“It wasn’t easy.” Shana exhaled hard. “I had a lot of insecurities to work through, and Chuck had a tough time balancing work with home life. We’re both working on things, though. I have to admit, I sure didn’t realize how much work went into a marriage, but I can’t imagine my life without him.”
“Sounds like you’re an amazing couple.” The love in their eyes for each other was unmistakable. It was hard not to envy that. Tally had felt so alone for so long, especially during her pregnancy.
“You’re a good listener.” Shana squeezed Tally’s arm. “Thank you. It feels good to talk to someone who didn’t know us before. It’s like starting with a clean slate. That’s a part of what motivated us to move.”
“You’re moving?” Marshall hadn’t mentioned it. Tally couldn’t imagine this family moving away from one another. “Where to?”
“To North Dakota, at the end of January. Chuck’s taken a less demanding position with the company.” Shana glanced at her broad-shouldered husband securing the towering Christmas tree. Her eyes shone with appreciation, love. Warmth and desire. “I know it wasn’t easy for him to step back. There’s a lot of tension between the Steeles and the Mikkelsons, power plays and such. That Chuck would do this for me... It means everything.”
“You’re a lucky couple.”
“We’ve been given a second chance. Those are rare in life.” Shana swiped an emotional tear from her cheek and smiled. “But enough about me. I want to know about you.”
“There’s not a lot to tell.” Well, that was a lie, but there wasn’t much Tally felt comfortable sharing with this family. “I grew up in Alaska. My mother and father passed away when I was still in my teens. I’ve been lucky to build up my cleaning clientele. I hope to hire on assistants within a year.”
Shana smiled, then said, “Well, then the fund-raiser is going to be perfect for meeting potential customers. Let’s talk about plans, starting with that bachelor auction.”
Tally listened while Shana talked about the different men in the family and some of their friends who would be participating in the event. The auction should bring in big money for their charity foundation.
For the first time, Tally really thought about someone purchasing a date with Marshall. She knew it was just in fun, but still the notion made her stomach knot.
She looked around for Marshall, realizing sometime during her conversation with Shana, she’d been distracted long enough to lose sight of him. Maybe that was her answer to how to resist temptation. Immerse herself in the holiday spirit.
And somewhere along the way, she would figure out how she was supposed to make peace with her past while not hurting this family that had already been through too much.
* * *
From the second-floor railing, Marshall watched Tally move seamlessly with his family, steering the decorating with an unassuming efficiency. Much the same way she kept the refreshments stocked, the fondue having been swapped out for a mix of gourmet subs made of wild salmon and barbecue reindeer sausage.
He wasn’t as helpful as he wanted to be. In terms of mobility, passing things one-handed was the extent of his contributions. Still, he enjoyed having everyone together. In one place. Like the old days.
That too-familiar pang went through him as thoughts of his mother and sister loomed. He couldn’t go there in his mind. Not now. And he couldn’t think about Tally, so he made his way over to his younger brother, Aiden, walking the length of the railed gallery hallways securing fresh garland.
Pinning the pine boughs in place, Aiden looked at Marshall. Running a hand through his dark hair, he blurted out, “I’m not going back to college next semester.”
That pulled Marshall’s attention firmly to his brother. Marshall had busted his ass finishing college on time while staying on the rodeo circuit. “Dad’s going to have a fit.”
“Let him,” Aiden said defiantly.
“If you don’t finish college, then you don’t come into your trust fund until you’re twenty-five.”
“I’m fully aware.” He shrugged, examining the garland, securing it farther down the railing. “I’m not a child. I have a plan.”
“I’m listening.”
“You may have finished college, but you also found your way. I want to do the same. I’m going to work in the oil fields.”
Damn. That actually sounded logical. Still, Marshall felt compelled to point out, “You’re not qualified for anything more than entry level.”
“Again, I’m aware. That’s what I want. To prove myself.”
When had his brother grown up? Marshall realized he’d viewed Aiden as perpetually a kid. Time had not frozen that day their mom and sister died. But it sure felt that way sometimes. “Okay, then. When are you going to tell Dad?”
“Soon—not tonight, but soon.” Aiden looked at him sideways, gripping the railing. “I was hoping you would come with me. You have experience with not following in the old man’s footsteps.”
“Glad to be there for you. Whatever you need.” And Marshall meant it. His eyes gravitated to Tally, and he thought about her alone for the holidays, working for others, staying in someone else’s home.
What would make the occasion special for her? He found himself wanting the answer to that. To make her smile. And yes, he wanted that smile to follow a breathy sigh of pleasure when he kissed her.
Five hours later, after his family had left, he still hadn’t come up with an answer. Surely inspiration could be found somewhere. Parked on the great room sofa in front of the fire, he fiddled with a pen cap, tracing its grooves. He searched the decorated space for the tendrils of a plan. Everything twinkled, but nothing seemed as fantastic as the oversize Christmas tree.
Lush boughs displayed family ornaments from his grandparents, made of spun glass, hand-painted. Precious and irreplaceable.
White lights lined the tree thanks to the joint effort of Mikkelson and Steele men. A winter wonderland. Romantic by all objective accounts. His family had gone above and beyond, and while he appreciated the effort on his behalf, he also found it brought back a few too many memories of childhood Christmases here.
Better to focus on business.
He picked up the legal pad with the brainstorming list he and his family had compiled of additional contacts for the company’s marketing department, people who might be willing to donate high-priced items for the silent auction. Any pressure he could take off that whole buy-a-bachelor fund-raiser would be a bonus.
He felt the weight of Tally’s eyes on him. He turned to find her holding Nugget, scratching the pup’s ears. Tally’s tenderness with his dog, joy riding the horse, all tugged at him with how easily she was fitting into his world.
Marshall cleared his throat, turning the legal pad upside down. “Can I help you with something?”
“Actually, I was hoping that I could help you. As I was looking around at all the family you have and seeing the decorations, it made me think of all the work holidays bring for you—along with the joy.”
“What do you mean?”
Chewing her bottom lip, she took a step closer. Nugget seemed content in her arms, nuzzling closer. The dog let out a deep, relaxed sigh. “Have you finished your shopping? I thought you might appreciate some female input. You have so many people to buy for.”
The light in her eyes was mesmerizing. He wasn’t much for shopping. He usually just wrote checks to everyone’s favorite charities. But here was his answer to how to make Christmas special for her. “Sure, we can drive into town tomorrow, look around...go out to dinner.”
“Dinner, too?” She picked at her fingernails nervously. “That doesn’t seem fair. I’m paid to cook for you.”
“You’ve been working overtime, and we both know it.”
“I’m trying to be professional.”
He sensed her hesitation. Convincing her to go with him suddenly se
emed more important than winning any rodeo. “If you weren’t working for me, would you go out to dinner with me?”
“If I weren’t unobtainable, would you be asking me?” she asked smartly.
He chuckled softly. “Now there’s a circular argument.”
She set down the dog and eased the legal pad from Marshall’s hand, their fingers brushing. “Let’s get started making a list of who you need to shop for so we’ll know what types of stores to hit. I know of some fun, niche shops...” She paused. “Although my budget would be much different from yours. Maybe—”
“My family doesn’t go overboard on Christmas gifts.” Which was true enough.
“I enjoyed today.” She sat beside him, her leg brushing his. A crackle of awareness snapped between them as tangibly as the pop of the settling log in the fire.
He wanted to reach for her, to finish this day celebrating in the best way possible. Her gaze skittered away, and she fidgeted with the pad in her hands.
The last thing he wanted was for her to feel anxious in his presence. He wanted to peel the clothes from her body and kiss every inch of her bared flesh.
However, as much as he wanted her, the timing wasn’t right. “I don’t want you to be nervous around me. I meant what I said about the next move being yours.” He scooped up his dog and backed away. “Good night.”
The flash of awareness—and yes, regret—in her eyes encouraged him. An attraction like theirs couldn’t be denied. They both should let it run its course while they had the chance.
Seven
Tally had dreamed of a Christmas outing like this, the joy of sharing the simplicity of holiday shopping with someone. And the fact that the someone happened to be hot as hell in his Stetson and boots, the thick suede jacket calling to her fingers to touch, only added to the fun.
She inhaled deeply, and the scents of pine and snow filled her lungs. A sharp breath braced her, seemed to enliven her senses and anchor her to this moment. This surreal experience unfolded in the bustle of shopping. The market square hummed with holiday mayhem, couples and families milling about. An outdoor ice-skating rink was packed with people enjoying the clear weather. Under an awning, carolers in medieval costumes sang “Greensleeves.”
She and Marshall had made a dent in their list in an indoor shopping mall, and now were finishing up with specialty shops. She enjoyed being outside, especially with her job calling for so much time indoors. The clean, fresh air sang through her senses.
In her gloved hand, she played with the shopping agenda—and that list of his relatives was long, so long. He’d given her some general notes for each person, helpful in choosing gifts but also in getting to know his huge family.
His sister Delaney was an ecological activist who appreciated earth-friendly “green” gifts. Many of his family had dogs as well, so pet gifts were a hit. Broderick and Glenna had a husky. His stepbrother’s wife had a service dog to alert to her issues with diabetes. And his sister Naomi and her husband, Royce, had a Saint Bernard named Tessie in honor of Royce’s favorite scientist, Tesla.
Buying for his father and stepmother would be a challenge, as Marshall was reticent on the subject of his father’s remarriage.
He opened the door to the Little Caribou, a children’s boutique store. Warm air flooded her cheeks, contrasting with the brisk December chill. She glanced down at her list. They needed to pick up a few items for Naomi’s twin baby girls and Broderick’s daughter. Tally wandered around the store while Marshall shopped.
An old ache in her chest, in her heart, flooded her. A life of what could have been with her baby, now nearly ten years old, enjoying Christmas. Tears pushed at the corners of her eyes, making her vision blurred. She pushed her lips together, trying to keep her emotions in check and at bay.
And Marshall’s family didn’t even have the comfort of knowing their lost loved ones were alive. What had she been thinking in coming here? Would learning about her father hurt them more or give them some kind of peace through answers?
She didn’t know what to do.
He paused just inside the doorway, which was decorated with a wreath. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you think of the sick babies in the hospital.”
She felt guilty for not thinking of little Stella Rae, clinging to life in the NICU. She reached for a Baby’s First Christmas ornament to hang by Stella Rae’s bassinet. Tally cradled the little polar bear decoration in her palm, wishing she could somehow do more. “I know the odds when I give my heart.”
“And yet you do it anyway. You’re an amazing woman.” He added her purchase to his growing pile. “Let me buy this.”
She didn’t want to take advantage. She paid her own way in the world. “But then it won’t be from me.”
“Wash an extra dish or dust my books again if it’ll make you feel less obligated.” He passed his credit card to the cashier.
She searched his face, the handsome lines, strong jaw peppered with a midday stubble. “You don’t want to admit to being a good guy.”
“It’s a simple thing for me to do. Think what you want about me.” He passed her the red bag, white tissue paper poking out.
“I’ll graciously say thank you on little Stella Rae’s behalf. And on behalf of her mother, too.” Her fingers tightened on the bag, the paper crackling in her grip.
“Are you okay?”
She should be asking him that question. Surely the holidays made him think of his sister. “I’m fine. Please don’t worry about me.”
“Are you sure? It seems like something else is on your mind.”
A knot of panic started in her stomach. She wasn’t sure how to broach the subject of her father, or if it was even the right thing to do.
She slipped a hand through the crook of his arm without thinking. Needing the comfort of his muscular touch. She hadn’t counted on the distracting sizzle. “Let’s just enjoy the day. Where should we have dinner that’ll make you forget about your broken bone for a bit and get in the Christmas spirit?”
He squeezed her hand. “Kit’s Kodiak Café just outside Anchorage. It’s a family favorite. They serve breakfast all day.”
“Sounds wonderful.” She couldn’t help but be entranced by the multi-millionaire with down-to-earth tastes. “I have to warn you, though, I can plow through a stack of pancakes.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” he said, watching her through assessing eyes as they made their way back to the SUV.
She could see in his expression he wasn’t buying her “I’m fine” answer. Once in the passenger seat, she played with her seat belt, a plan forming. An urgency overtaking her as he drove his SUV to the café. Tally swallowed once, determination settling inside her. She would tell him about her child. If he judged her for it, then she was better off knowing now. It would make keeping her distance all the easier.
Well, not easier, but simpler, at least. And then he would stop asking her what was on her mind.
She stared out the window, the sun already setting in the short Alaskan day, Christmas lights winking to life through the town. “You asked me why I rock the babies.”
“Your charitable spirit. Yes, I remember.”
“My reasons really are more about me...” She picked at the hem of her puffy parka. “About my past.”
He shot her a quick glance, his grip firm on the wheel. “What do you mean?”
She drew in a shaky breath. “When I was nineteen, I had a baby that I gave up for adoption.”
He stayed silent for a moment, a slight lift of his eyebrows the only sign he’d registered her words. Then he slipped his arm from the sling and rested his hand on her knee. “That had to be a difficult decision to make.”
“I knew it was the right thing.” She welcomed the comfort of his touch. There’d been so little to carry her through those first days. And while she was at peace with her choice, it still
hurt. “Actually, following through on the decision? That was the rough part. More than I can put into words.”
“I’m so sorry.” He squeezed her knee, his hand warm through her denim.
Even knowing she owed no one an explanation, she couldn’t stem the impulse to explain to him. “I was alone, no money, the baby’s father wanted nothing to do with me or our child.” That betrayal cut so deep even now. She knew now she’d only chosen to be with him to fill a void after her father’s suicide, but still, being let down so horribly by someone she’d thought she loved cut to the core.
She drew in a bracing breath and plowed forward. “I got to meet the couple before the adoption. They’d gone through multiple fertility treatments, and even carried one baby to the seventh month only to have their premature newborn pass away three weeks later.”
He stayed silent, listening. She liked that about him, the way he didn’t feel the need to fill the air with platitudes. This was so much more complicated. “The mom told me about how she and her husband had taken turns staying at the NICU with their child. And then one afternoon they both left for the cafeteria to have lunch together. Their baby died while they were away. Intellectually, she knew they weren’t responsible. But she said she just wished someone had been holding her little one...”
“So that’s why you rock premature babies,” he said with unerring insight.
“It’s my way of giving back to the couple who are loving parents to my son.” She pressed her hand to his. “Don’t say anything.”
He lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm, then clasped it, giving her more of that comfort and beautiful silent acceptance.
This man was so much more than a rodeo hunk or wealthy rancher. He was a caring man. And that posed a greater risk than any physical temptation.
She needed to get her focus back on the job and off her boss.
* * *
Leather steering wheel gliding between his palms, Marshall maneuvered the SUV in the dark streets. He hung a left, the vehicle smooth as a hot knife through butter as he guided it toward home. On the edge of the horizon, a touch of northern lights painted the sky with greens and yellows in growing brilliance. He looked forward to watching them with Tally. Their dinner together had passed in a flash of easy conversation.
The Rancher's Seduction Page 9
