by Nancy Hopper
“For now.” she answered briskly.
He looked at her appraisingly, and decided to let it go. Something told him to be very careful. She was about to the end of her rope, with him.
His eyebrows went up when she pulled into the garage of the Charles house. Though made of logs, it was about as classy a place as could be found at the resort. Perhaps, in all of Utah.
Wordlessly, Tasha led him through the garage, up the stairs and into the house.
“Mommy!” two children chorused happily.
“Hello, sweetheart! Hello, darling!” she murmured, kissing each of them, and hugging them close to her.
“Who’s he?” they asked curiously. Their big eyes were turned up toward the stranger in amazement, their curly heads tipped back to look up so far.
“This is Mr. ... ”
“Rain. But you can call me Tim.” he said to the kids, smiling and showing matching dimples in each cheek. “And your names are?” he asked with interest.
“I’m Naomi and this is Lucas.” the older child answered importantly.
“I’m glad to meet you, Naomi and Lucas.”
“And this is Lucinda, our housekeeper and nanny.” Tasha added, as the elderly cook came chasing after the children.
Tim took Lucinda’s hand, and smiled at her.
Lucinda looked up at him as if she’d been transported to heaven. “Are you staying to dinner, Mr. Rain?” she asked sweetly. “We are having Lasagna, and green salad, Minestrone soup and green beans. I have chocolate mousse pie for dessert.”
Tim raised an eyebrow and looked at Tasha, clearly tempted. “I was going to take Tasha to dinner at the Cedars, but Ma’am, you almost change my mind.”
Tasha smiled politely. “It is five, already. If we ate here, I could see the kids for a few minutes, and it would probably save you some time.”
He smiled at her, understanding. “Then we’ll do dinner out another night.” He laughed at the stricken expression that idea put on her face. “Is there somewhere I can wash up a little?”
Lucinda took over. “Mr. Rain, we have a lovely guest room and bath. Why don’t you follow me, and you can shower or do whatever you’d like. Perhaps you’d like to rest a few minutes, while Miss Tasha gets ready. Where are you going tonight?” she asked, as she led him upstairs.
Tasha watched them disappear worriedly “Is your grandpa coming home tonight?” she asked the children.
“No, he flew to New York today.” Naomi answered sadly.
“Oh. Okay. Well, you two, I promised Mr. Rain that I’d go with him to a conference this evening. I hope you won’t be too lonesome.”
“We’ll be okay, Mama. I have to go to bed early because I have ski school tomorrow, and Lucas has his ski classes too.”
“You guys are very good to me. Thanks for understanding.” Tasha whispered, kissing their foreheads. She took them to her rocking chair and cuddled them both in her lap for a time, watching the sun set against the mountains.
When Timothy Rain had finished his shower, taken a twenty minute nap, and put his clothes back on, he went downstairs and found that he was right on time. Lucinda was setting a very lovely table in the dining room.
She smiled and motioned him to have a seat in an armchair against the wall. “It is so lovely to see Miss Tasha in the company of a good man, at last. Mr. Rain, thank you! See that she has a good time, tonight.” Lucinda pleaded.
“She doesn’t go out much?” he asked curiously.
“Never. Not since she lost her husband.” Lucinda corrected.
Tim’s eyebrows went up. “I see.” he said, though he didn’t.
“She loved him so deeply. She has not ever wanted to keep company with another man. It is a shame though, she’s such a lovely, and very young woman.”
“Yes.” Tim agreed simply.
“You will be careful, won’t you, Mr. Tim?” Lucinda asked worriedly.
“What do you mean, Lucinda?” he asked softly.
“You will see that she has a nice time, and -- and go carefully with her, won’t you?” Lucinda asked tightly. “She seems aloof, but she is very tender and sensitive. She has had a hard time recovering from his loss.”
Tim laughed. “I will be a perfect gentleman, Lucinda. Actually, this is not a romantic outing, at all. But I do hope that she will enjoy herself.”
“Oh.” Lucinda said, with obvious disappointment. “I am so sorry! I didn’t mean to interfere. I should not have implied.”
“Not at all.” Tim assured her with a chuckle. He wanted in the worst way to ask Lucinda a few more questions, but he heard steps on the stairs, and bit back his curiosity.
Tasha appeared, wearing a sweater suit of mossy forest green, with a shell in a lighter shade of green underneath the cardigan. Her boots were of forest suede with a nice heel, and she had Emeralds in her ears that matched her eyes. Her hair was pulled back into a French roll that was both sophisticated and attractive. Tendrils of shining black hair softened her lovely face. Her green eyes were flashing with a deep fire.
Tim looked at her with a bit of surprise. “Don’t you look nice?” he asked, with a grin.
“Thank you.” she answered smoothly. She sat down at the table, and took a sip of water. “Have you called the children, Lucinda?”
“Yes, they are washing up now.” Lucinda answered.
“What did my father say this morning? When will he be back?”
Lucinda sighed. “I’m not sure, Miss Tasha. He said he had business that came up suddenly. He isn’t sure but that he’ll be gone all week. He asked me to tell you to call Carson Withers in Aspen and invite him down for a weekend, also he wanted you to invite a Mr. John Littleton from Seattle to come for a time, and to arrange the transportation for both men. He said the gentlemen will be expecting your call.”
“All right, I’ll do that. Are these business contacts, or friends?” she asked evenly.
“Well, he didn’t say why they’re coming, but they’ve both come before, Miss Tasha. They have both done business with Mr. Brent in the past, so I suspect it’s some of both.”
“Very well.” Tasha replied, and turned her eyes to Tim. “Would you care for a drink?”
Tim looked at her curiously. How urbane and smooth she seemed. How chilly and remote behind her sophisticated exterior. “No, thanks. But some ice water would be very nice.” he said gratefully.
Tasha nodded knowingly. "I'm sorry, you don't drink?"
Tim smiled. "Not much." he explained with a smile.
Lucinda went immediately for the ice water. While she was gone, the children clattered down the stairs and took their places at the table.
Tim sat where Tasha directed him to, at the head of the table. She was on one side, the children were on the other, facing her. Then Lucinda joined them at the other end when she’d finished serving and put her apron aside.
Tim nodded with satisfaction. He was glad to see Lucinda there with the rest of them.
Tasha turned her glittering eyes on him. “Mr. Rain, will you say a blessing?” she asked.
Tim looked at her with distinct pleasure. “Dear Lord,” he said in a husky voice, “I thank you for this lovely meal and the hands that prepared it. Bless Lucinda for her service, Father. Thank you for this family and the way they’ve opened their home to me.'
"I ask that you pour out your blessing on the conference tonight. Father, meet the heart of every one who comes, and bless also these children who are sharing their mommy tonight. I leave Your peace and blessing upon this home. And Lord, we bless you. Thank you for Your presence in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Tim tucked into the best food he’d ever eaten. Lucinda was a real pro, and he for one appreciated every bite. Tasha wasn’t a hearty eater, he noticed, which probably explained her perfect figure.
When it was time to go, she went up to brush her teeth and get her children ready for bed. Tim watched the ritual with interest, noticing that the love bond was very strong between the three.
“I’m sorry I have to go tonight.” she whispered to Lucas.
“That’s okay, Mama. Lucinda will read me my story. And we can watch the movie she got us.” he said enthusiastically.
“Yes, it’s a new one!” Naomi chimed in. “And she said we can have popcorn, too.”
Tasha smiled wanly. “All right. Well, I love you. I’ll kiss you when I come home, even if you aren’t awake.” she promised.
“G’night, Mama. G’night, Mr. Tim.” they chimed together.
He shook his head and smiled. “Good night, you two.” he said warmly.
Tasha was silent as she got her long, green leather coat and her purse. He followed her down to the car with increasing interest in the situation. What in the world had he stepped into, this time?
“They’re great kids.” he said, as she backed out of the garage.
“Yes.” she replied in a clipped voice.
He didn’t break the silence as she drove toward the resort. She obviously wasn’t interested in talking, and he wasn’t honestly that concerned about it. So, he looked at the scenery and let her retreat. Finally, she asked him where he was staying.
“At the Cedars. I do need to run up to my room and change clothes, real quick. You can either come with me, or wait in the Ballroom.”
“What would be better for you?” she asked. She could hear concern in his voice, and assumed it was the time that was causing the mild stress.
“You could come up with me, if you don’t mind. That would save me registering you, and all that. If you go with me, none of that will be necessary.”
“All right.” she agreed, though she didn’t fully understand.
Tim led her at a quick pace through the lobby, and into the elevator. He pushed the button for the sixth floor, and looked at her pensively. She kept her eyes on her toes, and didn’t make a sound.
He put his hand on her back, and kept it there as they walked down the hall to his room. She followed him inside with some trepidation. She was quite sure he was all right -- but she couldn't help second guessing her decision to come with him to such a place, just a bit.
“I'll be just one second.” he reassured her as he closed the door. The phone rang, and he sighed patiently as he reached for it.
“Hello? Yes, Jim, I’m on my way. I just got in. I’ll change my clothes, and be right there. All right. Yes, I will. And I have a guest tonight, also.”
He glanced up at Tasha. “Yes, that’s right. Tasha … Charles. Right. See you in a minute. Thanks.” he growled, and hung up the phone.
“I’ll be right back.” he told Tasha, and went into the bathroom.
Tasha went to the window, and looked out at the snow-covered hills that surrounded them. Before she knew it, Tim reappeared in a black suit and a white, collarless shirt. He was tucking a white handkerchief in his pocket, and looked preoccupied.
His black Western boots were very shiny and sleek looking, with an undercut heel. The suit made her realize that he was quite tall, and broad in the shoulders. And, it offset his slim waist and hips. The man had quite a physique.
“My! You look nice.” she said in surprised admiration.
He looked up with eyes that seemed bluer and brighter than ever. The black suit accentuated every handsome feature he had.
“Thanks.” he said, sounding almost shy. He ran a comb through his hair and mustache, and held an arm to her. “Let’s go.”
She moved forward and scooted out the door, sensing his urgency. They got into another elevator and went down to the Ballroom in the basement. When the doors opened, Tim’s arm went around her firmly, and she did not protest. She knew he wanted only to keep her beside him through the crowd, and maybe to make it clear that she was with him. She didn’t mind in the least. She found his protective stance reassuring in the melee that greeted them as they entered the massive meeting hall.
But, she was very aware of him. He smelled heavenly and masculine. His hair was softly and perfectly layered on top, and dazzled with natural rainbow highlights. It was as black, as black as could be.
His arm was warm and protective. The man was very strong, also. He had the feel of one who worked hard for a living. Tasha didn’t understand it all, but she was taking in all the information about him despite her apparent aloofness.
“Hello, Tim! I’m sure glad you were able to make it!” a man laughed heartily, slapping him on the back.
Tim grinned broadly, and shook the man’s hand. “Thanks for asking me, Jim. I’m very glad to be here. This is Tasha. Can you fix her up with a seat beside me?”
Jim looked at Tasha with clear admiration. “Will do. Just put her in your chair, and I’ll see that another is set aside for you right beside her. I think they're waiting for you in the back room to warm up.”
Tim smiled. “Thanks, Jim. I really appreciate it.” He led Tasha through the crowds, which seemed to part when he got close. She realized suddenly that she really didn’t mind him holding her close to his side. That alarmed her!
He took her to the front row, center, and found the seat that had his name on it. He sat her in it, and leaned over her, with his arms braced on either arm of the chair.
“I have to leave you here for a short while. If you need anything, ask Jim. He’s kind of running this thing, and he’ll take care of you. There’s also a big guy with blond hair named Jay, who’ll get you anything you need. All right?”
Tasha nodded and smiled uncertainly. "Must we sit in the very front row?" she whispered tensely.
"Yes. I'm sorry if it makes you uncomfortable, Tasha." he said gently. His eyes probed hers with obvious concern.
She would have liked to have a clue about what was happening; but then again, she wasn’t sure she really did want to know. Something was very strange about this entire situation.
"No, it will be all right. Just not my first choice." she replied lightly.
Tim nodded his satisfaction, and walked away. Tasha watched him go through a side door, and then turned her attention to the ushers, who came with a new name tag bearing Tim’s name for the chair beside her, and then went off to put the previous name on a new chair. She raised her eyebrows, and wondered at it.
People began to filter in and find seats, soon after Tim left her. She sat quietly, feeling kind of apprehensive. What had she gotten herself into? What was she doing here? Who in the world was Timothy Rain? Why had he insisted that she come here tonight? He didn’t seem like the average Christian – he was a dangerous man!
Just then, a woman came and sat on the edge of the chair beside her. She was very svelte, with well-dressed, frosted blonde hair, brown eyes and a bit too much makeup, for Tasha's taste. She was wearing a very pretty pantsuit in royal blue. It flattered her petite figure as if custom fit.
“Hello, there.” she said sweetly to Tasha. “My name is Pattie Danniels, and I’m with ... oh, dear.”
”Pattie, come along and leave Mr. Rain’s guest alone, shall we?” Jay’s booming voice interrupted. “If you want to know about her, I suggest you ask Mr. Rain for your information.”
Pattie looked up at him urgently. “Now, come on. I’m not hurting anything! I just wanted to introduce myself, and get to know her a little bit. I didn't know she was here with Tim.”
“You'll have to find a way to get your story without bothering her. Come along, now.” he urged. Pattie looked back at Tasha with desperate, frustrated eyes and allowed Jay to lead her to the back of the room. They stood there, and continued a rather heated discussion.
Tasha swallowed hard, understanding that this woman must be some kind of a reporter. Who is Timothy Rain? her mind screamed frantically.
Just moments before the clock struck seven, Timothy Rain slipped into the seat beside her. Most of the other front row seats were still empty, but the rest of the room was full to bursting.
“Hi.” he said in a boyish voice. “Tired of sitting here, yet?”
”Actually, it’s been anything but boring. Who the Hell are you
?” she asked pointedly. Her green eyes glittered with fire.
Tim grinned, and shrugged. “I heard Pattie paid a visit. Sorry. She’s got a good nose for a story. I’m just one of the speakers for the conference, and she saw us come in together. She figured me, with a beautiful lady on my arm, was quite possibly a good lead. She's always sniffing for a story for her magazine. I’m really sorry.”
Tasha felt shock filter down to her toes. “You – you’re like a – a preacher? A rather famous one, at that?”
Tim shrugged, his eyes fixed on the stage before them. “Well, actually I don’t think of myself that way. I have a gift for the prophetic, but I do whatever the Lord wants me to do. Sometimes, I preach.” He turned and looked searchingly at her. “Are you very uncomfortable here?” he asked apologetically.
Tasha had to laugh. “Not really. Now that I know what’s going on, I’ll be fine.” she admitted.
It was the truth. This had been her role with Gary, and she was very comfortable being in the inner circle of ministry. There had never been much required of her, except that she sit quietly, smile and look serene.
Gary had never been much of a speaker in demand, anywhere except in his own circle of churches. Quite different, seemingly, than Timothy Rain’s ministry. Tasha wasn’t used to this level of notoriety.
He looked relieved. “I’m glad.” he said warmly.
She studied him with interest, taking in little things about him she’d not noticed before. He was really quite handsome, and looked just as comfortable in his very finely tailored suit as he had earlier, in his ski clothes. He grinned at her, and she found his smile and dimples actually quite charming. The very heavy, long mustache added to an air of virility and strength that was quite potent.
Someone called the conference to order, and the evening moved quickly, from then on. Tasha was interested, but wary of the entire thing. She sat quietly in her place until the music started. Once that happened, the entire room was on its feet, Tim included, and the roar of voices and the clapping were deafening.
Tasha stood, to melt in with everyone else, and watched the musicians as they played a song that was more rock than any gospel she’d ever listened to. A giant overhead projector displayed the lyrics, so everyone could sing along. Amazingly enough, everyone did.
