by Gayle Roper
"Dad resented me becoming a Christian. He thought my choosing to live differently from him and Nance was because I felt holier than thou, but I didn't. I don't. I'm just an undeserving recipient of God's grace."
"A wonderful thing to be."
"It's made all the difference."
"My story's not nearly as interesting or as dramatic." Dane stood. "Some day when you have nothing to do, I'll tell it and put you to sleep."
She managed a smile for him. "I look forward to it." Nothing about him could possibly be boring.
He started for the living room. "It's late, and I've a big day tomorrow. We've a big day. Time for me to go home."
She followed him. "Poor Dane. Your coffee got cold, your ice cream melted and your shirt's all wet from me crying on you. On top of that, we didn't find Annalise."
He shrugged. "I'll just take the package to work on Friday and have it shipped back to the senders."
He slipped into his coat, and Charlie appeared at his side, head high, eyes hopeful. Dane patted him absently as he smiled at her. "I've had a wonderful evening."
"Me too." She hoped her voice didn't sound as breathy as she thought it did.
Dane looked down at the dog. "Want me to take him out for you? No sense both of us getting snowed on."
Charlie heard the magic word out and headed for the door.
Kelli watched the two of them descend the stairs to the street and turn toward the far corner. She closed the door against the cold and returned to the kitchen. She collected the bowls of melted ice cream, rinsed them, and put them in the dishwasher. She stuck the pretzels back in the pantry.
Then she leaned against the counter and hugged herself. For years her father had been telling her she was frigid, hopeless and unemotional because she didn't open her arms to every man the way Nance did.
"You've got to show a little affection," he'd say. "What guy wants someone who talks Jesus? He wants lovin'. Huggin' and kissin'. He wants a real woman, not an iceberg."
She knew she wasn't cold. She just didn't want any old guy hanging all over her. One of the reasons she'd moved out as soon as she graduated was to get away from the men Dad hung out with and the men Nance brought home. She'd had to install a lock on her bedroom door at fourteen and keep the key hidden for safety's sake. After everything she'd gone through, her first little efficiency apartment had been wonderful.
She'd prayed for years for a strong man, a good man, a godly man. She didn't tell God what he should look like or what he should do for a living or anything like that. She prayed for character and kindness and a heart for God.
It scared her how much Dane seemed the answer to her prayers. And the fact that he was handsome and had those eyes were bonuses.
A knock on the front door broke her reverie. She found Charlie standing in the middle of the entry hall shaking off snowflakes. Dane stood at the door, his hair dusted white.
"See you tomorrow at noon."
"You really want me to go with you to your family's holiday celebration?"
"Absolutely. Looking forward to it." With a wave, he was gone.
After she got Charlie inside and the doors locked, she sank onto the couch and stared at their laptops side by side on the coffee table.
His laptop!
She grabbed it and ran to the door. She threw it open. "Dane!"
He stood with his hand raised to ring the bell. "I'm here!"
She grinned. "Sorry. You forgot—"
"—my laptop." He reached to take it from her.
As he leaned forward, his eyes met hers, and their gazes locked. She'd read for years about the zip and zing with the right man and had hoped she'd feel it some day. Today was that day.
His eyes fell to her lips, and she thought for a moment he might kiss her. She had to remind herself to breathe.
He looked back into her eyes, gave a little half smile, and pulled back. Much as she hated to admit it, he was right. It was too soon, much too soon.
"See you tomorrow."
"Y'all are sure? I won't be in the way?"
"Believe me when I say one more person will not make a difference. And you'll make my mother's day, because you're a girl. Remember, you're my sacrifice."
As she closed the door behind him and leaned against it, she blew out a long breath.
Do they come any better than him, Lord?
She didn't think so.
Chapter Nine
Kelli tried to swallow her nerves as Dane drove her to his parents' house.
"There will be lots of noise and lots of talking, but don't let it overwhelm you. Even if Tom and Derwin get into their Army-Navy pre-game discussion, they like each other in real life."
"What's the Army-Navy thing? Were they in the two branches of the service?"
"They graduated from the two academies. Tom is a West Point grad and Derwin went to Annapolis. Tom's out of the Army now, but Derwin's career. Right now he's stationed in Washington, so they can get home for holidays, much to Amy's delight."
"Amy's his wife?"
"She's his daughter. She gets upset when she can't get together with the cousins. His wife is Hannah, my oldest sister."
Kelli was certain her fear showed in her eyes. "I have one sister and three nephews. That's it."
"Just stick by me. If all the brothers-in-law can manage the family, so can you."
"But there were fewer people when they started."
"True." He grinned at her.
"You love your family." How wonderful was that!
"Sure. Doesn't everyone? You love your family, problems and all. You wouldn't care so much if you didn't."
"Right. I should have said you like your family."
"I do. I prefer Derwin in short bursts, but for a day, he's fine." He saw her questioning look. "He tends to forget we're not sailors under his command."
Dane pulled up to a curb littered with cars just as Kelli's phone played its Nance tune. Kelli's stomach pitched. Not now. Not today.
The red front door to the house flew open, and two young women stepped out. One had a baby in her arms.
Kelli studied them. One was slim and sleek, the other, comfortably round. Both wore jeans and sweaters. "Your sisters?"
Dane nodded. "Two of the four. Jo and Peg."
Her phone continued to ring. She pulled it from her pocket, ready to hit ignore.
"Go ahead." Dane gave an encouraging smile. "Answer. Maybe it's James."
"It's my sister." Kelli took a deep breath and hoped there was no catastrophic reason for Nance's call. "Hi, sis. Happy Thanksgiving."
"Kelli! We've got the turkey all ready!" Nance was bubbling at full boil. "And you should see the container J.D. got for frying it. It's huge! You're missing all the fun!"
While Nance bubbled, Dane got out of the car, walked around, and leaned against the rear passenger door, waiting for her to finish.
Kelli opened the passenger door a few inches, preparing to get out. Dane grabbed it and opened it all the way.
Kelli held up a finger in the just-a-minute sign. "Sounds good, Nance. Make sure the bird's nice and dry."
"You think I'm dumb? Of course I dried it. Used a whole roll of paper towels drying it."
"Come on, Dane. Get in here! It's cold!" Dane's sister cuddled the baby closer.
"Tom and Derwin need a referee," called the other.
Dane laughed and waved. "So what else is new? Don't they know the game's not until Saturday?"
"They won't see each other on Saturday. They have to bait each other today."
He stuck out his hand in a stop gesture. "I'm not a one man United Nations peace keeping team."
"But you're the best we have."
"Do I hear voices?" Nance's bubbles were gone. "Are you with people?" It was an accusation.
"I've been invited to—"
Nance didn't let her finish. "What? You can spend today with everyone but your family?"
"You know I couldn't affor—"
"Don't worry. I get i
t, just like I get your move up there. We're not good enough for you." And the phone went dead.
Kelli sighed and shoved the phone in her pants pocket. Happy Thanksgiving, Kelli.
Dane glanced at her. "You okay?"
"Sure."
He didn't look convinced.
Kelli took a deep breath to calm herself, but her tumbling stomach belied its effectiveness. She saw the sisters look at each other in surprise when they saw her get out of the car. She felt junior-high self-conscious as Dane grabbed her by the hand and pulled her up the shoveled walk, little piles of snow lining the edges. The yard was white with the tips of grass sticking through the tattered snowy blanket.
Dane stopped on the front step to kiss each sister on the cheek. He pulled Kelli forward. "Jo and Peg, this is Kelli."
Before she knew what was happening, Kelli was inside, Jo had taken her coat, and the baby—Louisa—had been thrust in her arms.
"For just a minute," Jo assured her as she carried Kelli's and Dane's coats to a bedroom.
Kelli smiled down at the chubby, pink-cheeked cherub. "Hello, Louisa." She knew babies, thanks to her nephews. They didn't expect much, just a steady arm and a smile. That she could do.
Suddenly the front hall was full of people, all welcoming Dane as if they hadn't seen him in years. Mitzi the cockapoo raced around in a barking frenzy. Kelli watched from the corner she'd inadvertently been pushed in by Dane's welcoming committee. At the forefront of the committee were several children, all grabbing his hands and vying for his attention. He ruffled hair and kissed heads and gave high fives. A little guy who looked about three and was built like a football lineman came barreling through the crowd. "Unca Day! Unca Day!" He threw his arms around Dane's legs.
"Hey, Weston!" Dane picked the boy up.
Weston grabbed Dane's face between his pudgy hands. "Horsey, Unca Day. Horsey!" He bounced with excitement.
"It's a date, Weston, but I have to hug Grandmom first, okay?"
The boy frowned, looked around until he found his grandmother, who managed to look very needy. "Okay," he said reluctantly. "But don' forget. Promise?"
Dane held up a hand like he was taking an oath. "Promise."
Weston seemed satisfied and wiggled to get down. He disappeared after the bigger boys and Mitzi. It was debatable who made the most noise, the boys or the dog.
"Mom." Dane gathered his mother close and kissed her on the cheek. He turned to Kelli and smiled. "I'd like you to meet Kelli."
Suddenly everyone who hadn't noticed her before was staring at her, and Kelli realized he hadn't told anyone he was bringing her.
Mrs. Cavanaugh blinked once before she smiled with what appeared to be genuine delight. "I'm so glad you've come, Kelli. Here, let me take that baby from you. You're not even in the house proper, and the girls have you holding a child."
"For just a moment." Jo reappeared to pull Louisa's chubby fist from her mouth and wipe the drool from her chin with a dish towel she then slung over her shoulder. Louisa immediately stuffed the fist back. "I was taking their coats for them."
"A likely excuse." Mrs. Cavanaugh took the baby from Kelli, kissed the infant on her neck, getting a giggle, and deposited her in her mother's arms. Louisa went from person to person to person with great equanimity.
Peg leaned close to Kelli, looking furtive. "How long have you known our brother?"
"Ignore her." Mrs. Cavanaugh's smile as she looked at her daughter was filled with affection. "She's always been the nosey one."
"It's a valid question," Peg defended. "When Dane shows up with a woman, the world wants to know all."
"That's because he never brings women." A third sister appeared, tall, slender, and very polished. "I'm Hannah, sister number one."
"And she never lets us forget it," Peg muttered.
Hannah shrugged. "Rank has its privileges."
"I'm number two." Jo continued the countdown. "Peg's number three and Sherrie's number four. I won't bother to explain the husbands and kids yet. Too confusing."
Mrs. Cavanaugh smiled at her girls and walked to the living room doorway. "Jerry, leave the football game for a minute. We have a special guest you must meet."
An older version of Dane stood, clearly hating to leave the game. "A pass. Time to pass!" He mimicked the motion.
"Jerry, you know I wouldn't call you if it weren't important."
"I know, sweetheart. Yes! A pass! And completed!" He raised his hands in victory, turned from the TV, and crossed the room. His handsome face creased into a smile as he focused on his wife. "What's up?"
"Dane's brought a guest you must meet. Jerry, this is Kelli."
Mr. Cavanaugh didn't miss a beat as he turned to Kelli. "Kelli, delighted to have you join our madhouse. We can be a bit overwhelming, but none of us bite." He looked over Kelli's head at Dane standing behind her. With a twinkle he said, "You did good, son."
Kelli looked at the people standing around her. They all seemed to smile a lot, talk at once, and finish each other's sentences. Dane had a sister hanging on each arm, both telling him something he seemed to be listening to intently. A towheaded niece dressed as a Disney princess sat in his arms telling him her news. He looked over everyone's head at Kelli and grinned, his vivid eyes crinkling at the edges.
Kelli smiled back, but she knew she was in trouble. Here in real life was not only the man of her dreams but the family of her prayers.
Chapter Ten
Dane knew what everyone was thinking. Rephrase that. He knew what all the women were thinking. The guys were too busy watching football to care about why Kelli was here, and besides, guys didn't think like women.
But Mom and the girls were watching him and Kelli for signs. He'd seen it before, heard it before.
"Look, Jo, he's holding Hannah's hand and in front of the family. You know what that means."
"I hope she lets us wear blue when we're bridesmaids. I look terrible in green."
"Yeah, but who wants to marry someone named Derwin?"
"He does look cute in that midshipman's uniform."
"Do you think he's kissed her yet?"
"Of course he's kissed her. She brought him home."
Dane looked at Kelli standing at his side. He'd held her hand last night, but he hadn't kissed her, though he had to admit it had been close last night. If he were completely honest with himself, she scared him. He liked her too much, too soon.
So no more hand holding, not right now. But he had held it in front of Peg and Jo as he'd led her up the walk, only because he was afraid she'd bolt for the car and order him to take her home.
He cleared his throat. So people read more into his invitation than was there. When he didn't bring her around again, they'd realize he had just been acting the nice guy and saving a kind neighbor from loneliness on one of the biggest family days of the year.
One bright note, at least no one would ask him about his non-existent love life with Kelli by his side.
He held her before him, a shield against the fiery darts of the fierce Amazons who patrolled the borders of the dangerous quagmire known as Family Expectations Land.
Dane eyed his sisters surrounding Kelli and knew he'd better rescue her before they ate her alive. He noted the lounge end of the wrap-around couch in front of the TV was temporarily deserted while Tom dealt with a little boy and the bathroom. It was roomy enough for Kelli to sit beside him.
He signaled to her. She smiled until she took in the family room. He glanced around, saw it was full of men glued to the TV. He turned back in time to see her blanch.
Was it football that bothered her? Or was it all the strange men? He knew they were nice, trustworthy men, but she only saw a room full of testosterone. What had happened to her through her growing up years that made her so leery of men?
Kelli turned to Mom, her expression hopeful. "Is there anything I can do to help, Mrs. Cavanaugh?"
"Probably not," Mom said. "Hannah's taken charge, and no one gets in Hannah's way."
> Somehow Derwin heard the comment and smiled. "Wonderful Navy wife."
When Dane thought of Hannah and her husband, which he had to admit wasn't often—just when their names came up on his prayer list—he always wondered how they managed. Hannah had been bossy since birth, and Derwin always knew he was right. Yet somehow, they were always smiling at each other, and they touched a lot, stroking a hand down a back or kneading shoulders or just holding hands. They'd found some way to make their marriage work.
Dane looked at Kelli. She wasn't bossy. She was tenderhearted and kind and concerned about people who probably didn't deserve her concern. Right now she looked disappointed at Mom's refusal of help.
Mom saw the look and gave her a come-along-with-me wave. "But you come to the kitchen with me and enjoy some girl talk."
Kelli's smile showed her pleasure at being included, and with a little wave at him, she followed Mom into that no man's land called the kitchen.
Dane made straight for the empty seat and settled in, a gotcha smile on his face when Tom reappeared.
Tom didn't bat an eye. "Hey, Weston! Uncle Dane's ready to give you horsey rides."
Five little boys raced into the room, all yelling for Dane. Boy six, Derwin Junior, called Win, thank goodness, stood in the doorway looking torn. Dane was afraid Win was too big for horsey, but he didn't have the attention span for football.
Dane spent the next half hour on his hands and knees as he gave rides to little people who had mastered one word: Again!
At one point he looked up to see Kelli smiling at him as he neighed and reared, a little boy hanging onto his collar so he didn't slide off. She had a tray of appetizers in her hand.
"I'd offer you some, but I understand shrimp are bad for horses." She continued to the family room where the men greeted her enthusiastically, descending on her tray as if they hadn't eaten in years. She retreated quickly to the kitchen.
Dane saw the food disappearing with alarming speed. "Uh, guys, your horse is very tired and needs to rest."
"No!" Five little people yelled in incredibly loud voices.