Utterly entranced with the woman, Arlan removed his gloves and reached out, fingering the end of her braid where it rested against the front of her plain woolen coat. Soft and silky, her hair felt like the finest black ribbons against his skin.
“You’re a very lovely woman, Miss Alexandra Janowski.”
Slowly turning her head, she held his gaze. Something flickered in her eyes that gave Arlan hope he might have a chance at winning her heart.
“You’re the only person who calls me Alexandra. I always thought the name too dignified and feminine for someone like me.”
With no thought to what he did, to what affect he had on her, Arlan trailed his fingers along her jaw then cupped her chin in his palm. “I think it suits you perfectly. You put me in mind of a queen, albeit one of a wild gypsy tribe.”
She grinned at his teasing. “Indeed, Mr. Guthry.”
He dropped his hand from her face. “What name do you wish you’d been given?”
Alex fixed her gaze on something unseen in the distance. “I don’t know. My mother always told me I should feel honored to be named after my father and my grandmother.”
“I know your father’s name was Alexander. Your grandmother’s name was Alexandra?” Arlan wrapped an arm around her and she leaned against him, resting in his strength and absorbing his warmth.
“No, Kassia. My middle name is Kassia.”
He breathed in the exotic scent of her fragrance. “Alexandra Kassia Janowski. It’s a beautiful name for an undeniably enchanting woman.”
“Arlan…” Alex turned and discovered his lips dangerously close to hers. “What about you? Were you named after your father?”
“No. Two uncles. Dad flipped a coin and Uncle Arlan won. Uncle Mike lost so my middle name is Michael.”
“Now that’s a great story.” Alex smiled as she snuggled against Arlan’s side and let the stillness of the afternoon quiet her thoughts and restless spirit.
They sat on the log until the encroaching evening began to chase the light from the sky. After agreeing it was time to return to town, Arlan lifted Alex to her saddle. He let his hand linger on her leg for just a moment before mounting Orion. The look she shot his direction held both interest and censure.
“Come on, Miss Magician. We need to head home before it gets dark.” Arlan led the way back to the road and they let the horses mosey to town.
Arlan offered to take Bill back to the livery for her and left Alex at her little home behind the school. He walked her to the door before mounting Orion and taking Bill’s reins in his hands.
She stood on the step and grinned with her fists planted on her hips. “I’ll be ready in an hour.”
“Ready?” Confused, he glanced over his shoulder at her. “Ready for what?”
“Dinner. You did agree to take me to the restaurant for dinner, didn’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am, I guess I did. I’ll be back in an hour.”
Douglas didn’t comment on the daffy grin Arlan wore as he left Bill and Orion in his care then hurried home.
Impatiently waiting for water to heat so he could take a bath, Arlan laid out his favorite suit and shaved. Once the water felt lukewarm, he filled the tub he’d hauled in from the back porch and quickly washed himself. Standing in front of the stove, he dried off, dressed in his suit then glanced in the mirror as he carefully combed his thick brown hair into its typical neat style.
He shrugged into his coat and tugged on his gloves before grabbing his hat and rushing out the door. Anxious and a little nervous, he lengthened his stride and knocked on Alex’s door right on time.
When she opened the door and offered him a charming smile, he momentarily lost the ability to speak.
Dressed in an elaborately stitched gown of crimson velvet with black lace insets that accented her statuesque figure, Alex looked beautiful and altogether feminine.
Stunned by her lovely appearance, Arlan absently took the cloak from her hands and settled it around her shoulders before kissing her cheek.
Finally recovering his voice, he took her hand in his as they started down the boardwalk toward the restaurant. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more striking woman than you.”
Flattered and slightly embarrassed, she squeezed his hand, aware that Arlan wasn’t given to idle words of praise.
To divert their attention, she pointed to the festive ribbons and garlands the Bruner’s draped across the front of their store. Their conversation drifted to holiday decorations around town as they turned the corner and walked down the street to the restaurant.
Although the place was busy, they soon found themselves at a small table in a corner, mostly hidden from prying eyes. Alex felt like a princess as Arlan gazed at her with a tender spark in his eye across the candlelit table.
She’d attended a few dances with boys in school. One nice young man paid her particular attention when she began teaching in New York, so she wasn’t completely unfamiliar with the rituals of being courted. However, it had been many years since she’d enjoyed the experience of being wooed by a good-looking man.
Uprooted from the only home she’d known just weeks after her mother died, she relinquished the ideal of falling in love when her father insisted she join him in a nomadic lifestyle, traveling from town to town across the country.
The regret that she’d given up a normal life to make her father happy bitterly ate away at her from time to time. Yet, since meeting Arlan, she’d not once found herself wishing she’d stayed in New York and married the boy who’d caught her girlish eye.
No longer a naïve girl at twenty-three, she had a woman’s heart and knew what she wanted. At least she convinced herself she did until the handsome, caring banker’s assistant came upon her wagon and offered his help.
Now, what she wanted was Arlan.
Despite her plans to remain aloof, her heart belonged to the gentle man with the kind eyes who made her laugh and constantly challenged her with his ideas. Had she ever hoped to find the perfect mate, she could think of no one better suited to her than Arlan.
Nonetheless, she had to leave town in a few weeks and get on with her life, let him get on with his.
No good could come from her staying in Hardman, especially with Edna Bevins due to return at the first of the year. A traveling magician couldn’t make a living in a small town and the school only needed one teacher.
With no other prospects for employment, Alex had to move on. She’d miss her students, the new friends she’d made, but most especially the man who’d worked his way into her heart.
For one night, though, Alex wanted to forget her plans and responsibilities. To enjoy the experience of dining with an attractive, attentive man who couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her.
After placing their orders, Arlan sought for a safe topic that didn’t involve how tantalizing he found Alex or how much he wanted to kiss her inviting lips.
As he noticed a paper bell hanging from the ceiling tied with a bright red bow, his thoughts veered to the upcoming holiday.
“Are the children excited about the Christmas Carnival?” he asked, taking a sip of his water as Alex glanced around the restaurant. She settled her gaze on his and smiled.
“Thoroughly. It’s hard to keep them focused on their regular schoolwork when nearly every conversation circles back around to the carnival.”
“I know the community band has been asked to play and there’ll be a potluck lunch. What else do you have planned?”
“A cake walk, a magic show, an auction to sell some of the students’ creations, and games for the children. Ginny wanted to add a beauty pageant, but I convinced her to start small and build on the success next year.”
“Smart thinking.” Arlan grinned as the waitress brought them their meals. After bowing their heads to give thanks, he continued the conversation as he picked up his knife and fork then cut into a juicy steak. “Will you perform the magic show in the wagon outside or somewhere inside?”
“Inside. I�
�ll set up a makeshift stage in one of the bigger rooms. I’ve asked Tom Grove to serve as my assistant. He seems quite excited by the responsibility.” Alex took a bite of her chicken as Arlan set down his cutlery and glared at her.
“You mean to tell me you’re letting one of your students in on all your secrets when you refuse to share any with me other than that nonsensical balderdash you uttered about perception and reality?” Affronted, at least pretending to be, Arlan huffed indignantly.
Alex knew he only teased and wasn’t truly upset. “You’ll be busy playing with the band and Tom is the only other person I trust who was available to help. Besides, the boy has been sworn to secrecy. I’ve assured him a band of blood-thirsty pirates will cart him off, never to be heard from again, if he utters so much as one magic word out of turn.”
Arlan grinned and resumed eating his meal. “I hope he fully grasps the severity of the consequences. Now tell me that secret again. Perception is…”
“Perception is always greater than reality. When you figure out what that means, I’ll share another secret with you.”
They ate in companionable silence for a few moments before Alex asked Arlan about the band. “I have yet to hear you play. Filly said you’re quite good with the trumpet.”
Arlan shook his head. “Good might be stretching the abilities of my talents, but I can usually stay in tune and play the right notes at the proper time.”
Alex laughed and the sound warmed his heart. The saucy glance she sent his direction made his heart pound faster. “Since I shared one of my secrets with you, I think you should play for me.”
“If you throw in some cookies, it’s a deal.”
A smile wreathed her face. “Kolacky and a trumpet concert, what more could a girl ask for?”
He chuckled. “How about Monday after school?”
“That should be fine. You bring the trumpet and I’ll bake cookies.” Alex looked forward to hearing him play. “Would you rather I come to your house?”
“No, I’ll come to yours.” Arlan knew he shouldn’t go at all, but hoped his presence there might help deter any ill intentions Fred might have. He knew the boy was afraid of him after he tossed him out of the school the afternoon he tried to force Alex to kiss him.
When they finished the meal, Arlan paid the bill and helped Alex on with her cloak.
Moonlight washed the town in silvery hues as they strolled past Greg and Dora Granger’s grand home, located on one of Hardman’s side streets.
By mutual unspoken agreement, they stopped and stared up at the three-story structure, complete with gingerbread trim, turrets, and a widow’s walk along the top of the house.
“Have you been inside?” Arlan asked as they studied the wrap-around porch and impressive front entry.
“I have. Luke and Filly gave me the grand tour and Ginny and I have been in a few times, deciding where to put everything for the carnival.” Alex couldn’t imagine living in such a grandiose home, but it was fun to explore, especially since no furniture occupied any of the rooms. “It’s very generous of Mr. and Mrs. Granger to open their home for the event.”
“Greg loves Hardman and being involved in the community. Dora used to hate it here, but she’s changed remarkably since Luke married Filly. I never thought I’d see the day when she willingly moved back to Hardman, but I guess with Luke and Ginny here, and now Maura, she couldn’t stay away.”
“She sounds like quite a character. I shall look forward to making her acquaintance.”
Arlan offered her a cocky grin. “Just bear in mind, Dora most always speaks her mind first and thinks about what she said later.”
Grateful for the forewarning, Alex squeezed his hand. “I’ll keep that in mind. I believe Ginny said her parents are due to return a few days before Christmas, along with Blake’s parents. Is that correct?”
“That’s what Luke said. You’ll like the Earl and his wife. Like Blake, they are truly kind-hearted, caring people.”
“I’ve never met anyone of the peerage before.” Alex wondered if they’d be offended by her performance or her costume. “Do you think they’ll mind that I wear pants while I do the magic show?”
“Not in the least. Both Robert and Sarah are heaps of fun, as I’ve heard your students say.”
Alex laughed as they continued their walk toward her home.
The combination of the starry sky and moonlight glistening on the snow enveloped her in a swirl of romance. Secretly glancing at Arlan from beneath lowered lashes, her heart tripped in her chest as he grinned. The moonbeams reflected off a smile every bit as white as the snow surrounding them. He embodied everything she’d never dreamed of finding in a man, never even realized she wanted.
Dependable, loyal, upright, honest, and kind described him faultlessly. Despite his rather bookish demeanor, he laughed easily and enjoyed teasing her. Warm and witty, Alex thought Arlan nearly perfect.
Particularly when he stopped behind the shadows of a large tree and pulled her into his embrace.
“Have I mentioned how utterly entrancing you are tonight?” With agonizing restraint, his lips hovered a breath of space above hers.
“Mmm. Maybe once or twice, but you may repeat it as many times as you like.”
Quivering from the want of his touch and the warmth of his mouth, she stood on tiptoe and delivered a kiss that left them both breathless.
After giving her another involved kiss, Arlan, took her elbow in his hand and steered her toward her home.
“I think I better get you home, young lady, before some roguish character succumbs to his wicked notions and ravishes you with his undivided attention.”
“I’m practically as old as you, sir, and if the roguish character happens to be the one walking me home, then I don’t know that I’d protest.”
Arlan stared at her so intently, he would have walked right into a lamppost if Alex hadn’t pulled him out of the way.
“I don’t believe you ever stated your age.” Arlan breathed deeply of the cold, bracing air, hoping to clear his head.
“I’ll be twenty-four in February. That makes me nearly as old as you because Filly told me you just had a birthday in August.”
“You seem to glean an inordinate amount of information from both Filly and Ginny,” Arlan commented as he took the key to her front door from her and unlocked it. He pushed the door open and dropped the key back into her gloved hand before she stepped inside.
“They both know an inordinate amount of interesting details.” Alex’s impish grin made him want to rush inside, bar the door, and wrap her in his arms. Instead, he swept off his hat and took her hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“Thank you for accompanying me to dinner, even if you’re the one who insisted on it and probably cheated to win the race.”
“Thank you for taking me and for letting me win so you’d have to.” Alex tugged on his hand. “Why don’t you come in for a while and warm up before you walk home?”
“No, dear lady. I do believe I had better make this good night. Otherwise…”
“Yes?”
She gazed at him with such yearning in her eyes, Arlan almost gave in to his own longing. A sigh worked its way up from his chest and out his mouth as he released her hand and stepped back.
“Let’s just say we both know it isn’t a good idea and leave it at that. Sleep well, Miss Alex.”
“I shall, Mr. Guthry. I’ll see you at church tomorrow.”
Arlan settled his hat back on his head and winked at her. “Save me a seat. I get tired of battling your enamored students for a spot next to you.”
As Arlan started back toward town, Alex’s laughter floated around him like the sweetest notes that had ever touched his ears or heart.
Chapter Thirteen
Alex glanced down at the wiggling child on her lap and smiled. Erin Dodd grinned at her and wiggled again, forcing Alex to stifle her inclination to laugh.
It wouldn’t do to let the sound escape during the sermon on
tender mercy the little girl’s father delivered at the beautifully carved lectern set at the front of the church.
Instead, she discreetly placed a finger to her lips, reminding Erin to be silent. At three, the sprite found it hard to sit still for long, but knew she must be quiet during her father’s sermons.
With another puckish grin, Erin leaned back, snuggling against Alex. The desire to sigh with contentment as she held the precocious child made her glance down at the two children flanking her sides. Percy Bruner sat between her and the end of the pew while Anna Jenkins occupied the seat between her and Arlan.
Much to his dismay, two of her favorite students rapidly claimed the space she’d tried to save for him that morning. Alex knew she shouldn’t have favorites, but Percy never failed to bring a smile to her face with his lively stories and interesting ideas. Sweet little Anna spread light and joy wherever she went, making it impossible not to favor such a loving child.
Lifting her gaze from Anna to Arlan, she shrugged her shoulders and winked before turning her attention back to Chauncy’s sermon.
When he called for the congregation to rise and sing the closing hymn, Erin held out her arms to Arlan. He took the little girl from Alex while she opened the hymnal and held the book.
Arlan’s tenor sang each note with precise perfection. Although she loved to hear him sing, Alex kept her voice soft and low. Partially tone deaf, she’d never excelled at singing in tune.
“Are you gonna come to Aunt Filly and Uncle Luke’s for lunch?” Erin asked after the service ended and Arlan continued to hold her as they waited to walk down the aisle toward the door where Chauncy and Abby Dodd greeted the members of the congregation. One-handed, he helped Alex slip on her coat as they moved slowly toward the pastor and his wife.
“I was planning on it, unless you don’t want me to.” Arlan couldn’t hide his grin when Erin wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed. “Does that mean you want me to be there?”
Enthusiastically bobbing her head, Erin sent her dark curls flying every direction. “Please. You have to come, Uncle Arlan.”
The Christmas Calamity Page 14