by JoAnn Durgin
“Oh, I don’t know about that.”
“Oh, but I do,” he murmured, pulling her chin toward him, “but I don’t want to spend all night talking about it.” Lowering his mouth to hers, Sam kissed her for all he was worth. He smelled so good, so masculine. It was different from his rugged, natural scent at the work camp, but every bit as appealing. The TeamWork Sam was the rugged, cowboy Sam. This man was the more professional, polished Sam, and it was good to see both sides of the man she’d come to love. Her hands moved to the back of his head, fingering the curls at the nape of his neck in the way he loved.
“What kinds of things did you learn about yourself, Mr. Lewis?” Her laugh escaped as Sam nuzzled her cheek.
“You’re a very inquisitive woman, Miss Clarke. Enough talking. Why don’t you be quiet and let me kiss you some more?” Sam’s lids were heavy and she felt his staggered breath on her cheek. They had to be careful. His presence next to her on the sofa, and especially his kisses, did untold things inside her. The man was a potent drug, addictive and difficult to resist.
“In just a minute.” Pushing him away with gentle hands, Lexa smiled but kept his hand anchored in hers. “I’d really like to know.”
“Okay.” Sam leaned back with reluctance, those full lips smiling in only the way he could. “First, I have no right to judge anyone. Only the Lord knows someone’s heart and soul, and I need to leave it in His very capable hands.” When his smile faded, Lexa knew he was thinking about Josh. Sam leaned toward her again, his intent quite obvious.
“And second?” Lexa prompted, her own lids heavy. She blinked hard and tried to regain her faculties, but wasn’t entirely successful. It was amazing what this man’s kisses did to her. This night was so incredibly romantic. She never wanted it to end.
“Second, and as I know I mentioned before, a growing faith is better than a stagnant faith. What good is our faith if we allow it to sit idle? The way I look at it, our faith is like a garden. If it’s not nurtured or tended to lovingly, it will wither and die. On the other hand, if that garden is cultivated and watched over carefully, it will thrive. But it needs water and sun and love in order to grow.” He looked at her with a small smile. “Children are like that, too, you know.”
“What? A garden?” She shook her head, confused.
He grinned. “Children have that completely honest approach to faith. It’s fresh, and it needs to be nurtured, obviously. But look what happens when we feed them from God’s word, when we share our love and model faith in action. I’ll tell you something that gets me every single time is when the kids’ choir sings at church. Those kids—with their shining faces, big eyes and willing spirits—open their hearts to what the Lord can do through them.” Sam’s eyes misted and he touched his chest. “It grabs this old heart every time. Just wraps itself around me and tugs away.”
Lexa squeezed his hand. “You get my heart every time, Sam Lewis.”
Sam looked at her for a long moment. “And you, Lexa Clarke, are my heart.”
She grinned. “We’re pretty sappy, you know, cowboy.”
He winked. “Wouldn’t have it any other way, beautiful girl.”
“So, I take it you’d like to grow your own little garden of kids someday? So you can nurture them?” With a lot of men, a question like that would probably have them hopping away faster than a jackrabbit, but not Sam Lewis.
“Hmm,” he murmured, pulling her to her feet to walk over to the front door together. Leaning against the doorframe, Sam studied her, not speaking for a long time.
On the opposite side of the door, Lexa tilted her head, trying to figure out what he might be thinking. It was a near impossible task. In a lot of ways, he was a complex and fascinating man.
“You didn’t answer the question.”
“Quite honestly, I can’t wait to have children of my own. It’ll be one of the greatest thrills of my life. I wholeheartedly welcome the challenge, but I also realize it’s not the easiest responsibility.” Sam pulled her to him, leaning his forehead against hers. “I want as many kids as the Lord wants to give me. But,” he whispered, moving his lips down to brush a gentle kiss on her upturned cheek, “it takes two to create those children. And I look forward to that part,” he said, moving his lips toward hers, “very, very much.” His kiss stirred her all the way to her toes.
“Oh, Mr. Lewis, the things you say,” Lexa teased, kissing him again before pushing him out the door with playful hands. She was tingling all over. It was going to be so hard to let this man go.
CHAPTER 46
Lexa went through the motions of attempting to get some work done in her office every day while Sam attended to his TeamWork business. She ached to be together with him whenever possible. They had to squeeze in as much time—and make as many memories—as they could before he left Saturday on his flight overseas.
Sam met Lexa at her office, charming everyone in the process, and they shared lunches, picnics in the park, feeding the ducks at a pond near her townhome, and taking long walks. They sat together at the prayer meeting in his church where Sam proudly introduced her to everyone.
Sam showed her his small apartment not far from his family’s home, but they didn’t linger. It looked like a typical bachelor’s home, used primarily for sleep. Sports equipment was stashed in every corner, and the man obviously loved books—they lined the shelves in the living room and were piled high on every available table.
They made a couple of dinners together in her townhome, sharing them by candlelight. Sam was surprisingly adept in the kitchen, preparing a delicious shrimp and pasta dish. Lexa watched, amazed, as he seasoned and sautéed like a pro. A man who looked as good as he did, and could cook, too? Not wanting to swell Sam’s head, she hugged that thought to herself.
When he insisted on washing their dinner dishes, Lexa knew Clarice was right. She had a keeper. She also tried making a peach pie for the first time in her life. Sam claimed it was the best he’d ever had, which she rather doubted since he’d already told her that Grandma Lewis made the best in the world. Still, Lexa knew Sam appreciated her thoughtful efforts. When he came home in a year’s time, she wanted to present him with the most mouth-watering peach pie he’d ever tasted.
Lexa told Sam more of her memories about her mother, and how she loved reading and writing stories when she was a teenager. They both shared as much as they could, packing in the memories and openly discussing their hopes and dreams. Sam included her in his hopes for the future, although nothing specific was said. It wasn’t a matter of if, but a matter of timing.
Lexa met Sam’s family on Thursday night. As he pulled the station wagon into the driveway of their sprawling suburban Houston home, Lexa felt intimidated when they all surrounded the car. But when they greeted her with open arms and the most welcome smiles in the world, she experienced an immediate sense of belonging.
“It’s about time Sam brought you home to meet us!” Caty grinned at Sam as she hugged her close. Lexa warmed to her as she returned the hug. A lovely girl with long dark, wavy, hair, Caty’s deep blue eyes were just a shade darker than Sam’s. She was exuberant and charming, and Lexa could understand the closeness she shared with Sam. It wouldn’t be a hard thing. Not at all.
And Carson. What a doll he was. He looked not a thing like Sam or Caty, and possessed innate charm in abundance. Blond with huge dimples in both cheeks and dark eyes, Carson was another Lewis man who could charm the hardest of hearts. Sam once more confided to Lexa his prediction that Carson might follow in his footsteps in some type of ministry one day, but he was much younger, and still a high school student. Being the youngest of six children, there was nearly a fifteen-year age difference between Sam and Carson.
“You’re really pretty,” Carson told her with unabashed admiration as he pumped Lexa’s hand with enthusiasm.
“Carson!” Caty laughed, swatting him on the arm. “You’re not supposed to say things like that, especially to Sam’s girlfriend.”
“It’s okay,”
Lexa assured him. “A girl can never hear it enough.” Carson’s cheeks flushed beet red. Lexa adored being called Sam’s girlfriend. All over again, she felt as giddy as a lovestruck teenager.
Taking her gently by the arm, Sam introduced her to his dad and mom. They were a lovely couple, and put her immediately at ease. Sam looked a lot like his dad, and the elder Samuel Lewis was only a half-inch shorter than his son. Caty told her Sam was the tallest in the family. Goodness, the entire Lewis family towered over her. Even the women were tall. If she married this man—and Lexa prayed in time she would—at least their children would have half a chance at not being height-challenged. The thought prompted a smile to her lips.
Sam, Sr. and Sarah ushered them into the living room after dinner for a time of private conversation. Of course, Sarah also baked a fresh peach pie using Grandma Lewis’s special recipe. While he enjoyed his mother’s pie, Sam took great pains to gush to his parents about Lexa’s peach pie.
He showed Lexa some family photos and she marveled at how much his younger brother Will resembled Sam. “You could be twins!” She loved seeing photos of Sam in his highchair with cake smeared all over his face on his first birthday, in the backyard feeding a menagerie of animals, learning to ride his first bike, his school photos. In photos of his father, Lexa saw the son. It wasn’t only the physical resemblance. The strength, goodness and deep faith of the Lewis men would be a family legacy to carry on through the generations.
~~**~~
Sam was proud of his parents. They asked Lexa polite, respectful questions and didn’t express pity to hear she was an orphan. He’d told them about her background, and they were curious and open without prying. True to form, they showed Lexa the warmth and sensitivity he’d come to expect. The way they looked at her, by the respect they showed her that evening, they welcomed her into their lives. They understood she wasn’t a temporary, passing fancy.
Caty told him she’d confided to Lexa that although he’d dated a lot in college, he’d never brought a woman home to meet them before. It was true. They’d never had the opportunity to meet Shelby. Lexa was the one they needed to get to know. His family would watch over her while he was gone. That eased the pain of leaving. Not that it was any easier, especially as the day drew nearer.
“She’s a wonderful woman, Sam.” Sarah hugged her eldest son before they departed at the end of the evening. “I can see how happy she makes you. Lexa’s trusting the Lord to take you on this mission and bring you back safely. That’s all your father and I need to know.”
“She’s charming, Sam. Witty, articulate. Pretty as can be.” Sam’s dad put his arm around his shoulders. “Lexa’s a match for you in so many ways, son. Your mother and I are excited to see what the Lord’s going to do in your life on this mission.” The hand on his shoulder squeezed. “And after.”
Sam walked alongside his dad while his mom lingered behind with Lexa. Probably telling her more about the secret peach pie recipe or some childhood scrape. Like the time he kidnapped the neighbor’s dog and held her for ransom, thinking she was being overfed when all Pepper needed was a place to birth her puppies in peace. Or the time he brought home a companion for lonely Ears, and soon had lots of baby bunnies needing new homes. Maybe his fondness for helping animals—which Carson termed legendary—was another thing that endeared him to Lexa.
“I have no doubt the Lord holds many more adventures in store for you and Lexa in the future.” Pulling back, his dad patted his shoulder. “It’s going to be a long journey of love, laughter, and God willing, so much more. Enjoy the ride, son.”
“I will, Dad. Thanks.” Sam’s eyes were moist as he thanked his parents. Lexa joined him, and he threaded his fingers through hers as they walked down the front walkway. The scent of his mother’s rose bushes made him almost as heady as having Lexa beside him. Plucking a peach bloom, he stripped the thorns and bowed low, presenting it to her. When she reached for it, Sam grabbed her hand. Planting a gentle kiss on her open palm, he placed the gorgeous rose inside, wrapping her fingers around it. Her smile curled itself around his heart.
Oh, it was going to be torture to say good-bye to this woman for an entire year.
~~**~~
The moment they both dreaded arrived the next evening. Lexa’s heart was so heavy she thought it might break. She tried her best to be brave, but succumbed to her tears as Sam held her in his arms. “I know you have to do this, but I hate it. I already miss you so much my heart hurts. It literally, physically aches.”
Sam pulled her even closer, soothing her by stroking her hair and brushing feathery-soft kisses across her forehead. “Shh. I know, baby, I know. It’s almost unbearable. But think how quickly the time went at the TeamWork camp. We’ll both be busy, and it’ll go by before we know it.”
She pulled back. “You still haven’t told me exactly where you’ll be stationed.”
He laughed. “It’s not the Army, Lexa, although I know you like to think of the TeamWork camp as boot camp. All I know is I’m flying into Seoul and then moving on from there after about six weeks. They’re not even telling me right now for whatever reason. I’ll find out once I’m there. But no matter where they send me, I have the feeling I’m in for some real adventures.”
She sniffed. “As long as those adventures don’t involve exotic women.” Although she acted the part of the sentimental fool, Lexa couldn’t help it. Jealousy was a foreign concept to her. But, no matter how much she tried to prepare herself for this moment, she couldn’t know how it would feel until faced head-on with the reality. And now, the truth staring Lexa hard in the face was that she wouldn’t see this man, wouldn’t talk with this man, wouldn’t feel the arms of this man she loved, pulling her close and holding her tight, for a very long time.
“Lexa, look at me.” Sam’s voice was deadly serious and his eyes even more so as they sought hers. “I promise you,” he told her, his voice even and steady, “the other most important lesson I learned in the San Antonio work camp is that you, my love, are the one the Lord intends me to spend the rest of my life with. No matter where He leads, no matter where I travel in the upcoming year with the TeamWork mission, I’ll always be thinking of you and looking forward to our reunion.”
“At the Alamo.” Her smile trembled.
“At the Alamo. I hate to say it, but I must go.” Rising to his feet, Sam pulled her up with him.
“I wish you didn’t have to go,” Lexa murmured, looking up at Sam with tentative eyes, her heart in her expression. They already agreed she wouldn’t go to the airport. That would be too heart-wrenching for both of them. Not that it was any easier now.
“We’ve been through all this,” Sam told her with a small smile.
“I meant tonight.”
Sam’s eyes softened. “You know there’s nothing I’d love more, but I want to keep my promise to you and the Lord.” He tipped her chin. “It’ll happen, but in God’s timing, not ours.” He kissed her again. “If I stayed the night, it would make it that much more difficult for me to leave you again in the morning.”
She sniffled. “I know. I’m sorry.” It was a good thing Sam was being strong enough for both of them because tonight, she’d give him anything he asked. Anything. A sigh escaped. Obviously, she wasn’t as strong in the faith as he was. She had a lot to learn in the coming year.
“Don’t be. Hold that thought for a year, and we’ll see what we can do about it.”
Her gaze melted into those pools of blue. “I hope we don’t have to start over again in a year’s time.”
“What do you mean?”
“Maybe this foreign mission will change you somehow. Maybe you’ll decide . . .”
“Maybe I’ll decide my favorite fruit isn’t the peach after all.”
“I don’t think that’s possible.” She managed a small smile around the huge lump lodged in her throat.
“Always remember what I told you, Lexa.”
“Which thing is that?”
“I love you. Tomorr
ow will take care of itself. I promise I’m coming home to you and will meet you at the Alamo. I’ve got the date and time imprinted on my brain, and it’s what will keep me going for the next year. And I promise you something else,” he whispered, drawing her to him for one last, deep, lingering kiss. He didn’t hold anything back, and neither did she. He pressed her as close as possible, and probably more than was proper. Sam’s fingertips lightly traced her face. His look was so loving, she thought she’d melt into a big old puddle of love.
“What’s that?” Lexa barely restrained her tears. She bit her lower lip to stop its trembling.
“Once we’re reunited, we won’t wait long, my love.”
Lexa memorized those incredible eyes and deep smile lines, imprinting them on her heart. “Please come back to me, Mr. Lewis.”
Sam tweaked her chin with a wink. “See you at the Alamo, Miss Clarke.
He always knew what to say, but she heard the catch in his throat. If she didn’t smile, she’d cry a river. His humor made it that much easier. Saying good-bye to Sam for a year was the hardest thing she’d ever done. But he managed to make her heart smile.
Climbing into bed after closing the door to that portion of her life, Lexa prayed the Lord would keep her love safe for the next year. Pulling out her Bible, she read verses of comfort and hope. The Lord craved her fellowship. It was an incredible discovery. The Lord accepted her just as she was, faults and all, sinful thoughts and all. He loved her. And she loved Him. She’d started a daily dialogue, telling Him the things most precious to her heart, the innermost longings of her soul. She’d started writing her thoughts and prayer requests in a prayer journal.
Sam gave her his own prayer journal he’d kept at the TeamWork camp. It was amazing to follow her own journey of faith written in Sam’s words. He’d asked the Lord to draw her closer to Him. His journal was such a precious gift, and she’d treasure it always. He wrote of witnessing her growing faith in the questions she asked at the bonfires, in the way she interacted with Angelina and the women in the camp, and in the way she served others.
