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

by JoAnn Durgin

  “I’m planning on asking the fair maiden to marry me for a second time. She didn’t know me well enough the first time around, but this time, she won’t disappoint me.”

  Don’t be so sure. Kevin stiffened, wanting to give this man a piece of his mind. Before or after he punched him out was the bigger question. Focus would be good. Be a professional. “So, you’re planning on asking her to marry you in the gazebo?”

  Judging by the look Adam tossed his way, he was being daft again. “No, mate. I’m planning to marry her in the gazebo so make certain it’s big enough for at least four to six people, if you would. Although, perhaps you’re onto something there.” His brow furrowed. “I should also propose to her in the gazebo. She’s a fairly simple girl, in spite of her beauty, and doesn’t like a lot of fuss.”

  At least that much was true. Kevin nodded. “Uh huh.” Walking to a nearby book, he opened it and flipped through the pages. He pointed to a photo of a white, medium-sized gazebo. “What do you think of this one?”

  Adam leaned closer. “It’s adequate, yes, but looks a tad bit on the anemic side. Anything larger or nicer?”

  “Sure.” Kevin flipped a few more pages, looking for something really obnoxious and ostentatious. Thinking better of it, he backtracked, pointing to another photo. “How about this one?”

  Adam’s smile was broad. “I think that one looks perfect, actually. Be a good man and write us an estimate, please.”

  “Yes, sir,” he said through gritted teeth. Thinking better of it, he hesitated. I can’t believe I’m about to say this. “Tell you what. Since it’s for such a special girl and such a happy occasion, let me build you a one-of-a-kind gazebo using select materials from our lumberyard.”

  Adam eyed him up and down. “You?”

  He nodded, the muscles in his cheeks flexing. “Yes, me. I’ve built a lot of things, including playhouses for kids, tree houses—” Why do I feel the need to sell myself to this guy?

  “Gazebos?” A look of skepticism was etched on his otherwise smooth brow.

  “No, but I assure you, you won’t be disappointed. I’m thinking I can add hearts around the top of the gazebo, commemorating this special occasion.” Now who’s being ridiculous? His brain was apparently functioning independently from the rest of his body.

  That did the trick. Adam’s smile returned. “Why, that sounds splendid!”

  “I can even add a name or a message and carve it into the gazebo. Adam and Hortense forever.” He shrugged. “Something like that.” He’d gotten a little carried away there and offered more than enough.

  “How did you know my name was Adam?” Crossing cashmere-covered arms, he stared. “I don’t believe we traded names.”

  Think quick. Kevin’s pulse raced and he closed his mouth. “I felt sure we did.” The Lord would have to forgive him that one. “Sorry, but you look like someone I know whose name is Adam.”

  The other man’s hard gaze relaxed. “Tell me, mate, do I look like the sort of chap to be out and about with a Hortense?” He shook his head, chuckling under his breath. “Unfortunately, it happens to be the name of my dear second cousin.” Gray eyes focused on him again. “Tell you what. I do like your idea. All the way around. It’s quite spectacular.” Adam broke into a smile, looking more than pleased. “I say let’s have a go at it then, shall we?”

  Yes, let’s. “Why don’t you give me her name and I’ll make sure it’s added to the gazebo.”

  “Very well. Her name is Rebekah.” With his accent, it sounded like a rolled R at the end of her name. “Rebekah Grant.”

  “And how do you spell that?” Kevin held the notepad a little higher, thankful he had it to hold onto, praying his shaking hands didn’t betray him. Why should this man intimidate him?

  “R-e-b-e-k-a-h,” Adam said slowly. “You look rather familiar. Have we by chance met—”

  “I’ll call it Rebekah’s Heart.” Kevin settled his gaze on him, hoping he wouldn’t finish that thought.

  Adam nodded slowly, watching him all the while, a thoughtful look on his face. “Perfect.”

  He finished making his calculations. “I can’t give you an exact amount until it’s built, but this is the amount I’d need for a deposit.” He’d written down an outrageous, exorbitant dollar amount. Thinking better of it, he scratched it out. Kevin then jotted down a more reasonable number and showed it to Adam, careful not to shove it under his nose.

  The man didn’t flinch. “Fine. Does that also include the price for assembly?”

  “Yes, but there would be an extra surcharge for delivery.”

  “Fine. Thank you.” Now he sounded both bored and annoyed as he pulled out his wallet.

  Kevin mustered his most polite tone. Kill him with kindness. Thanks, Dad. “While I process the payment, I’ll ask you to write down her address so we’ll have it for our records. For the delivery.”

  “So, are we all set then?” Adam asked, pocketing his credit card and the receipt a couple of minutes later after he completed the sale.

  “Just one more question. Do you have a date when you need the gazebo completed?”

  Adam held his gaze. “I don’t want to keep my lovely Rebekah’s heart waiting too long, after all.” Gray eyes fell on him. “Tell me, mate, is two weeks too soon?”

  “No,” Kevin croaked, swallowing hard. “Not at all, sir.”

  Chapter 33

  The Next Day

  “Adam, we need to talk.” Rebekah hated leaving that message on his voice mail, but she knew the quicker he got it, the sooner they could speak. It had been long enough. No more postponing the inevitable, especially since she’d told Kevin that was her plan. Then I guess I’ll be single for a while. It was a surprise when Adam called her back within a half-hour and she was shocked to hear he was in England. She couldn’t be so insensitive as to break up with the man over the telephone when he was a continent away. That wouldn’t be fair.

  “Something unexpectedly came up, Becks, and I had some family business. Forgive me, lovely. I miss you, and I’m terribly sorry I’ve been out of touch. I’ll be back around on Thursday night and we can talk then.”

  “Come around and see me then, please.” Goodness, now she was beginning to sound like a Brit.

  “As soon as I step off the plane, I’ll be there with lots of kisses. Shall we say sevenish or thereabouts?”

  “I’ll see you then. Thanks. I’ll be praying for a safe trip.” Hanging up the phone, Rebekah slumped down onto her sofa cushions. Although it was only four days away, it seemed like forever.

  ~~**~~

  True to his word, Adam showed up on her doorstep on Thursday night. As soon as he entered the house with a perfunctory kiss on the cheek, Rebekah knew he had a purpose in mind. He smelled great and looked debonair, as always. She steeled herself not to let either his accent or his powerful presence sway her in her resolve. It had to be done.

  Life without Adam was possible, but life without Kevin was unfathomable.

  “You look beautiful as ever, Becks. Come give us a real kiss.”

  Adam seated himself on the sofa, patting the spot beside him. Sitting next to him, Rebekah allowed a small kiss on the cheek. Just a light peck, nothing more. Not the best way to start a breakup conversation, perhaps.

  “I missed you so much while I’ve been gone, but this can wait no longer.”

  He missed her? He hasn’t been around in weeks. Her breath caught in her throat as he slid to one knee on the floor beside her.

  Reaching into his inside coat pocket, Adam pulled out a dark blue velvet-covered box.

  “Wait!” Rebekah said, holding up one hand. This can’t be happening.

  “Marry me, my beautiful Becks.” He opened the box.

  Nestled inside was the biggest, emerald-cut diamond she’d ever seen. Momentarily dazed, she touched it, then snatched away her hand as if she’d been burned.

  “I love you madly and want you by my side. Always. I want to give you everything—parties with royalty, fin
e dining, a lovely home—” He prattled off a number of enticements, none of them what she wanted to hear. None of them what she needed to hear.

  She stared at him for a long moment. Something was conspicuously absent from his speech. “Tell me something, Adam. Where do children fit into your life?” She was careful not to say our lives.

  His eyes widened. “Well, if you must. . .”

  She rose from the sofa, clenching her fists. “If I must? I’m a teacher, Adam. I love children. They’re precious gifts and I want as many as the Lord will give me.”

  “We’ve never discussed this before. I’m quite sure we can come to a suitable compromise—”

  She crossed her arms and tried to steady her voice. “There is no compromise when it comes to children. You don’t fit children into your life, around all the things, the parties, the travel and the fancy home. You bring children into the world and build your life around them. They’re more important than anything else. At least to me.” Rebekah shook her head. Her head pounded and it saddened her to think she’d wasted so much valuable time on a man who didn’t share one of the most important values in her life. Even though she’d never discussed it with Kevin either, she had no doubt he’d be all for it. Probably want to procreate like crazy and have a dozen. Her cheeks colored and she lowered her gaze from Adam’s.

  “Our lives will be quite full, I assure you, what with all the expectations to attend functions, some even at Buckingham Palace. You’ll have the finest couture gowns, an unlimited charge account at Harrod’s, fabulous trips to exotic locations every year, anything you could ever want—”

  “Stop.” The word barely came out. She held up one hand. “Just stop right there. Adam, I’m sorry. I can’t marry you.” She would have stopped him sooner but was momentarily distracted by the Buckingham Palace part. “Please stand up.”

  His eyes widened and he rose to his feet. “May I ask why not?” He cleared his throat as he closed the lid of the box and returned it to his pocket.

  It pierced her heart when she glimpsed the tears shining in his eyes. “Lovely as they are, I don’t want any of those things because that’s all they are. Things. I was momentarily distracted and thought I did, but I don’t.” She shook her head. “I do love you, Adam. You must know that. However, the way I love you isn’t the marrying kind of love.”

  Shoving his hands into the pockets of his slacks, Adam faced her again. “What is your definition of a marrying kind of love, Becks?”

  She blew out a long breath. “I need a man who cares about my family. A man who loves the Lord like I do. A man who knows when my fingers are numb and massages them. A man who loves and accepts me the way I am and doesn’t make me pretend to be someone or something I’m not.” Her eyes clouded and she turned away, facing the window but not seeing anything. “A man who listens to my opinion and values it. Who writes songs for me and plays them on his guitar. And smells like sawdust and sweat and has the best, loopiest grin in the world when he looks at me like I’m the only woman in the world. A man who accepts my love without any conditions or strings.”

  Rebekah wiped her eyes and turned back to face him. She’d said enough but she still wasn’t done yet. “Answer one question for me, Adam.”

  “Anything.” He stepped closer.

  Maybe it wasn’t fair, but her brother had the best instincts of anyone she’d ever known, male or female. She had to know. Her eyes met his. “When you were taking me to lunches at fancy French restaurants, were you taking someone else to dinner?”

  The stricken look crossing his face told the true story.

  “Don’t bother answering,” she said, wiping her eyes. What she didn’t expect was the overwhelming sense of relief that invaded every pore of her body. Thank you, Josh.

  For the first time that she could remember, little beads of sweat dotted Adam’s brow, and he looked slightly disheveled and sad. They both knew it was for the best.

  “Beautiful Becks,” Adam said and faltered, his gaze sliding to the floor as he gathered his thoughts. Taking her hand, he led her to the door. “I’ll never regret the wonderful times we’ve shared together.” When she opened the door, he stepped outside, pausing on the top step.

  “Neither will I.”

  “It has indeed been my greatest honor knowing you. I’m not such a bad guy, really.” His eyes met hers. “Just not the one for you, eh, lovely?”

  A tear slipped down her cheek. She opened her mouth to speak but was at a momentary loss for words.

  “I wanted it to be you, Becks.” He stared at their hands clasped together. “I suppose it’s something you might not understand, but tradition is everything in my family. If nothing else, I am my father’s son.”

  What does that even mean? At this point, it was moot, anyway. Time to move on. “You’re a very special man, Adam, with so many wonderful qualities. I wish you the Lord’s best always.” Not very original, but Kevin would approve.

  He planted a quick, soft kiss on her temple and released her hands. “I hope the Yank deserves you.” With a final lingering glance, he departed, taking his lovely accent, expensive clothes and cologne-scented masculinity through her front door and out of her life.

  Rebekah’s eyes widened. The Yank? Does he know about Kevin? She suspected she might never know. Stepping onto the front walkway as he climbed into his car, she smiled and put one hand over her heart as he blew her a kiss. Turning to go back inside, she spied her elderly neighbor by the side of her house. She held her garden hose in her hand, watering her prized blooms.

  “Hi, Mrs. Michelson.”

  “Rebekah.” A hint of a smile creased her lips. “Lovely evening, isn’t it?”

  “Yes,” she said, “it is.” Feeling a sudden chill even though it was a very warm evening, she rubbed her hands up and down her arms.

  Mrs. Michelson turned off the water and dropped the hose onto the ground. “Would you like to come join me inside for a cup of tea?”

  She blinked back the tears. “Yes.” She walked across the short expanse of yard. “I’d like that very much.”

  Chapter 34

  Early June

  Rebekah sat at her kitchen table, enjoying a leisurely Saturday morning breakfast when her phone rang. She didn’t bother checking the display for once.

  “Rebekah Grant.” Sitting back down at the table, she moved her spoon around her almost empty cereal bowl.

  “Beck, it’s Josh.” Something in his voice sounded strange and she sat up straighter. An unmistakable chill washed over her.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “It’s Dad. He had a heart attack this morning.”

  The news sent a jolt straight through her. “Is he all right?”

  “I’m headed over to your house now. I’ll be there soon.”

  “Josh,” she said, her voice rising. “Tell me now.”

  “Dad’s gone, honey.” He choked on the words. “About an hour ago. I just talked with Mom. It happened quickly and he wasn’t in pain.”

  “Oh, no.” It came out a strangled moan. Rebekah almost dropped the phone but somehow managed to keep one hand on it. “I can’t believe this.”

  “I’ll be there in twenty minutes and we can go see Mom together. There will be some decisions that need to be made.”

  Rebekah nodded, but her brain was numb. “Dad’s always been so healthy. I just saw him yesterday. What happened? Where was he?”

  “He was reaching up into the cabinet to get that awful, cardboard-tasting stuff he calls healthy cereal. Mom said he winced a little and grabbed at his chest.” Josh hesitated. “Then he fell to the kitchen floor. She couldn’t move him and called 9-1-1. They came within minutes, but it was already too late.”

  Rebekah bit her lip, trying her best to hold back the sobs. “Was he able to say anything to Mom?”

  “Yeah.” Josh’s voice cracked and he cleared his throat. “He told her to watch over us.”

  “And also that he loved her, no doubt.”

  “No. Th
at much was a given. Beck, Dad’s last thought was of us.” She heard the deep emotion in her brother’s voice.

  It was so typical of the way Lucas Grant lived his life. He was the most giving, generous, kind-hearted man she’d ever known. Unbidden, Kevin’s face popped into her mind. She squeezed her eyes closed and pressed her fist against her lips. Of all the men she’d ever known, Kevin was most like her father.

  Shoving her chair away from the table, Rebekah took her bowl to the sink. Lord, keep us strong. Right now she had to go with Josh and take care of their mother. Her dad might have asked their mother to watch over them, but it was their responsibility to watch over her. Again, time to be a grownup.

  ~~**~~

  The next few days were a whirlwind of decisions, planning, preparations and family and friends coming to visit before the service early on Wednesday afternoon. Both Rebekah and Josh moved back into their childhood bedrooms upstairs. The women from their home church stopped by with quiet words, condolences and casseroles. Pastor Scott from their church came by at least once each day to share scripture and words of encouragement. Some of the members of Kevin’s church, including Pastor Jim, stopped by with words of comfort and brought pies and baked goods as well as a ton of sympathy cards.

  Rebekah escaped upstairs to her bedroom for a few precious minutes of privacy late Tuesday, seeking refuge from the constant coming-and-going. It had been a long day at the funeral home. She stared through blind eyes at the pink and green floral wallpaper she’d begged her mom for when they redecorated her room. She’d been in eighth grade, maybe ninth. Her white canopy bed fit for a princess was the same one she’d slept in growing up in this wonderful house designed by her father as a wedding gift for her mom. He’d always been so involved in their lives, taking Josh to his ballgames, attending her cheerleading competitions, and never failing to go to the many recitals, concerts and school programs. He’d taught her to ride the two-wheeler she got for her seventh birthday—all blue sparkles, banana seat and a little white basket with blue-and-white streamers. So many wonderful memories, so many things she’d tell him if only she could see him again.