Caroline opened the door, her face registering surprise.
“Grady, hello.” She recovered quickly and held the screen door wide.
“Would you like to sit outside for a spell?” he asked, instead gesturing toward the porch swing. Since he was nervous about this entire thing, staying outside in the semidarkness felt more inviting than her well-lit living room.
“Sure.”
She glanced over her shoulder, and Grady noticed Maggie playing by herself in the background. She had her dolls sitting around a small table and was chatting amicably as she stood in front of her play kitchen cooking up a storm. He grinned at the sight.
Caroline sat down, but Grady found it impossible to keep still.
“Did Savannah phone?” he asked. It would be just like his sister to give Caroline a heads-up. He hadn’t announced where he was going when he left the ranch, but Savannah knew. After all, she was the one who’d steered him in this direction in that less-than-subtle way of hers. Grady tolerated Savannah’s matchmaking only because he wasn’t opposed to her efforts to promote a romance between him and Caroline. Frankly he could use the help. He wasn’t keen, however, on letting her know that.
“Savannah phone me?” Caroline repeated. “No, she hasn’t.”
Grady released a sigh, and some of the tension eased from between his shoulder blades. “What about Richard?”
“What about him?”
“Have you spoken to him recently—say, in the last four or five hours?”
“No,” she answered curtly. “Is there a reason for all these questions?”
Grady could see that Caroline was growing impatient but he needed the answers to both questions before he could proceed. “Of course there’s a reason,” he snapped, annoyed with his lack of finesse when it came to romance. “I don’t want to end up looking ridiculous, thanks to Richard.”
“What’s Richard got to do with anything?” Caroline demanded.
“If he’s been here first, just say so and I’ll be on my way.” The thought of Richard and Caroline together did funny things to his stomach. He’d never been a jealous man; it was an unfamiliar—and unpleasant—sensation. But he wasn’t about to let Richard walk all over him.
“It seems to me, Grady, that you don’t need Richard in order to look ridiculous. You do a damn good job all by yourself!”
Her words took him by surprise. He exhaled, counting to ten, in an effort to calm his racing heart, then leaned against the porch railing and faced her. “All I want to know is if Richard already asked you to the church dinner.”
Her eyes briefly widened when she understood the reason for his unexpected visit. Caroline smiled slowly and sweetly. It was a smile he’d seen all too rarely from her. He found it difficult to look away.
“Why do you want to know?” she asked.
“I told you already,” he blurted out. “If Richard’s already asked you, then I’ll save my breath.”
“What if I said he hasn’t asked me? Does that mean you will?”
His pride was a fierce thing and had gotten him into trouble with her in the past. He tucked his hands in his back pockets, shrugging as if it was of little concern. “I might.”
Caroline set the swing in motion and relaxed enough to cross her legs. She was wearing shorts, and the movement granted him the opportunity to admire those legs.
“Let me put it like this,” Caroline said after a moment. “If Richard had asked me, and I’m not saying he has, I’d turn him down.”
“You would?” This gave Grady second thoughts. If she’d turn down his brother, there was nothing to say she wouldn’t do the same with him. “What about me?” he asked before considering the question.
“But you haven’t asked me,” she reminded him.
If she was leading him on a merry chase, he swore he’d never forgive her. “Will you…would you and Maggie be my date for the church dinner Saturday night?”
The joy that lit her eyes was all the answer Grady needed. His heart felt as if it might fly straight out of his chest.
“We’d love to go with you,” Caroline answered without hesitation.
“That’d be great. Great!” He started to leave, but caught the toe of his boot on a toy Maggie had left on the porch and damn near fell on his face. Not that it would have mattered. He was too damn happy to let a minor humiliation detract from his pleasure.
He was halfway to his truck when Caroline stopped him. “Do you want me to meet you at the church?” she called out.
“No.” What kind of date did she think this was, anyway? “I’ll pick you both up.” Just so there was no room for misunderstanding, he added, “This is a date, Caroline.”
“Any particular time?”
Details. Leave it to a woman to be concerned about something like that. “When do you want me?”
“Six-forty-five sounds about right.”
“Then that’s when I’ll be here.”
She walked to the porch steps and wrapped her arm around the white column. “I’ll look forward to seeing you Saturday.”
It would have been the most natural thing in the world to jump up and shout, he was that happy. Happy enough to feel almost drunk with it. Damn it all, he hadn’t even kissed Caroline yet. If he got giddy from a little thing like this, he could only begin to imagine what it would be like the first time they made love.
* * *
REVEREND WADE MCMILLEN liked nothing better than social gatherings at the church, and this one was special, celebrating the one hundred and twentieth anniversary of the date Promise Christian Church had been established. He’d been ministering to this small but growing flock for five years now. It was his first assignment, and friends in the ministry had told him there was something special about a minister’s first church. This had certainly proved to be the case with Wade. The parishioners who crowded the church hall were as much his family as the people he’d left behind.
Raised in Houston, Wade had been around cattle ranchers and oil men from the time he was old enough to pull on a pair of cowboy boots. No one was more surprised when he was called to the ministry than Wade himself. His experience in Promise had shown him that he loved his work more than any other occupation he might have chosen.
Long tables at the far end of the hall were heaped with a variety of some of the best home cooking in Texas. Main courses, salads, desserts. Once the food had been readied, Wade led the assembled families in grace, then stayed out of the way while the women’s group got the buffet lines going. His role in all this was to make sure dinner went smoothly and everyone had what he or she needed.
“In my opinion,” Louise Powell said, pulling Wade aside, “Savannah Smith’s teriyaki salad with chicken should be considered a main course and not a salad. It’s misleading for those of us who’re watching our weight to be tempted with salads that under normal circumstances would be considered a main course.”
Louise and her friend Tammy Lee Kollenborn had been a trial to Wade from the start, but he wasn’t alone in his struggles with these two women. Heaven help him if he inadvertently crossed either of them.
“I’m afraid I’m the one to blame for that,” Wade explained, attempting to sound apologetic. “Savannah put it on the table with the main courses, and I suggested that since it was technically a salad, it belonged there.”
“I see,” Louise said and tightly pinched her lips together, letting him know she disapproved.
“I’ll make sure I don’t make that mistake again,” he said. “Perhaps next year you’d volunteer to help the women’s group set up the hall. I’m sure they’d appreciate your advice on such important matters as what should and shouldn’t be considered a salad.”
“I’ll do that,” she said with a tinge of self-righteousness. She patted his hand and e
xcused herself to return to her husband.
The buffet line had dwindled down to only a few stragglers, and rather than become embroiled in any more culinary controversies, Wade reached for a plate and a set of silverware, then stepped to the end of the line.
He scanned the group, looking for an empty seat. The circular tables seated eight, perfect for accommodating four couples. The Royal Heirs, the seniors’ social group, occupied four of those tables. No space there.
Ellie Frasier and Glen Patterson sat in a corner of the large bustling hall with their friends. There were a few empty spaces, but their table would fill up soon. He enjoyed Ellie and Glen and was counseling them before their wedding. They’d been in for three sessions now, and he had a strong feeling they were well suited. Their marriage would be a good one, built on a foundation of friendship.
Savannah and Laredo Smith were sitting next to Ellie and Glen. Now, there were two he’d never suspected would be right for each other. Savannah was a gentle soul, a special woman who’d touched his heart. Laredo had drifted into town; somehow he and Savannah had been drawn together. Love had changed them both, Savannah especially. Looking at them now, just a short time after their wedding, it was difficult to remember that they’d been together only months rather than years.
Frank Hennessey, the town sheriff, got in line behind Wade. “This is a great spread, isn’t it, Rev?”
“As I’ve said more than once,” Wade reminded the other man, “Promise Christian has some of the best cooks in the state of Texas.”
“Amen to that.” Frank handed Dovie Boyd a plate before reaching for one himself. Both close to retirement age, the two had been seeing each other for as long as Wade had served the community, but apparently didn’t have plans to marry. Wade had never questioned them about their relationship. That was their business, not his. He was fond of Frank and Dovie. He found their company delightful and was happy to let Dovie spoil him with a home-cooked meal every now and then. The woman was a wonder with apple pie.
One of Nell Bishop’s children raced across the room, and Wade’s spirits lifted. He’d sit with Nell, he decided. The widow might feel like odd man out, being there without a date, and since he was alone himself, well, it would work nicely. Nell was a safe dinner companion; everyone knew she wasn’t interested in remarriage. If Wade chose to dine with one of the single ladies, some women in the congregation, Louise Powell and Tammy Lee Kollenborn in particular, were sure to read it as a sign of incipient romance.
So Nell was the perfect choice. No pressures there. Not only that, he had a great deal of respect and affection for her family. He’d enjoy spending the evening with them.
But Nell was sitting with her mother-in-law and their table was full.
Wade had to admit he felt lonely. Everyone present seemed to be part of a couple, and those who were single had found partners. Even Grady Weston had a date, and frankly, Wade was pleased with his choice. He’d long admired Caroline Daniels; she and Grady seemed right together, a thought that had occurred to him more than once since Savannah’s wedding.
Not until Wade was at the end of the dessert table did he spot the ideal location. He smiled, amused that the vacant seat was at the very table he’d considered moments earlier. The empty spot was next to Cal Patterson. Wade got along just fine with the rancher, although the man had a reputation for being prickly. Cal sat with his brother Glen, but Glen wasn’t paying him any heed. The younger Patterson’s concentration was held by Ellie, and rightly so.
“Mind if I join you?” Wade asked Cal.
“Mind?” Cal muttered, sliding his chair over to give Wade ample room. “I’d be grateful.”
“This is a great way to celebrate the church’s birthday, isn’t it?” Wade asked, digging into his food with gusto. He never ate better than at church dinners.
“Growing up, I can remember looking forward to the third Saturday in July,” Cal said. “My mom made her special baked beans every year. Still does. Apparently the recipe’s been handed down from one generation to the next for at least a hundred years. If I remember right, it originally came from back East.”
Wade took a forkful of the baked beans and nodded approvingly. “Mmm.” He chewed slowly, savoring every morsel. “There’s a lot to be said for tradition, especially when it tastes this good.”
“She only bakes ’em once a year and it’s always for the church.” Having cleaned his own plate, Cal pushed back his chair and folded his arms. Wade’s gaze followed Cal’s. Grady and Caroline stood in the dessert line with Savannah and Laredo. The four were engaged in conversation and appeared to be enjoying themselves.
“Grady and Caroline make a handsome couple, don’t they?” Wade asked, testing the waters with the older Patterson brother. This couldn’t be easy on him, especially after Cal’s own unfortunate experience a few years earlier. His wedding had been canceled just two days before the ceremony. Cal had taken the brunt of the embarrassment when his fiancée abruptly left town.
Wade and Cal had shared some serious discussions afterward and bonded as friends. But Cal hadn’t mentioned Jennifer’s name, not in all the time since. The subject of marriage appeared to be taboo, as well. More than once Wade had been tempted to remind Cal not to judge all women by Jennifer’s actions. It might be a cliché, but time really was a great healer. When Cal was ready, Wade believed he’d date again.
“It’s about time Grady opened his eyes,” Cal said, grinning.
“About Caroline?”
“Yeah. Those two have been circling each other for a year, maybe more. If one of ’em didn’t make a move soon, I was going to rope ’em together myself.”
Wade chuckled, enjoying the image.
“Seems that every time Grady gets close to making a move, something happens and he takes off like a jackrabbit.”
Little Maggie Daniels raced past at that moment, and Wade caught her about the waist to keep her from colliding with Nell Bishop’s son. “Whoa there,” he said, laughing. “What’s the big hurry?”
Maggie covered her mouth and giggled. “Petey was chasing me.”
“Be careful, understand?”
Maggie bobbed her head, and Wade pointed to the corsage on her wrist. “Who gave you flowers?”
“Grady,” Maggie answered with such pride her entire face lit up. Her eyes fell to the pink and white carnations on her wrist. “He yells sometimes.”
“Does it bother you?”
Maggie had to think about that a moment before she shrugged. “He bought Mommy flowers, too. She was surprised and so was I, and when Mommy asked him why, he said it was ’cause we’re special.”
“You are very special.” Wade smiled.
Maggie’s return smile revealed two missing front teeth. “Mommy likes him,” she said, and Wade had the feeling that she’d decided perhaps Grady wasn’t such a bad guy, after all.
Petey Bush approached. “Wanna hold hands?” the six-year-old boy asked.
Maggie looked to Wade for permission. “I think it’ll be all right,” he advised.
She nodded solemnly and the two children strolled off hand in hand.
“It’s a sorry day when five- and six-year-olds have an easier time getting a date than we do, don’t you think?” Cal asked him.
A sorry day indeed, Wade mused.
* * *
CAROLINE HAD a wonderful time at the dinner. A perfectly wonderful time, she reflected as they walked out to Grady’s truck. Everything about the evening had been like a dream. Not once had she exchanged a cross word with Grady. Not once had they disagreed. Not once had he yelled at Maggie. There just might be hope for them.
Maggie, worn-out from the evening’s activities, fell asleep between them in the truck. She slumped against Caroline, her head in her mother’s lap. When Grady pulled up in front of the house,
she was still asleep. It seemed a shame to disturb her.
Grady must have thought the same thing, because he turned off the engine and made no move to get out of the truck. The only light available was from a quarter moon set crookedly in the dark Texas sky.
Night settled about them. Neither one of them spoke. For her own part, Caroline wanted the evening to last as long as possible. If it never ended, that was fine with her.
“I had a lovely time,” she finally whispered.
“Me, too.”
She assumed he’d open the truck door then and was pleased when he didn’t.
“It was sweet of you to bring Maggie and me flowers.”
“It was the only way I could tell you how much—” He halted midsentence.
“How much…?” she prodded.
“I like you both,” he finished.
“Do you, Grady?” she asked, her voice low.
“Very much.” He brought his hand to the side of her face, and Caroline closed her eyes, delighting in the feel of his callused palm against her cheek. Smiling to herself at how far they’d come, she leaned into his hand.
“Do you think it’d wake Maggie if I kissed you?” he asked, whispering.
Caroline didn’t know, but she was prepared to risk it. “I’m game if you are.”
Still Grady hesitated. “This is the first time Maggie’s been willing to have anything to do with me. I don’t want to ruin that.”
“If you don’t kiss me now, Grady, I swear I’ll never forgive you!”
He laughed softly and without further delay took her face between his hands. Once again Caroline shut her eyes, just for a moment, treasuring these rare moments of intimacy.
Slowly Grady bent toward her and she angled her head to accommodate his movement. His mouth was so close to hers. So close she could feel his breath against her skin. So close she could sense his longing—and admit her own. Yet he hesitated, as did she.
Caroline realized—and she suspected that Grady did, too—that everything between them would be forever changed if they proceeded with this kiss. It was more than an ordinary kiss. It was a meeting of two hearts, an admission of vulnerability and openness.
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