by Delia Latham
Russ stepped in front of her and let his gaze roam her face. “Hmmm…”
The rumble of his voice vibrated up her spine like a gentle electrical current. Not to be outdone, her tummy set up a series of backwards somersaults. Autumn gasped and clamped her teeth down on her bottom lip. She narrowed her gaze and willed her eyes to glitter, like any worthwhile evil villain’s. It gave her a few seconds to catch her breath and pray her voice would work. “Hmmm, what?”
Russ chuckled. “Then you and God are depriving the world of something incredibly beautiful.”
The plush toy slipped from her fingers and tumbled back into the box of other once-loved castoffs. “Thank you, uhm…I think.”
“You’re welcome.” He picked up a small box and gave it a shake. The pieces of a 3D cruise ship puzzle rattled around inside. “Now come on. I’m turning one sleepy-headed Bakersfield girl into a yard sale addict.”
Autumn rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t help smiling. “It’ll be fun watching you try.”
Russ hiked one eyebrow, slanted a challenging glance her way, and then cocked his head toward the garage, where more tables and boxes were arranged against three walls. “Ladies first.”
16
Russ stood back and watched Autumn. She’d looked a little lost for a short time, but then she’d found a frilly, handmade apron and potholder set for a near-giveaway price, and that’s all it took. She was hooked.
She’d insisted Miss Angie simply had to have the set, and Russ had to admit he could see the lodge hostess serving her famous fancy sandwiches and mystery tea with the lacy apron around her waist.
By the time they headed for the estate sale, Autumn was awake, aware and fully alive. She grabbed his hand and dragged him into the home, where countless once-treasured belongings were being pawed through and purchased by strangers, following the homeowner’s death. He thought it best not to explain to Autumn exactly what the term “estate sale” entailed…at least, not just yet.
At the moment, she stood next to Ceci, admiring something on top of a table crammed with a variety of items.
Dalynn was happily ensconced in the next room, which held enough toys, games and books to set up a small shop.
He approached the table just as Autumn let out a squeal.
“I don’t believe this. Oh, my…Russ!” She swung around to search for him, and jumped when she found him right behind her. “Look! Look at this! It’s a Keller Art piece.”
Bouncing on her tippy-toes, she shoved a hand-carved blue jay into his hands. Wide, amber eyes watched for his reaction.
“Hey, that’s nice.” He grinned. He couldn’t help it…her excitement was contagious. “Price?”
She snatched the bird from his hands and clutched it to her chest. Her gaze darted around the room and settled on the only other people in sight. The man and woman were both squatted down beside a box of vinyl records, making excited comments when they found something they especially liked. But Autumn seemed to think they were only pretending to be interested in anything other than the bird figure.
“It’s less than half the price of one I saw in the Village the other day—and it’s in perfect condition!” She moved so her back was to the disinterested couple across the room and turned the piece back and forth for his inspection. “I wonder if they priced it wrong?”
Russ chuckled and glanced at Ceci, who stood to the side, watching the exchange with one eyebrow hiked, the other one lowered. Catching Russ’s gaze, she shook her head. “Who is this woman, and what have you done with my friend?”
“I think I let her get possessed by a yard sale monster. I’d apologize, but I kind of like it.”
Autumn stomped her foot. “I’m serious, you two. Stop playing around. Do you think they made a mistake on this price?”
Russ reached for the bird, and she reluctantly released it. “No, I don’t. In fact, I think I can probably get it for even less.”
She gasped. “No way!”
He took her hand. “Come on. You need to see how these things work.”
Autumn stood next to him, wide-eyed and breathless, while he dickered with one of the estate managers—a woman twenty years his senior with blue-white hair and a kind smile. Within a moment, they’d settled on a price several dollars less than the one on the item. Russ winked as he slipped the full, originally marked amount into her hand, and then turned to present Autumn with the bird.
She threw her arms around his neck. “That was fantastic, Russ! Thank you. I’ll pay you back when we get in the car. I don’t want to waste time digging out money right now. There’s so much to see!”
He laughed when she planted a loud, smacking kiss on his cheek. “Why, thank you, pretty lady! How about we call that kiss payment enough? The bird is my gift to you. I’m happy you’re happy.”
“Happy? Oh, my goodness…I’m ecstatic! But I didn’t mean for you to—”
Russ touched a finger to her lips and ignored the shock of awareness that shot up his arm, on a straight path to his heart, no doubt. “No argument. Paid in full.”
A blush crept into her cheeks. Bright amber eyes warmed to chocolate, and she lowered her lashes.
Russ’s breath took a mini-vacation.
“Thank you.” She looked up and into his eyes. “Seriously…thank you so much.”
He forced a breath and guided her to a quiet corner, where they wouldn’t block the flow of visitors. “You seem to like Keller Art.”
“Everything I’ve seen so far has been stunning.” She bit at her bottom lip, but couldn’t bite back the big grin on her face. “Finding it at this price was crazy fun. Thank you for getting me up at early o’clock, Russ. This alone was worth it.”
“Hey, here’s a thought. I have a friend who calls himself a woodcarver, but I call him a genuine artist. His work is incredible. Would you like to meet him? He probably has some pieces you’d enjoy looking at.”
“Seriously? Oh, my gosh…yes! I’d love to meet him.”
“OK, I’ll make it happen. For now, though, I think Ceci wants you to see something.”
“OK.” She turned and took a step away, but whirled around and threw her arms around his waist. Her chin lifted and she met his startled gaze head-on. “Thank you. For my bird.”
“You already said that—several times, I think.”
“Then thank you again.”
“You’re welcome…again.”
Then she was gone, off to join Ceci. Maybe she’d find something else she really loved. Russ hoped so, even though he wasn’t sure his heart could take another glimpse of Autumn fully awake, alive and aware.
He went to find Dalynn. Maybe his other girl had found something wonderful too.
~*~
Autumn slid her arms into the cardigan Russ held for her, and snuggled into it as she preceded him out the door and down the outside stairs at Paradise Pines.
“I can’t believe you were able to set up a meeting with your friend so soon. You only mentioned it yesterday. Are you sure we’re not imposing?”
“No, he’d have said something if it wasn’t convenient. He seemed glad to have company, and his wife—well, you’ll love Raine. I’m sure she’ll tell you this, but I’ll do it first. You two have something in common.”
“We do?” A little line appeared between her brows.
The security lights scattered around the lodge grounds revealed an adorable puzzlement that made Russ want to call off their plans. He’d be happy to spend the evening right here. It would be so easy to just take her hand and guide her down onto the lawn…
“Russ?” She tugged at his hand. “Are you OK?”
He gave his head a shake and swallowed hard. “Yes. Yes, I’m fine.”
“You sure? You’re acting a little weird. Hey…” Autumn’s frown deepened as he led her onto the walking path between Paradise Pines and the adjacent property. “How come we’re not going to the car?”
“Oh, I thought we’d walk.” Russ grinned. “They just live next do
or. Seemed kind of pointless to drive the long way around.”
Autumn stopped and planted hands on hips. “They live next door to the lodge? Why didn’t you just say so?”
“You didn’t ask. Come on, they’re expecting us.”
Her eyes narrowed to amber slits, but she allowed him to tug her gently along. After a moment, she spoke again. “You said this woman—Raine? She and I have something in common?”
“Yep. Raine was Miss Angie’s spring guest at the inn.”
“Seriously? Wait…did they buy this place after coming here for the spring?”
“Nope. Dec’s owned this property for several years.”
“So, they just met when she came to Cambria earlier this year? And they’re already married?”
“Right. They didn’t waste any time.” He laughed as they emerged from the wooded area into a clearing littered with blocks of wood and discarded carvings that looked just fine to Russ. He picked up a squirrel, poised on a log with an acorn between its tiny paws. After brushing off a layer of dirt and sawdust, he handed it to Autumn. “Look at this—it’s one of Dec’s ‘failed’ carvings.”
“Failed? Are you kidding?” She stroked a finger along the wooden tail. “It’s really nice. What he considers successful must be exquisite.”
“It is, and the world is taking notice too. From what I understand, he’s become the newest wood art star.” He chuckled as they rounded the corner of a small cabin. “I doubt that’s what they call themselves, but I have no idea how to refer to a celebrity woodcarver.”
Autumn stopped him as they reached the steps. “Wait. I’m not ready.”
“Ready for what? We’re just visiting friends.”
“Your friends, Russ. Not mine. I don’t know them, and—and—” She pulled in a hitching breath. “I guess I forgot to tell you that I’m a bit of a hermit. I’m not good at meeting people.”
“You didn’t have a problem meeting me.” He grinned, but he was starting to be concerned. Autumn’s face had lost all color, and she clutched his arm with a grip that was almost painful.
“That’s because I was too ticked at you to think about it.”
“So if I make you mad, we can go inside?”
“I’m serious. Stop trying t—”
Behind them, the door opened. Fingers of golden light reached toward them from within, and a sweet female voice rang out across the evening. “Hey, Russ, it’s about time. I thought you’d never get here, and I’m dying to meet your friend.”
“Hi, Raine.” Russ slipped an arm around Autumn’s waist. He shouldn’t have been so flippant about her anxiety. The least he could do was to support her until she felt more comfortable. He lowered his head and spoke low, against her ear. “Come on, sweetheart. You can do this. I’ve got you.”
She straightened her shoulders, lifted her head, and brought out a smile. Not the wide, open smile that never failed to steal his breath, but she was trying.
Raine barreled out the door and met them on the deck. “I’m so glad you’re both here.” Her blue-gray eyes fixed on Autumn, who had taken a death-clutch on Russ’s arm. “Autumn, right?”
Autumn’s shaky smile widened a hair. “How did you know my name?”
Raine stepped close and pulled her into a huge hug.
Russ bit back a burst of laughter at Autumn’s shocked expression. To her credit, she didn’t lose the tenuous façade of bravery she’d pulled around herself, and she released her hold on his arm. The stiff set of her shoulders, and the delicate line of tension between her eyes were uncharacteristic—but he only noticed because he was starting to really know her.
Raine seemed oblivious to her guest’s discomfort, but who knew? Perhaps she was simply hoping to charm Autumn into letting it go.
“Russ told Dec all about you.” Raine lowered her voice to an easily heard stage whisper. “The guy’s absolutely besotted!”
Russ opened his mouth to protest, but then Autumn laughed. Nothing boisterous, just a beautiful, soft indication of shared humor. He closed his lips. Let them tease. He could take it, if it meant Autumn felt more at ease.
Raine didn’t give her time to think about being uncomfortable. She ushered them both through the door and into a pleasant living area with tasteful, but minimal, accoutrements.
Russ took in the space with approval. In keeping with the kind, sensitive persona Raine presented to the world, she hadn’t forced her own style in the cabin. Instead, she’d implemented her softer, more feminine touch into Dec’s own vision for his home. The result was a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere without even a hint of pretentiousness.
“Oh, Raine…your home is lovely!” Autumn’s voice still held a tiny quiver that Russ wouldn’t have noticed had he not been aware of her discomfort.
“Thank you. We love it. And by ‘we,’ I mean my husband and I. I do have one—a real, flesh-and-blood husband…somewhere.” She leaned into an open stairway. “Dec! Russ and Autumn are here. Where are you?”
“Right here, sweetness.” Dec stepped into the kitchen through a door behind the women, and grinned at his wife’s yelp of surprise. He slid a platter heaped with hamburger patties onto a countertop and joined them. “Did you forget I was grilling?”
“You gave me a start, Declan Keller!” Raine stepped into his arms and lifted her lips for his kiss. “No, I didn’t forget. I thought I heard you go upstairs a little earlier.”
“I did, but just long enough to change shirts. My other one had a close encounter with the barbecue sauce.” Dec kept an arm around Raine’s waist and turned to greet Russ. “Good to see you, man. And this is Autumn, of course.” He extended a hand.
Lips slightly parted, Autumn’s gaze was fixed on Dec’s face. She made no move to shake his hand. Was she even breathing? Ten seconds passed. Dec glanced at Russ, who shrugged. Maybe he should have given her a heads-up…
“Sweetie…you OK?” Raine took half a step forward and laid a gentle hand on Autumn’s shoulder.
At last, she blinked, and heaved in a breath. “Yes. Yes, I’m fine.” She shot Russ a stunned glance as she held out her hand, which Dec quickly shook and released. “It’s just…Declan Keller? K—Keller Arts? That’s you?”
“That’s me.” Dec’s crooked grin came and went. He glanced at Raine, who gave him an encouraging nod and a radiant smile. Her eyes shone with obvious pride.
Russ fought back a mischievous grin and a teasing jibe. His old friend still didn’t like being the center of attention. He hadn’t in high school either. Apparently Dec’s success in the art world hadn’t changed him—thank God! When it came to good men, Dec Keller topped the charts. Russ would’ve hated to think success or fame would change him. He jumped and refocused when a not-so-gentle swat landed on his arm.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Autumn demanded.
“You didn’t ask.” He grinned. “Besides, I wanted to surprise you. Dec, Autumn is a big fan.”
“Thank you, Autumn. I appreciate that.”
“I saw a few of your pieces in a gallery in West Village. It’s…I don’t even have words. I confess I’m not ‘up’ on the intricacies of wood art, but to my untrained eye, they were exquisite. So much perfect detail. I’m in awe!”
With every word, Dec’s face turned half a shade redder.
Russ was getting ready to step in and give the poor guy a break when Raine took over.
“Dec Keller is the very best, Autumn. I agree completely.” She turned toward the kitchen. “But right now, I’d rather bite into one of those luscious burgers than talk about my husband—and believe me, that’s saying something, because I love talking about that particular subject.”
“Hey, Russ, want to help me with the ice cooler?” Dec swung toward the back door. He made eye contact with Russ and cocked his head. “It’s out back.”
Raine shook her head. “My husband can take a piece of rough timber and create magic, but he cannot take a compliment.” She huffed out a fake, frustrated breath. “Well, if the guys are
ducking out, I guess you’ll have to help me, Autumn.”
“Just point me in the right direction.”
Russ headed for the door through which Dec had already disappeared. Autumn would be all right. He should have known Raine would set her at ease in a heartbeat. In the few months she’d lived in Cambria, Raine had gained a reputation for sharp intuition and endless compasssion, which she lavished on those around her with ultimate grace.
Russ joined his old friend, who stood near the rear deck railing, staring off across the large clearing he called his ‘back yard.’ He cast a quick glance around the vicinity. “So where’s that cooler?”
“Right there, next to the door.” Dec ran a hand through already disheveled hair. “I think we’re fixing our plates in the house, and then eating out here, around the patio table. We don’t really need to do anything with the thing.”
“Oh.” Russ pulled one eyebrow low over his eyes. “Then what…?”
Dec laughed. “Are you kidding? Autumn thinks I’m some kind of celebrity. And my wife will never steer a conversation away from enthusiasm for my work.” He grinned and shook his head. “In case you hadn’t noticed, man, I love that woman!”
Russ laughed. “Even a blind man could see that.”
“Yeah, I guess so.” Dec slanted a glance toward Russ. “What about you? Raine seems to think you’ve got it bad for this woman, and I gotta tell you, man…she’s usually right on track.”
Russ rested one hip against the deck rail. “I have to agree, you got yourself a winner in Raine. And if you ever start to forget that, I promise to kick your rear until you remember again.”
“I happen to have a memory that never quite lets go of anything—including that ten bucks you borrowed our senior year and never paid back.”
“That’s funny. I seem to recall you being the one doing the borrowing.” He chuckled at their long-standing, completely unfounded recollection of a debt unpaid. Their burst of shared laughter sputtered and died when Dec kept talking.
“I also see right through your attempt to make me forget that I asked about you and the pretty lady inside. I did not forget, and we will return to the subject—if not tonight, then soon. If you’re going through anything like I did emotionally when Raine came along, you could use someone to talk to.” Dec tossed a can of soda his way.