by JoAnn Durgin
“Do you really want an answer to that? Sorry,” Josh said, laughing. “It’s been a fun evening.”
“Angelina won the prize fair and square. She certainly deserved it. Considering the talent that girl has in her little finger, I’d like us to gift her with more than a certificate.”
Josh grinned. “I follow what you’re getting at, and I like it. I take it you’re talking about a cash prize.”
“Exactly, but it’ll be safer if it’s a check. I’m going to walk over to my office and make one out now. Hold off on the presentations until I get back.”
“Sure thing. You know I’m good for whatever you want to do. I’m sure Marc, Landon and Mitch will be happy to contribute, and no doubt the others, as well.”
Sam paused and looked back at Josh. “Thanks. It’s called an investment in the future.”
When Sam returned a few minutes later, Josh rose from his seat and moved to the front of the dining hall. “Okay, it’s time for the announcement of the honorable mentions for tonight’s TeamWork Talent Show. Not that you aren’t all winners, but we thought we’d honor a few of the acts.”
Within minutes, the little ballerinas as well as Joe and Luke were honored for their talent. Beaming with pride, they stood at the front of the room. Eliot offered to make more balloons for them, and that seemed to be all the prizes they needed.
“Our Grand Prize winner was a unanimous decision. Miss Angelina Morris, would you please come up here. Sheila, come on up with her.”
Felipe stood on a chair and pumped his fists in the air. “Way to go, Angel! That’s my girl!”
Sam chuckled as Felipe put his fingers in his mouth and whistled. Dean clamped one hand on his shoulder, laughing. It was good to see the boy so enthusiastic and happy for someone else’s success.
“Angelina, we were all privileged to witness a demonstration of your immense, God-given artistic abilities here tonight. In honor of your talent, we’d like to present this to you with the hope you’ll be able to use what’s inside to further that talent.”
After Josh handed her the envelope, Angelina pulled out what looked to be a certificate. She clamped a hand over her mouth. Stepping closer, Sheila took it from her and her eyes opened wide.
“Let me say a prayer and then we’ll have pie and ice cream.” Bowing his head, Sam thanked the Lord for the great time of fellowship and fun they’d enjoyed together. He prayed for the safety of his team and the continued growth of the One Nation Church.
As soon as the prayer ended, Sheila ran over to him. “Sam, th-this is t-t-too m-m-much.”
“Consider it TeamWork’s contribution to furthering Angelina’s artistic career. She’s extremely talented, and we want to see it continue. I had no idea your daughter could draw like that, Sheila.”
“Sh-she’s b-b-been t-t-taking ar-art l-les-s-ons, and h-h-her t-t-teachers t-t-tell m-m-me sh-she h-h-has an eye f-f-for d-d-depth and d-d-detail. J-j-just kn-know th-the p-p-prize m-m-money w-w-will p-pay f-f-for m-m-more l-l-lessons.”
“As it’s intended.”
~~♥~~
“As we enjoy our dessert, we have another special treat to end the evening,” Josh announced. “Would you please give a warm TeamWork welcome to U.S. Air Force Captain, Samuel J. Lewis, Sr., and his lovely bride, Sarah.”
Lexa nudged Sam in the chair next to her. Surprisingly, he still wore the Elvis costume, and neither had the others changed out of their costumes. “Did you know they were going to do this?”
“No, although I knew they wanted to stay through tonight so they could be here for the Talent Show.”
Hand in hand, Sam Sr. and Sarah appeared as those in the dining hall clapped with a certain reverence. Tall and handsome, Sam Sr. wore his full dress service uniform, complete with his hat, from all those years ago. Lexa knew he’d worn it the day he proposed to Sarah in the diner where she worked.
“Does your dad carry that uniform around with him wherever he goes?” Lexa whispered.
Sam chuckled. “There’s an Air Force Base here, and they had some kind of event. Mom had him put it in the car just in case.”
“Ah. He still looks great in it,” Lexa said, settling back in her chair to watch.
Raising one hand to his and placing the other on his shoulder as he pulled her close, Sarah was lovely in what looked like a vintage or replica dress from the early 1960s when these two first courted in their tiny hometown of Rockbridge, Texas.
Lexa’s eyes filled with sentimental tears as she recognized the beginning strains of “Some Enchanted Evening” from South Pacific, one of her Nana’s all-time favorite movies. The others quieted down quickly, as if making noise was irreverent and disrespectful. Sam reached for her, wrapping his hand around hers and caressing it with his thumb. Darting a quick glance at him, Lexa could tell he was every bit as affected as she was by this tender moment shared between his mother and father, and maybe even more so.
Mitch had dimmed the lights in the dining hall and miniature twinkling lights had been installed around the perimeter of the room, adding a romantic and whimsical touch. Sam Sr. and Sarah moved together as one, a testimony of lives well-lived. They’d glorified the Lord as a couple and modeled a godly marriage as parents to their six children. A shiver ran through her, and Lexa nestled closer into the warmth of her husband.
When Sarah moved her hand over her husband’s jaw, caressing him, her expression was one of a wife who’d been well-loved, treasured, and cherished through the years. Reaching for a tissue in her pocket, Lexa wiped away the tears that fell onto her cheeks. Of course, Sam noticed and moved closer. Draping his arm around the back of her chair, he kissed her temple.
As the song ended, Sam Sr. lowered his lips to Sarah’s for a tender kiss.
“That’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever seen,” Winnie said, sniffling.
“I’d say so,” Lexa heard Marta say from farther down the table. “Better than any movie.” Several of the ladies murmured their assent, and the men nodded.
“Come on,” Sam said, gently tugging on her hand and helping Lexa to her feet. “Time to dance, everyone. Mitch, please spin that Elvis CD again.”
Lexa’s heart caught in her throat as she spied her TeamWork children—as she liked to call them—pairing off.
“I have a request, please,” Sarah called to Mitch. “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
Mitch nodded. “Coming right up, Mrs. Lewis.”
“That song was playing in the diner the day I arrived home in Texas after my tour of duty ended,” Sam Sr. told them. “April 24, 1962.”
“Your birthday?” Lexa said as Sam easily pulled her into his arms and they began to dance. “I didn’t know you were born four years to the date after your dad returned stateside. Tell me, was this song also playing on the Volvo’s radio the day you picked me up at the Greyhound station in San Antonio?”
Sam’s smile reached his blue eyes and his smile lines surfaced. “No, but it would have been appropriate.”
“Seems there’s always something new to learn about you,” she murmured.
“I hope we’ll always discover something new about one another, Lexa.” Tipping her chin, he lowered his lips to hers. After they parted, Lexa rested her head against his chest, swaying slowly to the music, bodies in perfect rhythm. How she loved moments like this. Falling in love with her husband all over again. That’s what marriage was all about. The disagreements they’d had through the years faded into the background, replaced by how right it was to be in Sam’s arms.
Dancing closest to them, Marc held Natalie close. Same with Josh and Winnie on the other side of them. The sight of all the children dancing near their parents made Lexa smile. Cassie danced nearby with Mitch. Next to them were Rebekah and Kevin. While Lexa watched, Kevin moved one hand over his wife’s belly. Her breath caught when Lexa spied Joe son dancing with Leah and Hannah. Amy and Landon only had eyes for one another, as usual.
“Sam, go dance with Gayle,” Lexa urged, keeping her tone low.
He’d done the same for Amy when she felt the odd-woman-out at Rebekah and Kevin’s wedding.
“Sure. Hold my place. I’ll be back.” With her heart full, Lexa watched her tall, handsome husband bow before their pretty red-haired friend. After Gayle darted a questioning glance her way, Lexa nodded and moved to the side of the room. She smiled at the tender way Dean held Sheila in his arms and stifled a smile when Felipe attempted to inch Angelina closer. How that boy had grown spiritually since he’d been with them on this mission. Matured. Allowed the Lord to work in his life.
Lord, you are so good to us. Thank you.
Some thought she and Sam were perfect people. Far from it. Sometimes when she snapped at Sam or the kids, or when she grumbled about someone or something that irritated her, she felt so far from perfect that only divine intervention could make her whole again. But she was valued by God and by the man holding her in his arms. She was a wife, a mother, a business partner, a sister in Christ, a child of God. For all these reasons, and the joy her various roles brought, and how they enriched her life, she was truly blessed beyond measure.
Coming back to claim her and sweeping her into his embrace, Sam whispered “Amen” against her hair.
“How do you always seem to know what I’m thinking?” Lexa moved her hand over his chest and smiled when he covered her hand with his own.
“Because I’m made for you, and you for me.” He tugged gently on her braid, one of her favorite, private ways Sam told her that he loved her.
“I love you, too, Sam. Always.”
~~♥~~
“Want to dance, Plum Pudding?”
Feeling suddenly shy, Angelina put her hand in Felipe’s. She darted a glance at Mama, but she was in her own world with Dean. Following her gaze, Felipe smiled. “Don’t worry. They’re not going to stop us.”
“I’m not worried, but it’s like a reflex. What can I say?” She wasn’t sure what to do and lowered her gaze. She’d gotten to know Felipe pretty well on this mission, and as crazy as it seemed, it was almost as though he was her best friend now. Sure, she had friends back home, but she’d never had deep conversations with them like those she’d shared with Felipe. Meaningful conversations. Discussions that reinforced her faith and hopefully stirred his curiosity. He’d been asking more questions and seemed less resistant to the things of the Lord.
“You’ve never danced before, Angel?”
“No. Sorry it’s so obvious.” She was ticklish, and a nervous giggle escaped when he rested one hand lightly on her waist and then began to slowly sway with her. Why did she have to act so silly? Why couldn’t she be full of grace and act like a grown-up? Her gaze traveled to where Amitola and Avonaco danced across the room. Lost in one another, they looked so happy, and she could tell they’d have a great marriage.
“Don’t be sorry,” he whispered. “It looks great in here, doesn’t it? I like those little twinkly lights they’ve strung up all around the place.”
“Yes, it’s…romantic.” She giggled and averted her gaze. “Don’t get any ideas.”
He laughed quietly. “You can’t stop a guy from hoping or getting ideas, but I’ll be good. Promise.” Angelina was thankful he didn’t pull her too close but kept a respectful distance. She’d heard the speech about dancing from Mama several times. It was a miracle she’d even let her go to a few dances at school.
“I’ve been asked to dance, but until now, there wasn’t a boy I wanted to say yes to,” she said. She felt her cheeks warm. “You know what I mean.”
“I do. Listen,” he said, moving them over to a more quiet corner of the dining hall, “I thought maybe you’d like to see some of my stories tomorrow.”
She looked up at him in surprise. “Really? I’d love to see them.” She’d begun to think he’d changed his mind. He was telling her that he trusted her because she’d come to understand those stories were intensely personal to Felipe. His escape from reality. She needed to encourage him so that he’d continue pursuing interests like writing instead of other things that could get him in trouble.
“Would you look at us?” He laughed under his breath. “The juvenile delinquent and his Angel are dancing together. I doubt anyone would have guessed this would ever happen after I first got here.”
“You’re no juvenile delinquent.” Angelina put one hand on his chest. “You’ve just done a few things you shouldn’t. We’ve all done that.” She liked the way he’d called her his Angel. Something about that made her feel protected.
“I confessed them to God, Angel.” He slowed their dancing.
“What do you mean? You confessed what?” Her pulse accelerated. Did he mean what she thought he meant?
“I talked with Mr. Lewis yesterday morning. It was good. He wanted me to go talk to Dean. Turns out I might be able to help my guardian with something going on in the San Antonio store. I work there on the weekends, and I happened to see and hear some things.”
“Wow. That’s good, right?”
“Yeah, I’d say so.” The song changed, but Angelina was thankful it was another slow ballad. No big surprise there with the TeamWork crew. “He asked me if I was willing to tell my story. With my record, I hope they’ll believe me. But they can get proof on the computers if that guy hasn’t done anything with it.” He shrugged. “Guess we’ll find out when we get back to San Antonio.”
“Let me know what happens.”
A wide grin spread across his face. “Are you saying you want to keep in contact with me when we get home?”
She smiled. “Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying. But, wait a minute. Get back to the part about confessing.”
“Dean prayed with me to ask Jesus into my heart, and well… I’m a Christian now, Angel.”
Angelina couldn’t help it. She cried out with joy. Throwing her arms around Felipe, she kissed his cheek. Realizing what she’d done, she put her hands over her mouth and backed away from him. When she noticed several of the others staring at them, she laughed. “Felipe accepted the Lord, and I’m so proud of him. So happy!”
Truly, her soul was happy.
Thank you, Jesus.
~~♥~~
Dancing in Eliot’s arms felt as natural as swimming. Memories of a middle school dance—standing by herself along the wall, staring longingly at Trey Parker—filled her mind. Only Eliot had asked her to dance but Trey never had. She hadn’t danced much in her life, only danced around someone. Skirting around relationships, afraid to get too close, reveal or give too much of herself. Until she’d gotten close with Liam, and then felt the sting of rejection, the loss of a part of herself she could never recover. She’d learned from it, but she’d also erected walls. Seemed she’d been erecting walls her entire life.
Soon she’d need to say good-bye to Eliot. Again. Only the Lord knew for how long, and all Marta wanted was to dive in head-first and immerse herself in her newly awakened love for the man holding her in his arms. At the beginning of this mission, she’d wondered if what she felt for him was love or merely infatuation. She’d admired him from afar for so long. He was one of the strongest and bravest men she’d ever known, one of the most giving and loving. What she felt for him was unlike the feelings she’d had for any other man, even what she’d believed she felt for Liam.
Loving this man meant letting him go to places unknown, facing danger on an almost daily basis. Was her love for him strong enough to withstand the separation, the not knowing, the doubts, the insecurities? For his part, Eliot had made it clear that he had no doubts.
“Will you let me in?” Eliot whispered.
Marta met his gaze. “Eliot,” she said, swallowing hard. “I’m—”
Something dimmed in his eyes. She needed to reassure him.
She heard a commotion from outside the front door of the dining hall. Two men from the One Nation Church burst through the door, their expressions worried, and they were both talking at the same time. Seeing them, Avonaco and Amitola came over to find out what was happening. Behind them were Sam,
Josh, and Marc.
“We’ve got trouble,” one of the men told them. “A group of locals claiming to be from that Extant group is over at the church. They’re threatening to torch it.”
Marta’s heart slid down to her toes. Oh, dear Lord. Please be with us.
Eliot released her.
And then he was gone.
Chapter 43
~~♥~~
Sam waved his arms. “Men, we’re needed over at the church. No time to waste. Let’s roll!”
They all took off at a run. Perhaps foolishly, Sam had thought this kind of trouble was behind them. He’d been praying, and he’d continue to pray, for the safety of the church and the One Nation congregation. They’d accomplished what they’d come to do in spite of the odds they’d faced.
When they reached the church, Sam could tell there was a standoff in progress. Five of the One Nation men, including Pastor Chevy and four of the leaders in the church, stood on to one side, and the Extant group—ten of them by his quick head count—faced them. A bridge of about ten feet separated the battle lines.
Sam walked over to speak with Cheveyo. “What’s going on?”
“Hey, Elvis! Bring your stooges with you?” The men from the local group called out other derogatory comments, laced with profanity, which Sam ignored. He glanced at several of the guys in his crew, silently warning them not to make any false moves, and they all nodded.
“Just having a Talent Show with our group.”
“Well, ain’t that sweet.”
Cheveyo stepped close. “We can handle this, Sam. Maybe you should take your men and go back to the camp. I don’t want any trouble, and I can’t have anyone hurt on my watch.”
“We’re in agreement on that, but we’re not leaving,” Sam said. “We’ve come this far, and we’re not going to back down now. Have you asked them what they want?”
“Kind of hard to do when they keep flicking lighters and threaten to torch the church. This is one of those times I wish I still carried my gun when I’m off-duty.”
