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

by JoAnn Durgin

  “You too, squirt.” He turned to Lorena and held out his arm. “Mom, it’s time. Ready?”

  Dressed in a long gown with a floral pattern of ivory and green, Mrs. Grant gave them all a warm smile. Placing her hand on her son’s arm, she thanked them for sharing this joyous occasion. Lorena was one of the most gracious, genteel southern women Amy had ever known. This evening, she was positively regal, but the sadness in the widow’s eyes tore at her heart. She’d witnessed that same look in her own mother’s eyes.

  Taking a deep breath, Amy’s gaze moved to the bride. A new serenity had settled in Rebekah’s lovely features since she’d last seen her at Josh and Winnie’s wedding. Knowing she and Kevin were in the center of the Lord’s will for their lives must have a lot to do with how calm she appeared. She watched as Winnie lowered and arranged Rebekah’s veil. As happy as she was for all her friends, Amy swallowed a sudden surge of jealousy. Lowering her eyes, she turned in the line as everyone stepped into their places.

  Natalie entered the vestibule from a side door, her gown swishing with every movement. “Amy, your groomsman finally made it here.” Leaning close, she lowered her voice. “Cooper swept into the church like some kind of mysterious, international spy or something, already dressed in his tux. Tall, dark and dangerously handsome. I’m guessing there might be mistletoe at the reception.”

  Amy’s pulse palpitated, but she managed a smile. “How nice for you and Marc.” Not that those two needed mistletoe as an excuse. “You look beautiful, Natalie. Marc’s going to fall in love with you all over again.” Natalie winked before taking her place. Chewing the inside of her cheek, Amy turned her head. Kiss some man because it’s a romantic evening with dancing and mistletoe? Handsomeness aside, no way was that going to happen even if he was a world-class journalist and they had an entire shopping list of things in common. She’d never kissed a man on the first date, although Landon had seriously tempted her to break that rule.

  When the door opened and Josh returned after escorting his mother, Amy heard the string quartet playing to one side of the sanctuary. Josh offered his arm to Rebekah. “Time to take the most important walk of your life, sis. Shall we?” Beck’s shoulders rose as she inhaled a deep breath, the first glimpse of nerves she’d allowed. With a nod, she placed her hand on Josh’s arm and they positioned themselves at the end of the line of bridesmaids, followed by Winnie and Chloe. The first strains of the processional were heard as two ushers opened the doors. In her excitement, Chloe’s bouncing caused rose petals to fall on the carpet. Winnie corralled her, whispering for her to retrieve them.

  Amy kept her gaze trained toward the front as two of Rebekah’s college friends from LSU headed down the center aisle first. With a quick glance around the sanctuary, she estimated at least two hundred people packed the pews. As the ladies began the processional, low murmurs rippled through the congregation.

  “Go, Amy,” Winnie coached from behind. “It’s your turn, sweetie. Start walking.” Her words were accentuated by a none-too-subtle but gentle nudge on her back. Keeping in mind the way they’d practiced at the rehearsal, Amy paced her steps behind Natalie, staring at her friend’s gorgeous dark hair, upswept like hers for the occasion. The key to this whole going-down-the-aisle routine was making it appear effortless. She’d done it enough times, she should be a pro. For some reason, she was nervous. Probably because these were her closest friends, it heightened the level of emotion. Concentrating on what she was doing, Amy counted under her breath. You can do this. One step, pause, one step, pause.

  Settling into the rhythm and making her way down the aisle, she scanned the lineup of groomsmen—all so handsome in their black tuxedos with green satin cummerbunds matching the gowns and white rose boutonnières—standing with Kevin at the front of the church. Kevin’s cummerbund was ivory, and his rose was red. Understated elegance.

  Where’s this Cooper what’s-his-name? As she moved forward, one foot in front of the other, she smiled and attempted to look natural for the photographs.

  If she gave into her emotions, she’d sink to the floor and weep with joy. Goodness, get a grip. Trying to focus her energies elsewhere, Amy scanned the groomsmen again as she continued to move forward as if in slow motion. It was quite possibly the longest walk of her life. Standing next to Kevin were his fun older brother and quiet younger brother, both serving as his best men. Next came Eliot, Dean, Marc, a guy from Kevin’s church and another from A&M. Josh would soon join them. What a big wedding party—eight attendants each, plus Chloe. Standing at the front beside Pastor Scott from Rebekah’s home church, Sam caught her eye and gave her a reassuring nod. Lord, bless that man.

  After inclining her head toward Sam, Amy caught movement from the side of the church. A door opened and a man—who had to be her groomsman—entered, stepping into place between Kevin’s church and college friends. She clamped her lips together not to make a sound and prove herself a fool. What on earth? This is Rebekah and Kevin’s special day. Don’t spoil this moment for your friends. Hopefully her eyes weren’t bulging with disbelief, but she couldn’t stop staring. Amy almost stumbled as she reached the front. Pivoting in position, she stole another quick glance, trying not to openly gawk. Natalie was right: the man was devastatingly handsome and swoon-worthy. Forcing her eyes away, she tried to ignore Natalie’s wink and knowing smile. Is this the most vivid daydream of my life?

  This man was no Cooper Warren. Oh no, this man was Landon Warnick.

  Pasting on another smile, she hoped it appeared halfway natural. Smile at Lexa, wink at Winnie as she comes down the aisle, focus on Chloe—something. Anything. Her heart pounded so hard she thought she might have a heart attack. Had time ever moved this slow? Amy stared at the carpet as if it was marked with a big red X and fiddled with her small bouquet with those cymba-whatever orchids and red roses. Cassie, Marta and Gayle had all come down the aisle and Winnie was now at the midway point, followed by Chloe. Thankfully, the little girl captured everyone’s attention as she dropped the rose petals, pausing every few steps and waving to the congregation, giving Amy a few precious seconds to steal another peek. She couldn’t help it. Her jaw slacked before she forcibly closed it. Turning his head, Landon’s blue eyes met hers before he nodded with a small smile.

  Is this really happening, Lord?

  The congregation rose as the organist struck a few chords, cueing Josh to bring his sister down the aisle. A quiet sob caught in Amy’s throat as her gaze centered on Kevin at the exact moment he spied his bride. A tear slipped out, and she wiped it away. As if drawn by some invisible force over which she had no control, she lifted her eyes to her groomsman. Her heart skidded to a stop when he winked.

  What’s Landon doing here in my world, with my friends?

  Chapter 14

  Feeling faint, Amy swayed but somehow managed to stay upright. Landon made a slight movement but she warned him with a stern glance to stay put. Inhaling a few quick calming breaths, she blinked hard several times as she darted another quick glance in his direction and felt her cheeks grow warm. Forcing her gaze forward and pasting on the best semblance of a smile she could muster, Amy’s eyes fell on Lexa.

  “Are you okay?” Lexa mouthed. Although Beck wanted Lexa in the wedding party, the very pregnant mother-to-be opted instead to hand out wedding programs and invite guests to sign the keepsake book. Like Sam’s reassuring nod—Lexa’s smile now gave Amy immeasurable comfort from where she sat a few rows behind Mrs. Grant and other family members. In her pale green dress, her long blonde hair flowing about her shoulders—a change from her usual braid—Lexa would be the perfect focal point. It would seem she desperately needed one.

  Across the aisle from Lorena sat Kevin’s parents, Elizabeth and Richard, and a number of their relatives. A contingent from Kevin’s home church and employees from the family’s lumber business filled most of the pews behind them. Since her heart attack in March, Kevin’s mother had rebounded well and looked lovely in a slightly lighter shade of green th
an the attendants’ dresses. Richard kept a protective arm around his wife’s shoulders and bent low to listen as she whispered in his ear.

  Startled from her reverie, Amy’s eyes misted as Josh lifted Rebekah’s veil and whispered a few words before kissing her cheek. With a quick squeeze on Kevin’s shoulder, he took his place in the line of groomsmen. Glancing from Kevin to Landon, Amy’s mind worked overtime. What’s the connection between these two men? Was it a surprising coincidence—something else she didn’t believe in on principle—or were there other factors at work?

  Sam read several verses of Scripture and asked a blessing on the couple. “Rebekah,” he said, his gaze falling on her, “the greatest gift God bestowed on us is the gift of love. He sacrificed His own beloved Son so that through His death and resurrection, we might find our salvation and hope of eternal life. I’ve watched you and Kevin grow emotionally and spiritually the last few years as you’ve both looked to the Lord for guidance and sought His will for your lives, both as individuals and as a couple. I rejoice that He’s led the two of you to this moment, to pledge your love to one another in His presence and in front of these witnesses.”

  Sam’s focus moved to the groom. “Kevin, the Lord has blessed your obedience and faithfulness to Him and to this woman beside you. Speaking on behalf of Lexa and myself, and our entire TeamWork family, we’re overjoyed to share this beautiful day with you and Rebekah as you pledge your lives and love to one another.” Placing his Bible on the podium, Sam stepped forward and grasped their hands in his. “Beloved friends, as you begin your marriage and travel this journey together, it’s my prayer you’ll practice the virtue of patience”—he waited for the quiet laughter to fade—“maintain the deep bond of friendship, enjoy the passion of physical love and the hope of shared tomorrows, accept the riches to be found in a personal relationship with the Lord, pursue new ways to serve Him and embrace the precious blessing of children to carry forward your godly legacy.”

  Helpless to stop them, Amy wiped away a few more tears and wished she’d had the foresight to tuck a tissue in her bouquet. She smiled her thanks when Cassie pushed one into her hand. Keeping her eyes trained on the ceremony, she listened to the heartfelt vows and observed the ring exchange. As Lorena and Elizabeth clasped hands and walked up the three small stairs to light the unity candle on the altar, Amy stole another glance at Landon. She wasn’t sure what she saw in those gorgeous blue eyes when they locked on hers, although it appeared his surprise matched hers.

  “Kevin, you may now kiss your bride,” Sam said.

  Smiling, Kevin slipped his arms around his bride’s waist and lowered his head to meet her upturned lips. When they ended the kiss—sweet and appropriate if not a bit longer than necessary—he chuckled and whispered something in Beck’s ear. Her cheeks flushed with color, and she leaned against him for a brief moment. Raising her head, she lightly caressed his face before giving him another quick kiss. He captured Rebekah’s hand and the radiant couple faced the congregation for the first time as newlyweds.

  “Ladies and gentleman,” Pastor Scott announced, “may I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Moore—Kevin Curtis and Rebekah Nicole. May God richly bless your union.”

  While most in the congregation observed polite wedding decorum, the TeamWork men cheered. Amy, Natalie and Winnie all laughed when they heard a few stomps, no doubt from Sam and Marc. When those two men were together, they were the rowdiest. After Winnie handed Rebekah her bouquet, the couple headed back down the aisle to begin the recessional.

  Landon offered his arm to escort her as they met in the center aisle. “Shall we?” Determined to get through it with dignity, Amy placed her hand on his arm but avoided direct eye contact. As the attendants started to file out of the sanctuary, she smiled for the cameras again as they walked behind Natalie and Marc. Goodness, his forearm was strong, and she caught a faint hint of the same cologne he’d worn before. Well-wishers rushed around the wedding couple in the vestibule, forming an impromptu receiving line. Thankfully, no one paid her and Landon any attention.

  “I didn’t know you’d be here,” she whispered as he guided them to places in the long line. With so many attendants, it stretched the entire length of the vestibule.

  “That makes two of us because I didn’t know you’d be here.” He leaned close, speaking for her ears only. “Don’t know about you, but I’m positively giddy.”

  She shot him a sidelong glance, trying not to laugh. “Coop the Scoop?”

  He chuckled under his breath. “One of my nicknames.”

  “Well, whatever your name is, you look . . . quite handsome tonight.” Although Amy didn’t know what to make of the man, she could still be polite. Flirtatious, too, from all indications.

  “And you, Amy, are beautiful.” Narrowing his eyes, he tilted his head to one side, surveying her. His admiring gaze took in her hair interwoven with baby’s breath. Men had no clue what went into making a hairstyle appear this effortless, but the appreciation in those incredible eyes made it worth every painstaking minute. “We can talk privately later. Save me a dance at the reception. A long, slow one.” Well if that comment didn’t send shivers of the best variety up and down her spine and everywhere in between.

  Without answering, Amy skirted the peripheral of the gathering. She mingled with the others, exchanging comments about the wedding, not remembering what she said from one minute to the next. Catching Landon’s eyes on her more than once as she laughed and talked with her friends, she pretended not to notice—all the while wondering if she was being way too obvious.

  The photographer’s assistant ushered them back into the sanctuary not long after and positioned Amy in front of Landon, angled slightly to the right. When the photographer asked each of the groomsmen to rest their right hand on the hip of their bridesmaid, she inhaled a deep breath. Be a grown-up. Landon complied while she steeled herself not to act ticklish and giggle like a little girl. His nearness was disconcerting, the warmth of his breath fluttering the curly wisps of hair on the back of her neck as he repositioned his stance.

  Separate group shots followed and Amy smiled at the antics of the groomsmen.

  “Boys will be boys,” Winnie said, coming to stand beside her.

  Natalie joined them. “That’s why we love them so much,” she said, her voice soft with emotion. Cassie was right. Time to at least consider a romantic complication.

  “Everyone follow us to The Glades,” Josh called out to them all, scooping a sleepy Chloe in his arms as the photo session ended. “Food, dancing and general merriment all around. See you there.”

  “We’re right behind you,” Sam said, circling Lexa’s waist. Marc did the same with Natalie as they all paraded out of the sanctuary.

  “Amy, come join us.” Arm-in-arm with Marta and Gayle, Cassie gave her a conspiratorial wink. “The fearsome foursome of TeamWork shall ride together.”

  She laughed. “I’ll be out in a minute. I need to grab my evening bag.”

  “Good grief, I almost forgot my purse,” Gayle said, hurrying behind her into the small dressing room off the side of the vestibule. “Glad you said something.”

  “We’ll save you both a seat,” Cassie called over her shoulder.

  “Don’t think that’ll be a problem,” Marta said as they headed out the front doors of the church. “Have you seen the size of the limo?”

  As they emerged from the church a couple of minutes later, Amy stopped as she reached the outside stairs, surprised to find Landon waiting. Hands in his pockets, he was alone. He waved his hand toward the waiting limo. “I thought you might need an escort.”

  She shook her head with a small smile. “What gave me away: the trip in the aisle or the near faint by the altar?” Self-conscious as she started down the stone stairs, Amy gathered the long skirt of her gown in one hand, but she was too late. Her heel caught on the hem of her dress and she stumbled. “Oh!” Caught off-balance, she gasped and extended her arms in an attempt to stop from falling.


  In one quick movement, Landon steadied her with a warm, firm hand beneath her arm. “I’ve got you.” His calmness soothed her racing pulse.

  Placing a hand over her wildly-beating heart, she deep-breathed a few times before giving him a nod. “Thank you for saving me from certain humiliation if not acute embarrassment. Much obliged.”

  “I like playing your hero, but I trust this isn’t a habit with you.”

  She inhaled a deep breath of the refreshing, clear night air. It was a cold evening, crisp and invigorating. “You know, you’d think Grace is my middle name, but surprisingly it’s not. It’s your fault I was discombobulated in the first place.”

  Landon laughed. “That’s a fun word. You’ve got to love weddings.” He stayed by her side as they descended the remaining steps to the sidewalk below. For the first time, it struck her how his accent was different. She remembered him telling her the drawl came back quickly when he returned to his native Texas. They were only one state away, after all. He’d been on a trip, so maybe he’d gone home to Texas for a visit. That must be it.

  Any more attempts at private conversation were nixed as they waited with the other attendants at the curb. Hopefully during the evening she’d get her chance to voice the questions crowding her mind. Amy sighed as she spied the classic silver Bentley that would carry the newly-married couple to The Glades. Kevin carefully assisted Rebekah into the backseat and then shared a few words with Josh, Sam and Marc before climbing in beside his bride.

  Josh and his girls, including his mother, settled in the BMW in line behind the Bentley as Marc and Natalie, Sam and Lexa, and several of the other groomsmen and bridesmaids piled into the white stretch limousine. Amy found a spot between Cassie and Marta.

  Sam leaned against the seats of the limo, stretching out his long legs. “Ah, finally a car that can accommodate me.” Lexa scooted close and snuggled into the curve of his arm. He kissed her forehead. “You okay, baby?”