Wiping the wet remnants from her cheeks, Tadie nodded at Will. “He’s definitely amazing.” She remembered they were standing in the doorway. “Come in, you two. I can’t believe it. What a wonderful Christmas gift you’ve given me.”
She helped Jilly take off her coat and waited as Will shed his. “There’s room in the closet,” she said, pointing the way in case Will had forgotten. She ducked into the powder room to grab something to blow her nose. “Now, Miss Jilly, you told me you wanted to help me get ready, so come on back to the kitchen with me.”
“Where’s Ebenezer?”
“I think he raced upstairs to hide when he heard the doorbell. You can see him later.”
“I’m glad you haven’t eaten yet.”
Tadie touched the tip of Jilly’s nose. “I’m glad too. Everyone should start arriving soon.”
“Aren’t we lucky?” Jilly asked, turning toward her father, who handed her a wrapped box. Jilly held the box in front of Tadie. “This is for you. We wanted to bring something too.”
“How lovely.” Tadie glanced at Will then back to Jilly. “Thank you.”
“You’ve got to open it. It’s dessert.”
“Is this all right?” Will asked. “I mean, us showing up like this?”
“I’m thrilled,” Tadie said, tearing off the wrapping paper on her package. “Oh, just what I love. Godiva.” She gave Jilly another hug. “Thank you, sweetie. This is a grand treat.”
She turned to Will. “Thank you too. And don’t worry. I told Jilly I wished you’d come. And here you are.”
He looked relieved. “What can we do to help?”
“You can hunt up two more chairs. I think the small desk chairs upstairs will be best, so we can fit everyone at the table.”
“If it’s too tight there, we can sit someplace else.”
Tadie waved him off. “Don’t be silly. Jilly and I can squish together, can’t we, young lady?”
“Yes ma’am!”
“Let’s get out more silver. This is where I’m sitting, so we’ll turn it into two places, okay?”
“Okay!”
“And we don’t have to give everyone so much elbow room. Help me fit another place over there.”
They did it, but barely. Tadie left a couple of larger spaces because Rita had said Martin’s parents needed spreading room, but Rita was tiny and so was Elvie. Fitting the old-fashioned chairs was the biggest issue.
Will had just slipped the last of the small desk chairs into place when Hannah and her entourage arrived, carrying in their offerings. They stopped abruptly when they saw Jilly.
“Tadie? Keeping secrets?” Hannah asked.
“Jilly and her daddy just arrived.”
“We surprised Tadie,” Jilly said, bouncing up and down.
“I bet you did,” Alex said.
Tadie glared at his sneering face, silently daring him to utter another word. “It was a wonderful surprise.”
Will tucked Jilly in front of him and reached out to shake the hand Matt offered. “Good to see you again.”
Alex didn’t even excuse himself. He just pushed past Will and left the room.
“Brat.” Hannah leaned close enough so only Tadie heard her words.
“One more outburst,” Tadie said, “and I’ll boot him out.”
“You have my permission. But about the other,” Hannah said with an elbow pointing toward Jilly and Will, who still chatted with Matt, “you must be ecstatic.”
Tadie didn’t have time to answer because Isa’s voice sounded at the back door, which led to more welcomes, more introductions, and more happy hugs for Jilly.
“Okay, you all,” Hannah said. “Make yourselves scarce. I’ll bring in the drinks.” When Matt had wandered out of earshot, Hannah announced she was pouring Matt a soda. “Anyone else want one?”
Isa looked at Stefan. “Will you join the other men or stay in here with us?”
He tickled her chin. “I’ll go do some male bonding. Will, you coming? We’re in the way here.” To Hannah, he said, “Give me something to carry.”
Hannah handed full glasses to each of them, turning to Isa when they’d left. “It’s exciting to have Stefan here with you. It’s like having a celebrity in our midst.”
“Isn’t it fun?” Isa blushed, but her smile was a lovely thing to see. Tadie accepted the nod sent her way and returned it with a little wave and a grin.
“What’s he like?” Hannah asked. “I mean, with you?”
“Gentle. Lovely.”
“You needed that, didn’t you?” Hannah brushed her hand up and down Isa’s back.
“After Ben? Absolutely.”
“Who’s Ben?” Jilly asked, slipping under Tadie’s arm so that it rested around her shoulders.
“Once upon a time,” Isa said as she looked down at Jilly, “Ben was my husband.”
“Did he die?”
“No, sweetie. But he wasn’t a nice man.”
Jilly seemed to think about that. “And Mr. Stefan is?”
“A very nice man.”
“Good.”
“Hey, everybody, here we come,” Rita said, holding the door for her mother and father. “Martin called to say they’re driving through Morehead now.”
“Wonderful.” Tadie pulled Jilly forward. “See who flew in for the party.”
“Look at this sweet child,” Elvie crooned. “You come right on over here and let me hug you.” Jilly scampered over and threw her arms around Elvie’s neck. “James, you ever seen anything as beautiful as this child’s hair?”
“Sure haven’t. Glad to see you, missy. You brung your daddy too?”
Jilly nodded. “He’s in with the other men. You going to join them?”
“I suppose I could.”
“No, Daddy,” Rita said, grabbing his arm. “Not yet. I don’t want you lost when Martin’s parents get here. Can you wait to meet them first?”
“Sure, honey. I can do whatever you want.” He turned to Tadie. “You need the candles lit yet, Miss Sara?”
“Soon. I’m thinking we ought to wait for the ones on the table until right before we sit down. But I sure could use some help taking this roast out. Will you do that?”
James’s eyes twinkled and he stood a little straighter, obviously pleased to be asked. She handed him potholders and shooed everyone else into the far end of the kitchen or out to the rest of the house. Hannah and Isa busied themselves plugging in hotplates for the potatoes and vegetables and finding a place for the oysters.
Rita helped her mama ease down onto Miss Caroline’s chair near the loveseat. “I’ll get your water, Mama.”
Jilly tugged on Tadie’s sleeve and whispered, “That man, Mr. James, he called you Miss Sara.”
“He usually does.”
Jilly nodded, looking pleased to have gotten it right. “Like your mama.”
“Yes, Jilly, just like my mama.” That child sure did make her feel like she’d bust open with happiness every time she looked at her.
Rita and James went off to answer the doorbell, but only Rita and an older woman returned. “We lost the men to the front room, Tadie, but this is Martin’s mother, Doris.” She finished the introductions, ending with her mama.
Tadie suggested the tall, large-boned Mrs. Levinson sit and visit with Elvie Mae while Rita helped put the finishing touches on the salads.
“If you need a carver,” Doris said as she dropped onto the couch, “I’m your gal.”
Tadie pointed to the carving knife and fork. “Excellent. A much better idea than disturbing the testosterone party in there.”
Oysters slid down throats and conversation hummed in the other room. In the kitchen, Doris carved, Tadie made a rich gravy from the drippings, and Hannah and Isa handed out plates.
James took this as his cue to light the candles. Will filled the water glasses and poured wine or iced tea upon request. Jilly waited and scooted in next to Tadie, with Will tucked in on her other side. There was laughter and jostling, but soon ever
yone had a place and a plate.
“James, will you say grace for us?” Tadie asked.
He bowed his head and gave thanks with a booming eloquence that made Tadie want to clap. She looked around at the people she loved, at her new friends, and even at Alex, and felt so full and rich she had to lower her head so they wouldn’t see more tears that needed wiping.
“You okay?” Jilly whispered.
“Very okay. Just happy you’re here,” Tadie whispered back.
The only downside to the party was Alex. He alternated stares her way and glares in the direction of Jilly and her daddy. At one point, she heard him say, “Ow!” and glance accusingly at his sister-in-law. When Tadie caught Hannah’s eye, Hannah winked, and Tadie had to cough to cover her laugh.
* * * * *
Finally, the last dish was loaded into the dishwasher, the silver and special china hand-washed, the leftovers stacked and ready to go, some in Tadie’s refrigerator, some to be sent home with guests. Doris and Larry declined, saying they’d booked rooms on the ocean for themselves and for Martin. “We love the sea in winter,” Doris said. “We’re going to stay all weekend.”
Larry beamed and cuffed Martin’s shoulder. “I think Martin may have other plans than being quiet with us, honeybunch.”
Martin rubbed his shoulder, backing out of his father’s way. “You’ve got that right. James and Elvie invited me to hear their church choir in the morning while you decadent folk snore at each other.”
“Make your exit, Mother,” Larry said. “I don’t want any more insults from your son.”
Rita pulled Tadie aside while Martin helped James get Elvie down the porch stairs. “I’m going to Mama and Daddy’s for a little while, help get them settled,” she said quietly. “You want to go with us to church in the morning? You and your guests?”
“I need to ask them. I’ll let you know in the morning.”
As Hannah scurried about, collecting everything and loading packages in her husband’s arms, Matt asked, “Why isn’t Alex here helping with this?”
Stefan turned from chatting with Will. “He’s laying siege to the living room couch.”
Hannah’s eyes narrowed. Catching Isa’s grin, Tadie followed in Hannah’s wake, pausing with Isa in the doorway as Hannah, carrying a plate of foil-wrapped meat, marched right up to Alex. For a moment, Hannah stared down at him while Alex ignored her, then she dropped the plate in his lap. “We’re leaving. You bring that,” she bit out and turned on her heel.
Alex’s expression reminded Tadie of a spoiled child readying himself for a tantrum, but when he noticed his audience, he waved toward Hannah’s back. “Sure thing. Coming.”
“See you real soon,” he told Tadie as he followed Matt out the door.
“I’ve done my best,” Hannah whispered. “If he sneaks back over here, don’t let him in.” At Tadie’s nod, she waved toward the room. “Bye, all. You take care, Miss Jilly, you hear?”
Jilly nodded, but her hand was tucked securely in her father’s, and she stood with her back against his legs. She stayed there as Isa and Stefan donned their coats, releasing Will’s hand only long enough to hug Isa and promise to visit the shop.
“Good girl.” Isa turned to Jilly’s daddy, whose hand was now clasped in Stefan’s large one. “You bring her by.”
“I’ll sure try.” Ending the handshake, Will said, “It was fun chatting with a fellow sailor.”
“We’ll have to repeat it.”
Tadie handed Isa a plate of leftovers and let Stefan carry the empty pan. She waved them off and turned to see Will helping Jilly into her coat.
They were leaving.
Perhaps they should leave.
She tried for a casual tone when she said, “Do you have a reservation somewhere?”
Will didn’t make eye contact. “We’ll find a room.”
“But you don’t have to.” Her cheeks must have turned scarlet, but she couldn’t fan them. Not in front of him. Her. Them.
“Y-you.” She stopped on the stutter, cleared her throat, and tried again. “You know where your rooms are here.”
Jilly danced on tiptoes in front of her father. “See, Daddy, I knew she missed us. I knew she wouldn’t have another girl she liked better.”
Jilly’s words offered the perfect distraction. “Of course not, silly. How could I?”
Will looked into her eyes. “You sure about this?”
She straightened her shoulders and nodded. “I’m positive.”
“Then I’ll go get the bags.” He tugged on Jilly’s pigtail. “We don’t have gifts.”
“I know. It’s okay. I brought Tubby. And we gave Tadie the candy.”
Tadie bent down. “I’m glad you brought him. I’ve missed Tubby too.”
“May I have another bath? We don’t have a tub on the Nancy Grace.”
“Of course you may. Bring your bag up, and I’ll run the water for you.”
Tadie headed upstairs while they fetched their suitcases. The beds all had clean linen, but she set out towels for Will and took one into the bathroom for Jilly.
As she poured bubble bath into the water, she thought she heard male voices coming from below. Perhaps James had forgotten something.
“It’s all ready, sweetie,” Tadie called when she heard footsteps in the hall.
Will poked his head in with a look Tadie could not quite identify. “Your friend Alex would like a word with you.”
Startled, she stood and wiped her hands. “What’s he doing here?”
“He asked me to tell you he’d like to talk to you. Jilly and the cat have reconnected, but I’ll see to her bath.”
She frowned at the thought of Alex. “I’ll be right back.”
She hurried downstairs and confronted Alex at the living room entrance. “Did you forget something?”
“What are they doing here?” His tone reflected the scowl on his face, which deepened when he asked, “Wasn’t he the reason you hightailed it to New York in the first place?”
Her fists curled at her hips. “Is that any of your business?”
Shoving his hands in his pockets, he puffed out his chest. “I overheard Hannah talking to Matt. I don’t want anyone to hurt you, Tadie. I don’t think you ought to let them stay here.”
“Alex, will you listen to yourself? You’re calling the kettle—”
He jerked his hand up and waved her to a stop. “That was a long time ago. We were kids. Now’s different.”
“Now you’re married.”
Raking his fingers through the thatch of hair hanging on his forehead, he said with a hint of anger, “Stop throwing that in my face. I won’t be married much longer.”
“That’s your choice. But you’ve got to quit pretending we can pick up where we left off all those years ago. I’m not the same person and neither are you.”
“I’m better now. I wouldn’t do that to you again.”
Tadie held up her palm to stop him. “Alex, go home. I don’t want to have this conversation with you.”
He crossed his arms and glared. “I’m not leaving while that man is in this house.”
What was with this guy? She walked right up to him, her anger making her feel tall enough to stare him down. “You are leaving. Right now. You cannot dictate who stays here, do you hear? You have no right to say anything about my life.”
“Tadie, don’t.”
“Good-bye, Alex!” She moved to the front door and held it open. “And stop acting as if this is one of your homes, you hear? I don’t want you coming back.”
“You don’t mean that. I know you don’t,” he said, easing past her. “I’ll see you soon.”
She shut the door after him, locked it, and went to lock the back door as well. Alex’s behavior frightened her. She tried to shake off the worry, to tell herself this was only Alex, Matt’s brother, but it didn’t work. His eyes had held a fierceness she’d never seen before.
Chapter Thirty-five
Jilly lay on her back in the tub
, her hair floating out in a halo, singing a song Tadie didn’t recognize. Her eyes were closed, and a look of pure happiness lit her face.
Tadie passed through to her father’s room, where Will rested one ankle on a knee as he thumbed through a magazine, looking as if he belonged in the big leather wingback. She stood in the doorway and asked, “Are you comfortable?”
Laying the open pages against his chest, he looked very content. “I see why your father loved this chair.”
“I’m sorry about the visitor. Alex had no business showing up here.”
“He’s a bit possessive, isn’t he? Do you two have something going on?”
Tadie glanced behind her, but Jilly was still playing happily in the tub, so she perched at the edge of her father’s bed. “It was over a long time ago.”
She studied Will as she smoothed the spread out on both sides. Sitting there with the light shining over his shoulder, he seemed more relaxed than he had in August, more comfortable with himself. Maybe he’d come to terms with a few things. She wondered what they were.
When Will didn’t comment, she said, “Alex and I dated in high school and during our first year of college, before I went to France to study. By the time I got back, he was married. Now his wife has left him, and he thinks he can move right back into my life.”
“He seems to be succeeding to some extent.” He spoke calmly, but with a question in his voice.
It brought a certain flutter to hers. “Hannah’s my best friend, and he’s staying at her house for a while, helping with Matt. You heard, didn’t you? At dinner?”
“That Matt’s got to be careful?”
“He nearly died while I was in New York.”
Will set the magazine on the table. “I’m sorry.” Resting his elbows on the arms of the chair and lacing his fingers together under his chin, he focused entirely on her.
His concentration pulled the same from her. Awareness quickened as she noted that strong chin and those long fingers, the lips beginning to curl slightly, the straight nose, the eyes.
Oh … his eyes.
She dropped her gaze, suddenly aware of the bed under her and the man watching her. She tried to remember what she’d been saying.
Becalmed: When a Southern woman with a broken heart finds herself falling for a widower with a broken boat, it's anything but smooth sailing. Page 29