by Lenora Worth
“Yes.” She was thankful for him. “And I appreciate this more than you will ever know.”
“This is my pleasure,” he replied. “I wanted to have dinner with you, to get to know you, since the first time I saw you out here in the rain.”
Her throat caught again, tightening with emotion. “Really? I thought for sure you disliked me on sight.”
He leaned forward. “I thought that, too. But don’t you see it? Don’t you feel it? You’re a beautiful, smart, talented woman.”
She lowered her eyes and stared at her plate. “Funny, I haven’t felt that way in a long time. I always seem to have dirt underneath my fingernails.”
He took one of her hands in his, studied her fingers. “I don’t see any dirt. You have graceful hands.”
She pulled away and rubbed her hands together. “I have callused hands. I don’t have time to pamper myself.”
“Then it’s high time you did. Did having cancer cause you to become insecure?”
She lifted her head again, reality clouding out any fairy-tale thoughts. “No, but having a husband who couldn’t handle me having cancer kind of messed with my head.”
“I’m not like him,” Tomas replied. “You need to remember that.” Then he took her hand again, gave it a quick peck and let go. “Now eat your dinner and enjoy being pampered. And when we’re finished, I’ll show you my home.”
* * *
An hour later, Tomas guided her up the path to the front door. “Did you enjoy dinner?”
“Yes,” she said, her long hair flowing around her face and neck like threads of sunshine. “My compliments to the chef.”
He laughed at that. Callie had such a wry sense of humor, it was hard not to laugh. He decided he should laugh more often.
“Your sister is talented, but all of the Blanchard women seem to be blessed with talent.”
“Thank you,” she replied while she waited for him to open the front door. “I can’t wait to see what Brenna did with all the art she purchased for you. She talked about it with such glee. We tried to get her to sneak us out here for a peek, but she refused. She’s very loyal to Nick and you.”
“She’s a good employee. I’m glad Nick convinced her to not only marry him, but to work with him, too.”
Callie stared up at the mural as they entered the dining room. “She told me about this. They had it restored. Oh, Tomas, it’s beautiful.”
Tomas gazed at the big long wall where a scene from long ago played out in vivid detail that showcased a steamboat out in the bayou, men in formal dress and women in colorful, crinoline gowns, and the gardens of Fleur House in full bloom. “I had to get used to it, but it fits the mood of this room.”
Callie rushed to the wall, her hand touching on the mural. “I can just picture someone from the Dubois family walking in the gardens like this, long ago.”
He stood back, a brush of anger rising up in him like a rebellious wave. “So can I.”
She must have sensed his distaste. Callie whirled to stare at him. “Do you like the mural?”
“I like the mural,” he said, smiling over at her. “And I especially love seeing you standing there by the mural.”
She lowered her head, shy again. “I don’t know what to say to that.”
She had those moments when she went from being an impassioned gardener to a timid woman. But when she combined the two into the gentle soul that she was, she took his breath away. Tonight, in that demure floral, flowing dress with her hair falling around her shoulders, she looked perfect in his eyes.
Without stopping to consider the consequences, he marched toward her, took her into his arms and lowered his head so he could kiss her. When his lips touched on hers, a great whispering sigh of peace seemed to move through his body. He heard and felt that same sigh in the way she responded.
Her lips felt like home.
Chapter Eleven
Callie lifted away to stare at the man who’d just kissed her. She couldn’t speak, couldn’t think. Tomas had awakened something inside her that she’d tried to hide.
Her heart.
She’d lost her heart to breast cancer and to the agony of going through a divorce. Once the dust had settled, and she’d survived, she’d given herself a solemn, silent vow to never go through that much trauma again. Ever.
And now she feared she’d lose herself all over again. But her heart couldn’t take being broken a second time. So she stood back, her mind in turmoil. Had she wanted this to happen? Hadn’t she known that going on an actual date with this man might lead to trouble? To this?
She stared at Tomas now, all the warning signs flashing through her mind like a storm alert. But that kiss, now that qualified for a sea full of good sailing.
Tomas must have felt some of the same sensations. He looked hopeful then confused. “Callie?”
“I don’t know about this,” she sputtered. “I mean, I know that you and I...have kind of been dancing around this...for weeks now, but I’m not so sure I’m ready.” She stared up at him again, a choked gulp of an inhale rasping in her throat. “I’m not ready, Tomas.”
He put his hands in the pockets of his pants and rocked back on his heels. “I didn’t think I was ready, either, but...Callie...I’m not going to make demands on you. And I’m not going anywhere.”
She put her hands together, shook her head. “But you’re you and I’m...just me.”
He grabbed her, his hands gentle on her upper arms. “Just you? You are amazing, beautiful. I’m not playing you, Callie. You don’t understand what this means to me.”
“I think I do,” she replied, shaking her head. “But that scares me. I don’t want to feel this way, to depend on you. I can’t depend on you.”
“Because you think I’ll hurt you?”
She nodded and tugged herself out of his embrace. “Yes. And because I’ll take things to heart and then, bam, you’ll be gone again or you’ll figure out I’m not worth your time.”
“Don’t say that,” he retorted, the words sharp-edged. “Don’t think you’ve got me all figured out. Do you know what it took for me to invite you here, for me to finally kiss you?”
She looked down then turned back toward the mural. “If you’re feeling the way I do right now, it took courage and guts and a leap of faith.”
“Yes. Yes.” He inhaled a breath, waited. “Callie?”
Callie turned back to face him. “Tomas, I didn’t mean to hurt you or reject you. It’s me. I’m scared, so scared.” She lowered her head, her eyes downcast. “When I got married, I thought it was for keeps. But...my marriage wasn’t strong enough to sustain cancer. My husband couldn’t love me enough to get past my operation and my chemo and all the things that go with that.” She looked up and into Tomas’s eyes. “It wasn’t enough for him. I wasn’t enough.”
He came to her then, taking her back into his arms. “Don’t be scared. I won’t hurt you. I just want to soak you up like that sunshine you love. Just let me try, Callie. You are enough for me. Please?”
Callie could see the sincerity in his eyes. She knew the cost of that kiss. He was a quiet, tormented man but he’d stepped out of that shell tonight. For her? Yes, for her. Should she push him away or should she enjoy their time together, no matter the outcome?
What should I do, Lord?
Her silent prayer whispered against the night.
What should she do?
Did she deserve to be with this man?
“I don’t know.”
“Neither do I,” Tomas admitted. He took her hand. “Let’s walk around the house. Just put that kiss out of your mind and I’ll give you the nickel tour. Then I’ll take you home. You can think about this—about us—and I won’t pressure you. I won’t.”
He didn’t sound so sure.
A
nd honestly, if he tried to kiss her again, Callie wasn’t so sure she’d be able to stop him. His kiss had been so gentle, so tender, so rich with promise and warmth and peace, that she wanted to feel his lips on hers over and over.
Patience.
She heard the one word and knew she had to be careful here.
“Okay,” she finally said. “We’ll just see where things go. But no pressure, no promises, no guarantees.”
He gave her a steady stare. “I’ll take it.”
She smiled, willing her heart to slow down. “Now, let’s finish this tour before I change my mind and run out the door.”
“I kidnapped you, remember. And it’s a long walk back to town.”
“Oh, right.” She smiled at that. “I guess I have to trust that you’ll get me home safely.”
“I will,” he said. “That’s one promise I can keep.”
Callie took his hand and forced herself to a scattered calm. “Okay. Where is this sunroom Brenna went on and on about?”
* * *
Tomas willed his heart to move from a chaotic beating to a slow simmer. He’d always heard of people feeling an electric awareness when they met someone and fell in love. And after that kiss, he’d certainly felt some sort of charge shooting through his veins, giving him a new life.
Was he overreacting? Being silly? Being foolish?
Maybe all of that and more.
He’d told himself to stay away, to let Callie alone. And yet, each time he saw her he somehow managed to be near her. Earlier today after she’d left, something inside him had gone dark. He missed her being in the garden.
He wanted her here with him more and more, even when against his better judgment. He liked the way he felt right now. He liked holding Callie’s hand and touching on her calluses. He wanted this to work, somehow.
But could it work? Could he be the man this woman deserved and still hold on to his need to get even?
I’m in trouble, he thought as he guided her through the rambling house. But he laughed and explained things and showed off rare artifacts and antiques and bragged on her sister Brenna’s good taste in art. They moved from downstairs to the second floor, so he showed her the many bedrooms and bathrooms and the dainty sunroom that overlooked the back gardens.
When they reached the sunroom, he stopped. “It’s not quite finished, but you can have a look if you’d like. The upstairs balcony is just off this room and I have a smaller balcony off my room.”
Callie’s eyes widened as she whirled around in the oval sunroom. “I’ve always wanted to stand on that curved balcony and pretend I’m a princess.”
He opened the double French doors into the room with a flourish. “Allow me, Princess Callie.”
Her giggle reminded him of tiny bells tinkling on the wind.
“What a beautiful room,” she said, her voice full of surprise. She glanced around, her back to the many windows now, and took in the muted walls and the chunky art. Then she stared up at the long empty wall opposite the windows. “You need a portrait right there over that rattan sofa. Something to bring the room together.”
He had to smile at that. “Brenna told me the same thing. And I do have a portrait in mind, but the owner isn’t ready to sell it yet.”
“Oh, I see,” she said with a grin. “You figure you’ll wear somebody down until they name their price?”
“That’s the plan,” he retorted, thinking of the painting of her that Brenna had shown him. “C’mon. I’ll show you the balcony.”
He led her to the next set of French doors and opened them wide. The night shone down on them in shades of moonlight and mauve. The crescent moon seemed to hang suspended over the trees, waiting for them to reach out and touch it. The scent of jasmine and wisteria sauntered through the air. The big oaks swayed just enough to show off the veiled Spanish moss. And out beyond the grounds, the bayou gurgled toward the bay in a soft, never-ending rhythm.
He watched as Callie rushed to the stone balustrades and lifted her head to the sky. She breathed deeply and let out a contented sigh. “It’s even more beautiful than I imagined.”
Tomas was already half in love with her, but now, right now, standing here with her in the moonlight, he knew without a doubt that he wanted to be completely in love with her. And he wanted her to feel the same about him. But would she once she knew the truth?
Unable to move, he leaned back against a wrought-iron table and enjoyed seeing his favorite view through the eyes of his favorite person. He envisioned her standing just like this for at least the next fifty years.
He imagined going to her, giving her a sprig of flowers and a fresh cup of coffee, then turning her in his arms and telling her how much he loved her.
“Why so standoffish? Tomas?”
Tomas blinked and realized she’d turned toward him, her hand out. “Come over here by me.”
An invitation? Or just Callie being Callie?
He walked toward her, his hand reaching for hers. Without a word they stood together, shoulder to shoulder, and listened to the night. Bullfrogs croaking, an owl hooting far off in the bayou, night critters playing through the shrubbery, and the wind whispering a sweet melody through the trees. The night world was alive and thriving and for this brief time, so was Tomas.
Callie turned to him, her eyes misty. “Thank you. Thank you for a perfect night.”
Tomas pulled her close and touched his hand to her cheek. “Why are you crying?”
“I don’t know. It’s just...so beautiful.”
He had to kiss her again. He had to capture her essence and hold it close to his heart until he could convince her to come here and be his forever. So he leaned down and drew her near and touched his lips to hers, holding back until she met him and kissed him with a sweet acceptance.
He drew back and brushed at her tears. “We’ll take it slow.”
“Uh-huh.” She feathered his jawline with petal-soft kisses. “We’ll get to know each other even better.”
“Yes. We have all the time in the world.”
“You won’t hurt me, will you, Tomas?”
“Never. I’d never do anything to hurt you.”
“You don’t have to promise me anything. Just...show me.”
He held her tight to show her this was real.
When she pulled away this time, she had a new confidence. She drew close and turned to stand with her back against his chest, allowing him to tug her close and hold her with his arms around her stomach.
“I’ll never forget this night,” she said, her whisper full of hope and awe. “All those times I dreamed of walking through Fleur House, but I never imagined someone like you being here with me. That makes it so much more special.”
“So you like my house?”
She shifted and turned back toward him. “It’s not about the house, Tomas. It’s about the home. All those times I thought about living in this house, that was just a fantasy. But having a life, a real life with someone who understands me and gets me, well, that’s not a fantasy. That’s a dream come true.”
Tomas pulled her around and hugged her tight. “I feel the same. I’ve lived in lots of places, but this feels like home.”
Callie laid her head on his shoulder and they stood there for a long time, absorbing the night, adjusting to each other, doing a kind of slow dance to the wind’s music.
“I don’t want to go,” she said, “but I have a busy day tomorrow.”
He glanced down at her, already missing her. “Of course. I had a really nice time.”
“Me, too.” She took his hand as they strolled back toward the open doors. “Tell Margie and Eunice I appreciate them. Better yet, I’ll send them some flowers tomorrow, to show them.”
“I’ll let them know. And I’ll have to thank Alma and Winnie and Pretty
Mollie.”
“Just thank the whole town since it seems they were all in on this.”
“Good idea.”
He walked with her, turning off lights and holding her hand tight, his thoughts swirling like that gentle wind. He did have a lot to be thankful for. But he also had a lot for which to ask forgiveness.
Maybe it was time he started paying more attention to all the signals God was sending him.
Maybe it was time for him to begin searching for some sort of salvation instead of plotting for revenge and retribution.
Chapter Twelve
“Your smile is dreamy.”
Callie looked over at her sister. Alma watched the road, but she was grinning. “That must mean you had a nice time with Tomas,” Alma continued.
“I did.” Callie went back to watching the countryside fly by. They were on I-10 headed to her doctor’s office in New Orleans. “The food was great, of course. We ate in the gazebo. The night was perfect, cool, with a gentle breeze, candles all around. The mosquitoes didn’t bother us.”
“I ordered them to stay away,” Alma replied. “But forget the bugs. Tell me the good stuff.”
“I think I’m in trouble,” Callie confessed.
Misunderstanding, Alma shook her head. “It’s just a yearly follow-up checkup, honey. You’re fine. Nothing to worry about. Dr. Griffin always calls you back in for a chat after your regular checkups, just to reassure you.”
“I’m not worried about my checkup,” Callie replied. “I’m worried about Tomas. He kissed me.”
Alma hit a hand to the steering wheel on her little car. “That’s what I’m talking about.”
“No, that’s not what you’re talking about. You can’t tell anyone. We decided to take things slow. To be sure.”
“How sure do you need to be?” Alma asked, her eyes bright with hope. “I mean, you’re happy this morning.”
“Remember when Julien decided he wanted you back? You took your own sweet time letting him get you.”
“Oh, yeah. Right. I guess I can understand your being hesitant after what you went through with Dewayne. But Tomas is a very decisive man. And it sounds as if he’s decided on you.”