The Harvest

by Gail Gaymer Martin

  His heart picked up speed. At this point he would have agreed to prune juice if it meant he could stay longer. “With marshmallows?”

  Her smile widened. “I think that can be arranged.”

  In only a matter of minutes Nick sat on the sofa in front of a roaring fire with Grace beside him and a steaming cup of cocoa topped with marshmallows in his hand.

  Nick heaved a contented sigh. It didn’t get much better than this.

  His gaze strayed to Grace’s mouth. Her last sip of cocoa had left a thin film of sticky marshmallow on her top lip.

  He’d promised himself that he wouldn’t kiss her until he was walking out the door. But the urge to taste the tantalizing sweetness tugged at his resolve.

  Placing his drink on the end table, Nick turned to Grace. “I’ve had the best evening.”

  “Me, too.” Grace’s tongue swept her lips, removing most of the marshmallow residue, and Nick groaned with frustration.

  Grace’s brows pulled together and worry filled her gaze. “Are you okay?”

  “I will be.” He lowered his mouth to hers. The marshmallows were gone but her lips still tasted sweet. And one taste was not enough. Not for Nick. And not for Grace, either, judging by her response. She kissed him back, her mouth pressed eagerly against his.

  They sat on the overstuffed cushions and kissed until the hot cocoa grew cold and the fire in the hearth was reduced to glowing embers.

  Though Nick could have kissed her forever, the feelings stirring inside him warned that he’d better leave. He didn’t want to let things get out of hand. Not when she was beginning to trust him.

  “I need to go.” Nick released his hold on her and sat back.

  Grace fought a surge of disappointment. As much she knew it was a good idea for him to leave before things intensified even more, Grace hated to see the evening end. The whole night had been filled with a certain magic.

  And it wasn’t just kissing Nick that generated the magic. She’d enjoyed the intimate dinner and conversation immensely. It was amazing how much they had in common.

  They both wanted three children and believed that a mother’s place was in the home. Though many of Grace’s friends were working moms and wouldn’t have it any other way, Grace had always dreamed of staying home with her children.

  She’d been surprised to find Nick shared her traditional beliefs. Though they’d spoken of their future dreams in only the most general of terms, for a moment Grace had found herself picturing what their children would look like—a little boy with her green eyes or a little girl with Nick’s dark hair.

  She’d visualized herself living in Hazelwood, taking care of the children and making a house a home. She would have time to participate in church activities and put the skills she’d acquired in her gourmet cooking class to good use. But the evenings would be their time. When Nick came home she’d be waiting. And late at night, nestled in her husband’s arms she’d thank God for sending her the man of her dreams.

  “It’s late. I’d better get going.” Nick stood abruptly. “Tomorrow will come all too soon.”

  “Will I see you tomorrow?” Grace reluctantly stood, and the words slipped past her lips before she had a chance to stop them.

  Nick shook his head and regret laced his handsome features. “I have an event at the country club. Melanie, an old friend of mine, is in charge of a fund-raiser to benefit the music program at one of the local high schools. She asked me months ago to be her escort. Plus Sara is performing.”

  The lovely fantasy that Grace had spun only moments before shattered into a thousand pieces. Her smile froze on her face.

  “It would have been fun to meet your sister-in-law,” Grace said, pleased she could sound so offhand. “She’s Sara Michaels, right? The Christian singer?”

  “That’s right,” Nick said. “She’s married to my brother Sal. He’ll be there, too. In fact the whole family will be out in force.”

  And your old girlfriend will be on your arm.

  Grace had seen Melanie’s picture in the society column several times and though she couldn’t visualize exactly what Melanie looked like, three words stuck in her mind: tall, blond and gorgeous. Melanie and Nick were perfect together.

  Grace’s heart sank. How could she have thought for even one minute that she could compete with such a woman? Her father was a farmer. She worked at a free clinic for the indigent. She’d never fit in with the country club crowd.

  It was time she took charge of the situation and broke it off now. But the words died on her lips when Nick pulled her into his arms and murmured how much he was going to miss her.

  A tight band gripped Grace’s heart, and when Nick kissed her she had to close her eyes against the sudden tears. She returned his kiss with extra fervor, hating herself for being so weak.

  How had she ever let herself fall in love with Nick Tucci?

  Chapter Seven

  “I’m so glad you invited me over this evening,” Nellie said, handing Grace her coat. “It seems like forever since we’ve spent any time together.”

  Grace hung her aunt’s coat in the hall closet and shut the door. “I’m just glad you were free. I thought you and Paul might be going to that fund-raiser at the country club.”

  Grace hoped Nellie wouldn’t pick up the tension in her voice but her aunt just smiled and followed Grace into the living room.

  “We were planning to, but a friend of Paul’s from medical school called and said he’d be in town and wanted to get together. Paul was going to turn him down, but I told him there would be lots of other events we could attend together.”

  Grace thought about reminding her aunt that she’d be going back to Iowa in a few weeks, but she kept silent. She wanted this to be a relaxing evening and arguing with Nellie wasn’t the way to make that happen.

  “Nicholas looked so handsome in his tuxedo.” Nellie took a seat on the sofa. “Why didn’t you go with him?”

  Grace took a seat in the chair. “Nick is escorting his old girlfriend. I imagine after tonight they’ll be back together and I won’t be seeing him anymore.”

  Though the words visibly surprised her aunt, they surprised Grace even more. She’d never intended to voice her deepest fears.

  “Oh, Gracie.” Nellie’s eyes filled with concern. “I don’t know why he’s with another woman tonight, but I do know you don’t need to worry. Nicholas loves you.”

  Her aunt said the words with such conviction that Grace couldn’t stop the flare of hope that rose inside her. “Did he tell you that?”

  “He didn’t have to.” Nellie covered Grace’s hand with her own. “I can see it in his eyes, the way he looks at you.”

  Nellie continued to talk, but Grace tuned her out. After all, her aunt’s words were merely the ramblings of an incurable romantic, one who lived in a fantasy world where men were honorable and happily-ever-after was part of the picture.

  “…I’m going to stay.”

  The unexpected words jolted Grace back to reality. “Stay?”

  “Yes, my dear.” Nellie smiled. “I’m staying in St. Louis.”

  Grace widened her gaze. “But you have to go back.”

  Nellie laughed as if Grace had said something terribly witty, instead of something that made complete sense.

  “What about the library?” Grace asked. “You’re just going to walk away from that?”

  “I think it will get along quite nicely without me,” Nellie said with a wry smile. “Anyway, Mable Applebee has wanted to be head librarian for years.”

  “But what about my mom?” Grace asked, a tinge of desperation in her tone. Her aunt had always been one of the most sensible women Grace knew. For her to make such a rash decision was totally out of character. “You two are best friends.”

  “Margaret and I will always be close,” Nellie said, “but she’s as excited about the changes in my life as I am.”

  “Mom thinks it’s a good idea for you to stay in St. Louis?” Grace said slowly, skepticism e
vident in her tone.

  Nellie’s smile widened. “Margaret knows a bride needs to be with her husband.”

  “Bride?” Grace shook her head as if that would clear the confusion. “What are you talking about?”

  “Paul and I are getting married.”

  Nellie’s tone was matter-of-fact but Grace noticed her aunt’s flushed cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes.

  “You’re engaged?”

  “It’s official.” Nellie held out her left hand and for the first time Grace saw the large marquis-cut diamond.

  At the sight of the huge stone, Grace’s mouth dropped open. She snapped it shut. She’d had no idea Nellie and Paul were so serious.

  “We’re getting married on the twenty-fourth.”

  “Christmas Eve?” Grace’s words came out as a high-pitched squeak. “That’s next Thursday.”

  “It was Paul’s idea. He says all he wants for Christmas is me.” Nellie’s blush deepened.

  Grace sat back in the chair. She couldn’t believe it. Her aunt—her maiden aunt—was going to marry a man she’d just met. Since Grace’s own mother had apparently given her blessing, that left Grace to be the voice of reason. Men could be cruel and the last thing she wanted was to see her aunt hurt. “But you barely know the guy. Aunt Nellie, you have to be sensible.”

  “I don’t need to be anything but happy,” Nellie said firmly, meeting Grace’s gaze. “I love Paul. And he loves me.”

  Grace stifled a groan. Her aunt was even more of a romantic than she’d thought. “But you two just met.”

  “You know when it’s right.” Her aunt lifted her chin in a stubborn gesture. “Take you and Nicholas for example. Can you honestly tell me that you didn’t know right off the bat that he was the one for you?”

  The tantalizing option of lying hung before Grace, but Nellie had been honest and Grace owed her the same courtesy.

  “I knew I loved him within days,” Grace said reluctantly. “What I’ve never been sure of is how he feels about me.”

  The words were out in the open now, like cards lying face-up on the table.

  Nellie stared at her for a long moment. “Have you told Nicholas you love him?”

  Grace shook her head. She hadn’t been able to control her heart but thankfully she had been able to keep her mouth shut. That way, when he dumped her, she would at least have her pride.

  “You’re afraid, aren’t you?” Compassion and love filled Nellie’s gaze. “Afraid he doesn’t love you back?”

  Something inside Grace exploded. “Of course I’m afraid. Look at me. Look at him. He could have any woman he wants. I’d be stupid to think he’d ever pick me.”

  Tears welled up in her eyes but Grace refused to cry. Still, when her aunt opened her purse and pulled out a tissue, Grace took it.

  Grace expected her aunt to at least offer a token protest, maybe tell her she was being foolish, that she was perfect for him and he did love her. But Nellie did none of these things. Instead her aunt’s gaze turned sharp and assessing.

  “Tell me about Nicholas,” Nellie said abruptly. “Tell me what you like about him.”

  Grace didn’t know where Nellie was going with this, but she decided to humor her aunt.

  “Nick is a genuinely nice guy,” Grace began. “He doesn’t judge people, he…”

  Once Grace started talking, she couldn’t seem to stop. She told Nellie about the fun the two of them had together, the way he made her laugh when she was blue, the common values and faith they shared.

  After Grace finished, there wasn’t a shred of doubt in either woman’s mind about the depth of Grace’s feelings.

  “Nicholas sounds like a wonderful man,” Nellie said.

  “He certainly is.” Grace heaved a heavy sigh.

  “Do you realize,” Nellie said, “that when you were listing his virtues, you never once mentioned how handsome he is?”

  “That’s because it goes without saying,” Grace said.

  “Gracie, I’m trying to make a point and you’re not helping.”

  Nellie’s indignant tone made Grace smile. “I’m sorry. What’s your point?”

  “That you don’t love Nicholas for his looks, but for who he is.” Nellie pointed her finger at Grace for extra emphasis.

  “I see what you’re saying,” Grace said. “That it’s the internal stuff that counts. And I agree. But it’s one-sided. Men love beautiful women.”

  “Are you saying Nicholas is shallow?” Nellie lifted a brow, surprise evident in her tone.

  “All men are shallow, Aunt Nellie,” Grace said finally. “And Nick is a man. You do the math.”

  All men are shallow.

  Grace shut her eyes and willed herself to go to sleep. She’d already tried counting sheep and progressive relaxation. But though she was exhausted, sleep eluded her. She kept thinking of what she’d told her aunt.

  Though she hadn’t wanted to make Nick look bad by saying he was shallow, she also hadn’t wanted to admit her real fear—that Nick just didn’t want her. That maybe it wasn’t her appearance at all. That maybe she just wasn’t smart enough, or interesting enough, to keep Nick’s attention.

  She was scared to admit how much she cared, because she couldn’t take it if he didn’t feel the same. And now she had the added fear that he was getting back together with his old girlfriend.

  She forced the thought from her mind and reminded herself that whatever happened would be God’s will.

  Grace rested her head on the pillow and closed her eyes. Dear God. Please let me accept the fact that You know what’s best for me. That You have a plan for my life. That—

  Grace stiffened and the prayer died on her lips. Was someone at her door?

  She held her breath and listened. A light tapping sound echoed through the silent rooms and icy fingers of fear traveled up her spine.

  Her apartment was on the second floor and the stairway was open to the outside. Anyone could be out there. For the first time since she’d moved in, Grace wished she lived in a secured building.

  She shifted her gaze to the phone. She could call the police, but what would she say? Someone’s knocking at my front door?

  Grabbing her robe from the end of the bed, Grace wrapped it tightly around her and moved quietly to the living room. The apartment might not have a security system, but thankfully her door did have a dead bolt and a peephole.

  Grace held her breath and peered through the hole. When she saw who it was, the breath she’d been holding came out in a whoosh. Flipping the dead bolt, Grace pulled open the door. “Nick. What are you doing here?”

  He smiled. “I thought I’d stop by and say hello.”

  Grace glanced at the clock on the wall. “It’s two-thirty in the morning.”

  His smile never faltered. “Does that mean I can’t come in?”

  Grace hesitated only a second. She waved him in and shut the door against the cold.

  He’d barely gotten inside before he turned toward her. Suddenly the large living room seemed too small.

  Nellie was right. He did look fantastic in his tux. His broad shoulders filled out the dark jacket and fit him so perfectly it almost looked hand-tailored. And to top it off, he smelled wonderful. His cologne was a popular men’s fragrance and one of her favorites.

  Though the hardwood floor was cold against her bare feet and a cool chill hung in the air, a delicious warmth filled Grace. She cleared her throat and forced a nonchalant air.

  “Would you like something to drink?” she asked, walking toward the kitchen.

  Nick shook his head. “I’m fine. Anyway, I didn’t come over for that.”

  “Then why did you come?” Grace stopped and took a seat in the room’s only chair, leaving him no choice but to sit on the sofa.

  “Because I missed you,” he repeated with a rueful grin. “I know it sounds corny, but all night all I could think of was you.”

  “Sounds like your little reunion with Melanie didn’t go well.” Grace crossed her legs.
If he thought he could spend all evening with his old girlfriend and then come over and she’d fall into his arms, he was mistaken.

  “Melanie was fine,” Nick said with a dismissive wave. “Other than she had some crazy idea we were getting back together.”

  “Hmm.” Grace lifted a finger to her lips. “I wonder what could have given her that idea? Maybe because you were her date for such an important function—”

  “I told you, she asked me,” Nick interrupted.

  “And you said yes,” Grace pointed out. “Knowing how much she likes you, you still said yes.”

  “I was doing her a favor.”

  Grace gave an unladylike snort. “She’s a beautiful woman. She could have easily found another escort.”

  Nick raked a hand through his hair. “You don’t understand.”

  Grace stood and walked to the door. Beneath her robe her legs were trembling, but when she spoke her voice was calm. She was not going to let herself get hurt again. “You’re right. I don’t understand. You take your old girlfriend to one of the biggest parties of the year, then you come over here in the middle of the night and expect me to fall all over you. I can tell you one thing. It ain’t gonna happen.”

  “What’s going on?” Nick’s lips tightened. “You said you understood about tonight.”

  Grace’s hand rested on the doorknob. “I thought I did, but your coming over here tonight made me realize I had it all wrong.”

  Nick stood and stared, not saying a word.

  “You don’t care about me,” Grace said matter-of-factly, the words tearing at her heart. “If you did, you would have taken me tonight. I would have been the one at your side. I would have been the one meeting your family and friends. But no, I’m only good enough for some after-hours kissing.”

  “Grace.” Nick crossed the room in several strides. But when he reached for her, Grace stepped back and opened the door.

  “Goodbye, Nick.” Grace met his disbelieving gaze head-on. “It’s been great knowing you.”

  She fully expected him to leave, maybe muttering some brief platitudes on his way out. But his jaw set in a stubborn line and he didn’t budge an inch.