She turned to him. “Charlie, can I really go back to Colorado Springs and do nothing more worthwhile than paint holiday windows?”
“No, you can’t.”
“What? But I saw you smile when I mentioned Aaron’s dogs, and—”
“Let me explain, my dear. You will never ‘just paint windows.’ Service to others is in your blood, and you can no more ignore the urge to help people than fly. So you will paint windows, and do all the other wonderful helpful things for which you were born. Perhaps someday you’ll tire of painting windows and start another business. It doesn’t matter. Follow your heart, and you’ll be fine.”
“If I follow my heart, I’ll leave for Colorado in the morning.”
“Excellent.” Charlie took out his handkerchief and polished his gold lapel pin. “That’s what I traveled all this way to hear.”
Jill laughed, feeling giddy with happiness. “I suppose you’ll take the credit, too, for making sure Spence and I were together on St. Valentine’s Day.”
“Would you deny me that small satisfaction?”
“Absolutely not, Charlie.” She leaned over and kissed his lined cheek. “Thank you, St. Valentine.”
“Goodness, you’ll have me blushing!”
“Red is your color,” she teased.
“That it is. So you will leave in the morning, early?”
“I feel like taking off right now, but unfortunately I have to talk with Aaron before I go and tell him that we’re finished. Besides, if I left tonight, right after I got here, Mom and G.G. would be upset. I have to explain everything to them first, and sleep, if I possibly can. Spence and I will fly Mom and G.G. out for the wedding, of course, and Charlie, you simply have to be Spence’s best man.”
“That sounds like quite an honor, my dear.”
“Why don’t you ride back to Colorado with me? In fact, I was going to ask you to stay here overnight, anyway. Don’t tell me that you already have a hotel room, because I know better.”
Charlie smiled. “You see? You’re bound and determined to assist others.”
“So you’ll stay?”
“Let me think about it. In the meantime, why don’t you let your mother know that I’d be delighted to sample her dessert?”
“Oh, you will be delighted, Charlie,” she said, leaving the swing. “She makes the best carrot cake in town.”
“Sounds marvelous.”
Jill hurried inside to the kitchen, where she announced that she and Charlie were ready for dessert. “And, Mom, I’m not convinced that Charlie has a place to stay the night,” she added, deciding to save her big news for later. “Could he use the guest room, just for tonight?”
“Certainly, sweetheart,” her mother said. “He’s a nice old man and I’d be glad to have him.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Jill gave her a hug and then gave G.G. a hug, too. “You’ve been a wonderful influence on me, both of you,” she said, and meant it. Their desire to see her settled in a prestigious career was understandable. And because they loved her, they’d learn to accept her plans, whatever they were.
She returned to the porch in high spirits. “Charlie, they’re dishing the—” She stopped and glanced quickly around the empty porch. Then she ran down the steps and looked up and down the deserted street. He was gone.
JILL TIMED HER RETURN to the Remembrance Mall to coincide with closing time. She couldn’t resist the drama of a surprise entrance. Charlie might have already given her away, though. She’d spent two solid hours the morning before she left Bangor looking for him on every park bench. She’d called all the hotels and motels. Finally she’d accepted that he didn’t want to be found and would make his own way back. Disappointed, but anxious to be on her way, she’d kissed her mother and G.G. goodbye and pointed the van toward Colorado.
She walked into the mall at five minutes before nine. Her heart was pounding as she approached Jegger Outfitters. He could be out in front, but she hoped that he was back in the storeroom, where she could greet him in private.
The front of the store was empty except for Stephanie, who was totaling out the cash register. When Jill walked in, Stephanie opened her mouth to call out a delighted greeting, but Jill put her finger to her lips.
“He’s in the back,” Stephanie said, her eyes dancing. “And am I glad to see you. He’s been a bear to work for for the past few months.”
“I’m sorry,” Jill apologized. “I had to iron some things out.”
“That happens,” Stephanie said. “Now go on back there. He’s bought a new chess set and is playing with an imaginary partner.”
“Charlie’s not here?”
“Charlie? Haven’t seen him for about three weeks.”
“Oh. I thought… Oh, well. Wish me luck.”
“Trust me, you won’t need it,” Stephanie said with a chuckle as Jill walked toward the storeroom.
Jill wasn’t sure her legs would hold her as she drew back the curtain and stepped into the semidarkness of the storeroom. In this very spot they’d shared their first kiss. Longing rushed over her as she started toward the light where Charlie’s little apartment had been.
“I’ll be there in a minute, Steph,” Jill heard him say as she approached. Apparently he’d heard her footsteps and thought she was Stephanie. “I’ve almost—” He looked up as Jill walked through the makeshift doorway.
The expression on his face would stay with her always. With a cry she ran into his arms, and tears coursed down her cheeks as he kissed her over and over.
“Jill, oh, my Jill,” he murmured, touching her face, her hands, gazing into her eyes. “I prayed that’s what Charlie’s letter meant, that you were coming back, but I was afraid to let myself believe it completely.”
“I love you,” she said, pronouncing each word with firm emphasis.
He gazed at her without speaking, and his eyes glistened with moisture. “I wish it hadn’t taken you quite so long to find out,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.
“So do I. Oh, Spence, so do I.”
He cupped her face in both hands. “What happened? What made you decide to come back?”
“A combination of things. When I got home and heard my family talking about my ‘doing anything I set my mind to,’ I remembered what Gladys had said. I did feel the burden of having to choose some wonderful occupation, to fulfill their dreams for me.”
“Just having you here fulfills all my dreams.” He gazed into her eyes. “Boy, did these four months without you teach me patience. I’m a changed man in that department.”
Jill laughed. “That’s not the way Stephanie described you a minute ago.”
“No? And I thought I was doing so well. Lord, it was tough. No matter how many times Charlie told me the St. Valentine’s Day magic would work, I still—”
“Charlie,” she said, remembering Spence had mentioned Charlie earlier. “You said something about a letter. Where is he?”
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t? But…”
“He left about three weeks ago. Wouldn’t take your picture or the model of the mall, as you see.” Spence gestured toward Jill’s painting hanging on the wall and the scale model perched on the small refrigerator. “I assumed he’d be back. He sent a letter that came today. On the flap it said ‘Open when Jill arrives.’ It was postmarked in Bangor, so I figured he’d seen you.”
“He did, and he helped me sort out some of my feelings, too. Then he disappeared.”
“He’ll show up,” Spence said. “He couldn’t resist seeing us together, after all his hard work.”
“I hope so. I asked him to be your best man at the wedding. I hope that’s all right.”
“Mmm.” He held her tight. “That’s more than all right. Let’s talk about the wedding. How soon can we have it?”
“My mother and G.G. will want to be here.”
“Didn’t you bring them in the van?”
Jill smiled. “That would have been pretty presumptuous. I didn’t know for
sure if you still wanted me.”
He trailed his hand down her throat to the buttons on her blouse. “I think that’s my cue. I’d love to prove to you how much I—”
“Spence?” called Stephanie from the front of the store. “Sorry to bother you, but I’m ready to close up.”
“Be right there.” He grinned self-consciously at Jill. “See what you do to me? I forgot she was here. I might as well let her go home so we can get on with…your homecoming celebration.”
“Sounds like a wonderful idea.”
“You can read Charlie’s letter while I’m gone,” he said, releasing her and picking up an unopened envelope lying beside the chess set.
“Okay.” Jill sat in the chair, still warm from Spence’s body, and tore open Charlie’s letter. Inside was a folded paper and a small tissue-wrapped package. She examined the letter first. Charlie’s gold-embossed stationery featured a crowned letter A, with a Latin inscription beneath it. “Amor vincit omnia,” Jill murmured, struggling to remember her high school Latin. “Love…conquers…all. Love conquers all.” Charlie really put his heart into this St. Valentine’s business, she thought. Quickly she scanned his message.
Dear Ones,
If you are reading this, then you must be in each other’s arms planning a wonderful life together. Alas, but I will not be seeing either of you again. Duty calls. Spencer and Jill, I know you will enjoy every happiness, for you are blessed with the magic of St. Valentine’s Day.
Please give my love to Gladys, and convey to her as gently as you can that I won’t be seeing her again, either. At one time I selfishly imagined that I might drop by on occasion, but now I realize how inappropriate that would be. Gladys deserves to find a true love who will cherish her as I was unable to do. Bernie is a very likely candidate, and my threatened reappearance might interfere with that. I will miss my friends in the Senior Striders, but truthfully, I won’t miss those agonizing race-walks.
My fondest regards,
St. Valentine (Charlie Hartman)
Jill stared at the letter while logic warred with a growing belief that Charlie might be who he claimed to be.
“What did he say?” Spence asked, coming back into the small apartment.
Jill handed him the letter.
“I’ll be damned,” Spence murmured after reading Charlie’s flowing script. “That’s it, then?”
“This was in the envelope, too,” Jill said, opening the little package in her hand. When the tissue was removed, she held the gold figure-eight pin Charlie had worn on his lapel.
“His infinity pin, that stands for everlasting love,” Spence said, hunkering down and gazing at the small object. “He told me he gave that pin away every time he brought a couple together. I asked him where he got new ones, and he said they were sent to him. From where, do you suppose?”
“I can’t imagine. This is all too much for me, Spence. You don’t suppose that he really…? No, that’s crazy.”
“Is it?” Spence took the pin and fastened it carefully to Jill’s blouse. “Or are we the crazy ones to doubt an old man like Charlie?”
Jill wound her arms around Spence’s neck. “At this moment, I don’t doubt anything.”
“Neither do I, my sweet valentine lady,” he murmured, standing up and drawing her into his arms.
“I’ll miss Charlie, though.” She curved her body against him.
“Me too. But I know we don’t need him anymore.” He gazed into her eyes. “From now on, we’ll make our own magic.”
Epilogue
BY CONTACTING a few friends, Charlie kept track of Jill’s progress from Maine to Colorado Springs, so he had a fair idea when she’d arrive in the Remembrance Mall parking lot. He stationed himself across the street at a bus stop. From there he had a perfect view of the spot where Jill normally parked her van.
His tweed sportcoat provided just enough protection from the June night air. Colorado Springs would be a wonderful place to summer, he thought, if not for the danger of encountering his friends from the Remembrance Mall. No, he couldn’t stay, not with Gladys an ever-present temptation to forget his duty.
At fifteen minutes before nine he spied Jill’s van pulling into the lot. She parked quickly and hurried toward the mall entrance. Charlie smiled, anticipating the reunion between his two charges. They would accomplish wonderful things during their shared lifetime. Charlie savored the satisfaction of a job well done.
Taking no chances, he stayed at his post until finally, well over two hours later, Jill and Spence emerged, arms around each other’s waists, and walked to Spence’s black Trans-Am. Charlie stayed in the shadows, although he really didn’t fear being seen. The lovers wouldn’t have noticed a parade of purple llamas prancing down the street, he thought with a chuckle.
After the black car drove away, Charlie looked around for transportation. While he’d waited for Jill he’d counted a number of eighteen-wheelers going past, but now the street was almost deserted. At last a truck appeared several blocks away, and Charlie stuck out his thumb. As the truck neared, Charlie wrinkled his nose. Livestock. Ah, well, he thought as the driver pulled over and motioned him to get in, beggars couldn’t be choosers.
“Where to, buddy?” the trucker asked, eyeing Charlie’s mode of dress and his leather briefcase.
“Actually, it doesn’t matter,” Charlie replied, settling into the roomy seat.
“Well, in any case, I’m headed east,” the driver said. “Taking these steers to market.”
“I guessed as much.” Charlie was already growing accustomed to the odor. “Well, my good man, east is fine with me. My destination is no longer circumscribed by climate.”
“Why’s that?” the trucker asked.
“I’ve discovered shopping malls,” Charlie said with a smile.
Coming Next Month
Be enthralled, moved, thrilled and delighted by exceptional reads from outstanding authors and well-loved series.
Come back every month for newly released selections in a variety of categories offering stories that appeal to every taste and mood.
Have a great time!
ON SALE IN MARCH 2006
Look for new titles in the following categories
Bestsellers
Enthralling stories by the brightest stars in women’s fiction—from MIRA Books. Big romances that sweep you away—from HQN Books
KILLING KELLY by Heather Graham (romantic suspense)
Passionate Reads
Powerful, provocative tales full of heat and passion—from Harlequin Blaze, Silhouette Desire and Harlequin Presents
CAUGHT by Kristin Hardy
THE GREEK’S CHOSEN WIFE by Lynne Graham
TOTALLY TEXAN by Mary Lynn Baxter
Romantic Suspense
Danger…romance…adventure…suspense! Stories that will take your breath away—from Harlequin Intrigue and Silhouette Intimate Moments
A HUSBAND’S WATCH by Karen Templeton
Inspirational
Stories of faith, hope and love that warm the heart and nourish the soul—from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Compelling suspense—from Love Inspired Suspense. Faith-inspired chick lit from Steeple Hill Café
FRONT PORCH PRINCESS by Kathryn Springer
Women’s Fiction
Books that celebrate the “next” stage of women’s lives…because every life has a second chapter! From Harlequin Next
MY PERFECTLY IMPERFECT LIFE by Jennifer Archer
Women’s Action Adventure
Strong, sexy, savvy heroines who save the day…and always get their man. From Silhouette Bombshell
SOMETHING WICKED by Evelyn Vaughn
Chick Lit
Women’s fiction with attitude, these humorous, edgy, hip stories celebrate life’s little curves…From Red Dress Ink
THE MATZO BALL HEIRESS by Laurie Gwen Shapiro
Fantasy/Science Fiction
Powerful, magical tales, vivid characters and richly imagined worlds from the first imprint solel
y dedicated to female focused fantasy—Luna Books
ONE GOOD KNIGHT by Mercedes Lackey
THE FAIRY GODMOTHER by Mercedes Lackey
AVAILABLE NOW
Bestsellers
Enthralling stories by the brightest stars in women’s fiction—from MIRA Books. Big romances that sweep you away—from HQN Books
KILLER TAKES ALL by Erica Spindler, MIRA (psychological thriller)
BEFORE SUNRISE by Diana Palmer, HQN (contemporary romance)
DARK SKY by Carla Neggers, MIRA (romantic suspense)
50 HARBOR STREET by Debbie Macomber, MIRA (women’s fiction)
GHOST WALK by Heather Graham, MIRA (paranormal mystery)
MASQUERADE by Brenda Joyce, HQN (historical romance)
CODE NAME: BABY by Christina Skye, HQN Books (romantic suspense)
NIGHT FEVER by Diana Palmer (contemporary romance)
ANYONE BUT YOU by Jennifer Crusie, HQN (contemporary romance)
A PERFECT EVIL by Alex Kava, MIRA (psychological thriller)
DEADLY KISSES by Brenda Joyce, MIRA (romantic suspense)
IN THE GROOVE by Pamela Britton (contemporary romance)
Passionate Reads
Powerful, provocative tales full of heat and passion—from Harlequin Blaze, Silhouette Desire and Harlequin Presents
THE ITALIAN’S STOLEN BRIDE by Emma Darcy, Harlequin Presents
UNCONTROLLABLE by Susan Kearney, Harlequin Blaze
WHATEVER RILEY WANTS by Maureen Child, Silhouette Desire
SEXY ALL OVER by Jamie Sobrato, Harlequin Blaze
HOT TO THE TOUCH by Jennifer Greene, Silhouette Desire
TALKING ABOUT SEX… by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Harlequin Blaze
THE TYCOON’S TROPHY WIFE by Miranda Lee, Harlequin Presents
BOSS MAN by Diana Palmer, Silhouette Desire
DON’T OPEN TILL CHRISTMAS by Leslie Kelly, Harlequin Blaze
ANGELS AND OUTLAWS by Barbara Dunlop, Harlequin Blaze, White Star miniseries
AT THE PLAYBOY’S PLEASURE by Kim Lawrence, Harlequin Special Releases
THE MAN MEANS BUSINESS by Annette Broadrick, Silhouette Desire
HIDDEN GEMS by Carrie Alexander, Harlequin Blaze, White Star miniseries
Forever Mine, Valentine Page 19