* * * * *
“Edible Delights is the perfect name for you.” Kyle came up from behind and kissed her cheek. She began preparing a breakfast of silver dollar–sized apple pancakes and eggs. “You like my cooking?”
He stole a pancake right off the griddle and shoved it into his mouth before she could slap his hand away. He chewed quickly. “Honey, I love your cooking. But if your idea of a terrific meal was a frozen pot pie with canned peaches for dessert, I’d still be crazy about you.”
“Thanks,” she said, thoughtful for a moment, “I think.”
He laughed then poured them both a cup of coffee, taking it to the table. When the pancakes were done, she handed him the platter. Christy liked the way Kyle seemed at ease in her home, taking over, helping whenever necessary. He didn’t expect to be treated like a guest, and it seemed more and more lately that he was a permanent fixture. She loved that idea as much as she loved him.
When he took his seat, he asked, “So what was that question you were dying to ask me yesterday?”
Christy hesitated before answering. She sipped her coffee slowly, wondering if she should even broach the subject. After making love all night, she couldn’t doubt his devotion. She had given him her trust, a hard thing for her to do. She didn’t want him to wonder or doubt that trust now. “I wasn’t dying exactly. Something just struck me as curious, that’s all.”
“Oh, and what’s that?”
He shoveled down another pancake, sipped his coffee, and shot her an expectant look.
“It’s just that, the other night when you got all dressed up and went out, I wondered where you went.”
Kyle nodded, taking another sip of his coffee. “Let me guess, someone saw me with Veronica and reported back to you.”
“Well, no... maybe.” She waited for his reply.
He smiled winningly. “I had dinner with Veronica and a few other people, but I can’t say anything just yet.”
“You can’t, why not?” Now he really had her mind racing. What was he hiding?
“It’s a surprise.”
“A surprise?” Christy wondered what kind of surprise he had up his sleeve. Some thoughts filtered into her mind, and she hoped she was right about them. “And you won’t say anything more?”
“No, not at the moment.”
“I don’t understand, Kyle. Can’t you tell little ole me?”
“Especially not little ole you. If all goes as planned, you’ll know soon enough.”
He flashed white teeth in a dynamite smile. The man was impossibly handsome, charming, and downright mysterious.
She sucked in a breath and confessed, “I didn’t think you were sneaking behind my back with Veronica.”
“I know. After the last few nights, sweetheart, I wouldn’t have the stamina for more than one of you.” He winked playfully.
“Kyle!” She threw a pancake at him. He caught it before it landed on his lap.
“Save that energy for tonight, honey,” he said chuckling.
She folded her arms across her middle. Slyly, she asked, “Oh, and what do you think is going to happen tonight?”
He shrugged, shaking his head. “Have you forgotten? Tonight’s the big game. I need you in my corner, cheering.”
Christy had forgotten. Kyle had kept her mind pretty much in a daze lately. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
* * * * *
“Good thing we have home court advantage,” Kyle muttered, glancing at the opposing team’s bench. He’d venture to guess their players were an average of two inches taller than Bentley’s Broncos, player for player. “What are they feeding those guys, anyway?”
“What they have in height, we have in talent. We’re evenly matched,” Coach Jim Patterson said with confidence.
“Glad to hear it.”
Kyle scanned the bleachers to look for Christy. She sat in the third row with Jill Morgan’s mother. When she saw him, she waved. He lifted a hand and mouthed a hello. She blew him a kiss.
He couldn’t wait for tonight to be over. Maybe then, he could concentrate on Christy and the plans he’d made for their future. But first thing’s first. He’d come to Bentley to settle his father’s estate. That’s what he intended on doing tonight—after the game.
The team practiced their shots amid a cacophony of applause and cheers. “Billy’s looking good. The Green Machine’s got his act together,” Jim said, “thanks to you.”
“You helped, Jim. I appreciate it. And I know it wasn’t only because you needed Billy in a good frame of mind tonight. You care about these kids.”
“So do you. And well, win or lose tonight, Kyle, I want to thank you for all the time you put in. Your help was essential in getting the team into shape.”
“I had fun. I mean it. Soon, I’ll be back to work, and all this is going to seem like one big blur.”
Jim pursed his lips and cast him a dubious look. “What about Christy? Is she included in that blur?”
Kyle laughed. “Honestly, Jim, I appreciate your concern over her welfare, but from now on I’ll have that privilege. Christy isn’t in any danger of being harmed by me.”
Jim nodded, relief registering on his face. “Good, because I’d hate to give my best assistant coach a fat lip.”
“I’d like to see that.”
Before Jim could respond, the whistle blew and the Broncos lined up, waiting to be introduced. Kyle and Jim strode to their bench to give them a last-minute pep talk.
Kyle was gladdened to see a big smile on Billy Greenwood’s face. He took him aside and laid his hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Nervous?”
“No sir. Not anymore.”
“Good, just go out there and do what you do best.”
“Yes, sir.”
Kyle glanced over at Jill Morgan sitting on the sidelines with her gold and blue pom-poms. She only had eyes for Billy. Her warm gaze held so much love, Kyle was certain he’d made the right decision. When she glanced his way and waved, he gave her a wink.
With another blow of the whistle, the crowd cheered as the ball was tossed up into the air.
* * * * *
Two hours later Christy rushed down from the bleachers to throw her arms around Kyle’s neck. “We won! We won!”
He kissed her quickly and smiled. “We did, didn’t we? I couldn’t be more proud if they were my own team. Jim did a wonderful job with these boys. Now, they’ll have a chance at the state championship.”
“Brings back memories,” Christy said wistfully.
“Yeah, but maybe it’s time to think about the future.”
Kyle eyed her with intense heat. He arched his brows, and she nodded. She’d been hoping Kyle would want the same things she did. Their relationship was too new to make any permanent plans, but Christy had known all along, Kyle had major decisions to make while here in Bentley.
From the look on his face, she was confident he’d make the only choice there was to make. Her heart and soul depended upon it.
The principal of the school stood at the makeshift podium under the basketball hoop. He congratulated the team and then handed the microphone to Jim Patterson.
“Students, teachers, and parents,” he began with pride in his voice. A few minutes into his speech and after all the congratulatory pats on the back were given out, Jim made a special reference to Kyle.
“And I want to thank Bentley’s own Kyle Warren who assisted me in shaping these boys into the tremendous team you witnessed today. Kyle, thank you for your help and expertise. And furthermore, we have a special presentation for Kyle. So please come on up here.”
Kyle squeezed Christy’s hand, then strode purposely to the podium to stand by Jim as he continued, “As you all know, Bentley suffered a terrible loss when Kyle’s father, ‘Pop’ as he was affectionately known, passed on just a few weeks ago. Because of Pop’s unflinching aid to the school, our teams are dressed in new uniforms, as is our cheerleading squad. Pop’s financial aid through the years and his constant love and su
pport warranted special recognition. So tonight, on behalf of Mrs. Veronica Kendall and Principal Holbrook, it’s my honor to present John ‘Pop’ Warren’s son with this plaque that will go up in our Sport’s Hall, so that Pop’s memory will live on at Bentley High.”
Kyle accepted the plaque graciously, thanking all involved for honoring his father. When Christy thought he’d finished his speech, he remained at the podium to continue on, “As many of you may have known, my father initiated plans to set up a sports scholarship here at the school, but he died before those plans were finalized. I’ve spent a good deal of time working with many of the committee members to create this scholarship for this school year. I’m happy to say, the scholarship so named the ‘John Pop Warren Sports Scholarship’—a college grant of ten thousand dollars—will indeed be awarded this year. And it seems fitting tonight that we name that recipient.”
Kyle took a breath and fixed his gaze on her before continuing. “The first John Pop Warren Sports Scholarship goes to the young man who scored thirty-two points in tonight’s game, Billy Greenwood. Billy, come on up here and accept this certificate we’ve prepared.”
Applause broke out. Annie Morgan shook her head. “I don’t believe it.”
Christy patted her friend’s arm. “Maybe now there’s hope for Jill and Billy.”
“I don’t know. My husband’s dead set against Jill marrying that boy. College grant or not, he’s too young. How can he support Jill and,” she said quietly, “a baby?”
“But Jill’s in love with Billy.”
“I know she loves him, but love doesn’t pay the rent or the diaper bills. We feel we can provide better for her and the baby.”
Christy looked at Kyle’s satisfied face and felt a measure of pride for the man she loved. He’d seen a problem and cared enough to try to help. In many ways, he was just like his father. And that, in Christy’s book, couldn’t mean more to her.
She watched Kyle shake hands with the population of Bentley who’d come to watch the game. After twenty minutes, the commotion died down and everyone filed out of the gymnasium. She walked over to Kyle who stood against the wall, with his eyes closed. “That was a pretty marvelous surprise, Mr. Kyle Warren.” She reached up on tiptoes and kissed his smiling lips.
He folded her into his embrace. “That’s not the whole surprise, honey. There’s more.”
“Well, if it’s anything like this one, it’s got to be pretty amazing.”
“Oh, trust me. It is.”
“I do...trust you.”
He opened his eyes then. “I love you, you know.”
Christy’s heart nearly burst from her chest. Tears of joy pooled in her eyes. She couldn’t get the words out fast enough. “I love you, too.”
He smiled and his lips moved over hers lightly with extraordinary gentleness. “You know, I have thought about this moment, for a long time. I never expected to propose to my girl in a hot sweaty gymnasium, but somehow it feels right. Here, after the big game, with the woman I should have had all along.”
Christy leaned back, afraid she’d heard him wrong. “W-What?”
“Marry me, Christy.”
“Oh, K-Kyle,” she said, so full of love and joy she could barely manage one coherent thought.
He chuckled, tightening his embrace. “I’ll take that as a yes, sweetheart. We’ll have a good life, I promise. I know you’ll like Boston.”
Christy’s bubble burst when she heard his intent. Suddenly the room spun around her. She felt faint and heartsick. “Did you say Boston?”
“Yes, that’s where I live,” he teased, but Christy wasn’t enjoying the joke.
“But I thought you’d want to move back here. I was hoping....”
“Honey, I can’t move back here. My home and business are back east.”
“But what about Pop’s house, the store?”
“That’s the great part about all this. I didn’t know what to do before. I hated the thought of selling the house or the store. When I heard about Billy’s situation, I got to thinking and...the solution to both problems just came to me. I’m going to lease Billy and Jill the house. The house is paid up, so he’ll only have to pay the property taxes. Flo and I worked out a deal. She’s now half owner of Warren’s Hardware. I’ll be the silent partner, and Billy’s going to manage the place part-time, when he’s not in school. He’ll earn enough to raise his family while putting himself through school. He’ll have to commute, but he’s willing. He loves Jill as much as I love you, Christy.”
“But Kyle, I can’t leave. I have a business here.”
“I know, but Edible Delights will do well in Boston. And you can finish your book anywhere. Why not there with me?”
Christy stepped out of his arms. “I don’t like the East Coast. I hated New York. I couldn’t wait to come back here. I’m a small-town girl, Kyle. You should have realized that.”
Kyle gave her a look of disbelief. “Christy, be reasonable. I’m crazy about you, but I can’t live here.”
“But I thought you liked it here. You worked with the team and helped out at the store. I thought you were going to wake up one day and realize this is your home.”
“But it’s not my home, honey. Bentley was great for Pop. He loved it here. But I got out and stayed out. I wouldn’t have spent all that time away from my only living relative, from Pop, otherwise. Can’t you understand?”
“No, I don’t understand.”
“I only stayed this long because of you. Because I felt something for you and couldn’t leave until I knew what it was. And I found out. It’s love. I need you, Christy, by my side. Please, come to Boston. Give us a chance.”
Christy felt all the breath rush out of her, leaving her limbs weak. Her mind clouded with overwhelming sadness. “I can’t, Kyle. I just can’t. This is my home. I have commitments here.”
Kyle’s face colored. He raised his voice. “You can cook anywhere! Damn it, Christy. Don’t do this. Don’t get stubborn on me. Why are you always fighting me? It’s your way or no way. I won’t change my mind. I mean it. I’ve booked a flight home—I’m leaving in two days. And I bought two tickets.”
“You shouldn’t have,” she said softly. “I can’t go with you.”
Kyle shook his head. She saw his body tremble. “Then...it’s over.”
Tears rained down her face. She let them go, not bothering with wiping them, not bothering to hide them. “I guess so.”
“Damn you, Christy. You never would budge an inch with me.”
Chapter Ten
Kyle stood in the airport terminal, staring out onto the runway. His flight was departing in twenty minutes. He knew, because every thirty seconds or so, he’d glance at his watch then look toward the entrance to the terminal, hoping Christy had changed her mind.
He couldn’t believe after all this time he’d finally found the love of his life. She’d lived next door to him for years, and it had taken his father’s untimely death to bring them together. And now, he was leaving her.
He had packed up the remainder of Pop’s things, sorting through his clothes, sending them to the church. The furniture he left for Billy and Jill to use. They’d need it. The rest he was having sent to his home.
He knew it would be a hard farewell, leaving his childhood home behind. But it was leaving Christy behind that was the true killer.
She’d come by the house this morning, her face sad, her soft blue eyes swollen and red. He’d held an iota of hope she’d come to her senses. But instead, she’d offered his ring back to him. He took one look at that ring, the ring she should have worn in high school, and he knew he couldn’t accept it back. He’d told her there wasn’t anyone else he’d ever want to give it to. She should be the one to have it.
And it hurt like hell.
“Paging Mr. Kyle Warren. Mr. Kyle Warren, come to the information booth at the east end of the terminal.”
Kyle dropped his suitcase and looked around, hoping to see Christy, hoping she’d changed her mind
. He hurried to the booth referred to by the overhead announcer.
No one was there.
Then, he saw them. Jill and Billy came racing forward. They reached him wearing big smiles.
“Mr. Warren, we were hoping we’d catch up with you,” Billy rushed out, holding Jill’s hand. The two looked good together, as though they belonged with each other. And they did, Kyle thought. People in love should be together.
“Hey, it’s good to see you,” he said, hiding his disappointment that it was them and not Christy seeking him out.
“We came to say good bye and to thank you for everything. We’re getting married next week.”
“Hey, that’s great. So your parents finally gave in?” he asked Jill.
“Yes, they couldn’t very well refuse with Billy having a job, a place to live and a college scholarship. I’m planning on going back to school, too, after the baby comes. My mother said she would watch the baby part-time.”
“That’s great. I’m glad it’s all working out for you.”
“Yeah, and we wanted to tell you,” Billy said, glancing at Jill with a smile, then back to him, “we’re going to name the baby after you.”
Kyle felt a gladdening in his chest. For the moment, it eased away the pain of losing Christy. “I don’t know what to say. It’s quite an honor.”
Jill cast him a sweet smile. “If it’s a boy, we’ll name him Warren, but if it’s a girl...”
“Kylie,” Billy announced.
Kyle threw his head back and laughed. “That’s clever.”
Billy hugged Jill around her shoulders. “You have an invitation to our wedding. It’s going to be only family and few close friends. We’d like very much to have you there.”
“Oh, I’d like to come, but I don’t think so. I’ve been away from my business too long as it is. I wish you luck, though. I know you’ll make a go of it. Send me a picture of that baby when it comes, will you?”
“We will. You’re coming back if we make state championships?” Billy asked.
Smooth-Talking the Hometown Girl Page 11