Love Before Midnight

by Kathleen Ball

  “They know where you are don’t they?”

  “Of course. I couldn’t put them through that hell again. We did family therapy and it helped all of us to understand one another, but they just didn’t want to let go. I swear they never knew what to say to me.”

  “I’m sorry, Anora, but I’m glad you’re here.” Belle reached across the table and laid her hand on top of Anora’s. “I bet Maverick was really happy to see you.”

  She shrugged. “I don’t think so. I think he felt responsible since he rescued me yet again.”

  Belle smiled. “He mentioned you an awful lot while you were away.”

  Her face grew warmer and warmer. “Do you need help unpacking?”

  Belle laughed. “I can take a hint. You don’t want to talk about Maverick.”

  “It’s not that. He has been amazingly generous allowing me to stay here.”

  “Let’s go upstairs and you can keep me company while I unpack.”

  Maverick’s step quickened as he walked up the front steps. Belle was home. He always felt a sense of completeness when Belle was home. It was lonely without her, except lately with Anora around. He flung open the front door and smiled. “Something smells good,” he called out.

  “Maverick!” Belle yelled as she ran from the kitchen and launched herself at him.

  “Trying to kill me?” He asked as he took a step back with her in his arms to keep them from falling.

  “You never drop me.” She gave him a kiss on the cheek before she slid out of his arms. “We’ve been cooking!”

  “Smells great. Where’s Anora?” It hit him how much he’d looked forward to seeing her.

  “In the kitchen. It’s so good to see you!”

  “You too, kiddo. How long are you staying?”

  “I have to be back right after Christmas.”

  “That’s not very long.”

  She smiled. “I know and I feel bad, but Anora will keep you company.”

  “I hadn’t planned for her to stay that long—” Glancing up he saw Anora standing in the hallway watching them.

  She gave him a brief nod. “I’ll be out of here soon. Don’t you worry.” She turned and went back into the kitchen.

  “Maverick!”

  “What? I didn’t know she was there.”

  “Still I want her to feel welcome. She’s had a really hard life and she’s my friend.” She shook her finger at him.

  “I want her to feel welcome too.” He linked his arm with Belle’s and escorted her toward the kitchen. It would be easier to control his feelings for Anora if she wasn’t always around. “Cooper is having dinner with us tonight.”

  “I know he told me. Don’t play matchmaker, Maverick. I don’t want hurt feelings.”

  “I see the way you look at him.”

  “He doesn’t look at me the same way.”

  Maverick glanced over Belle’s head and met Anora’s gaze. They smiled at each other as if she too knew how Cooper felt about Belle.

  “Hello, Anora.” He loved the way her cheeks grew pink.

  “Hi, Maverick,” her voice was soft and shy. “Dinner will be ready in a bit.” He studied her under fringed lashes. Did she even know how lovely she was? Probably not. He saw how hard she swallowed before she told them she’d be out soon. It was a bit like kicking a one-winged bird. When would he ever learn to keep his mouth shut? Instead, he stumbled through life never saying the right thing.

  What did he really know about women anyway? The only one he ever liked was his sister. His gaze traveled over Anora’s face. Her high cheekbones and lush lips made him so aware of her. He sighed. He’d have to add her to women he liked.

  “Is something wrong?” She tilted her head watching him.

  “No, honey, nothing is wrong. In fact, I was just thinking how lucky I am to have such lovely dinner companions.”

  Belle’s laughter rang through the kitchen. “You might as well spit it out.”

  “Spit what out?” he asked.

  “You gave a compliment. You must be after something.”

  He rubbed his jaw. “Do I really do that?”

  “You bet you do. Anora, watch out for this smooth talking devil,” Belle said as she winked at Maverick.

  “If you’re ready to eat…”

  Maverick smiled at her. “Nicely done.”

  “What?”

  “Changing the subject. You did it nicely. I never could get the hang of being diplomatic.”

  Anora smiled and quickly turned away. Darn, her smiles made him feel good. He heard footsteps in the hallway.

  “Cooper is here. Let’s eat,” he said as he nodded toward the dining room. “Cooper, what would you like to drink?” He left the kitchen but not before he saw the wistful glance Belle gave Cooper. It was only a matter of time before wedding bells would ring. He stopped short, and Cooper walked into his back. “Sorry. The word wedding popped into my head and I thought for a minute I might be ill.”

  Cooper laughed. “Taking a shine to her are ya?” They walked to the sideboard where the whiskey was.

  “No, I well, hell I have no idea what I’m talking about. Maybe I’m going a bit crazy.”

  Cooper took the offered glass of whiskey. “You wouldn’t be the first one who went crazy over a woman.”

  “I think we’re on the wrong subject. Let’s sit and see what we’re having.”

  “Lasagna. Belle always makes me lasagna her first night back,” Cooper told him.

  “I guess I hadn’t noticed. She should be making something I like. I am her brother.”

  Belle placed the big lasagna dish on the table and started putting portions of it on plates. “You both like lasagna but if you’re going to fight about it, this will be the last time I make it.”

  “Anora, did you happen to write down the recipe while you two cooked? I hate it when Belle has something to hang over my head.”

  “Are they always like this?” Anora asked Belle as she shook her head.

  “Yes, that’s why I love coming home.”

  Anora sat down and pretended to smile. It didn’t reach her eyes and Maverick wondered if she missed her family. For some reason, he didn’t imagine much laughter at her house. What a tough life she’s had.

  “Best I’ve ever had!” Cooper exclaimed as he wiped his mouth with the cloth napkin.

  “You always say that,” Maverick remarked.

  Cooper frowned. “Say what?”

  “Best you ever had. You say it every time Belle cooks for you.”

  Both Belle and Cooper blushed. Belle glared at him. “You’re a trouble maker, Maverick.”

  “Just stating the truth.”

  “It is really good, Belle,” Anora said.

  Maverick stared at his guest. “But is it the best you’ve ever had?”

  “Absolutely. If she never makes it for you again, you only have yourself to blame.” Her eyes widened and she slapped a hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry. It’s not my place.”

  “I’m sorry, Anora. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. It started out as light teasing. Truthfully I’m afraid Cooper will steal Belle from me.” He groaned. “Darn, I didn’t mean steal.”

  “It’s okay, Maverick, I know what you meant. I think it’s me making everyone uncomfortable. If you’ll excuse me.” She stood and hurried out of the dining room. The front door closed.

  “She left because of me.” Maverick threw his napkin on his plate.

  “No, Mav. I think she’s having a hard time trying to figure out where she fits in life. She wants to be independent, but it scares her to death. I think it took every ounce of bravery for her to leave her parents and come back here. I noticed how her hands often shook in the kitchen.”

  He nodded to Belle. “You’re probably right, but I need to go after her. Cooper, I was just kidding and all.”

  “Hell, Maverick, I know. Just go after your frightened filly.”

  His filly? When did that happen? He liked her more than he should, but he wasn’
t equipped to help her. He stood, left the dining room and went after Anora. He looked in the barn first and was surprised she wasn’t there. He glanced over at the corral, still no Anora. He finally found her sitting on the steps leading to Cooper’s house. “What are you doing out here?”

  “I knew he wasn’t home.” She didn’t glance at him, she studied her feet instead.

  He sat next to her wondering what to say. “I wanted dinner to be a happy affair, and I’m sorry I upset you.”

  “It wasn’t you, it was me. I’m still afraid if I say the wrong thing I’ll be punched in the face for it. I can reason that it won’t happen, but I frighten too easily. I drive myself crazy, I can’t imagine how I made you feel. I know you’d never lay a hand on a woman, but my reactions are instinctive and well learned. The last thing I want is for you to start tiptoeing around me. I constantly dismayed my family, and I didn’t know how to act any different. They wanted their happy, carefree daughter back, and I’m not that person anymore. I have panic attacks, I can’t sleep and I’m still in fear of doing or saying the wrong thing.” She placed her hand on his arm. “I don’t even like me, so don’t feel bad if you don’t either.”

  “Not like you? Anora, I like you a bit too much.”

  “You just feel sorry for me. Everyone does. I’m a curiosity, not someone to actually have as a friend. I think I’m best alone.”

  “Behind your door with four deadbolt locks?”

  She nodded. “I feel safe here too. I just don’t know how to interact with people in a normal way. Andy stole all that from me. This past year I’ve worked so hard on not feeling useless. I finally figured out what happened to me was not my fault. I did what any reasonable person would do when faced with threats and violence. But I’m not normal.”

  He put his arm around her and held her tight. “Sounds to me like you’re on your way to figuring it all out. Things take time. I don’t even know what normal is, I won’t have any expectations of how you should act. I do know healing takes time. It takes even longer when it’s your heart and soul. It must have taken an abundance of courage to come out here on your own. Hell, you drove by yourself. That takes courage. You didn’t crumble about that brick. You got mad instead.”

  “It did scare me.”

  “It would have scared anyone. I’m glad you called me. I have to admit I thought of you every day while you were gone. I picked up the phone more than once to call you.”

  “Why didn’t you?” she whispered

  “I figured you had a brand new life and you didn’t need me.”

  “I know you want me to leave the ranch. I’ll be gone before Christmas.” A chilled wind blew and rattled the windows.

  “I don’t want you to spend Christmas alone. Besides Belle will have a fit.”

  She smiled. “I’ll think about it. It’s only a few days away.”

  “I have to warn you. Belle loves to decorate and if she can drag you into it, she will.” He smiled hoping to drive some of the worry from her face. “You don’t like Christmas?”

  “I used to a very long time ago. Holidays were a time for Andy to get drunker and nastier than usual. This past Christmas I was home and it was too much for me. They had presents they’d bought me every year I was gone. It broke my heart reliving their heartbreak all those years. It also broke my heart when they stared at me unwrapping the presents. The ones from the first year I was gone were the hardest. I would have loved them, but they weren’t me anymore. There was an art set. Paper, oil paints, pencils, everything I would have treasured, but I couldn’t stand to look at it. The first time I drew around Andy he broke my hand. Everything my parents did to make me happy did the opposite and it brought them more grief.”

  “I’m so sorry.”

  “Thanks. I disappointed everyone by not being who I was, and they didn’t understand. So many things brought back memories of torture.” A tear trailed down her face. “Even an apple. Andy thought it would be fun to have me bite the apple and keep it in my mouth as he called me a pig. The Psychiatrist said it was because while it was happening, I was pretending it wasn’t happening and this was the first time I’d allowed myself to think of what he did to me. Whatever the reason, no one was happy. It was as though my being there sucked the happiness right out of people. I couldn’t take it anymore.”

  He wiped away her tears and wrapped both arms around her. He waited for her to flinch, but she immediately relaxed in his arms. It felt amazing to be able to bring her comfort. “It’s getting a bit chilly out here.”

  She nodded and moved out of his embrace, grabbing the hand he offered to help her up. “Thanks for listening. I didn’t mean to burden you with my problems.”

  He gave her hand a quick squeeze. “It’s all good. I don’t mind.” The bright smile she bestowed him warmed his insides.

  Chapter Six

  “Maverick was right,” Anora told Belle three days later.

  “Right about what?”

  “He said you liked to decorate for the holiday.”

  Belle smiled and nodded. “I do it so mister moody will actually enjoy himself. If not for me he’d forget all about Christmas. He’s been the best brother a girl could ask for, and it’s the least I can do. Plus, I love doing it.”

  “It has been fun. Thank you for including me.”

  “Are you kidding? You’re family now. I feel as though you’re the sister I never had.” She turned the Christmas tree lights on. “Come, let’s sit and enjoy our hard labor.”

  They both plopped down into the green chairs. “Good choice to put the tree in the library.”

  “Maverick hates the living room. The chairs are too delicate for him or so he says.”

  “I’ll need to rewrap my presents to do the tree justice.”

  Belle laughed. “Didn’t Mav tell you not to worry about presents?”

  “No presents?” Her eyebrow arched. “You’re not doing it just because of me are you?”

  Belle appeared perplexed. “We just get each other something small. It’s just something we do now we’re grown-ups. The gift of us all spending the day together, laughing and having fun is how we celebrate. We take what money we would have spent and donate it to the local children’s hospital.”

  “I love that idea. Makes for a pleasant, less pressured holiday.”

  “Exactly! Lord knows Maverick needs a day off. Sometimes I think he’s forgotten how to relax. Though he does seem to loosen up a bit when you’re here.”

  The doorbell rang and they both went to the front door. Belle opened it. “Well, Joleen, come in.”

  “I’m so glad to see you, Belle. That other woman never answers the door.” She stopped talking when she spotted Anora.

  “Have you met Anora?”

  Joleen scowled. “Yes, I have. She’s trying to keep Maverick from me.”

  “I'm sure that’s not the case is it, Anora?”

  “Truthfully, answering the door unnerves me. I was only here alone a few days before you came home, Belle. It’s nice to see you, Joleen.” She couldn’t help but study Joleen’s rear end. It was definitely padded. She’d never understand women.

  “I hope you don’t mind, but I’m inviting myself for Christmas Eve. I just don’t want to spend it alone, and I knew you’d take pity on me.”

  Belle’s eyes widened. “Well, sure why not? The more, the merrier I suppose.”

  “Oh, thank you.” Joleen took off her coat revealing a tight red sweater that showed a shocking amount of cleavage. “Now, what can I do to help?”

  “Anora has a ham in the oven and we were sitting in the library. How about a glass of wine?”

  “That would be lovely. Why don’t I lead the way while Anora gets the wine and glasses?”

  Belle and Anora exchanged amused glances. “I’ll get it while Anora shows you our tree.”

  “Yes, that would be great.” Anora led the way, gritting her teeth the whole time. There would be no relaxing with Joleen around.

  “Oh, the tree is
lovely. Belle always does such a great job. I love it every year!”

  “Why don’t you have a seat?” Anora offered.

  Joleen’s eyes squinted. “Listen you’re not lady of the manor and you have no business acting like one. I’ll sit because I want to.” Anora stared at her. “Maverick would never be interested in a mouse like you. He needs a real woman.”

  “He can do whatever he likes. I have no claim on him.”

  “Who are you trying to kid? You are here is taking up all his time. Time he should be out at holiday parties and having fun. He feels bad for you like a pitiful, beaten horse. He works with those horses and finds good homes for them. Maybe he can do that for you.”

  Belle waltzed in, a bottle of wine and three glasses in her hands. What’s going on? The tension is awfully thick in here.”

  “Oh nothing,” Joleen said as she waved her hand in a dismissive manner. “We were just having a chat.”

  Belle’s eyes narrowed. “Let’s have a bit of wine and enjoy the holiday. It’s my favorite time of year.”

  “I’m surprised you don’t have big holiday gatherings in this huge house.” Joleen took the offered glass from Belle.

  Belle handed Anora a glass and smiled at her. “When my parents were alive, they had parties. Maverick and I like to keep it a bit low key.”

  “That sounds wonderful too. Is that what we’ll be doing tonight? Keeping it low key?”

  Anora locked gazes with Belle and they mirrored each other’s look of dismay. “It’s usually just me, Maverick and Cooper. This year Anora will be joining us of course. And now you.”

  They all took a sip of wine and were silent for a time.