by Nancy Hopper
"Dana has fallen in love with an incredible man. He is a good friend of Tim's, one he trusts. He came to Salt Lake to visit while Dana was there, and it was magic. He's perfect for her, and they are both ecstatic. He's been praying for a relationship with Dana, for a long time. Just waiting for the time to be right, for her."
"Uh. Yeah!" Tim agreed, rather comically.
"This is rather sudden." Jerome growled suspiciously.
Tim's mother looked horrified. "But Dana ..."
"Dana is doing fine." Tim assured them gently. He seemed to have regained his composure nicely. "James loves her more than life. She's in excellent hands. It didn't take her long to realize that she didn't love Snyder as much as she thought she did. That happened before James turned up."
At last, the couple broke their embrace, and walked toward the family, with arms wrapped around one another and stars in their eyes.
"Mom! Dad!" Dana cried, and threw her arms around them both. "I want you to meet my fiance, James Burton."
Tim looked at Dana's lips, red and slightly swollen from James' kisses and rough beard, and covered his eyes, trying not to laugh.
Jerome Rain stepped forward with a grim look. "Mr. Burton." He said calmly.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Burton." Gloria Rain said, trying to be natural.
"Thank you. The pleasure is mine." James said, grinning at Dana.
Tim and Tasha exchanged a wild-eyed look and opened their mouths to try to ease the situation, but Gloria beat them to it.
"Mr. Burton, will you join us at the house, and please stay to dinner tonight?"
James looked up at her gratefully. "Thank you, Mrs. Rain. I'd like that. I couldn't help taking the afternoon off to come and meet Dana's plane. I hope you don't mind the intrusion too much."
"Not at all, we will be pleased to have you. Dana, I take it you would prefer to ride with James?"
"Yes, Mama. Thank you." Dana answered immediately.
"All right, then. We'll see you at home." She said, with a pointed look at her daughter. Then, she grabbed her husband's lapel and tugged on it doggedly.
"Let's get down and claim baggage, then. You kids must be tired. Papa and I will get the car and meet you outside, Tim."
"All right, Mom." Tim agreed with a sigh. After they were gone, he gave Tasha a haggard look. "Oh, boy. That was scary! I hadn't given the slightest consideration to the possibility that he’d show up. Though I should have." He admitted in bewilderment.
Tasha grinned. "They will simply love him, when they get over the shock. It was just a bit much, so soon after Rick. When they see how it is with them, who could object?"
"Wow." Tim sighed again, shaking his head. "They just about lost it." He said ominously. "I've never seen them so uptight! They must be really stressed out."
Tasha patted his arm. "Well, darling. Pretty soon, things will settle down." She assured him.
Tim grinned, and pulled their bags off the carousel. "I sure hope you're right." He chuckled.
Tim discovered on the way home, that Tasha was extremely capable of handling his parents. She had them at ease, and almost back to themselves within a matter of minutes. He could visibly see the tension leave their shoulders as she charmed them.
She explained some more about James, when she felt it was safe to do so, and she felt certain they'd be receptive to him.
"Shall I take you to our place, or yours?" Jerome asked Tim curiously, with one eye in the rear view mirror.
"Well, maybe mine, first." Tim decided. "Maybe we should give you a little time with James and Dana, and come up to your house later."
"That's a fine idea." Gloria agreed.
Jerome turned into a graveled driveway, and drove through a thicket of trees, until Tasha could see a sprawling but attractive ranch house, with a second level on the back, hinting at added bedrooms. Two large barns and a root cellar could be seen, not far away.
After they passed the house, travel became a bit more challenging. Two feet of snow lay on the ground, and a good foot had been added to the snow pack since the last time Jerome had plowed.
"I've tried to keep the road open, son." He apologized.
"No problem, dad." Tim soothed him. "I can take care of it, now that I'm home."
It was only a half-mile or so, to Tim's house. Tasha could tell, though, that this was no little ranch. It seemed to go on for miles.
She couldn't see much of her new home when they pulled up, because it had begun to snow, thick and hard. There were two stories, and it was roughly square, with a bank of windows facing them, spanning both stories. A big deck covered the end of the home's second floor, providing considerable shelter for the main entry below.
Walking to the double doors, Tasha saw mellow stone gracing the entry facade, and smiled to see that the structure was constructed primarily of logs.
Tim unlocked the door, and stepped back. Tasha smiled up at him and went in, knowing that he was anxious for her to be pleased. She let a sweet smile curve her lips as she looked around.
Tim shot his mother a grateful glance, seeing her expert touch in the condition of the house. She just smiled back at him.
Tasha was pleased, without having to work at it. The light, airy rugs were new and spotless, the cream colored leather sofa and love seat were soft and beautiful. A leather rocking chair was inviting in front of the fireplace, which was blazing a welcome, and two overstuffed burgundy leather chairs with over-sized ottomans sat against the far wall with a Southwestern lamp and pine table between them. Indian blankets added flair and warmth to the room. And somehow, it all fit together in a pleasing way.
A deep bark sounded, and was followed by an excited whine as a huge Great Dane launched itself in Tim’s direction. Tawny and agile, it nearly took him down. Tasha had to look twice to be sure the stripes didn't indicate the presence of a tiger. He was huge!
Tim was up for it, however, and hugged the brute to his chest as it licked his face, whining with obvious devotion. “Clancy!” He laughed. “Hey. I love you, too. Long time, no see – huh, buddy?”
Tasha smiled, and was introduced to the mountain of canine.
“He truly has good manners, most of the time. I only get the cannon ball treatment when I've been gone a long time. And he's never like that with ladies.” Tim assured her.
Tasha moved on to see more of her new home, while Tim continued saying hello. It looked like Clancy wouldn’t be done with him for some time, yet.
There was a large island in the kitchen, and the room looked like a pleasure to work in. "It's just like home." Tasha said happily, looking up at the mellow log walls with joy.
Tim grinned. "Yeah, but not quite as nice. You're not tired of logs, I hope."
"Never." She assured him. "And, it's every bit as nice." She challenged.
There was a spacious full bath and sauna downstairs, and Tim's home office. Upstairs, there were four massive bedrooms. The master bedroom was exceptionally spacious, with an ample, full bathroom attached. Everything was in off-white, teal, dark green and royal blue. Tasha thought Tim had impeccable taste.
He even had stained glass dormer windows set high above their heads, surrounding the rectangular windows, and sky lights were set into the steeply pitched roof.
Tim had followed them, and stood in the doorway. His mother quietly went downstairs, and left them alone for the moment.
Tasha spun on her toes and looked at him with bliss. "It's wonderful." She purred.
There was an alcove on one side of the room, with two royal blue velvet recliners and a coffee table. The bath was set up with a coffee bar.
"You thought of everything." She accused, shaking her head.
"We'd better go back downstairs, and see the folks off." Tim said, tiredly.
Tasha put a hand on his chest and looked up at him with concern. "Darling, are you all right?" she asked softly.
Tim looked down into her eyes, and pulled her into his arms. He was tense. When he forced himself to
stop kissing her, he pulled her against his shoulder, and sighed raggedly.
"Just tired. I guess." He said quietly. "And wishing I could do all the things I sure feel like doing, with you here."
Tasha chuckled, and put her arms around him tightly. "Hold that thought, Mister." She encouraged him sweetly. "It won't be long until we're together in that wonderful bed, watching the snow come down."
Tim's eyes darkened and narrowed, and she knew she'd said the wrong thing. She honestly hadn't realized how hard it was on him, having her there in his room.
"Oh, boy." She whispered tersely. "Whoa, boy."
Tim laughed harshly. "You're pushin' me hard, darlin'." He warned, with a glint in his eyes. His lips captured hers and he kissed her, hard. With such need. It left them both shaken.
"Out." He growled. Tasha went, with shaky knees, and Timothy was right behind her. They went down the stairs with their arms around one another.
"You two make a lovely couple." Gloria told them with a tremulous smile.
"By Jove, you're right." Jerome agreed. "You two look just like two pieces to a puzzle."
Tim gave Tasha a haggard look. "No doubt." He agreed ominously.
Tasha ducked her head, and bit back her smile.
"Timothy, which one of you is going to stay with us at the house until the wedding?" Gloria asked softly.
Tim gave her an owlish look. "I don't know." he stumbled.
Gloria raised an eyebrow, and gave her son a pointed look. "Perhaps Tasha wouldn't mind. I don’t think it’s a very good idea for her to be out here all alone, Timothy." She suggested. "Not until she's got her bearings, anyway. Are you sure you won't change your mind and come back to the house with us, this afternoon? We'd love to have you with us as much as we can, you know."
Tim narrowed his eyes, and stifled the protest that he longed to voice. "As usual, you're right. We'd better go up now with you." He said flatly.
Gloria gave him a worried look, and turned to go out the door.
Tasha looked at Tim with surprise, and saw that he looked a bit raw and wild around the eyes. He was a very frustrated man.
"I'll bring Tasha up in my truck. I'll have to drive myself back later, anyway." He snapped. He put on gloves and a hat, and turned to his fiancee. "Stay here, where it's warm. I'll bring the truck around."
Tasha nodded, and blew out a deep breath as he disappeared through a door into the garage. This had certainly been a tense homecoming!
In just a couple of minutes, he had a huge, black pickup waiting for her outside the front door. Clancy jumped into the bed without awaiting an invitation.
Once they were underway, Tasha ventured a look at Tim, and watched a muscle snap along his jaw line.
"How does she always know everything?" he asked with irritation. "How can she tell what I'm thinking before I almost know, myself?"
Tasha smiled. "Probably because she's a mother. And a darn good one." She reminded him gently.
"It makes me crazy when she's always right." He grumbled.
Tasha's dimples jumped to life, and she bit her lip to stifle a giggle.
"Don't you even." He snarled. "Don't even think about it. You've driven me half out of my mind, and enough is enough! If you laugh at me now, I'll go right over the edge."
Tasha covered her mouth with her hand, and closed her eyes.
"It was way too tantalizing with you there, and somehow she knew it." He snapped.
Tasha's laughter rolled out helplessly.
Despite Timothy’s outburst, it turned out to be a most enjoyable afternoon. Tasha was delighted as she watched Jerome and Gloria fall in love with James. She was impressed by how kind they were to both she and James, given the circumstances. They were doing everything they could to take it all in stride, and make their guests feel welcome.
Later in the afternoon, Tim brought Tasha's baggage inside, and Gloria showed her to her room.
"This was Tim's room, until he built his own house. He still sleeps here quite often, so I've been afraid to change it too much. But I've tried to make it habitable for a young lady. I thought you might like to be in his room as so many of his things are still here."
Tasha found the room very comfortable. It was warm and cozy, with its own fireplace, and a three-quarter bath. The furniture was rustic pine, and there was a Bighorn sheep rug on the floor by the bed. The bed was mounded with flannel sheets, warm blankets and a down comforter. There was a recliner and book table by the fire.
"It will be wonderful. I so much appreciate you letting me stay here until the wedding."
"Well, we're very happy to do it. It will give us a chance to get acquainted. Timothy," Gloria complained, "stop pouting."
Tasha turned to find Timothy leaning in the doorway, with a disgruntled look on his face.
"I can't pretend I'm enjoying this. Sorry." He growled.
"You'll have a lifetime to make up for it. Don't be a bear." Gloria chastised him evenly.
Tim rolled his eyes, and went to take refuge in his father's study.
Gloria gave Tasha a look that let her know she was upset by her son’s unusual behavior.
Tasha steeled herself, and touched Gloria's arm. "He's just been through so much." She comforted gently. "Maybe it was a mistake for me to come so long before the wedding. I didn't realize it would be so hard on him." She offered.
Gloria lifted a finger, and wiped traces of tears from the corners of her eyes. "Oh, no. He'd rather suffer anything with you here, than be one day without you." She assured Tasha. “And we're glad you've come! Very glad, my dear.”
Tasha watched her carefully, trying to discern what the woman was feeling. "This is all kind of sudden and difficult for you, isn't it?" she asked softly.
Gloria closed her eyes, and willed herself not to cry. She laughed instead, and then covered her mouth with her hand. “I'm so sorry, Tasha. It's just that there was Dana and that despicable Richard Snyder, and now James, and ... oh, I don't know. I guess I'd come to think that Tim just wasn't going to get married. It's all just happened so fast. I just haven't had a chance to absorb it all, yet."
Tasha put an understanding arm around her shoulders. "And you've been caught in the backlash of it all, haven't you? Timothy is rocketing to international notoriety, suddenly appearing in the headlines because he's had a supposed torrid affair with a rich socialite. Then came Dana and Rick, and I was involved once again, and now Dana is engaged to someone you didn't even know existed. You've really been at the business end of the bull whip, haven't you?"
"Well; we're not used to all this." Gloria admitted. "Things have been so quiet and peaceful, for so long. And we know our kids. They're sensible and responsible! They've never given us any surprises, until now. Things just aren't making a whole lot of sense, yet. I can't deny that these two both have me worried. They are both acting very much out of character."
Tasha sat on the bed, with a sigh. "Well; I can see how it must be for you. I do know that Tim and James have been good friends for several years. Tim has been expecting James and Dana to get together, for a long time. I know that may not be all that reassuring, but at least Tim has every confidence in James. He tells me that James bought a ring some time ago, and paved the way for a relationship with Dana, in prayer. Based on what little I've seen of him, I think that they are going to do very well. But I know that you will need time yourself, to decide.”
“As for Tim, I'm afraid that he has had a very rough year or so. Mrs. Rain, I feel very badly about all the havoc that I've caused. I want you to know that none of it was intentional. I would never do anything to hurt Timothy, or you, on purpose.”
“It's been awfully bewildering and hurtful for Tim, and I; I can only imagine what it's been like for you. Just reading the headlines and hearing it all from your son, after the fact. It must have been awful."
Gloria's eyes filled with tears. "He never called." She blurted, and then shut her mouth tightly.
"I beg your pardon?" Tasha asked quietly.
"Oh, it's nothing, really. Forget I said anything." Gloria insisted. "Don't give it another thought. It's all behind us, now."
"Please explain what you meant. Don't sweep this under a rug. I want to be friends with you. I don't want anything between us. Please, tell me what you meant." Tasha urged gently.
“Can you trust me enough to share this with me? What are you saying?"
Gloria turned hesitant eyes on this woman who had so captivated her son. She was so beautiful, so perfectly elegant. She looked every bit a lady. And, her eyes were filled with worry and concern.
"Mrs. Rain, I want to become a part of your family. I'm not trying to pry, I just care. I'm concerned. I never want to come between you and Timothy. Please, can't we talk about this, and try to settle it?"
Her words pierced Gloria's heart. She could see that it was too late to back out of this. She sat down in Timothy's recliner, and forced herself to look at Tasha.
"I am so sorry." She said quietly. "I don't want you to get the wrong idea, Tasha. We don't hold anything that has happened against you. Things just happen. I think that Jerome and I would have weathered the storms just fine, except that we just didn't have any warning. We never knew we needed to batten down the hatches.”
"When all of these awful stories broke, we were so very shocked. Tim has always been above reproach. So, we called his office, and we were told he was on his way to Salt Lake City, and then New York. We waited, but he never did call us. Then, he went to Europe, and South America. We never saw him, or heard from him. Just an occasional postcard."
She sighed. "Then, the press started calling us. And calling us. We didn't know what to say, so we just refused to comment.
"I simply couldn't understand what had happened, or why he just left us hanging that way. It seemed he'd forgotten our very existence, for quite some time. He's always been so thoughtful, and caring. We were reeling, after awhile. We didn't know what to think."
She turned hurting eyes up to Tasha's. "We did watch the television broadcasts, both his and yours, and we felt a little better. At least then, we could be fairly sure that he'd done nothing wrong.
