by Nancy Hopper
“Dear God. I love you, Tasha. I love you, so much. This is the real deal, sweetheart. I want to marry you. I want to love you and hold you, and be with you for the rest of my life. Give me a chance. At least … think about it.” her persuaded softly.
He kissed her again. He pushed until she couldn’t take any more. He told her that he wanted her, that he’d wait. He had her panting with desire. She was on fire. She was helpless in his arms.
“Tasha, say yes.” he begged in a whisper.
She was jolted back to reality by the plea. Her eyes flew open. “No. Tim, no.” she objected.
He sighed and watched her compassionately. “Okay. I understand.” he whispered. “But I’ll be waiting.”
She jumped into her car and locked the door behind her. When she looked up again, he was already walking away.
CHAPTER TEN
Lucinda was waiting when Tasha got home. She looked crushed that Tim wasn’t with her.
Tasha just smiled tightly. “Hello, Lucinda. No, he couldn’t come tonight. But don’t worry. He doesn’t need chicken soup. Really.” She assured the bewildered housekeeper on her way by. She went straight up to her room, and didn’t come out again.
Tasha didn’t want to ski the next day. But she was so restless, she couldn’t stay in. She put on a different outfit than the one she usually wore, and did her best to be unobtrusive. By lunch time, she’d begun to relax and enjoy her day. She decided to make one last run, and then go in for something to eat.
After lunch, she skied up to the nearest lift, and got in line. There was almost no one waiting. As the gate swung open for her to enter the loading area, she heard the swish of skis and someone came alongside.
“Can I ride up with you?” a man asked quietly.
“Sure.” she agreed lightly. Then, she felt his presence as the quad chair scooped them up -- and she found herself staring up at Tim Rain. She took off her sunglasses and gave him a peeved look.
Feeling her staring at him, he looked over at her. She could have sworn he grew a mite pale.
“Oh, boy. I don’t suppose you’ll believe that I didn’t know it was you?” he asked with a sigh.
“I can see that. How are you?” she asked politely.
He looked away and shook his head. “Lost.” he answered shortly. “I can’t really understand anything that happened last night. Tasha, I know it was absolutely crazy for you, and I know I owe you an apology.”
“Accepted.” she said skeptically.
“I’d explain it, but I don’t understand it. I’ve never kissed anyone I was ministering to. I’ve never ... it’s not ... I just don’t do things like that. I don’t know what happened, I just felt like I had to. I can’t explain it. Yesterday was the worst, best day of my life. Nothing made sense, except ... you. For once, you made all kinds of sense.” He gave her a stormy, tormented look. “But Tasha – it was God. I’d bet my life on it.”
She stared quizzically up at him. He really seemed upset. He looked awfully handsome in the bright sunlight. The sun was bouncing in rainbows off his jet black hair more brightly than it did his mirrored glasses.
She decided she'd rather not hear it. “Where are your friends today?”
He sighed harshly. “Ruben decided to sleep, and Kenny’s busy with conference business.”
She could feel the heaviness of his heart. He really didn’t know what to do, and he was genuinely, deeply upset. She smiled at him.
“Tim, listen. It’s not such a big deal. Why don’t we forget that you did something you shouldn’t have done, and let’s just be friends? Let it go, so you can relax and enjoy your day. But please, let’s not talk about getting married, all right?”
He looked at her tensely. “You’re not mad?”
She smiled and shrugged. “No harm done, really. But do it again, and I’ll deck you.”
He laughed. He looked out at the slope below them. “Can’t promise that, lady.” he admitted. “Whatever it was that made me do it, is still going strong. But I caution you; it ain’t me, so be careful.”
“So, you still say God made you do it, huh?”
Tim shrugged. “I haven’t missed hearing His voice for a long time.”
“Then perhaps you were due.” she suggested dryly.
Tim chuckled. “Maybe.” he admitted dubiously. “Can I hang out with you this afternoon, for awhile? I hate skiing alone.” he admitted.
She watched him pensively. “You travel a lot, Tim?”
“Yeah, about two-thirds of the year.”
She could see that he was lonely. “Sure. We can ski together.” she agreed, knowing in her heart that it was dangerous.
But, it was also delightful. He was an absolute gentleman, and when Tasha let go and relaxed, she realized that she had not had so much fun in as long as she could remember. Tim kept her in absolute stitches, and the stories he had to tell were fascinating. He’d been all over the world, and he shared his remarkable adventures with her in a way that kept her spellbound.
Tasha found herself amazed at the things he was saying. If he was telling the truth, he’d witnessed God move with miracles unspeakable, since he’d been about twenty years old. Tim's conversation made her feel that she knew him intimately now; he was such a tender-hearted man, who loved people with all that was in him. He gave himself so freely … she gained a very clear picture of his selfless desire to meet peoples' needs in every possible way he could.
“But, I sense change coming fast. I don’t know just what, but I keep waiting for something to happen.”
“Sometimes it comes too fast.” Tasha answered lightly.
Tim looked at her, but she was staring at her hands. “Let me buy you something to drink,” he suggested, “and then if I’m smart, I’ll catch at least a quick nap.”
Tasha found herself saying something she’d sworn she’d never say again. “Why don’t you come over to the house? You can have your drink, use the whirlpool, take a nap and a shower, and have something to eat. You’ll be able to sleep longer, that way. And Lucinda will be able to convince herself you're all right, now.”
She began to know why her heart was moved with compassion for him, when he looked at her.
“Really?” he asked hesitantly.
“Really.” she chided him teasingly. “It will make Lucinda’s night. She wasn’t terribly happy with me for coming home without you. I’m afraid she’s taken a mother hen’s fancy to you.”
“It’s not very often that people are so kind.” he said flatly. “And those that try to get close to me, too often really want to pump me for a word, or drag all their friends in to gawk at me until I feel like a side show spectacle. It’s wonderful to have someone be truly hospitable. Especially you, Tasha. Especially now. I appreciate it very much.” His voice was husky with emotion.
Tasha felt a lump rise in her throat, but she knew better than to try to give it voice. She only knew she was glad she’d asked him to her home, again.
Tim stopped by his room so he could get everything that he needed to be ready for the evening. Tasha got her car, and waited for him outside the Cedars. He came down with a slight frown on his face.
“What’s wrong?” she asked worriedly.
“I don’t know.” he sighed. “I can’t put my finger on it. I just feel uneasy. It’s probably nothing. I feel … something coming. News, or understanding. I don’t know. I just know it’s coming.”
They went to the Charles home, and as Tasha anticipated, Lucinda was beside herself with joy when Timothy Rain walked through her door.
”Mr. Tim! You come and grace us again with your presence! How wonderful! Thank you.”
“The pleasure is all mine, Lucinda.” he assured her with a big grin.
Tasha averted her eyes from his bright, even smile, and started toward the stairs. “Come with me, I’ll show you where the whirlpool is.” she offered brusquely.
As Tim followed her up the stairs, she imagined him catching up to her, pulling her back into his a
rms and making love to her with his lips, his hands. It was half with fear and trepidation, yet with a sense of excitement that she waited for it to happen. But Tim was a perfect gentleman.
“You can use the guest room again.” she said, moving quickly away from him. “There’s a bath and um ... then when you want to use the hot tub, you’ll have to come through my room. Just tap first, please, to be sure I'm not here.” she advised, and opened the door to her lovely suite. She went to the French doors, and showed him the tub situated on a deck outside.
“Aren’t you going to join me?” he asked quietly.
She tensed. “Well, possibly. It depends on the children.” she hedged.
He smiled. “All right. Thanks.” He turned and left her room without any delay.
He sensed that she was very curious about him today. Very open, and very vulnerable. It was time for him to back off, and let her look; watch him at her own distance.
But, it was interesting that she would have him use the tub outside her room. He knew that there was another one downstairs.
He showered and put on his trunks thoughtfully. With a towel draped around his neck, he went across the hall and tapped on her door. No one answered, so he gently pushed the door open and went in.
“Tasha?” he asked quietly. There was no reply, but he thought he felt her presence.
He went toward the French doors, and saw a photo portrait of a man, hanging on the wall to the left. There was a second photo with Tasha smiling brilliantly from the warmth of the man’s arms.
Tim stood and looked at the man, shocked and perplexed, for a long moment. The man had been Tasha's husband, obviously. The portrait shone with their love and happiness.
Now, he knew what he’d sensed earlier that had caused him to feel so troubled. The understanding he’d been waiting for had come. He sighed, and shook his head in wonder. Then, he went on out to the tub.
The water felt wonderful, but he still felt eyes on him. He scanned the windows of the house, and found that there was a window next to Tasha’s suite that seemed to be ancillary – perhaps a dressing room. He put his head back, and chuckled. It was an interesting feeling to know that she was watching him so closely, after all. It had to be a very good sign.
He shut his eyes, and very nearly went to sleep. Twenty minutes later, he stretched his arms behind his head; then raised his arms overhead, to stretch out his back. He turned off the motor, and climbed out of the tub. From the corner of his eye, he saw Tasha’s slim shadow dart through her suite and out into the hallway.
He stopped in her room, and lifted his eyes to the portraits once again. Then, he looked toward the door to his right where he felt the window might be. Following his suspicions with a half-smile, he pushed open the door and found a dressing room, and a walk-in closet of massive proportions filled with clothes unmistakably Tasha’s; and a lovely, full bath. Below the window he’d seen from outside, sat a little velvet bench. His fingers found the seat still warm.
With a low chuckle, he went out of the dressing room and looked at the pictures of Tasha and her deceased husband yet again.
“My brother,” he said quietly, “I don’t know why the Lord called you home. I don’t know if I can fill your shoes, buddy, but I’m gonna try. I trust it won’t make any difference to you anymore, but I’m going after your woman. And I’ll take good care of her and those little angels of yours.”
"I know that what happened last night, was the Lord. It humbled me, and it broke my heart. I doubted it a hundred times after it happened; now, I couldn’t be more sure.” he said in a whisper. “I’m going to make her my wife.”
Maybe it was his imagination, but Tim felt sure that the smile in the portrait got a little wider – and the sparkle in Gary’s eyes became a bit brighter.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Tasha studiously avoided him when he went down for dinner, to the extent that she could. Though she was polite, she kept as much distance as etiquette would allow.
Tim followed her with inquisitive eyes, but he let her run.
Meanwhile, Lucinda pampered him almost to the point of embarrassment. “I made Chocolate Torte just in case you might come again.” she admitted with a giggle.
Tim smiled at her, and shook his head. “Lucinda, Lucinda.” he said, “you’re too much. Here I am again, wondering what I’m going to do, when I have to go home and fend for myself.”
“Well, perhaps you’ll just have to stay with us and let me continue to take care of you.” she said enthusiastically.
Tim laughed. “I’m sure the master of the house might have something to say about that.”
“He would fall in love with you, sir.” Lucinda predicted.
Tasha was silent through the meal, but Lucinda more than made up for it. So, Tim talked to the housekeeper and continued to let Tasha observe, which she did not fail to do.
The children were becoming curious about him, and began asking him tentative questions.
“Where do you live?” Naomi asked politely.
“Jackson Hole, Wyoming.” he answered.
“In Wyoming? Wow. Do you have a ranch?” Lucas asked with big eyes.
“Matter of fact, I do.” Tim answered with a grin.
“Wow. And horses and cows?”
“Yep.”
“And dogs and cats?”
“Yep. And pigs.”
Lucas’ eyes got really big. “Pigs?” he asked incredulously.
“Yep.”
“Whaddaya want with pigs?” Lucas asked suspiciously.
Tim gave him an uncertain look. He wasn't sure Lucas was ready to hear the answer. “Well, Lucas, they make powerful good eating.” he said calmly. He smiled, and raised one eyebrow.
Lucas looked bewildered. “Why would ya wanna eat a pig?”
“How do you feel about bacon in the morning?” Tim asked with a bit of a drawl in his voice.
“Oh, yeah. I love bacon.” Lucas agreed immediately.
“What about a good ham?”
“Sure. I love ham.” Lucas admitted.
“Well, guess where they come from?” Tim teased with a grin.
“Pigs? No way!” Lucas immediately shot back.
“Yes, way.” Tim insisted.
“Mom, is it really?” Lucas demanded.
Tasha shot a teasing look at Tim. “Mr. Rain says so.” she said noncommittally.
“Mommy, we gotta go there and see them pigs.” Lucas decided emphatically.
After they all had a chuckle, Tim stroked his chin and pondered the opening.
"Lucas, I’d like that. You know, I’ve got a horse that you could get on, and ride all day. She’ll take you way up into the mountains and not bring you back until supper time. In the summer, you can camp out up there all night, and catch fresh fish in the morning for breakfast.”
“Wow.” Lucas sighed. “You mean you’ve got extra horses? Whose horse would I ride?”
Tim bit his lip. “Well, Lucas, we do have quite a few extras, that aren’t anybody’s special friends. In fact, I have a couple of ponies that are pretty darn lonesome. You see, my little sister Dana and my little sister Angela used to ride them, but both girls are all past that, now. So, these two ponies are used to having special attention; but now, there’s no one to pay any attention to them, at all.”
"There’s something about a pony. Every pony I’ve ever known, wanted really badly to be special. Wanted its own child to be with, like a partner. They get mighty attached to one special friend, in my experience.” He said thoughtfully.
Lucas looked up at Tim with big eyes. He seemed to have trouble comprehending such a state of affairs. Ponies without kids?
“Do you have kittens, ever?” Naomi asked hesitantly.
“Yeah, we do. We keep a couple of them in every barn. That way, the mice don’t eat me out of house and home.”
Naomi looked skeptical, but nodded politely.
“I don’t suppose you like horses and ponies and such, do you?” he asked her.
“Really?” Tim asked with a smile. “Well, that’s a coincidence.” he said lightly, and shot an amused look at Tasha. “Maybe your mama will bring you down to see us, sometime.”
“Us?” Lucas queried immediately.
Tim grinned. This sharp little guy didn’t miss anything. “Oh, yeah. I've got a resident grandma and grandpa, too.”
“Really? Where’d you get ‘em?” Lucas asked innocently, his brow wrinkled, his big eyes full of wonder.
Tim chuckled. “Well, they’ve just always kind of been there.” he said. “They were there when I was born, I think, and they just kind of keep on hangin’ around.”
“Then, they must be your parents.” Naomi decided sensibly.
“That’s right.” Tim admitted. "We even have a few buffalo."
"Real buffaloes? Do you got Indians there, too?"
"Actually, a lot of my friends are Indians." Tim assured him.
“Wow! Real Indians!” Lucas gasped.
“You have sisters? Do either of them live on the ranch?” Naomi asked curiously.
A shadow seemed to pass over Tim's face. “Yes; one of them does.” he answered gravely.
“We’d probably better get going, Tim, or you’ll be late.” Tasha intervened.
Tim smiled at her. “I suppose so.” he agreed, although he had a little time to spare. He guessed correctly that she’d about reached her limit on this particular line of questioning.
Lucinda excused herself and bustled out to the kitchen. Naomi and Lucas said goodnight to Tim, and went upstairs.
Tim smiled down at Tasha and said, “I’ll just go up and get my things.”
Tasha put her hand on his arm. “Tim, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like it sounded. It’s just that I don’t want them to get too excited about visiting you. I don’t know that it will ever happen.”
Tim turned her face up to his. He was so close that he towered over her. “Never fear. It will happen.” he assured her quietly. He looked at her lips, then forced himself to look into her eyes. “I’d never hurt them or lead them on, in any way.” he promised in a husky voice. Then, he turned and went up the stairs, leaving Tasha wringing her hands. She growled in frustration and followed him up, at a safe distance.