A sudden sensation of frustration made his hands curl into fists. He’d been patient, kind, considerate and spent as much time as he could to get to know Kelly. Hell, he’d even been polite to Miranda’s older brother who’d taken every opportunity to insult him. Caleb had even gone so far as to say that they were like oil and vinegar. They could be in the same space, but they’d never mix. With his campaign in full gear, how could she resist? Or a better question would be—how did he break down her defenses?
He didn’t want to talk to his father or uncles; their advice would be to wait and let her come to him. Blackfox men are the object of female pursuit, not the other way around. They would hold that party line against a mountain of contradictory evidence. He’d witnessed firsthand the number of hoops his father would jump through for every anniversary and Christmas. Dad didn’t like dogs, especially small dogs, but he’d given his wife a toy poodle for Christmas. The rumor around the family was that the pedigreed pooch had a plate at the table and slept at the foot of the bed.
Not in the mood to hear another lecture from Marius, he settled on asking the only person left.
Moving away, he tapped his younger brother on the shoulder and motioned him over to a quieter section near the wet bar.
“Trey, I need to ask some advice.”
“Wait.” His younger brother chuckled. “I need a witness and a drink for this moment.”
“Funny. Maybe I should just talk to Uncle Mark.” As Trey took a swig of beer, Caleb dragged a weary hand over his brow.
“Wait, I was just kidding. What happened to your sense of humor?”
“I left it in the emergency room on a respirator.”
“Wow. Okay, what’s up?”
“I need to win someone over. And since everyone loves veterinarians, I thought you’d have some insight.”
“Young, old or female? I can help you with the first two, but the last one? Impossible.”
“It must not be since you got Sasha to agree to put you out of your misery.”
“I see you’ve got jokes. Guess you really need my help, doctor.”
“That’s the problem. I thought that if I treated the symptoms, i.e. the leftover mistrust Miranda had from our breakup, that we could pick up where we left off.”
“But that’s not happening?”
“No. I see her every day, or I try to. And for every step I take forward, she sidesteps twice. When I try to get her alone, something always manages to get in the way.”
Caleb rubbed his chin in a show of deep thought. “So to kiss her until she forgets her own name, falls head-over-the-hills in love, and can’t live without you won’t be an option?”
“Not yet. I’m trying.”
“Well, since your human techniques aren’t working, let me give you the ultimate in animal wisdom. It’s worked for millennia and I’m telling you this because my future wife spilled the secret to me last night.”
“Huh?” Caleb’s jaw dropped. “Sasha’s giving you hints on how to get women?”
“No. She’s writing an article on mating habits in the wild for a woman’s magazine’s Valentine’s Day issue. I got to read the rough draft. Sasha’s got a gift for writing that you wouldn’t believe.”
Caleb took a swig of the beer in his hand and struggled not to laugh at the enamored expression on his brother’s face. “I’m sure. Now what’s the secret?”
“First, take them by surprise. Second, never take no for an answer. Third, find out what they really want, and then hold out to give them what they need.”
“That’s it?” he questioned. Caleb was sure there had to be more. It couldn’t be that simple.
“In a nutshell. I guarantee results.”
“Is that a money-back guarantee?”
Trey’s eyes twinkled with mirth as he tapped his beer bottle against Caleb’s. “Money back? You still owe me money—a couple of grand—from that last trip to Vegas.”
“Would you rather I wrote you a check or told your future wife about that really flexible show-girl with the long weave that could have been a spokesmodel for Video Vixen’s magazine?”
“Just go get the girl, damn it.”
Trey’s lips clamped tight around the beer bottle, and Caleb threw his head back and roared with laugher. “Will do.”
Chapter 13
“Darren, time to get up!”
“What…where’s the fire?” he muttered as Miranda continued to shake him.
“There’s no fire,” she explained. “But you’ve got to take a shower and get dressed or we’re going to be late.”
Turning over, he squinted at the clock on the nightstand. The dial read 9:00 a.m. “Why? I’m not going to church.”
“You’re not going to church? What about dinner at Aunt Pat’s?”
“Bring me back a couple of servings.”
“Do I look like room service to you?”
“No, you look like my lovely little sister that will be praying for her shut-in older brother at church this morning.”
“Aunt Pat’s going to be disappointed. You know she’s expecting us to be there.”
“I already know what she’s going to say. ‘You need to have your behind in church and not in the bed. Your parents didn’t raise heathens.’” Darren’s voice was almost an exact replica of their aunt’s.
Miranda took a step back and did her best to glare at Darren. But her anger lacked conviction and they both knew it. “You can’t just hide in the house until you can walk again.”
“Want to bet?”
“It’s unhealthy,” she pointed out.
“It’s safe. The less I move around the better my chances of not messing up the only good leg I have.”
“That doesn’t make sense.”
“Letting Caleb Blackfox back into your life doesn’t make sense either, but you don’t see me lecturing you about that mistake now do you?”
“That was a low blow.”
“Truth hurts.” Darren’s smug grin had her fingers curling into fists.
“And it’s going to leave you hungry.” She twirled around on her heels and stomped toward the bedroom door. “Just for that comment, you can kiss your pancakes goodbye.”
Let him fend for himself for a little while, she groused. It was way past time the men in her life learned a lesson. “Miranda Tyler is nobody’s doormat,” she muttered, sticking her hands in the pockets of her robe. With that thought in mind, she headed for the kitchen. She and Kelly were going to have banana pancakes and she’d make sure big brother would have none.
“I said do something unexpected, not ambush the woman at church, Caleb.”
Caleb put the SUV in Park before grinning at his younger brother. “What better place to show Miranda and the rest of the town and our family that I’m serious about having Miranda in my life?”
“In your life or as your wife?” Trey asked.
“Both.” He flipped the driver’s side visor down and took one last look in the mirror. A trip to the barber shop the other morning assured him that his hair was properly shaped and he’d taken extra time to give himself a clean shave that morning.
Trey frowned. “Did you just say something about showing the family?”
Caleb nodded. “I invited Mom, Dad and the rest of the family.”
“You are serious, big brother?”
“No, I’m getting desperate. Now let’s get inside before they arrive.”
After leaving his parents and his brother comfortably situated in sanctuary, Caleb returned to the entrance hall to wait for Miranda. He glanced at his watch, sure that she would be on time. Normally the last thing he expected was for a woman to be on time. But early on in their relationship Miranda had cured him of that prejudice. And exactly fifteen minutes before the service began, the front doors opened and the air whooshed out of his chest.
He’d expected her to look nice, but in truth she was more than that. Beautiful, delicate, maternal and perfect. No other words could describe how she looked as she entere
d the church holding Kelly’s hand. The black pantsuit fit her body like a glove and showcased her legs. To complete the look, a slender string of pearls rested on her elegant neck and matching teardrops adorned her ears. Miranda could entice a man one moment and care for a child the next.
When he heard the rubbing sound of leather, Caleb looked down and realized he was squeezing his Bible. Relaxing his grip, he stepped into Miranda’s path.
“Good morning, Sister Tyler and Ms. Kelly.”
Miranda’s bright pecan-colored eyes widened with shock. They rounded even more so as they watched his head descend and his lips land on her cheek.
She was going to faint. Fall over in the church entranceway, be taken to the hospital and then straight to jail after she killed the man in front of her. Unable to think straight, Miranda wondered if she could just kick him. What would happen to Kelly if Miranda’s trial was published all over the country? What would her parents think? And why did the gesture make her body all tight and tingly?
Before she could walk away, Kelly stepped forward to Caleb’s waiting arms for a warm hug, and then out of nowhere Miranda was surrounded by members of the church.
She pasted a bright smile on her face and said, “Good morning, Deaconess Smith.”
The woman enveloped her in a generous hug, and then beamed. “I’m so happy for you, Miranda. I know your parents are going to be tickled pink when they find out that you and Caleb are back together,” she said.
Not wanting to give the wrong impression, Miranda shook her head and interjected, “No, ma’am. Caleb and I are just friends.”
Smiling and placing her hand on his arm, Caleb added, “For the moment. I’m wearing down her defenses.”
Miranda felt the urge to run, but she really wanted to kill Caleb.
Sorry, Lord. She mentally sent up the apology.
“And what a beautiful daughter you have. She’s got your mother’s cheeks. What’s her name?”
“Kelly, come over and meet Deaconess Smith. She taught my Sunday school class.”
Miranda was so proud when Kelly walked over and gave the woman a hug. In no time, she managed to wrap the elder saint around her little finger.
Feeling a hand at the center of her back, Miranda turned her head and through gritted teeth she whispered, “What’s wrong with you?” Only to be rewarded by a broad grin and a suggestive wink.
“What are you doing here?” She pushed out the sentence, and then cleared her throat when she realized that she sounded like a hissing snake.
“Escorting two of the most beautiful girls in Georgia to church. Ready to go in?”
Miranda blinked helplessly as Kelly took Caleb’s hand and they both stood there looking at her with expectant looks on their faces. Her eyes darted to the other church members. And the senior saints she recognized from her childhood stood watching their little group with unabashed interest.
She turned back to Caleb and the grin on his face hadn’t slipped an inch. He had her just where he wanted her and she’d never seen this move coming.
When the time came to enter the church, she wanted to run. Miranda felt as though the entire congregation was staring at their little party as they walked down the aisle. She passed her aunt and uncle and watched as Aunt Pat did a double take upon seeing her with Caleb. Uncle Allan, on the other hand, appeared as though nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.
“You are so wrong, Caleb Blackfox.” She spoke out of the side of her mouth, but somehow managed to keep a smile on her face in order to cover her mortification. Caleb had escorted them down the center of the aisle to almost the very front of the sanctuary.
“One of the deacons insisted that my family sit in front.”
Miranda almost tripped. “Your family?”
“Mom, Dad and Trey are here with me.”
“Morning, Sister.” Distracted Miranda waved to a passing usher, who was busy looking from Caleb to Kelly. Miranda would bet that there would be rumors all over the church by the end of the choir worship that Kelly was their child.
“Chin up, sweetness. My mother’s been dying to see you and meet Kelly.”
His words, coupled with a friendly hand squeeze, instantly distracted her and she looked toward the front row. Sure enough, Caleb’s mother, resplendent in an ivory-colored church hat, was smiling back at her.
She caught a sideways look as Caleb playfully began to swing Kelly’s arm and her heart seemed to squeeze a little. Maybe it was the way he’d smiled at her when he’d greeted them earlier. It could have been because his eyes held a look of admiration, and his smile was filled with warmth. Maybe it was the way his hand felt in hers, or the pride she felt walking next to him.
All she knew was that some invisible ball of tension within her started to unravel.
His parents and brother stood up and hugged both her and Kelly.
Somehow Miranda came to be seated between Caleb and his mother. Knowing there was no escape, she aimed a frustrated glance in his direction. Their eyes locked and he winked before devoting his attention to Kelly. Miranda’s teeth ground together.
“Miranda-dear, I am so glad you’ve forgiven Caleb.”
Her attention snapped back to Mrs. Blackfox.
“I didn’t really have a choice,” she replied ruefully. “Your son is very persistent.”
“All the men in this family are, I’m afraid. But I’ve known your mother and I’ve played a few hands of bridge with your aunt Patricia. I am sure you are more than able to keep Caleb in line.”
“Now, sweetheart, don’t go pressuring the dear girl,” her husband interjected.
Mrs. Blackfox aimed a look at her husband—a look that gave Miranda a flashback. It was that one single glance that only a woman could make that would quiet any child. She gave him the type of look that promised severe and long-lasting repercussions.
Miranda stifled a laugh. Apparently it worked on grown men as well. Mr. Blackfox’s mouth shut in a hurry and he turned the other way to talk with his son. She made a mental note to try it on Caleb when the next opportunity arose.
“Don’t mind my husband. Now, are you and that little girl of yours going to be free this weekend?”
“We haven’t planned anything. I’m just here to take care of my brother.”
“Caleb told me about the car accident. I think it’s a wonderful thing for you to come home and take care of him in your parents’ absence. If you need anything, please let me know.”
“Thank you. I think Kelly and I have it covered. We just have to keep him from doing something crazy like driving with a broken leg.”
“Now back to my earlier question. We’re having a little family get-together and a slumber party for the kids. I want you and Kelly to be there and I won’t take no for an answer.”
“Did you hear that, Miranda?”
She jumped when Caleb whispered in her ear. “My mother won’t take no for an answer.”
She blushed recalling all the times he’d managed to corner her in the house after examining her brother. Each time, he’d invited her out to dinner or over to his house and she’d politely declined even as he’d swooped down and kissed her senseless.
Feeling trapped between being polite and being stubborn, she chose to be polite and pasted a smile on her face. “We would love to come.”
Miranda glanced at Caleb from the corner of her eyes and watched him aim a smirk in his brother’s direction. Her eyes narrowed even further at Trey’s thumbs-up signal. It didn’t take a genius for her to figure out that she’d been set up. “I hate you,” she whispered.
His lips twitched with a suppressed smile. “Remember, Hate is one of the seven deadly sins. I’m sure you don’t mean that. Don’t forget we’re in the Lord’s house.”
“You’re such a hypocrite.”
“What do you mean?”
“Lust is on that ‘seven deadly’ list, isn’t it?”
His eyes danced with mischief. “You must be mistaken. I believe in practicing the comm
andments. Right now I’m actively practicing Love Thy Neighbor.”
But before she could voice her suspicions, the reverend stepped up to the podium and everyone stood for the opening benediction.
Irritated beyond belief, Miranda childishly reached out and pinched his arm. But before she could withdraw her hand he caught it and held it within his own. Aware of the looks they were getting from the choir, she ceased struggling to get her hand back.
“Good morning…good morning. The sun is shining and the birds are singing. For this brief time, you are in God’s house and all is right with the world. I just want to start by saying we all know life ain’t easy. Events and people in our lives will cause much joy and great sorrow.”
Reverend Williams walked toward the front of the stage. “There are times when life just doesn’t seem worth living. Mornings that you just don’t want to get out of the bed. You just want to lie there and close your eyes. Could be that your kids have gone and done something stupid, your man done left you with bills unpaid, could be your job or maybe, just maybe, it’s you. You just don’t know what to do with your life, or with your family. Instead of thinking, you get angry. Why? ’Cause it’s easy. It’s easier to blame than accept, simpler to fear and hate than understand.”
Placing his hands on either side of the podium, he leaned forward. “I want to tell you one fact. Nothing worth having comes cheap and the world doesn’t owe you a dime. Let me tell you that life won’t be fair, especially for those of African descent. But we have to get past that…we have to move on, move up and get over the mountain.”
He raised his hands and pointed toward the congregation. Miranda felt as though he were pointing at their pew.
The Very Thought of You Page 11
