force than she intended. From her quick glance at the phone, she knew it wasn’t Lexa. Everyone—anyone—else could wait.