by Leger, Lori
“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!” He realized immediately, as she obviously did, that his family had heard every word of their argument. Tiffany chose the lesser of two humiliations and turned to face him rather than the curious hoard of onlookers. His gaze locked onto her flushed face and he placed his hands protectively on her shoulders. “Aw, Doc,” he murmured, feeling the mortification roll off of her rigid body in waves.
Red sent tight-jawed glances at the various members of his family. “Y’all go on into the house, please. Giselle and Jackson are in there already.” He released a loud sigh as his mother reached up to pat his cheek. “Hi Mom.” She gave him an encouraging wink before urging the others into his home.
Annie paused next to him just long enough to punch Red in the shoulder. “Good job, big brother.”
He winced as someone else snickered before agreeing about the Neanderthal crack.
He watched as Tiffany kept her gaze riveted to her boots, understandably too embarrassed to move. When the last McAllister finally meandered past and disappeared into the house, she covered her eyes with one hand.
“Oh. My. God. Could I possibly be any more humiliated than I am at this moment?”
Red’s snort of amusement had her pivoting to face him.
“This is not funny.” Her tone was short, and clipped with annoyance.
He shook his head and grinned at her. “Doc, I know you don’t want to hear this right now, but one day you’ll look back on this and laugh.”
She shook her head vehemently. “Not in this lifetime.” She picked nervously at her jacket.
“Look, if you want to know what the old argument between me and Tanner was about, I’ll tell you.”
She raised large, liquid, brown eyes to his, and nodded. “I think I have a right to know.”
Red took a deep breath. “He and Chloe, Jackson’s ex, got me banned from the wedding. I was supposed to be his best man, but she got Tanner to substitute.”
“What did you do to make her want you out?”
“She threw herself at me and I turned her down. She and Tanner became close after that. Would you care to guess why?”
“If you’re trying to tell me he slept with Chloe before the wedding, that’s ancient history. She’s dead, and Jackson’s remarried already.”
Red took a deep breath. “Are you aware that he had sex with her before the wedding, during the reception, or so I’ve been told, and long after they were married?” He shook his head as she closed her eyes and nodded, telling him she’d long-suffered through her fiancés indiscretions. “Unbelievable … you knew and still kept him around.” He wasn’t quite able to hide his disgust.
Tiffany’s eyes narrowed angrily before she turned to her car. “I sure as hell don’t have to stand here so you can judge and insult me.”
Red reached out and grabbed hold of her arm, bringing her to a jerking halt. When she turned, her right hand clenched like she was ready to swing at him, he grabbed that hand too. “Stop!” He was determined she’d hear him out.
“Let me go, McAllister,” she hissed at him. “Or you’ll be damned sorry!”
He released her quickly, raised both hands. “I will—I am. But I’m asking you to listen.” She lowered her hands, as though relenting. “I didn’t want to tell you this at the wedding because I didn’t want you to be humiliated in front of everyone, but in light of the situation.” He lifted one hand toward his house and dropped it. “I guess it’s pointless to keep it from you now. Did your fiancé tell you he made a pass at Annie in the stables?”
Tiffany turned an astonished gaze toward him.
“It’s true. He followed her there and threw himself at her. She slapped him. Knocked him into a pile of horse sh… manure.”
She growled. “He blamed that on you, too.”
Red shook his head, a low chuckle escaping. “Nope. That was all Annie.”
Tiffany lowered her head as though she were somehow to blame. “But, no. He didn’t tell me any of that. Of course he didn’t.” Her eyes closed as she shook her head. “It’s no wonder you hit him.”
“That was the last straw. It was time he paid.”
She scuffed her boots on the brick walk and crossed her arms tightly across her chest. “He’s threatening to sue, you know.”
“Let him try. I’ve got a good lawyer and a sister who’ll testify that he attacked her. Besides, it didn’t stop him from performing any surgeries.”
She sent him a curious look. “How do you know?”
“I did my homework. The proof is in my lawyer’s office. I’m a businessman. I know how to protect my ass—sets.”
She lifted a brow in his direction. “I’m impressed, I guess.” A ringtone of Linda Ronstadt singing You’re no Good cut through the following moment of awkwardness.
Red grunted as Tanner’s name flashed on her screen. “Speak of the devil—”
She ignored him and answered, her voice tight and controlled. “Yes, Tanner.”
“Where the hell are you, Tiffy? I called the condo and you didn’t answer. Did you get called to the hospital?”
“I told you several times that Jackson invited me to the ranch for Thanksgiving dinner.”
“Did you?”
“Yes, I did,” she said blandly. “How are your parents?”
“They’re wonderful, and they send their love.”
“Give them mine, too. I have to go.”
“All right, but don’t eat too much. You know you have a tendency to overeat around the holidays.”
“I do not.”
“You’re getting older and it gets harder to keep off those unwanted pounds.”
Tiffany clenched her jaw. “You and I are having a talk when you get back, Tanner.” She gave the button a hard press to end the call.
“Tiffy?” Red grimaced, having heard every word of their phone call. He lifted one shoulder carelessly at her glare. “I can’t help it if I have excellent hearing, and I can’t believe you let him call you that.”
“I hate it,” she growled. “And he knows I hate it.” She sighed and rolled her neck as if to release tension. “I have to go. Just keep the dessert.”
“Don’t go, Doc. Melissa and Bailey will be here soon. They’d be thrilled to see you.”
“Red, there’s no way in hell I can face everyone again.” She pointed toward his front door. “Do they all know what Tanner tried with Annie?”
“My parents do. I don’t know about the rest.” He could practically see her wheels turning, could see her working through her emotions, hoped she’d find it in her to stay. “Come on, Doc. Stay for lunch, at least.”
She waved off his plea. “No. I’m going.” Her voice was clipped, determined, as she turned and walked toward her car.
When he started to follow, she paused and lifted a hand to stop him. “Go. Tend to your guests, Red. I’m fine, really.”
He sighed. “I’m sorry it turned out this way, Doc.” Resigned for the moment, but not totally defeated, he walked inside, bypassed his family, and went straight for his office. He closed the door and watched from the window that looked out over the parking area. She rested her elbow on her door while making a call from her mobile phone.
Who are you calling, Doc? Tanner? A co-worker? Who’s that call about, huh? Damn, but he’d like to hear both sides of that conversation. She ended the call and slammed her hand on the steering wheel. A slow smile stretched across Red’s face. “Tanner. Definitely Tanner,” he whispered. “Come on, Doc, you know that son of a bitch isn’t worth wasting a day off.”
His heart pounded as he watched her get out of her car and stand there, as if trying to build up her nerve. Her first determined steps back to his front door had him pumping his fists victoriously. He spun around to rush back to the front door, stopping at the kitchen just long enough to issue a desperate plea to his family members.
“I’m begging y’all. Please. Keep all comments to yourselves.” He continued to the front entrance, taking a moment to wipe
his slightly dampened palms on the front of his jeans. He opened the door and stepped out as Tiffany’s booted foot hit the first step.
She stopped to look up at him—adjusted the strap of her purse over her shoulder. “I think I will stay for lunch.”
“Want to tell me about it?”
Her mouth twisted in a tortured smile. “I checked in with his parents. He called them last night to say he couldn’t make it.”
He released one long sigh, silently thanking Tanner for being such a world class fool, before stepping aside.
“Come on in, Doc. Forget about him for one day. I guarantee you’ll have some fun. Probably at my expense, but you’ll enjoy yourself.”
Tiffany adjusted her purse strap higher on her shoulder. “It sounds good, Red. I could use some fun.” She approached him and stopped. “Particularly if it’s at your expense.” She shrugged. “You kinda owe me.”
He gave a low chuckle and nodded. “I kinda do.”
He held the door open for her and she stepped inside. The noise coming from the large home had increased dramatically with his family’s arrival. She counted at least seven children scattered around Red’s den, varying in ages from mid-teens to one adorable toddler with strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes. The chubby baby boy waddled closer and raised his arms to her.
“Oh my goodness, he’s adorable!” She didn’t hesitate, but immediately lifted him into her arms. “Hello there, handsome boy.” The toddler cracked a big grin at her.
Red chuckled. “That’s Conner, and he’s never met a stranger. He’s my sister, Kathleen’s boy.”
Tiffany settled the child on her hip and stroked his silken curls. Conner gave her another cheesy grin then turned to face his uncle.
“Unca Wed!” Conner cried, as he reached out for Red.
Red took his nephew from Tiffany and held him. “Hey buddy, how’s it going?” The toddler patted Red’s cheeks as they butted foreheads.
Somehow she managed to hide her shock at his ease with children. She had to wonder if there was anything else about this man that would surprise her.
He cocked his head toward the kitchen. “Come on, I’ll introduce you to the family you haven’t met yet.”
Tiffany already knew Annie and his parents, but it took several minutes to go through the rest of his family.
A tall, red-haired young woman stepped forward. “You were Jackson’s surgeon, weren’t you?”
“Yes, I was.”
“I’m Rebecca. Annie told me what a great job you did on his leg. It’s very impressive that there were no complications, considering the seriousness of his injuries.”
“That’s just diligence after the surgery. I try to do as much of that myself, as I can. Our nurses are excellent, but so overworked and understaffed they just can’t catch everything,” Tiffany explained.
“Your work is highly respected in this area.”
“Well thank you, I try. Where do you practice? I remember Red telling me that his sisters were all in the medical profession.”
“I’m a pediatric nurse at St. Gabriel’s in Lafayette,” Rebecca said. “Understaffing is one reason I switched to Pediatrics a year ago. I get to spend a lot more one on one time with my patients. Annie said you make a real effort to get to know yours.” She nodded approvingly. “That’s admirable. So many surgeons don’t these days.”
Tiffany smiled. “Sometimes I get to know them so well I’m asked to be a witness for their wedding—and then get invited to Thanksgiving dinners.”
“That’s right. Both she and Red witnessed for us when we got married at the courthouse,” Giselle piped up.
Tiffany reached up to run her fingers through Conner’s silky locks. “So, who does this adorable child belong to?”
“That would be me and his daddy here,” said a tiny, younger version of Vivienne McAllister with strawberry blonde hair. “I’m Kathleen, and that young man is the older brother to his baby sister,” she said, patting her large belly. “She’s due to make an appearance a couple of days before Christmas, if I make it that far.” When she propped her feet up onto her husband’s knees, he removed her shoes and began to massage her feet tenderly. “Thanks, Babe,” she groaned. “That feels so good.”
Tiffany wondered what it must be like to be included in the McAllister family. They didn’t seem ashamed to show affection for one another in front of others. This family actually cared for each other. She knew it all had to start with the parents. She glanced up and caught a look from Red’s mother, who smiled warmly at her. She smiled shyly back at Vivienne, feeling her face heat with a blush.
Red released the wriggling toddler and stepped in front of her, blocking out his family to whisper his concern. “Is everything okay, Doc?”
She nodded, just a little shocked at his concern. “I’ll live. You have a great family Red.” She nodded at Vivienne and Pete McAllister. “Your parents look like they’re still so much in love.” She smiled as Pete McAllister wrapped his arms around his diminutive wife.
“They are, and most of us realize how lucky we are that they show it. It drives Annie crazy though. Watch her reaction. She can’t stand it.” He pointed out his sister who was steadily rolling her eyes at the sight of the older couple sharing a kiss. “Hey Annie!” he called out. When she turned to meet his gaze, he jerked his head in the direction of their parents as he grinned, nodding gleefully.
“You’re. An. Assssss,” Annie mouthed to her big brother before turning her back on him.
Red laughed. “The last of eight children and she can’t accept that they ‘did it’—it’s unbelievable.”
Tiffany burst into laughter at Red’s interaction with his youngest sibling. He turned to face her suddenly.
“You have a great laugh, Doc.”
She smiled shyly. “Thank you.”
He glanced at the door as more guests rang the bell. “It’s too bad it took this long to hear it.” He gave her a sad smile before excusing himself.
Tiffany watched in fascination as he walked to the door, his arms swinging in rhythm to his long easy strides. Her mouth watered at the sight of the broad shoulders and back, the long waist tapering down to trim hips, accentuated more so by the tailored fit of his shirt. She dropped her gaze even further to the firm butt and muscular thighs covered in just tight enough jeans.
Red opened the door to two women, followed by men she supposed were their husbands, and even more beautiful children. She approached the group, immediately recognizing her old college buddies.
Melissa saw her first, screamed before grabbing her in a hug. “Oh my God. Tiffany? What are you doing here?” She turned to her sister. “Bailey, do you remember Tiffany LeBlanc?”
The second woman beamed up at her. “Sure, I do. We did some partying together my freshman year. Your hair is different but you look wonderful.” She took her turn hugging Tiffany. “Damn, girl. If I’d have known you were coming, I would have dug out my college scrapbook—brought it along for a little reminiscing.”
Red cleared his throat. “Just what kind of stuff is in that scrapbook?”
“Well, I can’t give away all our secrets, big brother. Suffice it to say the three of us had a lot of fun that year.”
Red cocked an eyebrow in Tiffany’s direction as he spoke to Bailey. “I’d pay good money to see that book, Sis.”
Tiffany stepped forward and pointed up at Red. “Bailey, don’t you dare give that man any incriminating evidence against me.”
Bailey laughed. “I wouldn’t dare. I couldn’t believe it when he told me you were the one that saved Jackson’s leg.”
“Sure did, and my favorite patient felt sorry for me and invited me to this shindig. I had no idea I’d be seeing any of you here.” She aimed her gaze at Red. “It came as a complete surprise.”
Red shrugged his shoulders sheepishly. “And if I’d known, I would have let you girls know sooner.”
They introduced her to their husbands and then their daughters, two seven year olds
with more curly auburn hair like their mom’s, and what must be the trademark blue eyes of the McAllister clan. As several more grandchildren walked into the room, Tiffany turned to Bailey again. “Is there any member of this family that doesn’t have those gorgeous blue eyes?”
Bailey shook her head and grinned. “Not yet, but I’m going to keep trying. One day I hope to have a child with big brown eyes like my husband’s.”
The statement seemed to jar Red’s memory as he palmed his phone. “Hey, Sis, come here and watch this video. See if you can figure out who this little girl belongs to.” He pulled up the pictures and video he’d taken of Carrie’s granddaughter, Ava, when Jackson was still in the hospital.
Bailey groaned as she watched the video of Ava telling her mom she was going to the hospital to see Jackson.
“You see? Isn’t she precious with those big brown eyes? Wait, that’s one of the Jeansonne twins. I can’t tell if it’s Lauren or Gretchen, though. It’s been too many years since I’ve seen them.”
“Yep,” Red agreed. “That’s Lauren and her little girl, Ava Grace. She looks like Shirley Temple with all those curls. She’s adorable, and talk about a character.”
Tiffany watched the video again, smiling as Ava kissed Red on the face and waved to her mama. She wasn’t watching the child as much as she was watching Red’s reaction to her. She wanted children so badly. Tanner didn’t seem interested at all, other than one son to carry on the family name. He already said he didn’t plan to participate much in raising the child. That wasn’t exactly her idea of the kind of family she wanted.
She jumped slightly as Red spoke from just over her shoulder. “There’s something about girls with big brown eyes and a head full of curls, isn’t there?”
Tiffany’s gaze clashed with his, and just for a moment, she wondered if he was talking about the child in the video.
Once more, Red’s doorbell rang. He opened it for Jackson’s Uncle Bill, his new wife, Gwen, and their daughter, Alyssa.