Prelude: Prequel to The Lewis Legacy Series

by JoAnn Durgin

  He should have realized she’d never used a seat belt before. “Here. Allow me.” Starting to reach across her, he reconsidered as he angled his body very close to hers in the confines of the small car. So close he caught the sweet scent of her hair. A tantalizing hint of her perfume. So close he wanted to kiss the cute little mole on the left side of her neck. Thinking it best not to give any busybodies passing by on Main Street the wrong idea, he reluctantly pulled back. “It’s probably better if you do it.”

  After a couple of brief instructions, Sarah was safely strapped in and Sam followed suit. Turning the key in the ignition, he relished the purr of the engine.

  “That’s incredible how smooth it is.” Sarah giggled. “Our old Chevy never sounded like that, even when it was new.” Just as quickly, her lovely smile faded.

  “What’s wrong?” Sam paused with his hand on the gear shift.

  She looked over at him, her eyes wide and brimming with moisture. “I was thinking how differently things might have been for your family if you’d had seat belts in your car when you lived in San Antonio.”

  Touched by her compassion, a lump lodged in Sam’s throat.

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

  “Don’t apologize. You’re right.”

  “I never want to hurt you, Sam, but you know how I say the wrong thing sometimes. Just know my intentions are good.”

  “I know.” He glided his hand down the side of her cheek, and she leaned into it. “You don’t hurt me by speaking the truth, and you always speak the truth, Sarah. I wouldn’t want it any other way.” He cleared his throat and straightened in the seat. “With all that said, I’ve been lobbying our state legislators to pass laws making it mandatory for belts to be installed in all consumer and commercial vehicles. They’ve done research that proves seat belts save lives. Anything to spare another family from having to say goodbye to a loved one way too soon is worth the effort.”

  “I wish I could have known Rachel. From everything you’ve told me, she sounds very special. Do you have a picture of her?”

  “Matter of fact, I do.” Shifting again, he dug in his back pocket for his wallet. Pulling it out, he flipped through the plastic sleeves until he found the one he wanted. “Here she is,” he said, holding it up for her to see.

  “Oh, she’s so pretty! She doesn’t look like you at all, though. I’m surprised by the blonde hair.” Taking it from him, Sarah ran her finger over the photo. “How old was she in this photo?”

  “Seven. It was her birthday, and she’d begged Mom for that dress to go with the party she wanted even more.”

  Sarah handed over his wallet. “Since she’s wearing the dress, I assume she also got the party?”

  “Yes.” He chuckled at the memory. “Rachel was strong-willed, but she always said things in such a nice way that I never minded doing whatever she wanted. Kind of like someone else I know in this car.”

  Sarah giggled. “Are you saying I’m demanding?”

  “Nope. But you know what you want. There’s a difference.”

  “Is that so?”

  “I think so, yes. Rachel was a great kid, and I’m sure the two of you would have been fast friends. But now, it’s time to get going.”

  “Care to share where you’re taking me?”

  “We have dinner reservations at Quentin’s.”

  “Are you sure?” Sarah glanced at her watch. “It’s only four o’clock.”

  “If you’re not hungry, I can move the reservation back a couple of hours. Did you eat lunch?”

  She hesitated and then a slow smile creased her lips. “No, as a matter of fact. I took the day off from Perry’s for the wedding. Before that, Mom kept me so busy at home that I didn’t take the time to eat before leaving the house.” She slanted him a grin. “Wait a minute. Are you telling me Mom was in on your little plan?”

  “You catch on quick,” he told her with a wink. “Now, time to show you what this baby can really do.”

  Chapter 31

  ♥

  Sam was a perfect gentleman—opening the car door for her and then resting his hand beneath her elbow as he escorted her into the restaurant. Not controlling but as a gentle support. Likewise when he moved his arm around her waist as the hostess led them to a quiet corner table. After they were seated and placed their dinner orders, he listened attentively as she told him about Debbie and Arnie’s wedding.

  Every now and again, his gaze dipped to her lips. Sam was so handsome, and he stirred feelings inside her that she’d never before experienced. Different from the crush she’d had on Sam when she was fourteen. She’d never stared at a man with longing the way she did now, and she tried not to be obvious. Although she understood her feelings were normal, she found it hard to believe Sam found her desirable—a woman he wanted to kiss, hold, and love. When she was with him, he made her feel like a woman, and it was so wonderful.

  Mrs. Bittenbottom—an ironic name if ever there was one—had drilled it into Sarah and the other teenagers in their coed Sunday school class that being attracted to the opposite sex was normal, not sinful. Even so, she needed to keep her thoughts and. . .urges. . .under control in order to be God-honoring. How was she supposed to stop her thoughts? Recite scripture verses over and over in her mind? Pray out loud?

  She knew steering away from physical temptation could be difficult for guys, at least from what Debbie and Tess told her. Maybe a complete hands-off policy was best, but that would be tragic. No hand holding, no sweet taps, no gentle nudges with Sam? No, that wouldn’t do. Those private moments were special, and she couldn’t believe the Lord wouldn’t approve as long as those expressions of affection didn’t go too far. Boundaries needed to be established and honored. That had to be the best way.

  She might not know much about dating or such matters, but the relationship she shared with Sam was extraordinary, and one she needed to cultivate and cherish. Only the Lord knew what would happen when she went to Austin, but she’d push those thoughts to the back of her mind. For now, the relationship was precious, and it was growing stronger every day.

  “I finished To Kill A Mockingbird last night,” Sam said, stirring Sarah from her daydreaming. “Scout shares a number of qualities and character traits with my favorite tomboy.”

  Sarah glanced up from her delicious filet mignon in surprise, a thrill of pleasure running through her. To think he’d read the book and actually wanted to discuss it melted her heart a little more. She took a quick drink of her water with lime. “Yes, that’s true.” She agreed and hoped he’d elaborate.

  Sam stabbed another bite of his prime rib. “Great book. I can see why you’ve read it a few times. You really need to read it more than once to get all the subtleties and subtext.”

  “Exactly. I’m so happy you read it, Sam.”

  He grinned. “I’ll admit my motives weren’t exactly pure.”

  “What do you mean?” she said. Avoiding his gaze, she took another bite of her delicious mashed potatoes. From its elegant furnishings, soft lighting, and attentive waiters in tuxedos, no wonder Quentin’s was the best, most expensive restaurant in Rockbridge.

  “I hoped to impress you by reading it.”

  “Well, you accomplished that goal. No matter your motivation, it’s a classic, modern work of literature.”

  “With age-old truths. Believe it or not, I do read quite a bit, Sarah.” Sam chuckled. “I spent more time with books when I was serving in the Air Force than fraternizing, shall we say, with the opposite sex.”

  She swallowed. “We’ve already had the Suzie Wong discussion already. Forgive me for once again sticking my big foot in my mouth.” You are so naïve. Get hold of yourself and act like a grownup, not a silly little girl.

  “No, no.” Sam reached for her hand where it rested on top of the white linen tablecloth. Clasping it in his, he raised it to his lips.

  “So, can you share with me what you enjoyed about it?” she asked after being rendered momentarily speech
less by Sam’s increasingly tender gestures of affection. “The book, I mean?”

  “Scout’s intelligent, uncommonly so, as evidenced by the fact she learned to read before she began school. She’s confident and she can certainly hold her own with the boys.” He chuckled as her smile widened. “Like you, she’s a deep thinker. Innocent and good-hearted, she doesn’t understand the evils in the world. She’s kind and acts with the best of intentions. She might be young, but Scout can see beyond the borders of social niceties and morale. She’s baffled by the strong prejudices in others.” He hesitated. “Again, like you, Sarah.”

  Sam’s comments quickened her pulse. How she’d wanted to discuss the book with someone else. The ladies in the Rockbridge Book Club—all five of them, including her mother—were planning on reading To Kill A Mockingbird. Because they met on bi-weekly Wednesdays at noon, Sarah couldn’t join them since she was usually working at that time. Most of the members were middle-aged ladies, and all but one most likely steeped in long-held traditions. Translation: they could be narrow-minded. But perhaps that was another unfair judgment on her part.

  Focus.

  “Atticus raised his daughter to be an independent thinker,” she said after taking another quick sip of her water. “I think Scout is who she is because of his influence, and especially since her mother had died. Atticus encouraged her to climb trees instead of wearing dresses like a proper young southern girl. But, at the same time, he protected her from hypocrisy. I love how, throughout the course of the novel, Scout learns that humanity has a great capacity for evil, but also the greater capacity for good.”

  Sam nodded. “Exactly, and how evil can be mitigated if one approaches people and situations with sympathy and understanding.” Sam finished his main course.

  “Yes!” she said, excited by his words. “Sam, in your speech the day of your homecoming, you mentioned that very thing—how evil exists from all sides, but how we can never allow it to defeat us. You quoted a verse in Psalm 121, and you talked about how the Lord is continually at work in the world.”

  He regarded her with appreciation. “Right, and in spite of it all, I know He is. The messages in To Kill A Mockingbird have far-reaching implications, and they hit us where we live, so to speak, whether in a city or a small town.”

  “Agreed.” Sarah savored the last bite of her filet mignon. “Rockbridge, like Maycomb in the book, has a slow-paced, good-natured feel. Our citizens band together when needed.”

  “But also like Maycomb, prejudice still exists as proven by that young couple coming into Perry’s. Some, like you, can look past the color of their skin,” Sam said. “In their ignorance, others are blinded by presuppositions.” He thanked the waiter as he removed their plates. When the man asked if they wanted dessert, Sarah declined but encouraged him to order. “Another time,” Sam told the waiter.

  “Thank you for this wonderful dinner, Sam. It’s been an unexpected treat.”

  “I’m glad you enjoyed it. Would you like me to take you home now or would you like to go somewhere else?”

  “Take me home, but if you’re game, let’s meet me later for a moonlight swim.” Sarah hoped he wouldn’t construe her suggestion as too forward.

  Sam’s bright smile gave her the answer. “Sounds like a very good plan.”

  ♥

  “You actually remind me of Atticus Finch in a number of ways.”

  At Thornton’s Creek, Sarah treaded water opposite Sam a few hours later. He’d been impatient to spend more time with her. Unable to concentrate on much else, he’d taken a rare nap until his alarm awakened him. Finally. Hurriedly changing out of his clothes, he’d pulled on his swim trunks, all the while wondering if Sarah might wear her swimsuit this time. If she did, he hoped she wouldn’t be embarrassed and self-conscious.

  While he appreciated her modesty, he couldn’t understand why she seemed to think she wasn’t pretty, and maybe even overweight. Nothing could be further from the truth on both counts. Sarah was a normal, healthy looking girl, physically fit and not stick-thin like many of the other girls in town, including Tess and Sylvie. In his eyes, Sarah was beautiful, inside and out. Probably sharing a bedroom with a perpetual beauty queen didn’t help her self-esteem.

  Sarah’s words now pleased him, as did the fact that she’d chosen to wear her swimsuit. With the change in their relationship came a heightened awareness of her womanly curves. When she’d tossed her towel on the creek bank and quickly run into the water, he’d followed her with his gaze every step of the way.

  Lord, keep me strong. He’d been thrilled when she suggested meeting him, but the cover of darkness brought its own set of challenges. He needed to be on-guard for both their sakes.

  “That’s high praise,” he said. “Atticus Finch is a complex guy, but he makes a great literary hero.” Discussing literature should effectively douse his libido at least temporarily. A good thing.

  “For one thing, like you, Atticus is well-respected. He has a strong moral backbone and sees past the faults in people. He admires the good and forgives the bad. Perhaps that’s the greatest lesson he passes on to his children—especially Scout—in protecting her innocence. Unlike you,” she said, giving him a coy smile and making his pulse race with what she’d say next, “Atticus doesn’t fish. He’s a hero in a three-piece suit and fights injustice with his words, not his fists. He has a profound impact on his children and many people in the town.” She tilted her head to one side, observing him. “Like you.”

  “I don’t have children yet. And don’t go thinking I’m perfect, Sarah. If you do, you’re bound to be disappointed. I’ve punched out guys a couple of times.” Usually defending a woman’s honor overseas, but not any woman he’d dated. Not that Sarah needed to know, but if she asked, he’d tell her.

  “Oh, I know that.” She laughed and then ducked when he splashed her.

  Holding his breath, he swam underwater to her. Grabbing her by the knees, he swept her out of the water and into his arms. “Care to repeat that, Tomboy?”

  Wiggling in his arms, Sarah made a big show of trying to escape which only made him strengthen his hold on her. He watched with great amusement as she struggled. When she settled down and stopped resisting him, he dipped his head and kissed her. Moving her arms around his neck, she returned his kiss with a passion that surprised and heated him. Never was he more aware of her curves, the desire she stirred in him.

  Way to keep things under control, Lewis.

  With reluctance, he released her and gently lowered her back down into the water. He hadn’t a clue how much time had passed since they’d been in the creek, but he was relieved no one else was around. “Maybe I shouldn’t have done that. You’re dangerous to be around.”

  Sarah ducked beneath the water line again so that only her head and shoulders were visible above the water line. He’d embarrassed her and made her self-conscious all over again. Still, he refused to apologize for admiring her although he’d be making a few confessions to the Lord tonight. Sam smoothed his wet hair away from his face and breathed deeply before giving her a smile. “Let’s talk. Talking is good.”

  “Okay,” she said. “It’s difficult for a good girl to know how to react sometimes. I know right from wrong, of course.” The honesty shining in her eyes, so pure and forthright, floored him all over again.

  “The lines can get a little blurry,” he said. In that moment, something passed between them. A surge of emotion wrapped around Sam, whispering in his heart, threatening to carry him away.

  Sarah is your chosen helpmate. Love her. Cherish her.

  “Same for a man who wants to maintain his strong testimony and respect the woman he admires and loves.”

  Her gaze snapped to his and she stilled her movements in the water. “Did you say love?”

  His nod was barely perceptible. “Yes. I’ve been trying to tell you, and show you, since that night in the diner.”

  “You said you wanted to win my heart.”

  “And I do.” His
voice had grown husky.

  Sarah shook her head, her expression difficult to read. “That’s not possible.”

  What?

  Moving slowly, she moved closer, her eyes never leaving his. This might prove dangerous. Again. Not sure what to expect, he crossed his arms over his chest. Closer. Closer still. Oh, the things she did to him. Her embarrassment appeared to have dissipated, replaced by a new confidence, an awareness of her sensuality and its powerful effect on him. That could be both good and bad. No longer was this his little neighbor girl, and in no way could he deny this gorgeous creature standing before him now.

  This is a new brand of torture, Lord. Keep me strong.

  “Retraction.” Her voice was barely more than a whisper. She stopped inches away. “Sam, you don’t need to earn my heart. You already own it.” The corners of her mouth curved. “In fact, you’ve had it pretty much from the moment you opened the door all those years ago and grabbed the pie out of my hands and nearly burned yours in the process.”

  “Is that so?” He dropped his arms to his sides.

  She nodded with the most enticing smile he’d ever seen. “You can’t possibly know this, but I’ve always considered you my first love.”

  “I hope your affection for me isn’t prompted by guilt for almost burning me.”

  “No, but you should know I’ve never thrown spitballs at any other boy. You were the chosen victim.”

  “I’m not a victim now. I’m incredibly blessed.” Unable to resist this woman, Sam moved his hands around Sarah’s waist and tugged her close.

  She wound her arms around him again, fingering the wet hair on the back of his neck. “I love you, Sam Lewis.”

  “I love you more than you know, Sarah, and I have a confession.”

  Her gaze moved upward as she pushed damp hair from his forehead. “What’s that?”

  “You are my first love. My only love.” Moving his hands to her face, he caressed her cheeks with his thumbs, drinking in her features, memorizing them, knowing he’d carry her in his heart forever. “You are the only woman I want to hold in my arms until eternity comes in view.”