Moonbeams: A Christian Romance Novel (The Lewis Legacy Series Book 5)

by JoAnn Durgin

  “I would, you know.” When she glanced up at him, Mitch took both her hands in his. “I’d do anything for you, Cassie.”

  “Me, too,” she murmured. “For you, I mean.”

  “Let’s go sit on the couch for a while before I take you back to Amy’s.” Gathering their empty food cartons, he tossed them in the trash. After filling Sammie’s food dish, they walked out to the living room together, arm-in-arm.

  For a few minutes, they talked about nothing in particular. Cassie loved the closeness, the knowledge that she could say anything and he’d accept it, accept her. Not that they agreed on everything. They’d sparred about little things here and there, but she had the feeling if they both got going on opposite sides of the fence, it could get heated. Then they’d have fun making up again.

  Before she knew what was happening, their comments became more infrequent, their gazes full of longing. She wasn’t nervous, and she welcomed his kiss. Drawing her close, Mitch lowered his lips to hers. His kiss was light, teasing, and then became more firm. Sinking into the kiss, Cassie enjoyed the feel, the taste, of his mouth on hers. All-consuming. Dangerous. Exciting. Heated.

  We need to be careful.

  “You’re such a natural at this.” He kissed her again and murmured how beautiful she was. He moved his warm lips to her jaw, her cheek and then nibbled behind her ear. Oh, that was good. Maybe too good. She shivered, and not from being cold.

  After one last kiss, Mitch eased away, putting distance between them. “As much as I hate to say it, I need to take you back now.”

  Flushed from his kisses, Cassie nodded, thankful yet more than a little dazed. “I know.” She could kiss him all night, and he wanted to kiss her all night. But, no. Time to go. “Is it too far to walk?”

  “Not at all,” he said with a soft chuckle. “That’s a great idea. It’ll help clear the cobwebs from my head. Who knows? Maybe I’ll finally meet some of my neighbors.”

  Wrapping Sammie’s leash around his hand, Mitch asked her to lock the door behind them and then they headed down the front steps of the townhouse together.

  Cassie laughed as Sammie pranced like a stallion. “Why, Sammie, you’re a closet stud muffin.”

  “That’s my guy.” Mitch grinned and hooked his free arm through hers.

  They walked slowly, making observations about everything and nothing. Stealing kisses, stargazing and admiring the moon. They didn’t meet any of Mitch’s neighbors, but they had fun and enjoyed the mild spring evening.

  “Hey, are you up to sharing a foot-long hot dog?” He nodded toward a corner street vendor.

  She laughed. “What? You don’t think you shoved enough Chinese noodles and chicken down my throat?”

  He cocked a brow. “Oh, trust me. You haven’t lived until you’ve had a Corner Dog.” Three minutes later, they sat side-by-side on a park bench. Pinching off a piece of the bun, Mitch tossed it to Sammie.

  “I hope you have antacids handy,” Cassie said. “You’re right, though. This is really good. You can’t beat a good hot dog every now and then. Don’t tell me what’s in it, just give me a dog. It’s one of my mottos.” She shot a look at Sammie sitting beside her. “Hot dog, Sammie. No offense.”

  “I like your mottos,” Mitch said, licking his lips after giving her a quick kiss. “The mustard from your half tastes really good.”

  “Mitch, doesn’t it seem like we’ve known each other for years instead of only a few months?” she said as they stood outside the building where Amy and Landon lived.

  “I think my soul’s known you my whole life.”

  What could a girl say to that? She beckoned him closer. “I love you, Mitch.”

  With Sammie tugging on the leash, Mitch chuckled under his breath and met her lips. “Fine by me. Love you, too, Cassie.”

  ~~**~~

  Sunday Morning

  April 25, 2004

  Cassie’s beautiful voice garnered more than a few admiring glances from the members of the congregation. She reached for his hand after the offertory hymn and left it there for the remainder of the service. He loved having Cassie next to him, worshipping together, praying together. She didn’t hush him and order him not to sing, so that was a positive sign.

  I want this. Not only for today.

  Mitch opened his Bible and Cassie leaned close as the pastor read from James 2:14-17. “What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,’ and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.”

  “That’s the theme verse for Tam’s Place,” Mitch whispered. Although he tried, his focus wasn’t on the pastor’s message. He kept stealing glances, and then she’d catch him and give him the shy smile he loved so much.

  After a quick lunch with Amy and Landon, Mitch asked her if she wanted to do a little sightseeing. Her eager response thrilled him. He didn’t want to tire her out, but he appreciated seeing his favorite city through the fresh eyes of a first-time visitor. At Ellis Island, Cassie squealed when she spied her last name in a computer. “Look, Mitch! There are three names listed under Thorenson.” Taking him by the hand, she tugged him closer.

  “Frederick Thorenson arrived in 1917 at the age of twenty-eight, but it doesn’t say from what country. Hans Ole Thorenson arrived in 1892 at age seventeen. From the name Gothenburg, I’d assume he was from Germany, wouldn’t you?”

  “Hmm,” he murmured. “With the name Hans, it’s a fair bet.”

  “Then there’s Rolf Thorenson. That’s an interesting name. Isn’t that the first name of the telegram delivery boy in The Sound of Music that Liesl—the oldest von Trapp daughter—fell for, but then he betrayed her by literally blowing the whistle on them? It says he was from Agnes, Norway, and he arrived in 1924 at the age of nineteen.”

  “Hmm,” he said again, nuzzling her cheek and enjoying her excited chatter. “You sure talk a lot, woman.” She might as well be speaking German. He couldn’t focus on anything other than having her near him. He hated the thought of letting her go again. . .all the way back to Texas.

  “You’re not paying attention, Mitch.”

  “Oh, I’m paying plenty of attention to you, Cassie. I can’t help it. You’re completely distracting me.” He enjoyed her blush. The woman was beyond beautiful, and he’d started to seriously consider paying a visit to City Hall on Monday morning just to keep her in the city with him.

  On the Staten Island Ferry, the wind whipped her long hair around her face and her blue eyes sparkled with excitement as the boat approached the Statue of Liberty. He snapped a photo. That was the one he’d frame for his office. They dodged the birds flocking around the base of the Statue and then toured the exhibits before sharing a waffle cone of homemade strawberry ice cream. Before leaving, Mitch bought her a green foam crown and fake plastic torch in the gift shop.

  As the taxi driver drove them back into the city, Mitch asked him to stop at a jewelry store.

  “What are we doing here?” Cassie asked, her voice sounding a little nervous.

  He pointed to the sign above the door. “It’s Free Appraisal Day. I saw it advertised on a billboard five miles back.”

  “What are we appraising? I’m surprised they’re open on Sunday, and especially so late in the afternoon.”

  “It’s a special event. They do this twice a year or something. I thought we’d see if they can appraise the ring set that angry jilted groom threw on the ground. Just so we’ll know once and for all. You still have the rings in your purse, right?”

  Cassie nodded. “Yes. I told you as part of the whole library caper story, didn’t I?”

  “You sure did.” Mitch liked the fact she’d kept the rings and carried them with her at all times. Had to be some significance to that. He opened the door and led her inside. There were thr
ee tables set up and short lines for each one—one for rings, one for necklaces and one for miscellaneous pieces. “Do you mind waiting?”

  “My time is yours,” she said, already engaged in conversation with an older gentleman in the ring line. Cassie could charm anyone, anytime. He’d noticed how people reacted to her. That accent could soften anyone, and her gentle manner naturally drew others to her. A natural beauty, inside and out.

  “Next!” The man sitting behind the table looked like he was ready to call it a day, and he darted a glance at the clock on the wall. “What do we have here?” He held out his hand with a bored expression.

  “I have a ring we’d like appraised, sir.” Cassie handed it to him.

  After taking the ring, the man positioned the funky-looking magnifying glass he wore strapped around his head. “Where are you from, young lady?” He turned the engagement ring back and forth, twisting it this way and that. Bringing it closer, he studied it intently.

  “Tuscaloosa originally. I live in Houston now.”

  “My dad was from near Tuscaloosa.” He named a town and Cassie brightened.

  “My mama was from there. Best catfish in the state.”

  He lowered the ring and smiled so wide Mitch thought his face might crack. “You got that right,” he said. “Where’d you get this ring?”

  Mitch’s pulse raced. Why, he had no idea. Cassie was doing great, so he’d let her handle it.

  “In Houston.” Cassie shot him a look. Good answer. No sense in going into the explanation with a man who could probably care less.

  “You got the matching wedding band, too?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  The man pushed the apparatus back in place as he took the band she offered to him. “Young lady, you’ve got yourself a real fine set here.” He nodded at Mitch. “And you’ve got a beautiful girl, son. Treat her right.”

  “I certainly will, sir.” Mitch didn’t want to ask for the estimated appraisal value, but he was itching to know.

  “Can you tell us—” Cassie began before the man cut her off.

  “I’ll write down the appraisal amount, they’ll input it into the computer and then give it to you over there.” He pointed to a man and woman working together behind the counter. “Take one of these numbers,” he said, giving her a wink. Either that or he had a serious twitch. “Say hi to Alabama for me next time you’re there.”

  “I sure will. Thank you very much.”

  Mitch pulled off the number—fifteen—and showed it to Cassie. “I’d say that’s significant.”

  “February fifteenth.” Her eyes widened as she stared at the number and then up at him. “The date of the wedding ceremony in the park?”

  “Right.” They moved over to a less populated corner of the store while they waited for their number to be called. “Mr. Jeweler acted like the rings might actually be worth something.”

  “I know,” she said. “The police officer might have guessed wrong. Maybe I should have had them appraised sooner.” She giggled. “Who am I kidding? I’ve never had anything to appraise before in my entire life. It’s not something I’d ever consider.”

  “Then all the more reason to be here now.” Within another ten minutes, Mitch heard their number called. “Is there any cost?” he asked, reaching for his wallet.

  “Not on free appraisal days.” The woman handed an envelope to Cassie. “Your appraisal’s in there. If you ever have any jewelry needs, I hope you’ll come and see us. And may I say”—she glanced at Cassie—“that’s a beautiful ring set. I wish you two the best.”

  “Thank you,” Mitch said. Cassie added her thanks before they left the store.

  “When should we open the envelope?” she asked as soon as the door closed behind them.

  “I vote now. My curiosity’s killing me.”

  “I agree.” She handed him the foam crown and torch. After opening the back flap of the envelope, she quickly pulled out the appraisal. She moved beside him so he could read it at the same time. “Oh. My. Word. Mitch!” Cassie’s fingers shook and the paper would have fluttered to the ground if he hadn’t caught it.

  His eyes widened as he spied the large amount written on the paper.

  Wow, Lord, You knew all along, didn’t You?

  Chapter 38

  Monday Morning

  April 26, 2004

  After a quick breakfast with Amy and Landon, Cassie stood on the front steps of their building while Louie carried her bags to the taxi. “Amy, I had such a great time this weekend. Thank you so much for everything.” A light rain fell, and she scooted under the overhang before she got wet.

  “You’re more than welcome. It was a lot of fun.” Amy gave her a warm, lingering hug. “I hope we’ll see you again sooner than later. I’ll be praying for you and Mitch. The Lord’s hand is in this relationship, and I’m excited to see what He’s going to do. We love you, sweetie.”

  “Love you, too.” Cassie gave her another quick hug, reluctant to say good-bye. “Please tell Landon thanks again.”

  “I told Mom about the Lawrie sculpture, mainly because I wanted her to know the great pains you took to get it back for us. She’s a bit perturbed with Mitch, but said to thank you.”

  “I’m glad my crazy plan that wasn’t really a plan worked, but that might be the end of my detective career.”

  Amy smiled. “Call me when you get back to Houston so I’ll know you’re safe and sound. Beck’s picking you up at the airport, right?” When Cassie nodded, she continued. “Please give everyone my love and give Chloe an extra kiss from her Aunt Amy.”

  “Will do.”

  “Winnie’s bringing Chloe for their next weekend visit in June. You’ll have to join us for one of our girls’ weekends one of these days.”

  How she loved Amy’s support and encouragement. “Sounds like a plan.”

  As Louie drove her through the bustling city streets—much busier again since it was the start of the new work week—Cassie replayed the events of the weekend through her mind. In retrospect, it had flown by quickly, but they’d managed to do so much. She smiled as she remembered their mutual shock over the appraisal for the rings. The round diamond was slightly more than two carats and worth thirty thousand dollars. Together with the matching band with six small diamonds, the set was appraised for an astounding forty thousand dollars. She shook her head, still amazed. Always amazed.

  Mitch called it a God thing—the circumstances of how they’d come into possession of the rings. The whole thing seemed crazy, but she’d lived it and knew it to be true. Mitch told her how a guy traditionally wanted to be able to have his fiancée pick out the rings she wanted. Cassie suspected it was because of the money issue. What was it about men and money, anyway? Like it made a guy more of a man if he was the one to pay?

  After asking her to put the diamond on her finger again, Mitch had held her hand. “The perfect fit is no mistake, you know. We couldn’t have picked out more a more perfect ring if we’d tried.” His smile, and the kiss that followed, were irresistible.

  “I agree,” she said in the quiet taxi. She still wore the ring, unable to remove it. Did this mean they were engaged? Oh, it was so confusing. Was it too soon? Were they crazy? Maybe, but did she care? She loved Mitch and hated the thought of leaving him again.

  “What was that, Miss Cassie?” Louie called over his shoulder.

  “Just thinking about a God thing, Louie. Lots of those going around these days.” Light rain pelted the windows, a reflection of her mood.

  “You can say that again. We’ll be in front of Mr. Mitch’s office building in two minutes. Be prepared to hop out. I’ll be somewhere nearby. Give me a call ten minutes before you’re ready to leave, but we should leave no later than noon in order to get you to LaGuardia on time to check in for your flight. By the way, the flight’s on-time as scheduled.”

  “Thank you, Louie. You’re the best.” When he stopped for a light, Cassie opened her handbag and pulled out her gift for him. “Here,” she said,
handing him the box of Godiva chocolates through the window separating the backseat from the front of the taxi. “You won’t let me tip you, so this is something to express my appreciation.”

  “Ah, my favorite. Thank you, Miss Cassie. You didn’t have to do that.”

  “Yes, I did. I can’t tell you how much your warm welcome meant to me when I first arrived. And then taking me downtown to the store. And picking me up this morning.”

  He chuckled as he pulled through the light. “Glad to do it for you. New York’s not quite so scary, is it?”

  “No, it’s not. Not at all.”

  ~~**~~

  Mitch met Cassie in the lobby of his building, escorted her into the elevator and then up to his 33rd floor office. “I’m going to introduce you to a few people but then I need to jump in on a conference call with some Japanese clients. Sorry, but it can’t be helped.”

  “Not a problem.”

  He introduced her to a handful of his close associates, and Cassie prayed she wouldn’t be called upon to remember their names since it all happened so fast. Then he took her down the hallway and into the break room, asking her to wait. Giving her a quick kiss, Mitch told her he’d be back as soon as he could. “Do you want a magazine to read?”

  “I’ll be fine,” she said. “Go on, and don’t worry about me.”

  A pretty, dark-haired woman came into the room a few minutes later. “Want some coffee?”

  “No, thanks.” She’d already had more than her quota at Amy’s. If she didn’t want to spend the entire flight in the lavatory, she needed to refrain.

  “Aren’t you Cathy?” The woman gave her a curious look as she poured coffee into a mug and stirred in a packet of artificial sweetener.

  “It’s Cassie, actually.”

  “Oh, that’s right. Forgive me. You’re every bit as cute in person as you sound on the phone.”

  “When did—”

  “Jen Goodrich. I’m Mitch’s assistant.”

  “Nice to meet you, Jen.” When she offered her hand, the other woman paused a moment before giving it a brief shake. Was that the wrong thing to do? Feeling like she was under a microscope, Cassie tried not to squirm. Could be the condescending way Jen had called her cute. She’d wanted to look nice for her visit to the office and—unlike most of America, apparently—she preferred to dress up for the plane flight home. In contrast to Jen’s sophisticated dress—cut too low and revealing some serious cleavage—her own simple, classic pale pink dress could perhaps be considered cute. She bristled. Likewise, the word sweet was really starting to grate on her nerves all over again.