by JoAnn Durgin
Josh shook his head and cleared his throat. “It sounds perfect.” His eyes were bright. “Mom will love it.”
“You’re giving me away, you know,” Beck told him as Winnie tucked her hand in the crook of Josh’s arm, leaning her head on his shoulder. “And Chloe will be the flower girl, of course.”
Winnie brightened. “She’ll love that. Thanks, Beck.”
“Not to change the subject,” Josh said, “but I think we need to hear these famous rules of marriage from our man Sam.”
Lexa stiffened at the mention but was surprised by her husband’s broad grin.
“Since you all seem to know about those rules, anyway, I’ve started to write notes for a possible book,” Sam told them.
“Really?” she asked, quickly echoed by Winnie.
Kevin laughed. “Have you told Marc yet? He’ll be really happy to hear it.”
“Not yet, but I will. He seems to think a lot of men, especially, might be encouraged by those rules. They’re based on biblical principles and wanting God’s best for our mate, so I’m willing to try. Just another adventure.” Sam gave her a reassuring wink, and she nodded.
Josh smiled. “It’s our turn to share you with the rest of the world. I’m with Marc on this one. It could be the start of something big.”
“You know what they say,” Sam said, “cliché or not, everything’s big in Texas, my friends. And now, gang,” he said, “it’s time for some line-dancing.”
“Wait a minute,” Rebekah said. “We need to hear about Winnie and Josh’s wedding plans.”
“Oh, I thought they were eloping next week,” Lexa said, shooting Winnie and Josh a grin. She’d been praying for them since Chloe’s birth. “I highly recommend it.” She caught her husband’s amused glance at that comment.
“I tried that tactic, but Winnie wouldn’t have it,” Josh said. “Actually, Sam, we’d be honored if you’d give her away. What do you say?”
Sam’s pleasure showed on his face. “I’d be honored,” he said. “Like I told Marc when he wanted to remarry Natalie, just tell me when and where to show up and I’ll be there.”
“Since you’re ordained in Texas, we were hoping you might do double-duty and perform the honors,” Josh said.
“It would be very simple,” Winnie added. “Maybe even in your lovely backyard.”
“Don’t forget I have a gazebo, with hearts and everything,” Rebekah said. “Which might have to be moved, anyway.” She winked at Kevin and they both smiled.
“When?” Lexa asked.
“Late September sound okay?” Josh asked. He shot a look at Rebekah. “I don’t think Mom will mind at all.”
Rebekah’s eyes were full. “She’ll love it.”
Lexa nodded, praying she could make it to the ladies room. “Great. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” She clamped a hand over her mouth and darted away from the table.
~~**~~
Rebekah watched as Sam stood up, giving Winnie a rare look of helplessness and a shrug. It was sweet seeing their strong leader humbled and at a loss to know how to help his wife.
“I’ll go,” Winnie said, rising from the table and hurrying after Lexa.
“Is she okay?” Kevin asked.
Bless his heart, he had no clue. Oh, what fun she’d have when the time came—in a few short years—to share the news with him that he was going to be a father. All in good time. Rebekah leaned her head on his shoulder and Kevin kissed the top of her head.
Sam nodded. “We didn’t want to say anything yet—” He gave them a sheepish grin, another unusual sight.
“You’re adding to the TeamWork crew again,” Josh said for him. “That’s great, man.”
“Congratulations, Sam,” Kevin said. “We’re thrilled for you.”
Rebekah squeezed Kevin’s hand and whispered, “I think it’s time for you to take me in your arms and dance with me, Mr. Moore. If you’ll excuse us,” she said to the others. Standing, she pulled him behind her toward the dance floor. She stopped abruptly and turned around; he almost bumped into her and she planted both hands on his chest.
Slipping one arm around her waist, Kevin captured her hand in his and led her to the dance floor, skillfully pulling her around to face him. He was taking charge, and she had the suspicion he was about to reveal another one of his hidden talents.
“You’re really good at this,” she said as he whirled her around the dance floor—laughing, exchanging a word here, a glance there, a kiss there, waving to Sam and Lexa each time they passed by them. At least Lexa didn’t look so pale and looked like she felt better. “I’m getting dizzy here. It’s like I’m on a merry-go-round.”
He slowed them down for a moment. “Need to sit down?”
“No,” she said, laughing, “and I never want to stop.”
Josh came alongside with Winnie in his arms. “Cut in?”
“Not tonight.” Kevin pulled his Stetson lower and ignored him. “No offense, Winnie,” he called after them.
“None taken,” she said as Josh twirled her in the opposite direction.
Rebekah watched her brother and his bride-to-be and released a sigh. “They make a beautiful couple, don’t they?”
“They do, and Chloe makes three. God knows what He’s doing. Not that I ever doubted it.”
“Hmm,” she said. “Since I don’t think you’ll run screaming in the opposite direction, how many little Moores would you like to see running around in a few years?”
“As many as the Lord wants to give us, sweetheart. Each and every one will be a blessing. How about you?”
She smiled. “We’ll keep having them until we get at least one that has a loopy grin just like their handsome daddy.”
He laughed. “You want us to have loopy children?”
“Oh, yeah,” she said. “Lots of them.”
A ballad began and their steps slowed again. “Have I told you lately how much I love you?” Kevin whispered as they moved together.
“Not in the last ten minutes or so,” she said as they clasped hands, locked eyes and hearts. “I love you, too. All this time, I was under the impression I was waiting on you, but as it turns out, you were waiting for me all along. My sweet, handsome lumber man.”
He chuckled. “Not a problem. You’re worth it.”
“Kevin?”
His eyes swept over her face, settling on her lips. “Kiss the girl,” he said, his lips hovering so close. “My pleasure.”
“Wait,” she said, putting one hand on his chest. “We’re in a public place.”
“You know, Rebekah,” he said—his lips on hers—“I don’t care. Let ’em talk.”
~~**~~
“We’re going to have to scramble to find a place to live, Josh.” Winnie glanced over at Kevin and Rebekah dancing nearby. Those two were oblivious to everyone else, moving slowly to the country western ballad.
“Why? I thought we could camp out at Sam and Lexa’s for a while. They wouldn’t mind, would they?” Josh’s grin was irresistible. “What are you thinking?” With his eyes trained only on her, he made her feel like the only woman in the room.
“I love your house in Baton Rouge. Maybe we could dig it up and move it here?”
Josh laughed. “I don’t think so. I want a new house to start fresh with you and Chloe.”
“But one with window seats and a special hiding place,” Winnie said. “And, if it’s not too much to ask, a state-of-the-art-kitchen?”
“Wouldn’t build one without all those things. Here’s an idea. I’ll build you a house that’s perfect, the way you want it. You’ll be so cute running around, checking it out and making plans. I’ll have a lot of fun watching you and Chloe as it’s being built.” Saluting Kevin as he danced nearby with Rebekah, Josh chuckled. “I’m fairly certain I can get a decent price on lumber and building supplies.” His eyes met hers. “Winnie, I want to give you everything you’ve ever wanted. In the meantime, we can stay in your apartment, rent a bigger one, or we can ask Sam and Lexa if it’s
okay to stay with them.”
“No,” she said, laughing. “They need their privacy.”
“We can always camp out in the Volvo in their garage out back.” They both laughed.
“Seriously,” she said, “Sam and Lexa practically have a revolving front door as it is. To tell you the truth, I’m afraid to even drink the water at their house these days.”
“Yeah, I’m thrilled for them. That’s not a bad idea, you know,” he said, his voice low. He quirked a brow and gave her one of those dare you to resist me looks.
“Josh, we need a little time to ourselves. Besides, Chloe needs time to adjust to having you around full-time.” She smoothed her hands over the collar of his shirt before moving them to the back of his neck, a small smile playing about her lips. “She’s already asked if you can come for sleepovers.” Her smile grew wider when she heard his laughter. “Should we tell her?”
“That I’m her daddy?” His hold on her tightened and he pulled her close to his chest, whirling her around in tune to the music. “Put it this way: I doubt she’ll be calling me ‘Mr. Josh’ much longer. I think if we leave it up to her, she’ll be asking soon enough. I’m sure she’ll ask before we marry, or we’ll tell her then.” He kissed her cheek. “Our daughter’s very bright, you know.” Josh rested his cheek against hers as he dipped her and gave her a sweet, soft kiss. Pulling her upright with him, he anchored his large, warm hand over hers.
“I know.” Her eyes misted every time he made reference to our. “You’re already her daddy in her heart, you know. I’m so thankful for the blind trust and love she’s shown you.” Winnie loved being this close to him. Protected. Cherished. Loved. Even a few months ago, she’d never have dreamed she’d be dancing with the father of her child like this, making plans for a future together where they’d share everything of life, from the heartbreaking sorrows to the exhilarating triumphs.
“Winnie,” he said, his voice husky, “I promise you I’ll be a faithful, loving husband and the best father I can be for all our children.” He put his hands on either side of her face, his look intense, the passion undeniable. “I love you, and I’ll spend the rest of my life proving it and thanking the Lord for bringing us together again.”
“Healed our hearts, Josh. That’s what the Lord did. He took the broken pieces and put them together in the way only He can.” She patted her hand over his heart, giving him a smile through her happy tears. “Don’t know about you, but I think we’re in for quite the adventure.”
His kiss was tender as he leaned his forehead against hers and they swayed together to the music. “You asked me once where I see myself in ten years. I have an answer now.”
“Oh?” Winnie pulled back.
“I see us in bed,” he said, chuckling as he heard her sharp intake of breath, “with several children and a couple of dogs snuggled together, watching The Wizard of Oz. Or Veggie Tales.”
“Add a cat or two, and I think you’re onto something. By then, I’m sure we’ll have Snickers and Kit Kat.”
They laughed together before he planted a guppy kiss on her cheek. “The more the merrier, sweetheart. Bring it on.”
~~**~~
“Just look at all our children, Sam. We’re so incredibly blessed.” Feeling slightly better, at least for the moment, Lexa leaned against him with a contented smile—her back to him, his arms wrapped around her—as they watched the twins and their partners on the dance floor.
“Feel like joining them?” Sam stroked her hair. She’d worn it down tonight, knowing he loved it as a change from her usual braid.
“Not tonight. I’m perfectly content sitting here with my handsome husband, if you don’t mind.” She eyed the bowl of chips on the table. “Sam?”
“Hmm?”
“I think I’m having my first real craving.”
He shifted her to the side, kissing her temple and giving her a look that took her back to Maxie’s, the coffee house in San Antonio, almost five years ago. “That’s what got us here in the first place, you know.”
She recognized that huskiness in his voice, adored the deepening smile lines. If possible, Sam grew more handsome every day. He was such a godly man, a wonderful father, the husband of her heart. “Are you complaining?” She put her hand on his jaw, resting it there.
“Never, my love. Tell me about this craving of yours, and I’ll see what I can do.”
She winked. “I’ll give you one guess.”
One brow quirked.
“Need a little hint?”
“It’ll save time. Since you’re a caterer, the possibilities are endless.”
“Okay, then. Here goes. It’s just like you—smooth and tough on the outside, tender in the middle but with a rock-solid core.”
Sam’s laugh was deep and hearty. “That’s quite the hint. I take it that’s a compliment?”
“Trust me, I think you’ll be very happy about this one. Be good, and I might share.” With a giggle, Lexa pulled him close and whispered in his ear. “Peaches.”
THE END
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and events either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
Daydreams is Copyright © 2012 by JoAnn Durgin. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce in whole or in part in any form or medium.
ASIN: B00HMFMZF0
All Scripture contained within is from the New American Standard Bible. Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of the author.
Cover Design: Dino Piccinini
Daydreams
Book Description
It’s early December 2002, and Amy Jacobsen is living the dream: a job she loves with a trendy New York City magazine, a Manhattan walk-up inherited from her grandfather, and a busy social life without the unwanted complication of a steady boyfriend. During dinner one evening with her Wall Street financier brother, Mitch, she spies Landon Warnick at the next table. He’s one of the most influential, successful and youngest magazine publishers in the country—not to mention one of New York’s most eligible bachelors.
After Mitch wrangles a meeting between the two, Landon wastes little time asking her to dinner. Usually wary of smooth men and romantic entanglements, Amy questions her sanity when they share a cozy carriage ride in Central Park and she comes this close to kissing him. Is it the joy and wonder of the Christmas season that’s put stars in her eyes or the enigmatic, intelligent, challenging and incredibly handsome man?
The following weekend, she travels to Louisiana to be a bridesmaid in a wedding and a reunion with Sam and Lexa Lewis and some of her dearest friends and fellow volunteers in TeamWork Missions. Headed down the aisle at the wedding, Amy’s steps falter. Standing at the front is a groomsman who flew into town only an hour before . . . She does a double take. What’s Landon Warnick doing in her world, with her friends? Perhaps more important, why does he suddenly have a Texas drawl and a crescent-shaped scar on his forehead? Sharing a romantic dance at the wedding reception, she casts aside her better judgment and kisses him. She’s lost her mind, and her heart might not be far behind, it seems.
Let the adventure begin! Is the Lord showing her the “right” man for her heart or is Amy in way over her head?
From the Author
Dear Readers and Friends,
Thank you for coming along on this fourth adventure with my TeamWork Missions crew, led by “Papa Bear” Sam Lewis and his w
ife, Lexa. Since the beginning of The Lewis Legacy Series, Amy Jacobsen has been one of the faithful volunteers. Now, it’s her time to shine in Daydreams.
While not specifically a Christmas book, the events begin in early December 2002 and end in mid-February 2003. As you share in Amy’s journey, you’ll take a carriage ride in New York City’s Central Park, attend a wedding and reunion with other beloved TeamWork members, and discover adventure and romance from Manhattan to Texas and back.
One of the aspects of Amy’s character I most appreciate is her trusting heart and willing spirit. She’s also a passionate and tireless defender of the sanctity of life, and this book holds a very timely message for us all during this most special season of the year as we celebrate the birth of our precious Savior.
You can always count on my lively characters to keep you entertained. It’s also my hope you’ll find something unique and special in Daydreams and all my stories through the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and our Father’s boundless grace. As a Christian author, I pray life lessons will be learned and spiritual truths will be revealed that you can apply to your own lives and relationships.
Special thanks to Eleni Varnavas, Hotel Concierge at The Driskill, prominently featured in Daydreams. Unlike most of my settings, this charming hotel is an historic landmark in downtown Austin, Texas. I visited The Driskill in late September this year and Eleni was most gracious in answering my many questions both in person and later via e-mail.
