Betty flipped so her chin rested in her hands. “What changed your mind?”
“I met your brother.”
Betty’s eyes widened with mischief. “Will?”
“Of course not, silly.”
Giggling, Betty punched the pillow.
“He winked at me through the car window when he came to help Father.” The memory brought a smile to her lips.
“He winks at all the girls.”
Barbara swiveled onto her back, hugged the pillow to her chest and stared at the ceiling. “I know that now. But then, I thought he was being fresh.” She squeezed the pillow harder. “And sort of cute. Enough that I couldn’t keep my eyes off him. Much as I hate to admit it, I’ve loved your brother for a year and a half. And he’s not so much as scribbled a line on one of your letters or given me a word of encouragement in all that time.”
Betty’s voice lowered. “Remember what I told you? He gave you the hair combs he’d bought for Grand. He hasn’t done anything so strange as long as I’ve known him. I think he likes you, too. Or did.” She shook her head until curls danced across her brow and tickled the fingers supporting her face. “I’m not sure he likes himself right now.”
* * *
Jackson stared at the shadows the light outside his window made across the ceiling. The cracks had resembled animals when he was small, now they hovered. Instead of a lion, a bear and a crow, they were demons screaming his name, branding him a coward, laughing at him. They had bodies like animals, but their faces resembled Teo Barrymore.
One day at a time. Smile and bow. Kneel and pray. Grin and shake hands. All the rituals expected of him for his sister’s wedding.
Noise downstairs. Will must still be up. Their parents would be furious if his brother made a mess. He slipped on his Levi’s and tugged a T-shirt over his head. Taking the stairs two at a time, he stole to the parlor.
“C’mon, Will. A little more won’t hurt.”
“I said I don’t drink, Teo.” Feet scuffled.
“You did after the movie.”
“Not on purpose. Why don’t you go to your hotel?”
Jack peered around the corner, not wanting to step on Will’s toes. At seventeen, the boy was old enough to handle this himself.
Teo dropped the flask in his pocket and turned. “You and your holier-than-thou family need to lighten up a bit. I’ve never met anyone as uptight as you and your sister. And that brother of yours—”
“You called?” Jackson swallowed down the anger before stepping into view. Entering the room he said, “Like Will told you, I think it’s time for you to leave, Teo.”
“Hey, old man. Didn’t hear you skulking around.” He pulled out the flask. “How about letting bygones be bygones? Here, have a nip.”
Jackson crept a step closer. “Out of the house.” He glanced toward the stairs and lowered his voice. “There won’t be any bygones.”
Teo strode nearer Jackson’s side. “I’ve never understood that, Jack, my boy. I haven’t done a thing to you.”
Blood pounded in Jackson’s ears. He glanced over at Will whose face had gone white. This was his fight alone. One he didn’t plan on losing. He inched forward, fists at his sides, and Teo immediately stepped back.
Jackson let the words slip out a threat. “I won’t have you spoiling the wedding. And you know very well what you did to that girl.”
“Don’t have a clue, buddy-boy, but for Betty’s sake and everyone else’s, we should probably forget the past and move on. You don’t want the wedding spoiled for that pretty little sister of yours, now do you?” He stuffed the flask back in his pocket.
Will’s eyes narrowed. “Jack? Can I help?”
“Go on upstairs.”
Jackson stood in place like a granite wall until Will was out of earshot. “Let’s go, Teo.” With fists tightening at his sides, he moved forward.
“You have interfered in my life one too many times, Jackson. Make this the last.”
Teo’s fist rose inches under Jackson’s nose, but Jack was quicker. With the swiftest flick of his wrist, he wrenched Teo’s hand, pressing the fingers down hard against Teo’s arm.
“I said enough! I may look like a patsy, but, Teo, you’re wrangling with the wrong man. Keep your distance from my sister, from her friend and from my family in general. Just do what you have to do for the wedding and get out of New Hope.”
Teo didn’t say a word, just stared at Jackson’s face. Jerking free of his grasp, Teo turned and marched to the door. In less than a second, he was gone.
A few moments passed while Jackson leaned on the table, his head down. He was messing things up but royally. And Betty’s wedding would feel the brunt of his anger. Noise came from behind him. He flew around, fists up and ready. Will.
His hands dropped as his kid brother drew closer. Jackson smiled, touched Will’s shoulder. “You okay, kid?”
Will’s head hung, shame an unwelcome companion for the Judge men. “I am now. I really didn’t know he put alcohol in my soda at the movies. I thought it tasted kinda funny, but I’ve never had anything to drink before. Don’t tell Dad.”
“S’okay, kid. I know you.” Clasping an arm around Will’s shoulder, he mumbled, “You handled yourself all right. Like a man. I’m proud of you.”
Red-faced, but grinning, Will said, “Thanks.”
Chapter 12
Friday night ushered in another round of celebration. The Barrymores had arranged for a truckload of goodies to be shipped from Chattanooga for the rehearsal dinner. Everything from food to linens to stemware had been packaged and delivered to the church fellowship hall which would serve as the dining room.
Jackson wondered how they had worked around the rationing. Oh, well, they were a good lot, really. Except for their older son. But, of course, no one else knew the truth about him. And could never know for Ted and Betty’s sakes.
Jackson helped unload the dinner boxes before heading back to the house for the actual rehearsal.
Wedding participants arrived at the Judges’ home around five. Jackson leaned against the back porch and watched them all flapping about, doing their best to get the order right the first time through, but all he pictured was a gaggle of geese scurrying back and forth, feathers flying and beaks honking. He snorted back a chuckle.
His eyes never left sight of Teo: Teo walking Barbara down the aisle, Teo escorting her through the house, Teo offering to drive her to the church.
And the lady showed no signs of protesting.
“Thank you, Teo. You’re such a gentleman.”
Ha. Her behavior was enough to make him lose his lunch especially when she let her gaze slide from Teo to him.
What happened to her ability to put a man in his place? Well, he’d watch out for her safety whether she did or not.
Will swung alongside and leaned on Jackson’s shoulder. “How long you gonna let that go on?” Teo and Barbara laughed at some stupid joke. “Probably outta stop it. You know what he’s like.”
“I do know.” Jackson realized too clearly that his brother still stung from last night’s humiliation.
He pulled Will’s hand from his shoulder. “But you, little brother, had better get back. Be a voice of sanity for both of us, okay?” And help me keep close watch over Barbara.
* * *
Convinced Jackson had been spying when Teo escorted her out by the arm, Barbara glanced over her shoulder. No. He didn’t appear to care at all. A bit of guilt about egging Teo on in order to make Jackson jealous stabbed her heart. The deceit rose in her throat and she swallowed it down, pretending she didn’t have a clue where the shame came from. There was a name for girls like this, but she wasn’t really leading Teo on. Was she? She only wanted Jackson to notice her. Admit he loved her. That wasn’t teasing, was it?
Warning bells she chose to ignore clanged in her head. Just ’til after the wedding and then, if Jackson didn’t get the message, she’d let Teo know she had no interest in him. A sort of game. Men played g
ames all the time.
Betty dashed beside her. “Come on, you two. You’re going in the lead car. The place of honor.”
Teo hesitated, looked around, frowned. “But I thought—”
Teddy punched Teo in the arm. “Then you thought wrong, big brother. You and Barbara are guests of honor. Next to us, of course. Let’s go.” He hauled Teo across the yard, out of Barbara’s reach.
In a matter of minutes, all four tumbled from the car and entered the church, Betty and Barbara singing their favorite songs at the top of their voices, arms linked like the best friends they were.
Wonderful scents filtered through the air. “C’mon,” Barbara called, hungry as usual. “Let’s find dinner.”
“Barbara, how do you stay so slim?” Betty gazed in her direction. “I’d be as big as Auntie if I ate like you.”
Teo leaned in. “Seems to work well for you.”
She rolled her eyes.
Two gentlemen in white jackets waited to serve the guests. Pastor McConnaughey offered the prayer and soon everyone dug into chilled lobster salad and crusty rolls. Barbara savored each bite. She hadn’t tasted anything so delicious before. This must have cost the Barrymores more than the church budget for a month. Of course, she wouldn’t ask, but she enjoyed seeing how the other half lived. How she might have lived.
She looked up and squirmed in her seat. Jackson hadn’t taken his eyes from her all night. He glanced her direction when Teo repeated a joke, hoping for a second round of laughs. He stared when Teo leaned toward her to answer a question. And he glared when Teo dared touch her arm in response to a story she had told him. The plan was working better than she’d expected.
If only he’d look away for a minute. Stop his intense scrutiny of her every move. Well, wasn’t that what she had wanted? Her emotions swam through her head in dizzying circles.
And he didn’t stare like he wanted to tear Teo apart; he had the audacity to smirk at them. Well, she’d put a stop to this silly game. She’d made her point. He did care about her. And once the wedding was over, she’d be done with Teo.
After delicate fruit tarts, tea and coffee had been served, Barbara excused herself and stepped onto the porch of the church, hoping Jackson would follow suit.
The deep voice. His presence unmistakable as he drew up behind her. “Are you really such a little fool?” His fingers, like talons on her arm, speared the tender skin.
She attempted to slip away, but his grip tightened and spun her to him. She knew better than to fight against his angry grasp. Trapped in his hold, she waited.
He glared, but no words accompanied the expression. Looking away so she didn’t have to feel the rage emanating from his eyes, she held back. She couldn’t very well deny she’d played the part of a fool.
Finally, he leaned toward her ever so slightly. She was sure he was going to kiss her. Maybe he’d admit he loved her. All the worries she’d harbored would be gone. She closed her eyes, held her breath and hoped.
Instead, he whispered close enough to her ear that she felt the warmth of his breath on her cheek and neck. “In games, Barbara, there are winners and losers. Nothing in between. I’ll say this only once.” Warmth or no warmth, she shivered. “Don’t be the loser in Teo’s game.” He lifted her to her toes. Her eyes popped open so she had to stare him in the face. “You have no idea how well Teo plays.”
* * *
Betty giggled until tears poured from her eyes. At this rate, they weren’t likely to get any sleep. Barbara had escaped being alone with Teo because they’d ridden home with Betty and Ted. She hadn’t seen Jackson again after his warning.
Too much excitement for one night. But her main job as maid of honor was to keep Betty happy. All thoughts of Teo and Jackson disappeared once Betty started talking. “A new car. A 1942 Ford Super dee-luxe convertible. Wasn’t she beautiful?”
Barbara could barely believe the Barrymores’ gift. But then again, the Judges had given the couple a whole house. Barbara had breathed a sigh of relief seeing their smiles when she had given the couple the Breitling watches, convinced they loved them as much as the car.
Betty exhaled with a dreamy sigh and gave the faraway look Barbara recognized as thoughts of Teddy. “Barbara, could I ask a huge favor? I don’t think I’m ever going to sleep. If you happen to be going downstairs, maybe get me some warm milk?”
“Ooh. She thinks she’s the Queen of England. Your wish is my command.” And with a deep bow, Barbara shot her a look. They started giggling all over again as Barbara slipped into her slacks and a sweater.
She pulled the sweater close against the unexpected chill and drew on fuzzy mules from under her bed. “Give me a minute. And if you’re asleep when I get back...well, I’ll think of something dire to do to you.”
“Not dire. Not the night before my wedding.” Betty threw her pillow and fell off the side of the bed. “Oh, look at the mess I’m making.” She clamored back under the quilts and pulled them up to her chin, a childish grin deepening her dimples. “I guess after tonight, I have to grow up whether I want to or not.”
Barbara crept to the kitchen and checked around the edges of the door. No light on. Glad she wouldn’t have to face Jackson, she slipped inside as quietly as possible. It took a few seconds for her eyes to adjust.
And her nose to catch a whiff of fresh coffee and...Jackson. Holding a cup and a cookie, he sat in the dark.
“I didn’t see a light. Sorry. Betty asked for some warm milk.”
He didn’t utter a word. Just sipped his coffee.
She opened the refrigerator and poured milk into the pan. This was becoming a nightly ritual. “I’ll leave in a minute.”
He lifted the cup to his lips. “Fine with me.”
“It was a lovely dinner, wasn’t it?”
“As dinners go.” Jackson wiped his mouth, rose and strolled to the window overlooking the gazebo.
“You’re teasing, right? I mean, lobster and those fruit tarts. I’ve never in my life tasted anything so delicious.”
Finally turning her back on him, Barbara stirred the milk so it wouldn’t scorch. “I think it’s going to be a beautiful wedding.” She chewed the edge of her lip. This silent treatment drove her crazy and was so unfair. “I’m happy for them. Aren’t you?”
Nothing.
Fire rose in her belly. He couldn’t be more rude if he had hung out a sign that said Barbara Richardson, go home. “But then again, they understand the concept of love, don’t they? Of course they will be happy. Why not? It’s not as if they pretend the other doesn’t exist.” She put down the spoon and stomped her foot, eyes glaring into his back. Anger, anything would be better than ignoring her this way. “Well, what do you have to say for yourself?”
He turned, stared long and hard at her. Electricity sparked in the air until Barbara swore the earth trembled.
The clock in the parlor struck midnight, jarring the silence. His lip curled, brows slanted down, deep—deeper. In two strides, he covered the distance between them. With one motion, he grasped her arm and pulled her close. Thunder poured from his mouth. “Listen to me. Find someone who can give you everything you deserve. A good life. That person isn’t me. I don’t love you.” His fingers tightened. “Please, leave me alone.”
Her fingers quickly sought to cover his hand. “I know why you’re doing this. Jackson, no one who loves you cares about a couple of scars.”
He pushed her from him. “A couple of scars?” Whipping up his shirt sleeves and holding his arms in front of her face, he said, “Look at me. My hands. My arms.” He ran fingers over the scar on his forehead. “My face.”
“No one thinks you’re different, Jackson. No one but yourself.”
His laugh came out a hideous rumble and frightened her. He seemed to change before her eyes. Oh, Jackson. Why can’t you get past this pain?
Her heart slammed into her ribs and beat with an abnormal rhythm. Breaths exploded in her lungs and she fought to control and steady them. She had to think
. Say the right thing or scare him off for good.
“Jackson.” She reached out with shaking fingers and traced the scar that ran the length of his face. When she came to his lip, she fluttered her fingers over the cut. “I’m sorry this haunts you, but it’s only a wound. One that will heal given enough time. I’m a firm believer all things happen for a reason.”
“Barbara, stop.” He reached for her hand and tried to pull it away.
But she wouldn’t budge. He had to know she wasn’t afraid to touch him. She kissed her fingertips and skimmed them across the scar on his mouth. Then she leaned in.
* * *
Make her stop, Lord. I can only take so much. He spun away from the gentle touch. Walked back to the window. Accepted his fate. A life alone, without Barbara. “They happen for a reason all right. So men of power could take what they wanted.”
The burner sputtered and died before he heard her step toward the window—and him. Long arms wrapped from his back to his chest. He felt her face press into the fabric of his shirt. She stayed, her cheek to his back, until her warmth eased through the cotton shirt and calmed him. If only he could allow her to remain right there for the rest of her life. Those were selfish dreams. Maybe she would change her mind when she returned home. After all, Elliott VanDusen could give her so much. They might run away to New York so his business would grow and she could sing on stage.
No, that wasn’t Barbara. She might want to sing, but she wasn’t some prima donna who needed money and prestige.
“You tried to help, Jackson.” Her words hummed against his back. “All any of us can do is try. You’re so hard on yourself.”
His muscles stiffened under her chin. She’d said enough. But he couldn’t walk away. He loved this woman more than his own flesh and wished he could let her help him get through life. But he loved her too much to let her wither away with him.
When she tightened her grip from behind him, her palms pressed into his chest. If she tightened them any more, he’d surrender. Jackson drew in a deep breath and held it. The sudden rush of air over his lips vaulted him to action. His hands eased over hers and lifted the soft fingers from his chest. He put palms against the window frame and leaned away from her. This was his last chance to dissuade her.
With Eyes of Love (Heartsong Presents) Page 11