Prelude: Prequel to The Lewis Legacy Series (37 page)

“Exactly.” He nodded. “For nursing school, you need extra funds, but you won’t accept my money. Already tried that. As you know, my offer met with spectacularly underwhelming results.”

“So, what’s your new plan?” They turned the corner of their street, headed to the ball field another three blocks away at the high school.

“What’s the one thing you do better than anything else, other than charming the socks off me and everyone else and being the best waitress Perry’s Diner has ever had?”

Sarah burst out laughing. “Understanding what you mean even when you spout ridiculously long sentences?”

He paused on the sidewalk. “Besides that?” Tossing the ball in the air, he watched as she reached for and caught it.

“Softball?”

“Yeppers. Combining all those factors, I came up with a brilliant idea. Softball tryouts to determine scholarships for the second semester are being held at the university in three weeks.”

“Which university?
My
university?”

“None other.” Sam’s blue eyes lit with enthusiasm, and he placed his large hands on her shoulders. “Think about it. You’ll wow them with your talent, Sarah. I know you will. They won’t have any choice but to offer you a full scholarship.”

She gulped, trying to absorb this latest bit of information. “At the main campus of the University of Texas? In Austin?”

“Yes, baby. The Longhorns. They have a women’s softball team.”

Sarah raised her eyes to his. Lowering his head, Sam kissed her, leaving no doubt in her mind of this man’s deep respect and love for her. Enough to want her see her dreams fulfilled.

“I haven’t played in a few years. I’m probably terribly rusty.”

Sam’s smile downturned. “I’m sure it’ll be like riding a bicycle, and it’ll come back to you quickly. You’re not willing to try?”

“No. It’s not that at all.” Sarah shook her head, almost overwhelmed by this handsome, completely wonderful, unselfish man who believed in her, who was willing to sacrifice for her, who loved her. She crooked a finger and summoned him closer. “Come here. Please.”

He appeared puzzled but silently did as she asked. Moving her hand to the back of his neck, Sarah raised her chin and kissed him, not holding anything back. In the haze of the kiss, she was aware when he dropped the baseball glove and ball to the ground. Tugging her as close as humanly possible, Sam wrapped his arms around her and deepened their kiss. When she stroked his hair and heard a small moan escape his lips, she smiled.

At length, she whispered against his lips, “Thank you for believing in me, sacrificing so much for me. For loving me.”

“If I’d known it would get this kind of reaction, I would have come up with this idea a long time ago,” he whispered.

“You’re a very wise man.”

“Thanks, but I can’t take the credit. I give God the glory for this one with a bit of help from Jimmy and my dad with their wise counsel.”

She smiled. “Really? That sounds like a story I need to hear sometime.”

He kissed her nose. “You will. They both got me thinking, and then I made a couple of phone calls. I have the application for the tryouts at the house. Since we don’t have church on Sunday nights this month, I can work on my spreadsheets at your house tonight if you want to work on the application. I kind of like having you around.”

“I thought you observed the day of rest and always take a nap on Sundays. And, if you’re with me now, I’m sure that’s going to seriously cramp your naptime.”

His brows lifted. “You can join me for a nap when we get back later. On the sofa, of course. Feet on the floor, if you insist. Perfectly respectable. Besides, I’ll probably be too worn out to try anything.”

“Sounds like a plan.” She grinned. “Dad will be home, anyway. He’ll keep us in line.”

He frowned. “Don’t remind me. I’m almost twenty-eight years old, not in high school.”

“You’ll understand one day when you’re a dad with daughters and their suitors come to call. But, for now,” she said, tweaking his chin, “let’s go practice.”

“That’s what I thought we were doing.” Sam laughed and gave her a wink as he retrieved the mitt and ball from where they’d landed on the ground at his feet.

“Come on, Captain. Stop dawdling!” Sarah called over her shoulder as she sprinted toward the field.

♥

Two Weeks Later

“Sarah?” Eddie called to her from across the diner.

“Yes?” She’d just delivered Perry’s platter to him and a vanilla shake to her mother, who sat with Betty Raines at another table. Glancing at the clock, she noted it was time for Sam’s break soon. The door opened and Tess walked in with Debbie. They both waved and smiled as they found a table in Patti’s station.

“A messenger guy just came by with a message for you,” Eddie said when she approached him. “It wasn’t written down or anything, though. He asked me to play something for you on the jukebox but told me not to sing along even though I have a very nice voice.”

Sarah raised a brow. “The delivery guy said all that?”

“Yeah.” He shrugged. “I know, it sounds weird, but just go along with me on this, okay? Hang on a minute, let me find it.” She watched as Eddie inserted a coin and punched in a selection. “Sealed with a Kiss” began playing in the dining room as she darted into the kitchen to pick up another order.

Spying her, Myrna frowned. “What are you doing in here?”

“My job, last time I checked.” Catching Jimmy’s smile, Sarah stopped. “What?”

“Get yourself out there, Jelly Bean.”

“Let me get the rest of the orders for Table 16 first.”

“You’re not any better at following orders now than you were at sixteen. Come on, girl.” Taking her by the collar, Myrna practically hauled her to the swinging door.

“Okay, okay. I can handle walking out there on my own,” Sarah protested, straightening her uniform. “What’s with everyone today?”

Pushing the swinging door, Sarah stopped short. Not one person in the entire dining area was talking. They all looked at her and then followed her gaze as she spied Air Force Captain Samuel Joseph Lewis standing in the doorway, wearing his full dress service uniform, holding a bouquet of beautiful pink, blooming roses.

He walked toward her to the strains of the song playing on the jukebox. Placing the bouquet on a nearby table, he removed his uniform hat and laid it beside the flowers. “Hi.” A slow smile teased the corners of his mouth, and his incredible blue eyes danced with light and love.

Sarah beckoned him closer and whispered. “Sam, we’re, um, kind of making a scene.”

“I don’t think anyone minds. Do you hear the song playing on the jukebox?”

“Yes.” She nodded slowly. “Sealed with a Kiss.”

“Exactly. Sarah, when you wrote that poem to me, you sealed it—”

“With a kiss,” she murmured.

“You catch on quick.” Stepping closer, he cupped her face between his hands.

“My mother is sitting right over there in the corner.”

“Don’t care,” he said, his voice already growing husky in the way she loved. Sam brushed his lips over hers. “Hold on just a second.” He released his hold on her for a moment and motioned to the busboy still standing by the jukebox. “Eddie? Next one, please.”

“Sure thing, Captain Lewis. Sorry about that.” Eddie’s face turned beet red and he bent his head over the jukebox as he deposited a couple of coins. Soon enough, Elvis crooned “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”

“May I have this dance, Miss Jordan?” Sam held out his hand to her.

Might as well humor the man. “Certainly, Captain Lewis.” Trying her best to tune out everyone watching them in the diner, Sarah walked into his arms. Sam the military officer did such wonderful things to her. Stepping forward, she rested her left hand on his shoulder while he moved his arm around her waist and clasped her right hand. He began to dance with her, his eyes never leaving hers.

“This song was playing on the jukebox here in the diner when you walked in after your homecoming parade,” she said. “When you walked into my life again after a very long absence. Too long, I’d say. The song was very fitting.”

He smiled and kissed her forehead, moving slowly with her. “I’d have to say the same thing. When I saw you behind the counter, I couldn’t wait to talk with you. Get to know you again. Grow to love you—not just as my little neighbor girl from down the street, but as the beautiful woman I hold in my arms now. You, Sarah Jordan, are everything I’ve ever wanted.” Easing out of her arms, he slid down to the floor on one knee.

“Sam. . .” Sarah trembled. Tears sprang into her eyes and she quickly brought her hands to her face. Could this be happening? Was Sam proposing marriage to her right here in Perry’s Diner? Her head was spinning. When the bell on the door jingled, and her father—followed by Catherine and Joseph Lewis—stepped inside the diner, crowding the doorway, staring at them with wide smiles, that was all the confirmation she needed.

“Sweet Sarah,” he said, taking her left hand in his, “I’ve liked you from the first moment you showed up on my doorstep when I was sixteen and you were ten. I’ve admired you since you sent the poem to me when I was overseas. I’ve been charmed by you from the day I returned to Rockbridge. I’ve adored you since that first time we met at the creek. And I’ve
loved
you since that ridiculous fight we had right here in Perry’s about miniature orange slices in a can.” Sam waited as she laughed softly. “I adore your spirit, your compassion and sensitivity, the way you challenge me, and how you make me want to be a better man. For you. Always, I have respected you, and forever, I will love you.”

Reaching into the pocket of his jacket, Sam smiled as he pulled out a small black velvet box. He opened the lid and turned the box around for her to see the sparkling, marquise cut diamond ring inside. “Sarah Jane Jordan, I’d be honored if you’d agree to become my wife.”

“Yes, Sam,” she said through her tears. “I’d be honored, and I’d love nothing better, than to be your wife.” Everyone in the diner erupted, clapping, and chanting their names.

They shared a chaste kiss appropriate for their audience, and then he pulled her close and whispered in her ear. “Just so you’ll know, I’ve got a plan. No matter what happens at that tryout next week, you’re still going to nursing school and I’m joining you as soon as we’re married.”

“You’re coming to nursing school with me?”

“Sort of.” Laughing quietly, Sam kissed her again, this time allowing his lips to linger.

Sarah pulled back, her hands on his chest. “You’re still determined to buy my love aren’t you?” When he stared at her, wide-eyed, she traced the smile line on the right side of his mouth and winked. “Don’t worry. I’m only teasing. I’m going to get that scholarship, and you can ride into Austin on my coat tails.”

He laughed and kissed her again. “I love you.”

“And I love you more than you know.”

“Hey! It’s Twist and Shout time, everybody!” Eddie called out to the customers.

As their friends and family partied around them, Sam slipped the ring onto her finger. “Come on,” he said in the midst of their merriment, offering his hand to her.

“Where are we going?” Sarah put her hand in his, feeling silly. She’d go anywhere with this man.

“First to change and then—”

“The creek?”

“Can’t think of anything I’d like better,” Sam said as they ventured out into the sunshine, as bright as the joy in Sarah’s heart.

♥

Late August 1962

Standing in front of his plane, Sam checked his watch. Ten minutes until Sheriff Tommy should arrive at the airstrip with Sarah. She had no idea she’d be going for her first plane ride today. He couldn’t wait to see the look on her face, and could only hope she wouldn’t be absolutely terrified. No longer was he afraid to fly again, and he needed to prove it to her. If he wasn’t confident in his abilities, he’d never risk taking her up in the air with him. He’d been taking short test flights with his dad quite a few times in the past month, enough to get accustomed to, and feel comfortable in, the cockpit. They’d purposely stayed away from the airspace directly above Rockbridge and soared over empty fields and Springhaven instead. He’d loved every minute.

God, you are so good. Always.

Flying had once been as natural to him as breathing. Well, maybe that was stretching it, but it was pretty close. He’d missed flying with the freedom and excitement it offered, and with the Lord’s help, a ton of prayer, and encouragement from his parents, he’d conquered the fear. As long as he continued to take his medication on a regular basis, the Ménière’s Disease shouldn’t affect his ability to fly. He might start to lose some of his hearing in the future, but he’d deal with that if and when it eventually happened.

Over and over, Sam returned to the verse from 2 Corinthians 12:10:
Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Sarah had worked hard to train and condition for the softball tryouts. He’d coached her most every night, even in the rain unless they were getting pounded by a thunderstorm. They jogged together around the town most mornings. Then he’d meet Sarah on her front porch and they’d walk downtown together. They’d kiss on the steps of City Hall and then part ways until he came into the diner on his lunch hour. Then, on his afternoon break, he’d go back to Perry’s, the green folder tucked under his arm. Instead of sketching Sarah, he’d sketched Perry, Merle and Eddie, to name a few. Each time he finished a sketch, he’d present it to his subjects. He’d started a waiting list and been offered payment for his work, which he always refused. He enjoyed sketching as a hobby, but that’s all it was.

The world around them was fraying at the seams. Film star Marilyn Monroe died early in the month from an overdose of sleeping pills, and the Cuban and Soviet governments were reportedly building secret missile bases in Cuba. He’d also talked with the Air Force recruiting office in Austin. With tensions ramping up in Vietnam and Cuba, he might be needed.

After checking his watch again—five more minutes if Tommy was on time—Sam smiled as he recalled how Sarah had aced her softball tryout and then received her acceptance to the University of Texas in Austin a week later. The day she received the official letter, which offered her a full-ride tuition scholarship in exchange for playing on their women’s softball team, she’d burst into the bank lobby, waving it in the air. “Sam, I’m in! I’m in!” She’d run to him and thrown her arms around his neck, peppering him with kisses. “We’re going to Austin!”

He’d never had any doubt. After reading the letter she’d thrust under his nose, he picked Sarah up and whirled her in a slow circle before lowering her to the floor. In front of God, his bank employees and customers, Sam kissed her. “I’m so unbelievably proud of you. We’re going to Austin, baby.” With his arm securely tucked around her waist, he’d announced her good news to everyone. Then he’d kissed her again. Most of the bank tellers stared at them, slack-jawed, while his father shook his head with a wide smile. The customers cheered and rushed over to both of them to extend hearty congratulations, including Martin Benson. From where he’d been working by the front door, Merle had given them a salute and a wide grin.

Based on his dad’s recommendation, and after a series of interviews, Sam was set to begin work as the vice president of a prestigious Austin bank in January. Once he’d admitted to his dad that he was in love with Sarah, Joseph had encouraged him to apply for the position, knowing he’d be happiest with Sarah.

Most importantly, Sam would marry his beloved Sarah on Christmas Eve and then whisk her off to The Driskill Hotel, an elegant, historic landmark in downtown Austin, for their honeymoon. They’d already found a small, furnished apartment to rent near the campus and had started to move in pieces of furniture, dishes, and assorted decorative items. He let Sarah handle that part of it. As long as he could fall asleep with Sarah in his arms each night, and wake up with her by his side every morning, he’d consider himself the most blessed man on the planet.

He spent as much time with her as humanly possible. Their families often dined together. He and Sarah also double dated with Tess and Charlie, Debbie and Arnie, Candy and Randy, and a few others. Sam smiled as he recalled how Randy bounded up the stairs of the town gazebo at the Fourth of July ice cream social and announced his intention to date Candy Wright. “She’s my Miss Wright, but I’m not going to rush things,” he’d announced, prompting everyone to laugh and clap.

He’d taken Sarah to his cousin’s ranch across the state the previous weekend. The image of her galloping on a stallion, her long blonde hair flying in the wind behind her, would forever be imprinted in his mind. Was there anything the woman couldn’t do? Much to his surprise, she’d gone nuts over the sight of him wearing his Stetson and chaps. Who knew? He’d helped out on the ranch while Sarah helped the other ladies cook dinner. When he’d come back inside the main house, all disgustingly sweaty, dusty and dirty, she’d thrown her arms around him and kissed him with such passionate abandon that he’d wanted to whisk her to the nearest pastor and beg him to do the honors. She’d taken to wearing his Stetson in recent weeks—perching it on her head, prancing, and teasing him. He couldn’t wait to make her his bride.

Sam broke out of his musing when he spied the sheriff’s official vehicle coming toward him on the dirt road. After pulling the car to a stop, Tommy waited for the dust to settle before coming around to the passenger side of the car and opening the door for his beautiful fiancée. Sarah stepped out of the car, and what a vision she presented. As soon as she spied him, with Caty parked behind him, she broke into a wide smile. With a few parting words to Tommy, Sarah slowly walked toward him.

The woman could walk like none other. Not strutting, not floating, but the personification of perfect posture with her head held high and her shoulders squared. Her brown dress sported white polka dots and—tied at the waist with a brown bow—might appear drab and lifeless on any woman but Sarah. Same as with her Perry’s Diner pink uniform. A thin, off-white scarf was draped loosely about her neck, the ends flying in the wind, rendering Sarah the epitome of classic, timeless elegance. In one hand, she carried a cluster of wilted, pitiful-looking daisies.

Standing in front of his plane, Sam was content to simply watch her.

This woman is mine. How did I ever get so blessed?

Her hair was pulled in back in the usual loose bun like she preferred. Setting her hair free from that bun had become one of his favorite things in life. Once they were airborne, Sam hoped she might allow those glorious blonde waves their freedom to tumble about her shoulders.

“Something wrong?” Sarah stopped six feet away. “You’re looking at me a little funny.”

He gave a slight shake of his head. “Counting my blessings and admiring you.”

“Thank you.” The slow flush started on her neck and crept up into her already rosy cheeks. “It seems like the perfect day to fly.”

He took her hand and assisted her up onto the steel runner and then into the seat. Quite a feat in her pretty dress, but she managed with style and aplomb.

“That was quite an adventure in itself.” She laughed, straightening the skirt of her dress and arranging it around her. “I guess pants might have been a better choice.”

“The view’s much better this way,” he said with a wink as he climbed into the pilot’s seat beside her. “You’re right about the weather. Very little breeze and not many clouds.” He made sure she was secure and then pulled his harness across his body, fastening it. “Are you nervous?”

“Not at all.” She gave him a tight smile. “Any reason I should be petrified of falling to my death from this plane?” Her face blanched. “Please tell me you’re not planning any aeronautical acrobatic stunts. If that’s the case, I’ll stand on the ground, content to watch, wave and blow you kisses, thank you very much. Soaring through the clouds without leaving the ground.”

Sam brushed the back of his hand across her cheek. “No stunts today, promise.” Reaching for the instrument panel, he began the preparations. He needed to stay focused on getting the plane into the air and giving her the ride of a lifetime in his treasured plane. The innate tomboy in Sarah would love it. He couldn’t wait to hear the delight in her voice and witness her joy when they lifted into the air for her first plane flight.

Wait a minute.
He did a double take. Sarah wasn’t wearing her engagement ring. He frowned. “Sarah, baby, where’s your ring?”

“It kept slipping around on my finger, so I took it to the jeweler to be resized. I’m sorry. I didn’t get a chance to tell you. Rest assured, the ring’s fine, and I’ll have it back in place in a few days.”

He blew out a breath. “Have to say, I’m relieved. Okay, then, what do you say we see what Caty can do? Ready?”

“Sam, wait.” Sarah put her hand on his arm.

He paused in his pre-flight check of the controls. “Second thoughts?” A sharp pang of disappointment shot through him. Maybe she wasn’t as daring a girl as he’d thought.

“No, but I’d like to pray first.”

“Of course.” Exhaling a breath of relief, Sam took hold of her hand. “I usually pray before takeoff, as a matter of fact, but present company has me inordinately distracted.”

“Why do you keep saying things like that?”

“Because you make me a little crazy, that’s why.”

A smile teased the corners of her lovely mouth. “Crazy is as crazy does.”

“True enough, and that’s why we’re so good together.” He lightly skimmed his finger over her ring finger, knowing the diamond wouldn’t be back in place soon enough for him. “Let’s pray.”

In his prayer, Sam asked that he’d be able to maintain full control of the plane at all times. She squeezed his hand when he prayed to keep her nerves calm and that she might enjoy the flight.

“Here. You’ll need to put these on,” he said after ending the prayer. Handing her a pair of goggles, he helped position them over her head and then made the necessary adjustments.

Sarah watched his every movement—every turn, twist and flip of the controls. Her eyes widened even more when the engine rumbled and the propeller started its rotation.

He strapped on his goggles and gave her a wide grin. “Away we go!” Sam relished the anticipation in her expression as he guided the plane down the runway. Her smile grew wider as the plane picked up speed and then slowly lifted into the air.

“Oh, my.” Sarah tentatively peered over the edge of the plane a minute later and then squeezed her eyes shut.

“Everything okay, baby? Take a few deep breaths, in and out.”

She appeared to take his advice as her chest rose and fell. “I’m fine.” Opening her eyes, her dark lashes fluttered on her flushed cheeks. “Thanks. That helped.”

Sam wanted to kiss her as much as he’d ever wanted anything in his life, but he could kill them both if his attention was distracted. Maybe this plane ride wasn’t the best idea. Then again, perhaps it was the best idea in the world. Her scarf flew about in the wind, blowing wildly, and she finally unwound it and tucked it beneath her. Sarah’s silky blonde hair loosened with the force of the wind, tumbling about her shoulders and whipping around her face. After a few futile attempts to contain it, she laughed and gave up her efforts to smooth it down.

Sam pointed out the aerial view of a few Rockbridge landmarks—notably the bank, City Hall, Tucker’s General Store, Hartmann’s Hardware, and Perry’s Diner. He’d told Myrna and Jimmy he planned on flying above them at about this time, and Sarah’s squeal confirmed they stood on the ground, waving as they passed by. “Fletch and Sally are with them, too! And Eddie! And, look, it’s”—she leaned a little too far over the edge for his liking—“Perry Sellers. Oh, this is so great!”

Sarah practically jumped up and down with her enthusiasm. In some ways, she was like a small child with her brown eyes bright, smiling and laughing, her voice filled with excitement as she pointed out more familiar sights.

“Look, Sam! I see my house!” He smiled when she squealed again. “And yours! And our families are all standing outside. Did you tell the entire town about this marvelous surprise?” Not waiting for his answer, Sarah leaned slightly forward again, peering over the edge of the plane. His gaze traveled over her for a few stolen moments before returning to the controls. If only she knew he’d had a difficult time keeping his hands to himself and his thoughts pure the last few times they’d been alone. The next few months until Christmas would prove a challenge, but he would wait.

“It’s Thornton’s Creek! Oh, it’s so pretty from up here!” In that moment, a strong gust of wind hit the plane, forcing him back to reality. Sam fought to keep the plane steady. He needed to show Sarah he was a skilled pilot and that she could trust him.