Beauty from Ashes: Authors & Dancers Against Cancer Anthology

by Vera Quinn

  “I know she caught us. Thank God. Who knows what would have happened?” Under the table, Stephanie rubbed her hands together.

  “We both know what would have happened if she hadn’t interrupted us,” Sawyer said, grinning. He winked.

  The room became too hot, and Stephanie chugged her beer. She closed her eyes, but the memory of his lips on her neck had her heart rate rising.

  “Come on, Steph,” Sawyer pleaded. “Help me grant my aunt’s wish.”

  She pursed her lips. The last thing she needed was a fake relationship.

  He laid his hand on the table, palm up before her. Studying his calloused, ranch-worked hands, her heart grew giddy. He’d changed from that careless, ne’er-do-well rich kid to a hardworking man.

  “If we do this…” she bit her lip.

  “Don’t worry. I won’t hold you to it and when the time comes, I’ll release you. I’ll take care of everything.” He ran his fingers through his thick, dark hair.

  Stephanie swallowed and rubbed her palms on her jeans. “Are you sure you don’t want Mona?”

  “Ah, heck no.” He leaned over the table and narrowed hishungry eyes. “I want you, darlin’.”

  Suddenly the room lacked oxygen. Stephanie stood, clutching her purse against her. “I’ll think about it,” she said, then hurried out of the restaurant to her car.

  Sitting in the stillness, she tried to calm her racing heart. Stephanie whispered, “What have I done?”

  Chapter Six

  Sawyer exited his truck and walked toward the florist. They had his aunt’s favorite orchid in stock, and he planned to pick it up before he returned home, however, a jewelry store caught his attention. The dazzling photo of a diamond solitaire in the window lured him to the door. The bell rang when he entered the Family Jewels store.

  “How may I assist you today?” a slender blonde woman with Jean Poole on her name badge asked.

  “I’m interested in engagement rings,” Sawyer replied.

  “Congratulations,” she said, motioning him to a glass case.

  Sawyer swallowed, ogling the rings. “There are so many.”

  “Does your fiancée wear a lot of jewelry? Does she like gold, platinum, or titanium?” Jean smiled.

  Sawyer rubbed his face. “She’s not flashy and wears minimal accessories. I’m not sure which metal she’d prefer.” Pretending to be engaged was going to be hard to pull off. He had to get the ring right. It needed to encapsulate the uniqueness of their relationship.

  He recalled the weight of her in his arms, her soft curves pressed against him, the spark of her luminous blue eyes, and her shapeliness in the bluebonnet dress.

  “Do you have something blue?” Sawyer asked.

  “Yes. We have a sapphire wrap, here.” Jean pointed to the dark, glimmering stones. “Some bands have small diamonds and sapphires.”

  Sawyer nodded but studied the various rings. “Who knew it would be so daunting? There are so many choices.”

  “Take your time. Let me know if you have any questions,” Jean said, moving away from the case. The doorbell rang. Jean greeted another customer.

  “Excuse me,” Sawyer asked, waving his hand to get her attention. “What about this one?” He pointed to the back corner. The ring had become partially hidden by the black velvet cloth in the case. Luckily, his height allowed him to see the silver edge.

  “Oh, that’s a nice ring.” She unlocked the case and retrieved the ring. Lighter than a sapphire, the gemstone sparkled in the light. The band had a braided, almost Celtic design. “It’s a blue diamond.”

  “Perfect. It’s the color of bluebonnets.” Sawyer’s heart warmed and his stomach fluttered.

  “So it is.” Jean smiled as Sawyer lifted it close and examined the artisanship.

  “This is the one.” He grinned.

  After he finalized the paperwork, he visited the florist and picked up the orchid and a bouquet. Glancing at the time, he frowned.

  He drove like a madman from Nockerville toward Fortuna and arrived just before noon. Fridays were the busiest for a bank. Flowers in hand, he exited the safety of his truck and entered the stale vestibule. Four tellers all had customers, and there were several people waiting in line.

  Sawyer edged toward Stephanie’s office. Her door was open, but an older man sat in the stiff-backed chair with his elbows on his knees. The man glanced up, his brows rising when he glimpsed the flowers.

  “I think you have a visitor, Ms. Malone,” the man stated, pointing to the door.

  Careful to hide the flowers, Sawyer popped his head in and said, “Hiya. I need a minute when you have one. Take your time. I’ll be out here.”

  Stephanie closed her mouth and nodded. “It will be a few minutes.”

  He waved and ducked out again, winking at the man, who chuckled. Sawyer lowered himself to an empty chair outside Stephanie’s office. He laid the flowers on another.

  With a sigh, he leaned back and critiqued the decor. “Dusty fake plants,” he grumbled. The marble floor needed a good polish. The clients moved in and out as if the bank breathed.

  The make teller had been a few years younger than Sawyer in school. Of course, the other teller he knew was Mona. She jerked her head when she noticed him. Brushing her hair behind her ear, she studied him. Her gaze slid to the flower bunch. Mona’s brows rose.

  “Thanks for coming to see me today, Mr. Longfellow. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call. My card is on the front of your folder. Welcome to the Fortuna Savings and Loan family.” Stephanie shook the man’s hand and watched him leave before turning to Sawyer.

  “What can I do for you, Mr. Hickey?” Stephanie asked.

  Sawyer smirked as he stood. He couldn’t help it.

  “Wait. Don’t answer that.” With hands on her hips, she examined him from boots to cowboy hat and a faint blush crept over her cheeks.

  “I’ve got something for you.” He scooped up the flowers and offered them to her.

  Her bright blue eyes inspected the assortment of colors as she took them. Closing her eyes, she lifted the bouquet to her nose. “Thank you.” Once more she scrutinized him, her gaze stopping on his lips.

  Sawyer swallowed. He fished inside his front pocket, silently cursing the tight denim. Small velvet box in hand, he dropped to one knee and lifted it.

  Stephanie gasped and covered her mouth with her hands. Hushed voices murmured around them, but Sawyer couldn’t steal his gaze away from Stephanie’s glittering eyes.

  Sawyer opened the lid and Stephanie gasped again.

  “It’s beautiful.” Her voice barely audible, she said, “It doesn’t look fake.”

  “Remember the party? This is the same color as your dress, the shade of bluebonnets.” His gaze dropped to the box. “Every time I see bluebonnets, I think of you in that dress.” He met her gaze.

  Stephanie stepped closer and touched his face. “Really?”

  Not trusting his voice, he nodded.

  “Oh, Sawyer, it’s perfect. I love bluebonnets.”

  “Ask her!” a teller hollered.

  The atmosphere had gone, and he struggled to breathe. Sawyer wiped his brow. “I… I.”

  Stephanie’s lips bowed into a grin and one delicate eyebrow rose.

  Sawyer cleared his throat. “Will you marry me?”

  Her gaze bore into his soul. Something merged and melted, becoming inseparable.

  Her shining eyes filled. She nodded once and extended her left hand. Sawyer slid the ring onto her finger then stood.

  Hoots, hollers, and whistles filled the room as the onlookers cheered. Several people held their phones, capturing the proposal.

  “Oh my…” The words gurgled out of Stephanie’s mouth, her face turning fireengine red.

  “Come here,” Sawyer said, opening his arms. Stephanie fell in, burying her face against his chest and crushing the flowers. It had been years since he’d held her, but his body still reacted.

  The scent of coconut swirled around,
tingling his senses. He tipped her head backward and gazed into those luminous blue pools. He lowered his lips to hers. A sweet, gentle kiss that had the audience ahhhing.

  Sawyer broke the kiss, but she focused on his lips. His heart kicked up a gear and he dove in again, this time with pent-up longing.

  Stephanie moaned and snaked her hands around his back, her touch igniting his skin.

  The audience clapped and continued to make noise. “This is going on Facebook,” a woman said.

  Stephanie groaned and pulled away. She hit his chest. “I could kill you,” she hissed, hurrying to her office.

  “Congratulations on your engagement,” the male teller called. “When are you getting married?”

  “Whoa,” Sawyer replied. “One thing at a time.” He laughed nervously, then entered Stephanie’s office and closed the door.

  He began to pace the small space. He’d done it. They’d become engaged in a very public manner; one he knew would fuel the gossipmongers. Nothing’s juicier in a small town than fresh gossip, except maybe extra-rare prime rib.

  “You should be happy,” Stephanie said dryly. She’d returned to her desk and appeared tired, rubbing her cheek, her posture like a wilted leaf.

  Sawyer sensed something was wrong. He eased into the stiff-backed chair. “I’ll be happy if you like the ring.”

  The weariness of her face eased some, and a smile flickered over her lips. “It’s beautiful.”

  “Like you,” he said, rising. He rounded the desk and once more pulled her into his arms. “What I said about the ring was true. It reminds me of you, that’s why I got it.”

  She nodded against his chest. “I love it.”

  “Sorry about the spur-of-the-moment proposal, but with all the witnesses, my aunt can’t doubt it, can she? Especially with one of her church lady friends as a witness.” Sawyer squeezed her gently.

  “We’ll see.”

  Chapter Seven

  Stephanie carried a bag of groceries toward her apartment, nodding to Sawyer as he and a contractor stood facing the house. She knew Sawyer had a list of improvements about the length of his arm. She put the ice cream in the freezer and turned to get the other bags when Sawyer stalked inside, bringing the rest.

  “You didn’t have to do that, but thanks,” she said.

  “No problem.” He set the bags on the table and kissed her cheek, then swirled around in a circle. “Wow. This place looks great. I love the gray walls.”

  Stephanie continued to put away the groceries as he commented on her choice of decor. “What’s going on?” she asked after his fifth remark.

  Sawyer sheepishly leaned against the cabinets. “Am I that obvious?” He laughed.

  She crossed her arms and tapped her foot.

  “Okay. My aunt wants you to join us for lunch after church,” Sawyer said.

  “Oh,” Stephanie squeaked.

  “Don’t worry. I don’t bite. Well, not usually. And Nan will be there too.” Sawyer stuck his hands in his front pockets. “I hope that’s okay.”

  “Yeah, sure.” Stephanie blinked. Sawyer had disappeared.

  Good grief. Her heart always worked double time when Sawyer came near. She glanced at the ring and her stomach fluttered.

  A car honked. Stephanie glanced out the window, down onto the driveway. Her brother’s little beater sedan was parked next to her car. Sawyer faced away from her, and she admired his shorts clinging against his backside. He had inches over Gimme, but in the last year her younger brother had filled out. His voice had deepened and his brow and beard had become heavier. Now if he’d only learn when to keep his mouth shut. He spoke, waving his arms. She giggled. “Typical Gimme.”

  Stephanie decided to rescue Sawyer. She scurried down the stairs and out into the balmy afternoon.

  “Gimme, what are you doing here?” Stephanie called.

  When the men turned, she noticed both had red faces. Oh no. “What’s going on?” she asked. Her gaze slid to Sawyer and his eyes softened.

  “What the hell, Steph?” Gimme said, finding his voice. “Why him and why didn’t you tell your family?”

  “Which question do you want answered first?” She canted her head, earning a chuckle from Sawyer. Gimme resembled a red chili pepper.

  “We’re engaged. Get over it.” Hands on her hips, Stephanie glanced up to Wanda’s window. The older woman watched the scene intently.

  “I won’t see my sister married to this clown,” Gimme said.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t call you and let you know,” Stephanie said, sliding to Sawyer’s side. “It was sudden, and I needed time to soak it in.”

  Sawyer put his arm over her shoulder and she slid hers around his waist. “Are you going to be okay? I need to talk to the contractor before he leaves.”

  “I’m fine,” Stephanie said.

  “Good.” Sawyer kissed her cheek and she sighed, watching him go. She wanted to confide in her brother about the farce, but she knew better. That juicy tidbit would slip through his non- filter in a matter of minutes first to her sisters, parents, then the ranch hands.

  Stephanie faced her brother, taking his calloused hands. “Please be happy for me.” She giggled. “I’m engaged.”

  Gimme’s color faded to pink, and he nodded. “I’ll try, but the whole town knows. Mom found out while getting her hair done. She watched it on someone’s phone there.”

  Stephanie covered her face. “Mom and Dad are going to kill me.”

  “Actually, Dad knew but didn’t say a word about it. I suppose he didn’t know when Sawyer was going to pop the question,” Gimme said, kicking the ground. “Mom is mad at Dad.”

  Stephanie glanced toward Sawyer. “I can’t believe he talked to Dad.”

  “I guess it’s the real deal,” Gimme said, touching her arm. He sighed. “Congratulations.”

  “Thank you.” Stephanie pointed to the garage. “Come see my apartment.”

  “Did you find the treasure yet?” Gimme asked like an excited puppy waiting for a treat.

  “No, but there’s a vintage Porsche in the garage. It was Sawyer’s dad’s. Do you want to see it?”

  “Is a frog’s ass watertight?”

  “Come on then.” As she led her brother away, she glanced toward her fiancé, and caught him watching her. Her stomach fluttered again, but she smiled.

  Chapter Eight

  In four weeks’ time, Sawyer and Stephanie’s relationship had been accepted by all.

  They’d fallen into a routine. He worked with contractors making the manor house more accessible for his aunt. The house had been painted and scheduled to be re-roofed. He’d commissioned a barn to be built. He planned to start breeding longhorns. The Cummings’ Estate had a crazy amount of acreage he wanted to put to use.

  Stephanie would work at the bank, then come home and have dinner with him and his aunt. Sometimes they’d walk the gardens and sometimes, if his aunt felt up to it, they sat on the porch and watched the sun set.

  The more sunsets they spent together, the more comfortable he grew. He savored the moments getting to know Stephanie, and he treasured the time with his aunt.

  During prayer, he took Stephanie’s hand and after the prayer she didn’t pull away. Her coconut scent reminded him of summer. His aunt seemed bolstered by the engagement and had returned to the front pew and sat with her group of friends.

  After church today, Sawyer, Stephanie, and his aunt plus a bunch of her church friends were having lunch at the Cummings’ manor. He and Stephanie hurried back home.

  “I’m going to change really quick,” Stephanie said as she scuttled out of sight.

  “I don’t have that luxury,” Sawyer mumbled. He rolled up his shirtsleeves and mixed the batter for biscuits.

  Stephanie snuck into the kitchen and hugged him. He nearly dropped the bowl. “Watch it.”

  “I’ll set the table.” She whisked out of the room with a handful of utensils.

  Wanda’s guests arrived, and Sawyer and Stephanie brough
t them coffee and juice. The older women chattered and cackled while he and Stephanie worked together like pros.

  The biscuits and choice of chocolate or sausage gravy and fruit salad were a hit with Wanda’s cronies.

  “Your future niece-in-law is a hard worker,” Rose Bush said.

  “Yes,” Lily White agreed. “And she’s such a pretty little thing,”

  “Has she toned down Sawyer’s wild ways?” Missy Terchance asked.

  “I hope, for her sake, not too much,” Desire Hardmann said.

  Sawyer laughed and hoped Stephanie couldn’t make out the conversation from the kitchen. He brought the dirty plates to the counter. She stared at the engagement ring as the coffee pot filled.

  “I think having the girls over has been good for your aunt. Their energy—”

  “And all the gossip,” Sawyer added.

  Stephanie giggled, her button-nose crinkling and Sawyer had an urge to kiss it.

  “That too. She loves hearing about their kids and grandkids though.” Stephanie picked up the carafe but paused at the doorway. “We’ve given her something that’s strictly hers to brag about.” She winked, pushing the door open with her bottom.

  Sawyer rubbed his face, the warmth in his chest fascinating him.

  Many of the ladies left, but Nan and Desire lingered, sitting on the patio with Wanda. Sawyer excused himself and changed into work clothes. He chose to plant some shrubs near where the women sat.

  He plunged his spade into the soil and scooped out the dirt. Sweat broke out and trickled down his back. The afternoon sun beat down about him.

  Stephanie sat beside his aunt and patted her hand. The tender scene tugged at his heartstrings even while guilt about lying nagged at him.

  Desire and Nan had their heads together. “Well, tell him,” Nan said, elbowing Desire.

  “Fine. Hey, Sawyer, you look hot. Why don’t you take off your shirt?” Desire goaded.

  Blushing, Stephanie laughed while his aunt covered her face.

  “Great idea,” Sawyer hollered back. He made a show of lifting his shirt, keeping his gaze locked on Stephanie’s face. Her gaze was glued to this torso, making every bead of perspiration feel like gas for a flame. He lifted the material over his head, then dropped it at his feet. He grinned at Stephanie, whose mouth had dropped open. She swallowed, then smiled.