From Russia With Love

by Colleen Coble

  Unconsciously, Tatiana clenched her hands in her lap. Not Christians! Were they everywhere she turned? Anger welled up in her. Gabe Salinger was too pious to marry an immigrant but not too pious to bring her from Russia as a practical joke. She ignored her conscience that whispered it had not been his doing.

  She opened her eyes as Gabe picked up the platter of chicken. “Would Irina like a drumstick?” he asked.

  Tatiana stared at him. There were no drums here. What did he mean?

  A teasing smile lit his face. “You don’t know what a drumstick is?”

  Tatiana shook her head and felt the hot tide creep up her cheeks. She had been so proud of her English. It seemed very inadequate to her now. Gabe picked up a chicken leg with the tongs and leaned across the table to put it on Irina’s plate.

  “A drumstick,” he said. “All kids love them.”

  Why did they call a leg a drumstick? It made no sense to her. She avoided his eyes, took the platter of chicken from him, and selected a piece.

  Tatiana tried to be dainty and ladylike as she ate. She didn’t want Gabe or Grace to know that this was more food than she’d ever seen in her life. She was a bit embarrassed by Irina’s obvious enjoyment of the meal. She kept smacking her lips as she shoveled the food into her little mouth. Gabe’s lips quirked up several times at the loud noises emanating from his old high chair.

  “Let’s take our dessert in the family room,” Grace suggested.

  Tatiana followed Grace and Gabe into another room near the back of the house and off the kitchen. It was smaller than the front room and not so elegant. Comfortable dark green leather chairs and sofa circled the room, and a huge television sat in one corner. Fat candles that gave off a delightful aroma of cinnamon and apples burned on the coffee table.

  Tatiana perched on the edge of the sofa and put Irina down beside her. Gabe and Grace each took an overstuffed chair as Martha wheeled in a dessert cart.

  Grace insisted she try several different kinds of dessert. Tatiana wanted to pinch herself to see if this evening could really be true. How wonderful it had been to see Irina eat until she was full. She didn’t even eat any dessert except for half of a cookie. Tatiana herself felt as though she wouldn’t be hungry again for days. It would have been a perfect evening if she had thought it would last. And if Gabe hadn’t stared at her so much through the entire evening. Tatiana couldn’t read his expression. Did he still think she was a gold digger?

  The back door clicked shut, and Tatiana heard muffled footsteps go across the kitchen.

  “Sounds like Mike is back,” Gabe said.

  Tatiana sucked in her breath and looked at the floor.

  Gabe stared at her for a moment. “I’ve got an idea,” he said. “How would you like to give Mike a dose of his own medicine?”

  Tatiana looked up and frowned. “He is sick?” Maybe that was why he had done such a terrible thing to her and his brother. She tried to find a particle of pity for him but couldn’t.

  Gabe grinned. “I mean, how would you like to get a bit of revenge? I need your help to do it, though. Come with me, and follow my lead.”

  By the time they caught up with Mike, he had one foot on the staircase.

  “There you are, Mike.” Gabe’s voice stopped Mike, and he turned slowly and came back down into the foyer.

  He looked quickly at Tatiana, then flushed and looked away. “Sorry I missed supper.”

  “I was just telling Tatiana how glad we will be to have her in the family. She’ll make you a wonderful wife.”

  Mike paled. “W–wife?”

  Tatiana glanced quickly up at Gabe. He’d said no such thing, she thought indignantly. He wanted to send her back to Russia. When she saw the twinkle in his eye, she realized it was a joke. This was much too serious a situation for joking; couldn’t he see that?

  “She’s going to stay in the guest cottage until the wedding, but you need to start looking for a place for the three of you to live,” Gabe said casually. “Sharing the house was fine for you and me, but I know you’ll want to start your new life in your own place.”

  Mike was already looking shaken. And he deserved to be disturbed. She would shake him up more. “Oh, my darling, so glad I am to see you again. Your brother has told me you asked him to pick me up because you were so frightened. I am sorry I got your name wrong.” She gave a little laugh and stepped closer. Mike, his eyes wide, backed up against the railing. “So silly I was to think your name was Gabe, but your brother has corrected me. The good wife I will be to you. You will not be sorry you brought me over to marry you.” Her accent was pronounced as she cornered him against the banister.

  The look on Mike’s face said volumes. His eyes were wide with panic, and he paled even more. Tatiana told herself he deserved to feel the panic she had felt at the airport. She wouldn’t feel sorry for him. Maybe it would teach him responsibility in the end.

  Mike cast a desperate look at Gabe. “Uh, ma–marry you?”

  “When?” Tatiana gave him her most bewitching smile. “I am ready now.”

  Mike reached behind him and gripped the railing. Tatiana stepped closer. He tried to sidle away, but she threw her arms around his neck.

  “Gabe,” Mike gasped, “do something.”

  four

  Tatiana couldn’t still the stab of triumph as she got into bed. Mike had smiled a sickly grin when he realized they weren’t serious. Her smile faded. It would have been nice if Mike had realized the responsibility he had to her and Irina. His relief had been a bit humbling. Of course, she knew she was no great catch. With Irina, her husband would have two mouths to feed; but she would work, too. She didn’t expect anyone to give her a free ride.

  Tomorrow she must try to make some kind of plan. She never wanted to see Irina want for a meal again. The bounty of America only reminded Tatiana that there was enough to go around. Going back to Russia would mean failure, and she couldn’t fail. Someone out there would want her. Perhaps she might be a housekeeper in trade of marriage. She had to think of something.

  At the thought of her daughter, she slid out of bed and padded down the hall to Irina’s bedroom. The little girl was asleep in the middle of the bed. Tatiana sighed. She doubted her own sleep would be so peaceful. Odd how Irina had shown no fear of her new surroundings. She’d even warmed up to Gabe once she realized he wasn’t going to eat her. Their nightly English practice had been well worth the effort. Irina had slipped into speaking English in a most amazing way.

  Tatiana backed out of the room and turned to go back to her own bed. A shadow loomed over her. Her heart racing, she stepped back.

  “It’s only me.” Gabe’s deep voice rumbled in a near whisper.

  If that was supposed to make her feel better, it didn’t. She swallowed the lump in her throat. What did he want now? For a few lighthearted moments when they’d teased his brother, she’d thought him almost human. Until she remembered he wanted to send her home. She eyed him warily.

  “Is she okay?” He peered around her at the sleeping child.

  Was that really concern in his voice? She licked her dry lips. “She sleeps.”

  “Good.” Gabe hesitated a minute, then cleared his throat. “I’ll let you get some rest.” He stared at her a moment, then turned and walked to the other end of the hall where he disappeared inside his own room.

  Tatiana shook her head and hurried back to her room. She shut the door firmly behind her. The fewer dealings she had with Gabe Salinger, the happier she would be. What had made him stop to check on her and Irina? Could he have a softer heart than she’d seen so far?

  Pulling back the covers, she put on her nightgown and crawled into the bed. The comfort of the bed was unlike anything she’d ever known. Smooth sheets caressed her skin, and it actually had a blanket that heated the bed. She’d heard of such things but never seen one before. Only the very wealthy could afford such luxuries in Russia.

  Burrowing under the covers, she breathed the fresh aroma and sighed happily. No
wonder Irina had fallen asleep so quickly. In spite of Tatiana’s resolve to consider her options, her eyelids dropped, and she slept.

  §

  Sunlight streamed through the window and touched Tatiana’s face. She awoke disoriented. Where was she? Irina’s small body was not snuggled next to her for warmth. Panic gripped her throat until she remembered. Smiling, she stretched, then slipped out of bed. Her bare feet sank into the plush carpet, and she wiggled her toes with delight. She would check on Irina, then shower.

  She pulled on her ragged robe and opened her door. Her nose twitched at the aroma of bacon from downstairs. If that didn’t awaken Irina, nothing would. Slipping down the hall, she peeked into the nursery. Her daughter still slept, her cheeks rosy in sleep. Tatiana smiled and hurried back to her room to shower.

  She had just pulled on her jeans when she heard a shriek. Throwing open the door, she rushed out into the hall with her hair hanging in wet strands around her face. She collided with Gabe. He reached out a hand to steady her, and they both rushed to the top of the steps. A crumpled form lay at the bottom of the stairs.

  “Martha!” Gabe took the steps two at a time with Tatiana close on his heels.

  “Oh, no!” Grace came from the living room doorway and ran toward the housekeeper.

  Gabe reached her first. “Mother, call for an ambulance,” he said. “Don’t touch her. The fall may have damaged her back.”

  Grace drew back her hand hesitantly and looked up into Gabe’s face.

  “Hurry!” His firm tone did not invite discussion.

  Mike came running down the steps with his face still lathered with shaving cream. “What happened?” Pushing by Tatiana, he knelt beside the housekeeper’s still form. He brushed the frizzy red hair back from Martha’s face.

  “Don’t move her,” Gabe ordered again. “Mother has called an ambulance. They should be here in a few minutes.”

  Martha moaned and rolled her head.

  “Lie still,” Gabe said urgently. He laid a hand on her head to quiet her.

  Tatiana eyed him uncertainly. His gentleness surprised her. In the few hours she’d known him, he’d seemed so stern and unbending. She pointed to Martha’s leg. “Her limb. It is broken.”

  Gabe looked where she pointed and bit his lip. “It certainly is,” he said. “A compound fracture.” The leg stuck out in an awkward way, and the bone had broken through the skin.

  The wail of the siren echoed in the distance, then grew louder as they all crouched over Martha. Her eyelids fluttered once, but she moaned and lapsed back into unconsciousness. Within minutes the ambulance arrived, and Grace ushered the paramedics inside.

  They loaded Martha onto the stretcher, and she opened her eyes. “I’m sorry, Missus,” she whispered. “I don’t think I’ll be cooking for your dinner party.”

  “Don’t fret about it,” Grace soothed. “It’s not important.”

  “It’s your birthday party,” Martha murmured.

  “And I’ll survive without a party.” Grace patted the housekeeper’s shoulder. “I’ll follow the ambulance.”

  Martha nodded and closed her eyes. The paramedics carried her out, and Grace sighed. Hurrying to the closet, she opened it and took out her coat. “I don’t know when I’ll be back. You boys don’t even have your breakfast.”

  “I will cook the breakfast,” Tatiana said timidly. Her face grew warm at the stare Gabe turned on her. Did the man think she didn’t know how to cook? Then she saw the knowing look in his eyes, and her face became hotter. He thought she had an another motive. Did he think she was so determined to trap him, she would use poor Martha’s circumstances?

  Grace’s face brightened. “Thank you, dear. Ask Gabe to show you where everything is.” She took her purse and hurried out the door. “It smells like the bacon is done, at least.”

  Gabe frowned at Tatiana. “I can fix my own breakfast,” he said.

  “So can I,” Mike echoed.

  Tatiana shivered at the cold air that blew in the door and crossed her arms as though girding for battle. “Your mother said I was to do it.”

  Mike shrugged. “So she did. Are you sure you won’t poison me?”

  She narrowed her eyes. “You deserve it, Mr. Salinger. But the poison I left in Russia.”

  He grinned. “I guess I can live with Mom’s lack of faith in my ability to fend for myself.”

  “I must check on Irina first.”

  “I’ll fetch her,” Gabe said.

  Tatiana stared at him doubtfully. “She will be frightened.”

  “No, she won’t. Let me show you the kitchen first.” Whistling, he strode toward the kitchen without giving her a chance to reject his offer.

  Tatiana bit her lip, then followed him. She paused at the door, and her mouth dropped open. The room was a gleaming display of high-tech equipment from the professional stainless steel range to the double refrigerators. The granite counters invited her to run her fingers over them, and she obliged. The slick, smooth surface made her itch to roll out dough for Russian black bread.

  Gabe went to the closest refrigerator inside. “Here are the eggs. An omelette is good enough.” He swung open a bottom cupboard and whirled the lazy Susan. “I’ll fix the toast. You shouldn’t be waiting on us like this.” He paused and stared at her.

  She sensed the doubt in his gaze and tilted her chin up defiantly. “I am capable of preparing breakfast.”

  His gray eyes softened, and he smiled. “I’m sorry if I made you think I doubted that. We got off to a rocky start, Tatiana. My only excuse is that I was blindsided by Mike just before we met. I know that’s not a good excuse for my bad manners, but I hope you’ll forgive me.”

  “Blindsided?” she asked uncertainly. “You cannot see on one side?” She had taken English classes, but these people came up with words she’d never heard.

  He chuckled. “That means he came out of left field and surprised me.”

  “Left field?” She still didn’t understand.

  His grin broadened. “Forget it. But I am sorry. Can we start fresh?” He thrust out his hand. “Friends?”

  She took his hand gingerly. His large hand enveloped hers, and a shock of awareness ripped through her. His gaze snagged and held hers, and she caught her breath. “Fri–friends,” she stammered.

  His eyes darkened, and he released her hand abruptly. “But that doesn’t mean I’ve changed my mind. Mike had no right to put us both in this situation. But I’ll do what I can to help you find a husband, if that’s what you want.”

  “It is not so much what I want, as much as it is necessary.” Tatiana turned away so he couldn’t see the hurt in her eyes. For just a moment she had hoped he had changed his mind.

  “I’ll get Irina,” he said after a long pause. “The toast will be done in a minute. Can you butter it?”

  She nodded and turned to the refrigerator. She heard his steps go to the door and down the hall. Breathing a sigh of relief, she took out the tray of eggs and rummaged in the refrigerator for omelette ingredients. The food supplies nearly took her breath away. It would be a joy to cook in a kitchen like this. She found cheese, fresh mushrooms, and sausage. She would make the men an omelette they would talk about for weeks.

  By the time she heard Irina’s voice in the hall, the omelettes had cooked up fluffy and moist, the toast was done, and she’d set the kitchen table with bright yellow plates she found in the cupboard.

  “Mat, Mat!” Irina ran into the kitchen, calling out to her in Russian.

  “Good morning, my lamb.” Tatiana spoke in English. Irina needed to adjust as soon as possible, and the best way was speak to her only in English.

  Irina’s forehead wrinkled in concentration. “Good morning,” she said carefully. She lapsed quickly into Russian. “Daddy brought me a cookie. But I am still hungry.”

  Gabe’s head turned when he heard the little girl say daddy. His gaze met Tatiana’s, and she saw the alarm in it. She wanted to tell him that Irina didn’t really know what t
he word daddy meant—to her it was just a name—but she held her tongue. Irina didn’t need to be more confused by explanations.

  “Breakfast is ready,” she said. She lifted her daughter to the high chair and put some omelette and half a slice of toast on a plate for her.

  Gabe slid into the chair beside Irina and gave a sigh of appreciation. “Smells good. Looks good, too.” He bowed his head and prayed silently.

  “Where is Mike?”

  “He’ll be along. I suspect he’s waiting until he’s sure I’m in here so he doesn’t have to face you alone.”

  Tatiana gave a slight smile. “He does well to fear me. But I will not harm him now. I am no longer angry. At least Irina is warm and has food.”

  Gabe’s smile faded, and his gray eyes looked down.

  Regret curdled her stomach. She shouldn’t have said that. He would think she was trying to make him feel guilty. But it was the truth. For ninety days Irina would be warm and well fed. That was worth something. Perhaps she would have more strength to face the life that waited them in Russia if they had to go back.

  Mike entered, and she turned a smile on him. At least she wouldn’t have to be alone with Gabe. Mike’s gaze dropped, and he bit his lip.

  “I’m starved,” he said. He dropped into the chair at the end of the table.

  Tatiana poured both men a glass of juice and a cup of coffee, then started to wash the dishes she’d dirtied in cooking.

  “Aren’t you eating?” Gabe asked.

  “I will eat when you are through,” she said.

  He stood and came toward her. Taking the dishcloth from her hands, he took her arm and led her to the table. “You’re much too thin,” he said. “Join us while it’s still hot.”

  His gaze was intent and kind. Tatiana’s shoulders relaxed, and she nodded. “Very well.” His concern brought a warm glow to her stomach. She sat on the other side of Irina. With jam smeared around her mouth, the little girl had nearly demolished her breakfast. She smacked her lips in satisfaction and ran sticky fingers through her hair. Tufts of blond hair mixed with purple jam stuck up from her head. She looked like a tiny punk rocker. With meals like this every day, maybe she would soon look her age. Right now, she looked like she was less than two years old.