Prelude: Prequel to The Lewis Legacy Series

by JoAnn Durgin

  “You have this annoying habit of diverting my questions. I’m sure I don’t need to point out the obvious. I’m certainly not the prettiest, skinniest—”

  “Shh.” When she raised her chin, Sam placed two fingers over her lips. “You want a reason? For one thing, you’re taller than most girls. All the better to kiss you. You’re funny, you’re sensitive and compassionate. You somehow seem to understand me. And you tolerate me when I’m irrational and insufferable.” He moved his lips to her cheek, heating her skin, a move which prompted untold sensations in her entire being. Tempting her. Teasing her.

  “I never want to hear you suggest that I date another woman. You’re everything I want and need, and more. Sarah Jordan, you have no idea what you do to me.”

  With her face raised to his, with this man she adored standing so close, the warmth of him made her heady with a powerful awareness. “I do?” She shook her head. “You do?” She needed to stop talking.

  “Oh, yeah.” Cradling her cheeks, Sam’s eyes sought her permission.

  “Hold that thought.” Stepping back, Sarah removed the pins from her hair, loving the adoration in his expression as she did so. Dropping her hairnet to the floor, Sarah finger-combed her hair so that it tumbled down around her face, over her shoulders. “I’m sure it’s a mess,” she said.

  “It’s beautiful.” Sam tugged her close again. With one hand around her waist, he lightly ran the fingers of his other hand through her hair.

  “I think you’re about to break that vow to never kiss a Jordan girl.”

  The smile lines she loved deepened as he brushed his thumb over her cheek. “You know about that? I don’t look at kissing you as breaking a vow so much as making a promise for the future.” Sam’s blue eyes deepened, visible even in the dim lighting. “Our future.”

  Sam brushed his lips over her cheek, sending her heart soaring. The overwhelming urge to feel his lips on hers overtook her wildly fluctuating nerves. Sarah lifted her chin, inviting him, wanting this man’s kiss more than anything in the world.

  “Sarah.” The whispered word was a precious caress. Lowering his head, Sam met her lips. Tugging her closer, covering her mouth with his, Sam’s kiss was sweet, gentle, tender. She knew he wanted more, but it was a testament to his strong character in the way he restrained himself. Knowing how inexperienced she was, he respected her, didn’t push her. When his lips left hers, Sam cupped her face and feathered kisses on her cheeks, her temple, before brushing his mouth over hers in a light, sweeping motion.

  Sarah increased the pressure of her hand on the back of his neck, pulling him closer. She felt his smile as their lips met again.

  “Like I said, you understand me,” he whispered.

  No longer merely friends, they’d stepped over the line into something fresh and exciting, waiting to be explored. Sam was showing her what he wanted and she was giving him her answer. She’d never known a kiss could be so wonderful. So much more than wonderful.

  “Why haven’t we ever done this before?” she murmured, pulling away for a moment. “This incredible, amazing thing?”

  “All in God’s timing. You don’t know how long I’ve wanted to do that.”

  “How long is that?” She smiled as he gave her his answer with another kiss, this one longer.

  Sam leaned his forehead against hers. “Pretty much since I returned to Rockbridge.”

  “I’m very glad you didn’t call me Tomboy just now.”

  “I wouldn’t think of it.”

  “Did I do it right? Because you know how inexperienced I am—”

  “You’re doing great.” His chuckle sat low in his throat. “Sometimes you can say so much without words. You just need a little more practice. What do you say let’s work on that some more?”

  And so, they did. Captain Lewis kissed away Sarah’s smile in the best possible way.

  ♥

  In the back of her mind, Sarah heard someone knocking on the glass door. Reluctantly easing out of Sam’s embrace, she glanced at the door through hazy eyes.

  Tess stood outside, wearing an expression of disbelief. As usual, her sister had incredible timing. She suppressed her sigh. What had she been thinking, kissing Sam in full view of the entire town? Sarah glanced at the clock on the wall. Although it had only been a few minutes, she would have been content to continue kissing him. In some ways, perhaps Tess’s appearance was providential.

  “Better answer the door,” Sam said, his voice still husky.

  “Promise you won’t leave me alone with her?”

  “Promise.” He slipped one hand behind her back, leaving it there. Sarah smoothed the front of her uniform as she moved toward the door with Sam beside her.

  Lord, please hold my tongue if she provokes me. Based on Tess’s demeanor, that was pretty much a given. Sarah unlocked the front door and stilled the bell. Although she could hardly believe she’d been kissing Sam a moment before, she needed to push that thought aside and concentrate on appeasing her sister. Or figure out a way to get her to leave.

  “Here you are! I was worried.” Tess’s tone was a hair above chastisement. Why had she felt the overwhelming need to come to Perry’s after dark to find her?

  “This is getting to be a habit with you.” Sarah stood aside as Tess passed by her. Try as she might, she couldn’t keep the sarcasm from her tone. “Is something wrong? Are Mom and Dad okay?”

  “They’re fine.” Tess’s lips lifted at the corners. “By ‘habit,’ are you referring to my interrupting a private moment between the two of you?” She eyed Sam up and down. “Captain Lewis, I have to say it’s about time you came to your senses. But I have to ask—after that blatant display of affection—what are your intentions toward my little sister?”

  When Tess winked at Sam, Sarah gawked. What? “Tess, have you been drinking?”

  Sam strengthened his hold on her lower back, giving Sarah immeasurable comfort. “Tess, I assure you, my intentions are completely honorable. However, if you think I’m going to thank you for interrupting us, you are grievously mistaken.”

  Sarah chewed her lower lip and glanced from Sam to Tess and back. Was something going on here to which she wasn’t privy? Both of them seemed rather amused, but at least Tess hadn’t lit into her as she’d feared.

  With one hand on her hip, Tess pivoted and headed for the door. “I’ll wait for you outside, but a word of advice? People will talk if you stand in front of the window with your lips stuck to one another like I just witnessed. Trust me, that’s the polite way of describing it. From what I know, people are already speculating about the two of you. Thrilled as I am, it’s a good thing no one else was around to witness your little show tonight. Sarah, we need to head home now.”

  “Did you drive?” Sam said, retrieving his Stetson and anchoring it on his head.

  Tess gave him a pouty glance. “No. It’s such a nice night, and I thought Sarah and I could walk together. Get some fresh air and clear our heads, so to speak.”

  “It’s late, it’s dark, and I’m driving you both home.” Sam’s command left no room for argument. “Sarah, do you need to do anything else before you lock up?”

  “I’ll get my purse and check a couple of things in the kitchen, and then I’m ready.” She shot Sam a sorry to leave you alone with Tess glance and then darted out of the dining room, determined not to be gone longer than necessary. Although Tess seemed to be in a charitable mood, when she set her mind to it, she could do more damage in sixty seconds than most women in a month.

  As Sarah walked back out to where they waited a minute later, Tess leaned over to retrieve something from the floor. Her hairnet. “I believe this belongs to you.”

  Sarah snatched it from her sister’s hand and then stuffed it in the pocket of her uniform. “Thanks.”

  The short ride to the house was quiet in the front seat of Sam’s dad’s truck. Sarah sat sandwiched between Sam and Tess. So close Sarah felt Sam’s warmth on one side and tried not to breathe in the strong scent
of her sister’s cologne—something new that reeked like stinkweed—on the other. Thankfully, the passenger window was rolled halfway down, and a warm breeze sifted through the long strands of her hair. Reaching for a lock, Sarah twirled it around her finger, over and over.

  “Especially now that you’ll be squiring Sarah around town, Sam, don’t you think it’s about time you got your own vehicle?” Tess drummed her fingers on the window ledge as Sam turned the corner onto their street.

  Sarah bit down on her lower lip not to say anything. Sam could handle Tess.

  “I have a car on order, as a matter of fact.” Sam turned the corner onto their street. “It’s coming from England, so I have no idea when it will arrive.”

  Sarah glanced at him in surprise. The muscles flexed in his jaw as he pulled in front of their house. Why hadn’t he said anything?

  “Imported from England? Well, now, that’s quite exciting,” Tess said. “Impressive, actually.”

  Because having a nice car is what’s most important in life, after all. She’d ask forgiveness for that one later. Sarah slumped in the seat but remained silent, knowing that doing so would be in her best interest.

  “Any other questions?” Sam turned the key in the ignition, shutting off the engine, and leveled his gaze on Tess.

  “No, that’ll do it for now. Thanks for the ride.” Tess opened the passenger door and slid down from the seat. Without glancing over her shoulder, she started up the front walkway. That was a shock that she’d left without getting in another dig or else grabbing her by the arm and hauling her inside the house.

  “Wait, Sarah. I’ll come around.” Sam slipped out from behind the wheel and closed his door.

  When she stepped outside the truck, he closed her door and put his arm behind her back as they walked together.

  “I apologize for putting your reputation at risk. I never meant to get you in any kind of trouble with your family or anyone else.” Standing across from her on the front step, Sam’s expression was full of concern, his tone laced with regret. “The problem is, right now, all I can think about is how much I want to kiss you again.”

  “I should say good night.” Sarah gripped her handbag tighter. “Or I’ll let you kiss me again.”

  A slow smile spread across his handsome face. “I’ll see you tomorrow at Perry’s.”

  “I’ll look forward to it. Thanks for a great Tuesday, Captain Lewis. The best of my life.”

  He nodded. “Same here, and it was my honor. Good night, sweet Sarah.”

  Sam waited until she went into the house. Once inside, on a whim, Sarah splayed the fingers of one hand on the screen door. Walking across the porch, standing on the other side of the door, he positioned his hand on the screen. With another smile, Sam raised his hand in a quick wave and then departed.

  “Well, that’s a different but very romantic way to say good night.” Tess lounged against the wall leading from the kitchen into the living room. Her arms were crossed, and the smug grin on her face was annoying.

  “Be quiet, please. Allow me to savor my moment.” With her head held high, Sarah walked past her sister, wishing—not for the first time—that she had a separate bedroom. At eighteen, after Tess won her umpteenth beauty queen title, Sarah begged her parents, to no avail, to allow her to move into the spare bedroom. Now, it seemed she wouldn’t be afforded the luxury of reliving Sam’s kisses tonight without an audience. Did Tess possess the inherent right to lecture her simply by virtue of her birthright? Maybe she should sleep in that spare bedroom tonight. As long as she changed the sheets, Mom wouldn’t mind.

  After grabbing her things, Sarah escaped into the bathroom. Feeling the strong need to pray, she sat on the edge of the bathtub. Lord, I haven’t done anything wrong with Sam. Have I? I’ll admit we could have used more discretion and moved out of sight of the front window. But I’ll never regret kissing him. Right or wrong, and whether or not the whole town finds out. That’s not anyone else’s business, but I want to make it your business, Father. I’ve never been in love before. You know that. All those years ago, Sam and I began a friendship that’s continued and is stronger than ever. I mean, it’s not like we started kissing the minute he returned to Rockbridge. I really like kissing him, Lord, and I promise to control myself. He’s a beautiful man, though. There’s a part of me that still can’t believe this is happening. Let’s face it—San could have his pick of any girl in Rockbridge, but he chose me. Me! I’m feeling pretty blessed right now. Help me to sort out my feelings, and to know whether or not he’s the man of your choosing for me. He says he wants to be with me whether I’m in Austin or wherever I go. That, too, I leave in your hands. Direct my thoughts, my actions, and my path, dear Jesus. In your name I pray. Amen.

  As she washed her face and brushed her teeth, Sarah felt better but then stewed a bit more. Praying always helped, but her emotions were still somewhat unsettled. She wanted to drift off to sleep in peace instead of listening to her sister’s hypocritical chastisement. Maybe she should approach it from a more positive angle. Tess had winked at Sam, after all. Perhaps she wasn’t in for a tongue lashing, after all. No matter what, she refused to give Tess the power to taint the beautiful memory of her moment with Sam.

  “I’m sorry, sis,” Tess said twenty minutes later as Sarah came back into the bedroom. Sarah hesitated only a few seconds before pulling back the lightweight coverlet and climbing into her twin bed. If she slept in the other bedroom, avoidance would only make things worse. Might as well face the music, get this inevitable confrontation over with, and then she could move forward.

  “What’s that?”

  “You were right.”

  Huh. Not what she expected.

  Chapter 28

  ♥

  Sarah turned on her side. Propping herself on one elbow, facing Tess, she prepared to listen. This should be good. “What do you mean?”

  “I’m jealous as anything about you and Sam. Remember when I discovered you together—just talking—at Thornton’s Creek? You asked me if I was jealous and assured me nothing was going on between the two of you.”

  “And that was true. . .”

  “I know it was at the time, Sarah. Now, after what I witnessed in the diner tonight, I’m so jealous I can’t even see straight.”

  When a tear slid down Tess’s cheek, Sarah tossed aside the sheet and moved across to the other twin bed. “Scoot over, I’m coming in.”

  Her sister shifted and made room for her, patting the mattress with one hand. “Have a seat.”

  “Please don’t cry, Tess. I didn’t plan on anything happening with Sam. I can hardly believe it myself, much less try and explain it. It just. . .”—Sarah shrugged—“happened.” What a lame thing to say, but it was honest and all she had to offer.

  “I know, and I’d be blind if I didn’t see how good you two are together. In a lot of ways, you’ve always been the older sister.” Tess sniffled and smiled a little. “You’re a lot more mature than me. You always have been. I mean, look at me. I flit around in silly outfits trying to get attention and putting emphasis on the wrong things.”

  Sarah inhaled a deep breath. This was the Tess she loved. Her sister who stayed up into the early morning hours and shared her heart. When they were younger, they’d spent many a night doing this very thing. Those happier moments had been pushed aside in the past few years, replaced by tedious quibbles and tension. How she’d longed and prayed for this closeness to be restored.

  “I hope it works out for you and Sam. He’s a great catch—great guy—and you deserve all the happiness in the world.”

  Reaching for her hand, Sarah pulled Tess into a warm hug. “You don’t know how much I’ve missed you.” She leaned her head on her sister’s slender shoulder. “Thank you for being here for me.”

  “I know I owe you a long overdue apology. I haven’t been a very good friend, much less your sister, especially since Sam came back home. You’re only twenty-one and have your whole life ahead of you. Your future at
nursing school is all planned out. You know where you’re headed and what you want from life.”

  When Sarah pulled back, she glimpsed fresh tears in Tess’s eyes. “It’s my plan, yes, but I’m still here. At least for now.”

  “I’m an old maid, washed up at almost twenty-eight years old,” Tess said, her tone this side of whiny. “I always thought I’d be married for a few years by now, and have at least one or two kids.”

  “Tess, you’re not washed up in any sense of the word.” Sarah bit back her criticism, knowing that wouldn’t help the situation. “The Lord knows the desires of your heart. We need to trust He’ll bring the right people into your life, including your future husband, if it’s His will. You have so much to give. May I make a suggestion?”

  “Sure. Why not?” Tess plopped backwards on the mattress. When another tear streaked down her cheek, Sarah grabbed the tissue box from the desk.

  “Here, take this.” She pushed a tissue into her sister’s hand. “Maybe if you’d stop acting so obvious around guys, then the real you will show up. I happen to think the real you is pretty great.”

  In the middle of dabbing the moisture from her cheeks, Tess paused. “What do you mean? You don’t think I’m being myself?”

  Sarah searched for what she could say that would make sense. “Let me give you an example. Remember when you were a candy striper and visited Lorraine Carmichael in the hospital over in Springhaven?”

  “Ye-es,” Tess said, wiping her eyes with the tissue. “What does that have to do with the fact that I’m destined to be single and childless?”

  Sarah handed Tess another tissue and waited while she blew her nose. That was one thing her sister did not do in a dainty way, and she chewed her lower lip in an effort not to smile. “Remember how you prayed with Lorraine and then she accepted Jesus as her Savior?”

  “Yes, and sorry to pout, but that’s not helping,” Tess said. “Lorraine may not have her appendix anymore, but she’s got a husband and a baby girl. The perfect family.”

  With a sigh, Sarah tugged on Tess’s hand, pulling her upright again. “Dry those tears and listen to me. After that visit, you were so full of enthusiasm. It practically poured out of you, and you couldn’t stop talking about how you’d told Lorraine about Jesus. I want to tell you something. As pretty as you were when you won all those beauty queen titles, when you told me about Lorraine, you positively glowed—from the inside out. I remember how in awe I was of you in that moment, how beautiful you were. It was a radiance that came from something other than physical beauty, although you’ve always had that.”