“Vintage?” Allie asked, pointing at her outfit.
“Yeah.” Shannon turned, and the gauzy material swirled around her ankles. “I found a bunch of stuff at an estate sale a couple days ago.”
“Very nice.” The simplest pleasures made Shannon happy. Allie had often wished she was more like her friend. Content with the smallest things instead of so intense—so “on” all the time.
“I thought so, too.” Shannon flicked back her hair and dropped onto Allie’s bed. “Are you looking forward to our retreat this coming week?”
Allie nodded, although going away for several days seemed so unwise right now.
“What else is going on?”
Too much to tell. “Why does something have to be going on?”
“ ‘How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach, when feeling out of sight for the ends of Being and ideal Grace.’ Elizabeth Barrett Browning.” Shannon laughed. “A book of love poems and your Bible open on your bed stand. One of your poetry journals next to them. You’re wearing your most favorite dress in the whole world, and you’re makeup looks like it did when we drove to Portland and had that lady at the cosmetics counter do us up.”
Allie blinked. “Wow. You’re right.”
“Has he kissed you yet?”
No, she’d kissed him first. “You are way too nosy.” Allie paced the room.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” Shannon lounged on her elbow. “As much as I like Derrick, I think you need to slow down.”
“What?” Allie barked out a laugh. “You telling the tortoise she needs to move slower?”
“Yes,” Shannon conceded. “I guess you’re right. You are slow.” She sat straight on the edge of the bed and studied her face. “You both have walls up. I know where your walls come from and why they’re there, but his. . .”
“What are you telling me?” Allie’s face heated. “You’re not going to start up with the body language stuff, are you?”
“All I’m saying is that it wouldn’t hurt to find out a bit more about Derrick.” Shannon got to her feet. “Come on, gorgeous. People will be arriving soon.”
❧
Allie answered the front door, and her breath caught. She stared up at Derrick, speechless.
He stood there in a light denim shirt and dark blue jeans holding Danny’s wrapped present and looking wary. “Am I too early?”
She touched her lips. Could she forget his kiss ever happened and at least make a pretense of nonchalance?
“I’m sorry. Come in, of course.” She had trouble meeting his eyes, turned her back to him, and proceeded down the hall.
Derrick caught her by the arm. “I’m early because I want to talk to you alone.”
Alone? Could she trust herself? She turned and finally met his dark gaze.
“Can you come outside? For a minute?”
She hesitated, then nodded. Derrick stepped back and allowed her to go ahead of him. The scent of his cologne made her long for his nearness. One more hug. . .another kiss. . .
“Listen, Allie.”
They stood on the front porch, and she couldn’t look him in the eye again. Instead she stared at the Blue Mountains.
Derrick touched her arm. “I’m sorry about what happened today. I want you to know it won’t happen again. I promise.”
Ouch! As much as she appreciated his honesty, it stung.
Derrick cleared his throat. “I’m no more ready for a relationship than you are.”
“Direct and to the point. I admire that.” Her hard shell thawed a bit, and with that came a smile. “It wasn’t just you, Derrick. I was a willing participant, if not the one who initiated—”
“Hmm.” His lips lifted in a half smile. “Let’s just say we were both willing participants and leave it at that.” He drew a deep breath. “Can we be friends? Pretend this afternoon didn’t happen?”
She laughed, part of her wishing he’d declare his ever-lasting love, the other part knowing what he said was for the best—especially with Shannon’s warning ringing in her head. “Yes. I agree. And this is Danny’s birthday party. I want to enjoy myself.”
“Good. I do, too.” Derrick directed his hundred-watt smile her way, which threatened to be her undoing. Her insides turned to melting butter, and her knees weakened.
“I have another idea,” Allie said. “Why don’t I take you to Bright’s tomorrow? I owe you some candy.”
After the words left her mouth, she wanted to kick herself. Spending more time with Derrick was dangerous on her emotions. Her heart leaped while she waited for his response.
“Tomorrow?”
Allie caught sight of Michael pulling up in his BMW, and new worries knotted her insides.
Derrick turned to follow her gaze, then looked back at her.
“Are you two—”
“No. No way.” Her emotions must be so obvious. Now that Derrick had handed her the friend card, she may as well come out with the humiliating admission. “Michael and I were engaged. He cheated on me, then decided he wanted me back.”
“He was a fool,” Derrick blurted, and the words seemed to come from his heart. “Do you want to go back with him?”
Michael got out of the car, slammed the door, and walked toward them, a scowl on his face.
“No.” Allie shook her head. “I can’t abide lying.”
A flicker of tension crossed Derrick’s face. “Um, I’ll leave you here. It appears Michael’s not in the best frame of mind, and having another man with you isn’t going to help matters.”
Derrick disappeared into the house, shutting the door firmly before she could ask him to stay. Michael walked up the porch steps.
“Are you dating him?” He blew out a breath and strummed his fingers on his thighs.
“You can’t say hello before you give me the third degree?” She was suddenly shaking. “I’ve had a long day. I don’t need—”
“How can we talk? Whenever I see you lately, Owens is by your side.”
The door opened again.
“Allie?” Shannon’s voice came from behind her. “We need instructions to finish getting ready.”
“Oh sure.” Allie gestured for Michael to go inside. “I’m done talking. I don’t owe you any explanations,” she whispered to him. “This is Danny’s birthday party, and he’s the focus. If you must have a discussion with me, we’ll do it later.”
Michael opened his mouth as if to argue, then clamped it shut. He stepped into the house, and she followed. Waves of bitterness emanated from him, and she sent up a silent prayer that Danny wouldn’t sense the hostility.
“Okay, more guests will be arriving soon,” Allie said with false cheer. “Let’s get ready to party.”
Shannon gave her a thumbs-up. Allie smiled, looked across the room, and met Derrick’s gaze head-on. All tension drained from her, replaced by the foolish thought that everything would be all right as long as Derrick was around.
Derrick returned her smile, and she was totally entranced by everything about him. He studied her frankly, and his gaze dropped from her eyes to her lips.
At that moment she knew. She and Derrick could never be “just friends.”
❧
After Danny opened his presents, Michael announced he had to leave.
Good. Derrick slid a glance to the front door where Allie stood with Maynard. He’d like to speak with Maynard alone someday, grab him by his scrawny neck for hurting Allie.
No. That was the old Derrick. God had been working on his heart, and He was faithful to finish the good work He’d started in him. Plus, who was he to judge Maynard? Derrick hadn’t been exactly up-front.
An hour later, everyone else had left. Danny tugged on his shirtsleeve. “Mr. Derrick! Can you stay and watch me play the game you gave me?”
“Did you ask Aunt Allie and Granny if it would be okay?”
Danny waved his hand. “Of course it’s okay. They don’t care about stuff like tha
t.”
“You sure?” Derrick laughed. Danny had the run of the house for sure. He followed the boy into the den.
Danny settled beside him on the sofa, his thumbs already working the handheld game system controls. “My friends have this game. It’s awesome. Thank you.”
Derrick wished more than anything he could sit with Danny like this every night. After only a few minutes, Danny yawned. “I’m tired, Mr. Derrick.” He swiped his eyes.
“Me, too.” Derrick tapped him on the shoulder. “Did you have a good birthday?”
“Yeah. Really good, but. . .” Danny coughed, got up, and went to the bookcase. “I miss my. . .”
“What’s wrong, Spiderman?” Derrick moved to the end of the sofa cushion. “You crying?”
Danny shrugged, swiped his hand across his eyes, then pulled an album from the shelf. “This is my first birthday without my mom and dad.”
Yes, of course. The thought hadn’t crossed Derrick’s mind. “I’m sorry, Danny. Do you need to talk about them?”
Danny shrugged again. “Not much to say, really. They’re dead. I know I’ll see them again in heaven, but sometimes I miss them a lot. I want a mom and dad.”
He studied his precious nephew, at a loss for words. What could he say to such raw emotion?
Danny opened the album and pointed to a photo. “This is them and me. Last year.”
“Look at you on that roller coaster!” Derrick fake punched Danny in the shoulder. “Even I’m scared to go on those big rides.”
Laughing through his tears, Danny punched Derrick back, and Derrick wrapped his arm around the boy’s thin shoulders. “You’re a chicken,” Danny hiccuped. “I thought heroes were never chickens.”
“Every hero has at least one flaw. Remember that.” His heart broke for Danny’s pain. “And your parents looked like a happy couple. You must’ve had lots of fun with them.”
Danny wiped the tears off his cheeks, leaving wet smudges on his face. “At least I have my granny and Aunt Allie.” He smiled despite his tears. “She’s the best aunt in the whole world. She loves me, and she’s not afraid of big rides.”
“She’d make a great superhero, too,” Derrick said.
“Yeah.”
“I know she loves you. You’re easy to love, Danny.” Derrick released a pent-up breath. “But if she’s not afraid of big rides, maybe you shouldn’t tell her I’m a chicken. Heroes don’t like to talk about their flaws.”
“Scout’s honor.” Danny closed the album. “I think I’ll go upstairs now. Thank you for the present.” He crossed the room, turned back, and hugged Derrick, who felt his own eyes burn.
“Mr. Derrick,” Danny said, “will I see you tomorrow?”
“I don’t know if I’ll be back.” Derrick’s heart pounded. What was the point of getting closer to this family? He was falling hard for Allie. Betsy Vahn felt like a second mother to him. And Danny. . . His nephew had stolen a chunk of his heart.
Danny backed away, and his smile faded. “Okay then, see you sometime.” He walked from the room, head down.
The boy was getting too attached. Lord, I’ve been completely self-centered. He hadn’t considered Danny’s emotions before barging into the Vahns’ lives. The poor kid didn’t need anyone else to depart from his life. And even if Derrick spent more time here, sooner or later he’d have to return home. His facade couldn’t continue indefinitely.
The time had come to leave Walla Walla. Tomorrow he would take Allie to Bright’s like she suggested, then he’d return home and handle everything else by telephone and fax. No need to continue here.
He stood, stretched his legs, then headed to the kitchen to say good-bye to everyone. But before he could enter the room, he heard Betsy’s voice.
“Allie, you mustn’t overreact. I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation.”
“This explains the debt he left, Ma. At least we know that much.”
He heard the sound of a chair scraping on the floor. “I need to see what Derrick and Danny are up to. We’ll talk more tomorrow.”
Derrick was about to be caught eavesdropping. He hurried back into the family room and turned toward the bay window.
“Where’s Danny?” Allie asked behind him.
“He’s gone to bed.” Derrick turned toward her. He needed to tell her about the photo album and Danny’s tears, but not with the deep pain already etched on her face.
“Are we still on for tomorrow?” Please say yes.
Allie nodded. “Yes, of course.”
Derrick smiled, reached out to give her a hug, but dropped his arms at his sides. Unless he could tell her the whole truth and nothing but, he didn’t deserve Allie’s affection.
Fourteen
As he took Allie’s hand to guide her into the truck, Derrick caught another whiff of her flowery perfume, reminding him of their kiss—a distraction he didn’t need. He’d have to work hard to keep his wits about him today. Squelch the urge to kiss her at all costs.
He closed the door, came around to the driver’s side, and started the engine. He wracked his brain to think of something to talk about so he wouldn’t slip and say, Hey, I know what I said about being friends, but I really liked that kiss yesterday. Could we try again? Or, Did you know you’re Danny’s aunt, but I’m his uncle? And may I kiss you again? And then there was the conversation he’d overheard last night. Hey, Allie. Not only am I not telling you that I’m Danny’s uncle, I also eavesdropped on you. What’s up with the debt?
“So, I take it from the frogs I hear at night that the road is named Frog Hollow for a reason?”
“Oh yeah.” Allie smiled. “I used to love trying to catch them at the pond.”
Talk of the pond brought back a rush of fresh memories of their kiss. Derrick searched his mind for a change of topic. “I bet Danny enjoys frog hunting, too.”
“That and picnics near the pond.” Allie sighed. “I guess all that will have to end soon.”
Poor Allie. She was suffering having to give up the land. That they would still have their house and a few acres wouldn’t make things easier. She’d probably die a little bit with each house a developer built on the land she used to ride on. This was one time he hated his job. Maybe he could send her money anonymously. With everything in him, he wanted to do something to help the Vahns. Still, that wouldn’t help them keep all their land.
“You can make a left here. I’m taking you to town a different way.” Allie smiled at him with genuine warmth. If she had a clue as to why he’d come to Walla Walla, she wouldn’t be friendly. Guilt washed over him. How had a simple search for his nephew become ugly and complicated?
Derrick hit the turn signal. “I’ve never taken this road.” But he was willing to go wherever Allie wanted to take him.
“This is mostly farmland, but if you get bored—”
“No, I won’t get bored.” Not with you sitting beside me.
“Good.” She settled back against the seat then turned toward him, her gaze glued to his face. Did she see the strong resemblance between himself and Danny? Derrick cleared his throat. It was dangerous for him to be alone with her. A part of him wanted to spill every secret—confide his purpose for coming to Walla Walla. But he did owe her one truth right now.
“About Danny, I think you should know that he showed me a photo album last night. Pictures of him and his folks. He said this was his first birthday without them.” Derrick choked up, took a breath, and started again. “The kid was crying. I tried to cheer him—”
“Oh no.” Allie’s face lost color. “My poor little boy.”
“I’m sorry.” Derrick reached over and squeezed her hand. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“I’m glad you told me.” Allie squeezed his hand in return. “My sister-in-law, Cindy, started the album as soon as she and Luke adopted Danny.” She sniffed. “I can’t believe it most days. None of this is real.”
“I’ve got tissues in the glove compartment.”
Allie released his
hand and snapped it open. “Thanks.”
“Does Danny know he’s adopted?”
Allie nodded. “Yes, Cindy and Luke felt they owed Danny the truth. They let him know as soon as he could understand. They told him he was special, handpicked by God for them.”
He felt Allie shutting down, but he needed more answers. “Sounds like Cindy and Luke were thrilled to get Danny.”
“Oh, Cindy would only allow me to hold Danny long enough for her to take a shower.” Allie laughed, and he loved the musical sound of it. “Luke and Cindy, they were a dynamic couple. So in love and happy.” She glanced out the side window as though a new thought had stolen her attention. “At least most of the time, but at the end. . .”
Derrick held his breath, waiting. But as the seconds ticked by, he accepted that Allie had clammed up on the topic and he’d get no more from her. Pain was like that. You just had to shut it out sometimes.
Allie sat forward and pointed. “Did you know the Nez Perce Trail was located right here on Main Street?”
“No. Maybe I should brush up on Walla Walla’s history since I live nearby in the Tri-Cities.”
“My dad was a history buff, and I spent many Saturdays with him exploring this area. His research files fill a whole drawer in the cabinet in my office. I haven’t had the heart to look at them until yesterday.” She balled the frayed tissue in her hand. “He once talked about writing a book.”
“No kidding?” The sadness in her voice cut him to the core. Time for a change of topic. “I do know that Walla Walla means ‘place of many waters.’ ”
“Yep.” She smiled. “Good job. See? You do know something.”
“A bit. But I’d like to learn more from you.”
“My pleasure.”
Allie showed him all her favorite places in town, giving him a litany of history. A tour guide couldn’t have done better. They finally parked near Bright’s Candies.
“Weird, being here with you.”
Worry wormed its way into his heart. “Why’s that?”
“This is where we met for the first time.”
Relief relaxed his stiff shoulders. As if he could ever forget. “You mean when you knocked my whole bag of jelly beans to the ground?”
A Hero for Her Heart (Truly Yours Digital Editions Book 885) Page 10