by JoAnn Durgin
Lexa nodded. “Fine. Just a little winded.” Moving her hand in a circular pattern over her stomach, she closed her eyes.
“Joe doing okay with your parents?” Natalie asked.
“Great,” Sam said. “If he was here, Joe would be half-toddling, half-crawling after Gracie.”
“Oh no, my friend,” Marc said, moving his arm around Natalie. “Gracie’s the one who’d be doing the chasing.” Drawing his wife closer, he whispered in her ear. With his arm around her, he lightly caressed her bare shoulder.
“My mom and dad are keeping Gracie in Connecticut this weekend,” Natalie said. “We would have brought her, but”—she stole a glance at Marc—“our daughter can be quite a handful when she gets going.” She ruffled her fingers through her husband’s blond hair. “Like her handsome daddy.”
Amy stared out the window and suppressed her sigh. As much as she loved her friends, she willed the limo driver to go a little faster.
Marc laughed. “Should I be flattered or insulted?”
“I have the feeling I’m in for real trouble in about sixteen years,” Sam said, keeping his voice low.
“What do you mean sixteen years?” Marc said. “Guaranteed, your daughters will have you wrapped around their little fingers and toes before you even leave the hospital. You’ll be as big a pushover as me, if not more. Plus, you’re getting double the fun, Cassidy.”
“Remember, I have twin sisters. We’ll talk, Sundance,” Sam said.
Trying not to be obvious, Amy’s gaze gravitated to Landon. He was engaged in an animated conversation with a couple of groomsmen, so she indulged the opportunity to study him unaware. His skin was tan since she’d last seen him, a healthy, natural golden color. His hair was styled the same, only shorter. She eased forward on the seat, trying to get a better view. Is that a scar on his forehead? Sure looked like it, but it was difficult to tell. Settling back again, she rearranged the skirt of her dress and made small talk with the other bridesmaids.
After the limo pulled in front of The Glades, they watched as a smiling Kevin stepped from the Bentley and assisted Rebekah. Waving to their friends, they led the way inside. Next Josh escorted his family. Staying behind until the others climbed out, Amy found Landon again waiting for her. Offering her his hand, he assisted her from the car.
The next hour flew by as they enjoyed a sumptuous buffet, followed by Kevin picking up his guitar and introducing a new song he’d written for his bride as a wedding gift.
“Pass the tissues around,” Amy whispered to Marta. “We’re going to need them.”
A talented musician and worship pastor in his new church in Houston, Kevin’s songwriting talents had matured since their mission in Montana. His strong tenor voice held a new confidence. Sitting at a long table with the other bridesmaids, Amy became acutely aware of Landon at the next table as she listened to the groom’s heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody. It’s like some kind of magnetizing Warnick radar.
After dinner and a few rousing toasts, they all moved into a small ballroom where a live jazz band played in one corner.
“Not many places are better for jazz than Louisiana,” Josh said, giving Amy a hug as he breezed by at one point. “Have a great time.”
Moving one hand over her heart, Amy resisted the urge to cry again as Rebekah and Kevin shared a first dance. What’s wrong with me? Crying at any given moment was so unlike her. Cassie came and stood beside her, nudging her shoulder, giving her great comfort in their solidarity. Next, Josh danced with his sister while Kevin danced with Lorena. Sam danced with Rebekah, followed by Marc. Soon enough, Kevin cut in and tapped Marc on the shoulder, sweeping his bride back in his arms. From his determined expression, he wouldn’t be surrendering her to anyone else the rest of the evening.
One by one, her friends paired off and moved onto the dance floor. Spying a chair on the perimeter of the room, Amy dropped into it. Velma King’s prayers sprang into her mind. Clutching her evening bag like a drowning woman clinging to a life preserver, she closed her eyes. Be strong. You are not alone.
“I believe this is our dance.” Startled out of her daydreaming, she opened her eyes. Sam stood beside her, his hand outstretched. Putting her hand in his and rising to her feet—loving this man more than ever—her smile was shaky as he guided her toward the dance floor. She darted a grateful glance in Lexa’s direction, but her friend was engaged in conversation with Lorena.
Sam turned her beneath his arm with flawless execution.
“Looks like you’ve had a few lessons,” she said. “I’m impressed.”
He chuckled. “You can thank Marc. After he witnessed me trouncing Lexa’s feet in Montana, he arranged for dance lessons, insisting they were mandatory for the preservation of my marriage.”
As they danced together, Amy felt Landon’s gaze on her. What’s he waiting for? It’s not as if my dance card’s full tonight. Marc and Natalie moved closer until they danced beside them. No doubt Marc wanted to start a dance-off and they all laughed as Sam made a big show of not allowing Marc to switch partners. In a quiet corner, Josh danced with Chloe tucked against his chest, his other arm curled around Winnie. Rebekah and Kevin talked with their guests. Marta and Eliot continued their game of cat-and-mouse, occasionally joining together for a dance. Something was definitely up with those two.
Leaning forward on her tiptoes as the song ended, Amy kissed his cheek. “Thanks, Papa Bear.”
“It’s my honor,” he said, guiding her through the other dancers to the edge of the dance floor. He lowered his hand on her shoulder. “Will you be okay?”
Blinking back tears, she lowered her gaze and looped the dainty gold chain of her evening bag around one finger. “Am I that obvious?”
Sam tipped her chin, his gaze tender. “Ah, Daydreamer. Your time is coming.”
Amy nodded as he departed and dropped back into her chair. Cassie, Marta and Gayle were all on the dance floor with guys from the wedding party and having a grand time from the looks of it. Good for them. Pull yourself out of this chair and go have a great time instead of sitting here moping. But, somehow, she couldn’t do it and stayed where she was.
Lexa slipped into the chair next to hers while she was pondering her options. At least her expression was kind, not pitying. “It’ll be your turn soon enough, sweetie.”
Amy managed a small smile. “Your husband told me the same thing. Will it really?” Heaven forbid she sounded whiny. Nothing would be worse. “I’ve put up this brave front for so long about not needing—or wanting—a man in my life.”
“And now you’re having second thoughts?”
Amy’s sigh was heavy. “Tell me the truth. At the risk of winning the Miss Lonely Hearts crown tonight, am I desperate and deprived or destined to spend the rest of my life alone? Pick one or all of the above.” Although she disliked the sarcasm in her tone, she couldn’t stop it.
“None of the above,” Lexa said, her surprisingly deep Texas drawl soothing and calm which did wonders for her nerves. “Take it from my experience. Without really intending to, I did so much to frustrate and anger Sam in that San Antonio TeamWork camp by not following directions and making a mess of things by trying to show him how capable I thought I was. But the Lord knew. He transformed my shortcomings into personal strengths, and took two imperfect lives—coming from different pathways to faith and trust in Him—and now look at us. I didn’t have a family, but He blessed me with not one, but two: the Lewis family and my TeamWork family.”
Reaching for Lexa’s hand, Amy held on tight. “Sam didn’t stand a chance, and trust me, he knows as much as anyone how the Lord blessed him with you. When he blew back into the camp after finding you’d gone rogue out at the worksite on that Sunday afternoon, we knew.” She gave her dear friend a watery smile. “We all fell in love with you.”
Lexa squeezed her hand and they smiled as Kevin’s parents danced nearby. Following Lexa’s gaze, Amy watched as Josh danced with his mother. The depth of love passing between the
m touched her deep insde, reminding her of the closeness Mitch shared with her mom.
“Amy, I don’t think you realize how much you’ve changed since San Antonio.”
She turned to face Lexa. “What do you mean?”
“Remember when we were in the marketplace and that horrible screaming match started, leaving Angelina cowering and defenseless in the middle of it all? And then I barged in and gave that woman a piece of my mind?”
“Yes,” Amy said with a small smile. “It was pretty unforgettable. You were so fearless and self-confident. In that moment, you were my heroine. You inspired me to become more independent and assertive.”
“I’m thankful everything turned out so well, for Angelina’s sake. But do you remember your reaction?”
Amy shook her head. “Not really. I didn’t run away screaming, but neither did I help you.” She could feel the rush of heat and lowered her gaze from Lexa’s. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. That’s not what I meant. Most people would have done the same thing. A few months earlier, I’d have reacted the same way, too. I’d never talked to anyone like that in my entire life. This is what I want to tell you: the woman you’ve become is strong and full of confidence. You face life head-on because you know the Lord’s with you every step of the way.” Lexa anchored two gentle fingers beneath her chin and captured her eye contact. “You’re beautiful, Amelia Jacobsen, and the man of God’s choosing is out there. He’s waiting for you just as you’re waiting for him, and you’re both trusting the Lord for His timing. I have no doubt in my mind He has a very special man handpicked for you, sweet girl.” She tapped her chin and released her hold.
“Thanks, Lexa, but that’s a whole lot of waiting in that next-to-last sentence.”
“As a matter of fact,” Lexa said, leaning close and lowering her voice, “the answer might be walking toward you right now.”
Chapter 15
“Care to dance, Amy?” Landon nodded to Lexa. “If you’ll excuse us, Mrs. Lewis.”
As Landon led her toward the dance floor, Amy caught Lexa’s wink.
Turning her toward him, he slipped one hand over hers and his other hand rested lightly on her hip. The open admiration in his eyes was unmistakable. As he began to dance with her, she sensed his quiet strength. This was a protective man, a man of uncommon manners and chivalry. While keeping an appropriate distance between them, his slow gaze moved across her features, intoxicating and heating her in unexpected ways. Like nothing she’d ever before experienced, making her heady. Amy lowered her eyes, her heart vulnerable and open. Weddings were notoriously romantic, and she couldn’t fall into the trap of unrealistic expectations because of one romantic dance, one incredible night.
Pulling back, she met his blue-eyed gaze. Something about him struck her as different. Perhaps it was the lack of bantering and his more subdued and serious manner. As much as she’d thrilled at their exhilarating exchange in Manhattan, she felt equally drawn to this quieter, more reflective side of him. How easy it would be to fall for this man. She hovered at the precipice as it was, unsure whether to follow her instincts, her mind, her heart. Or were they all one and the same?
“Is something wrong?”
“Not at all. Did you learn to dance this well at A&M?”
He chuckled. “No. Dancing wasn’t a skill I acquired in college.” The other ladies eyed them and she understood their curiosity. If the situation were reversed with any one of them, she’d wonder about such a rapid-fire familiarity and instant attraction with a man. She’d need to set them straight, especially Winnie. Surely she recognized him from the photo? Having only spent a few hours in his company, Amy knew him better than most men. If she denied their strong attraction, she’d be lying to herself. You want to know this man. The gentleness in his touch as he held her, and the tenderness in his eyes, captured her overactive imagination and sent it spiraling into romantic daydreams. Never had her daydreams been this vivid.
As if reading her thoughts, Landon increased the pressure of his hand on her back. The gesture was intimate, perhaps unconscious. “What were you thinking about just now?”
Afraid to meet his gaze, Amy turned her head and met her reflection in a wall mirror. “How weddings hold incredible power.” Giving her a smile she wouldn’t soon forget, he picked up the pace, swaying to the music, dipping and twirling her a half-turn.
“Power?” He turned her under one arm and brought her close again. “How so?”
Intensely aware of him in every way, Amy struggled for coherency. “They lend themselves to feelings of romance and love.”
“Granted, weddings might jumpstart feelings of romance, but the power is overwhelmingly in the force of attraction between two people.”
A minute later, her smile sobered, as did his as they slowed their pace until both barely moved. “In this case,” she said, not believing what she was about to say, “you and me. Tonight. In this place.”
The color of his eyes deepened, the lines around his mouth softened. “I believe I saw a private alcove. Care to join me?”
“Why would we want to go somewhere private?” Her eyes searched his. Surely he could hear the rapid beating of her heart, her staggered breathing.
“We need to finish what we started here on the dance floor. Come with me.” From the corner of her eye, she saw Winnie shake her head and whisper something to Josh. They both watched as she left the room beside Landon with her hand firmly encased in his. She gave her friends a sheepish smile and a shrug. He led the way to an elegant, brocade-covered settee in one corner, partially hidden by a large potted palm.
“You’re a very intriguing woman, Amy.” Waiting until she was seated, he dropped down beside her. He leaned against the soft cushions and slid his arm along the back of the settee behind her.
“I suppose we should talk.” The tremor in her voice betrayed her. Her lack of experience in these things must be more than obvious, but she hoped he didn’t find her ridiculously naïve.
“Sometimes words aren’t necessary.”
Interesting thing to say for a man whose livelihood is words. She shivered. Slipping out of his jacket, Landon draped it around her although the shoulders swallowed her. Amy busied her hands by smoothing her fingers over the pattern in the brocade of the settee. “I suddenly feel like one of those girls at a middle school dance who sneaks under the bleachers with her boyfriend.” She glanced at him with the hint of a smile curving her lips.
Landon’s eyes never left her face. “Somehow I get the impression you never did that.”
She matched his gaze, keeping it steady. “What gave me away?”
With an achingly soft touch, he brushed the pad of his thumb in a light path across her cheek. His expression was one of wonder. “You shivered.”
Leaning into his touch, Amy closed her eyes, lost in the moment. This man is dangerous. I need to thank him for the dance and depart gracefully. “I should probably go.”
He grabbed her hand, intertwining their fingers. “One last dance?”
“Here?” Her pulse raced.
“Why not?” Standing, he encircled her waist in one effortless movement. “Dance with me, Amy,” he whispered, his lips against her temple, causing more shivers.
“There’s no music,” she said, as if that made any difference.
“Ah, but God didn’t give us an imagination to waste.”
Where this man is concerned, Lord, that’s certainly true enough. Allowing herself to relax in his arms, Amy gave into the wonder of the night.
“Do you hear the music now?”
Feeling dazed, she nodded. “Yes.”
As he kept them dancing, Landon moved his hand to the back of her neck. His lips hovered above hers, his eyes lingering on her mouth. “May I?”
“You may.” Raising her head, she lowered her lids, inviting him.
Landon’s lips molded perfectly to hers. When her lips quivered beneath his, he stroked her cheek again with a feather light touch and then ancho
red his hand on the side of her jaw. Heat simmered beneath the surface as he kissed her, his mouth searching but with a restraint that surprised and pleased her. Their chemistry was undeniable, threatening to drown her with its dizzying strength and power. How long it lasted, she couldn’t know, but she belonged in this man’s arms.
With a deep sigh, he finally pulled out of the kiss and rested his forehead lightly against hers. “Thank you.” His voice sounded rough and husky, deep with emotion.
Not knowing how to respond, Amy gave him a small smile and tugged his jacket closer about her shoulders, loving how his masculine scent lingered in the fabric. Never in her life had a man asked permission to kiss her, never before had a man thanked her.
“When are you returning to New York?” he asked.
“Wednesday. I have to be back in my office on Thursday morning.”
The softness in his eyes stole her breath. “I have a few days off, too. Why don’t we spend some time together?”
His question sent her pulse shooting to the stratosphere. Lowering her eyes, she returned to the settee. “I’m driving to Houston tomorrow with Sam and Lexa. Believe it or not, I have an assignment while I’m here in Texas.”
“Interviewing Sam about his marriage tome?”
She nodded, wondering how he knew, too dazed to ask.
“I’m heading back to Austin tomorrow. Would you mind if I talk Sam into borrowing you for a day or two? I could show you around my hometown, and then we could drive to Houston together.”
“You want to ‘borrow’ me?” Her senses slowly returned, balancing her equilibrium. “I’m not really sure what that means, but when you borrow a book from the library, you promise to return it, safe and sound.” I hope that didn’t sound as dumb to him as it did to me.
“It means you can trust me and I’d never do anything to harm you. I’ll keep you safe and sound. Promise.” Sitting beside her again, he took her hand. “There’s something about you, Amy. I’d love the opportunity to get to know you better while we both have some free time. Is that something you’d like, too?”
