Prelude: Prequel to The Lewis Legacy Series (6 page)

“Sounds like a plan.” Sam slid into the booth on the seat across from Merle. “I’ll take a slice, too, and you can give me the tab.”

“Of course. I’ll bring you some coffee, too.”

“Thank you, Sarah.” Sam’s appreciative gaze made it worth the events of the past few minutes. Not that she’d care to relive them.

As she cleaned tables and helped Jimmy in the kitchen, Sarah stole a peek at Sam and Merle every now and again.

“They’re gettin’ along pretty well out there,” Jimmy said, scrubbing the last pan by hand. “Sam’s a good man. Always has been. He could have a swelled head with his background, but he’s a fine man, like his dad. His mama raised him right, and he respects women. Not like old Merle out there.”

Sarah was aware she was blushing but had no idea why. It wasn’t like she could take credit for Sam’s accomplishments, but she was proud of him nonetheless. “Merle’s lost his way, and I wish I could help him. Other than pray, I mean. From what I know, he doesn’t have any family to speak of since his father died, and he can’t seem to hold down a job.”

“It’s a double-edged sword for some people. The alcohol.” Jimmy put the pan upside down on the counter to air dry. “Keep praying for him, honey. Maybe Jesus will get hold of him and kick some sense into him.”

“I’m not sure Jesus works that way, Jimmy.”

Jimmy gave her a look. “And who’s to say He doesn’t? At least Sam’s talkin’ with him and treatin’ Merle like a human being which is more than I can say for a lot of people in town. I think it’s the sins of the father stigma. His dad bein’ the town drunk for years and all. Maybe Merle thinks he needs to keep up the reputation.”

“I certainly hope not.” Untying her apron and hanging it on the hook by the back door, Sarah checked the time on the wall clock. “It’s late. If you want to go ahead and leave, I can lock up.”

“I’ll agree to that plan, but only because I asked Sam to make sure both you and Merle get home safe tonight.”

Sarah raised a skeptical brow. “When did you do that?”

Jimmy pulled his soiled, damp apron over his head and balled it beneath one arm. “You were moppin’ the floor at the time and doin’ some mighty serious thinkin’ from the looks of it.”

“I walk home on my own almost every night, and I’ve always been fine.”

Jimmy gave her a wink. “Now that Captain Lewis is home, I think some things are gonna change around here. I’ll see you tomorrow, Jelly Bean. Good night.”

Before switching off the kitchen lights, on a whim, Sarah reached for her apron hanging on the hook.

Pulling out a little bag from the pocket, she smiled. Cherry jelly beans.

“Night, Jimmy.”

♥

“That was a really nice thing you did for Merle tonight. Thank you.”

Sam appreciated the sentiment, especially coming from Sarah. “You’re welcome. I’m glad my mom needed me to take something over to her friend tonight. It’s so nice out, I decided to walk.” He laughed under his breath. “I’m not sure Myrna would have been as charitable as you in giving Merle a stiff cup of coffee, and especially the slice of pie. Even if she did, Myrna would probably force it down his throat and then push him out the door.”

As they walked through the quiet, moonlit streets, it took everything in Sam not to stare at Sarah. Her profile was lovely. In his eyes, she was much prettier than Tess, beautiful without question but in a very different way than her older sister. Physically, they looked nothing at all alike. Tess was shorter, petite, and more flamboyant in the way she dressed and acted. By contrast, Sarah was leggy, blonde, dressed more modestly, and lived her faith. He didn’t know why, but he was having difficulty wrapping his mind around the idea that this was the same girl from his past.

“Myrna can be tough, but she might have taken a different approach since he was inebriated. Merle didn’t know what he was saying, but it was nice of you to step in and defend my honor. Is that something they teach cadets in the Air Force Academy?” Sarah didn’t wear lipstick the way the other girls did. The irony was that lipstick was worn to attract a man, entice a man, and yet he was drawn to her because of how natural she was.

“Defending a woman’s honor is a matter of principle for a man, especially a Texan.”

“I have a confession,” she said.

He glanced at her in mock surprise. “Are you sure you want to confess your secrets to me? I’ve only been home a few days.”

“You seem trustworthy, and I’m not just talking about the military uniform. Truth is”—Sarah darted a glance his way before lowering her gaze—“I’m really glad you came into the diner tonight. And imagine Sheriff Tommy coming in right at closing time to get a last cup of coffee. Wasn’t that something?”

“I figure it was God’s timing. Like most things in our lives.” Sam pulled aside a low-hanging oak branch from the tree in front of the Anderson’s house. Harry had neglected his yard lately. Maybe he should offer to help with some yard work. He missed the physical labor and training of the last few years. From what his dad told him, the older man had been despondent and neglectful of things since his wife, Delores, died earlier in the year. They’d been married over fifty years. What must it be like to share a love that spanned the generations? Pretty great, he imagined. He’d always hoped to find love, but he’d better get moving if he had a prayer of living long enough to celebrate his own golden anniversary.

“Was it God’s timing for you to come home to Rockbridge?”

Sarah’s question, as well as her drawl—sweet and deeper, no longer the voice of a little girl—shook Sam out of his daydreaming. No other girl in the world could entrance him with her native accent like a girl from Texas. Especially the girl walking beside him now.

“I think so, yes.”

“Why?” Her tone conveyed nothing more than curiosity.

“For one thing, Dad’s counting on me to step in at the bank. I start on Monday.”

“Yes, I caught wind of that. I know you’ve trained for it from the time you first moved here.” The corners of her mouth upturned. “You can expect all the single girls in town to apply for an account early next week. Maybe even some of the married women.”

Sam chuckled, amused by her sense of humor. Not knowing what Sarah would say at any given moment was fun. “Does that include you?”

Avoiding his gaze, she dipped her head. “I already have an account at Rockbridge Savings & Loan, but I might come in to make a deposit.”

They walked in silence for a few minutes. Even when they were kids, Sarah seemed to understand him in ways others didn’t. Since he’d returned to Rockbridge, he’d harbored no illusions about the way the other girls touched him, flirted with him, and tried to get his attention. Sarah made it incredibly easy to like her, to want to get to know her better, to want to spend time with her.

“When I was talking with Merle, he referred to you as Nurse Sarah. Unless it was the liquor talking, I take it you want to be a nurse?”

“That’s the plan, yes. I’m headed to study nursing in Austin.”

“University of Texas?”

“None other. The same university you attended until the illustrious Air Force and the lure of flying jets called to you.”

He smiled, pleased that she’d apparently kept track of him through the years.

“They started offering courses at UT in Austin a couple of years ago after transferring some of the medical faculty from the Medical Branch of UT in Galveston. I’m hoping it’ll eventually develop into a four-year program in Austin, but I might need to transfer to Galveston. Whatever it takes to get the credentials I need.”

“You’re planning on attending UT for the fall semester?”

A frown flickered over her lovely face. “I’ve received my acceptance and everything’s in place. Now, I need to save another five thousand dollars. By the time that happens, I might need to reapply.” She shrugged. “Like I said, whatever it takes.”

So much about Sarah impressed him. “That’s an admirable goal, and you seem determined. Not to be too personal, but is five thousand dollars the amount you need to get your degree?”

“I mentioned it, so no, it’s not too personal. Not that I go around telling everyone.” She darted a quick glance his way. “In answer to your question, it should be enough money, given any unforeseen circumstances. I’ve saved enough otherwise. I’d rather not split my loyalties by working while I’m in school, though. That way, I can concentrate on my studies.”

Maybe he should let the matter drop and steer their conversation to other matters, but Sam couldn’t let it go. “I take it that’s why you’re working extra shifts at the diner?”

“How did you know about that?”

“I didn’t. I just assumed since you were at Perry’s earlier this afternoon and then had to work so late tonight. I hope you don’t do it too often.”

“Actually, I do. Unless you know how to make money grow on trees, it’s realistically going to take another year.” Sam heard her deep sigh as they turned the corner onto their street. “My parents have spent all their spare funds on the senior living expenses and care for my grandparents, in case you’re wondering.”

The thought hadn’t crossed his mind, but he appreciated Sarah’s candor.

“I thought about leaving the diner and finding another job,” she said, “but I’ve worked at Perry’s since I was sixteen. Myrna treats me well, and she was always willing to work around my afterschool schedule with the softball games and tournaments. She adds a little extra in my paycheck when she can, and she gives me a holiday bonus and regular raises. Not to mention more shifts if I ask. She’s the best employer I could have, all things considered.”

“I meant more in terms of your social life. Don’t you date?”

His question appeared to surprise her. “No. I don’t want to be the kind of girl to lead anyone on when I have no intention of sticking around Rockbridge. That wouldn’t be fair to them or me.”

Those words unsettled him. While he respected her consideration for a potential date’s feelings, she sounded so adamant about leaving town. On the one hand, he was thrilled to hear she’d be in Rockbridge at least another year, but then he was disgruntled when she mentioned leaving town.

Nothing made much sense. Everything about Sarah appealed to him as a man and as her friend. She was comfortable and easy to be with, and she didn’t seem to expect anything from him other than friendship. Here it was, the first night they’d spent any time together since his return home, and yet they shared the same familiar give-and-take as they’d done all those years ago. As if they’d just spent time together the day before, although the dynamic he shared with Sarah was different now, in a very good way. Of all the girls in Rockbridge, she appealed to him the most. However, she probably considered him too old. Washed up at twenty-seven? Nah.

“Well, this is me.” Sarah stopped in front of the Jordan home. Lost in thought, Sam hadn’t noticed they’d already canvassed the short distance.

“So it is.” Sam tried to keep disappointment from surfacing in his voice, not sure he succeeded. The way he felt in this moment, he could walk beside Sarah a lot longer and it wouldn’t be long enough.

The Jordan home hadn’t changed much from what he remembered. A fresh coat of white paint on the shutters and the front door perhaps. His gaze moved upward. Looked like a new roof. He nodded to the covered porch. “I see you’ve added a swing. Mom asked Dad to install one this summer. Now I think I know where she got the idea.”

“Our mothers have grown closer since you’ve been away,” she said. “They’ve been doing some volunteer work together, and they’re on a committee or two at the church.”

“That’s nice. Since you’ve been away,” Sam repeated. The air between them was charged with something he hadn’t experienced in too long to remember. An invisible but incredibly strong pull toward this girl who was no longer a girl. Sarah Jordan was very much a woman now. A woman who attracted him on many levels.

Sarah glanced at him over one shoulder as she walked toward the house. “I did, you know.”

“Hold up just a minute.” Sam waited for her to turn back around.

When she did, her lovely smile grew, making his pulse jump in an unprecedented way.

“I missed you. Welcome home, Captain Lewis.”

~
~♥
~~

Tuesday Night—May 1, 1962

Selecting a smooth, flat rock, Sarah sent it soaring over Thornton’s Creek. She watched as it skimmed the surface, leaving ripples in its wake. After stretching her legs, she dipped her toes in the water, wiggling them. The creek temperature was ideal, cool and refreshing, but not too cold. The Spicy Plum nail polish Tess had loaned her looked good on her toenails—rich and classy, although better for the fall season instead of almost summer. Painting the nails on her toes had been whimsical, a fun change.

Her thoughts strayed to Sam, as they’d done quite a bit in the week since his return. What she’d told him was true—she’d missed him. More than she’d realized. In the past few years, her studies, working at Perry’s Diner, teaching the kids in Sunday school, playing softball, and helping her mother with household chores occupied nearly every hour of her day. Most nights, she fell into bed exhausted.

In high school, Sam had never seemed motivated by the need to be the best at everything, but he was highly proficient at most things. Although he wasn’t the top student in his class, he’d been asked to make the graduation speech because his classmates voted him the best public speaker. Football practice had gobbled up a lot of his study time. He was well-liked and managed to find a good balance between his academic and social life. “A well-rounded fellow” as her grandmother would have said.

From what Sarah knew, Sam had only gotten in trouble once—skinny-dipping with his buddies at the creek one hot summer night—but that incident was nothing more than speculation. She hated rumors, but working at Perry’s, she heard most all of them. Boring, straitlaced boys—especially upstanding Christian boys—didn’t skinny dip. Sarah secretly hoped the rumor was true and suspected it was.

Maybe she couldn’t help thinking about Sam because she’d always considered him her first love, if she could even call it that. Well, her
only
love, and he didn’t even know it. A one-sided love. How pitiful was she? At fourteen, when she’d awakened to the fact that not all boys were complete toads, she’d developed a massive crush on him when he’d returned to Rockbridge for Christmas break. Sam’s eyes
were
the most gorgeous shade of blue, alive with excitement and energy. What a travesty that all of his thick hair was cut so short, but hair could always grow hair back.

On Christmas Eve, she’d run into him at Johnson’s Market in the produce section. They’d both been sent by their mothers to pick up some missing ingredient for their holiday meal. He’d hugged her and taken the time to share an actual conversation. No other boy had ever made her feel so special without even knowing it.

Her girlish daydreams had been soundly squelched when Mom chastised her for staring at Sam in church, of all places. Mooning over boys was frowned upon as a matter of principle but especially when worshipping in the house of the Lord. Throwing spitballs hadn’t been much better, but mooning was apparently the bigger sin.

“God helped make Sam Lewis, and I’m admiring His wonderful creation,” she remembered telling her mother. Serious and pragmatic as a general rule, Mom failed to appreciate her humor and had not been amused.

Two days ago, on Sunday morning, Sam sat three rows in front of her at Rockbridge Community Church, sitting with his family on their customary pew. Seriously tempted to throw spitballs at the back of his head for old time’s sake, she’d refrained. She didn’t wish to spoil his illusion that she’d actually grown up.

Something short-circuited inside her, and Sarah’s nerves went haywire whenever Sam was near. Which was nearly every day when he stopped in at Perry’s. A couple of times, he’d asked her to share her break with him. After Myrna encouraged her, she’d joined him. They discussed world events, books and other things most people her age could care less about since they’d prefer to talk about the newest dance craze or Hollywood couple. She’d talked with Sam until Patti tapped her on the shoulder and told her she needed to get back to work. Embarrassed, Sarah had excused herself, but not once did she regret spending time with him.

“Mind if I join you?”

Sarah startled and brought her hand to her chest.
Sam.
What was he doing here? Not that she minded the least little bit. “Not at all. Please do.” She tried to calm her pulse, but it was a lost cause.

“Sorry if I scared you. I tried to crunch a few twigs to tip you off, but you seemed lost in your own little world. It’s a good thing thing I come in peace.”

Sam’s humor always made her smile and put her at ease. She patted the moss-covered ground beside her. “Have a seat.”

“Don’t think I’ve ever seen you here before.”

“I was about to say the same thing to you. If I didn’t know better, I’d say that’s a really bad pick-up line.”

He looked at her askance. “Since when did you grow up enough to know what a pick-up line is?”

“While you were away. Remember?”

She heard his soft chuckle. “Seems to be a running theme with you. You’ve discovered my favorite place in the world to sit and think.” After kicking off his tennis shoes, Sam settled beside her. Sarah liked seeing him in his denim shorts and burnt orange University of Texas T-shirt emblazoned with the Longhorns logo.

“Mine, too.” Birds chirped on either side of the creek, bubbles from fish skimmed along the surface of the water, and a light breeze ruffled the leaves in the trees directly behind them. They sat in silence, but it wasn’t awkward. Just two friends enjoying the quiet. “Everyone needs a special place to ponder, and to be honest, the company is nice.”

Leaning forward, she pulled a stray blade of grass from between her toes. She tossed it and watched it flutter down to the surface of the water, carried away by the gentle current. “It’s so peaceful here, and sometimes I feel like I’m the only person in the world. I also feel God’s presence here more than anywhere else.” Raising her knees, Sarah wrapped her arms around them.

“And, in those moments, you understand you’re not alone at all.”

“Exactly. Sam, do you remember when we used to fish here? We caught a lot, as I recall.”

“We did. Small mouth bass, spotted bass, catfish.” He laughed. “I remember you standing on my doorstep on my seventeenth birthday, grinning from ear to ear with a black crappie dangling from your hand. You pretty much threw it at me, wished me happy birthday, and then ran off down the street.”

She grinned. “I’m surprised you even remember.”

“Kind of hard to forget a fish being thrown in my face. It was one of the more unique birthday gifts I’ve ever received. ‘Here, have a happy crappie birthday.’”

Sarah wrinkled her nose even as she enjoyed the rich sound of his laughter. “I always liked catching and reeling them in, but not gutting and preparing them.” She mock shuddered.

“Admit it. In the case of my birthday fish, you just liked saying crappie.”

That made her laugh. “Maybe. My dad used to say the crappie was a little fish with a big heart.”

“Interesting theory. It tasted good, anyway. And you sure were cute.”

She smirked. “Back then, you didn’t think two seconds about whether or not I was cute.”

“Well, looking back on it now, I do.”

Unsure how to answer that one, she needed to keep the conversation moving forward. “You know, there’s something I find interesting.”

Sam waited for her to speak again, patient but wearing a curious expression.

“As boring as I find our little town at times, this little creek is quiet, but it’s not boring at all.”

“Ah, so what you’re really saying is the
people
of Rockbridge are boring.”

“I guess I am. Does that make me a terrible person?”

“No, of course not,” he said. “I don’t think Rockbridge is boring. I happen to believe that boring is what you make it.”

She shook her head. “I don’t follow.”

He reclined, stretching out to his full length, crossing his arms behind his head. “For one thing, I’ll take life in Rockbridge any day over the places I’ve lived in the last few years. They were beautiful countries, but I’m talking more in terms of basic liberties we often take for granted.”

Sarah’s cheeks warmed. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to sound insensitive.” She cared what Sam thought of her and hated to think she might have offended him.

“No worries. You didn’t. Just making an observation.” Shifting onto his side, Sam faced her, supporting his weight on one elbow. The action seemed natural yet intimate. She liked how comfortable he apparently felt in her presence. The give-and-take. The teasing. The closeness. This was Sam, her friend. Not Sam the military man. Not Sam the vice president of Rockbridge Savings & Loan. Not Sam her regular customer at Perry’s Diner, although he always seemed more relaxed there.

“The way I see it, it’s the people in your life that make
it interesting, more fulfilling,” he said. “Your job and the joy you find in it also make a big difference. I know you love working at the diner, but you’ve yet to enjoy that satisfaction in a career you love. It’ll happen soon enough.”

“I hope you’re right. Sometimes I feel like I’m stuck in a time warp. I mean, how have I changed since high school? I’ve been out of school for three years, but what do I really have to show for it?” Stealing a glimpse at her companion and meeting his eyes, Sarah marveled at their intensity before returning her focus to the creek.

“Trust me, Sarah. You’ve changed quite a bit.”

His statement sounded like a compliment. Or maybe she was imagining too much. “You think so? It was meant more as a rhetorical question, but now you’ve intrigued me. Name one way.”

His lips upturned. “For one thing, you’re much taller now.”

“Not really. I reached my full height at fifteen. Name another one.”

He scrunched his features into a comical frown. “You’re not as much of a tomboy.”

That observation made her laugh. “Stick around.”

“Notice I said
not as much of
. Very important qualifier. Okay, here’s another way. You also seem more articulate.”

She glanced at him in surprise. “No fair. Now you’re mocking me? You know that’s definitely not true. You witnessed my social gaffe with Kathy Parker in the diner. We shared a conversation about it, as I recall.”

“Notice I said you’re
more
articulate.”

“As opposed to falling-over-my-tongue tactless? You and your qualifiers. Where I come from, those comments could be considered backhanded compliments.” She blew out a sigh.

“As a general rule, you’re agreeable and don’t let others provoke you to speak your mind.”

Smirking, she tossed a small pebble at him.

He caught it one-handed and winked. “Kathy Parker is enough to make anyone lose their cool.”

“Tell me something. Do they also teach cadets how to wink at girls in the military or do you have some kind of weird twitch?”

“A twitch. Nothing more. Except when I’m sitting beside a pretty girl. Then all bets are off.”

She mock gasped. “You’re a betting man now? For shame.”
He thinks I’m pretty?
At the thought, a shiver of pleasure coursed through her, all the way down to her Spicy Plum painted toes.

“Figure of speech. That’s all. And what’s with the misperceptions of the Air Force Academy? Our national security doesn’t depend on military officers knowing how to flirt.”

Feeling silly, she giggled. “Sorry. Sam, do you remember that day when we first met?” Stretching her legs, Sarah dipped her feet into the water again. “I still can’t believe what I said to you. I went into semi-seclusion after that, you know.”

“That explains why I didn’t see you around for a while. I figured your parents had you carted off to a private school.”

“Watch it.” Grabbing another pebble, Sarah tossed it at him and then stretched out beside him.

“Or else you were playing with your dog morning, noon and night.”

“Well, that much would be true,” she said. “Here’s another confession, and I can’t believe I’m going to tell you.”

“No one’s forcing you.” Humor laced Sam’s words. “You seem to like confessing things to me, so who am I to stop you?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know why, but maybe the Holy Spirit’s prompting me or something. The thing is, I used to pretend you were my big brother. Mostly because of the way you teased me. But there were times when you stood up for me, too. Kind of like you did on a small scale with Kathy Parker and her insults, and then in a much bigger way with Merle at the diner.”

Sarah made sure she had his eye contact. “What I’m trying to say is that I liked it, especially because it was you. Then
and
now.” She tilted her head. “Thank you.”

Sam’s eyes softened as they met hers. “It was my honor.”

Good answer, Captain Lewis.