Spring Raine

by Delia Latham

  He cleared his throat and gave his voice a try, surprised to find he still had one. “They don’t hold a light to you, Raine. You’re…heaven help me, woman, you’re beyond beautiful!”

  Raine laughed softly, and a lovely pink glow colored her cheeks. “You clean up pretty well yourself, woodcarver.”

  He chuckled, more at ease in the face of her relaxed manner.

  “Well then.” One more clearing of a throat that seemed determined to close his voice off, and he held out a hand. “Shall we go?”

  She stepped close, handed him a long, whisper-soft piece of fabric, and turned her back.

  He draped the thing over smooth shoulders, ran his hands down slender arms, twined his fingers through hers. He couldn’t resist a brush of his lips against the back of her neck, and the quick intake of breath it elicited made him smile…and lit a fire in his belly. He quickly stepped away and offered his arm. “Your chariot awaits, my lady.”

  Miss Angie was headed into the woods as they circled the driveway. She seemed to favor white, and she wore it well. Dec’s gaze followed her into the trees.

  “She looks like an angel.” Raine’s whispered comment echoed his own thought.

  “Yeah. Sometimes I think she is one.”

  Low, warm laughter sent a little burst of electricity through his body and he slid a glance her way.

  “I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who has such ridiculous thoughts.” Raine settled farther into her seat.

  He turned his gaze back to the road, but still knew the exact moment her wide gaze fixed on his face, because his skin reacted with a tingle. If he spoke right now, would the resulting sound be garbled static, like a radio not quite in tune to the nearest station? Given the sheer number of zips and zings making their way through him at the moment, he wouldn’t be surprised. He tested the theory, surprised to hear only his own voice, husky and deeper than usual, but certainly not buried in electric snow. “Why ridiculous? You don’t believe in angels?”

  She laughed. “Wow. How on earth did we get around to this subject?”

  “Miss Angelina Love, of course. I have a feeling this kind of talk happens a lot when she’s around.”

  “I have to agree.” Raine wound a tendril of hair around one finger. She nibbled at her bottom lip. “And since you asked…yes, I do believe in angels, but I can’t imagine them living in old fishing lodges on the California coast, no matter how beautiful and—well, downright heavenly this location might be.”

  “Hmm.”

  She studied him. “What does that mean? ‘Hmm’?”

  He chuckled. “Just thinking. Who says angels don’t have earthly missions during which they take human form and live for a while amongst us?”

  “W-w-well, I don’t know. I’ve never really thought about it like that.”

  He grinned. “You will now.”

  Her soft laughter intensified the fire in his blood. “You’re right. I will.”

  ****

  The winery perched on a low rise just above the little community—population eighteen—where Raine had purchased the sand-dollar glass art for Miss Angie. Gorgeous at any time, the place had been transformed into a veritable fairyland for the annual spring dinner.

  Beneath a large arched entrance, Raine stopped and tightened her grip on Dec’s arm. “It’s absolutely breathtaking!” she murmured.

  The event was set up in a large courtyard at the center of the facility. While it seemed to be a completely al fresco environment, transparent netting had been draped overhead and in a random circle around the tables. The enclosure was most likely intended as insect control, but also lent an exotic warmth to an already-welcoming ambience.

  Tiny lights glittered everywhere. How had they made that happen without stretching unsightly cords all over the place? Tucked into the netting and hidden beneath floral arrangements, a million miniscule beams cast a soft luminescence in the early twilight—with not a cord in sight. If the decorators had been aiming for a magical, romantic ambience, they’d accomplished it in a grand way.

  Scattered in a random-but-convenient pattern within the sizable space, tables of various sizes wore graceful white linen covers held in place with huge purple bows from the center of which faux grapes and trailing ribbons gleamed with hidden light. Each table boasted a single fat candle with three wicks, set into a base of beach sand, pebbles, and large clusters of purple and green grapes. Raine admired the surprisingly effective combination of seaside and vineyard themes.

  In one corner, a group of formally attired musicians sat on a raised stage. A large harp stood behind the group.

  Raine pointed it out to Dec. “I’ve never heard harp music. I hope that one is here to be used, and not just a stage prop.”

  “Oh, I’m certain you’ll hear harp music tonight.”

  “Good. This setting seems perfect for it, doesn’t it?”

  He chuckled. “Between the stars and all these lights, set up on the hill as we are, it almost feels like a setting for some kind of heaven-themed play. All we need is a cloud covering, and the harp will fit right in.”

  As they watched, a young woman settled onto a chair placed at stage center. She cradled a violin and drew a bow gracefully across the strings to bring forth an achingly soulful sound.

  They were led to a table not far from the stage, with a wonderful view of the surrounding hills and valleys. The sun had begun a slow descent behind the distant horizon, but enough light remained to highlight a glorious, God-given masterpiece of luscious vineyards and verdant pastures, stately old trees, and winding waterways.

  Raine stood for a moment, even after Dec pulled her chair back.

  “It’s too beautiful for words.”

  “Far too beautiful.” His deep gaze didn’t stray from her face.

  With a blush, she took the seat he offered.

  He sat across from her and reached for her hand. “Thank you for coming with me.”

  “I’m glad you invited me.” She scanned the courtyard. Upon this second glance, far fewer tables filled the place than she had originally thought. “Unless they have more seating hidden away, they can’t be expecting a huge crowd. Something tells me this is quite the elite gathering.”

  He smiled and gave her a slow wink. “Quite.”

  The dinner proved worthy of the description. Upscale only vaguely defined the kind of service and cuisine to which they were treated in four leisurely courses chosen from a menu without a single price included. Wine was indeed offered, as Dec had said it would be, and politely declined by both of them.

  “We’d like a sparkling cider, please,” Dec told the waiter. “Perhaps a white grape?”

  “As you wish.” The young man slipped away, only to return with a chilled bottle. He poured a little of the bubbly liquid into each of their wine glasses, set the bottle on the table, and disappeared.

  Dec held his glass toward her. “To you, Raine. I’m glad you came to Cambria for your pre-career fun time.”

  “So am I.” She touched the rim of her wine goblet to his, battling a sudden onslaught of shyness. “I’ve decided coming here was a God thing.”

  “A God thing?” Dec’s gray gaze held curiosity, but no mockery or censure.

  “Yes. He’s changing me. Things have been happening since I’ve been here that could only be divinely orchestrated.” She paused, a little hesitant about sharing so much of herself.

  She’d revealed more of her heart here in Cambria than in her whole life, but baring her innermost self would never come easily. “Something is different inside me.”

  Dec squeezed her hand. “Tell me.”

  “I’m not sure I can explain it, but…well, I feel as if I’m finally becoming the person I was meant to be, spiritually and emotionally. I’m learning who I am and growing into something more, someone…” She looked away and clamped her lip between her teeth to still a slight tremble. Dec waited without pressuring her, for which she was immensely grateful. Finally, she returned her gaze to his
. “Someone more in tune with God, and with nature. Things with more substance than I’ve ever even thought about. Does that make any sense at all?”

  “Actually, it does.” His thumb stroked the top of her hand, creating little whorls of tingling warmth. “You’re living the chrysalis experience, Raine. And it’s easy to see you’re enjoying it.”

  Her eyes widened. “I am! I never thought to apply the chrysalis to my own life, but you’re right. That’s what’s happening in me. And yes, it’s been an amazing journey so far.”

  Dec studied her face, eyebrows knit.

  Had she said too much? That little bit of sketchy information felt almost too personal. Maybe he wouldn’t understand. Maybe she’d said the wrong thing. Maybe…

  “I can see the change.”

  “You—you can see it?” She traced the line of his jaw with her gaze, resisting the urge to do the same with her fingertips. “What exactly do you see?”

  Dec leaned close. “Well, for starters, you’re glowing, sweetheart. From the inside out, and it’s”—He cleared his throat, but held her gaze—“it’s stunningly beautiful. Also, you’ve always worn a certain aura of sadness, just below the surface.”

  She must have stiffened or drawn back, because Dec tugged her hand gently, urging her close again.

  “I still see some of that, I think, but it’s not so pronounced. And then…your eyes. There’s something in them that wasn’t there when I met you. Joy perhaps, but certainly a measure of peace and tranquility that’s new.”

  “You see all of that?” Her voice broke, and she cleared her throat. Dec’s husky tone sent shivers of something exquisite through her nervous system.

  “And it looks wonderful on you.”

  Warmth flooded her cheeks, and Raine sighed inwardly. Twenty-six years old, and she still blushed like a teenager with a crush.

  Despite the wave of shyness, she managed a whisper. “Thank you.”

  Dec probably didn’t even hear. But he winked and ran the tip of one finger all the way up her arm, and then trailed it back to her hand, which he tucked securely into his own.

  Raine picked up her goblet and sipped at the bubbly cider. Good thing she’d turned down the wine. A romantic dinner with Dec was dangerously heady stuff.

  They were served sherbet in delicate crystal seashells. As they enjoyed the sweet treat, Dec pointed to the stage.

  Raine turned to see what was happening.

  A young girl, maybe ten or twelve years old, sat beside the harp, now center stage. The child’s hair hung in silvery blonde waves almost to her knees. Beneath the stage lights, large, innocent blue eyes captivated the entire audience. Like a seasoned pro, she waited until an expectant silence blanketed the dining area, and then she smiled and swept tiny hands across the harp strings.

  A collective gasp arose from the diners as a sweet, echoing note wound its way through the night, followed by a haunting melody that wove a slow dance through the night air.

  Tears stung Raine’s eyes, and a knot formed in her throat. Surely this kind of music could only have originated in Heaven.

  Dec scooted his chair closer and slipped an arm around her shoulders.

  She leaned into him, rested her head against his. The clear, ethereal strains of melody wrapped around them as one, drawing them into a warm, comforting musical embrace.

  A finger touched Raine’s chin and lifted it. She stared into Dec’s blue-gray gaze. Why had she never noticed those bright, silvery flecks? When he dipped his head and touched his lips to hers, Raine felt the music winding through her soul. She sighed and melted against him.

  Harmony. Harps. Heavenly music.

  And a perfect kiss from an incredible man.

  No matter what came next in her journey, this moment would forever be highlighted in her heart as the closest she’d ever come to Heaven while still breathing earthly air.

  15

  Dec slipped up behind Raine as she spoke with Shay after a Sunday-evening service. “May I take you home?”

  Disappointment washed over her in a flood. She desperately wanted to say yes, but… “I can’t. I—”

  Shay held out one hand. “Keys.”

  “What?”

  The petite woman rolled her eyes at Dec. “She brought Miss Angie and Tara and picked me up, so she thinks she has to drive us all home. Well, my friend, I drive too, remember? Give me those keys. I’ll get us all back to the lodge, and if you don’t mind, I’ll just spend the night at your place. That’s if you’re willing to bring me home in the morning. I’ll have to get ready for work.”

  Raine gave her friend a quick hug. “Thank you, Shay.” She handed her the keys and grinned. “Don’t go hot-rodding in my baby now.”

  Dec settled her into his vehicle, and they headed toward the West Village.

  Raine slanted a glance his way and hiked a brow. “You do know this isn’t the way to the lodge, right? Should I be frightened?”

  “Oh, very frightened.” He threaded his fingers through hers. “I am on a not-so-secret mission to steal you away.”

  “Hmm. Well, is it still considered kidnapping with a willing captive?”

  He took his eyes off the road long enough to give her a slow wink. “Are you? A willing captive?”

  “Right now, I’m absolutely at your mercy, sir.” She scooted a little closer on the seat and laid her head on his shoulder. “I love that Pastor takes advantage of every opportunity to bring up Chrysalis at the church. Everyone’s been so amazing and so eager to get in on the action—and the hard work—of making it happen.” She planted an impulsive kiss on his cheek and smiled when his fingers tightened on hers. “Thank you for all your help, Dec. It means the world to me—especially getting the merchants involved with donations for the auction. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

  He shrugged. “Aww, it weren’t nothin’.”

  She laughed. “Right. It weren’t nothin’.” She tucked her hand through his arm and squeezed. “But it was. It is.”

  “Well, you’re welcome.” Brick-red color tinged his neck in the pale light from the street lamps. “I think the ice-cream shop is still open. You up for a sundae?”

  “Are you kidding? I’ve never turned down ice cream in my life.”

  They sat at a tiny bistro table, licking at ice-cream cones.

  Dec once more claimed her hand. He seemed to be incapable of being near her without doing that. “So, I’m curious. This fire you have for working with wayward teens. You never mentioned it until Tara came along, and all of a sudden, you’re in it up to your neck. What’s the deal?”

  She rested the hand holding her cone on the table. “I’ve always had a burden for troubled teens, but I never allowed the inner call to crystallize. It didn’t fit ‘The Plan.’” She painted air quotes around her ice-cream cone, then tapped at her lips with a napkin, thinking about what he had asked. “I think it has something to do with my sister.”

  He raised both eyebrows, clearly surprised. “I thought you were an only child.”

  “I am, now. Skye, um—” She hitched in a breath, determined not to cry. “She died when I was seven.”

  “Oh, honey. I’m so sorry.” He reached across the tiny table to stroke her cheek. “Wanna tell me about it?”

  She hesitated, and then shook her head. “I’m not quite ready. Not just yet.”

  “When you are, you know where to find me.”

  “Yes.” She grinned, determined to lighten the mood. “All I have to do is jog through the woods and hope I don’t run into the mean ol’ ogre who lives on your property before I reach your cabin.”

  He chuckled. “I think the ogre has been tamed. I’ve been meaning to tell you”—He reached into his pocket, pulled something out, and kept it closed in his fist—“breaking that piece off ol’ Grizz turned out to be a really good thing. His ragged ear makes him a one-of-a-kind display. He’ll be the feature piece of art at my show.”

  She widened her eyes. “Seriously? You’re not just trying
to make me feel better about robbing the poor ol’ critter of an ear?”

  “Serious as a heart attack, woman.” Dec continued eating his pistachio ice cream. “I made you something from the ear I broke off that day.”

  Hopefully she wasn’t drooling cherry vanilla down her chin. “Why would you do that?”

  He lifted one shoulder and shot her a crooked grin. “’Cause.”

  She laughed. “You sound like a kid.”

  “I feel like one when I have a surprise.” He finished his ice cream, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and held his closed fist across the table. “Open your hand.”

  She did.

  He dropped a small object into her palm, and Raine gasped.

  She was holding a perfect butterfly, about the size of a half-dollar coin. The wooden wings were shaved so thin they seemed almost translucent. Dec had applied a very light coat of transparent color, through which the wood grain was clearly visible. Deep black outlined a pale orange center on all four wings. Between the delicate, finely carved antennae, a small hole had been carved out, and a fine gold serpentine chain had been inserted through the opening.

  Raine lifted it high, allowing it to swing between them. The overhead light lent an almost otherworldly glow to the pendant. As it swung back and forth on the chain, the play of light through the thin wings made them seem to move gently, as if in flight. “Oh, Dec…this is stunning! You carved this?”

  “When I found the broken chunk of wood on the ground, I knew what it had to become.” He captured her hand and brought it to his lips, sending shivers throughout her entire being. “I hope you like it.”

  “Like it?” She looked at him, blinking back hot tears. “It’s perfect. I will always treasure it, Dec. Will you fasten it for me?”

  She dropped it into his hand, turned in her seat, and lifted her hair. The butterfly dropped against her chest, and warm fingers brushed the back of her neck. Then his lips touched the spot where his fingers had been. Warm breath and lips still cold from eating ice cream combined to create an overbearing sensuality. Raine shivered.

  “Lord help me, Raine,” Dec murmured. “You’re so beautiful!”