The Lewis Legacy Series Box Set: 4-in-1 Special Edition Page 33

Lexa told Sam more of her memories about her mother, and how she loved reading and writing stories when she was a teenager. They both shared as much as they could, packing in the memories and openly discussing their hopes and dreams. Sam included her in his hopes for the future, although nothing specific was said. It wasn’t a matter of if, but a matter of timing.

  Lexa met Sam’s family on Thursday night. As he pulled the station wagon into the driveway of their sprawling suburban Houston home, Lexa felt intimidated when they all surrounded the car. But when they greeted her with open arms and the most welcome smiles in the world, she experienced an immediate sense of belonging.

  “It’s about time Sam brought you home to meet us!” Caty grinned at Sam as she hugged her close. Lexa warmed to her as she returned the hug. A lovely girl with long dark, wavy, hair, Caty’s deep blue eyes were just a shade darker than Sam’s. She was exuberant and charming, and Lexa could understand the closeness she shared with Sam. It wouldn’t be a hard thing. Not at all.

  And Carson. What a doll he was. He looked not a thing like Sam or Caty, and possessed innate charm in abundance. Blond with huge dimples in both cheeks and dark eyes, Carson was another Lewis man who could charm the hardest of hearts. Sam once more confided to Lexa his prediction that Carson might follow in his footsteps in some type of ministry one day, but he was much younger, and still a high school student. Being the youngest of six children, there was nearly a fifteen-year age difference between Sam and Carson.

  “You’re really pretty,” Carson told her with unabashed admiration as he pumped Lexa’s hand with enthusiasm.

  “Carson!” Caty laughed, swatting him on the arm. “You’re not supposed to say things like that, especially to Sam’s girlfriend.”

  “It’s okay,” Lexa assured him. “A girl can never hear it enough.” Carson’s cheeks flushed beet red. Lexa adored being called Sam’s girlfriend. All over again, she felt as giddy as a lovestruck teenager.

  Taking her gently by the arm, Sam introduced her to his dad and mom. They were a lovely couple, and put her immediately at ease. Sam looked a lot like his dad, and the elder Samuel Lewis was only a half-inch shorter than his son. Caty told her Sam was the tallest in the family. Goodness, the entire Lewis family towered over her. Even the women were tall. If she married this man—and Lexa prayed in time she would—at least their children would have half a chance at not being height-challenged. The thought prompted a smile to her lips.

  Sam, Sr. and Sarah ushered them into the living room after dinner for a time of private conversation. Of course, Sarah also baked a fresh peach pie using Grandma Lewis’s special recipe. While he enjoyed his mother’s pie, Sam took great pains to gush to his parents about Lexa’s peach pie.

  He showed Lexa some family photos and she marveled at how much his younger brother Will resembled Sam. “You could be twins!” She loved seeing photos of Sam in his highchair with cake smeared all over his face on his first birthday, in the backyard feeding a menagerie of animals, learning to ride his first bike, his school photos. In photos of his father, Lexa saw the son. It wasn’t only the physical resemblance. The strength, goodness and deep faith of the Lewis men would be a family legacy to carry on through the generations.

  ~~**~~

  Sam was proud of his parents. They asked Lexa polite, respectful questions and didn’t express pity to hear she was an orphan. He’d told them about her background, and they were curious and open without prying. True to form, they showed Lexa the warmth and sensitivity he’d come to expect. The way they looked at her, by the respect they showed her that evening, they welcomed her into their lives. They understood she wasn’t a temporary, passing fancy.

  Caty told him she’d confided to Lexa that although he’d dated a lot in college, he’d never brought a woman home to meet them before. It was true. They’d never had the opportunity to meet Shelby. Lexa was the one they needed to get to know. His family would watch over her while he was gone. That eased the pain of leaving. Not that it was any easier, especially as the day drew nearer.

  “She’s a wonderful woman, Sam.” Sarah hugged her eldest son before they departed at the end of the evening. “I can see how happy she makes you. Lexa’s trusting the Lord to take you on this mission and bring you back safely. That’s all your father and I need to know.”

  “She’s charming, Sam. Witty, articulate. Pretty as can be.” Sam’s dad put his arm around his shoulders. “Lexa’s a match for you in so many ways, son. Your mother and I are excited to see what the Lord’s going to do in your life on this mission.” The hand on his shoulder squeezed. “And after.”

  Sam walked alongside his dad while his mom lingered behind with Lexa. Probably telling her more about the secret peach pie recipe or some childhood scrape. Like the time he kidnapped the neighbor’s dog and held her for ransom, thinking she was being overfed when all Pepper needed was a place to birth her puppies in peace. Or the time he brought home a companion for lonely Ears, and soon had lots of baby bunnies needing new homes. Maybe his fondness for helping animals—which Carson termed legendary—was another thing that endeared him to Lexa.

  “I have no doubt the Lord holds many more adventures in store for you and Lexa in the future.” Pulling back, his dad patted his shoulder. “It’s going to be a long journey of love, laughter, and God willing, so much more. Enjoy the ride, son.”

  “I will, Dad. Thanks.” Sam’s eyes were moist as he thanked his parents. Lexa joined him, and he threaded his fingers through hers as they walked down the front walkway. The scent of his mother’s rose bushes made him almost as heady as having Lexa beside him. Plucking a peach bloom, he stripped the thorns and bowed low, presenting it to her. When she reached for it, Sam grabbed her hand. Planting a gentle kiss on her open palm, he placed the gorgeous rose inside, wrapping her fingers around it. Her smile curled itself around his heart.

  Oh, it was going to be torture to say good-bye to this woman for an entire year.

  ~~**~~

  The moment they both dreaded arrived the next evening. Lexa’s heart was so heavy she thought it might break. She tried her best to be brave, but succumbed to her tears as Sam held her in his arms. “I know you have to do this, but I hate it. I already miss you so much my heart hurts. It literally, physically aches.”

  Sam pulled her even closer, soothing her by stroking her hair and brushing feathery-soft kisses across her forehead. “Shh. I know, baby, I know. It’s almost unbearable. But think how quickly the time went at the TeamWork camp. We’ll both be busy, and it’ll go by before we know it.”

  She pulled back. “You still haven’t told me exactly where you’ll be stationed.”

  He laughed. “It’s not the Army, Lexa, although I know you like to think of the TeamWork camp as boot camp. All I know is I’m flying into Seoul and then moving on from there after about six weeks. They’re not even telling me right now for whatever reason. I’ll find out once I’m there. But no matter where they send me, I have the feeling I’m in for some real adventures.”

  She sniffed. “As long as those adventures don’t involve exotic women.” Although she acted the part of the sentimental fool, Lexa couldn’t help it. Jealousy was a foreign concept to her. But, no matter how much she tried to prepare herself for this moment, she couldn’t know how it would feel until faced head-on with the reality. And now, the truth staring Lexa hard in the face was that she wouldn’t see this man, wouldn’t talk with this man, wouldn’t feel the arms of this man she loved, pulling her close and holding her tight, for a very long time.

  “Lexa, look at me.” Sam’s voice was deadly serious and his eyes even more so as they sought hers. “I promise you,” he told her, his voice even and steady, “the other most important lesson I learned in the San Antonio work camp is that you, my love, are the one the Lord intends me to spend the rest of my life with. No matter where He leads, no matter where I travel in the upcoming year with the TeamWork mission, I’ll always be thinking of you and looking forward to our reunion.”

&nb
sp; “At the Alamo.” Her smile trembled.

  “At the Alamo. I hate to say it, but I must go.” Rising to his feet, Sam pulled her up with him.

  “I wish you didn’t have to go,” Lexa murmured, looking up at Sam with tentative eyes, her heart in her expression. They already agreed she wouldn’t go to the airport. That would be too heart-wrenching for both of them. Not that it was any easier now.

  “We’ve been through all this,” Sam told her with a small smile.

  “I meant tonight.”

  Sam’s eyes softened. “You know there’s nothing I’d love more, but I want to keep my promise to you and the Lord.” He tipped her chin. “It’ll happen, but in God’s timing, not ours.” He kissed her again. “If I stayed the night, it would make it that much more difficult for me to leave you again in the morning.”

  She sniffled. “I know. I’m sorry.” It was a good thing Sam was being strong enough for both of them because tonight, she’d give him anything he asked. Anything. A sigh escaped. Obviously, she wasn’t as strong in the faith as he was. She had a lot to learn in the coming year.

  “Don’t be. Hold that thought for a year, and we’ll see what we can do about it.”

  Her gaze melted into those pools of blue. “I hope we don’t have to start over again in a year’s time.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Maybe this foreign mission will change you somehow. Maybe you’ll decide . . .”

  “Maybe I’ll decide my favorite fruit isn’t the peach after all.”

  “I don’t think that’s possible.” She managed a small smile around the huge lump lodged in her throat.

  “Always remember what I told you, Lexa.”

  “Which thing is that?”

  “I love you. Tomorrow will take care of itself. I promise I’m coming home to you and will meet you at the Alamo. I’ve got the date and time imprinted on my brain, and it’s what will keep me going for the next year. And I promise you something else,” he whispered, drawing her to him for one last, deep, lingering kiss. He didn’t hold anything back, and neither did she. He pressed her as close as possible, and probably more than was proper. Sam’s fingertips lightly traced her face. His look was so loving, she thought she’d melt into a big old puddle of love.

  “What’s that?” Lexa barely restrained her tears. She bit her lower lip to stop its trembling.

  “Once we’re reunited, we won’t wait long, my love.”

  Lexa memorized those incredible eyes and deep smile lines, imprinting them on her heart. “Please come back to me, Mr. Lewis.”

  Sam tweaked her chin with a wink. “See you at the Alamo, Miss Clarke.

  He always knew what to say, but she heard the catch in his throat. If she didn’t smile, she’d cry a river. His humor made it that much easier. Saying good-bye to Sam for a year was the hardest thing she’d ever done. But he managed to make her heart smile.

  Climbing into bed after closing the door to that portion of her life, Lexa prayed the Lord would keep her love safe for the next year. Pulling out her Bible, she read verses of comfort and hope. The Lord craved her fellowship. It was an incredible discovery. The Lord accepted her just as she was, faults and all, sinful thoughts and all. He loved her. And she loved Him. She’d started a daily dialogue, telling Him the things most precious to her heart, the innermost longings of her soul. She’d started writing her thoughts and prayer requests in a prayer journal.

  Sam gave her his own prayer journal he’d kept at the TeamWork camp. It was amazing to follow her own journey of faith written in Sam’s words. He’d asked the Lord to draw her closer to Him. His journal was such a precious gift, and she’d treasure it always. He wrote of witnessing her growing faith in the questions she asked at the bonfires, in the way she interacted with Angelina and the women in the camp, and in the way she served others.

  Lexa had already contacted the local TeamWork director about volunteering for some of their Houston-based weekend mission projects. That would be a good place to start, and it would also help her feel even more connected with Sam. Plus, it would help prepare her to be an even better partner for him when he returned home. It would be a year of learning about herself as much as growing in the love and knowledge of the One who’d brought them together.

  No matter what else happened, the loving heavenly Father held them both in the palm of His hand. As Sam told her—and as she learned for herself at the TeamWork camp—they were such very capable hands.

  Chapter 47

  The Alamo – One Year Later

  Lexa looked at her watch for at least the fifth time in the last twenty minutes. At two o’clock, she was taking the quick flight to San Antonio and checking into her hotel on the Riverwalk. Hopefully, to start the next phase of her life. She couldn’t even think of the alternative.

  As she tidied her desk, her mind was a million miles away, as it had been nearly all day. Righting her calendar and stuffing her appointment book into her handbag, Lexa smiled at her secretary, her nerves ragged. She’d been on edge the entire last week and found it almost impossible to eat or sleep. Every time the phone rang, she jumped, wondering if it would be Sam. Lexa thought about calling his mom and dad, but decided against it. If he was back, why hadn’t he called? She was nearly out of her mind with worry and anticipation.

  “This is your big weekend, huh?” Jennifer flashed an understanding smile.

  “I only pray that’s true.” Lexa turned off her computer and pulled her handbag over one shoulder.

  Jennifer shook her head and sighed, holding a stack of file folders against her chest, a faraway look in her eye. “Well, if my opinion counts for anything, it’s just about the most romantic story I’ve ever heard in my life. Straight out of Hollywood.”

  “Right.” Lexa’s smile was nervous. “Let’s just hope it has a Hollywood-style happy ending.”

  “He’ll be there, Lexa. If your Sam is anywhere near as wonderful as everyone says, he’ll be there. I can’t wait to meet him. He’s practically a legend around here from what everyone says. So brave, so handsome . . .” She released a sigh. “You really haven’t heard from him in six months, though?”

  Lexa shook her head in regret. “Only one letter, and that’s it.” She treasured it and had memorized every precious word, carrying it with her and clinging to Sam’s promises as well as the Lord’s. “He’s been out-of-touch, literally in the jungle somewhere in Africa. Most of his valuables were stolen or looted.”

  She blew out a sigh. “It was a mixed blessing hearing the news from the TeamWork office. But I suppose it was better than not knowing. That’s the worst thing of all.” At least Sam still had the watch she’d given him. He’d had that on his wrist and been away from the campsite when it was ransacked. Losing material possessions was hard, but the man she loved was safe. That’s all that mattered.

  “Wow. I can’t begin to imagine what it’s been like for him.” Jennifer walked with her toward the door and held it open. “You sure he’s back in the States now?”

  Jennifer’s question brought Lexa back to reality, and she shook her head. “No. All I know is that his mission should have ended sometime in the last week, and then he had a debriefing session for a few days, but not in Houston. I’ll say one thing. Sam definitely has some very well-deserved R&R coming.” Lexa managed a small smile and retrieved her suitcase parked behind the door.

  “So, what are you doing standing here talking to me about it? You have a plane to catch!” Jennifer shooed Lexa from the office with a smile and good wishes.

  As Lexa exited the elevator and walked outside the office building in downtown Houston, toting her suitcase behind her, her heart pounded. It brought to mind toting the same suitcase through the San Antonio bus station all those months ago. If she was going to make it to the Alamo without having a heart attack, she was going to have to get a serious grip on her emotions. Forcing herself to take several deep breaths, she headed toward the waiting taxi parked at the curb.

  A few short ho
urs later, she examined her reflection in the full-length mirror of her hotel room one last time. She felt satisfied she looked more than presentable. Running light fingers over her hair, Lexa fluffed her long curls before smoothing a wrinkle in the sleeveless, white cotton dress flirting around her knees. It was simple but elegant. Sam would like it.

  Glancing down at her feet, she smiled as she eyed her new strappy, high-heeled sandals with her newly-pedicured pink nails peeking out. The pretty shoes highlighted her strong calves when she walked, not to mention giving her a little more advantage on her height. She wanted to look pretty in every way for Sam. If he was there.

  “He’ll be there,” Lexa repeated aloud. Sam wouldn’t forget his promise. Their time together in Houston before Sam left for the TeamWork mission had been altogether wonderful and special and served to solidify in their minds the Lord brought them together for a purpose. Still, there was that little nagging doubt clouding the back of her mind. It would be there until she saw Sam’s face again, felt his arms encircle her once more.

  With a deep sigh of longing, Lexa grabbed her purse and headed out the door. A year without seeing the man she loved, and the last six months with no contact whatsoever, was an interminable period of time. Oh, he’d better be there, Lord.

  ~~**~~

  Biting her lower lip, standing in front of the historic Alamo, Lexa darted a glance at her watch one more time. Sam must be running a few minutes late, that’s all. Ten minutes, to be exact. At the campsite and back in Houston, he’d always been punctual. Still, circumstances could have prevented him. Things like traffic, and . . .

  Stop it! She almost said the words aloud. Glancing around, Lexa hoped no one was watching or they’d probably think she was a lunatic.

  Feeling a soft tap on her back, Lexa jumped and whirled around with optimism tinged with cautious expectation. Surprise gave way to barely-disguised disappointment as her gaze traveled downward to focus on a small boy. He looked to be about eight years old, with dark hair and luminous brown eyes. Staring up at Lexa with a shy smile, he held a single, long-stemmed yellow rose in his chubby hands.