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

by JoAnn Durgin

  Closing her eyes, Amy prayed. Lord, give me Your words.

  The words whispered in her heart. You are not alone, child.

  Her eyes fluttered open. “Tam, you’re not alone.”

  “You’ll come down to Texas?” The hope in her tone, the small sob punctuating the question, made her sound like a much younger child.

  “Yes, of course. Tell me where you are.”

  “I’m in Asher, Texas. It’s not far from the Louisiana line. The place where you met me before. Chances are, when you get here, I’ll be working at Kleinman’s. I’m pretty much always there.”

  “Is this the best phone number to reach you?” Scribbling down the information Tam relayed, Amy checked her watch. “I’m coming, Tam, but please promise me you won’t do anything until I get there, okay?” She prayed under her breath and clenched and unclenched her fist.

  “Promise.” The word was quiet, and she had to trust the girl meant it.

  Disconnecting the call, Amy groaned. Getting a plane reservation would be next-to-impossible with the holiday rush, and she didn’t relish renting a car and driving alone to Texas. For one thing, her brother would never allow it. Mitch. With new resolve, she grabbed the phone again and punched the speed dial.

  “Do you have any idea what time it is?” More than anything, Mitch hated being awakened from a sound sleep.

  “Sorry, but it’s important. We need to take a road trip to Texas.”

  “Funny,” he said, exaggerating his loud yawn. “For a second there, I thought you said it’s time for a road trip to Texas. I’ve never been there, so why would I want to go now? Am I dreaming?”

  “Texas is great. Now’s your chance.”

  “Tell you what. Let me go get something to drink and I’ll call you back in ten minutes, then you can explain what this is all about.”

  A sense of relief swept over her. “Thanks. Make it something caffeinated and don’t lay back down or you’ll fall asleep again. I’ll talk to you in a few.”

  “I’m not promising anything.”

  Once Mitch heard what it was about, he’d be halfway amenable, but it was still a long shot. Juliet wouldn’t be pleased, and the thought of taking extra time off and driving through possible bad weather made her cringe. The saving grace was that because it was the end of the year, things were slower and more laid back at work. If she promised to keep up with her current projects, it might appease her boss and grant her enough favor to carry into the New Year.

  For the next few minutes, she padded around her townhouse before washing up a few dishes. Of course, the phone rang when her hands were wet with suds. Grabbing a dish towel, she did the quick dry and put the phone to her ear.

  “Tell me what this is all about.” To his credit, Mitch didn’t interrupt her spiel. She paused a couple of times for his assurances that he was awake and heard her. “Amy, you know I’d do anything for you,” he said as she finished, “but I have two things this week I really can’t get out of. If I drove with you to Texas, I wouldn’t make it back in time. It’s impossible, given the time and distance. I’m sorry, but I can’t.”

  Tears stung the back of her eyes and she bit her lower lip. “What things?” She closed her eyes and regretted the question.

  “Before you ask, nothing to do with Felicity. You might be pleased to know we’re not seeing each other.”

  That statement stunned her. “Mitch, I’m sorry. Really.” Tacking that last word on didn’t help, but her heart was heavy for him. “You know I wasn’t the biggest fan of that relationship, but I hate like anything to see you hurt.”

  “I’m man enough to admit when you’re right, and you were. She’s a nice woman, but it wasn’t a healthy relationship. Not a solid basis for anything more than friendship.”

  She leaned against the kitchen counter and stared at the floor. “You should have told me. When did this happen?”

  “Right after Christmas, but you had your own problems.”

  “That’s borderline insulting. You know I’d drop everything for you if you needed me.”

  “I know you would.” Mitch cleared his throat. “In answer to your question, I’ve been spending time at one of the children’s hospitals, and I’m expected there in three days. They’re doing a program for the kids. It’s important or I’d consider the trip to Texas.”

  Tears sprang into her eyes. “I had no idea. That’s great.” He’d stayed far away from hospitals since he’d left Boston after the fiasco during his residency, and this was a huge step in his personal healing from the pain of the past. Mitch loved kids, and he was wonderful with them. With his sense of humor, he’d have them all laughing, and vice versa. Another answer to prayer.

  “You can take my car, if you want. I don’t want you to go by yourself. Surely you have a girlfriend or one of the ladies from Habits who doesn’t already have plans for the New Year?”

  She’d forgotten about his car. “At this time of year, I doubt it. Besides, I don’t want to call anyone this late at night and beg them to go with me. I’m not sure if I’m up for another road trip, either, especially with someone I don’t know well. That last one was enough to last a lifetime.” She didn’t realize she was smiling until she turned and caught her reflection in the oven door.

  “There’s a solution to your dilemma that makes perfect sense, you know.”

  She stopped pacing. “What’s that?”

  “Swallow your pride and stubbornness and call Landon. The man’s got a plane, Amy. I’m sure he’d drop everything to fly you back down to Texas.”

  After signing off with her brother, she paced some more. “Oh, all right.” Picking up her phone, she retrieved his number. Her heart pounded as she waited. He picked up on the third ring, but she spoke before he had the opportunity to say a word. “Landon, hi.”

  “Hey, Amy. What’s up?” His tone was deceptively casual.

  “I’m really sorry to call so late, but I have to go back down to Texas and I need your help. If you’re willing.” When he didn’t speak, she thought better of it. “Never mind. Forget it—”

  “You wouldn’t have called if it wasn’t important.” She heard movement and a muffled yawn. “When do you need to leave?” She envisioned him in sweat pants and a T-shirt, sitting up on his bed. Her heart swelled with a rush of emotion. She could almost smell Irish Spring and minty mouthwash. You are seriously delusional.

  She snapped back to attention. “As soon as possible. Tam called. Landon, she’s pregnant and—to put it bluntly—she’s thinking of terminating her pregnancy.” She swallowed a small sob and brought her hand to her mouth, her fingers trembling. “I have to do what I can. She said she’s in Asher, Texas, near the Louisiana state line”

  “Hang on a minute.” She could tell he was writing down the information. “Tam’s underage, so I’m pretty sure she’d need permission from a parent.”

  “I know, but she told me her mother signed the consent form.”

  “I’ll have the plane ready tomorrow morning.” The confidence and strength in his voice assured her as much as anything else. “Nine o’clock is about the earliest I can get a pilot scheduled. I’ll send a taxi to pick you up at seven-thirty. Can you be ready?”

  “Of course. Thank you, Landon. I’ll be forever grateful.”

  “Welcome.”

  Ask him. “You won’t be flying the plane?”

  He hesitated only a moment. “No. It’s best if I don’t come.”

  Her heart plummeted. “You can come if you want. This is too important. A child’s life is at stake.” She stopped short of saying she wanted—needed—him to come with her.

  “You need to stay focused. Please let me know what happens and know I’ll be praying for Tam. Just give me a call when you have any idea when you’re ready to come back home.”

  She wiped away a tear. “I can find my way home.” The words struck her as ironic as they slipped from her lips.

  “I’m sure you can, Amelia. Still, I’d appreciate it if you’d ple
ase call me and let me know when you’re ready.”

  “If you insist.”

  “I do. Go with my prayers. I admire you for doing this. As much as anyone I’ve ever met, you live your faith and convictions. That’s a beautiful thing. Call if you need anything else, Daydreamer.”

  His tone sounded sad, resigned almost. So unlike him. No teasing, no flirting. Well, it was late. Admit it, you miss him and want him to go with you. “I will. Thanks again. For everything.” Amy barely squeaked out the words before telling him a quick, rushed good-bye. Wiping away more tears, she headed into the laundry room. She had too much to do and couldn’t waste valuable time stewing over missing Landon, or wondering why she had such a desperate, raw ache in her heart.

  After leaving a message for Juliet telling her she’d be out of the office for a few days, Amy headed for the shower. By the time she was done, Landon had already called and left her a voice mail message. She smiled, listening to his voice. When he ended the message, she realized she hadn’t heard a word. “Pay attention this time,” she said, frowning. A taxi would pick her up in front of her townhouse and transport her to the plane at a small airport on the outskirts of the city. From there, a pilot named Frank Long would fly her directly into a private airport close to Asher where another driver would take her straight to the restaurant where Tam worked. Landon gave her every contact number available for him and said to call if she and Tam needed anything.

  The next morning, she heard a tap of a horn. Peeking out her front window, she spied a waiting taxi, its door open while a burly man hurried up the front stairs. Her heart caught in her throat.

  “Miss Jacobsen.” Angelina’s papa stood on the front stoop. Removing his cap, he stuffed it in one hand. His broad grin was the best sight she’d seen in days.

  “Call me Amy,” she said, offering her hand but feeling like wrapping her arms around him. Oh, why not?

  He patted a beefy hand on her shoulder as she embraced him. “And I’m Luis Delgado, but call me Louie. I have to say, getting a big hug from such a pretty lady on a cold morning starts a man’s day off right.” Pulling out of the hug, he tugged his cap down over his head. “They’re saying we might get a decent snowfall tonight.” He hesitated. “You okay?”

  The concern in his voice touched her. She nodded. “I’m fine.” She brushed away a few tears. Seemed she’d been doing that a lot lately. “Just a little emotional.”

  “Yeah, well, the holidays will do that to you every time,” he said, replacing his cap. “That man better be treating you right. He gave me his word.”

  “Things are a little strained right now, but I think everything will be okay in time.”

  “Ah, honey, you fell in love with the guy, didn’t you? Listen, he’s one of the good ones. Sure, he’s smooth and all on the outside, but the man’s got a good heart.” He tapped a fist over his heart.

  Amy tilted her head. “How do you know?”

  “After that night when I dropped you off in Central Park, Mr. Warnick called my boss and asked for me special. He has me pick him up midtown on Saturday mornings, some Sundays. He’s a Big Brother to some kid over in Queens. Been doin’ it for years, I guess. Takes him everywhere and talks to him like he’s a real person, you know? Not just some kid. Even took him to visit his daddy’s grave last week.”

  “Thanks for telling me, Louie.”

  “Sure thing. You two make a real good couple. You both got real big hearts, the kind I don’t see much anymore. Now, time is money. You got your bags ready to go?”

  “Just one. It’s right here.” Stepping aside, she nodded to the overnight bag in the hallway.

  “Listen, I want to thank you for encouraging Angelina,” he said, grabbing her bag in one swoop. “Thanks to you, she got an extra nice Christmas present this year.”

  “What’s that?” Slinging her purse over one shoulder, Amy followed him out the door.

  “She got a phone call yesterday from a lady at one of those fancy teen magazines. Said you’d given her Angie’s name and sent over her story. Now, my little girl’s got a meeting to talk about some fancy internship this summer. You should have heard her jumping and hollering all around the house. She can’t stop talking about it and didn’t sleep a wink last night. I’ve never seen Angie so excited.”

  “Oh, Louie, that’s such wonderful news.” He couldn’t know what a precious gift he’d given her. “Angelina’s a talented writer, and the internship will be a great experience for her.”

  “Yeah. With a little guy to support now, she’ll be needing a decent job. She’s hoping she can turn this summer thing into a career. Go to night school while working at a magazine. Miss Amy, you’ve given her hope she can do more with her life, even though her mama and I have been telling her that all along. See,” he said, that broad grin creasing his face again, “I knew there was something special about you.”

  That stopped her. Angelina has a son. With the key in the lock, Amy turned and met his eyes. “Thanks, Louie. I forgot something inside. You go on and I’ll be right out.”

  “Sure thing.” He started down the steps with her bag as she headed back into the townhouse.

  Please let it be where I think it is. Crossing the living room, Amy pulled out her desk drawer, breathing a sigh of relief as she spied Angelina’s stories. Pulling out “Just Maybe,” she folded it and tucked it inside her purse. Here we go, Lord. Again.

  Chapter 45

  In the mid-afternoon, Amy finally walked into Kleinman’s, suitcase in hand. The flight had bounced through a number of air pockets. Combined with a lack of sleep, she felt tired and sluggish. Stopping by the hostess station, she looked around for Tam. The restaurant was busy with the usual clatter of silverware, conversations and piped-in country music. One guy eyed her with a “new-girl-in-town?” expression and a quirked brow, prompting the girl with him to sock his arm.

  Coming out of the kitchen, a young man headed toward the host station. “Table for one or is someone else joining you?” he asked, his drawl exaggerated. He kept one eye on her as he retrieved a menu.

  “Just one,” she said, gripping the handle of her suitcase. Seemed to be a running theme these days.

  “Table or booth?”

  “Doesn’t matter. You choose.”

  “This okay?” He stopped beside a small corner booth.

  “Fine. Thanks.” She noted his name on the tag hanging cockeyed on his shirt: Denton.

  Sliding into the booth, she yawned and rotated her shoulders. Opening the menu, she scanned it but couldn’t keep her eyes focused. She wasn’t hungry, but knew she should order something.

  “You really came.”

  Amy glanced up with a tired smile. “How are you, Tam?”

  “Still pregnant.” Sitting down beside Amy in the booth, she blew out a breath. Other than faint circles beneath her eyes, she looked more her age without all the makeup. “I didn’t think you’d really show up here. I mean, nobody’s ever done anything like that for me before.” Clasping her hands on the table top, she twisted them together. “This isn’t about money, in case you’re wondering. I got some saved up for . . . you know.”

  “I’m glad you called me.”

  Sliding back out of the booth, Tam pushed dark red hair away from her face. “I guess you’d better order something so I don’t get in trouble.” She pulled an order pad from the pocket of her uniform. “Seeing as how I’m taking off tomorrow, I can’t afford to make my boss mad.”

  “Everyone’s entitled to time off, especially for medical reasons.” Besides the makeup, something was different about the girl. “Did you dye your hair recently?” It was difficult to keep the question casual.

  “Yeah. Why?”

  “Especially during the first trimester—the first three months—you have to be careful. Your baby is vulnerable right now. Do you know how far along you are?”

  Putting one hand on her hip, Tam avoided her eyes and snorted. “Might not matter after tomorrow, anyway.”

  S
he refused to believe she really meant it. Flippancy was only a cover for sixteen-year-old insecurities. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have called. When Tam started to leave, Amy put one hand on her arm. “How far along?” Is it possible she doesn’t know?

  Tam paused and sighed, but refused to meet her gaze. “About nine or ten weeks, I think.”

  “What time do you get off work?”

  She shot a glance at the clock on the wall. “Two hours.”

  “Then I’ll wait. Keep bringing me coffee and a sandwich or soup. Whatever. Order something for yourself if you can take a break and eat.”

  “Nah, I’ll eat later. Grilled cheese and chicken and rice soup okay?” Tam’s smile was genuine and transformed her face. “House special. Wheat bread?”

  “Right.” Good memory. “Sounds great. Throw in some crackers, too, please.”

  “That I can do.” Tam started to leave but turned back. “So, where’s that fine looking man you were with before?”

  “Home in New York, I imagine.” Amy lowered her eyes as she handed Tam the menu.

  “New York? I thought he was from Texas. He sure looked the part. Aren’t you and—”

  “He’s from Austin originally but lives in Manhattan now. And no, we’re not a couple.” She waved her hand. “It’s complicated.”

  “That’s what I hate about relationships,” Tam said, shaking her head with all the wisdom of a teenager. “They’re always complicated. Hope it works out, though.”

  As she watched her walk away, Amy breathed a sigh of relief she didn’t sway her hips like before or flirt with anyone as she headed straight to the kitchen. Denton also watched Tam with what looked suspiciously like unrequited love shining in those hazel eyes. When his gaze moved to her, he ducked his head and fiddled with the children’s menus before sorting through bins of crayons.

  An older couple sat the next table over, the man shoveling in his food while the woman picked at her dinner. Neither one said a word. Were they so comfortable with each other that words weren’t necessary? Or did they simply have nothing to say? The way they avoided conversation and eye contact, they might as well be strangers. The saddest part of it all was that she’d seen a lot of apathetic couples like this one. But it wasn’t like she could march over to their table and ask, “What happened to the passion?” Well, she could, but why embarrass them—and herself? Could anything be more sad?