Prelude: Prequel to The Lewis Legacy Series

by JoAnn Durgin

  “It couldn’t work between us in the long run, so why start something?”

  “My turn to say hold on a red-hot minute.” He raised one hand. “You make me sound like I’m an old man at the end of my life. I figure I still have a few good years left in me. The thing is, I don’t want to date anyone else. You can’t tell me I’m the only one who knows we have something special between us, Sarah. Something that could develop into much more. Why aren’t you willing to explore these feelings and allow the Lord to work? From where I stand, it’s called faith.”

  Her eyes widened and moisture filled them. “I don’t want to start something with you, Sam Lewis, because you’re the one man who holds the power to break my heart.”

  “What are you saying?” Fear whittled its way into his heart and twisted him inside, squeezing and pressing hard. On the flip side, her statement—subconsciously or not—revealed her deep affection for him. He had no intention of breaking her heart. If anything, the opposite was true.

  Sarah blew out a breath. “I’m saying you shouldn’t meet me at Thornton’s Creek anymore. Don’t come into Perry’s every day. Just. . .don’t.” Jumping up from the swing, she headed to the front door and grabbed the handle. When she hesitated, it gave him renewed hope. “I’ll help with the project for Mr. Benson, but please don’t ask me for anything more. That’s all I can give you.”

  “Sarah—”

  “Good night.” Said with the finality of a forever goodbye as she opened the screen door and stepped into the house. With everything in him, he couldn’t allow that to happen.

  “No.” He’d kept his voice low but forceful, not wanting her parents, Tess, or any of their neighbors to overhear. Rising from the swing, Sam crossed the porch in seconds. Stepping back out on the front porch, she closed the screen door behind her.

  Thankful she hadn’t slammed the door and shut him out, Sam grabbed both her hands and held on tight. “We’ve always been friends, first and foremost. I’ve enjoyed our talks by the creek, and I thought you had, too.”

  She lowered her gaze. “Of course, I have. Very much.”

  “Then don’t take that away from us.”

  “Don’t you see? Her voice wavered with emotion and her eyes glistened in the dim light. “The more time I spend with you, the more difficult it will be to say goodbye when the time eventually comes. And it will come.”

  “Okay, this is what we’re going to do.” Lord, give me your words. Help her to understand.

  The corners of Sarah’s mouth lifted slightly. “You always have a plan, don’t you?”

  “I try. We’re going to make a pact—right here, right now—that no matter what happens in the future, we will never say goodbye.”

  Sarah moistened her lower lip with her tongue and appeared to ponder his words. “I’m not sure—”

  “Since I’ve been back, you’ve become a very important person in my life, Sarah Jordan. No matter how hard you try to push me away, now or in the future, I’m not about to let that happen.” He brushed the pad of his thumb over her cheek, loving the softness of her skin, the scent of her. “If all you want from me is friendship, then so be it. Just know I’m offering more.” With that statement, he’d said it all. Best to leave with his dignity somewhat intact.

  Releasing her hands, Sam pivoted and walked down the steps to the sidewalk without looking back. Since he hadn’t heard the screen door close again, he figured Sarah stood on the porch.

  In the end, this evening had gone nothing at all like he’d planned.

  Chapter 15

  ♥

  Wednesday Afternoon

  A single guy his age shouldn’t be going home to his mother and father’s house every night. Sam made a mental note to call Cora about available rental properties. He could live there while he searched for a home to buy. He’d spent very little of the money he’d earned the past four years, so he’d have more than enough for a substantial downpayment. Maybe even enough to buy a small home outright.

  Charlie slid into the booth opposite him. “Watch it. Your disgruntlement is showing.”

  Sam chuckled under his breath. “Join me, why don’t you? I didn’t see you come in, and I have no idea what you’re talking about.” His words came out more like a grumble. Yeah, maybe he was disgruntled. Finished with his sandwich, he shoved his plate aside.

  “Sure you do.” Charlie gave him a grin guaranteed to irritate him further.

  “Am I that obvious?”

  “’Fraid so, buddy. You still haven’t asked her out yet, huh?”

  “I tried, but she pretty much spelled it out that she wants me to date someone else. I more or less told her I was still planning to meet her at Thornton’s Creek. She can’t take that away from us.” When Charlie raised a brow, Sam figured he’d better explain. Heaven forbid old Mrs. Saunders with her selective hearing, sitting in the booth behind them, heard that remark. No matter what, he would not instigate any rumors slandering Sarah’s good name.

  “We meet there sometimes to talk. We discuss life, swim, toss around ideas.”

  Charlie’s brows lifted higher. “Uh huh. Sounds completely innocent to me.”

  “You know as well as I do that Sarah doesn’t date.”

  “Don’t think half the guys in town haven’t tried.”

  Sam grunted. “That’s supposed to make me feel better?”

  His friend laughed. “You’re the guy meeting her at the creek, buddy. So, tell me, do these little creek meetings, or whatever you’re calling them, involve any serious flirtations?”

  He smirked. “I’ve always joked around with Sarah. She’s a lot like Rachel. She teases me back, and we have a lot of fun together.” Sam could tell Charlie wasn’t buying it. He shrugged. “Okay, fine. Don’t believe me. Before you came in to harrass me, I was sitting here trying to figure out how to change her mind.”

  Charlie chuckled. “Only one way to find out. Time to ask her, my friend.”

  Sam rubbed a hand over his brow and darted a glance Sarah’s way. “Shh. She’s coming.”

  “Hi, Charlie. How are things in the hardware business?” Sarah put a napkin and silverware on the table beside Charlie and glanced at Sam’s half-empty glass. If nothing else, the woman was very good at her job.

  “Great. Hey, Sarah, are you going to the Saturday night dance over at Harbison Hall?”

  What was Charlie thinking? Sam had half a mind to kick his friend under the table. He poised his foot, ready and waiting. He slanted his gaze to Sarah, unable to ignore his racing pulse.

  “No. I hadn’t planned on it.”

  “Well, my buddy Sam here—” Charlie flinched when he gave him a targeted, swift kick to his left shin— “is planning on being available to drive anyone home who’s had too much to drink.”

  Sarah turned her gaze on him. If he wasn’t mistaken, admiration shone in those lovely brown eyes. “Is that so? That’s very noble, Sam.”

  Sam leveled his gaze on Charlie, silently imploring him to let it go.

  “Here’s a thought,” Charlie said. “Why don’t you help him? Keeping watch over the troops. Hopefully, no one will get soused so he actually has to drive them home.” He shot Sam a grin. “I’ll vouch that he’s decent company. I’m sure he’s got some good stories in his back pocket. Guaranteed to keep you entertained. Nothing too graphic for a young lady’s sensibilities, of course.”

  “I’m sure. Would you like something to eat, Charlie?” Avoiding Sam’s gaze, Sarah shifted from one foot to the other. That was a change. She rarely acted nervous. Her behavior now indicated she might be a little rattled at the thought of being forced to sit beside him in a social situation. Quite different from their heartfelt conversations at the creek.

  “Myrna made a fresh batch of carrot cake muffins. Real cream cheese frosting.”

  Charlie released a low groan. “No fair. You know that’s my ultimate temptation. All right, bring me one. I can’t pass that up.”

  Taking Sam’s empty plate, Sarah headed bac
k toward the kitchen.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” Sam hissed as soon as Sarah was out of earshot.

  “Relax.” Charlie leaned back in the booth. “Just trying to get you a date, my friend.”

  “I can get my own dates, thanks.”

  “Can you? From what I’ve seen, you’re sitting over here in this booth day after day, staring at her, and getting your eyes full. You can drool over her efferves—whatever you called it, all you want, but that’s not getting your lips locked with hers now, is it? Say, here’s a thought. Maybe you should take some of that romantic pining and put it good use.”

  “Watch it, Charlie.”

  His friend held up one hand. “I meant no disrespect. Man, you’re in a great mood. How long’s it been since you’ve had a date? Held a woman? Kissed a woman?”

  “That’s getting a little personal. Maybe you should answer that question for yourself and leave me alone.”

  With a chuckle, Charlie shook his head. “Don’t you worry. I’ll take care of me.”

  Sam shook his head and drained his glass. He’d float out of Perry’s at the rate he was going. Either that or make an embarrassing number of trips to the men’s room if anyone was keeping count. One of the hazards of living in a small town was that people always seemed to be watching.

  “Come on, Sam. You’ve only had eyes for Sarah Jordan since you slid off the back of my convertible after the homecoming parade. You had two beautiful girls hanging onto you—one on each arm—and yet you needed me to rescue you. Admit it. You had a one-track mind bent on heading over here to Perry’s as fast as you could. Why else would you leave our table and waltz over to the counter to talk with Sarah?”

  “Maybe because I felt a little claustrophobic. The table was overcrowded.” He frowned. “And I don’t waltz. That sounds girly.”

  Charlie laughed. “You might not admit it to me, but be man enough to admit it to yourself. Turn off that engineer’s mind of yours for once, stop thinking logically, and discover your emotional side. Try it. You might find it freeing. Kind of like flying around in that wide blue yonder you love so much.”

  “Now you’re really talking crazy.” The reminder of flying sliced through Sam, but that was a place he didn’t want to go.

  Sarah returned to their table with the carrot cake muffin for Charlie and another fresh glass of iced tea with lemon. Sam mumbled his thanks, and it was hard to ignore the way Sarah avoided looking at him. He didn’t like it, but he’d try to repair the damage the next time they met at the creek.

  “So, what do you say, Sarah? Want to go to Harbison’s on Saturday night with our man Sam?”

  Sam wanted to slide under the table. He thought Charlie would drop it, but now he was proving him the fool. He’d kill him later.

  “I’ll think about it.” She darted a nervous glance in the general direction of the kitchen. “I, um, might have to work an extra shift on Saturday.”

  “If it helps, I can pick you up for our non-date”—Sam shot a withering glance at Charlie—“either here or at your house.” Above all, he couldn’t have Sarah leave the table thinking he couldn’t ask for his own dates. That would be the ultimate humiliation. A guy had his pride, after all.

  Staring at him for a long moment, Sarah finally opened her mouth to speak then closed it again. She started to walk away before turning back around. “Like I said, I’ll think about it.”

  Charlie nudged him under the table. Yeah, he’d definitely have to kill him.

  ♥

  That Evening

  Like some kind of stalker, Sam stared out the front window. In terms of a schedule, Sarah was pretty much a creature of habit. Hopefully, that would work in his favor tonight. If she followed her customary pattern, she’d head out to Thornton’s Creek any minute. Like a heathen, he’d skipped prayer meeting, but Sarah had arrived back home at the same time his parents pulled into the driveway. Which meant in twenty minutes, she’d be heading to the creek.

  Sure enough, he spied her soon after. The dirt path leading to the creek necessitated that she cross the street behind the Barton house. She’d changed into denim shorts that showed off her long, tanned legs and a white, sleeveless cotton top that highlighted her slender, toned arms. Gorgeous.

  Throwing down the newspaper he’d been pretending to read, Sam startled his mother. Catherine sat on the sofa, working on a quilt. One of her favorite hobbies, she spent a portion of each evening with her newest project. He usually didn’t say much to her when she had her head bent over one of her quilts, knowing she was either deep in thought or talking with the Lord.

  “Going somewhere?”

  Sam stopped with one hand on the doorknob. “Just thought I’d go to the creek for a while.”

  “You’ve always liked going there.” Using her scissors, she snipped off a hanging thread. “Your dad and I had a favorite meeting place in San Antonio.”

  “I didn’t know that.” However, now wasn’t the best time to talk about it. “You’ll have to tell me about it sometime.” Thankfully, she didn’t chastise him for skipping out on church. The Lord knew he was so agitated he couldn’t pray although he knew good and well that’s the one thing he should be doing.

  His mother lowered her needlework to her lap and gave him one of those motherly looks she’d perfected. “Go, son. Give Sarah my regards. Try not to be too obvious.”

  She could read him so well. Mothers always could.

  “A little late for that.” With a quick salute and a smile, Sam dashed out the front door like the kid he’d once been. Like a consuming passion, he needed to speak with Sarah.

  Chapter 16

  ♥

  “You might not believe this, but I’ve always admired you.” As usual, Sam sat beside her on the edge of Thornton’s Creek, their feet dangling in the water.

  “You’re right. I can’t believe it.”

  So much for asking him not to come to the creek anymore. Sam’s impassioned plea that they not give up their times together here had been so heartfelt and sweet. How could she refuse him? He’d become her best friend in a short time, and they’d shared so much. He’d told her things about himself no one else knew, and she’d done the same for him. She’d need to figure out how to be with him and resist him. That could be a problem, but she’d pray about it and get on with her life.

  “Too many people hide behind their feelings.” Sam’s voice was quiet. “For instance, I liked the way you kissed Perry Sellers on the cheek the other day. Unabashed affection, that’s what it was. Genuine and real.”

  “Perry turned seventy-five. It was a special day for him, a milestone. Do you notice everything?”

  “Not always. I am a guy, after all.”

  Oh, how well she knew. Sarah wished she could ignore that fact, but it was impossible, especially with him sitting beside her.

  Her next mistake was glancing at him. Those smile lines deepened, causing her pulse to shoot to the heavens.

  “At least with you, I always know where I stand,” he said. “Good thing for you I like a person who’s forthright and honest. Someone whose actions are motivated by a pure heart.”

  Sarah shifted her position and nudged his thigh with hers, hoping it wasn’t inappropriate, trying to ignore the strength and muscle tone in his legs. She focused her attention on the slow moving water in the creek.

  “You’re not like any other girl I’ve ever met. You’re different in all the best ways.”

  She dipped her head, confused. While she adored compliments from Sam, she wasn’t sure what to say in response. “I thought you’d agreed not to talk about things like this.”

  “I’m only complimenting you. Is that a crime?”

  “No, it’s not, but you’re befuddling me. I’m surprised you didn’t find a bride overseas and bring her home to Rockbridge. An exotic beauty with dark hair, beautiful eyes, and a lovely, lilting accent.”

  “Why would you think that?”

  Lifting her shoulders, she didn’t trust
herself to look at him. “I don’t know. Maybe something about the finality, the intensity, and the threat of war, I suppose. You told me some of your fellow soldiers died. We never know when our time on this earth is up, right? The whole life and death thing. Being in a foreign country and realizing you might not ever have the opportunity. . .to love again.”

  “Is there a question in there somewhere?” Sam’s tone had grown serious and the color of his eyes deepened as she dared to meet his gaze. “If you want to know something, just ask.”

  Now he was irritated with her. Great. She blew out a sigh. “Let’s please forget I ever brought it up. This conversation is getting dangerously close to trespassing the ‘just friends’ limits.” Why had she believed for one second that she could spend time with Sam and not be attracted to him, not want more?

  “No, let’s not forget it,” he said. “You started it, so please finish your thought. I want to know what’s on your mind. It’s pretty clear something’s bothering you where my love life is concerned. Other than the fact you don’t want to be a part of it.” He raked a hand through his hair and blew out a breath. “What makes you think you know what my type of woman is, anyway?” Now he sounded this side of testy.

  “I have no idea. Heaven knows, you dated all types of girls before you left for the Air Force Academy.”

  “You noticed what girls I dated? For the record, there weren’t that many.” A look of male satisfaction creased his lips, disgruntling her.

  “I never said I didn’t approve. That’s none of my business.” Catching herself twirling a long lock of hair around her finger, she impatiently tucked her hair behind her ears. Then she reached into the pocket of her shorts, pulled out a hairband, and fastened it around her hair in a high ponytail.

  “Speak your mind, Sarah. It’s what you do so well, after all. Be as inarticulate as you want.”

  The man asked for it, so she was going to give it to him. “Okay, fine. I think we have a situation here.” She waved her hand between the two of them. She rued the way her voice had risen and come out more like a squeak.