His eyes had bulged wide open. “Where did you get this?”
“In the cafeteria trash bin. You never should have tossed it in there. Awards are special. And so are the people who get them.”
Luke had rubbed the trophy as if he thought it might disappear before his very eyes. He ran his finger over his name. It had been engraved at the bottom in gold.
“Thanks, Morgan. I can’t believe it. I’ve been thinking about this trophy for months.”
“You’re welcome, Luke. Just remember that Miss Pritchard picked you for this award. She saw something special in you and your beautiful penmanship. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel bad about the things you’re good at.”
The smile he’d gifted her with had made its way straight to her heart.
She pulled out the note from the envelope and read his words for the umpteenth time.
Morgan. I’d like to take you out tonight. If agreeable, I’ll pick you up at six p.m. sharp at your place. Not too dressy. Not too casual. Come as you are. Counting the minutes until we meet again.
Love, Luke
She loved this man. Hiding it had been painful. Sometimes she thought that she’d loved him ever since he’d been her knight in shining armor when they were kids. Luke had always ridden to her rescue and saved her from the ignorance and cruelty that had been directed at her by a few of her peers. He had always been so brave, so righteous. A truly upstanding human being.
As a child she had looked up to him. As a woman she had fallen head over heels in love with him. And they had been happy together, until it had all fallen apart. She vowed it wouldn’t happen this time around.
The truth was, she’d never felt quite good enough. Luke Duvall was the golden boy. He was also the heir to the Duvall family fortune. The Duvall family was one of the founding families of Savannah. Luke’s parents—Davinia and Lionel Duvall were pillars of Savannah society. Add that all together and it gave her a pounding headache.
Her parents, bless their hearts, had never been part of the elegant, moneyed crowd. They had both been blue collar workers, each one working their hardest to eke out a living to support their family. Although her father hailed from a wealthy family, they had become estranged after he chose to marry her mother. He’d been disinherited, which Morgan felt certain had added strain to her parents’ marriage. From what Morgan had gleaned, her father’s family hadn’t approved of her mother’s lack of social standing or the color of her skin.
Ever since she’d been a child, Morgan had been well aware of the huge social divide between her family and the Duvalls. She didn’t want it to be an issue. She prayed it wouldn’t be. It really shouldn’t be! This time, she was going to put her best foot forward and pursue a relationship with Luke. Life with him in it was much better than mourning the loss of him. And maybe tonight she would summon the courage to tell him the breadth and depth of her feelings for him. It was high time she stepped out on a limb of faith and reached for her bliss.
**
Luke chided himself for his nervousness. He’d been on dozens and dozens of dates before. Why did this one seem so very different? Suddenly it felt as the stakes were higher between himself and Morgan.
It was a beautiful November night in Savannah. The temperature was hovering at a balmy fifty degrees. As the night progressed, the temperature would dip even further. He’d have to tell Morgan to bring along a sweater tonight.
He drove his car into the pebbled driveway, past her mother’s house and straight back toward Morgan’s cottage. It was brightly lit, with glass lanterns sitting out front and illuminating the path to her house. Anticipation had been building inside of him all day long. He parked his car and jumped out, making it to her door in a few easy strides.
Before he could even knock, the door swung open. Morgan was standing there, her raven colored hair hanging about her shoulders like a dark cloak. She was dressed in a navy pair of slacks and a cream-colored silk top. As always, she took his breath away.
“I heard you drive up,” Morgan said, ushering him inside. “It’s so quiet out here I can almost hear a pin drop.”
The inside of the cottage smelled like vanilla and a certain type of flowers he couldn’t quite place. Morgan’s home was inviting and warm. He relished the idea of hanging out here and making lunch with her or sitting on the sofa with Morgan and reading or doing crossword puzzles. He didn’t need anything grand to make him happy. Just the simple things with Morgan would bring him more peace and joy than anything else.
“This is for you,” Luke said, turning toward her as soon as he crossed the threshold and handing her the gift he’d tied up with a curly white ribbon.
“What’s this?” she asked, her face lit up with surprise. “Candy!”
“It’s a candy bouquet,” Luke explained. He loved watching the delighted expression creep over her face. She exhibited the joy of a child. She didn’t need fancy jewels or expensive things to make her light up like a Christmas tree.
“Mmm. Yummy. My favorites. M & Ms. Licorice. Kit Kats. I love it, Luke.” She stood on her tippy toes and pressed a kiss on his lips. “Thank you. This was very thoughtful.”
“You’re welcome. And the candy is tied in to our date.” He grinned at her, knowing she was about to flip out. “We’re going to classic movie night at the Lucas Theater for the Arts. So you’ll have a nice stash of candy for the movie.”
She covered her mouth with her hand for a moment. “Seriously? That’s incredible. I love classic films.”
“I know, Morgan. I always laugh when I remember all the movies we used to fight over. You were always trying to convince me that your favorite movie was better than mine.”
She nodded. “I take my movies very seriously. So what’s playing tonight?”
He waited for a moment, intently watching her face as he made the announcement. “Moon over Alabama.”
He covered his ears just as she opened her mouth and let out a high-pitched scream. Morgan’s expression was one of pure delight. This was all playing out in perfect fashion.
She reached out and grabbed his arm. “Luke! I can’t believe it. I’ve never seen that one in the theater. I’d heard that they were restoring in for distribution but I had no idea it was coming here to Savannah.” She clapped her hands together. “Oh, I’m so excited. This is amazing.”
She threw herself into his arms and he happily wrapped his own arms around her. If given the chance, Luke knew he would work overtime to make Morgan happy for the rest of their days.
“And I have another surprise, but I’m not going to tell you until we reach our destination.” Luke wiggled his eyebrows at her in a teasing fashion.
“Oh, you’re holding out on me,” Morgan said. “I have my ways of finding things out, especially when I know one of your major weaknesses.”
Luke held his hands up in protest. “No! Seriously, Morgan. No tickling.”
Morgan dove toward him with her hands held high. She let out a cackle of laughter. Luke was doing his best to fend off Morgan, but losing ground by the second.
A loud coughing sound caused them both to turn toward the front door. Pearl Lucas—Morgan’s mother—was standing there with a perturbed expression plastered on her face.
“Mama! Why didn’t you knock first?” Morgan asked. Her cheeks were flushed, and Luke couldn’t tell if it was from their tickle battle or her irritation with her mother.
Pearl frowned. “I did knock, but you didn’t answer. And I was worried when I heard a bunch of high-pitched screams coming from over here.”
“I’m not in any danger,” Morgan said. “Clearly.”
Mrs. Lucas looked back and forth between them as if she was sizing both of them up.
“So, are either of you going to tell me what’s going on between the two of you?” Pearl asked.
“Mama,” Morgan hissed. “You’re embarrassing me! Go back to the house.”
Pearl crossed her hands over her chest and began tapping her foot. “I’m going to prete
nd that I didn’t hear that! If you want to go head to head on embarrassing moments I can match you tit for tat. I’ve lived through some very humiliating childhood antics of yours, Miss Morgan Lucas.”
Morgan let out a groan and shook her head. Luke wanted to laugh out loud. Morgan seemed as if she wanted to disappear through the floorboards.
Luke focused his attention on Morgan’s mother. “Mrs. Lucas. It’s great to see you tonight.” He put up his hand and whispered behind it. “I would never tell you to leave. Just saying.”
Morgan sputtered and glared at him.
Pearl patted Luke on the arm. “I like your style, Luke. I always have. You and Callie are such lovely young people. I’ve always been mighty proud that Callie and Morgan were the best of friends.”
“Why thank you,” Luke said with a grin. “If you don’t mind I’m going to pass on the compliment to my mother. She’ll get a big kick out of it.”
“What are your intentions?” Pearl asked with a deadpan expression.
“Mama!” Morgan let out a squeal of outrage. “Are you trying to humiliate me?”
Luke held up his hands. “No worries, Morgan. She’s your mother and she has every right to ask. I’ll never shirk at answering any of your questions. My intentions are completely honorable. I love your daughter, Mrs. Lucas. I have for quite a while now. I’m sorry if this comes as a complete surprise to you, but your daughter and I were dating a few years ago. Things didn’t work out then, but I’m very grateful for a second chance.”
“Nothing surprises me, Luke. I know a lot more than I let on,” Pearl informed them.
Morgan’s jaw dropped. She began to sputter. Again, Luke tried not to laugh out loud. Tonight was turning out to be pure entertainment.
“Somehow that doesn’t surprise me,” he drawled. “Things didn’t end between us the way I’d hoped. But now, we’re both older and wiser and more grounded in our lives. I’d like to see where this relationship goes. And I intend to treat Morgan with dignity and respect. Of that you can be certain.”
Pearl nodded and let out a few sounds of approval. She turned toward Morgan. “Now was that really so difficult to explain to your mother?”
“No, Mama. It wasn’t,” Morgan said in a sheepish voice.
Pearl turned back to face Luke. “I hope you enjoy a wonderful evening, Luke. I look forward to seeing you soon. You are one very devastatingly attractive man.” She turned on her heel and walked toward the door and sailed through it. The sound of the door shutting closed heralded her exit.
“She called me devastatingly handsome. I think she likes me,” Luke teased. He rubbed his two fingers together in a scolding motion. “You on the other hand are on her bad list.”
Morgan rolled her eyes at Luke. She grabbed her purse and a light sweater from the sofa. “Let’s go before she comes back. Something tells me she might have a few more choice words for me.”
**
By the time they pulled up to the Lucas Theater for the Arts, Morgan’s stomach was grumbling like crazy. Today was one of those days she’d forgotten to eat lunch. She’d nibbled on a few things while she’d been cooking lunch for the Savanah House guests, but she hadn’t sat down to a full meal. And now she was paying for it with a groaning belly. And she couldn’t very well hint to Luke about feeding her before the movie.
“Let’s go inside,” Luke said, offering her his arm. She looped her arm through Luke’s. Excitement trickled through her veins. She couldn’t think of a cooler venue for a date with her guy. Luke held the door open for her and she stepped inside, looking all around her as she walked in. It was breathtaking!
The interior of the theater was old-world elegance. A chandelier hung from the ceiling. Red velvet drapes tied with gold added a dramatic flair to the place. Crimson carpeting and bronze fixtures allowed Morgan to feel as if she’d stepped back in time to another era.
“What time is the movie?” she asked, noticing that there weren’t a lot of people waiting around. The theater was pretty empty.
Luke looked at his wrist. “Not for another hour. We have time to catch dinner first.”
Morgan tilted her head back to look at the ornate ceiling. “This place is stunning.”
“It is,” Luke agreed. “It’s been around since nineteen twenty-one, so I’m glad they’ve restored it so that future generations can come here and enjoy classic films.”
“I used to come here as a kid.” Emotion was riding right on the surface. Coming to this theater had been a treat she’d cherished unlike any other. “My father used to bring me here when I was small. I used to love Shirley Temple movies. And he would take me to see all of her films. We’d sit in the darkened theater and drink grape soda with our big bucket of popcorn and a bag of licorice. Those moments are really cherished memories because we don’t really have a relationship now. Oh, he sends the occasional card on my birthday and sometimes remembers to call, but that’s pretty much it. There’s nothing solid between us.”
Luke clenched his jaw. “I’m sorry, Morgan. You deserve a lot better than that from him.”
Morgan scoffed. “It’s funny. That’s one of the only positive legacies he’s left me with. A love of classic films. Everything I know about them was taught to me by him.”
Luke reached for her hand and pressed it to his lips. “You are who you are despite him. Despite him walking away. You are a wonderful woman, Morgan Lucas. Be proud of that.”
Just as she was about to respond, something caught her eye in the theater. A red and white flashing marquee was showcasing her name along with his. MORGAN and LUKE. A LOVE STORY. She let out a gasp and looked up at Luke. A huge grin was etched on his face. He seemed extremely pleased with himself.
This over-the-top gesture meant the world to her. It was sweet and romantic and clever. She could feel tears pooling in her eyes. Luke always made her feel so incredibly special, as if she was the most important person in his orbit. She hoped in some small way she made him feel the same.
“Luke! How did you make that happen?”
He winked at her. “I’ve got my ways. I hope this doesn’t sound arrogant, but sometimes it pays to bear the Duvall name. My family donated pretty generously to the restoration of this theater. My mother actually chaired the efforts and raised a small fortune.”
Morgan let out a low whistle of approval. “I’m happy to be reaping the benefits.”
“Why don’t we go sit down for dinner.” Luke directed her down a hallway.
“Here at the theater?” she asked, marveling at all the surprises Luke had managed to pull off.
He nodded. “I hope you’re hungry. I arranged for a table to be set up for us with the meal being prepared and served by one of Savannah’s finest chefs. He said he’d love to talk to you about the life of a chef.”
“Who is it?” she asked, excitement pulsing in her veins. What an honor it would be to be served dinner by one of Savannah’s best chefs.
“Andre DeSoto.”
Morgan reached out and gripped Luke’s wrist. “Are you serious? Andre DeSoto is preparing a meal for us? And he’s willing to talk to me about being a chef?”
“Yes to both questions.”
“Luke!” Morgan gasped. “This night cannot get any more spectacular. Andre is one of the premier chefs in the country. His new restaurant here in Savannah is booked for months in advance.”
“Now you’ve given me a challenge,” Luke said with a wink. “I’m going to have to try and get us reservations.”
Luke guided Morgan toward a room off to the side. A man dressed in a tuxedo held the door open for them. Once inside, Morgan saw that an intimate table had been set up for them on a stage. Luke held her hand tightly and led her toward their table. He pulled her chair out for her and once she was seated, he made his way to his own seat. There was a bouquet of white roses gracing the table, along with a candle glowing from a glass vase.
“It won’t always be like this,” he said, reaching out across the table for her hand. �
�I’m looking forward to some quiet nights at home.”
“Me too. That will give me the chance to cook you a five course meal.” A heavenly scent emanated toward her nostrils. “Speaking of food, something smells incredible. I wonder what it is.”
Luke nodded at a spot behind her. “I think we’re about to find out.”
Andre DeSoto arrived at their table pushing a dinner cart. Two covered dishes sat on the tray. With his jet black hair streaked with white stripes, DeSoto was well-known for his striking appearance and eclectic wardrobe. He often wore brightly patterned chef’s hats and aprons. To borrow one of Miss Hattie’s expressions, Andre was a “character.”
Luke stood up and shook Andre’s hand. “Nice to see you again, Andre. Thanks for doing this tonight.”
“It’s my pleasure, Luke.” He turned toward Morgan. “And who do we have here?”
“This is Morgan Lucas. She’s a big fan of yours,” Luke explained.
“Good evening, Morgan.” He held out his hand to Morgan. She reached out and shook it. Andre looked at Luke and winked. “I see now why you were jumping through hoops to make this happen.”
Morgan felt her cheeks getting heated. “I feel very blessed to be here. The fact that you’ve prepared our meal for us tonight is mind blowing.”
“Morgan is a chef also. She’s head chef at Savannah House on Tybee Island.” Morgan smiled at the boasting tone in Luke’s voice. “You really need to taste her food. She really knows her way around a kitchen.”
“Compared to you, I’m just a novice,” she said, feeling unworthy of even being mentioned in the same breath as Andre DeSoto, chef extraordinaire.
“That’s excellent, Morgan,” Andre said. “I’ll have to make a reservation to stay for a weekend at Savannah House. I’ve been hearing a lot about it. My wife would love a getaway without the kids.” He chuckled. “I love all four of them, but peace and quiet would be nice for a few days.”
“I’ll look forward to seeing you,” Morgan replied.
“I don’t want you to wait a moment longer for your appetizers.” With a flourish, he took off the lids and revealed two bowls of soup. A delectable aroma wafted under their noses.
For Love Alone (Secrets of Savannah Book 4) Page 9
