Abide: A Christian Romance Novel (The Lewis Legacy Series, Book 7)

by JoAnn Durgin

  “I told Lauren how the oil industry could crash, like it did not long before I entered the business, and we could lose everything. I don’t expect that to happen, but it could.”

  “Caleb, along those same lines, from your perspective, what made you choose the end of Luke 6:38 for your theme verse for Belac?” She recited the Scripture in her mind: For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.

  “I’m glad you brought that up. That’s something else I’d like to share with Lauren,” he said. “I see it as God’s promise. It’s the idea of pouring blessings into our lap. That imagery comes from Christ and the ancient Middle Eastern grain market. People would go into the grain market to purchase alap-full—that’s what it was called—of grain. The loose material of their garments went all the way down to the ground and was belted at the waist with a sash. When they went to the market, they pulled up the bottom of the garment and looped it through the sash to make a pocket. Then the grain was dumped into the makeshift pouch to fill their laps.”

  “I love that!” Caty said. “I’ve never heard that before. So, it’s like it was a relatable, everyday experience for the crowd listening to Jesus.”

  “Right.” She could hear Caleb’s smile which in turn made Caty smile. “It’s the idea that the Lord wants to overflow our lives with His blessings, and those blessings correspond to our own generosity, and in fact, are triggered by it. When I first started Belac, I was a wet-behind-the-ears kid, but my mom had ingrained it in me to always give back to the church. So, I did without thinking about it. It was like brushing my teeth or getting dressed to go out each morning. I remember she said something that I’ll never forget.”

  “What’s that?”

  “‘You can’t outgive the Lord. When you give, He’s always faithful to give back more.’”

  “I think I’d like your mother,” she said.

  “I’ll take you to Dallas sometime soon so you two can meet. I’m sure she’d love you.”

  As Caty said good night and turned off her light, she wondered how well Helena had gotten along with Caleb’s mother. Perhaps the comparisons to his late wife were inevitable. From everything he’d told her, Caleb’s relationship with Helena was complicated yet loving in many ways. At least he didn’t say things like, That’s not the way my wife used to do it. Caty shook her head, laughing at her silly thoughts.

  He’d explained that Helena claimed to be a Christian, but her faith wasn’t strong until near the end of her life, when she’d accepted the fact that she wasn’t going to win her cancer battle. Caty’s heart hurt for the pain Helena must have experienced as well as knowing she wouldn’t live to see Lauren grow up, go to college, marry, and have children one day.

  Her thoughts strayed to Suma. The pretty young receptionist had come to her office twice—the first time when Caleb had interrupted them, albeit for a good cause, and the second a longer visit during their lunch hour. They’d shared a sandwich Caty brought from home. The other girl hadn’t said much, but Suma had asked Caty questions. Questions which clued her in that Suma was searching for meaning in her life. She’d told her she’d been eating more, eating healthy. Caty hadn’t prayed with her, but Suma knew the offer was there. Through the years, she’d learned to be gentle with people. Forcing “religion” down their throats, or cramming their heads full of Scripture, could ultimately do more harm than good if it didn’t somehow relate to their lives on a personal level.

  “Making it personal,” she mused. When her cell phone rang, Caty picked it up from the nightstand, half-expecting it to be Caleb again. Not that she’d mind.

  Sam & Sarah Lewis.

  “Hi, Mom? Or is this Dad? Everything okay?”

  “Everything’s fine,” her father said. “I thought I’d call and see how my girl’s doing tonight. Hope I didn’t wake you.”

  Caty smiled. Dad sometimes called her at this hour to wish her good night. Her father could get nostalgic at times, and she knew he missed their late-night chats. During the time she’d stayed with them before moving into the townhome, they’d shared great, deep conversations about life, the Lord’s plan for her life, her hopes, her dreams.

  “Not at all. I just hung up from speaking with Caleb.” That had slipped out naturally, without forethought. She hadn’t even told her parents about him yet. An arrow of guilt pierced her.

  A short silence ensued on the line. “Maybe it’s a good thing I followed that nudge to give you a call.” True to his character, her dad didn’t sound chastising, and he was never demanding. “If you want to talk, I’m here.”

  Her eyes filled. “I hope you know I didn’t purposely keep you out of the loop. This is all still so new for me. I’m trying to adjust to the idea myself.”

  “Is Caleb someone you work with?”

  “You could say that.” She inhaled a quick breath. She’d gone this far, so she might as tell him everything. “He’s my…boss.”

  “I see.”

  “Are you shocked? Disappointed?”

  “He’s not married, is he? Not a scoundrel?”

  She smiled. No one but her father would use a word like scoundrel. “Caleb’s been widowed for five years, and he has a twelve-year-old daughter named Lauren. Dad, I never expected to fall in love with him, but I have. I’m as surprised as you probably are. I always thought I’d have the kind of love story like you have with Mom where you’d known each other for years. But, let’s face it, I’m almost thirty, and no childhood boyfriends are knocking down my door. That doesn’t matter, anyway. Caleb is a wonderful man, and he’s a Christ-follower.”

  In the next few minutes, Caty told him how she’d gotten to know Caleb and Lauren. No doubt, her parents would get a kick out of the preteen. She couldn’t tell her father about the kidnapping threats, of course. If she did, while he wouldn’t forbid her to see Caleb, he’d be understandably concerned. With good reason.

  “Caleb sounds like a wonderful man. If you love him, then I’m sure your mother and I will love him, too. I have to ask, though. Do you think you might marry this man?”

  “It’s still very early in the relationship, but if Caleb asks me, I’ll tell him yes.” She hadn’t even needed to think about her answer. Was she crazy?

  No, you’re in love, Caty Bug. Gloriously, wonderfully, head-over-heels in love with Abernathy Caleb Reid. Maybe she’d doodle her name on a notepad like she used to do in high school. Catherine Lewis Reid. Or Catherine Grace Reid. Or Catherine Grace Lewis Reid. Any way she thought about it, the name was strong, solid, right. Now she was being silly.

  You’re not in high school anymore.

  “Then that’s good enough for us,” her father said, breaking into her thoughts. “Your mother’s putting together a party for Sam’s birthday in a couple of weeks. I heard her talking with Lexa about going to that new country western place owned by a couple from our church. Maybe you can bring Caleb and Lauren along. I’ll have Sarah call you about it in the next few days.”

  “That sounds terrific. Thanks for being so understanding. Thanks for being…my dad.” Her voice caught on that last sentiment, but she meant it from the core of her soul. If only every kid were so blessed to have a father like hers, the world would be such a better place.

  “Say your prayers and ask God to direct your path, Catherine. Like I told you that day we moved you into the townhome, trust in Him and He won’t lead you astray.”

  “I know. Thanks, Dad. I love you.”

  “Always and forever.”

  Chapter 42

  Caleb was nothing if not prompt. The Porsche came to a halt in front of her townhome precisely at six p.m. on Tuesday evening. Not that she’d peeked. Not that she hadn’t left the office an hour early to make sure she’d be home on time for his arrival. They could have gone straight from the office, but Caleb had been in meetings outside the office all day. She hoped he wouldn’t be too tired to see the bluebonnets tonight.

  When the doorbell rang, Caty opened her front door with a bright sm
ile. “Welcome to my humble abode, kind sir.”

  He wore his jeans and what she’d come to know was his favorite clothing—a tucked-in, white button-down shirt, and those fabulous cowboy boots. Pushing the door closed behind him, he stood in front of her with an almost shy, schoolboy smile. She wouldn’t quite go that far, but for all of the man’s confidence, she found this side of Caleb refreshingly sweet.

  His appraising glance took in her jeans, pink cotton top and matching lightweight sweater, and then moved down to her red boots. “Hello, gorgeous.”

  “I could say the same. You always look handsome. I’m sure you roll out of bed handsome.” Her cheeks colored. “I mean…”

  From behind his back, he brought out a small bouquet of yellow roses and planted a light kiss on the cheek. “From my heart to yours, courtesy of my garden.” Thank goodness he’d bypassed her leading comment, sparing her further embarrassment.

  “They’re exquisite! Thank you.” She leaned into his kiss and then tweaked the cleft in his chin. “Come inside while I get a vase to put them in. Did you give your Stetson the night off?”

  “Of course not. The hat’s in the back of the car.”

  Caty went into the kitchen with the flowers while he waited in the living room. “Remind me to tell you the story of Sam and Lexa sometime. Yellow roses figure prominently into their love story. Not to mention The Alamo.”

  “That sounds like an intriguing story. Looks like you’re settling in here nicely. Your place is great. I like the way you’ve decorated it. Maybe you could help me add some colorful touches to my house.”

  “Thank you. In many ways, you could say this is the home that Belac built.” She heard his chuckle. “As far as your house, I think some colorful throw pillows would be good for the living room. You might be surprised what a little touch of color can do. Have you talked with Lauren about painting her bedroom?”

  “We’re going to the paint store on Thursday after school.”

  “Excellent.” She was thrilled to hear it. “Lavender?”

  “Yep. That’s the compromise. She might change her mind before then, but we can negotiate.”

  Caty smiled as she pulled out a vase from beneath the sink and filled it with water. “I saw the press release about discontinuing the Reidco tobacco sales next month. Have you had any response yet?” She hoped there hadn’t been any backlash. She felt sure there’d be plenty of discussion in certain circles, however.

  “Let the games begin,” he said. “I’m sure my competitors love me. I guess time will tell with the customers.”

  “You’re doing the right thing, Caleb.”

  “I know, but I appreciate the vote of confidence.”

  When she glanced over her shoulder through the pass-through window, Caty saw him checking out the books on her bookcase. She’d seen the bookcases in his living room with primarily mysteries, thrillers, and biographies. He also had a large collection of coffee table picture books.

  “Do you mind if I take a peek at Sam’s book?” he called. “The one about the seven rules of marriage?”

  His questions got her heart pumping faster as she snipped the ends of the rose stems and placed them in a vase she’d filled with water. “Not at all. Feel free to take it home with you. I can always get another copy. I think that one might be autographed to me, though, now that I think of it.”

  “I might borrow it and then buy my own copy. I’m sure I’ll meet Sam, and I can ask him to autograph it then.”

  “You might get that opportunity soon.” After putting the vase of roses on her dining room table, she joined him in the living room. “I understand my mom and Sam’s wife, Lexa, are putting together a party for his birthday in a couple of weeks. They want to go to some new country western place. Do you two-step, Mr. Reid?”

  “I can do more than that.” He demonstrated the Cha Cha Slide and then lifted his hands out to the side. “So, you tell me. How’d I do?”

  “You do just fine,” she said, laughing. “Ready to go see some fields of bluebonnets?”

  “I thought you’d never ask.” He followed her outside and waited while she locked the front door. “Bluebonnets in the sunset with a beautiful woman in my arms? What more could a man want?”

  Hand-in-hand, they walked down the walkway to where he’d parked his car. Caty loved how he spontaneously took her hand, how well hers fit inside his.

  “I’ve never been in a Porsche before.” She waited as he clicked the key fob. “It’s very low to the ground, isn’t it?”

  “There’s a definite art to getting in one gracefully. But you, too, can do it with finesse and charm.”

  “You sound like you’re a teacher in a charm school. Or one of those smarmy infomercial guys.”

  Caleb laughed. “Banish the thought. Do they still have those? Charm schools? Maybe I should send Lauren.”

  “Your daughter’s got plenty of charm. And spunk.”

  “Spunk is one thing, but she could stand to temper her outrageous remarks.”

  “Shock value,” Caty said. “If you don’t make a big deal of them, hopefully she’ll give up.”

  “You are a wise woman, Catherine, and a great influence on my daughter.”

  “I’m not sure how wise I am, but you’d better show me how this is done if we’re going to get to those bluebonnets tonight.”

  “Right,” he said. “There are four main steps to getting in the car without any mishaps—turn, sit, swing, and duck. That last one is important, especially for a woman of your height.”

  “Turn, sit, swing, and duck,” she repeated slowly.

  “It’ll make more sense when I show you. This is the turn part.” He turned with his back to the car. “Then you have the sit part.” He took small backward steps and then seated himself in the car. “Then you swing your legs around like so. And then, since you’re tall, you’ll probably need to duck your head to make sure you don’t hit…” He patted his head with his hand and gave her a sheepish grin. “Make sense?”

  “I’ll let you know in a second. My turn,” she said. “The part that worries me is the sitting part with my back turned away from the car. I don’t want to miss the seat and land on the pavement or anything.” She rolled her eyes, hoping that didn’t sound ridiculous. “I’m completely serious,” she insisted when he laughed.

  “The easiest way to do it is to back up until you feel the bottom runner of the car against the backs of your legs.”

  “I don’t know. That sounds a little complicated.”

  “Don’t worry,” he said. “After you do it a few times, it gets much easier. The other key is having an escort to assist you.”

  “Well, why didn’t you say so? Promise you won’t let me fall?”

  “Promise. If you do, I’ll pick you up.” Pausing with one hand on the door, Caleb looked into her eyes. “The first day we met, I wanted to pick you up and carry you inside the building.”

  “You did?” The warmth invaded her cheeks. “That’s a heroic sentiment, but should I ask why?”

  “I was afraid you might hurt yourself since you’d obviously suffered those other mishaps.”

  Caty laughed. “I was a walking mess that day! It’s a miracle I managed to have a coherent conversation with you. Hopefully, I’ve proven to you since that I’m not nearly as clumsy as your first impression of me.”

  “You’re beautiful, Caty. Clumsy or not, any way you come. Don’t even get me started on the Japanese restaurant. You were so cute in not knowing what to do.”

  “We need to get one thing straight,” she said. “Don’t call me cute. I don’t want to be cute.”

  He dipped his head and brushed his lips over hers. “What do you want me to call you?”

  Oh, my. “I, um, think beautiful will be just fine, thank you so much. Let’s do this, shall we?” With Caleb’s assistance, she settled into the car easily enough. As they headed out onto the highway, headed on the 74-mile trip to Brenham, Caty sighed. “I’m not sure I’ll know how to act withou
t our little chaperone along. I take it she’s home with Lettie tonight?”

  “She is. Max, too. Life as usual, or at least our version of normal. By the way, Lauren and I had a talk, and I gave my permission for her to ask that boy to the dance.”

  “I think that’s wonderful. She’ll go with you, right? It’s not like a date.”

  “Good grief, I sure hope not. I don’t look forward to talking with Lauren about the birds and the bees. I think she probably knows as much as I do, anyway. Or she can guess.” Caleb shifted something on the console and then reached for her hand. Caty hadn’t a clue about this car except that it was loud, sleek, and powerful.

  “Lauren’s growing up, but I doubt she knows as much as she thinks she does. Have you thought about being a chaperone for the dance?”

  “I’ve already volunteered. After first making sure she could go and that it doesn’t violate her probation period.” Turning his head, Caleb gave her a wide grin. “I volunteered you, too. As my date. You don’t think I’m going to stand by and watch my daughter dance with a boy if you’re not there to hold my hand, do you?”

  “Maybe you could take some pointers from my dad when you meet him. Does Lauren have a dress to wear?”

  “I’m sure she doesn’t. If you’re willing, I foresee another shopping trip in your future.” Caleb shifted again and the car surged forward as they hit the open road.

  “Watch your speed there, Roadrunner.”

  “I need to show you what this car can do.”

  “And I suppose I’ll be the one to bail you out of jail later?”

  He grinned. “I’ll keep it respectable.”

  “You’d better.”

  “I hear the bluebonnets are all over the area, as usual,” he said. “I hear the bluebonnets in Brenham are plentiful this year, even more than usual.”

  “Perfection. This is such a great idea, Caleb. Romantic, too.”