“I understand. We don’t have to talk about it. Why don’t I just fix some breakfast?”
“Please, not yet. I don’t think you do understand.”
“I do. Perfectly.”
“Then tell me.”
She shook her head. “Look, let’s not.” She wasn’t doing very well in the take-charge-of-her-own-emotions department. Time to change the subject.
“You and Jilly will enjoy the church service. Elvie used to sing in the choir. It’s—”
“You surprised me last night. That’s all. I had no idea.”
“So you said.”
“It’s unusual in today’s world.”
“That’s me. A throwback. Queen Victoria would have been proud.” She raised her hand in salute to the late queen.
His long arms stretched across to take her hands, holding gently when she tried to pull away. “Tadie, honey,” he began, and that word flowing off his tongue sent a surprising jolt of pleasure through her.
Heat must have betrayed her again. She could see it in his face. That smile.
His voice cajoled her to believe his silky words. “Please don’t be embarrassed. It’s obvious you’re a woman of passion who values herself and doesn’t give herself lightly to anyone. Frankly, it makes you more of a prize for the man who wins you.”
Her pulse quickened, but her chin jutted slightly. “I’ve had lots of offers.”
“I’m sure you have. The delight is that you haven’t accepted any of them.” Standing, still holding her hands, he edged around the table. “Come here.”
She hesitated, but not because she didn’t want to obey. She just hated to give in too easily. One more nudge and she stood. Watching his chest, which was where her lowered gaze rested, she felt the flutter low in her stomach as his thumbs traced circles on her palms. Her eyelids lifted slowly. She noted the collar of his shirt, how it opened to a strong bronzed neck, how its points forced her gaze up to his firm jaw. His lips parted over fine, straight teeth. His nose was just a shade long for perfect harmony, yet everything fit together—his dark eyes crinkling at the corners, his full brows slightly raised in question, his hair just long enough to make her want to run her fingers through it.
“Will I be one of the rejected ones, Tadie?” He continued to speak gently, though the humor remained. “You need to know my intentions are honorable.”
Honorable? What did he mean by that? It sounded so wonderfully antiquated. She looked into his eyes and took a deep breath. “It doesn’t feel like it right now,” she whispered.
His head bent and his lips touched hers, one of those feather kisses so seductive it made her hungry for more. His lips slipped over hers lightly, taking their time, moving to a place just below her jaw.
Oh my. She had no idea that spot was so sensitive.
His mouth hadn’t quite reached hers, though his hands did cup her face, when a little voice croaked, “Daddy!”
They jumped apart.
She’d forgotten Jilly. Well, so had Jilly’s daddy—obviously. Tadie expected to see horror on the child’s face. Instead, the green eyes shone.
“Oh, Daddy, you’re going to give me what I want most in the world, aren’t you?”
Tadie stared at the child, who didn’t seem at all distressed to have found her father embracing someone other than her mother. “Jilly, honey, Merry Christmas!”
“Merry Christmas!” Jilly said, her gaze darting to Tadie and back to her father.
He looked about to say something, but Tadie rushed in with, “We’re going to have something special for Christmas breakfast, and your father’s going to help make it. Would you like to help too?”
“Sure,” she said, but her focus was on her father. She grabbed his hand and tugged him down to her level. “Daddy,” she whispered, “are you going to marry Tadie? I prayed for a new mommy—for Tadie to be my mommy. That’s all I asked God to bring me for Christmas.”
He reached out to stroke Jilly’s hair. When he answered, he didn’t bother to lower his voice. “So, you’d really like me to marry Tadie?”
Jilly’s eyes sparkled as she rocked up on her toes. “Yes, Daddy. So much.”
“We need to ask her, don’t you think? To see if she likes the idea.”
Jilly spun around and walked straight up to Tadie. “Do you want to marry us? We really want you to.”
Tadie felt the tears. She couldn’t talk. There was no way words were going to make it past her lips. She sniffled slightly and hoped no one noticed.
Jilly slipped a hand in hers. “Don’t cry. It’s okay. We love you.”
“You do? You’re sure?” Her gaze shot from Jilly to her father and back.
“Don’t we, Daddy? We wouldn’t ask her to marry us if we didn’t.”
“No, we wouldn’t. But don’t you think, First Mate Extraordinaire, that maybe you ought to let me take it from here?”
“Sure,” Jilly said, backing away.
“Then how about you go get some clothes on. When you get back, we’ll be ready to start breakfast.”
His daughter looked at him suspiciously, probably wondering if he could manage on his own.
Will raised one brow, pointed to the doorway, and said, “Scoot.”
“Do it right, Daddy.” Her laughter lingered as she fled up the stairs.
“And don’t rush,” he called after her.
Tadie didn’t take her eyes off Will’s as he moved toward her again, but when he stood right there in front of her, she couldn’t sustain it. His second button suddenly seemed fascinating, and her heart was back to pounding in her throat.
“Tadie,” he whispered, waiting silently until she raised her chin. “I know this is sudden, and I wasn’t going to do it like this.”
“She forced your hand.”
“No, she merely brought things to a head sooner than I would have. I had planned to court you.”
“Court me?” She heard her voice crack between words.
He nodded, taking her hands again. “Nancy and I were very young when we met, fifteen and sixteen. She was my first love. She said I was her second because she liked to count her seventh-grade romance with the boy next door.” He let his fingers roam over hers as he continued. “We married very early, and because we waited until after marriage, we learned about love from each other. Since her death, it’s been difficult for me to even look at another woman.”
Tadie’s gaze fell again, back to that fascinating place on his chin. He had a slight dimple there, but it was a strong chin. Strong chins showed character, didn’t they?
His words reclaimed her woozy thoughts. “Last night I told you I’d fallen in love with you. It took me completely by surprise. While I worked on the Nancy Grace, I caught myself thinking about you and dreaming about you as I’d only dreamed about her.”
“You fought it?”
“Valiantly. Although I didn’t know it at the time, that was probably the major reason I acted so badly.”
Tension built as he stroked her hand, then his fingers tightened slightly. “Now I’m hopelessly in love with you.”
She searched his face. “Alex was my first love, and a very disappointing one he was.”
“And you were never in love again?”
“I imagined I was, once. I got engaged, but decided it was never going to work. He hated sailing. To this day, Rita says she warned me. I wouldn’t listen.”
“I finally listened to Jilly. And to my heart.”
“That sounds a lot like courting to me.”
“I was imagining roses and long dinners.”
Tadie laughed. “I’m not saying those wouldn’t be nice.”
“The logistics may be difficult.”
“Mmm.”
“What would you think of life with us, with Jilly and me on the Nancy Grace?”
Tadie bit her lower lip before admitting, “I’ve fantasized about it.”
“You have?” He looked both surprised and pleased.
“Of sailing places with you. First, I imagine
d coming on board as galley maid, one of the crew. Then I pretended you let me come as a sort of mother/companion to Jilly. Then …” But emotion overcame her and she couldn’t finish.
“Then?”
She shook her head.
“Did you ever imagine being with me? As my wife? In spite of how I acted?”
“I couldn’t help it.”
He cupped her face, looking deep into her eyes. “It’s crazy, isn’t it? Neither of us can help wanting the other, in spite of our prejudices. I love you, Sara Longworth. Will you marry me?”
Jilly’s voice came lilting in from the hall. “You finished yet, Daddy?”
“Not quite. How about if I call you?”
“I’m getting hungry.”
“Okay. Just another minute.”
The top of a red head peeked around the door frame. “Have you asked her yet?”
Will burst out laughing. “Minx, get out of here. I was just doing it.”
Tadie grinned at the pair. “Oh, let her in, Will. She deserves to hear my answer too.”
“Yeah,” Jilly said, climbing up on the chair Will had vacated. “I asked her first.” She kept her eyes on Tadie and waited.
Looking from Jilly’s expectant face to Will’s, Tadie extended a hand to each. “I would be proud to marry both of you.”
“Now?” Jilly grabbed Tadie’s hand with both of hers and used it to focus Tadie’s attention where she wanted it—on her. “Can we get married today?”
Will swatted at her playfully. “Don’t be greedy, young lady. You got your Christmas wish, but these things take time. Tadie may want to have a big wedding.”
“No thank you. Simple and easy, with just enough fuss to make my friends happy.” Bemused, she wandered over to the refrigerator and opened the door, but couldn’t remember what she’d wanted in there. “What was I looking for?”
“Breakfast?” Jilly asked, climbing down from the chair.
“I guess. Yes, of course.” That must have been what she intended. But the sense of being caught in a whirlwind persisted. “I can’t believe this. It’s amazing.”
“I know.” Jilly bounded over and threw her arms around Tadie’s waist. “I’m so excited. We’re going to have a wedding.”
“You ladies need some help over there?”
Will’s expression made Tadie’s knees weak again. She eased Jilly around to her front so they could both examine the refrigerator contents. “I think I was trying to get milk and eggs. Can you hand them to me?”
Jilly passed out the eggs first. “What are we cooking?”
“Well, it was going to be spoonbread, but I think pancakes will be faster.”
“I love pancakes.”
Tadie brought the bowl, whisk, and ingredients to the table so Jilly could help. While Will manned the spatula, they planned a wedding.
* * * * *
Will’s cell phone blinked when he checked it after breakfast. He almost didn’t retrieve the message, because, really, today? On Christmas?
Of course, not everyone celebrated the holiday, but he’d have thought even non-believers would be eager for a break. Obviously, not the plant in Atlanta.
They’d been having problems running one of his systems. He returned the call, offered to troubleshoot over the phone, but they’d tried everything he’d suggested and were in a bind with the government contract. Every day of downtime was costing a fortune, and old Uncle Sam didn’t care what day of the year it was. The plant manager’s voice sounded testy. His maintenance crew was ragging on him for keeping them there, and if Will would come, they’d make it worth his while.
None of that mattered to Will, but the guy’s desperate, “Please,” convinced him to see what he could do. At least Jilly would be happy hanging out with Tadie. That is, if Tadie didn’t mind.
“Of course not,” she said when he explained the situation. “But can you get a flight today?”
“I’ve already arranged it, though I’ll have to leave from Raleigh. That’s what, three hours away?” At her nod, he looked at his watch. “I’ll have to go soon. I’m sorry.”
“I hope you won’t be gone long.”
In answer, he pulled her close.
* * * * *
When Rita phoned to ask about church, Tadie said she and Jilly would meet them there, hoping a quick explanation of Will’s absence would suffice. It did during the service, where Jilly sat wide-eyed. She loved the singing and clapping, the gaily-hatted ladies, the white-gloved ushers. At the end of the message, everyone wanted to meet the lovely child wearing the green plaid jumper.
“You come on and eat with us,” James said after the service. “You know you can’t take that child away yet, Miss Sara. She’s brightening Elvie right up. Look at her now.”
Tadie carried the rest of the roast beef upstairs, enabling them to eat way too much. “It was good last night. It’s just as good today,” Elvie said, pointing to the heaps of food and telling Martin he’d better get his fill.
Martin rubbed his stomach after his second helping of sweet potatoes. “I’m convinced. Christmas feasts in this family are worth the extra pounds.”
“We’re mighty glad you joined us,” James said.
While Rita made coffee, Jilly nudged Tadie out of the room. “Can we tell them?” she whispered. “Please?”
Tadie didn’t move. Tell? Already? “You don’t want to keep it a secret for a little while longer?”
The red hair swished back and forth.
Tadie’s slight shrug was all Jilly needed. She bounded back to the dining area and stood next to Elvie’s chair with her hands folded in front of her.
Elvie’s face glowed as she looked from Jilly up to Tadie. “Child,” she said, “you got something you want to say? Either one of you?”
“We’re getting married,” Jilly announced, clapping her hands and bouncing on her toes.
James grunted. “Who you marrying, little missy?”
“Tadie! Tadie’s going to be my new mommy.”
“Lands, Tadie-girl,” Elvie said. “You sure do know how to keep things quiet from folk. When did you decide this?”
James crossed his arms, looking suspicious. “Can’t have been before supper last night. We’d of knowed.”
Rita hugged her. “I’m so happy for you.” Bending to clasp Jilly, she said, “And you, sweet thing. Tadie will make you a wonderful mother.” As Jilly’s little arms tightened, Rita glanced up at Tadie, mouthing, Oh my.
Tadie nodded, swallowing at the knot in her throat.
They spent the afternoon talking weddings, and before Tadie knew it, Jilly’s eyes had begun to close. Elvie was the first to notice. “That child should be home in bed.”
That was all Tadie needed to hear. She was more than ready to go back and spend a few hours alone with Jilly, reading, snuggling, and waiting for Will to call.
She ought to phone Hannah, but she felt all talked out. Tomorrow would be soon enough.
* * * * *
That evening, Will’s declaration that he couldn’t wait to get back to his girls had made Jilly giggle and Tadie hug the unfamiliar joy to herself. Now the child’s sleepy voice told secrets to Eb as Tadie wandered back downstairs to daydream on the living room couch with the Christmas lights as a backdrop. Rita should be home soon from dinner at the beach with Martin and his parents. The picture of Martin’s face as he’d kept time with the music at church this morning encouraged Tadie. The man had been having fun, no doubt about it. And as important as church was to Elvie and James, Rita wasn’t going to escape the need to be there too. It was her heritage.
Besides, the girl sang like a nightingale. She’d want to use that gift, just as her mother had. Elvie’s voice didn’t have the vibrancy it used to, but she could still carry a tune. And hadn’t Martin’s voice rung loudly when the choir led them in Joy to the World? Martin had probably heard the song on the radio all his life, but never had the occasion to belt it out.
That made Tadie’s romantic heart flutter.
She closed her eyes. How different this night was, how peaceful and full of love she felt.
She must have dozed, because the doorbell woke her with a start. Who on earth? Rita had her own key, but maybe she’d forgotten it.
Peeking behind the curtain, Tadie recognized Alex. Why hadn’t she turned off the lights earlier and gone to bed? She opened the door to tell him to go away, but he pushed right past her.
Chapter Thirty-seven
“What do you think you’re doing?” Tadie demanded as Alex headed for the living room.
“I take it he’s gone.”
“What business is it of yours?” She tried to get in front of him, to stop this madness. “You have no right to come bursting into my house. And you’ve been drinking. I can smell it.”
He waved that away. “I saw you with him last night.”
“What do you mean, you saw me with him? Were you spying?”
“I wanted to find out what was going on. You’ve kept me at arm’s length ever since I got back, even though I told you I was getting a divorce. You know how I feel about you, how I’ve always felt.”
Was he functioning in some alternate universe? “You dumped me to marry Bethanne.”
“Only because she was pregnant.”
“And who got her that way?”
He dragged his fingers through his hair, pulling at the front. How had she ever thought that attractive? “The point is,” he said, “you’ve waited all these years for me, and now I’m free. I told you we could take it slow, but, no, you go and wrap yourself all around this fellow just because you want to mother his little girl. Listen, Tadie, you don’t want to go there. He’s obviously out looking for someone to take care of her, and you’ve fallen right into his trap.”
She backed up two steps, edging toward the door. “I haven’t, and he doesn’t.”
“Then what was all that about last night? My kisses were never good enough for you? You’d never do it with me, but you let the first drifter on a sailboat into your bed?”
He didn’t allow her to respond, just grabbed her upper arms and yanked her to him, pressing his mouth to hers with enough force to draw blood. She tried to push him away, but that only enraged him. His arms encircled her, and he lifted his head long enough to growl out, “You’re mine, Tadie. You’re mine.”
Becalmed: When a Southern woman with a broken heart finds herself falling for a widower with a broken boat, it's anything but smooth sailing. Page 31
