by JoAnn Durgin
Staring at the swirled pattern of the pale gold linen tablecloth, Sarah resolved not to reveal even the smallest hint of her mixed emotions. Inside, her stomach was unsettled. Mom and Dad knew as well as she did that once Tess set her mind on something, she wouldn’t stop until she accomplished her goal.
When Mom walked back into the kitchen, Dad reached for her hand. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. . .”
“And do not lean on your own understanding,” Sarah murmured.
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Tears stung her eyes and she squeezed her father’s warm hand. “Love you, Dad.”
“Love you, too, Sarah. Give it to the Lord. Let Him figure it out.”
She nodded. “I know.”
“Sam Lewis is a discerning man. He’s also smart enough to see when he’s got a jewel right under his nose.”
Her eyes widened, causing him to chuckle.
Hearing footsteps on the front walk, Sarah’s pulse quickened as the doorbell rang.
Chapter 14
~~♥~~
From his perspective, Sam thought the evening was progressing quite well. Tess seemed subdued, a fact which somewhat enhanced her disposition. He’d hoped she wouldn’t flirt so audaciously with him when her parents were present in the same room. After Bill Jordan asked the blessing, Sam answered their polite questions about living in another country and how he was adapting to civilian life again.
When he complimented Nadine on the delicious chicken, rice and broccoli casserole, she informed him that Sarah had prepared it the night before. “Always helps to marinate it overnight in the fridge.”
“You cook? Or marinate?” Sam shot a quick glance at Sarah with the belated realization he shouldn’t have blurted out that question. “I mean,” he said, trying to backpedal, “I recall you once said you don’t cook. I’m just surprised.”
Sarah lowered her glass of milk to the table. She’d always loved milk and drank more of it than any girl he’d ever known. “Yes, well, I was ten years old at the time.” She hesitated, as though measuring her words, and the corners of her lips twitched in a telltale way. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve aged a bit since then.”
No kidding. Sarah had aged extremely well. Tonight, she wore her hair down, and it fell past her shoulders in soft, loose waves. He hid his smile behind his napkin and gave her a wink when her parents and Tess weren’t watching. A slight flush of color began at the base of her neck and crept into her cheeks. Hopefully she wouldn’t believe he went around winking at all the girls in town, and definitely not in his position at the bank. He reserved his winks for Sarah, but he should cool it. Somewhere along the way they’d transitioned from teasing to flirting, and he didn’t know when it happened. He liked it, but Sarah might not appreciate it.
“This strawberry cheesecake is to die for,” Tess said a short time later, speaking up after being silent for most of the meal. “Thanks for bringing it, and please give your mother our compliments.”
“Mom didn’t make it this time, believe it or not.”
“Oh? Did you get it from Myrna?” Nadine said.
“No, I didn’t get it from Myrna. I don’t want to cause any of you good people to faint, but you’re looking at him. Cheesecake maker.” He pointed both thumbs at himself.
Seated beside him, he heard Sarah cough. “You cook?”
Nadine put her fork on her empty dessert plate. “Captain Lewis, I must say, that’s wonderful. It’s also surprising, but. . .” She shot a glance full of meaning—of what, he didn’t want to know—at her eldest daughter.
“Cheesecake is the only thing I can make at this point, but I figure it’s a start. Once Sarah and Tess invited me to dinner, I called Mom and she pulled one out of the freezer to thaw.” He frowned. Hopefully, that statement didn’t detract from his masculinity. Maybe he should mention he was going to rope cattle at his cousin’s ranch next weekend.
“You surprise me, Captain Lewis.” Sarah took a quick sip of her after dinner coffee and then poured him another cup after he drained his cup. He didn’t need more coffee, but he wasn’t about to refuse if she wanted to pour it for him. Did Sarah even have to think about it as she passed the sugar bowl and pitcher of cream to him? She did the same for her father, and Sam tried not to stare as she quietly served Bill. Even with such a simple action, her movements were graceful. Sarah genuinely enjoyed serving. Sam’s gaze automatically moved to Tess, who sat pouting and fiddling with her empty glass. Maybe the comparisons weren’t fair, but they couldn’t be denied.
“Why is that?” Sam said, snapping to attention and directing the question to Sarah. “Do you believe a man should stay out of the kitchen?” From the corner of his eye, Sam caught the look exchanged between Nadine and Bill. Yes, maybe he should watch it, but he couldn’t seem to help himself. Something about Sarah brought out the teasing side of his nature, and he loved to egg her on.
More than any other girl, she challenged him, and he’d miss the give-and-take of their relationship when she moved to Austin. That thought sent a pang of disappointment shooting through him.
Sarah shrugged. “Not at all. I think it’s sweet in more ways than one and very. . .”—she appeared to search for the right words—“original.” When Sarah finally met his eyes, something inside him shifted.
“Why not peach pie?” Tess said next.
Sam forced his attention away from Sarah. “Never fear. That’s next on the list.”
He offered to help with the dishes but was waved off by the women. Didn’t women love it when a guy rolled up his sleeves and pitched in to help in the kitchen? He’d helped his mom with after-dinner cleanup for years, but in this case, his motivation was completely different. Doing anything with Sarah would be fun.
“Let the ladies handle the dishes. Come with me. Let’s chat.” Bill ushered him into the living room and offered him a seat on the sofa before sitting in his recliner. As long as Sam had come to the Jordan home, Bill always sat in that chair. From all appearances, it was finally starting to fray around the edges. Sarah’s dad had spent many hours with his father over the years rebuilding old airplane engines and chewing the fat about politics, economics, you name it. Bill listened with great interest, asking questions every now and then, as Sam told him about the Convair F-106 Delta Dart he’d piloted on relief and test missions and the Lockheed A-12 Blackbird he’d test flown earlier in the year, shortly before his discharge.
Sam liked Bill, but he wondered how he’d react if he told him he was interested in dating his younger daughter. He’d heard some of the guys talk, and he was aware a number of them had dated Tess at one time or another. While she was reportedly a “good” girl, she could sometimes push the limit in her teasing and temptations.
“What’s on your mind now, sugar?” Tess plopped down on the sofa uncomfortably close to him. Now she was calling him sugar? After one dinner shared with her parents and sister in their home? Perhaps seeing Nadine’s stern glance directed her way, Tess inched away, putting more distance between them. Not much, but enough. Sarah and her mother took matching chairs across from the sofa. Sarah didn’t look at him but sat demurely in the chair, ankles crossed and hands in her lap, like a shy schoolgirl.
Wait a minute. Was this evening a set-up to get him to ask Tess out on a date? Sam’s frown grew deeper. Four members of the Jordan family stared at him, awaiting his response. What could he say that wouldn’t have Bill showing him the door, perhaps asking him never to return? Being politically correct was a skill he’d learned in the Air Force after being interviewed countless times for stateside newspapers. But that was business, more or less. His personal life was an entirely different matter, and one he didn’t wish to discuss, especially now.
“I was thinking about something Martin Benson and I discussed recently.” He wouldn’t tell them he’d been approached by Martin at the bank. As it was, it would be a privacy violation if he revealed Martin’s request for
a loan. After he’d filled out a loan application, Sam told Martin they’d review it and get back to him. His gut told him to seek another way to gather the funds instead of the man going into debt simply because he wanted to remember his son in a tangible way. His instincts prompted him to broach the subject with this family. Plus, it would help cover his awkwardness with the current what to do about Tess? situation.
“What’s that?” Bill said.
“Martin wants to erect a headstone out at Rockbridge Haven Cemetery in Marty’s honor. But that’s not all. He also wants to set up a fund for future memorials, whether for public servants like Marty, or for servicemen and women killed in the line of duty.”
“That’s a good idea, and very nice of Martin.” Bill nodded his approval and Nadine echoed her agreement.
Sam glanced at Sarah, wondering if she remembered that he’d brought up Martin Benson out at the creek. Right before his whole ridiculous I feel like less of a man speech. Before she’d soundly chastised him. Rightly so, as much as he hated to acknowledge the truth.
Her suggestion that he’d lost a few brain cells hadn’t set well with him. That had been a low blow. He hadn’t been able to sleep last night after returning home from their time at the creek, and he’d never had a problem sleeping. Tossing and turning, he’d been unable to shake the vision of Sarah’s gorgeous blonde hair, her beautiful face and smile. However blunt, she was funny, compassionate, and she cared enough to give him “what for” as his mother would call it. In the midst of her tongue lashing, Sarah’s eyes had sparked with fire. Unforgettable, those beautiful brown eyes, so wide and brimming with emotion. This girl spoke her mind, but she was full of life and energy.
“How can we help with the cause?” Sarah said.
Sam cleared his throat, corralling his thoughts as he shot her a grateful glance. “I’m thinking we might put some collection containers around town, that sort of thing. Get a number of Rockbridge’s citizens involved to help.” He raised his fist as he used to do with his teammates at a football rally.
“Oh, yes,” Nadine said, sitting up straighter. “That sounds like a wonderful idea. I’ll be happy to talk with Betty about putting several donation boxes or cans at the library. Same with LuAnn at Johnson’s Market. Maybe we can plan a couple of fundraisers.”
“I’d be happy to help drum up donations at Perry’s and donate a portion of my tips,” Sarah said. “I’m sure I could talk Patti into doing the same, and maybe Eddie.”
Sam nodded. “Thanks. Those are great suggestions. Sheriff Tommy said they could collect for the cause, and I’m hoping a small portion of the school’s summer carnival proceeds could be donated, too, in honor of Marty. I realize it’s short notice, but—”
“Aren’t you and your dad both on the school board?”
Ah, Sarah. She wouldn’t allow him to get away with anything. “Yes, as a matter of fact.” He gave her another wink without a second thought, no matter that they were in the presence of her family. If he wasn’t mistaken, he sensed Tess stiffen from where she sat a few inches away.
“Working in the court system like I do, I’m sure I can get some of the attorneys and Judge Larson to empty their pockets.” Tess’s words sounded measured, her smile tight. “With all the money those men drop on their fancy lunches at Quentin’s every week, I’m sure I could get them to pony up some donations.”
“Thank you, Tess. I appreciate anything you can do.” Sam gave her an appreciative smile.
“I’ll volunteer to make the donation cans.” Sarah seemed quite enthused with the idea, and he couldn’t be more pleased. “We can use coffee or vegetable cans. You’ll help me, won’t you, Tess?”
“Yes,” Sam said. “Use all the frilly lace and ribbons you want.”
That statement was perhaps ill-advised and an inadvertent jab when he noticed that Tess frowned and Sarah looked the other way, chewing on her lower lip. She’d told him that Tess’s contribution for the soldiers was always a pretty bookmark she’d made with ribbons and lace. According to Sarah, she’d suggested to her sister that no self-respecting soldier in his right mind would ever use such a frilly bookmark, although the female medical personnel and the nurses would certainly appreciate them. As usual, Sarah was right.
After discussing a few more ideas, Sam rose to his feet. “I’d better get home. Thanks for the great meal and the fellowship. I had a wonderful time.” His gaze zeroed in on Bill. “Do you mind if I borrow Sarah for a few more minutes? I need to discuss more plans about the donation cans.”
“Of course, we don’t mind,” Nadine said quickly before Bill could speak.
Moving his gaze to Sarah, Bill nodded. “Go right ahead, son. I enjoyed our chat, and I’ll look forward to hearing more sometime.”
“Yes, sir. Mrs. Jordan, thank you again.” He gave Tess his best smile. “Thanks for the special dinner invitation.”
“Don’t mention it.” Tess barely nodded to him before leaving the room.
“I’m sorry about Tess,” Sarah said once she closed the front door behind them. “She’s a little out of sorts tonight.”
“I could see that. I hope it wasn’t something I said or did.” When she didn’t answer, Sam motioned to the swing. Discussing Tess wasn’t in his best interest right now. He waited until Sarah took her place and then dropped down beside her.
“Sam, I need to ask your forgiveness. I shouldn’t have said some of those things at the creek last night. I couldn’t sleep, and I stewed over what I’d said to you and how I’d said it. I was surprised and shocked by what you told me, but as usual, I should have exhibited more tact. I hope you can forgive my insensitivity.”
Her apology surprised him, but he needed to reassure her. “Of course, you’re forgiven. Not that an apology is necessary. Know one of the things I like most about you?”
“Haven’t a clue.”
“You’re a deep thinker. You keep me sharp, and I never know what you’re going to say.”
Sarah’s lips twisted. “Those are mighty heady words. Funny, I wouldn’t have pegged you as an idle flatterer.”
Raising his hands as if in surrender, he laughed. “Yeah, that’s what they call me.”
“You wanted to talk about the donation cans?”
He locked his gaze with hers. “No. I don’t want to talk about donation cans.”
“But you said. . .”
She really couldn’t see where he was headed with this discussion? That it was an excuse to spend some private time with her? “My turn to ask your forgiveness, if it’s needed. I wanted to spend some time alone with you.”
Her smile grew into a thing of pure beauty. “We spend time at the creek all the time, and we’re alone there.”
Sam swallowed his sigh. Was she teasing him? She certainly wasn’t making this any easier, not that he expected she would. “Here’s an idea. Want to go change and meet for a midnight swim at the creek?”
“Don’t tempt me.” She sounded intrigued, and that’s all the encouragement he needed.
“It’s very pretty with the moonlight shimmering on the water. Romantic.” His voice had grown husky, and he wondered if she understood what that huskiness meant. When Sarah turned her head, he noticed the small mole on her neck. Unless he was losing his mind, it formed the shape of a heart. His gaze traveled upward to the small scar above her left eyebrow. That happened when she was in grade school, caused by a random collision with a softball.
“Maybe you should write a poem.” Her tone teased him.
“I could try, but you’re a lot better at it than me.” Using his foot, Sam set the swing in motion.
“Sam, how did you know I’d written that poem? The one—”
“I know which one. ‘He soars with the clouds, seeing in their transparency the unending majesty of God,’” he said. “Knowing He is watching. Recognizing the miniscule role he plays in the universe yet wrapped in the eternal arms of His Savior. Understanding how the heavenly Father will prevail, no matter what triumph or calam
ity may arise. In all things, giving Him the glory, for now and always.’”
“You know it by heart?” Sarah’s surprise was obvious.
He tipped his head. “I meant it when I said that poem got me through some rough times. Here’s a confession for you.” Stopping the swing, he angled his body toward her, their knees touching. “Believe it or not—and I hope this doesn’t make me sound like a teenage girl—I kept your poem beneath my pillow until the ink started to fade. I couldn’t risk not being able to read it, so—even though I’d memorized it—I finally tucked it away in order to preserve it. But I imprinted it in my mind. I’ll never forget those words from my favorite deep thinker.”
“You’re much too kind,” Sarah said. “It’s really not that good, and it certainly doesn’t rhyme.”
“I beg to differ, and the poem came from your heart. That’s the most important thing.”
“But it still doesn’t explain how you knew I was the one who wrote it.”
“First of all, because of the penmanship, I could tell it was written by a woman. And,” he said slowly, his eyes skimming over her lovely face, “I knew it was someone with a deep soul. Someone who loved the Lord as much as I do. Someone who cared about me.” He placed his hand beneath her chin. “You do, don’t you, sweet Sarah?”
She stared at him for a long moment. “You know I do, Sam. You’ve found your dreams, lived your dreams. You want to settle in Rockbridge. But leaving town is the first step in finding my dreams.” Her lower lip trembled, tempting him to still it with a kiss. “That’s why you need to date Tess. Or anyone else but me.”
Sam sat back in the swing. Whoa. Not what he wanted to hear, and he felt like he’d been slapped.
