As he pulled off the main road and drove slowly on the rough gravel towards his cabin a welcome sense of peace surrounded him. Thank goodness Rayna and Billy saved him from doing something terminally stupid. How he could even have thought of selling was beyond him. This was Chambers’ land and his name on the deed did nothing more than make him the caretaker.
‘About time too,’ Billy grouched half-heartedly as he walked into the office. ‘Your sister’s been pestering me on the radio for the last thirty minutes. She’s got supper ready and I’ll get the sharp end of her pregnancy temper if I’m late.’
‘You implying Rayna’s turning into a witch?’ Tom teased.
‘You said it. I didn’t.’ Billy rolled his eyes. ‘I won’t be up until the afternoon tomorrow if that’s okay? I’m going into town in the morning to sort out the internet and phone installation.’
‘Yeah. No problem.’
Billy unhitched his leather jacket from the hook by the door and tugged it on. ‘By the way, your lady came by.’
‘Fee?’
‘Got more than one have you?’
‘Course not,’ Tom protested. ‘What did she want?’
Billy grinned. ‘I’d say you. She claimed her porch light was out but when I took a new bulb over hers worked fine. I think she made up that little tale when she found me here.’
‘Did she ask for me?’
‘Sure did. I kinda thought she went pale when I mentioned Rayna and me taking over this place but could be wrong.’
Tom persisted with his questions and found out exactly what his brother-in-law told Fee. ‘You did great. Off you go and pamper my sister.’
Once he was alone again Tom fixed himself a cup of steaming hot coffee and strolled out onto the porch.
‘Are you up for company?’ Fee materialised out of the fading light.
He forced down the urge to spring to his feet. ‘I guess.’
‘I met Billy earlier.’ She came to sit down next to him.
‘So I heard.’ Tom wasn’t going to make this easy for her. ‘I was coming to tell you later. And the other guests of course.’
‘Were you?’ she asked. Fee’s eyes brightened with unshed tears and he couldn’t keep up his indifferent front any longer.
Tom sighed. ‘Oh, Fee. I can’t pretend I don’t care about you. Go away and leave me be if you feel the way you did in New Orleans.’
‘I made a huge mistake out there about a lot of things.’
The sadness in her eyes struck him deep in the gut. ‘Allain?’
Fee shook her head unable to say the words out loud. Tom held out his hand and she couldn’t resist shifting over to sit on his lap. She rested her forehead against his chest and relished his steady heartbeat thumping under the frayed blue check shirt.
‘He’s not my father,’ she murmured. ‘You should’ve heard Lisette gloat when we got the test results. Allain was devastated.’
‘And you?’
‘It hurt,’ she admitted. ‘At first I think I followed up the possibility more to keep my mum off my back but … after I met him I came around to the idea.’
‘Do you regret going?’
She forced herself to think before she replied. The truth was she didn’t have any regrets. ‘No.’
‘Good. You shouldn’t.’
She trailed her finger over his chest. ‘But I do regret what I said to you. Are you doing something stupid now because I was a total idiot?’
‘Nope. I’m doin’ it because ever since I met you I’ve gone all off kilter. I didn’t realise I’d turned into a bore.’
‘I never said you were boring,’ Fee protested. ‘What’s wrong with being contented? I wish I was.’ He stared at her in disbelief. ‘I’m envious, you fool.’
‘But you’ve travelled the world and seen so much. Your job is a constant challenge and nothing about your life is predictable. I’m not saying I’d care for it long-term but I need shakin’ up.’
‘Oh, Tom. I’m not saying don’t leave Pine Ridge for a while but I think you’ll discover you already have a great life.’
‘But if you’re not a part of it none of the rest matters,’ Tom whispered and his eyes shone. ‘I haven’t done anything drastic. I’ve got a plane ticket to London leaving the same day as you, and Rayna and Billy will run this place until I get back. How about we go from there?’
Fee softened into him and he wrapped his arms around her, giving a big squeeze. ‘I suppose that’s reasonable,’ she admitted. ‘I need to visit my mother. I can’t give her this news over the phone and …’ She didn’t know how to put into words her need to make one last effort with Maddy.
‘No excuses needed, honey. She’s still your mother.’
His simple acceptance loosened something inside Fee and she didn’t try to hold back her tears. Tom tenderly removed her glasses and set them down on the table before pulling out another of his crisp, white handkerchiefs to wipe her eyes. ‘I don’t want your family to blame me for luring you away,’ she sobbed.
‘Come with me tomorrow. I need you to meet someone important.’
‘Who?’
‘My grandmother.’
Fee’s face burned with embarrassment. ‘I’m already having coffee with her in the morning.’
‘Really?’ He couldn’t hide his amazement.
No matter which way she phrased this he’d think she was sneaking around behind his back. You were.
Fee threw up her hands. ‘Okay. You’ve got me. I knew you’d asked her for advice and when things … went badly for us in New Orleans it struck me the best way to work things out with you was to winkle some information out of your grandmother.’ For several interminable seconds a deadly silence filled the room.
‘Women.’ Tom burst out laughing. ‘You’re all the same.’
Fee didn’t argue.
‘She’s been at this a whole lot longer than you, honey.’ A mischievous grin stretched over his face. ‘She’ll chew you up, spit you out and wipe the floor with you while leaving you convinced she’s a sweet old lady who wouldn’t hurt a fly.’
‘Are you saying I shouldn’t go?’
‘Nah, you go ahead.’
‘I’ll tell you everything she says. Don’t worry.’
‘Hey, I’m not worried,’ Tom said. ‘You’re back in my arms and haven’t tossed out my ideas as complete crap. It’s all good. This morning I was pretty much convinced you’d never speak to me again.’
‘Would you still have gone to London?’
He gave a long, slow nod and she let herself smile.
‘Good.’ Fee snuggled back into his embrace and didn’t say another word.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Fee changed from a long sleeved black T-shirt into a black cotton blouse before tugging that off and yanking on a thin black jumper. She’d got into the habit of wearing all black when she was working because it didn’t show the dirt and everything could be washed in together. Looking at her wardrobe now, all her clothes struck her as dingy and well-worn. After seeing her pale, narrow face reflected back in the mirror she even considered buying a tube of lipstick.
Mrs Chambers would have to take her as she found her. This wasn’t a job interview for the position of Tom’s new wife. Admit it. You want her approval. Tom’s grandmother was important to him and therefore to Fee as well.
She brushed her freshly washed hair, pleased to notice it was thicker and shinier these days. Fee tugged on her black cord trousers and added a pair of black trainers. Before losing her nerve she hurried outside and stopped dead. Tom leaned against her porch steps and he dragged his warm gaze all the way from her head down to her toes.
‘Do I pass inspection?’
‘Yeah. I’d say so.’ He reached out and pulled her down to him for a hug. ‘Thought you might care for a lift into town.’
‘Haven’t you anything better to do?’
Tom lowered his mouth and she forgot the question as his kiss soaked into every bone in her body. Easing away he bru
shed a rogue strand of hair away from her face. ‘Come on, let’s get you to the witch’s lair,’ Tom teased. ‘I’m sure the cauldron’s bubbling by now.’ Before she could protest on his grandmother’s behalf he kissed her again. ‘I needed to pick up a few things in Pine Ridge anyway.’ He took hold of her hand and they strolled down to his cabin. Fee waited while he went inside to fetch his keys. ‘All set.’ Tom waved them in the air. ‘Pops wants me to stop by and see him too.’
‘What about? ’
‘He didn’t say.’ Tom shrugged.
She got in the truck and rested her camera on her lap. They set off and half way down the mountain Fee yelled at him to stop.
‘What’s wrong?’ He slammed on the brakes and screeched to a halt by the side of the road.
‘Nothing. Why should there be?’Fee jumped out and focused her camera on the breathtaking scene spread out in front of her.
‘I thought either a herd of stampeding bulls were heading our way or you were having a heart attack.’
Fee hurried to explain about the effect of the vibrant colours juxtaposed with the effect of the morning fog on the top of the mountains. ‘Oh, my gosh, I’m so sorry.’ She slapped a hand in front of her mouth. ‘I didn’t mean to scare you. I won’t do it again.’ If they were to have any sort of future together she must learn to be more considerate.
‘Don’t apologise. If you can endure listening to me drone on about the Chambers’ family history for hours on end I’m damn sure I can put up with you takin’ pictures right, left and centre.’ Tom rested his hand against her cheek. ‘It’s called compromise, honey. All the best marriages have it in spades.’ He cleared his throat, shifting from one foot to the other. ‘I mean … well, um …’
‘I know what you mean,’ she whispered, certain he wasn’t the only one blushing. ‘I really want this with you, Tom, but I don’t know if I’m capable of doing it and can’t bear the thought of hurting you.’
‘You know what I’ve decided?’
Fee shook her head, pretty sure it was a rhetorical question.
‘For too long I was stupid enough to believe I could protect myself from more heartbreak by living a safe, quiet existence.’ He caressed her face and his intense gaze stared right into her soul. ‘I’m tired of safe. You’ve turned the light back on in my world and I want to enjoy every moment. If it ended tomorrow I’d be devastated but I wouldn’t regret a second.’ He brushed his lips over her mouth, teasing them both. ‘I’m hopin’ it’ll be a lot longer but I’m willin’ to take a bet on you, Fee Winter.’
‘Wow. How did we get to here from me taking a photo?’ Tom silenced Fee’s attempt at a joke with another kiss.
‘There’s a ton more I want to tell you but not now.’ He checked his watch. ‘Being late for coffee at Mee Maw’s isn’t a good idea. Not if you want to impress her.’
‘And why would I want to do that?’ She tweaked his nose. ‘Men are so vain. You think this is all about you.’ It was of course, and they both knew it, but a little humour helped to smooth over the emotions swirling between them.
Tom gave a teasing smile. He knew exactly what she was doing. ‘Take your picture and let’s go.’
She turned away and raised the camera again, steadying her hands with a couple of deep breaths. Five minutes later she was done and swung back around with a broad smile.
Every time she took his breath away. What you saw was what you got with Fee and he loved that about her. Loved? Yeah, you love her you moron. Happiness bubbled up inside him.
‘I’m ready.’
Yeah, so am I. Tom resisted the urge to speak and simply nodded. He could easily be tempted to say things that weren’t right for here and now.
‘We’d better be going.’ He caught a glimpse of Fee’s smile as she turned away to stare out of the window.
‘Drive carefully,’ Fee murmured and her tinkling laughter filled the cab.
Somehow he made himself concentrate on the road and got them there in one piece. Tom stopped outside his grandmother’s house.
‘I’ll walk over to see Pop and get my shopping done. By the time I come back she should’ve finished interrogating you.’ Tom helped Fee down from the truck and drew her into his arms for a long, slow kiss before letting go. ‘There. That should cement things for Mee Maw.’
‘Do you think she’s watching?’ Fee’s cheeks flushed.
‘Nope,’ he said with a laugh. ‘I don’t think she’s watching, I know she is.’ Tom loosened his hold and held her at arms’ length. ‘Good luck. Not that you’ll need it.’ A touch of uncertainty pulled at her lips and he ached to kiss her again. Instead he swung her around and gave her a slight push in the small of her back.
Fee’s spine straightened under his fingers and she walked away from him. He headed down the street because to be caught out watching her all the way in would imply he was nervous and Tom refused to give his grandmother that satisfaction.
Before she could press the bell the door opened and Fee took a step back, almost tripping over a clay pot full of cheerful yellow chrysanthemums.
‘Careful, dear. I don’t want to have to explain to my grandson why you ended up in the hospital with a broken leg.’ The tall but slightly stooped woman smiling at her had Tom’s rich brown eyes, warm laugh and soft drawl. There were a few stray hints of auburn left in Mrs Chambers’ wavy grey hair and by her unfussy elegance Fee guessed she’d been a beautiful young woman. She shot out her hand but was pulled into a hug instead.
‘You’ll have to get used to our Southern ways if you’re goin’ to marry our Tom so you might as well start now,’ Betty Mae declared. ‘Don’t bother to deny it, hon. It’s in your eyes. Come inside and we’ll talk.’
Fee smiled and followed the other woman in over the front step like a lamb being led to the slaughter.
‘I bought some of the chamomile tea Tom told me you drink.’ She led the way in through a narrow hall which opened out into a sunny, well-lit kitchen at the back of the house. ‘Tasted like cat’s pee to me when I tried it but I’m sure it’s mighty good for you.’
‘It’s an acquired taste,’ Fee said with a laugh. She looked out of the window at the small well-tended garden. ‘Do you do all this yourself, Mrs Chambers?’
‘I used to, my dear, but these old bones won’t let me bend well enough any more and the doctor keeps tellin’ me to take it easier because my heart’s not what it was. I tell him it’s nearly ninety years old so what does he expect. Hank lines up one of the boys to do my yard work if he hasn’t got time himself. My Tom does the lion’s share.’ She fixed Fee with a stern look. ‘And you can stop calling me Mrs Chambers right now. My given name’s Betty Mae but you can call me Mee Maw same as they all do.’
‘Does that mean I’ve passed the first test?’ For a second she wondered if she’d gone too far but Betty Mae’s face cracked into the same wide generous smile Tom gave her the first day they met.
‘I believe you might do.’ Her eyes sparkled. ‘Ask me again before you leave and I’ll tell you for sure.’
‘Fair enough.’
Tom’s grandmother didn’t comment and carried on getting their drinks ready. She took the lid off a large plastic container and the beautiful cake she revealed made Fee’s mouth water.
‘I fixed us an angel food cake. The recipe’s made with egg whites and no fat. I hope that’s alright?’
Her thoughtfulness touched Fee and she swallowed hard before nodding.
‘I’ll slice up some strawberries to have along with it.’ Betty Mae sheepishly confessed she usually added a large dollop of homemade whipped cream and Fee was able to joke that at least her digestive problem kept her slim. Tom’s grandmother suggested they had their tea out on the patio to enjoy the sunshine.
‘Would you like me to carry the tray?’
‘Certainly not. You’re my guest,’ Betty Mae retorted and Fee didn’t dare say another word as they left the kitchen. ‘Sit yourself down.’ Her hostess gestured towards the small, white wrough
t-iron table and four chairs arranged in the middle of the patio. Pots of late-flowering pansies, colourful deep-coral sedum and white chrysanthemums were spaced out all around the edge and their warm fragrance filled the air. Fee made herself comfortable while Betty Mae sorted out their cups and plates, laying a lace-edged white napkin at each of their places along with a well-polished silver cake fork. ‘Right. Dig in and tell me what you think.’
‘And then?’
‘Then you’ll tell me all about yourself and I’ll tell you about Tom.’ Betty Mae’s gentle smile didn’t fool Fee for a moment. ‘Deal?’
‘Deal.’ Her firm response garnered another approving nod but deep inside Fee was afraid Betty Mae would stop smiling when she heard the truth about Fee’s life.
Chapter Thirty-Three
‘Higgins is dead? You sure?’ Tom leaned on his father’s desk, unable to get his head around the news. Last night Gary Higgins was spotted in Mississippi and when the police gave chase he crashed the stolen car he’d been driving into a wall.
‘Killed outright, son.’
‘Shit.’ Tom slammed his fist on the desk. Piles of papers toppled over and his father’s full mug of coffee spilled all over them. ‘The bastard should’ve been locked back up for violating his parole. It’s not goddamn fair.’
Without a word Hank took down a roll of paper towels from the top of the filing cabinet and started to clean up the mess. Tom’s initial fury seeped away and he sunk back into the chair. His father walked out around the desk to rest a comforting hand on Tom’s shoulder.
‘Nope. It’s not.’
The straightforward sympathy finished him and Tom slumped forward and rested his head on his bent arms giving in to the rush of emotions swamping his body. Bitterness. Relief. Hatred.
‘It’s okay, son, let it out.’ His father patted his shoulder. ‘I won’t tell your brothers.’
Christmas at Black Cherry Retreat Page 18