“I had to take him back. What could I do? He was my best worker,” Jake added with a straight face.
“I was your only worker.”
“True.” Jake nodded. “I was being trained to run the mill, even back then.”
“Well, if you can call breaking our backs loading lumber executive training.” Barker grinned.
“If you can’t do the job yourself, how can you expect the people who work for you to respect you?” Jake’s face sobered. “It’s one of the lessons my dad taught me. I’m not too good to get my hands dirty.”
“So, do you want to shoot some pool?” Barker asked her.
“Well, I have to admit, I earned a few beers on the tables during college.” She grinned at him.
“Great! Step up, pick a stick, and let’s rack ‘em up.”
“Is that all right, Jake?”
“Sure. Let’s play. We have about thirty minutes before dinner hits the table.” Jake walked over to a barstool next to a tall round table and picked up the cue leaning against it.
Rebecca selected a stick from the rack on the wall and chalked her hands. Maybe this will be fun. She hadn’t shot pool in ages. For the time being, she forgot about Ben, secure he was being loved and kept safe.
* * * *
The old priest lowered himself to the settee next to Caroline. Reaching over, he gave the baby a small blessing as he kissed the cross around his neck and then bent to gently kiss the baby’s head.
“This child will need a lot of protection, Carrie.” His eyes held worry.
“That’s what you said about Trey twenty-three years ago when he was born.” Her eyes glanced up to his. “And I couldn’t protect him, either.”
“Trey is not lost to us. Not yet.” He shook his head.
“I’m so worried about him, Father. And about this one, too.”
“Jake will have to protect him from his father. He must be brought into the pack, not left to face this alone. His mother must be made to understand.”
“Jake has every intention of marrying this woman and taking in the baby,” she assured the man who’d been their family’s confidante for over fifty years. Now in his late seventies, still spry mentally and physically, he continued to offer the family his spiritual and moral guidance.
“Good. He looks like Trey.” His eyes shone as he chucked the baby under the chin.
“I know. Slender. Not like Jake. That baby was a bruiser from the beginning.” She laughed and the priest joined in.
“We all thought you weren’t going to make it, Carrie. Michael was heartsick, you know. Pulled me out of bed in the middle of the night to be with him at the hospital.”
“He was such a worrier.” She shook her head. “I miss him, Father. So much.”
“Losing a lifemate is hard, Carrie. But you’re strong. I understand you’re seeing Professor Wong.”
“Yes.” She sighed and sat back. Ben was sleeping in her arms, but she hated to put him down. “Leon’s asked me to marry him.”
“Wonderful!”
“No, it’s not. How do I explain everything to him? He thinks I’m just the matriarch of this lumber family, busy with my charity work, having lunch every Wednesday with the ladies’ church league.” She shrugged her shoulders.
“You are all those things. And more.”
“It’s the more I’m having problems with, Father. He’ll have to know about our legacy.”
The priest sat back. “Have you told Jake about the proposal?”
“He’s got his own set of problems.” She looked lovingly down at the baby. “I don’t want him to feel like he has to handle mine, too.”
“Yes, Jake’s broad shoulders are a strength and a weakness. A duel edged sword, I fear.” He ratcheted himself out of his seat. “Do you love the professor?”
“Yes, I do. After Michael died, I thought I’d never breathe again, much less love again. It surprised me more than anyone, I think.”
“Is he Catholic?” There was a twinkle in his blue eyes.
“No, he’s not anything. But we’ve discussed it and we want you to do the ceremony.”
“Of course, I will. We’ll talk about it later, when I see the both of you in my office once this is settled.”
“Marriage counseling? At our ages?” She laughed.
“Well, once you tell him, there may be some issues the two of you have to face.”
She flicked her wrist and glanced at her watch. “Almost time for dinner.”
“Can I use the phone?” he asked.
“Of course. Use the study, it’s private.”
She stood, slipped the baby back into the carrier, and picked it up.
He left the library with her, but stepped into the study as Caroline continued down the hall to the kitchen, baby in hand.
Chapter 7
“Where’s Ben?” Rebecca looked around the library then walked over to the diaper bag she’d left on the table. “He was in here with your mother.” She tried to keep the accusation from her tone, but a little of it slipped through.
“I’m sure he’s fine. She’s probably got him.” Jake shrugged.
“Got him? Where?” Her frantic anxiety came through loud and clear. Ben had never been out of her sight before, unless he was in his crib asleep. “I shouldn’t have left him alone.”
“He wasn’t alone.” Jake drew himself up. “He’s with my mom. His grandmother.”
Despite knowing he was right, Rebecca couldn’t stop tears filling eyes. She nodded. “I know. Sorry. It’s just that I’m a little on edge.”
Jake held out his hand to her. “Come on. Let’s find them.”
He led her down the hallway to the back of the house. It felt as if her heart were beating in her throat, as if she were on the very edge of panic.
Holding open the swinging door, Jake ushered her into the kitchen.
“Here he is.”
“Ben!” Rebecca rushed to the baby carrier and inspected her son. He was wide-awake, eyes bright, strapped into his carrier sitting on the large kitchen table.
“Ready for dinner?” Caroline asked as she straightened and closed the refrigerator door. She held out a large bowl of potato salad. “Here, Jake, take this to the table.”
He took it and left, backing through another swinging door to the dining room.
“Everything’s ready.” Caroline must have read the look of relief on her face. “I brought Ben with me, dear, so I could keep an eye on him.”
“Thanks.” Rebecca’s heart slid back into her chest.
“He’s been helping me cook.” She smiled down at the child, and then up at Rebecca. “You were worried, weren’t you? I’m so sorry, I should have thought, but you were having such a good time relaxing with the boys I didn’t want to interrupt to tell you we were going to the kitchen.”
“It’s okay.” She pulled out a chair and slumped into it. “I’m just a little nervous.”
“It’s understandable.” Caroline reached over and placed a hand on Rebecca’s shoulder. “Bring him into the dining room and put him next to you on a chair. I’ll bring in the food.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Rebecca stood, picked up the carrier, and backed through the same door Jake had used. Entering the dining room, she stopped.
The table must have sat twenty at one time, but the leaves were pulled out and now only ten chairs marched around it. The others were lined up like soldiers against the wall on either side of a beautiful, six-foot long, burled walnut buffet. Sitting on the top of it was a crystal bowl of autumn flowers, a set of silver candelabras flanking it. A white linen tablecloth trimmed in lace stretched over the dining table, and at one end, five places were set with lovely old china plates patterned with small, soft multi-colored roses. Rebecca was positive the silverware was sterling.
Jake and Barker stood in front of one of the two large lace curtained windows that brought filtered light in from outside. Heads together, it was as if they’d been in those same positions before. How many times had they
stood there waiting for dinner to make it to the table? Rebecca could just imagine the two men as teens, best friends, sharing a joke, talking about school or girls.
With a bark of laughter, Jake straightened. His gaze met hers, locked and his grin did a slow melt into a quiet, but dead sexy smile. Her heart raced.
He wanted her.
“Look who I found.” She held up the carrier.
“Good. Put him over here, next to you.” Jake held out a chair as she came around the table. She placed the carrier on the chair, then snugged it against the table. He stepped to the side and pulled out her chair.
No sooner was she in the seat, Rebecca popped back up. “Oh, I should help your mom with the food.” Before Jake could speak, she rushed into the kitchen.
*
“You’re a lucky man, Jake.” Father Peter’s voice filled the room. The priest stood in the door from the hall and grinned. “She’s a beautiful girl.”
Jake answered with his own grin of agreement mixed with pride.
“Take a seat, Father.”
The old man pulled out a chair and eased himself into it. Barker sat next to him, just as Caroline came in from the kitchen carrying a large platter of baked pork chops smothered in potatoes and onions. Rebecca was right behind her, carrying two bowls, one of candied sweet potatoes and a bowl of green beans, cooked with onions and bacon.
“Wow, Mrs. M, you sure outdid yourself.” Barker eyed the food appreciatively.
“Back off, boy, there are two chops on that platter with my name on them,” the priest warned.
“No fighting. I made plenty,” Caroline assured them as she placed the platter on the table. Rebecca’s bowls went down on either side, bracketing the chops.
“Besides, it’s Jake who took the last one, not me.” Barker pointed out with a wave of his hand.
Jake rose, got Rebecca seated, and then slid into his seat again.
“Rebecca, this is Father Peter. He’s a fixture here.” Jake smiled.
“Like the plumbing in this old place, old and in need of repair.” Father Peter tipped his head to her.
“Nice to meet you, Father.” Rebecca gave him a nod. “Jake tells me he sits in the same pew every Sunday.”
“That’s true. But it’s been a long time since I’ve seen him in my confessional.” The priest raised a white, bushy eyebrow, then his gaze swung to Barker. “Or you for that matter, Barker Sims.”
“Nothing to confess.” Jake shrugged and glanced sideways at Rebecca.
“I can attest to that, Father. He’s been a real drag lately,” Barker added. “It’s cramping my style.”
“When did you ever have a style?” Jake shot back. Barker looked insulted, but winked playfully at Rebecca.
*
Rebecca looked at Jake. “Was there much to confess?”
“A thing or two.” He looked sheepish. The priest snorted and shook his head.
Rebecca wondered if she wanted to know about them, then decided definitely no. Well, maybe later. Definitely later.
Barker roared with laughter. “Yeah, right. When we were teens—” he started.
“Barker,” Jake warned. “Remember, you were with me most of the time.”
“Oh, yeah.” Barker shrugged and chuckled.
The men settled down, and Caroline cleared her throat.
“Jake, would you say the blessing?” Father Peter asked softly.
Rebecca watched as everyone at the table held hands. She slipped her right hand into Jake’s large hand, feeling it close around hers. Warm. Secure, but not too tight.
Heads bowed.
Rebecca’s left hand reached out and she extended a finger to Ben. His tiny fingers wrapped it in that oddly strong grip infants possess.
“Heavenly Father, bless everyone at this table, from the youngest to the oldest.” Jake paused as the priest gave a soft harrumph. “Bless everyone we love who isn’t here with us, guide us all, and keep us strong in faith. Thank you for your grace and your blessings.
“Amen.” The word was quietly repeated. Rebecca’s throat tightened, but the word came out. Jake squeezed her hand gently and then let go.
“Now pass those sweet potatoes, Carrie. I’m starved,” said the priest.
* * * *
Dinner was over, the table cleared, dishes washed. Jake and Rebecca sat on the patio. The smell of the trees, pine and oak, the thick scent of wild honeysuckle, and above all the heady mixture of Rebecca’s soap, shampoo and the scent of her body filled him with contentment.
The sun had lowered in the sky, but it wasn’t quite dusk. If they sat there long enough and night fell, he’d be able to show her the fireflies that lit the shrubs along the edge of the woods. And the stars would fill the sky. He pictured himself and Rebecca stretched out on a blanket under the stars making love.
“A penny for your thoughts.”
Jake turned his head and looked at Rebecca. “Just thinking. I’d like you to see more of this place. Would you take a walk with me in the woods?”
“Right now?”
“Sure. Just a short walk. Mom can watch Ben.” He stood and offered his hand.
Rebecca looked at his hand and then up into his eyes.
“Okay.”
*
She rose and waited as he went inside to set it up with his mom. When he returned, he took her hand and led her to the edge of the woods. As they moved closer, she spotted a worn, narrow path leading into the trees. Walking in front, Jake held the branches back as she passed. The bushes were clear up to waist height, but above that, the limbs and branches of the trees and brush grew denser.
The forest closed in around her, but she wasn’t afraid. Jake was there. Deep shade held them as they walked, leaves and pine needles crunched beneath their feet, and the scent of the trees hung heavy in the air. She felt as if these woods could have existed long ago, ages before any man had stepped foot here.
“Jake. These woods are amazing. They’re so…pristine? Is that the word I’m searching for?”
“Yeah. My dad and granddad went to a lot of trouble to keep this part of the property untouched. We only harvest the trees from the other side of the acreage.”
“It’s beautiful.” She stopped and inhaled deeply. “Everything is so sharp and fresh.”
“Yeah.” Jake’s chest expanded with a lungful of clean, pine-scented air.
Pulling her to him, his hands reached up, entwined in her hair, and tilted her head back. His lips found hers as he kissed her softly.
Rebecca melted. Unable to resist his pull, his taste and the way his body felt against hers, she clung to him to keep herself upright. Why did this man do this to her?
Deciding she didn’t care, she let herself go, and parted her lips to let him inside her mouth. His tongue was gentle as it probed the soft tissue of her lips, then he pulled her bottom lip between his teeth. Heat pooled between her legs. She wanted him, right here and right now.
His hands dropped to her bottom and brought her belly against his erection, thick and hard beneath his jeans. Rebecca moaned as she imagined his cock inside her, making all her fantasies come true. Wrapping her arms around his back, her hands slid over the muscles under his shirt, and she knew she wanted to touch him, flesh to flesh.
Jake brought his head up and stared into her eyes. Two pools of molten chocolate gazed down at her as his breath rasped in his lungs.
“We need to talk.”
“Mm hmm.” She kissed the place on his throat where his shirt was open.
“About Ben.” He put her away from him.
Rebecca opened her eyes and blinked at him. “Ben? You want to talk about Ben?”
“Yeah.” He licked his lips and ran a hand through his hair. “I need to tell you something important.” He paused. “About my family.”
Rebecca’s eyes narrowed. “If this is about giving him the McCallan name, I haven’t decided yet. And I don’t want to be pushed.” She took a step back and leaned against a pine tree. Her hands fel
t the rough bark of the tree and she dug her nails into the large grooves. She couldn’t explain why, but she’d tensed at the tone of his voice.
“This is more than about a name. It’s about my family’s legacy. At least that’s what we’ve always called it.”
“A legacy? Like an inheritance?” She frowned and pushed off from the tree. “I don’t want money, Jake, I told you that. I don’t want anything from your family.” Her voice rose in anger. She’d thought he understood that, and now here he was, going on about money.
“Not money.” He paced in the small space. “It’s sort of like a genetic thing.”
“Genetic?” Her heart jumped into her throat. “Is there something wrong with Ben? Something genetic?” She locked her knees to keep herself upright.
“No, nothing wrong, per se.” He shook his head.
“Per se? Jake, you’re scaring the hell out of me. What is it? Just say it for Christ’s sake!” She wanted to pull it out of him, but she kept her hands clenched at her sides.
“The McCallans came here in the early 1800’s to escape the rest of the world. My great-grandfather bought the original land. My grandfather added more acreage and started the mill.”
“Escape the rest of the world? Why?”
Jake stared at her for a long time and then took a deep breath. She hung on his face, watching for any sign, but all she saw was sadness. “I know this will sound insane, Rebecca, but it’s the truth. The men in my family are werewolves.”
Rebecca stared at him as the world around her contracted to herself, Jake and the two trees they stood under. All sound faded away. The seconds rushed past her and all movement halted.
At last, she could form words. “Werewolf. Like the Wolf Man?” She gave a short tight laugh. “You’re kidding, right?”
“No. Not like the movie. And no, I’m not kidding. The males in my family have the ability to shape shift into wolves.”
“At the full moon?” She couldn’t believe she was having this conversation. Jake seemed so normal, so sane. However, the look in his eyes told her this wasn’t a joke. Therefore, it could only be insanity.
Jesus, I need to get out of here.
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