"I—" she murmured, forgetting what she was going to say. She was lost in his gaze, feeling her knees buckle. His touch was light, causing her body to respond immediately.
His lips grazed her cheek lightly and she moaned softly, turning her head the other way, only to be caressed on that cheek as well.
She gazed at him in a lazy stupor. "We're worlds apart, Mike."
"Are we?" he questioned, his lips burning a little trail over the dainty bridge of her nose, hovering over her lips, as his hand still eased the ache within her.
"I'm leaving right after Mom's wedding, Mike!" she cried helplessly.
"Are you, sweetheart?" he cajoled, his voice a caress.
"Yes," she barely managed.
"Then you better take this with you," he rasped, drawing her firmly against him, and kissing her with an unspent passion.
This kiss took possession of her mind and heart. She made a small whimper in her throat, as his lips supped the sweetness from her. Like a cat lapping its milk, slowly, thoroughly, able to enjoy every minute particle. It was a slow, sensuous kiss, building passion between them that went beyond anything physical, as though two souls, floating aimlessly in space had finally found one another, and were intent on discovery.
Her hands slipped around him, between his shirt and against his bare waist, where they dug into him. Her fingers tightened into the back of his waist as his lips explored her face and neck.
"Oh, Mike …" she sighed in wonder. Her brain intruded as Dixie thought, he shouldn't be touching me this way, kissing me … But her head fell back against the wall and her passion-filled eyes opened as his other hand slid downward, against her flat belly. The fabric of her dress seemed unimportant, as though it was no longer there.
He looked from her swollen lips to her sparkling eyes, and the raw desire she saw there made her want so much more.
"A little self-denial is a good thing for the soul," he whispered, "but a man can only stand so much. I'm a man of the earth, Dixie, and my needs are as strong as any other man's. But I want more than just a few aimless kisses, and stolen moments."
She moaned with pleasure. As his hands touched, not flesh, but fabric, his words spoke straight to her heart.
"God knows I want you, Dixie, here and now. But I don't want just your body. When we come together, it should be as one."
Lord, he had all the right words. She was on fire for this man, who spoke poetry to her soul. She needed the taste and sweet smell of him. Her tongue sought the lobe of his ear. As her teeth sank into him, nibbling, he shuddered violently and pushed her away, as a man would push away his favorite meal in denial. He devoured her only with his eyes. Tears welled in her eyes as she stared at him.
"Better get out of there, sis. Aunt Lucy's on her way up," Will called through the closed door.
"Thanks, Will," Mike answered as he slowly pulled her back into the circle of his arms, crushing her to him, moaning a low, mournful sound in his throat. "I'm getting mighty tired of letting you go, sweetheart." He half smiled, half frowned. "Would you tell Aunt Lucy I'll be just another minute?"
"Okay, but hurry."
Mike was pushing her away, out the door, and yet she suddenly understood why. She closed her eyes and leaned against the outside of the bathroom door. Composure—where was her composure? Floating down the stairs, Dixie paused when she heard her uncle and Emily in a heated debate.
"She's not going to sell this house to an outsider. I won't permit it," he was yelling.
"It's not your decision, Paul. This house is hers, and if she wants to sell, then there is nothing you can do to change that," Emily was saying defensively.
"There damn well might be. I'll drag my father's Will up if I have to," he retorted hotly.
Lucy had come back down the stairs, and grimaced, her composure slackened. "Paul, must we?"
"Lucy, you stay out of this. And, as far as I'm concerned, you should stay out of it too, Emily. This is strictly Johnson business. Not yours!"
Still indulging in the memory of what had just transpired between her and Mike, Dixie tried to turn her attention to her Uncle and the storm quickly brewing. She bounced into the room, full of life and fire. "Dinner ready yet, Mom?"
"Yes, dear, we were just about to sit down. Is Mike coming?" Emily glanced over her shoulder, and then smiled as though she'd purposely sent Dixie up those stairs.
Lucy's brow shot upward. "He's certainly hogging the bathroom. And why on earth did you invite him?"
Will's mouth shot open to admit his mistake but Dixie explained instead. "Well of course we did, he's like part of the family, Aunt Lucy. And Bernie is sitting there by Mom, Uncle Paul." Dixie stopped her uncle from seating himself at the head of the table.
"Bernie?" Paul glanced from one to the other. "And that brings another subject up. You are actually going to marry...Bernie?"
"Yes Paul, I've asked Emily to marry me. And she's accepted." Bernie stood his ground, a determined frown lining his face as he spoke.
"Fantastic, isn't it?" Mike drawled from the doorway, as if he quickly sized the situation up. He drew Dixie and Mandy to his side.
"Doesn't Mandy look adorable in the dress, Mom?" Dixie asked as she seated Mandy next to her and fixed her napkin to help protect the dress from spills.
"She looks like a little doll."
Will and Tom came through the back door and headed for the sink to wash up. "Oh, no! Did you know she was a girl?" Tom asked Will with exaggerated seriousness.
"I'd have never guessed it," Will teased in return, taking his regular place at the table.
They sat in the huge kitchen, at a table that could easily seat eight or more. The meal went on, despite the undercurrents of fire passing between family members. Mike and Mandy seemed to be the level.
Before Dixie could escape the scene, Paul asked, point blank, "So, what are your intentions? Are you selling the place or not?"
"I haven't decided yet," she answered honestly. "Would you be interested in buying it?"
"Buying it?" His expression twisted like a pretzel. "Why, I was born here!"
"So was I," Dixie retorted with a smile.
When all eyes flew to Uncle Paul, he huffed for a moment, then said in a low voice, "I'll take it into consideration."
"Great." Dixie smiled again. "Mike, would you offer grace?"
"Be glad to." Mike beamed at her.
***
Sunday morning everyone rushed around getting ready for church. Emily's thoughts were obviously so scattered from talking with Paul and announcing her engagement, that she forgot about Dixie singing a solo in church. Upon Will's helpful reminder, she flew into Dixie's room, her face flushed.
"Have you decided what you want to sing, dear?"
"You're fond of Amazing Grace, aren't you, Mom?" Dixie asked with a contented smile.
Emily burst into a broad smile and hugged Dixie. "Oh, you know it's my very favorite hymn. But Dixie, are you sure you can handle this dear? I mean, I know you've been having a little trouble with your voice lately. Should you?"
"Of course I should, Mom. I'm fine, really. Now stop worrying about me so much. I'm actually looking forward to this. I haven't sang in church in a long time." Dixie dabbed a pale pink lipstick to her lips.
Emily shook her head. "I don't think I've told you just how proud I am of you. I mean last night you were so calm and collected. You handled your uncle with just the right mixture of sass and respect. And I think deep down, he was actually kind of glad you were offering him the house."
"He did take it well, didn't he?"
"Remarkably."
"I wish everyone would take the news about me and Bernie positively, as well," Emily fussed.
"Oh, Mom, don't fret about Mrs. Butie. No one listens to her, anymore. Love doesn't go by age. And it would be downright sinful not to marry Bernie, as much as you love him."
"You don't think we're too old for this sort of thing?"
"You're never too old for love." After cons
idering it, Dixie smiled sadly. "Actually, I feel just a tad bit sorry for Mrs. Butie, Mom. I think what prompted her to say you were too old, was jealousy. Her husband is dead, and she's done nothing to find someone. So, she's alone, except for her sister and Janet."
"You may be right. At our age you don't go shopping for a man. And you consider yourself mighty lucky if one comes along."
"I'm glad you didn't listen to Mrs. Butie, because Bernie was just a little afraid you might."
Emily fumbled with her hands, a habit she had when she wanted to say something and couldn't quite get it out. "I did listen to her, Dixie, at first. But then I got to thinking. Your father wouldn't have wanted me to be alone in my later years. And he liked Bernie."
"Yes, he did. I remember he used to come home from the barbershop whistling a new song almost every time. He and Bernie used to sit there early in the morning on Saturdays playing the guitar and making up new songs to sing."
"I'm surprised you remember that." Emily smiled and sighed at the memory.
"Me, too."
Emily wiped her eyes with a Kleenex from her dress pocket, and then glanced at the suit on the bed. "Are you wearing this?"
Dixie nodded as she combed her hair. "I thought I would. What do you think?"
"I love the color on you. It's perfect, dear. You're sure your voice it up to all this, though?"
"I'm sure. Stop worrying."
"Okay. I've got to rush the boys along or we'll be late."
An hour or so later Dixie and her family stood in front of the old church. The tall steeple still held the clear tones of the large, brass bell that Kevin and Mike had installed for the new preacher nearly ten years ago. Somehow, the church looked smaller, like a scene out of a familiar painting. It was home to Dixie and she sighed with mixed emotions.
As they entered, she sniffed the familiar odor of polished wood and old, paper music books. Old-fashioned stained glass windows proudly adorned the entire chapel. Dixie remembered how neighboring townspeople drove in to see those windows being installed.
What she hadn't expected to see was Kevin standing at the front door by the preacher, greeting everyone, with his wife by his side. When she walked up to him, he took her hand and met her glance with an infectious smile.
"We're honored to have you here, Dixie, and to have you sing for us."
"Thank you," she stammered.
The moment their eyes met, Dixie knew. The crush she had on Kevin years ago no longer existed. This man was complete without her, and she without him. No question about it—she wasn't in love with Kevin Dalton.
After the choir sang and all were seated, the preacher gave a short sermon.
Mike and Amanda were sitting beside Kevin and his wife. As Mike gazed at Dixie, his smiling eyes were warm and she detected no censure or distress concerning her meeting with Kevin.
Dixie's gaze traveled over June, Kevin's wife, swiftly, wondering if a stab of jealousy might hit her. It didn't—not in the least. Instead, she realized why Kevin was so happy. June's face was one of complete contentment.
Midway through the service, the reverend introduced Dixie to the congregation.
"I know most of you remember Dixie Rose Kincaid. She's a local hometown girl who made good in the big city of New York. A devout Christian, Dixie has graciously consented to sing a solo for us."
Taking a deep breath, Dixie walked bravely up in front of the congregation, meeting each face with a smile of recognition. Then, as was her custom, she blanked everything and everyone from her mind and nodded to the pianist.
Even Dixie marveled at how clear and crisp her voice reverberated through the entire church like a songbird. Her eyes misted with emotion as she sang the song she and her family loved so dearly.
When she finished there was a silence throughout the church, a great hush. Dixie smiled and nodded, knowing that was her real applause, for she knew without a doubt that she had touched them in the only way she knew how.
Her pastor wiped an eye and added, "I'm not sure I can do justice to a sermon after that song, Ms. Kincaid. I do believe you touched our hearts."
After church, Dixie shook hands with Kevin and his wife again, and stood waiting for her family.
Bernie and Emily approached the pastor about the wedding.
"I'd be delighted, and may I say I couldn't be happier for the two of you. I know it will be a strong marriage. Perhaps you could stop by on Wednesday before prayer meeting and discuss the arrangement?" he offered.
Emily nodded. "I'd like that. I would like the boys to be there if that's not a problem."
"Great, bring the entire family. I'll have my wife call you to make the arrangements. We'll see you then."
Mike came up beside Dixie. "I liked your song."
Dixie felt her heartbeat quicken and her hand flew to her chest. "Thanks. I didn't see you. Where's Mandy?"
"Ms. Ferris took her home."
"Oh."
"Your throat healed nicely."
"Yes, and I think it might be a little better than normal."
"So, I guess we're back to square one."
Dixie cast him a quizzical look. "Square one?"
"You saw Kevin. In fact, you've barely taken your eyes off him and his family. Looks like nothing has changed."
"Mike! It's the first I've seen of him or his family. I like his wife. She's lovely, and judging from the talk around the place, she has a disposition to match."
"That's an astute observation."
Kevin suddenly appeared between them. "We'll expect you tomorrow, Dixie. June is eager to get a chance to know you. She invited the whole family over for dinner. She enjoyed your singing so much."
"Thank you, Kevin."
Kevin cast both her and Mike a strange look, then smiled, "Mike, good to see you again. Will you come tomorrow, too?"
"I have a lot of work to do."
"Buckie so wants Mandy to visit, please come."
"Buckie?" Dixie interrupted.
"My son, the two-year old who can't get enough of running about," Kevin returned. "It's wonderful seeing you again, Dixie. I'm sorry we haven't been over to greet you properly, but there are so many demands made on a politician these days. Are you home for long?"
"No, I'm afraid not. Just until the wedding is over, actually."
"Well, I'm so glad you could come home long enough to be with your mom and Bernie and the kids for this. Everyone knew it was coming. Emily and Bernie are inseparable."
"Aren't they cute?" Dixie glanced from the smiling Kevin, to the frowning Mike. "Well, see you tomorrow, then."
"Great," Kevin smiled as Dixie joined Emily and the boys.
Mike said nothing as he watched her leave.
***
At Kevin's house the next day, the wedding arrangements took precedence. Dixie and her family arrived early, and Kevin wasn't home yet. He was frequently called away at the last minute, June explained. June entertained them for a while, showing Dixie the house and introducing her meddlesome two-year-old, who was a delight to everyone.
Dixie quickly realized why Kevin chose June. She was a modern day whiz in the kitchen and a perfect hostess. She made all the food and drinks herself, another marvel.
Buckie wasted no time crawling up in Dixie's lap several times, first introducing himself, then wanting to show her his new puppy, the one that Uncle Mike had brought him on his last visit.
No wonder Mike cherished the little fellow; he was not only a doll, but had such a vibrant personality, too.
When Kevin arrived he apologized for his absence with a wave of the hand. "Sorry, hope I didn't miss out on too much. We're off on the campaign trail tomorrow morning so there were a few last minutes delays." Kevin glanced at Dixie and smiled.
"This sounds serious." Dixie said.
"Just like beginning a good marriage. A politician should clean up the problems before hand."
"Oh, I agree."
"Good."
As Kevin had a short conversation with Emi
ly and Bernie, Dixie and the boys wandered outside. Dixie smiled at the quaintness of Kevin's home, not plush, but rather, warm and cozy.
June was eager to point out the playhouse Kevin just finished in the backyard, and Buckie gave a complete demonstration on how it should be used, managing to fall a couple of times in the process. Like kids of that age, he bounced back with resilience.
Dixie was about to ask if June needed any help in the kitchen when Kevin came outside and asked her to walk with him. She cast a look back at the kitchen window, but June waved them on. "About ten minutes, dear," she hollered.
"Right, honey. We won't be long," Kevin returned and waved.
Dixie felt nervous, walking with Kevin, but she did want to tell him once and for all how silly she'd been so many years ago.
"Dixie, I've asked you out here for a reason."
"Oh?"
"Yes, several in fact. Oh, don't worry about June. She totally understands. We've talked about you, several times. She thinks that maybe you feel just as awkward as she would, had she done the same thing, years ago. Forget it, Dixie. As far as I'm concerned, it's forgotten."
"Kevin, I want to explain. I was a silly girl with a crush on you. You were so young, and good-looking. Naturally, I fell for you. But—"
"But you've grown up now, right?"
"Y…yes. I'm so glad you understand. It's strange how things seem so serious when you're removed from them. Yout timing couldn't be more perfect. I've wanted to talk to you for a long time, but just couldn't find the right words."
"I do understand. Now that it's behind us, we can go on with a friendship that will last a lifetime, I hope."
"I'd like that. And I really like June, too."
"Everyone does, even though she isn't from around here. I fell in love with her almost from the first. I don't know what I'd do without her. She's my lifeline."
"I can see that. You're like newlyweds still."
"And what about you, Dixie. Have you found anyone, yet? Are you happy in that big city, all alone?"
"I…I don't know." Dixie shook her head. "And I don't know if I'm happy in New York or not."
"Dixie, do you know what love is?" Kevin asked as he stopped in the middle of the dirt road and looked at her.
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