Prelude: Prequel to The Lewis Legacy Series (17 page)

“Could be because she hasn’t found the right guy yet and doesn’t want to waste their time.” That was to Tess’s credit. She might be flighty sometimes and put too much emphasis on the wrong things, but deep down, he knew she had a good heart. Swallowing the last of his now lukewarm milk, Sam followed his dad’s lead and moved to the sink to rinse his empty mug.

“On the opposite end of the spectrum, you’ve got her younger sister, Sarah, who apparently doesn’t date much at all. Any theories on that one?”

Sam considered it for a moment. “I’d have to give you the same answer.”

“Exactly, except to say I know a certain young waitress from Perry’s Diner who’s spent an awful lot of quality time with a bank officer in recent weeks. And you’ve been walking around town with a goofy grin on your face lately that I don’t think Sylvie Foster’s put there.”

With a quick squeeze of his hand on Sam’s shoulder, Joseph gave him a smile. “Get some sleep, son. I’ll see you in the morning.”

♥

The Next Morning

Sarah startled when Sam dropped onto the pew beside her. She scooted over, making more room for him. From the other side of Mom and Dad, Tess peered at her with narrowed eyes. She could already imagine the whispers behind her. Why did people gossip in church? Pastor McDonald had preached any number of sermons on that very topic, at least one per year, but that particular message must have fallen on some deaf ears in his congregation.

Sam laid his hand on her arm. “I’m sorry about those things I said to you in the diner last night. I was a real jerk and said things I didn’t mean. I hope you can forgive me.”

Her eyes filled with unwanted tears and Sarah squeezed them tight for a moment, willing them not to spill over onto her cheeks. That would be humiliating.

“Shhh.” Sam departed and came back within a minute, pushing a tissue into her hand.

“I’m not crying over you. I have something in my eye.”

“You’re a terrible liar. Always have been,” he said, his voice low as Juanita Rivers began playing the opening hymn. “If it makes you feel any better, that little voice inside me—otherwise known as the Holy Spirit—wouldn’t let me rest last night.”

She glanced over at him. “Sam, you were my hero last night in getting me out of Merle’s car. I can handle a few insults about my choice of footwear.” She managed a small smile. “You can rest easy during your Sunday afternoon nap. You’re forgiven.”

A moment later, she heard his light chuckle. Daring to glance his way, she dabbed at the corners of her eyes, praying the skin around her eyes didn’t appear blotchy. Tess was the pretty crier in the family. Tess was the prettiest at everything she did. She might as well give it up and blubber like an idiot. When she peeked at him again, he was smiling.

“Care to share what you find so amusing?” When Sam angled his head at her feet, she adjusted her position on the pew and swung her feet out of sight.

“Nice shoes.” Placing his hand beneath her elbow, they both rose for the first verse of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.”

She’d borrowed a pair of Tess’s sandals, the highest heels Sarah had ever worn. Walking in them without falling flat on her face was the trick, but if it brought that gleam in a certain man’s eyes, she’d gladly risk it. She certainly hadn’t planned on wearing the shoes, but as she’d reached for her own low-heeled shoes in the closet, she’d spied them. Black sandals with straps—respectful enough for church without being considered inappropriate except to a few of the more conservative older ladies perhaps. Ironic how she and Tess shared the same shoe size.

Lord, why am I thinking such things? In your house, of all places.
With new resolve, Sarah concentrated on the lyrics of one of her favorite hymns. Hearing a commotion behind them a minute later, she turned. Sam took her hand in his, giving it a quick squeeze. He nodded to the opposite side of the church. Following his nod, she almost cried aloud as she spied Merle coming in with Jimmy. As she watched, the row of Jimmy’s family moved down on the pew, making room for him.

The wooden pew creaked when Sam leaned close, his warm lips next to her ear. “It’s a great day in the house of the Lord.”

“Amen.” After last night’s events, it was a miracle Merle was even up for church. She had a feeling Sam might have had something to do with it. In any case, his nearness was doing all sorts of things to her. Things of which Mrs. Bittenbottom, her former Sunday school teach, would definitely not approve.

Tiny shivers ran through Sarah. Not a good thing while sitting in church. Ranked right up there with mooning over a man.

♥
A Few Days Later

Sarah delivered a third glass of ice water to Sam along with a small bowl of lemons. “Maybe you should eat something to soak up all this liquid.”

“Good idea,” he said. “I could eat a mid-afternoon grilled cheese since I skipped lunch today. Can you come and sit with me on your break?”

“Yes, but not for another ten minutes.”

He nodded. “I’ll wait. I don’t have an appointment at the bank for another hour.”

“Not a problem. Is everything okay?”

“I’d just like to talk something over with you. Get your opinion.”

“Sure. Do you need anything else in the meantime?”

“No, I’m good. Thanks for the water. And the lemons.”

“Welcome. I’ll be back soon with your grilled cheese.”

“Something up with Sam?” Debbie said a few minutes later when she plopped down on a counter seat. “I could see his frown in that corner booth the minute I walked in here. That pout’s deep enough to sink a ship.” A rush of relief ran through Sarah to see her friend’s hair was back to its normal dark brown with reddish highlights. And, if she wasn’t mistaken, Deb was growing out her eyebrows again. Maybe Arnie had finally convinced her.

“He asked me to sit with him during my break. Said he wants my opinion on something.”

“Don’t you do that on a regular basis these days?”

“When I can, yes. Depends on how busy we are when he comes in, of course.”

Debbie gave her a coy grin. “You can’t see it, can you?”

As she gathered the ingredients for Debbie’s chocolate shake, Sarah shook her head. “I guess I don’t. Two scoops of ice cream or three today?” She nodded at Myrna as she walked by her with Sam’s grilled cheese in hand.

“Better make it two. Okay, here’s the thing. Sam comes in here every day. He’s fascinated by you. Those piercing blue eyes follow you around when he thinks you’re not looking. I don’t think he even realizes he’s doing it. From where I’m sitting, I’d say he’s got it pretty bad.” Debbie winked. “I’m not just talking puppy love either.”

Sarah shook her head as she added the chocolate and powder to the blender. “I think you’re fishing, and I’m not taking the bait.”

“Fine. Act like you don’t know he’s watching you right now.”

The whirring of the blender drowned out any more conversation, granting her a grace period of a minute. She took a quick survey of the customers in the diner, immensely thankful Sam wasn’t watching her at the moment. As usual, his head was bent over something inside that green file folder. One of these days, she’d ask him what was inside that folder if he didn’t first offer to show her. Mentioning it to Debbie would only bring another round of theories, so keeping it to herself was best. Then again, her friend’s speculation might prove entertaining.

A minute later, Sarah dropped a cherry on the top of the shake and set it front of Debbie.

“Looks great, as always. Thank you.”

“Welcome.” She grabbed a spoon and a straw and placed them on the counter. As she started to turn away, Debbie held up her left hand and wiggled her fingers.

With a small squeal, Sarah grabbed her hand. “You’re engaged! You stinker. You sat there this whole time without saying a word! Arnie finally proposed?”

Debbie laughed. “No, Sheriff Tommy did. Yes, my Arnie finally asked me to marry him!” She stared at her diamond ring with a huge smile.

Within a few seconds, Sarah skirted around the end of the counter and enveloped Debbie in a tight hug. “I’m so thrilled for you, Deb. Congratulations!” Grabbing her hand, she admired the heart-shaped diamond and gave her another hug. “What a gorgeous ring! So, tell me all about it.”

“He asked me after dinner last night. We were walking around the park, and he got down on one knee and everything. Now that he’s finally asked, we decided why wait? We’re having the Justice of the Peace marry us at City Hall. I’d like you to stand up with me and be my maid of honor. And, well, you know who Arnie’s best friend is.” Debbie lowered her gaze.

“I’m fine with Randy,” Sarah said quickly to reassure her. “I haven’t seen him much lately, and it’ll be good to catch up with him.”

Debbie giggled. “You’re not afraid he’ll grab the Justice and ask him to marry you two while you’re both in City Hall? He might see it as mighty convenient.”

Sarah laughed. “Just tell me what you want me to wear, the date and time, and whatever else you need me to do.”

“Friday, June 15th at three o’clock. I’ll have your bouquet as well as mine. Why don’t you wear that pretty light blue dress you bought for Easter last year? You look beautiful in it, and it highlights your brown eyes. Just meet us outside on the front steps about fifteen minutes beforehand. We’re going to hop in the car and start our honeymoon immediately after. You know how I’ve always wanted to visit the Grand Canyon, and Arnie wants to take me there.”

“That sounds fabulous, sweetie.” Sarah put a hand on Debbie’s shoulder and squeezed. The happiness radiating from her friend’s face swelled her heart.

“Just promise me you won’t wear your hairnet.” Debbie giggled. “I want to see all of that gorgeous blonde hair down around your shoulders for a change.”

“Promise. My break’s starting now, so I’m going to talk with Sam. Congratulations again. Holler if you need anything.”

As usual, Sam closed the green folder as soon as she headed his way. She was tempted to lift the cover and peek inside if he excused himself for even a minute. Problem was, he’d no doubt tuck that file folder under his arm and take it with him. Must be private bank business, so she needed to respect the privacy of both Sam and his account holders. She admired his dedication and integrity. For some reason, she couldn’t believe he’d bring his bank business into the diner on his break. Sure, Sam was dedicated to his work, but neither was he a slave to it.

“Arnie finally popped the question to Debbie.” Sarah slid into the corner booth opposite him.

“I heard. I couldn’t be more thrilled for them.” He smiled wide enough for those fascinating lines on either side of his mouth to appear. Not dimples, but they made the man even more attractive. More and more, she felt drawn to tracing them with her finger. She needed to shake that thought from her mind.

“When is this momentous occasion?”

“June 15th, but they’re not doing it in the church. City Hall at three o’clock.” She shrugged. “Since Debbie’s parents are both gone now, and Arnie’s more or less estranged from his folks, I guess they figure it’s the easiest thing.” She blew out a sigh. “They’re both Christians even though they’re not always in church.”

“How do you feel about that?” Sam cocked his head to one side, surveying her.

“What?” Sarah shook her head, confused. “That they’re not always in church? I guess I need to understand their relationship with the Lord is their own business, not mine.”

“Sorry. I mean, would you be willing to do a City Hall marriage ceremony?”

His question surprised her. “Why?”

“Just curious. The fact that you felt the need to point out they’re not getting married in the church tipped me off.”

“I’d prefer a church wedding with the pastor officiating. Makes it more official, I suppose. I’d definitely want scripture and a hymn or two in addition to the usual parts of a traditional wedding ceremony. Those are givens. You?”

“I like your scenario better than City Hall, that’s for sure.”

“Sam, why are we talking about weddings?”

He stared out the front window before settling his gaze on her. “Since Debbie brought up the subject, more or less, I figured I might as well ask. The female species is a puzzle to me.”

“Well, right back at you with the male species. Since we’re talking about weddings, how do you feel about the whole cleaving thing?”

Sam had just taken a drink of his iced tea. At her question, he clamped a hand over his mouth and gulped down the rest. She leaned closer. Was it possible she’d made Sam blush? He coughed and cupped his fist over his mouth. “What on earth made you ask that?” He glanced out the window again, tapped his fingers on the tabletop, and appeared to be formulating his answer.

She followed his gaze. “What’s so interesting? Is someone out there cleaving?”

Stop it, Sarah.
She bit the inside of her cheek not to laugh.

Sam shook his head, but she could tell he was also trying not to laugh. “What exactly do you want to know about the whole cleaving thing? I happen to think cleaving sounds pretty great, and I look forward to it. You?” His eyes bore into her and he held her gaze. If he thought she’d squirm, she was determined not to give him the satisfaction. With him looking at her like that, the idea of sticking like glue to Sam didn’t sound so bad.

“I got curious about the whole concept of cleaving a few years ago,” she said. The lesson was part of the whole series at church taught by Mrs. Bittenbottom in a coed class about the birds and the bees. “Funny thing about cleaving. Did you know the word cleave actually has two distinct meanings? It’s true,” she insisted, not giving him the opportunity to answer. “It can mean sticking like glue to something—or someone, of course, like in the scriptures—or it can mean to split or cut something apart with a sharp instrument. Don’t you find that interesting?”

“Quite the dichotomy,” Sam said with a wry grin. “I prefer the newer translation in a verse from the Book of Mark. Instead of the word cleave, it says a man shall
leave
his father and mother and be united to, joined to, or hold fast to, his wife.” He lifted his glass in a toast before taking another long drink.

“Thank you for not saying anything else before I swallowed,” he said as he put his glass back on the table. “Listen, before your break’s over, I wanted to run something by you.”