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

by JoAnn Durgin

  Rebekah lifted her chin and headed back to where Adam waited at their table. Anger surged inside her he hadn’t bothered to come looking for her. He looked perplexed but worrying about her obviously hadn’t dampened his appetite, judging by his empty plate. The thought of frog legs made her ill and she slumped down into her chair. She must have tuned him out when he told her the choice for their meal.

  Adam put his hand on her arm. “Why the long face, lovely? You were gone quite a fair bit of time. I was about to take a stroll about the place, looking for you.” He watched as she pulled her wrap closer about her shoulders, shivering, wondering if she’d ever be warm again. “Care to share what that was all about?”

  “You know, I really don’t.” Thankful he asked, she had no desire to elaborate.

  He raised his hands. “Fair enough. Seems like a nice enough bloke, but something’s stuck in his hat, that’s for sure.”

  Rebekah sank further into her chair, avoiding his gaze and swallowing her tears. Oh yes, he’s a nice bloke all right. One who finally told me he loved me right before he kissed me good-bye.

  Chapter 28

  Wednesday Afternoon

  As Rebekah arrived at the church at four o’clock the next afternoon, she breathed a sigh of relief. Kevin’s truck wasn’t in the parking lot. While she hoped to see him, she was nervous at the thought of working alongside him to the point she feared she’d break out in hives.

  Did we have a really bad fight or are we completely over?

  They’d signed up to work at the soup kitchen together and Kevin was a man of his word—and rarely late. The debacle at the French restaurant was still raw in her heart and less than twenty-four-hours old but if she sulked and hid in a hole, she might not ever emerge.

  Time to be a grownup.

  Walking into the fellowship hall, she smiled at a few of the volunteers and headed toward the spacious kitchen with the jello salad she’d made. It was Kevin’s home church, and fairly large, but she’d been coming with him long enough to get to know a good number of the members. He kept inviting her to events with their singles group and she’d never missed. They’d also been together at a number of worship services, enough for the pastor and his wife to accept them as a couple.

  “Hi, Rebekah,” Paula called, giving her a sweet smile as she waved her over to where she prepared a tossed salad. “Nice to see you. You look very pretty today. The colors in that blouse really bring out the green in those gorgeous eyes of yours.” She winked. “I’m sure Kevin will agree.”

  “Thanks,” she said, knowing her cheeks must match the shade of pink in the blouse. “How’s your sister doing?”

  A grateful smile creased Paula’s face. “Noela’s much better now, and aren’t you a doll to ask. As a matter of fact, she specifically wanted me to thank you for the card of encouragement you sent. Your kind words and prayers have meant a lot to her. The doctors have regulated her medicine, so she’s got her energy back and is finally starting her normal activities again.”

  “Oh, that’s so wonderful!” she said. “Please give her my best. My mom’s always been a part of the card ministry at our church, and I’ve always wanted to carry on the tradition.” Rebekah handed her jello salad to one of the other ladies and eyed the various prepared dishes already lined up on the serving counter. “So, put me to work. What can I do to help?”

  “Well, if you can start on the potatoes, that might be the biggest help right now.” Paula handed her a peeler and some paper towels. “The bags of potatoes are over there on the far counter.”

  “Will do. Thanks.” As she set about her task, Rebekah listened as some of the other volunteers joked and teased one another. There was a mainstay group who took charge of the weekly soup kitchen and always provided the main course and dessert, but it was up to the rotating list of volunteers to make and serve the salads and vegetables, set the tables and clean up afterwards.

  She sensed Kevin’s presence before she saw him. Pausing in her work, she glanced up to see him walk in with his quiet charm and irresistible smile. It was impossible to miss how they all loved him. She wiped the back of her hand over her brow. It hadn’t even occurred to her perhaps she should go back to her home church with her mom and dad.

  Maybe she’d looked at their relationship from the wrong perspective. If worshipping together didn’t smack of commitment, what did? While she hadn’t considered them dates, and they often went with other couples or singles, it was spending time together. He’d pick her up in his truck and then take her home afterwards. Just because he didn’t kiss her, hold her hand or flirt with her every single time, it didn’t make their time together any less valid, any less special.

  One of the well-meaning ladies handed a peeler to Kevin and nudged him in her direction. From the corner of her eye, Rebekah saw him glance her way with a slight frown. At least he didn’t outright refuse. Oh no, he was too polite. Besides, he’d do anything to help with the soup kitchen.

  “Rebekah.” He nodded and took the place next to her.

  “Here,” she said, handing him some paper towels and a couple of potatoes. “Race you.” That’s right. Break the ice. The man’s always up for a competition. That struck her as highly ironic although her challenge seemed to work. In Kevin’s quick grin, she glimpsed the fun-loving man she adored.

  Picking up the potato peeler, he started to work in earnest. They worked in silence for a few minutes. When she thought she couldn’t take the awkwardness any longer, Kevin finally spoke. “How’s Josh doing these days?” At least he’d asked a question, generated a bit of conversation.

  She hesitated, holding a potato in one hand. “We’re meeting for dinner tomorrow night. Something’s up with him. I have no idea what it is. I told you he was in Houston and he’s reconnected with Sam. They had a good visit, from what I can tell.” They worked another minute in silence. “Kevin,” she said, turning to look at him.

  “Hmm?” he asked, peeling, still thinking it was a competition.

  “You win. Please stop for a minute.”

  Halting in his task, he looked at her, and his eyes softened. They looked bluer than ever.

  “When Josh didn’t go to Montana, I started to wonder if he’d ever come around. You and I both know Sam forgives unconditionally, but Josh needed to go and talk to Sam for himself.” She blew out a breath and looked away a moment. “Does that even make any sense?”

  “Yes, it does.” His voice was quiet, thoughtful.

  She put another potato on the counter in front of him. Her hand was starting to cramp and tire; she flexed her fingers. “There’s something else I find interesting.” Maybe she shouldn’t bring it up but curiosity pushed hesitancy to the wall.

  “What’s that?”

  She massaged her fingers for a few seconds, aware he watched, but he resumed peeling again. “Before he went to Houston, Josh called to ask me for Winnie Doyle’s phone number. Turns out he got it from Amy, but that’s not my point.”

  Kevin stopped but didn’t look her way. “Oh?”

  “Do you know something?” She tried to catch his eye.

  “No, of course not,” he mumbled, carving out the eye of the potato.

  Hand on her hip, Rebekah faced him. “Spill it, Kevin.”

  He appeared to measure his words. “Maybe Josh needs to ask her forgiveness, too.”

  “For what?” she asked. “Why in the world would Josh need to ask forgiveness from Winnie?”

  Kevin shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s just a theory. Think about it. Did he ask you for the phone number of any of the other TeamWork members?”

  She shook her head. “No, he didn’t.” Wrapping the small stack of potato peels in the paper towels, she deposited them in the trash.

  “I’m sure after your dinner with your brother, you’ll know more.”

  “You’re right. Are you staying for prayer meeting tonight?” That was a silly question. Kevin rarely missed them.

  “Yes. You?”

  “Do you wan
t me to?” She looked at him with what she hoped was a neutral expression. He could read her so well.

  “I’m not playing games, Rebekah,” he said in a low voice, leaning close so as not to be overheard. He nodded at Ken Anderson who poured lemonade and iced tea into Styrofoam cups at a nearby table.

  She tried to catch his eye, but he wouldn’t give in. “Look,” she said, retrieving the last potato, “I can’t stand the thought of you not being in my life. You mean too much to me. I don’t want to lose you.”

  “I said we shouldn’t see each other romantically. If we’re in church together, that’s one thing but private lunches, dinners, picnics or anything else, are out.” Kevin’s glance encompassed the others in the large kitchen, busy with their tasks.

  “It’s hard to be around you and not want more.” It came out before she could think it through. But it was honest.

  He shook his head. “I don’t know what to say.” When he finally moved his gaze to her, she saw the raw pain in his eyes. “The only thing I know right now is I don’t want to lose you, either. So I guess that means we’re in a holding pattern.” His mouth was set in a grim line.

  As she helped with the final preparations for the salad and Kevin helped set up more tables and chairs, Rebekah chatted with the ladies—a good mix of singles, young and older marrieds and senior citizens. A number of husband and wife teams always helped with the soup kitchen, too. Try as she might, her thoughts always returned to the tall, dark-haired, handsome man across the room. She caught him watching her a few times but he looked away when their eyes met.

  Once again, Josh was right. She didn’t like the idea of a holding pattern but it would have to do. At least for now.

  ~~**~~

  As he talked with one of the men sitting beside him, Kevin kept a watchful eye on Rebekah. Sitting a few tables away, she chatted with one of the women who’d been coming to the soup kitchen since last spring—not homeless, but financially unstable and wanting a home-cooked meal for herself and her three young children. She tilted her head and leaned close to her table companions and concentrated on what was being said. He loved the sound of her laughter as she talked with the kids, and it was equally gratifying to hear their giggles and see them moving their hands in animated conversation. No wonder she was such a terrific teacher. At least with adults, once they got past how gorgeous she was and understood she was sincere, humble and unassuming, they usually opened up and embraced her efforts to get to know them.

  A stab of regret ripped through him and squeezed his heart. He’d been harsh with Rebekah, and he shouldn’t have lashed out at her at the French restaurant. Seeing her with Adam made him angry, and putting a face to the name hadn’t helped. Even Kevin could admit the guy had class. In the material sense, he could offer Rebekah things he never could.

  She didn’t have to show up tonight. To her credit, she’d jumped right in to help. A woman with less dedication or conscience might have skipped the soup kitchen commitment altogether based on the current state of their relationship. He’d always found her deep faith and eagerness to serve the Lord one of her most appealing qualities, and made her even more beautiful, if such a thing was possible.

  The man beside him nudged his elbow and resumed his painfully detailed explanation of replacing the engine in his truck. As much as he hated to do it, Kevin turned his back to the blonde, green-eyed beauty a few tables over, blocking his view of her as he focused on his tablemate. It was the only way he’d be able to listen with any semblance of attention.

  ~~**~~

  The topic of the Bible study focused on the virtue of patience. It was a frequent topic since so many struggled with it. The pastor’s words hit home when he said, “Second Timothy 2:24 tells us, ‘The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged. . .’”

  As she listened to the pastor’s short devotional, Rebekah’s thoughts wandered. I’m listening, Lord. Help me to be open to Your leading. I need You, but I haven’t fully surrendered my will. Take me, mold me and fill my heart anew. An almost unbelievable calm settled in her heart, soothing her with the peace she’d needed for so long. Kevin was right. Adam could fulfill tangible needs, but he didn’t invest himself in her emotionally. He was a wonderful man, and he treated her well, but he wasn’t the right man for her heart.

  With Adam, she’d never shared the same type of challenging, deep exchanges she did with her lumber man. Perhaps most telling? She almost hyperventilated whenever Adam hinted at proposing marriage again. Her mind reeled whenever she thought of the downside of London high society. She’d need a different gown for every occasion and a checkbook ready for whatever charity called their name. She probably wouldn’t be able to wear her jeans and T-shirts outside the house, and maybe not even inside the house. She’d put her foot down on the expectation of shipping their offspring to boarding school, no matter that it was expected and all-important tradition.

  While he shared her faith, Adam didn’t exhibit a tangible, personal relationship with the Lord. Her faith was too important not to share that part of her life. But it wasn’t her place to judge, only to pray for him. Bottom line? It wasn’t a competition between these two men; it was a choice. Her choice, and she’d made it. Finally. If she had to wait years for Kevin, then so be it.

  She pondered the words of the verse Pastor Jim read. Kevin wasn’t quarrelsome—save for that incident on the patio of the French restaurant—but even she could admit he had his reasons. He was kind to all, patient when wronged. Dear, sweet Kevin. She was wrong when she told Adam she didn’t deserve him.

  I don’t deserve Kevin. Lord, please help me be worthy of this man.

  Rebekah startled when his fingers, gentle but firm, pushed their way through hers as they bowed their heads for prayer. He laced them together as they listened to the heartfelt prayers of those gathered in the meeting room. His hand was warm and comforting, strong and masculine. Running her thumb across the side of his hand, she felt a small, rough callus. She wanted to raise it to her lips and kiss the spot but dared not.

  Opening her eyes, she looked into the eyes that knew her soul and owned her heart. When he brushed his thumb against hers, it made her shudder. Closing her eyes again, she tried to concentrate on the prayer being offered. It was impossible.

  Soon after, Kevin began his own prayer. “Heavenly Father, it’s hard to make decisions sometimes. We want to rush ahead and follow our hearts instead of our heads. Help us to keep our focus on You in all things. Help us to stop long enough to listen to what You’re trying to tell us through Your word and Your guidance in our lives. And help us to love one another, Father, with the kind of patience and abiding love You show us every day.”

  Rebekah leaned on Kevin’s shoulder. Her eyes welled with tears when he rested his head against hers. When the time of prayer ended, they both sat upright, breaking apart. Chatting with the others as they said good-bye, she admired the way he interacted with everyone. Although quiet, he had a calming presence, a man worthy of respect and admiration.

  She wanted to tell Kevin she’d made the decision to break it off with Adam, but she needed to actually do it before she said anything. She wanted to be able to come to Kevin freely—without any ties whatsoever binding her. That’s the way Kevin would want it, and that’s the way it needed to happen.

  Walking together to her car in the church parking lot a short time later, Rebekah opened the door and put her Bible and purse on the backseat. Hands behind her back, she leaned against her Camry, not sure what to do or say. “Where do we go from here?”

  “I don’t know,” Kevin told her. “I know what I’d like to do, but it’s not the time.”

  “What do you want to do?” Her heart raced.

  His eyes mesmerized her as they fell on her lips. Kevin might not say it but the honesty in his eyes couldn’t lie. More than anything, she wanted to feel the touch of his lips on hers. She was staring at his lips, too.

  “Don’t t
empt me, Miss Grant.” His tone was teasing but there was a deep seriousness underlying his words.

  “I don’t mean to tempt you. I just want to kiss you.” Although she couldn’t believe she’d admitted it, he’d started it with all the staring.

  He shook his head and ran his fingers through his hair. “Then you know what you need to do, don’t you?” With that, he spun on his heel and strode over to his truck. He didn’t look back—not once—as he started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot.

  Rebekah stared, open-mouthed, watching as his truck moved down the street and out of sight. Didn’t even stay to make sure her car started. That was so unlike him. Still, she couldn’t blame him. Climbing into her car, she crossed her arms, berating herself.

  Well, I certainly deserved that.

  Chapter 29

  Thursday Night

  “Beck, over here!” Rebekah smiled as she spied Josh waving from a corner booth at Olive Garden the next night. Ever the proper gentleman, he stood as she approached and kissed her cheek. “You look great. Glad you could make it.”

  “Thanks. Right back at you, but I don’t feel so great, to tell you the truth.” She slipped into the seat across from him.

  “Oh, no. Don’t tell me something’s wrong in the romance department?”

  “Why do you always think something’s wrong with my love life if I happen to be a little down? My whole life doesn’t revolve around a man, you know.”

  Josh chuckled as he dropped into the chair opposite her. “That’s right. Your life revolves around two men.”

  “Don’t push it.”

  He held up his hands in mock surrender. “You know how I feel about this whole Adam versus Kevin situation—or maybe I should say it the other way around—so I won’t bore you by imposing my opinion against your will. I’ll try to be good.”