Prelude: Prequel to The Lewis Legacy Series

by JoAnn Durgin

  Grabbing her brush, Sarah ran it through her hair before scooping her hair into a high ponytail. Then she ran into the hallway bathroom and brushed her teeth in record time. Back in her bedroom again, she fished out a baseball cap before tucking her house key in her pocket.

  “You look adorable,” Sam said a minute later, tugging on the brim of her cap. When he leaned close, she met his lips. The rough stubble of his beard irritated her skin, but she didn’t mind. His voice was low and husky. She was getting used to that, too, and loved that she could bring about that reaction in Sam.

  She tweaked his chin. “You didn’t shave on a Sunday morning?”

  “Nope. I’m thinking of growing a beard.”

  Her jaw gaped. “That would be a crime. A beard would cover up those addictive smile lines.”

  He laughed, bringing them very much into evidence. “Are you saying you like them?”

  She smirked. “Smile lines do not make the man, but they’re very attractive.”

  “That’s one of the nicest compliments you’ve ever given me.” Sam draped his arm around her shoulders. “I’ll shave later on. For you. Want to drive or walk?”

  “Let’s walk. So you can keep your arm around me and tell me what this is all about.”

  “I have an idea,” he said. “Bear with me and let me explain before you slam the idea.”

  Sarah frowned. “When you put it like that, I’m not sure, but I’m listening.”

  “What’s your number one goal? Other than to love me until the end of time?”

  “To go to nursing school,” she said without hesitation. “Oh, and that other thing applies, too.”

  “Exactly.” He nodded. “For nursing school, you need extra funds, but you won’t accept my money. Already tried that. As you know, my offer met with spectacularly underwhelming results.”

  “So, what’s your new plan?” They turned the corner of their street, headed to the ball field another three blocks away at the high school.

  “What’s the one thing you do better than anything else, other than charming the socks off me and everyone else and being the best waitress Perry’s Diner has ever had?”

  Sarah burst out laughing. “Understanding what you mean even when you spout ridiculously long sentences?”

  He paused on the sidewalk. “Besides that?” Tossing the ball in the air, he watched as she reached for and caught it.

  “Softball?”

  “Yeppers. Combining all those factors, I came up with a brilliant idea. Softball tryouts to determine scholarships for the second semester are being held at the university in three weeks.”

  “Which university? My university?”

  “None other.” Sam’s blue eyes lit with enthusiasm, and he placed his large hands on her shoulders. “Think about it. You’ll wow them with your talent, Sarah. I know you will. They won’t have any choice but to offer you a full scholarship.”

  She gulped, trying to absorb this latest bit of information. “At the main campus of the University of Texas? In Austin?”

  “Yes, baby. The Longhorns. They have a women’s softball team.”

  Sarah raised her eyes to his. Lowering his head, Sam kissed her, leaving no doubt in her mind of this man’s deep respect and love for her. Enough to want her see her dreams fulfilled.

  “I haven’t played in a few years. I’m probably terribly rusty.”

  Sam’s smile downturned. “I’m sure it’ll be like riding a bicycle, and it’ll come back to you quickly. You’re not willing to try?”

  “No. It’s not that at all.” Sarah shook her head, almost overwhelmed by this handsome, completely wonderful, unselfish man who believed in her, who was willing to sacrifice for her, who loved her. She crooked a finger and summoned him closer. “Come here. Please.”

  He appeared puzzled but silently did as she asked. Moving her hand to the back of his neck, Sarah raised her chin and kissed him, not holding anything back. In the haze of the kiss, she was aware when he dropped the baseball glove and ball to the ground. Tugging her as close as humanly possible, Sam wrapped his arms around her and deepened their kiss. When she stroked his hair and heard a small moan escape his lips, she smiled.

  At length, she whispered against his lips, “Thank you for believing in me, sacrificing so much for me. For loving me.”

  “If I’d known it would get this kind of reaction, I would have come up with this idea a long time ago,” he whispered.

  “You’re a very wise man.”

  “Thanks, but I can’t take the credit. I give God the glory for this one with a bit of help from Jimmy and my dad with their wise counsel.”

  She smiled. “Really? That sounds like a story I need to hear sometime.”

  He kissed her nose. “You will. They both got me thinking, and then I made a couple of phone calls. I have the application for the tryouts at the house. Since we don’t have church on Sunday nights this month, I can work on my spreadsheets at your house tonight if you want to work on the application. I kind of like having you around.”

  “I thought you observed the day of rest and always take a nap on Sundays. And, if you’re with me now, I’m sure that’s going to seriously cramp your naptime.”

  His brows lifted. “You can join me for a nap when we get back later. On the sofa, of course. Feet on the floor, if you insist. Perfectly respectable. Besides, I’ll probably be too worn out to try anything.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” She grinned. “Dad will be home, anyway. He’ll keep us in line.”

  He frowned. “Don’t remind me. I’m almost twenty-eight years old, not in high school.”

  “You’ll understand one day when you’re a dad with daughters and their suitors come to call. But, for now,” she said, tweaking his chin, “let’s go practice.”

  “That’s what I thought we were doing.” Sam laughed and gave her a wink as he retrieved the mitt and ball from where they’d landed on the ground at his feet.

  “Come on, Captain. Stop dawdling!” Sarah called over her shoulder as she sprinted toward the field.

  Chapter 42

  ♥

  Two Weeks Later

  “Sarah?” Eddie called to her from across the diner.

  “Yes?” She’d just delivered Perry’s platter to him and a vanilla shake to her mother, who sat with Betty Raines at another table. Glancing at the clock, she noted it was time for Sam’s break soon. The door opened and Tess walked in with Debbie. They both waved and smiled as they found a table in Patti’s station.

  “A messenger guy just came by with a message for you,” Eddie said when she approached him. “It wasn’t written down or anything, though. He asked me to play something for you on the jukebox but told me not to sing along even though I have a very nice voice.”

  Sarah raised a brow. “The delivery guy said all that?”

  “Yeah.” He shrugged. “I know, it sounds weird, but just go along with me on this, okay? Hang on a minute, let me find it.” She watched as Eddie inserted a coin and punched in a selection. “Sealed with a Kiss” began playing in the dining room as she darted into the kitchen to pick up another order.

  Spying her, Myrna frowned. “What are you doing in here?”

  “My job, last time I checked.” Catching Jimmy’s smile, Sarah stopped. “What?”

  “Get yourself out there, Jelly Bean.”

  “Let me get the rest of the orders for Table 16 first.”

  “You’re not any better at following orders now than you were at sixteen. Come on, girl.” Taking her by the collar, Myrna practically hauled her to the swinging door.

  “Okay, okay. I can handle walking out there on my own,” Sarah protested, straightening her uniform. “What’s with everyone today?”

  Pushing the swinging door, Sarah stopped short. Not one person in the entire dining area was talking. They all looked at her and then followed her gaze as she spied Air Force Captain Samuel Joseph Lewis standing in the doorway, wearing his full dress service uniform, holding a bouquet of beautifu
l pink, blooming roses.

  He walked toward her to the strains of the song playing on the jukebox. Placing the bouquet on a nearby table, he removed his uniform hat and laid it beside the flowers. “Hi.” A slow smile teased the corners of his mouth, and his incredible blue eyes danced with light and love.

  Sarah beckoned him closer and whispered. “Sam, we’re, um, kind of making a scene.”

  “I don’t think anyone minds. Do you hear the song playing on the jukebox?”

  “Yes.” She nodded slowly. “Sealed with a Kiss.”

  “Exactly. Sarah, when you wrote that poem to me, you sealed it—”

  “With a kiss,” she murmured.

  “You catch on quick.” Stepping closer, he cupped her face between his hands.

  “My mother is sitting right over there in the corner.”

  “Don’t care,” he said, his voice already growing husky in the way she loved. Sam brushed his lips over hers. “Hold on just a second.” He released his hold on her for a moment and motioned to the busboy still standing by the jukebox. “Eddie? Next one, please.”

  “Sure thing, Captain Lewis. Sorry about that.” Eddie’s face turned beet red and he bent his head over the jukebox as he deposited a couple of coins. Soon enough, Elvis crooned “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”

  “May I have this dance, Miss Jordan?” Sam held out his hand to her.

  Might as well humor the man. “Certainly, Captain Lewis.” Trying her best to tune out everyone watching them in the diner, Sarah walked into his arms. Sam the military officer did such wonderful things to her. Stepping forward, she rested her left hand on his shoulder while he moved his arm around her waist and clasped her right hand. He began to dance with her, his eyes never leaving hers.

  “This song was playing on the jukebox here in the diner when you walked in after your homecoming parade,” she said. “When you walked into my life again after a very long absence. Too long, I’d say. The song was very fitting.”

  He smiled and kissed her forehead, moving slowly with her. “I’d have to say the same thing. When I saw you behind the counter, I couldn’t wait to talk with you. Get to know you again. Grow to love you—not just as my little neighbor girl from down the street, but as the beautiful woman I hold in my arms now. You, Sarah Jordan, are everything I’ve ever wanted.” Easing out of her arms, he slid down to the floor on one knee.

  “Sam. . .” Sarah trembled. Tears sprang into her eyes and she quickly brought her hands to her face. Could this be happening? Was Sam proposing marriage to her right here in Perry’s Diner? Her head was spinning. When the bell on the door jingled, and her father—followed by Catherine and Joseph Lewis—stepped inside the diner, crowding the doorway, staring at them with wide smiles, that was all the confirmation she needed.

  “Sweet Sarah,” he said, taking her left hand in his, “I’ve liked you from the first moment you showed up on my doorstep when I was sixteen and you were ten. I’ve admired you since you sent the poem to me when I was overseas. I’ve been charmed by you from the day I returned to Rockbridge. I’ve adored you since that first time we met at the creek. And I’ve loved you since that ridiculous fight we had right here in Perry’s about miniature orange slices in a can.” Sam waited as she laughed softly. “I adore your spirit, your compassion and sensitivity, the way you challenge me, and how you make me want to be a better man. For you. Always, I have respected you, and forever, I will love you.”

  Reaching into the pocket of his jacket, Sam smiled as he pulled out a small black velvet box. He opened the lid and turned the box around for her to see the sparkling, marquise cut diamond ring inside. “Sarah Jane Jordan, I’d be honored if you’d agree to become my wife.”

  “Yes, Sam,” she said through her tears. “I’d be honored, and I’d love nothing better, than to be your wife.” Everyone in the diner erupted, clapping, and chanting their names.

  They shared a chaste kiss appropriate for their audience, and then he pulled her close and whispered in her ear. “Just so you’ll know, I’ve got a plan. No matter what happens at that tryout next week, you’re still going to nursing school and I’m joining you as soon as we’re married.”

  “You’re coming to nursing school with me?”

  “Sort of.” Laughing quietly, Sam kissed her again, this time allowing his lips to linger.

  Sarah pulled back, her hands on his chest. “You’re still determined to buy my love aren’t you?” When he stared at her, wide-eyed, she traced the smile line on the right side of his mouth and winked. “Don’t worry. I’m only teasing. I’m going to get that scholarship, and you can ride into Austin on my coat tails.”

  He laughed and kissed her again. “I love you.”

  “And I love you more than you know.”

  “Hey! It’s Twist and Shout time, everybody!” Eddie called out to the customers.

  As their friends and family partied around them, Sam slipped the ring onto her finger. “Come on,” he said in the midst of their merriment, offering his hand to her.

  “Where are we going?” Sarah put her hand in his, feeling silly. She’d go anywhere with this man.

  “First to change and then—”

  “The creek?”

  “Can’t think of anything I’d like better,” Sam said as they ventured out into the sunshine, as bright as the joy in Sarah’s heart.

  Chapter 43

  ♥

  Late August 1962

  Standing in front of his plane, Sam checked his watch. Ten minutes until Sheriff Tommy should arrive at the airstrip with Sarah. She had no idea she’d be going for her first plane ride today. He couldn’t wait to see the look on her face, and could only hope she wouldn’t be absolutely terrified. No longer was he afraid to fly again, and he needed to prove it to her. If he wasn’t confident in his abilities, he’d never risk taking her up in the air with him. He’d been taking short test flights with his dad quite a few times in the past month, enough to get accustomed to, and feel comfortable in, the cockpit. They’d purposely stayed away from the airspace directly above Rockbridge and soared over empty fields and Springhaven instead. He’d loved every minute.

  God, you are so good. Always.

  Flying had once been as natural to him as breathing. Well, maybe that was stretching it, but it was pretty close. He’d missed flying with the freedom and excitement it offered, and with the Lord’s help, a ton of prayer, and encouragement from his parents, he’d conquered the fear. As long as he continued to take his medication on a regular basis, the Ménière’s Disease shouldn’t affect his ability to fly. He might start to lose some of his hearing in the future, but he’d deal with that if and when it eventually happened.

  Over and over, Sam returned to the verse from 2 Corinthians 12:10: Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

  Sarah had worked hard to train and condition for the softball tryouts. He’d coached her most every night, even in the rain unless they were getting pounded by a thunderstorm. They jogged together around the town most mornings. Then he’d meet Sarah on her front porch and they’d walk downtown together. They’d kiss on the steps of City Hall and then part ways until he came into the diner on his lunch hour. Then, on his afternoon break, he’d go back to Perry’s, the green folder tucked under his arm. Instead of sketching Sarah, he’d sketched Perry, Merle and Eddie, to name a few. Each time he finished a sketch, he’d present it to his subjects. He’d started a waiting list and been offered payment for his work, which he always refused. He enjoyed sketching as a hobby, but that’s all it was.

  The world around them was fraying at the seams. Film star Marilyn Monroe died early in the month from an overdose of sleeping pills, and the Cuban and Soviet governments were reportedly building secret missile bases in Cuba. He’d also talked with the Air Force recruiting office in Austin. With tensions ramping up in Vietnam and Cuba, he might be needed.

 
After checking his watch again—five more minutes if Tommy was on time—Sam smiled as he recalled how Sarah had aced her softball tryout and then received her acceptance to the University of Texas in Austin a week later. The day she received the official letter, which offered her a full-ride tuition scholarship in exchange for playing on their women’s softball team, she’d burst into the bank lobby, waving it in the air. “Sam, I’m in! I’m in!” She’d run to him and thrown her arms around his neck, peppering him with kisses. “We’re going to Austin!”

  He’d never had any doubt. After reading the letter she’d thrust under his nose, he picked Sarah up and whirled her in a slow circle before lowering her to the floor. In front of God, his bank employees and customers, Sam kissed her. “I’m so unbelievably proud of you. We’re going to Austin, baby.” With his arm securely tucked around her waist, he’d announced her good news to everyone. Then he’d kissed her again. Most of the bank tellers stared at them, slack-jawed, while his father shook his head with a wide smile. The customers cheered and rushed over to both of them to extend hearty congratulations, including Martin Benson. From where he’d been working by the front door, Merle had given them a salute and a wide grin.

  Based on his dad’s recommendation, and after a series of interviews, Sam was set to begin work as the vice president of a prestigious Austin bank in January. Once he’d admitted to his dad that he was in love with Sarah, Joseph had encouraged him to apply for the position, knowing he’d be happiest with Sarah.

  Most importantly, Sam would marry his beloved Sarah on Christmas Eve and then whisk her off to The Driskill Hotel, an elegant, historic landmark in downtown Austin, for their honeymoon. They’d already found a small, furnished apartment to rent near the campus and had started to move in pieces of furniture, dishes, and assorted decorative items. He let Sarah handle that part of it. As long as he could fall asleep with Sarah in his arms each night, and wake up with her by his side every morning, he’d consider himself the most blessed man on the planet.