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

by JoAnn Durgin

  She shakes her head. “No.” It comes out a sob and now it’s my turn to hug her. “I have other kids now, but I’ll never forget my first baby.” She thumps her chest with a curled fist. “I hold him here in my heart always, and I know I’ll see him when I get to Heaven.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Because I’m his mama. A mama knows her child, no matter what.”

  That makes me think a minute. “I mean, how do you know you’re going to Heaven?”

  “Because I have a friend in Jesus.” She squeezes my hand. “He’s with you all the time. He wants to be there, but you just have to invite Him to take the journey with you. Your mama gave you a chance to take your journey, and now it’s your turn to give your baby that opportunity. But you don’t have to do it alone. Let Jesus help.”

  When they call my name, Angel stands beside me and reaches for my hand and says a quick prayer. Something about Jesus knowing every hair on my baby’s head, her first word, everything about her. It’s probably somewhere in the Bible. Those are some of the most beautiful words I’ve ever heard. I never thought about it that way before. Never thought much about God at all, but I know I don’t hate Him. Angel’s right. My mama’s not perfect, but she gave me a chance. And now God’s given me someone else to care about. My baby isn’t a condemnation of who and what I am, and it’s not a punishment for what I did with Dante. She’s a special gift. For me, a short, sarcastic, not-so-pretty person. I guess if God thinks I look okay on the inside, then maybe I am good enough? Just maybe.

  I look at the clinic lady and say, “This is Angel, and she’s coming in with me.”

  The woman looks annoyed and checks her chart. “It says you’re here for a termi—”

  “Well,” I say, “somebody got it wrong.” I’m not saying it because I want to make Angel happy, or to satisfy Venom Spewer or Bruiser. They must not know Jesus if they act like that. No, I’m doing this for me and my baby.

  When Angel squeezes my hand again, I know everything’s going to be okay. Just maybe.

  Putting the pages on the nearby table, Amy shook her head, dazed. Why do I stand at the door, on the outside looking in? For the last few years, she’d handed out flyers and counseled women about pro-life and pro-family pregnancy alternatives through her church and inner-city TeamWork projects. I need to take that hand and walk through the door if that’s what a girl needs, Lord. A verse—also a song—she’d learned as a child in Sunday school came into her mind. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him . . .

  Climbing into bed, she pondered Angelina’s stories. With some tweaking, the first story was good enough to warrant an editor’s attention, but it was the second story that captured her heart. It was one of the most honest and insightful pieces she’d read in a long time, and to think it’d been written by a young girl. But that’s why it was so good. If Angelina wasn’t the girl in her story, it had to be someone she knew well. The sad fact was, because of its subject matter, she wasn’t sure where—or if—she could place it in the hands of an editor for publishing consideration, but it did deserve to be read by more than a Christian audience. For that matter, it should be read by more than teens, although it might reach that age group on a more relevant level.

  As she snuggled under the covers, she closed her eyes. Perhaps “Just Maybe” was intended for her eyes only, the same as she’d been in Angelina’s father’s cab twice in the same day. The Lord’s ways were marvelous and unpredictable and never ceased to amaze her. Thank you, Lord, for opening my eyes. I pray I can make a difference in someone’s life. Just maybe.

  Chapter 12

  Thursday, December 12, 2002 — Late Evening

  Baton Rouge, Louisiana

  “Amy! Over here!”

  How she adored that familiar, sweet drawl. Turning toward the greeting, Amy waved as she spied Winnie. Hurrying toward her, Amy dropped her carry-on overnight bag and purse on the floor of the airport terminal and embraced her best friend as though she hadn’t seen her in years, not months. “It’s so great to see you. Thanks for coming to get me.”

  “You, too. I wouldn’t let anyone else come.”

  Pulling out of their hug, Winnie gave her pale blue business suit and ivory silk blouse an approving once-over. “You look terrific, sweetie. As pretty as I’ve ever seen you.”

  “Right back at you,” Amy said. With her cheeks flushed and blue eyes bright, Winnie was lovely in her jeans and a stylish wool jacket. Her blonde hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders instead of being contained in its usual ponytail.

  “I take it you went straight from your office to the airport?”

  “Guilty.” Amy didn’t want to admit how close she’d come to missing her flight. She’d put her new shoes and exercise regime to the test at LaGuardia. “You’ll be happy to know I’ve promised myself I won’t touch work” —she raised both hands in the air— “or think about it, until I get to Houston to interview Sam. But that’s a fun assignment, so it doesn’t actually count. Until then, I’m not going to worry about deadlines or anything publishing-related.” Maybe if she said it out loud, she’d believe it.

  Winnie tilted her head. “Something’s different about you. Besides, you can’t fool me. That creative imagination of yours never sleeps.”

  “I can’t believe Sam didn’t breathe a word about his book before now. That was quite a shock, but a great one. I’m so happy for him.” She darted a glance at Winnie. “Surely you knew about it?”

  “Only that he mentioned back in June that he was jotting down some notes. You know Sam. Once he sets his mind to something, it’s as good as done. I think he’s still trying to get used to the idea and there are days he wants to strangle Marc for suggesting it in the first place. This whole thing’s already gotten much bigger than he expected. His publisher’s doing a great job pre-publicizing it. Knowing Sam, he’ll take it all in stride.”

  “I’m sure he will. Where’s your little twin?” Amy retrieved her things as they followed the small crowd of departing passengers toward the baggage claim.

  “Chloe begged me to come, but it’s too late and we have such a big day tomorrow. I’m sure she’s convinced Josh to read her one more bedtime story. He’s a master at doing funny voices and she can’t get enough.”

  “Again, like her mother. You look absolutely radiant, Winnie. Marriage looks really great on you.”

  A sweet flush colored Winnie’s cheeks. “You were always so sure about Josh even when I wasn’t. Thank you.” Her eyes misted and she sniffled. “Sorry. I’m more emotional than ever these days, what with the wedding and everything. Don’t mind me.” Digging in her purse, she pulled out a tissue. “It’s all good.”

  Amy gave her friend—the “Mother Hen” of the TeamWork crew—another quick hug. “You three belong together, but you and Josh both needed time to work through circumstances in your lives. I trusted the Lord to work out the details. So, tell me, how are the plans coming along for the new house?”

  “We break ground the first part of March.” Dabbing at her eyes and tossing the tissue back in her purse, Winnie brightened. “Now that Kevin and Beck are settling in Houston, too, Lexa and Sam tease about installing a revolving door in the kitchen for all the comings and goings of the TeamWork crew.”

  “Not a bad idea. The more the merrier, I suppose.” Amy smiled as they reached the baggage carousel. “Lexa feeling any better?”

  “Her morning sickness is lasting longer than expected and she’s more tired, so she has her moments. Joe’s walking now, so—combined with the catering business—she stays busy. Lexa’s got more energy than anyone I know, but she’s finally learning to slow down and acknowledge when she’s overdoing it. Sam helps as much as he can, and he’s been cooking dinner a couple of nights a week.”

  Amy raised a brow. “Sam and cooking in the same sentence? The man has many talents, but that’s a stretch unless peaches are an ingredient.”

  Winni
e laughed. “He tries, but it’s a good thing Lexa likes spaghetti. Sam’s a lot of fun to watch with Joe. Last week, I found the little guy sprawled across his daddy’s chest, a storybook on the floor beside them in Sam’s office at the house, both fast asleep. Oh, listen to this: Beck got him a little pair of cowboy boots and—”

  “Don’t even tell me that child has a baby Stetson,” Amy said, laughing. “Sam’s such a good man. You got yourself a gem, too, Mrs. Grant, but going back to the catering, Cassie tells me Doyle-Clarke Catering is in huge demand these days. You and Lexa have worked hard to build your clientele, and it sounds like the hard work is paying off.”

  “Thanks. Cassie’s helping us full-time now, and she’s a hard worker and is great with the advertising. Marta and Gayle work some of the weekend events and we’ve hired a few part-time helpers, mostly mothers from our church. Christmas is our busiest season, and for the first time ever, we had to turn down a couple of catering jobs this weekend.”

  “I’m glad you can take a break. You deserve it.” Amy watched as luggage from her flight started around the carousel. “Can you believe Beck and Kevin are finally getting married? After watching that shy man skirt around her for years, and then with Adam wanting to marry her and take her to England . . .”—she waved her hand—“there were times I wasn’t sure this day would ever come. I was more confident in you and Josh, but please don’t tell Beck I said that.”

  “They’ve both grown a lot, even in these last few months,” Winnie said. “They’re solid and downright adorable together. Sam’s gone through pre-marital counseling with them, and they’re more than ready to be married. Helping to plan this wedding has also been great to keep my mother-in-law busy and focused since it’s only been six months since Dad passed away. Rebekah worried it was too soon to plan a big church wedding, but Lorena insisted. Just like she encouraged Josh and me not to delay our wedding.”

  “I’m sure having Chloe in her life has been a blessing, too. Let me grab my suitcase and then we’re on our way.” As she toted her suitcase behind her and Winnie carried her overnight bag, they discussed wedding details as they walked to the parking lot. “You didn’t bring Ladybug?” Amy asked after storing her luggage in the trunk of the dark blue BMW.

  “Ladybug doesn’t exactly fit Josh’s masculine image, especially this weekend. I love it when Josh drives Chloe around town in that little yellow car, though. He can barely fit inside and it’s pretty cramped, but he does it for her.” Winnie’s voice choked. “It’s amazing how well they’ve adjusted to each other, although the first time Josh raised his voice, Chloe absolutely crumpled. Even as young as she is, it’s like she’s known all along Josh is her dad. Every time she calls him ‘daddy,’ I melt.” Winnie shifted on the seat to face her, eyes bright. “Do you know what our little girl said yesterday?”

  “As smart as Chloe is, anything’s possible,” Amy said, her heart uplifted by the love and pride in her best friend’s voice.

  “Thanks. When we were on our way here to Louisiana, she said, ‘Daddy, your eyes are green just like mine and they twinkle when they look at Mommy.’” Winnie paused, catching her breath. “My daughter has a romanticized view of life—and yes, maybe she’s seen too many animated movies with twinkly-eyed characters—but she shares so many wonderful qualities with Josh, especially a sense of whimsy and fun and seeing the best in people and situations. And you know what? I hope she never loses those qualities.”

  Reaching across the seat, Amy squeezed her hand. “Me, too.” They talked more as Winnie drove them out of the airport and merged onto the highway. Amy’s phone buzzed. Tamping down the hope it might be Landon, she saw her mother’s number light the display. After assuring her mom she’d arrived safely, she promised to call her later in the weekend to tell her all about the wedding. She caught Winnie’s smile as she replaced the phone. “Do mothers ever stop worrying?”

  “No, and you’ll find out firsthand one of these days. Okay, I’ve waited long enough,” Winnie said with a big grin. “You’ve met someone. Tell me about him.”

  I’m too transparent. Then again, Winnie was uncommonly perceptive and could read her better than anyone besides her brother. Amy launched into her story. After talking non-stop for five minutes straight, she ended with Juliet’s warning. “Wow,” she said, catching her breath, “and to think I wasn’t even sure what to say about him.”

  “It’s great to see you so happy. You’re usually very cautious about meeting new men.”

  Amy glanced her way. “You know I have to be.”

  “Yes, but from what you’ve told me, you can trust Landon’s not after your money.”

  She hated discussing money and shifted in her seat. “It’s not really mine, anyway, but money made from a few successful films and countless Broadway shows.”

  Winnie exited the interstate before answering. “Your grandfather didn’t leave you the Manhattan walk-up and a trust fund to burden you, sweetie, but to make your life easier. He was a great actor and invested his money wisely to help his family.”

  “Not that I don’t appreciate it because I do,” Amy said. “Sorry if I sounded like a spoiled and ungrateful heir.” Her grandfather’s money had afforded her a top-notch education, opportunities and a quality of life she wouldn’t have enjoyed otherwise.

  “You didn’t,” Winnie said. “I think having those resources has made you careful and wary out of necessity. Just like your grandfather”—she glanced her way—“and from what I know, you’ve turned your personal gain into blessings for others. From what you’ve told me about Landon, he shares that philosophy.”

  Amy nodded. “Landon has this fierce intensity about him. He embraces life head-on and says whatever’s in his head. While I admire that, his blunt honesty is also very unsettling. He challenges me and makes me think, but not in a ‘this could get old real quick’ kind of way. It’s more a ‘this could be fun’ way. On the other hand, the man’s exhausting.” Laughing, she shook her head. “Did that make any sense?”

  “It did, and he sounds perfect for you. Being in the same business, you understand each other.”

  “True, but we might also drive each other crazy.”

  Winnie’s trademark giggle slipped out, warming her heart. “Good crazy.”

  “But what about Juliet’s warning? I can’t afford to lose my job, and I can’t believe she’d have legitimate grounds to fire me.”

  “I guess that’s where the trust factor comes into play,” Winnie said. “You’ve never been one to listen to idle gossip and you have great instincts. The best advice I can give you is to pray and know I’ll pray for you, too. Take it day-by-day. You’ve got all the time in the world to explore this relationship and see where it might be headed.”

  Amy blew out a deep sigh. “Thanks. You’re right. I’ve been praying, but I guess I should ramp it up.”

  ~~**~~

  After Amy checked in at the inn, Winnie helped her find her room on the third floor.

  “I have your dress and I’ll bring it to you tomorrow morning after breakfast,” Winnie said. “The TeamWork crew is gathering in the restaurant downstairs at nine. Sam’s reserved a private room for us.”

  “It’ll be a nice change to sleep in a little. I can’t wait to see everyone and catch up on their news. As you know, an awful lot can happen with this group in a very short time.” Amy shared a grin with Winnie and stifled her yawn. Now that she’d arrived, she was tired and welcomed a good night’s rest. “Thanks for picking me up at the airport and listening to me jabber on and on.”

  “Anytime. As far as Landon is concerned, any man who puts that sparkle in your eye is going to mean something in your life, sweetie.”

  “Oh, that reminds me. Come inside the room for a minute and I’ll show you his picture.” Winnie waited as Amy retrieved the latest issue of New York Scene from the front pocket of her bag. Flipping through the first few glossy pages, she held it up for her to see.

  “My, my. He’s very handsome,” Winnie
said, taking it from her. “Looks like a charmer, and he reminds me of someone else we know.”

  Amy frowned. “Really? Who’s that?”

  Winnie handed back the magazine with a smile. “Sam.”

  Glancing at the photo, Amy shrugged. “I guess I can see the resemblance in the dark hair and blue eyes, but without the smile lines and the tinge of silver at the temples. Landon’s personality is a lot different from Sam’s, but they’re both strong men.”

  “I think it’s more in his posture and facial expression,” Winnie said. “I need to go check on Chloe and make sure Josh isn’t keeping her up. You get settled in and get some good sleep tonight.” Reaching into her purse, she dug out a small slip of paper and handed it to her. “Here’s a list of our room numbers and extensions I made for everyone. Most of us are here on this floor. We’re in 302 and Sam and Lexa are in 310. Marc and Natalie are in the room two doors down from you. If they get too rambunctious, just call Sam.”

  Amy laughed in the middle of another yawn. “I don’t want to know. Does our crew take up this entire floor?”

  “Not quite, but give us a few more years.” With another quick hug, Winnie turned to go. “I’m so glad we’re all here together. Sweet dreams, and I’ll see you in the morning.”

  ~~**~~

  Friday morning dawned bright and unseasonably warm, and the forecast for Saturday promised to be glorious. After her shower, Amy left her hair to dry naturally. Pulling on her new pair of jeans—two sizes smaller than three months ago—she dressed them up with a pale pink silk blouse and stylish but comfortable brown leather ankle boots. After brushing her teeth and slicking on a touch of lipstick, she fastened a white and pink pearl necklace around her neck and a matching bracelet on her wrist. Although she loved jewelry, she didn’t wear much at work since it could be distracting and cumbersome. For special occasions like this, though, she indulged.