On A Cold Winter's Night

by Leanne Burroughs

  "You haven't changed, either. Your eyesight is still bad.” Elizabeth smiled, her stomach did a flip-flop. “What has it been, twenty years?"

  "Give or take.” He leaned back in the chair. “So, tell me about your life. What did you do after I left?"

  "Went to college, where I met my husband. We married and two years later had my daughter, Jena. She's fourteen now.” As if avoiding his gaze, she stared at the Christmas candle with its base decorated with holly leaves.

  "Why is it that the beautiful ones are always taken?"

  "Well, I'm not married anymore.” Elizabeth gazed into his deep blue eyes. An unruly curl drooped down on his forehead. She found herself wanting to comb it back with her fingertips as she used to. “My husband and I divorced five years ago."

  "I'm sorry, Beth."

  "It's all worked out but it was very hard at first. He decided he just didn't want to be married anymore and left. Of course, his moving in with the woman he'd been seeing didn't help.” Elizabeth couldn't believe she had told him that. But it had always been easy to talk to him. As kids, she could tell him anything. “What about you? What have you been doing all these years?"

  "Well, you remember my dad was transferred to Indiana."

  "How could I forget? I was a teenager and the love of my life moved away."

  "Leaving you and Tallahassee was hard for me, too, Beth. Having to start over somewhere else was no fun, let me tell you. I went to college, joined the Marines, and spent time in Iraq. My parents bought a farm in Terryville which turned out to be a good investment. Dad passed away—"

  "Oh, Aaron, I'm sorry. I didn't know."

  He nodded curtly. “After I got back from Iraq I helped Mom run the place. There's nothing like looking around and knowing you own a beautiful piece of earth. My dad loved that feeling."

  "I remember you always did like the countryside.” She fingered the corner of her napkin. “How's your mom doing?"

  "Wish I could say she's well, but she was diagnosed with breast cancer a few weeks ago. It's in the early stage, but she went through the surgery and will be doing chemo soon. Mom's a fighter. I think she'll tackle this like she does everything bad that has happened in her life.” His face darkened. “No woman should have to go through what she's dealing with. I wish they'd find a cure for that disease."

  "Oh, Aaron, I'm so sorry.” She took his hand. “I remember how feisty your mom was and how close the two of you were. This must be such a rough time for you, but I'm sure she'll be okay."

  "Yeah, it has been rough. Right now, my sister is keeping an eye on her. You remember Karen.” He rubbed his finger against her thumb in a slow, seductive rhythm. “My mother always had a soft spot in her heart for you."

  "That's nice to know. I always enjoyed the times I spent with her.” The subtle movement of his thumb against her skin flooded her with heat. For a moment she lost her train of thought. Would he notice her embarrassment? “H-how is Karen doing?"

  "Good. She's happily married and has two sons, ages sixteen and twelve."

  "So, did you give your mother grandchildren?"

  "No, I never married."

  "Really? That surprises me."

  "Oh, I had plenty of chances. There never was anyone who reminded me of the beautiful young girl who stole my heart. Guess I always compared other women to you. Not very fair of me but they never quite lived up to your image.” He lowered his voice. “We had some good times together, Beth."

  A lump formed in Elizabeth's throat. He spoke as if he still had feelings for her. His words sounded good, but he was always teasing. Though his heated gaze increased her heart-rate, she'd learned the hard way that what men said couldn't always be trusted. But as a boy Aaron had always been trustworthy. If honest with herself, she'd admit that she'd stored thoughts of him safely away in a special corner of her heart. No girl every truly forgot her first love. Did she dare hope something could come of this?

  The sputter of the intercom speaker broke her train of thought.

  "Passengers on Flight 345, your baggage is now being unloaded. We apologize for the delay."

  "Ah . . . that's mine. Well, it looks like they're finally getting the show on the road.” Aaron smiled. “Seeing you again has been a pleasant diversion."

  "Yes, it has.” The thought she probably wouldn't see him again clutched her chest. She didn't want this opportunity to get away from her because it might never come again. “I can give you a ride to your hotel if you'd like."

  "That would be great. It will give us more time to talk.” He stood. “Let's get our bags before they decide to do something else with them."

  "Right on, as my daughter would say."

  He laughed. Elizabeth loved the way the sides of his mouth crinkled, showing off the dimples on each side. She always loved those dimples. Just looking at him and his smile chased away the gloom of the miserable rain. All her dreary feelings drifted away, leaving only warmth.

  Aaron picked up her laptop and handed it to her. As their hands touched, she felt that tingle again. After all these years, he still gave her goose bumps. Funny how life had a way of throwing you a curve when you least expected it. Could she trust Aaron? Dare she risk letting him pierce the wall she'd built around her heart?

  * * * *

  Elizabeth sat in her office at the Capitol building in downtown Tallahassee looking out the window at the beautiful blue sky. It reminded her of Aaron's eyes. Three days had passed since she left him at the hotel. When he asked for her phone number she gave him both home and work numbers and her address, but so far he hadn't called. And she doubted he would. She was certain that when he gave it more thought he realized their relationship couldn't go anywhere. Long distance relationships rarely lasted.

  She'd seen the joy in his eyes when he talked about his farm and knew he'd never leave it. And she had a deeply established life here. Jena, all her friends and her grandparents were here. Dan, her ex-husband, lived only a few hours away. Better to keep thoughts of Aaron out of her mind. Their opportunity to be together had passed and they each had other obligations now.

  The ringing of the telephone interrupted her train of thought. “Elizabeth Rawlings, how can I help you?"

  "Hello, Beth. Did you give up on me?” Aaron's deep voice made her forget her earlier misgivings.

  "Yes, in a way.” She tapped her pencil on the desk. “I thought maybe you'd had second thoughts about seeing me again."

  "Oh ye of little faith. Beside it's too late for me. From the moment I recognized you in the airport, I was hooked."

  Her stomach cartwheeled. She had no idea how to reply, so she waited.

  "I've been busy trying to make the arrangements for a new feed to be delivered to my farm. I finally decided it would be cheaper and faster if I came back later with my truck and got it myself."

  "They don't have feed where you live?"

  "This is a special mixture I read about. It's supposed to make my cows healthier."

  "Oh, I see."

  "I'm sure I'm boring you. Besides, that's not why I called. How would you like to go out for dinner tonight?"

  "I'd love to, but I really hate to leave my daughter alone after only being back for a few days."

  "So we bring her with us."

  "I have a better idea. How about I treat you to a home-cooked meal?"

  "You won't hear me refusing home cooking."

  "I get off at five, but I have to pick up my daughter from her grandmother's. Would 6:30 be too late?"

  "No, that's fine. I'll see you then. I'm looking forward to it. Goodbye, Beth."

  "Bye. See you tonight.” Elizabeth held onto the phone several seconds, not totally sure she hadn't dreamed that conversation. Slowly she set the phone into its cradle.

  Her co-worker and friend Cheryl walked into the office and sat on the edge of the desk. “What's with the faraway look on your face?"

  "I . . . I met someone."

  "You met someone? Who?"

  "A friend from my pa
st.” Elizabeth tapped her pencil again. “We. . . Aaron and I were high school sweethearts. I ran into him at the airport when I returned from south Florida."

  "You haven't seen him since high school?"

  "No."

  "Wow. That must have been one heck of a surprise, seeing him again after all these years."

  "Well, I have to admit it made my legs weak. We spent some time together while waiting for our bags. But I think I gave his ego a low blow when I didn't recognize him right off."

  "Ouch! I imagine you did. So was he good looking as a teenager?"

  "Yes, and he's even better looking now. But he's still the caring guy he was back in our teens. I always could talk to him about anything. I hope I still can."

  "You go, girl!” Cheryl's jingle bell earrings blinked and tinkled when she nodded. “Not many of us get a second chance to rekindle an old love."

  "We'll see. I'd better get back to work so I can get out of here on time. He's coming over for dinner tonight."

  "Okay, I'll leave, but I want updates.” Cheryl grinned and walked out the door humming It Must Have Been the Mistletoe. Cheryl had a tune for everything.

  Shaking her head, Elizabeth turned back to her computer screen and smiled. Her fingers flew over the keyboard, but her mind strayed from her work to thoughts of Aaron. Her heart beat faster just thinking about him being in her home tonight. Suddenly she paused, hands hovered over the keys. Would Jena like him?

  * * * *

  Aaron looked down at the GPS screen while stopped for a traffic light. According to the device, he needed to turn right at the next light. He couldn't get over this new technology. In no time he pulled into the driveway of a gray house with white shutters. Twinkling Christmas lights adorned the windows and gave the attractive house a warm, welcoming look. He climbed out of the Malibu and approached the front door just as it swung open. A young girl rushed outside, her long red hair so like Beth's it took away his breath.

  "Hi, I'm Jena. My mom told me to show you in.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him through the front door. “Mom says you've got a big farm. Is that true?"

  "Yes, it is.” He smiled at her resemblance to Beth. She'd talked a lot as a kid, especially when she was nervous. “Do you like farms?"

  "I love them. My grandma and grandpa used to have one. But it got too hard for Grandpa to do the work anymore."

  "It is hard work.” He followed her into the living room where a six-foot tree with multicolored lights stood in the corner of the room near a fireplace. “Wow, that's a great tree."

  "Thanks. We put it up last night."

  A spicy aroma made his mouth water. “Something sure smells good."

  "That's Mom's lasagna. You're going to love it. She makes the best in the world."

  Coming from the kitchen, Beth wiped her hands on her apron. “My daughter tends to exaggerate. It's good to see you found the place okay."

  "Thanks to the GPS in the rental car. That thing is amazing. I may have to buy one for my pickup.” He smiled, glancing over at the table set with fine china and goblets and a Yule log centerpiece. “Everything looks so festive and smells wonderful, as I was telling Jena. But you didn't have to go to so much trouble for me."

  "It's not often I get to entertain. Why don't you sit down? Everything's about ready. I just need to take the rolls from the oven. Be right back.” She returned to the kitchen.

  "What kind of animals do you have?” Jena asked, following him to the table.

  "Lots of cows, a few chickens, and some horses."

  "Wow, that's really cool!” She sat in the chair next to the one he'd chosen.

  He smiled at her enthusiasm. “I'm glad you approve."

  "Mom told me you used to play football at the high school here."

  "I did.” At first he'd been uncertain how to converse with a fourteen-year-old girl. But the way she was talking, he'd just have to answer her questions.

  "What position did you play?"

  With each of her queries, he relaxed more and more. “Quarterback. I was a lot smaller then."

  He hadn't had much practice talking with teenage girls. His sister had two boys, no daughters. He always knew what to say around them. But he understood why Jena had so many questions. She was only trying to get to know him better.

  "Did you know your mom was a cheerleader?"

  "Yes, she told me. Now that I think about it, she also mentioned you. Said you had the prettiest eyes and made her swoon.” Jena batted her eyes at him.

  "Jena Leigh Rawlings,” Beth said, entering the room, “That was girl talk. You weren't supposed to tell him!"

  Aaron laughed. “Did I really make you swoon?"

  Her face turned red. “You don't want to go there, Aaron Blake."

  He winked at Jena. “Oh boy, I guess I better stop while I'm ahead. When she says my full name, I'm always in big trouble."

  "Usually when she says my full name I'm in trouble too.” Jena looked toward her mom. “I'm in trouble, huh?"

  "Jena, you're not in trouble. Would you like to ask the blessing?"

  "Okay.” Jena bent her head while closing her eyes. “God, thank you for the wonderful food Mom has made. You brought somebody special for Mom tonight. I know she gets tired of just talking to me.” Jena hesitated for a moment, then continued. “Please keep Mr. Aaron safe when he has to fly back to his farm. Amen."

  "Thank you, Jena. It was nice that you remembered my flight home.” Aaron looked at Beth. “You've done a good job. Jena has a good head on her shoulders."

  "Thank you.” She smiled at her daughter.

  "Hey! Quit. You're embarrassing me.” Jena lifted her plate toward her mom. “May I have some lasagna, please?"

  "Jena, our guest gets served first.” Beth reached for Aaron's plate. “Please remember your manners."

  "Sorry.” Jena shrugged and gave Aaron a chagrined glance.

  "Where I come from, ladies go first.” Aaron winked.

  "See, Mom, I wasn't being rude, because I knew that.” Jena looked over at him and he winked again.

  "Hey, that's no fair ganging up on me.” Beth put lasagna on her daughter's plate and then gave Aaron his. “Would you like salad?"

  "I'm a big salad eater.” He reached for the bowl she handed him.

  "It is one of my favorites, too, but Jena's not much on vegetables."

  "Hey, I like carrots and corn. Those are vegetables."

  "Yes, they are. And carrots are good for your eyes.” HeH dug into his salad with gusto. “This dressing is great, Beth. What's in it?"

  "It's an old family recipe. If I tell you, I'll have to kill you.” She grinned.

  He laughed. Before long they were enjoying the meal—like a family.

  * * * *

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter Two

  * * * *

  Elizabeth sat at her desk trying not to think about Aaron returning to Indiana today. They'd spent every evening together for a week. He either came to her house or they went out for dinner and a movie. It thrilled her that he always included Jena. But she did miss alone time with him. He had yet to kiss her, although he'd held her hand and put his arm around her while they watched a movie.

  She sighed when she heard a knock on her door. “Come in."

  "Boy, this is a big place.” Aaron poked his head inside. “And your security is tough on non-employees.” He sauntered up to her desk. “Hope you don't mind me coming by to see you. I thought maybe I could take you to lunch and then you could see me off at the airport."

  "That sounds wonderful.” Her stomach did its usual cartwheel as she looked up into his gorgeous blue eyes. “Lunch, at least. I'm not sure about the airport. Let me see what's on my schedule for the afternoon. I'll be right back.” Elizabeth walked out of the office.

  When she returned Aaron stood in front of the window.

  "I'm back. Janet is going to take my calls for me."

  He turned. “Great. Just checking out the nice view you have here. I
see this side of the building faces the FSU football field.” He ran his fingers across her desk. “Beautiful desk."

  "Thank you. Obviously, it's not mine. I only get to use it as long as I keep my job.” She laughed.

  "You don't talk about your work, but it must carry some prestige to have an office like this. Exactly what do you do here?"

  "I work with state agencies involved with delinquent and abused children. They report to me with changes and updates. Plus, I travel the state to visit them and make sure the programs are running well, and so on. Keeps me busy."

  "Sounds like it. I'm very impressed.” He patted her hand. “You did okay for yourself."

  "Yes, I did. It was hard work, but I earned my degree. The hardest part of the job is that occasionally it takes me away from Jena. But at least I have my parents here to help look after her. And she spends time with her father in south Florida."

  "I can understand that it would be hard leaving her. She's really something else.” Aaron pulled her to him, arm around her waist. “While I'm gone, I'd like for you to think about spending a few days with me in Indiana. There are two guest rooms in my house. Plenty of space for both of us."

  "I will think about it, Aaron. But it will have to be on a weekend because of my work.” She was a little shocked because she hadn't been prepared for him to ask her to stay at his home. “I know I'd like for us to have more time to get to know each other again. You've been so good about letting Jena go places with us, which is important to me because she and I are a matched set. You don't get one without the other."

  "I never thought any different.” He rubbed the small of her back. “Would you be upset if I asked you to come alone for the first visit?"

  "No, I'd want that, too.” She rested her hands against his strong chest. “We need to take this slow, because I have to think about Jena, too."

  "Slow and easy is my motto.” He hugged her, then touched his lips to her forehead. “Let's get some lunch. I'm starved."

  "I'm ready. There's a great Italian restaurant within walking distance. Do you like Italian?"

  "Absolutely! As long as it's as good as your lasagna.” He took her hand as they left her office. “Do you mind holding hands?"