“That was last week’s favorite. We listened to it till I heard it in my sleep.”
“Understood.” She shifted in her seat to face him. “Thanks for inviting me. This is great. Another first. Christmas tree hunting at its most basic, most enjoyable best.”
“I’ll remind you that you said that when you’re cold and wishing you were sitting inside in front of the fireplace.”
“I don’t think so.”
*
An hour later, Sophie still hadn’t lost her silly grin. They’d found the tree. All of them circled it, studying it from every angle. The pine was beautiful, its shape and size absolutely perfect.
Even the horse ride had been enjoyable. She’d felt safe on Molly today. Comfortable.
Sophie scuffed her booted foot over the ground. The snow wasn’t deep, and random bare spots stuck out. It wasn’t Chicago snow by any means. But it lay over the earth like a thin layer of icing. The air was cold, but a long way from frigid.
Ty moved back to his horse to retrieve the ax he’d brought along. Sophie had a momentary pang at the idea of actually murdering the tree. When she whispered that to Ty, he stared at her, incredulous.
“You’ve got to be kidding.”
“Not really.” She wrung her hands.
He shifted the ax to his other hand. “Sophie, I can’t—”
“I know. The kids will get such a kick out it, and it’ll bring far more enjoyment in your home than out here. Blah, blah, blah. Go ahead. I just won’t watch.” She put a hand over her eyes. “And I’m being silly, aren’t I?”
“You’re being you.” He kissed her forehead.
“Daddy kissed Sophie!”
The shrill pronouncement brought echoes from the other two, who picked it up as a chant. “Daddy kissed Sophie, Daddy kissed Sophie.”
The three danced around in the snow, their noses red.
“Uh-oh,” Sophie muttered. “Now you’ve done it.”
“You think?” Grin devilish, Ty turned to the boys. “Want me to do it again?”
“Uh-huh! Do it again!”
Before she realized what he was up to, Ty wrapped an arm around her waist and drew her in. His lips covered hers in a not-quite-chaste kiss.
She laughed and pushed at his chest. “Bad Daddy!” she said, low enough for only him to hear.
“Mmmm.” He smacked his lips together. “Good Sophie. Sweet as sugar.”
“Go cut down that tree, Paul Bunyan.” She ran over to the boys. “Have you ever made snow angels?”
*
Ty swung the ax, but his attention wasn’t on his work. Sophie and the boys lay in the snow, waving their arms and legs, making angels. One by one, his sons gave it up to throw themselves over Sophie, who drew each one in with little tickles.
He looked at the angels they’d created and thought of Julia. Blinking snow from his eyes, Ty lifted his gaze Heavenward. Imagined her up there watching their boys playing with Sophie. Was she smiling or shedding tears?
Pressure built in his chest. Conflicted? Oh, yeah. Talk about a tug of war. He felt trapped somewhere between the past and the present, unable to reach toward a future.
Damned if he knew whether he and his boys were headed for something wonderful or standing in the path of a tsunami-force heartbreak. He swung again, his ax biting deeply into the pine.
Covered in snow, Sophie got to her feet and moved to her horse to unload the thermos bottles of hot chocolate. She poured cupfuls and passed them out. Chocolate rings around their mouths, the boys stood beside her and watched as Ty made the final cuts.
“Timber,” he called, and the boys cheered.
When the tree crashed to the ground, she carried a steaming cup to him. “Here you go, lumberjack. Good job.”
“Can we touch it?” Jesse asked.
“Sure. But it’s sticky, so be careful.”
“Are you going to decorate it today?” Sophie asked him.
“I think we’ll wait till tomorrow. By the time we get home, the boys will be tuckered out. They’ll have had about as much excitement as any of us can stand for one day. It’ll be more fun if we wait. And we’ll have far fewer tears. Too much stimulus results in at least somebody crying—every time. Believe me.”
He finished his cocoa and handed the cup to Sophie. “Come on, guys. Help me get this tied up and ready to go.”
They all pitched in and in no time had the tree hitched to the back of Ty’s horse.
The snow had quit falling, much to the chagrin of the boys. Still, it was beautiful…and cold. Ty’s breath formed a cloud around his head. It had been a good day. How damned lucky could a man get, he wondered, as the horses plodded on.
Despite the boys’ protests, he left the tree outside when they reached home. “I’ll lean it here against the house. That’ll give all the branches a chance to settle and let any dead needles fall out here instead of inside.”
“Won’t it get lonesome?” Josh asked.
“No, son, it won’t. My guess is a couple birds’ll come by to keep it company.”
A pair of solemn little eyes studied him. “Okay, Daddy.”
Sophie stood watching the interplay, a small smile on her lips. “Good job, Daddy.”
He gave her an aw-shucks grin. “Part of the game. You’re probably cold and tired. I put together some Crock-Pot chili this morning. Should be done. Why don’t you ladle some up while we guys take care of the horses? By the time we’re done, it’ll be cool enough for the boys to eat. There’re oyster crackers in the pantry.”
“Impressive. Milk to drink?”
“For the boys. I’ve got a pot of coffee ready to go. If you want tea—”
She shook her head. “Coffee’s fine.”
He watched her walk away. That blond hair with the white coat. The spitting image of one of those angels she’d made with the boys.
Except maybe her butt. He doubted angels had butts as fine as hers.
*
Lunch with Ty and the boys…the whole day…had been a gift. An early, unexpected Christmas gift. Did he know how blessed he was?
Yes, he did. She saw it when he studied their little faces, when he knelt to put himself on their level, when he hugged one close after he’d been hurt or disappointed.
Ty might have been left alone to daddy three brand-new infants, but he was doing one hell of a job. How many men could have coped with what he had? The loss of his wife. The loss of life as he knew it. And three new little lives dependent on him for everything.
And despite the meat loaf fiasco, the man could cook. That chili ranked in the top ten she’d ever tasted. By the time they’d dived into it, she was famished. The cold weather, the horse ride, chopping the tree, making snow angels…
Now, home in her apartment, Sophie soaked in the big old claw-foot tub. Filled to the rim with heavenly scented bubbles, it made her feel decadent. Pampered.
The Bing Crosby Christmas CD she’d picked up at Sadler’s played quietly in the background. “White Christmas” seemed apropos after today’s snow.
Sinking deeper into the bubbles, she worried—because everything was almost too perfect.
Jesse, Jonah, and Josh were all becoming very important to her. A bad thing. Because she and their daddy had to say good-bye. Really soon. It would break her heart to kiss those little guys farewell.
And what about kissing their daddy good-bye?
Despite her best intentions, Ty had burrowed under her skin. As far as she could see, she had two choices. The first? End it now. Tell him the next time he came by that she wouldn’t see him again. She put a soapy hand to her heart and rubbed at the hurt. She’d already tried that, hadn’t she?
Her second option? Enjoy it while she could. Spend as much time as possible with him and the boys. Make memories to take home with her.
Disgusted, she shook her head. Stupid her, thinking she actually had a choice. Time to stop worrying about tomorrow and enjoy today.
She raised her leg and lathered. Sang al
ong with Bing and dreamed. All too soon, though, the tiny vanity clock had her scurrying out of the tub.
Wrapping herself in a towel, she scooted into the bedroom to find something to wear tonight. Annelise and Cash were home. They’d flown in from Paris this afternoon, and everybody was meeting at Bubba’s for dinner.
Even though Sophie’d insisted she could drive herself, Ty was picking her up. As if she didn’t drive through snow in Chicago. However, she had to admit that the road crews up north were much better prepared to cope than the ones here. They got a lot more practice.
She decided on jeans and a fuzzy maroon sweater. Last time, she’d totally overdressed for the roadhouse. Tonight, she’d blend in a little better. Not that it mattered all that much. She’d already met most of the people she’d see there. She loved that.
It wasn’t that she didn’t know the name of the deli owner on her Chicago street or the name of the man who sold hot dogs from the street kiosk or the people who ran the small mom-and-pop stores. She did.
Still, there was a real sense of belonging here.
But she didn’t belong here, she reminded herself as she slipped in her hoop earrings. She’d already stayed far longer than she’d originally planned.
The phone rang. The number looked familiar, but she couldn’t place it.
“Hello?”
“What the hell’s going on?”
“Excuse me? I think you have the wrong number.”
“Don’t pull that on me, Sophie.”
“Kyle?”
“Your new boyfriend slashed my tires!”
“My new— Where are you?”
“Where the hell do you think I am? I’m standing in the middle of my driveway, looking at four shredded tires.”
“Are you talking about Nathan?”
“Who else? The guy’s crazy.”
Sophie wished she could argue the point. She and Kyle had dated on and off for a couple months but had ended it before Nathan had asked her out.
“How do you know it was him?”
“A neighbor saw the jerk.”
She sighed. “He’s not my boyfriend, Kyle. He never was.”
“Well, I think he sees things differently. Tell him to lay off. I catch him anywhere near my car, I’m calling the cops.”
Her earlier joy drained from her. “Actually, you probably should call them now. Report him.”
“The guy’s psycho, Sophie.” His voice quieted. “You need to watch your back.”
“Thanks. I will. And Kyle? I’m so sorry.”
“Yeah, me, too.” He hung up.
The knock at her door startled her, and she nearly squealed. Nathan was to blame for that.
She peeked around the corner into the kitchen. When she saw Ty’s face through the glass windowpane, she relaxed and opened the door…and was well and thoroughly kissed.
When he pulled away, his forehead creased in concern. “What’s wrong, Sophie? You’re pale as all get-out.”
“Nothing.”
“Don’t tell me that.” He lifted the hand he held, his finger at her wrist. “Your heart’s beating a mile a minute. What’s upset you?”
“I had a phone call. It’s not important.”
“When will you trust me?”
“I do.”
“Not enough.”
*
The warmth hit her the second she and Ty stepped inside Bubba’s. The temperature had continued to drop, and her nose felt like an icicle after the short walk across the parking lot.
Ty had been very quiet on the ride here. She ached to share Kyle’s call with him. Couldn’t do it.
“Ty?”
“It’s okay, Sophie. You’ve got your life, I’ve got mine.”
“But—”
“Don’t worry about it.”
She’d upset him and that gnawed at her. They needed to talk. Later. Tonight, though, belonged to Annelise and Cash.
She’d thought nobody would be out, that they’d hole up in this weather. Not so. The rough wood walls of the roadhouse practically bulged with half the town squeezed inside.
The noise level was through the roof! Laughter, conversation, and the clink of silverware on dishes. The jukebox belted out a George Strait song.
Ty’s hand at her back felt warm and strong. Right. Even through her jacket. She sighed. Oh, yeah. Despite her best intentions, she was in trouble.
He leaned down to whisper in her ear, and heat rushed to her core. She unsnapped her coat.
“They’re in the corner.”
Sure enough, there was Annelise, looking more gorgeous than ever, waving at them. A huge smile wreathed her face. Cash looked like a cat who’d dined on thick, rich cream.
In seconds, Sophie and Annelise were hugging and talking over and around each other. It was good to have her home.
As they sat around the table, Brawley said, “You know, guys, take a good look around you. A drop-dead gorgeous blonde, an unbelievably beautiful—and married—brunette, and a hell-on-wheels redhead. Damn, we’re lucky.”
“You’ve got that right,” Maggie said.
“I’ll drink to lucky us,” Cash said.
The men raised their glasses.
Annelise dug out a photo album, and the guys talked sports while the women oohed and ahhed over honeymoon pictures. Two hours passed quickly. Good friends, good food, good times.
When they stepped back into the cold, more snow covered the ground. Light, fluffy flakes continued to drift from the sky.
Maggie put her hands on her hips. “Well, shoot. It’s really nasty out here.” She looked at Ty. “Hope you didn’t have big plans for tonight, pal.”
“Why?”
“I don’t intend to drive to Lone Tree in this.” She turned to Sophie. “Can I bunk with you tonight?”
“Sure.”
One look at Ty, and Maggie laughed. “Doesn’t fit your scenario for the evening, does it?”
“It’s fine.”
“Bull. You were hoping to get lucky.”
“Maggie!” Glad the darkness hid her blush, Sophie swatted at her. “Stop it.”
“What? Are you going to tell me you two aren’t—”
Brawley wrapped an arm around Maggie’s waist. “You could come stay with me, sweetheart. My bed’s big enough for two.”
“Oh, really? You’re living with your parents, Brawley. They’d be thrilled to wake up and find me there.”
“Actually, they probably would,” he drawled.
“Not going to happen.” She stepped out of his reach. “And Ty, you’re just going to have to suck it up for tonight.”
“I suck it up every night, Red.”
Her face fell. “I’m sorry. That was careless of me.”
“Oh, for—” Ty bit off the curse. “I wish to hell you’d quit walking on eggshells around me.” He kicked at the small mound of snow that had built up at the corner of the building. “You’re gonna piss me off.”
“Fine. In that case, I’ll be blunt. I’m stealing your girl for tonight.”
“I’m not—”
“She’s not—”
Ty and Sophie looked at each other.
“Me thinks they doth both protest too much.” Annelise laughed.
“You might as well ride with me, Sophie,” Maggie said. “That’ll save Ty a few miles.”
“Sure.”
She’d taken two steps when Ty snagged her arm. “Give us a minute, Mags,” he said.
“With your non-girl? You bet.” She threw them a saucy wink before walking to her car. Annelise and Cash headed to theirs.
“You sure you don’t want to change your mind?” Brawley called to Maggie.
“I’m so positive.”
“You’re gonna regret it,” he said. “When you’re tucked in on that cold, lonely couch at Sophie’s, think of the fun we could be having.”
Sophie noticed Maggie didn’t even answer. Then, her brain simply stopped working as Ty turned her into him and covered her mouth with his in
a kiss that was so hungry, so demanding, she lost herself in it.
When he lifted his head, his mouth a breath from hers, he whispered, “We’re gonna have to do something about this, Sophie. I’m dying from wanting you.”
His breath formed a white cloud in the cold air. “You know, the first time I kissed you, I figured it was one of the biggest mistakes of my life. I kicked myself upside down and backward over it and promised I’d never do it again. But we both know I broke that promise.” He swore. “To hell with it.”
He swooped down and kissed her again. Hot, hot, hot. “There. If that first time was a mistake, then I’m a slow learner, and right now, I don’t give a damn.”
Resting his forehead on hers, he said, “I have to know. Is this thing one-sided, or do you want me as badly as I need you? Give me that, at least.”
She could only blink, unable to come up with any of the smart-ass replies she probably ought to make. She felt light-headed. Dizzy. Nothing, absolutely nothing, had prepared her for the power of his kisses. They rocked her…raced to the tips of her toes so fast, they left her breathless. Left her reeling. Wanting more. For the briefest of moments, she saw herself dragging him off somewhere, tearing off his clothes, and having hot, sweaty sex. She’d never wanted it more in her life. Never wanted it quite like she did right now with this man.
The talk she’d planned flew out the window.
How did he make her forget all the reasons she shouldn’t and think only of the reasons she should?
Who cared? She grabbed him by the collar of his jacket and pulled him in for another kiss. On tiptoe, she poured all her desire into it.
“This thing? It’s not one-sided, Ty,” she whispered. “I can barely think for wanting you.”
He buried his face in her hair. “Damn Maggie Sullivan to hell and back. I swear she did this on purpose.”
Sophie laughed. “She made it snow?”
“I wouldn’t put it past her.”
“She’s right, though. The roads are too bad for her to drive back to Lone Tree tonight.”
Ty grunted.
She gave him a gentle jab. “You know darn well you wouldn’t let her do that.”
“So let her find somewhere else to stay.”
“Where? Certainly not with the newlyweds.”
“Why not? Cash has had Annie all to himself for a couple weeks now. Only fair he shares a little of my frustration.”
Nearest Thing to Heaven (Maverick Junction) Page 22