Thanksgiving Groom

by Brenda Minton

  Not that he hadn’t been wrong before. He was starting to see that he wasn’t a great judge of character. The experience with his mom should have proven that a dozen years ago, when he’d gone looking for her.

  “I owe you an apology.”

  She stopped when she heard that and turned to smile at him. Man, she could be a flirt when the mood hit her. A cute smile, flashing blue eyes that sparkled with laughter, and a flip of blond hair over her shoulder. She nearly hooked him, the same way she’d hooked fish in the stream by the cabin.

  Those poor fish probably saw her and jumped on the hook.

  “You can buy me a real cup of coffee,” she took a step back and tripped a little on an uneven brick. Tucker reached for her hand, remembering the ankle that had nearly kept her from making it back.

  “I’ll buy you coffee. How’s your ankle?”

  “Good today. It’s wrapped tight, and the swelling has gone down.”

  “Glad to hear it.”

  “Because you don’t want to have to carry me.”

  He couldn’t have disagreed more. He enjoyed carrying her. She was soft and light. It made him feel a little bit like a hero.

  “If you needed to be carried…”

  She coughed a little. “Please don’t. I think this is getting a little too sweet. I like the Tucker who is a little dry, cynical and perturbed.”

  “I guess I’ll have to find him.”

  “Much better.” She slipped her hand into his for a second and then removed it. He glanced down to see if there was a reason why. She looked away. “I love the coffee at the diner.”

  “That’s good.” He reached for her arm, and she glanced down at his hand.

  The diner was nearly deserted, but tables still covered with plates and half-empty glasses meant they’d barely missed the lunch crowd. No one greeted them.

  “Let’s sit by the window over there.” Penelope limped a little as she crossed to a table in the corner.

  He pulled out her chair and she sat down.

  “Have you had lunch?” He picked up a menu with a list of sandwiches and desserts.

  “No, but I’m all about a cup of coffee right now.”

  The waitress hurried over and he ordered two cups of coffee.

  “So you’re staying here?”

  “I’m staying. What about you?”

  “I’m going back to Seattle as soon as I get things settled.”

  She fiddled with her glass of water until the waitress walked away. When she looked up, Tucker was pretty close to thinking he should leave. He should have listened to his better sense, that told him to skip a cup of coffee with her. Especially after she told him about her trips to South America and Africa.

  It was easy to think of her as an heiress, but when he started adding the layers it changed who she was.

  “Is it that easy, Tucker? Do you just ‘settle’ losing your father the way you did.” She looked up, blue eyes shimmering. “I mean, well, it can’t be easy for you to walk away from here.”

  He wanted to whistle, because she had just jabbed something pretty sharp into his heart. And he’d really thought he was past feeling pain. Or at least more pain.

  “There isn’t anything for me here.”

  “No, of course not.”

  “What does that mean?” If she tried to tell him it didn’t mean anything, he’d have to disagree. It was written all over her pretty, meddling face. She meant something by that comment.

  “It means that I think you’re still hurting. I’m not even sure if it is all about your dad. Something made you leave town. Something that pushed you to go off by yourself.”

  “I invited you to have a cup of coffee and I wanted to make sure you’re okay. I didn’t want to talk about my life, or what is going on with me.”

  “No, of course not.”

  She smiled, and for whatever reason, she dropped the subject.

  Penelope watched emotion play across the features of the man sitting across from her. What had it been like for him, to come back to town after all of these months in the cabin? She thought it had to be a shock.

  “Did you know that there have been several weddings and engagements since you left?” Penelope did a rapid change of subject, because the other felt off-limits, and she saw something in his eyes that looked broken.

  “I had heard. Dr. Havens and his new nurse, Casey and Jake, the list goes on. Even Gage. That took my by surprise. I hope they’ll all be very happy.”

  “Ahh, you believe that all marriages are doomed. You’re probably especially predisposed to think that all of this romance is bunk.”

  “I’m busy, Penelope. Too busy for romance and too busy for games.”

  “Some marriages do last.”

  “I know they do, but surely you aren’t optimistic about marriage, considering…”

  She waited for him to finish and he didn’t. She could fill in the blank, and she thought he could, too. Considering her parents’ rather cool relationship, considering the fact that her dad had slipped into some nineteenth century idea of arranged marriages. Yeah, all things considered, she still wanted to be an optimist and believe in happily-ever-after.

  But with someone who was there for her and present in the relationship. Not a detached businessman.

  She looked at Tucker.

  Or an overworked lawyer.

  The big definite was that she wouldn’t marry the type of man her father picked for her. That would mean marrying someone just like him.

  “Yes, Tucker, I still believe in romance and real love. I believe in it, and I do know what my dad is doing.”

  “Oh.”

  “He wouldn’t keep it a secret. He has even given me a list of options.”

  “Options, as in…”

  “As in the men he considers suitable contenders. Don’t worry, you’re not on the list.”

  Did he look relieved? She thought he might. And then he looked toward the door. She glanced that way and saw a huge group of women about to enter.

  “It’s about to get very crowded in here.” He pulled a few bills out of his wallet. “What do you say we hit the road.”

  “Afraid you’ll be a target.”

  “You might think this is funny, but honestly, being in this town is a little uncomfortable. There’s this woman named Delilah hanging around. She’s pretty determined.”

  “She does come on rather strong.” She took pity on him and stood. “Okay, you win, I’ll let you escape.”

  “I’ll walk you back to your B and B.”

  Sweet, and then it wasn’t sweet. This was about the imaginary stalkers he thought were following her.

  Thanks, but no thanks.

  “I don’t need a babysitter. Seriously, what could happen to me in town?” Or anywhere, for that matter.

  “I’m not doing this for that reason. I’m walking you back because it’s what I want to do.”

  “That’s nice.” She shot him a teasing smile. “As a matter of fact, it’s almost romantic.”

  “Don’t make me reconsider.”

  The door opened and a cloud of perfume and cold air blasted into the diner. Tucker slipped an arm around her waist and eased her around the women and out the door.

  It shouldn’t have felt so good, that arm around her. But it did. It felt safe. It felt like the touch of someone she wanted in her life.

  The thought of wanting Tucker in her life that way didn’t make sense. She should be looking for someone safe, someone like that good-looking guide who had taken them hiking a couple of weeks ago. He seemed steady, dependable and like he wanted to spend time with a woman.

  “Do you really plan on staying here?” Tucker asked the question as they walked through town toward the inn.

  She drew her attention from the brick sidewalks and surrounding buildings. The gray sky was getting darker, a sign of dusk. Or a setting sun, if the sun had bothered to show itself, which it hadn’t in several days. At least today it wasn’t so cold that a person felt like th
eir lungs would freeze if they took in a deep breath.

  “I plan on staying for a while.”

  “You might meet someone, Penelope.”

  “Thanks for being so optimistic.” She glanced up, smiling, and he laughed a little.

  “I didn’t mean it that way—I don’t think.”

  “Right. How long are you staying?”

  “Another week or two.” He moved his hand from her back and shoved both his hands in his coat pockets. “I can’t stay away from work for much longer.”

  “Why would you want to stay away?

  His mouth tightened and his jaw clenched.

  She’d guessed right. She also knew that he wasn’t going to let her in. She didn’t belong in the dark corners of his life where he kept his secrets.

  “Penelope, you’re determined, I give you credit for that.” He stopped in front of the inn. The building was square, a little nondescript. She loved it, though. Her room was white, with big windows and down comforters and bedding. All white, sunny and clean. It was comfortably plain, without frills.

  “Yes, I’ve always been determined. My dad acts as if that’s a bad thing.”

  “I can imagine.” He leaned and kissed her cheek. “Maybe I’ll tell you someday. Not today.”

  “I know I’m pushy, but seriously, Tucker, if you need someone.”

  “Ditto. And since you’re holding onto faith, maybe say a prayer for me.” He kissed her cheek again, a light gesture that couldn’t mean more than friendship.

  So why did her heart reach for his? Why did his request for prayer undo something inside her?

  She reached for his hand and she didn’t even know why. Maybe to keep him at her side a moment longer. Maybe to hold onto him until he shared something more meaningful than the weather?

  His smile faded and he pulled loose. She let his hand slide from hers. He winked and walked away. She shivered a little and let out her breath as she whispered goodbye to his retreating back.

  Time to let it all go and work on something that mattered. Amy had mentioned that Delilah was planning a trip to one of the native villages to deliver medical supplies and toys for the children. That was something worthwhile.

  The ringing hammer signaled Jake’s location. He was helping with preparations for the Christmas pageant. Jake? Christmas? Tucker shook his head at the strange turn of events. He did believe people could change, but seriously, in a matter of months this many changes was hard to digest.

  Casey was with him. She twisted on the ladder and shot him a smile that wasn’t exactly warm. He got it. He was the best friend who hadn’t been here to interfere when their relationship started.

  She didn’t have to worry. He believed in live and let live.

  “Tucker!” Jake put the hammer down and climbed down the ladder. “You here to help?”

  “No, I don’t think so.” He didn’t have a thing against the baby Jesus, but he didn’t feel like celebrating Christmas or stepping back into this world.

  He knew the Bible verses. He knew the songs. He knew the sermons. He knew so much, it was crammed into his mind and sometimes poked at him, like an old acquaintance trying to get his attention.

  But his mom had ruined it for him. The woman who had read him the stories, taken him to church and sang the songs with him had stripped away his faith by walking out on her family.

  When he walked back into this world he remembered too much.

  “How does it feel to be back?” Jake stood on the ground, slipped the hammer into the tool belt at his waist.

  “I guess the answer you want is that it feels great.” He touched the frame that he guessed might go to the nativity. Part of the stable. “The time out there was good for me.”

  “Yeah, I can see how it wouldn’t be too bad to go off on a four-month hunting trip.”

  Tucker grinned. “Every man’s dream, right?”

  “Sure. If you can take the time off from work.”

  “I was covered.”

  To an extent. He called the office that morning and they were thrilled he’d been found. Not so thrilled with the four months he’d been gone. They wanted him back in a week. He thought it might take longer to get things settled. His dad’s accounts, the boat, the house, none of it could be disposed of in a matter of days.

  “How’s the heiress?” Jake leaned to kiss Casey’s cheek and she hurried away.

  “Penelope is fine. Probably in more danger than she realizes, but her dad will take care of that.”

  “So, any change of heart on your part?”

  “I’m not interested in her dad’s offer. He needs to let her find someone she loves, not someone he picks.”

  “That’s usually the way of it. Love, I mean.” Jake shot a glance over his shoulder to the other side of the room, where Casey was talking to a small group of people.

  “Yeah, love.” His friend was acting like a lovesick teen. It was a little annoying.

  “Hey, did you know that Gordon is thinking of retiring. He’s looking for someone he can trust to take over his practice.”

  Gordon Baker, one of the few lawyers in the area. Tucker smiled. “Nice, but I don’t think I want to make that my career. Wills, divorces, land disputes. Isn’t that about all he handles?”

  “Not exciting enough for you?”

  “I’m not going to lie and tell you that it sounds interesting.”

  “Your practice is so much better?” Jake handed him a hammer. “Here, help me get this board in place.”

  “I’ve built a name for myself in Seattle.”

  Jake pulled a nail out of his mouth. “Yeah, I know you have.”

  “You know, I’ve never wanted to hit you as bad as I do right now.”

  “Not true. You knocked me on my can when we were juniors in high school. Remember, you liked Hannah Mahan.”

  “You took her to homecoming.” He remembered and rubbed his knuckles that had been skinned in the altercation. “Yeah, I remember.”

  Jake laughed. “She married Ted Anderson, and they have six kids.”

  “That’s pretty amazing.”

  “Yeah, but it doesn’t have anything to do with you and Gordon’s practice. I’m praying for you, Tucker.”

  “Good,” he stepped back from the board. “I mean that. And now I’m going to take off. I have a lot to get done.”

  “Talk to Gordon.”

  “Probably not.” Time for a change of topic. “What’s going on with the treasure? Anyone found the location?”

  “No. Amy has the real map, and I think Reed is keeping a pretty close watch on her, trying to keep her and the map safe.”

  “Yeah, I saw him keeping an eye on her today. The look I saw wasn’t about a map.”

  They both laughed, and for a minute it felt like old times. Yeah, a person could go back. They couldn’t get a life back, but they could go back and find things they’d misplaced. Like friendships.

  “Didn’t Penelope go off looking for the treasure?” Jake pulled a few nails out of a nearby bag.

  “Yeah, she did. Obviously, the only thing she found was a way to get lost and nearly get killed.”

  “She’s under your skin a little, isn’t she?” Jake pushed, as if pushing was a good idea. Tucker would have warned him, but Jake didn’t seem to care.

  “No, she isn’t under my skin. She’s a thorn in my side. She’s a crazy female who doesn’t know how to stay out of trouble.”

  “Yeah, that’s what she is.”

  “I’m outta here.” Tucker walked away and Jake was still laughing. Maybe it was about time to hit the road and come back to Treasure Creek when all of this nonsense faded. He could finish his dad’s estate when women like Delilah, Joleen and Penelope got tired of playing in a small town.

  He wished it was that easy.

  He bumped into Reed Truscott when he left a few minutes later. The cop looked bristly and a little distracted.

  “Reed, what’s up?”

  “Someone broke into Amy’s place.”
>
  “Is she okay, and her kids?”

  “Yeah, they’re good. The map is gone. Someone saw a couple of men driving down the road.”

  Out of the corner of his eye, Tucker caught sight of someone heading in their direction. He glanced that way and realized it was Penelope. She hurried along, limping only a little. When she got closer, her smile faded.

  “What’s wrong?” She stopped next to Tucker and shot Reed a look. “Is Amy okay?”

  “Amy’s fine.” Tucker explained. “The map is gone.”

  “Gone?”

  “Stolen.” Reed filled in the details and Tucker watched Penelope’s eyes change. Oh, great. If he didn’t know better, she was coming up with some kind of crazy plan.

  And it wasn’t his problem. He kind of liked that they were back in town and he could hand her off to the local police chief and her own father.

  Chapter Eleven

  Two days later, Penelope was in a Range Rover heading north. She was still thinking about the map and wondering who had taken it. At least she had freedom. Her parents left that morning for Anchorage. Yesterday Penelope had met with the Johnsons for a few hours before they left.

  It felt good to have her life back, and that meant not having watchdogs. Even if it did sometimes feel like she was being watched. She ignored the feeling. She knew her dad and knew that he’d probably hired someone to watch her. She was more concerned with drawing a replica of Amy’s map and figuring out who had taken it from her home.

  For now, Delilah was sitting next to her in the back of the Range Rover and Penelope had given her bodyguard the slip. They were on their way to a village where a group from the community church planned to hand out toys and school supplies to the children, while Dr. Alex took care of medical needs.

  They were a cute couple, Alex and Maryann. They had climbed aboard the truck that followed behind the Range Rover. The two were sitting in the front seat, side-by-side.

  Penelope didn’t feel at all jealous. Or that’s what she kept telling herself. She wasn’t jealous—not of Alex and Maryann. Instead, she felt a little empty. She wanted to know what it felt like, that kind of love that joined two people in a way that showed on their faces, in their eyes, the way they talked.