by Peggy Webb
It was late when they returned to the church to pick up their cars. As Tanner watched Amanda drive off into the night he vowed that the next day would be different. He wouldn’t allow his feelings to get in the way. He’d finish what he’d set out to do.
o0o
Tanner woke up quickly, alert, cheerful, his body like a well-oiled machine, fine-tuned and ready to go. The smell of gingerbread and the sound of his mother’s singing drifted up the stairs to him. He could hear his father’s big boom of laughter, the banging of the front door, and the happy chatter of young voices—some of the Donovan grandchildren coming in to breakfast. For a moment he lay on the feather mattress in the big four-poster bed and listened to the sounds of home. Then he dressed and hurried down to join his family.
Anna Donovan was in the kitchen, her neat salt-and-pepper hair pulled into a French twist, and her still-slim figure encased in a ruffled apron. Tanner kissed her on the cheek, lifted her off her feet, and waltzed her around the kitchen.
When he set her back down, she was flushed with pleasure. “Land sakes! A body can’t do a speck of work when you’re home, Tanner. Always carrying on. You’re just like your father.” Her wide smile and the twinkle in her blue eyes betrayed her bluff. Besides that, Tanner knew that she adored all the Donovan men, especially Matthew, his father.
He reached over her shoulder and took a huge piece of hot gingerbread off the stove. Taking a big bite, he rolled his eyes heavenward. “I’d kill for your gingerbread.”
Anna suppressed her smile. “That’s downright sacrilegious. Don’t let your brother Paul hear you talking like that.”
“When are they arriving?”
“Not till Thursday. He has candlelight services on Wednesday night.”
Tanner ate the last of his gingerbread and straddled a kitchen chair. “Mom, you’re the wisest woman I know.”
Hands on her hips, she turned around to face him. “The last time you said that to me, you had just set the barn on fire.”
Tanner laughed. “I was only ten, and it was an accident.”
“A body can’t be too careful with you around. What is it this time?”
“If you wanted to be swept off your feet, how would you like it to be done?”
She gave him a keen look. “Did you have somebody particular in mind?”
“Just asking.”
“Well, a mother can always hope. Look at Paul. He and Martie are so happy—with the twins and her expecting again. And Theo and Charles and Glover, all with wives and children, are just as contented as pigs in the sunshine.”
Tanner chuckled. “I don’t want to be a pig in the sunshine. I want to know Pop’s courting secrets.”
“It’s been nearly fifty years, but I remember it like it was yesterday. He came calling in a surrey.”
“That old surrey that is still in the barn?”
“That’s the one. Matthew rarely used that old Ford he had. He was a terrible driver.”
“He still is.”
“Don’t let your father hear you say that. Anyway, he had the finest pair of matched horses I’ve ever seen. They were black. He was wearing a white suit and a Panama hat and carrying the biggest box of chocolates I’ve ever seen. I fell in love with him on the spot.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Jumping up, he gave her an exuberant kiss, then bounded toward the door.
“Tanner Donovan, where are you going? You haven’t even had your breakfast.”
“I don’t have time. I’m going courting.”
o0o
Amanda had taken advantage of the Monday morning lull in business to climb into her shop window and set up a new display. She heard the commotion on Washington Street a mere second before Maxine raced toward the door.
“Good Lord! Amanda, look at that.”
Leaving the mannequin half naked, she walked to the front of her window and looked out. There, dressed in a white cowboy suit, white boots, and the biggest white ten-gallon hat she’d ever seen, was Tanner Donovan. He was sitting in an ancient surrey with faded fringe on the top, and beside him was a foil-wrapped box nearly as big as he was. The surrey was pulled by an ornery, slow-moving old mule, and traffic was backed up behind him for two blocks. But nobody seemed to mind. Folks were hanging out of their car windows, cheering and whistling; and Lard Pritchard, the Washington Street traffic cop, was tooting his whistle, waving his white-gloved hands at the gathering crowd on the sidewalk and grinning as if it were already Christmas.
Amanda hooted with laughter.
The surrey drew to a stop directly in front of her shop. Tanner stepped down, stood in front of her window, and swept off his hat.
“Madame, I’ve come to sweep you off your feet.”
“Tanner Donovan, you’ve tried tricks before. I’m not budging from this window.”
“In that case I’ll have to carry you.”
The crowd cheered as he rammed his ten-gallon hat back onto his head and strode into her shop.
CHAPTER FOUR
Amanda stood staunchly in her window, but the minute Tanner entered her shop, she felt as if she’d been pulled into the middle of cyclone. She was determined that he wouldn’t know it. Putting the mannequin between them, she laughed.
“You look ridiculous in that hat.”
Tanner tipped his hat back and smiled up at her. “I was hoping for irresistible.”
“You missed it by a country mile.”
“Then why are you hiding behind that dummy?”
“I’m not hiding.” She quickly busied her hands draping the mannequin in an antique ruby silk dress. “I’m dressing this poor naked creature.”
“I’d offer to help, but I’m better at undressing.”
“No doubt.”
He closed in, trapping her in the window. “I’ve come to take you for a buggy ride, Amanda.”
“I’m not going.”
“I’ll make you change your mind.”
“Not till hell freezes over.”
“Madame, hell is about to freeze over.” He planted one white boot on the display window. Amanda felt the floor shake under his weight.
“Are you crazy?”
“Yes.”
“Get your big feet out of my window before the whole thing falls down.”‘
“My granddaddy built this store. It can withstand a hurricane. Say yes, Amanda.”
“Never!”
Another huge white boot came into view, and while her mouth was still forming words of protest, Tanner stepped onto the window platform with her.
Outside, the crowd cheered. Inside, Maxine let out a rebel yell.
“Hot damn, Tanner! We haven’t had this much excitement around here since the mayor’s wife lost her half slip at the Fourth of July picnic.”
Amanda glared at her over the top of the mannequin. “You and Nero would have made quite a team, Maxine. You stand there cheering, and I’m about to lose my life in this rickety display window.”
“I was thinking more in terms of your virtue.” In two bold moves Tanner pushed the mannequin aside and pulled Amanda into his arms. Another cheer went up from the crowd pressed around the window, and Maxine let out a dramatic stage sigh.
As Tanner bent closer, Amanda saw the twin sparks of mischief and desire in his eyes. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“Wouldn’t I?”
He was so close, she could feel the warmth of his breath against her cheek. Her thighs felt scorched where they touched his. Before she could be seduced by Tanner, she regained her fighting spirit.
“The first time you took my virtue, we didn’t have an audience.”
She felt his arms slacken, saw the indecision flit briefly across his face. It was a small moment of triumph, a reminder that their past could not be forgotten—nor forgiven.
She pressed her advantage. “I have work to do. You’ll have to find another companion for your buggy, and whatever else you have in mind. Why don’t you ask Evelyn Jo?”
“Jealous, Amanda?”
&nb
sp; His mischievous grin reminded her of the time he’d let a bullfrog loose in the auditorium during Parents’ Day.
“Certainly not. I’m glad you’ve found another recipient for your wicked charms.”
“Do you find me charming?”
She found him so charming that she was in danger of making a complete fool of herself right in her own display window. Somehow the game she was playing didn’t seem to be working right. Seeing Tanner was supposed to disenchant her, not confuse her, and certainly not seduce her. It was time to end the game.
“You lost your charm long ago, Tanner, when you chose a pigskin over me. I much prefer the steady attraction of a man like Claude to that will-o’-the-wisp behavior you call charm.”
Tanner’s eyes blazed as he reached out and scooped her up into his arms. He held her so hard against his chest, she could barely breathe.
“Claude isn’t here for you to run to, Amanda. It’s just you and me.”
“Put me down!”
There was no humor in his smile. “Afraid?”
“Not of the devil. And certainly not of you.”
“You should be.”
The window shook as he stepped down, clutching Amanda tightly against his chest.
“You pirate. Where are you going?”
“On a picnic. You’ll love it.”
“I have a shop to run.”
Tanner turned to Maxine. “Can you handle the shop by yourself today?”
“Don’t you dare say yes,” Amanda warned.
Maxine fluffed up her blond hair and grinned. “I can handle this shop even if a herd of buffalo come stampeding in here. You two go on and have fun.”
“Fun!” Amanda’s angry retort was lost in the tinkling of the shop’s bell as Tanner opened the door.
He turned back to Maxine. “Thanks, doll. I owe you.”
“You can send me an outrageously expensive wedding gift.”
“I’ll do more than that. I’ll pay for the honeymoon.”
“Well, hot damn.”
“It’s a conspiracy,” Amanda muttered as Tanner strode boldly onto the street.
The townspeople, who had waited around for the finale, clapped and cheered, then scattered to go on about their Christmas errands.
“The whole town must be in on this.”
“Haven’t you read the papers? I’m their favorite native son. They love me.”
“Well, I don’t.”
“Good. That means nobody will be hurt this time.”
They glared at each other. Amanda was shocked at what she saw in his eyes. Remnants of pain. She recognized it because she’d seen it in her own eyes too often not to know. A tiny glow of hope flickered to life inside her. Was it possible that after eleven years a part of Tanner still loved her as she did him? After everything they’d done to each other, could they have a second chance?
The warm December breeze lifted a strand of her hair and brushed it gently against his cheek. She saw the softening of his expression. It almost resembled love.
Her hand trembled as she reached up to touch his familiar square jaw. The moment took on a brilliant clarity. Each note of the Christmas music drifting from the stores was joyful and hauntingly sweet. The chatter of the Christmas shoppers added a gay counterpoint to the music. Even the timid rattle of leaves in the old oak beside her shop and the scolding of a gray city squirrel added to the beautiful melody that was playing around her. Lard Pritchard’s whistle marked the time.
Her fingertips brushed his face, hesitantly, tenderly. He leaned close to her, so close that their breath mingled. She could almost taste his lips. Her tongue drew a tiny circle around her mouth.
Tanner closed his eyes and let out a harsh breath. Pulling back, he stared into her face.
“How am I doing, Amanda? Is this the kind of courtship you like? Is this what it takes to get you into my bed?”
The hand that had been caressing his face drew back and slapped him. “You frivolous playboy. You’ll never get me into your bed. Never!”
“If that little love pat is all the fight you’re going to put up, I’ve got this touchdown as good as made.” He walked with confidence and arrogance as he crossed the sidewalk and placed her in the surrey.
“You never could get your mind off football for long, could you, Tanner?” She gave the enormous, foil-wrapped box a vicious kick. “If you think I’m here against my will, you’re sadly mistaken. I’m going on this damned buggy ride so I can verify all the reasons I jilted you in the first place. Every minute I spend with you confirms the wisdom of marrying Claude.”
She’d waved the red flag, and she knew it. It gave her a malicious satisfaction to see the tightening of his jaw.
“If Claude was so damned wonderful, why aren’t you still married to him?” The surrey creaked as he stepped in.
“I’m not about to swap bedroom tales with you.”
“Claude wasn’t any good in bed?”
Tanner snapped the reins and got the old mule into motion.
“I didn’t say that. As a matter of fact, Claude was—”
“I didn’t ask for the gory details.” Tanner’s voice was harsh as he cut her off.
Amanda felt a small surge of triumph that she’d touched a nerve, but it didn’t compensate for the death of a dream. Apparently fate had never meant for the two of them to love. Tanner’s negligence eleven years before, and his coldness now, made that achingly clear to her. As the mule clopped slowly down the street and they sat side by side in icy silence, she was grateful that Christmas wouldn’t last forever. Soon it would be over and Tanner would go back to Dallas. Until then she’d endure. She’d meet every one of his outrageous tactics with fire and spirit. She’d use him, just as he was using her. Catharsis was the name of the game. Each time she was with Tanner, she’d take mental notes of his shortcomings. People didn’t change. The man sitting beside her was the same man she’d once jilted—and with good cause. She’d keep reminding herself of that until she was convinced.
They were almost on the outskirts of town before Tanner spoke.
“You took back your maiden name.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Is it important?”
He turned and gazed at her a long time before answering. “Everything about you is important.” Tanner saw the beginnings of her beautiful smile. It shook his resolve to bed her and leave her. He almost changed his mind.
“Is it?” Her soft inquiry felt like nails driven through his heart.
“Yes,” he wanted to say. But the empty years and the remembered pain got in the way.
“Certainly.” He turned his attention back to keeping the old mule on a straight course to the river. Not looking at Amanda helped him play out the deceit. “The way to win is to know your opponent.”
“Life is a big game to you, isn’t it, Tanner?”
“Is that what you thought when you left me?”
“I didn’t leave you. You left me.”
“I’d hardly call going to Alabama on a football scholarship leaving you. Besides, I was there when you came over to visit.”
“After all these years you still don’t understand, do you?”
“I tried, Amanda. Heaven knows I tried.”
“You were there physically, Tanner, but Claude is the one I had to depend on. When we’d leave Southern University on the weekend and drive over to see you, nine times out of ten we’d have to wait in line behind your coach, your football teammates, your fans, and the press.”
“You knew how I felt about football before you agreed to marry me.”
“I guess I really didn’t know until your last year in college. When you broke Joe Namath’s passing record, made All-SEC, and won the Heisman Trophy, you became a public property. I wanted a husband, Tanner, and a real home—and children.”
“I love children. We would have had them.”
“When? During time-outs at football games?”
“I’d forgotten how stubborn
you are, Amanda. It’s a damn good thing we didn’t marry.”
“Right. With your pigheadedness. . .
“And your sassy tongue. . .”
“And your high-handed ways. . .”
“And your slave-driver approach to work. . .”
“Don’t forget your frivolity. . .”
“Not to mention your redheaded temper . . .”
They both burst out laughing. The old mule slowly turned his head to see what all the commotion was about. Seeing nothing but two happy people, he continued his poky pace to the river.
When they had stopped laughing, Tanner reached over and took her hand.
“Mandy, I’m completely out of the mood to seduce you.”
“What a relief. I’m out of the mood to fight with you.”
“Good. What do you say we run up the white flag and enjoy the rest of the day?”
“Agreed. How long is this truce going to last, Tanner?”
“At least all day. Maybe even two days. I guess I’m feeling the Christmas spirit.”
“And I’m feeling enormously hungry. Did you bring a picnic lunch?”
“I was so busy convincing old Josephine to pull this surrey and getting the candy that I guess I forgot.”
“Chocolate?”
He grinned. “Yes. I remembered your sweet tooth.”
“Well, don’t keep me waiting. Where is it?”
“It’s in that big box you kicked.”
Amanda leaned down and ripped off the foil wrapping. “If I’ve destroyed one precious bite of chocolate, I’m going to be devastated.” She pulled out a Hershey bar with almonds, tore into the wrapper, and took a big bite. “Ummmm. Delicious.” She took another bite and rolled her eyes heavenward. “I’d die for candy.”
“You’d live on it if somebody didn’t remind you to eat right. Who does that now, Mandy?”
“Maxine. She plays mother hen to me all the time.”
“I’ll have to remember to thank her.” Tanner chuckled as he watched her reach into the box and attack another candy bar. He loved the way she nibbled the almonds, bit by tiny bit, savoring every piece. He never knew he’d be jealous of a chocolate bar. “What about me? Don’t I get one little bite?”
