by Lori Leger
He took a few steps closer. “It’s the same thing, hon—”
“I despise pet names.”
“Every birthday, holiday, anniversary, or grand opening in the family, I’ll be there. I plan on becoming a permanent fixture in your life—hon.”
“I doubt that.”
“But we have time for all that. Why don’t we just agree to be friends for now?”
“Oh, let’s not.”
He sighed then smiled seductively at her. “You’re only prolonging the inevitable.”
She shook her head and opened the door. “Arrogance is such a turn off, and you positively reek of it.”
“You weren’t turned off in the club the other night,” he said.
She cast him a sidelong glance. “You weren’t arrogant that night. If you had been, I wouldn’t have wasted a dance on you.”
“You wasted a lot more than a dance, as you well remember, and there’s a difference between arrogance and knowing what you want, Annie,” he drawled as she made her escape.
Drake leaned casually against the door jamb to watch her walk off. “And I sure as hell know what I want!” he called after her.
Chapter 20
By the time Annie got back inside, both tables and the island were nearly all occupied. She leaned inside the wide door opening of the room while her father prepared to say grace. The noticeable disturbance in her air space told her Drake was near. She couldn’t help but wonder what the hell it was about the man that made her want to scratch his eyes out and tear his clothes off at the same time.
Annie closed her eyes as her father began the blessing. She bowed her head, feeling Drake’s overpowering presence as he moved beside her, his arm a hairsbreadth away from her own. She resisted the urge to fan her face, feeling suffocated by the heat his body produced.
Pete recited a standard blessing, ending with heartfelt message. “We’re especially thankful for the addition of five new family members, one being newborn Bryn, along with Tiffany, Leah, Daniel, and Drake.”
A not so subtle nudge from Drake had Annie glaring up into his smiling, smug face as everyone else ended with a hearty ‘Amen’.
“Told you so,” he drawled, sending her a sexy as hell wink.
“Arrogant ass!” she hissed.
“Watch your mouth, hon...it’s the Christ child’s birthday,” he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Annie’s ire peaked, furious at herself for letting him get to her. “Yeah, well—every nativity I’ve ever seen includes a donkey. Baby Jesus had his ass and I guess I’m stuck with you until this duet’s over with. I’m done with you after that.”
He leaned close to whisper in her ear. “It’ll be sleeting in hell the day you’re done with me.”
She pulled away, ignoring the frisson of awareness his nearness caused. “Only in your dreams.”
“Yours too, I’d wager.”
She turned haughtily and went to find a chair at the huge table where two extra chairs had been placed to accommodate all of the adults. When Red motioned for Drake to sit next to her, she grabbed her plate, filling it with her favorites and stood up. “I’ll sit with the kids today. It’s not as stuffy in there.”
“Annie...,” Vivienne spoke quietly.
She locked gazes with her mother, who gestured with a single hand motion for her to sit and remain seated. Obediently, she obeyed, knowing her mom would not tolerate any such form of rudeness at the Christmas meal. Unable to resist, she cast a look at her neighbor.
Drake winked at her and gave her that crooked grin that made her want to attack him on the spot.
“Stuck with me,” he whispered.
She did her best to ignore him as the conversations became decidedly more animated. Drake joined in the joviality, as well as his father and Leah, all three obviously delighted at being included in this festive occasion. She fidgeted nervously, nibbling occasionally at her food. Suddenly tired of pretending to eat, she gave up and shoved her plate away.
Drake leaned in close. “What’s wrong?”
“I seem to have lost my appetite.”
“Are you ill?”
“No, I’m sure it’s only the close proximity to you.”
“Maybe you’re nervous about the duet.”
“Should I be? Can you even play?” she asked.
“I can play,” he stated.
“How well?”
Thankfully, Drake spoke low enough to keep his response private. “Oh, about as well as I can make out on a dance floor with you.”
Annie watched as his lips curled up into a smirk that made her want to slap it right off of his face. She narrowed her eyes at him. “I’m glad you find this so amusing, Marcus.”
He put another slice of turkey breast in his plate. “I have to admit that I do, Nicole, but we really do need to practice together. I know I won’t have a problem. I mean, I wrote the damn thing. I just don’t know if you can handle a duet, now that I hear you insisting how you’re into spending the rest of your life solo.”
“Bite me.”
His lips curved upward in a lazy smile as his voice lowered to a tantalizing decibel. “Now that’s the best suggestion you’ve had all day. Do I get to choose the spot?”
Annie turned away from his sexy brown eyes, but not before a shiver ran through her. “Arrogance…” she snarled quietly, before leaving the table.
Once the scrumptious meal was over with, the younger adults pitched in to clean Red’s kitchen. When Daniel and Leah asked if someone would show them the rest of the ranch Pete and Vivienne were more than happy to oblige them.
With the two couples out of sight, the musicians made quick work of setting up their instruments. Drake placed his keyboard next to Red’s piano and warmed up, feeling Annie’s gaze on him.
Annie warmed up a little, flexed her fingers, and waited.
The piece began with Drake’s piano part and Red singing his stanza in his soulful baritone, while everyone else sang harmony in the background. When he was done, Tiffany sang her part in a strong, clear voice accompanied by Annie on the piano as well as the other instruments. The last verse and final repeat of the chorus culminated in the merging of all singers as well as the instruments. The result was such that those who weren’t participating remained motionless, obviously captivated by the piece. As the last notes were played out, the room was filled with an overpowering silence.
Finally Sienna sniffed loudly. “That was amazing.”
Miranda, who was hearing it for the first time, nodded. “They are so going to love this performance.”
“Did anyone hear anything that needs adjusting?” Red asked.
“Nope, it’s perfect the way it is. That piano duet is truly breathtaking.” Miranda looked out the side window. “Hey, they’re coming back everyone.”
“Are we good, then?” Red asked. “Annie, Drake—do you need another practice run?”
“I’m good,” she said quietly.
“Me too,” Drake agreed.
“Alright then, everyone stay where you are and we can get this thing over with as soon as they come back in.” He looked over at his wife. “Hey Doc, you were wonderful.”
“Thanks Babe.” Tiffany leaned over to accept his tender kiss then pulled him closer to deepen the kiss right in front of Annie and Drake.
Drake watched her reaction, a rolling of the eyes. She opened her mouth to speak but caught sight of Drake and closed her mouth, seeming to think better of it.
“What, no comment?” Red asked.
She shrugged as if it didn’t have any effect on her. “I guess I’m getting desensitized.”
Red grinned at his sister. “Yeah, I’m sure that’s it.”
“I thought Jackson and Giselle were going to be here today,” she said, desperate to change the subject.
“They went to Carrie and Sam’s for lunch, but they said they would be here around three o’clock to see everyone. We might have to perform this one more time, is that alright?”
“Good, Julia and Jacob should be here by then,” Chad added, speaking of his estranged wife and their son. “I’m sure they’d like to hear this.”
When the two older couples re-entered the house, Chad’s daughter, Miranda, escorted her grandparents into the living room. They sat, front and center, waiting and wearing curious expressions.
Red approached his parents. “Mom and Dad, we know you don’t like us to do anything special for your anniversary, but we thought it’s time we showed you how special it was for all of us to grow up with your wonderful influence in our lives. We were fortunate to have parents who truly love each other and weren’t afraid to express it. My beautiful wife and I wrote this song for you and my talented brother in law, Drake, composed the parts for the pianos. This is from all of us, to you.”
Vivienne and Pete sat back on the love seat, he with his arm around his wife. After several moments, the ensemble began to play and sing the beautiful song that had been composed in their honor. Sienna handed Vivienne some tissues when she began to cry silently. There was no other noise in the room as every man, woman, and child who wasn’t part of the musical group listened attentively. When it was over, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room among the adults and older grandchildren.
Vivienne, who had struggled to keep control over her emotions, began to cry openly. Pete held her closely and pulled out his handkerchief to wipe his own eyes and try his best to comfort his wife. Vivienne finally scanned the room, seeking out her children and anyone else who’d participated in the song. “This is absolutely the best gift you’ve ever given us. That was beautiful, and we love you all so much.” She turned into her husband’s arms and she began to cry again.
Pete smiled as he held his wife. “Your mother’s right. It was wonderful, and we couldn’t ask for a better group of children. I know you’re all adults now, but to your mother and I you’ll always be our babies. Just wait,” he said, giving them a hearty laugh. “You’ll see one day.”
Vivienne wiped her eyes with a tissue. “Oh, wait until the Garden Club hears about this. I know none of them have ever had a song written and performed for them.” She placed a hand over her heart. “You kids are the best.”
Annie hugged her mother. “If we are, it’s all thanks to you and Daddy. And, and as much as it pains me to admit this, I’m beginning to enjoy seeing you two act all ‘lovey dovey’.” She glared at the astonished faces of her siblings. “As long as you don’t overdo it,” she added, before pointing at Red to shut down his response. “Hush, Red! Nobody pushed your button.”
Red held up a hand. “I didn’t say a thing.”
Daniel approached Drake and slapped his shoulder. “That was played beautifully, Son. I knew you played, but I had no idea you composed. And you,” he said, turning to his daughter. “I had no idea you had such a gorgeous singing voice. You get that from my side of the family, you know,” he said, beaming with pride.
“Do we? Do you sing?” she asked him.
“Well, sure. I sang in a band to earn extra money when I was in college,” he said. “But nothing close to what I heard from you just now. That was beautiful. You sound just like my mother.” Tiffany gave her father a big hug as Drake watched in approval.
<><><>
Around three, Tiffany made a huge pot of coffee and asked who was ready for dessert. “We have banana pudding pies, lemon meringue, and pecan pies.” She turned to Drake. “Wait until you taste Vievienne’s goodies, Drake. Pecan pralines, fudge, and divinity like Melinda’s. She could sell it and make a killing, I’m not kidding.”
Drake’s eyes widened. “That’s what I’m talking about!”
As soon as everyone had been served dessert and coffee, the doorbell rang. Giselle burst through the door with her family. “Are we in time for dessert?” she blurted.
“Absolutely, and Merry Christmas,” Tiffany said, giving her friends hugs.
Within moments, the doorbell rang again and Red walked in with Julia and Jacob in tow.
Chad and Miranda met them and Julia hugged her daughter tightly, while Chad did the same with his son.
Red watched as Julia’s gaze settled briefly on her husband’s, but just long to make her eyes blur with tears as she turned away.
“Merry Christmas Julia,” Chad spoke quietly while offering to take her coat.
Julia relinquished her jacket, somehow managing to avoid further eye contact with him. “You too, Chad.”
She stepped into the living room and walked straight into Vivienne’s open arms.
“I’ve missed you so much, Jules,” Vivienne told her daughter in law.
Julia stood there holding tightly to her mother in law. “I’ve missed you too, Vivi. Tea and crumpets don’t compare to your good coffee and banana nut bread, or your company.”
Julia felt a firm hand on her shoulder and turned to see Pete standing there. “Mr. Pete,” she said, letting the big man wrap her in his strong arms. “God, I’ve missed all of you,” she sobbed.
“We feel the same way,” Pete told her. He finally let her go, so her sisters in law could close in on her.
She beamed when Kathleen walked in the room carrying newborn Brynn, hugged Kenneth, and finally turned to Red who’d watched it all, waiting patiently to introduce her to Tiffany.
“I finally get to meet the woman who has brought this confirmed bachelor to his knees!” she said, laughing. “Tiffany, it is such a pleasure to meet you.”
<><><>
The end of coffee and dessert time heralded the opening of gifts. The four oldest grandchildren were the designated Santa’s helpers as they passed out presents to everyone.
Tiffany cried when she opened a gift from her new mother in law, a leather bound book with Tiffany Danielle LeBlanc McAllister and her birthday, February 12th, stamped in gold on the cover. As it turned out, Melinda had sent digital files of whatever photos she had to Vivienne, who had wasted no time in organizing the book and sending it off as a rush order. Tiffany stopped at a picture of an infant with a woman who seemed to be about fifty years old. The woman had curly brown hair, large brown eyes, and looked remarkably like Tiffany. “Daddy, who is this?”
Daniel’s eyes filled with tears. “That’s you and your grandmother, my mom.”
“I look just like her,” she said. “Why weren’t there ever any pictures of her around the house?”
Daniel smiled sadly and patted his daughter’s hand. “I’ll tell you all about it later.”
She nodded, continued for now to flip through the pages to see a few other photos of her with her grandmother and snapshots of her and Drake that she hadn’t seen in years.
“I remember seeing some of these when we were kids. I never realized they were Melinda’s photo albums, but I guess I should have.” She wiped her eyes. “I miss her so much,” she said quietly.
“You sent her an invitation to the wedding, didn’t you?” Red asked.
“Yes, but they can’t make it. Greg’s the mayor of the city and Melin’s got a bakery to run.” Tiffany smiled through her tears and looked up at her brother’s approach. “Drake, you need to take a look at this book.”
“Oh, I almost forgot!” Vivienne said. She walked to the foyer, then back into the room with another large, square, flat box and handed it to Drake. “This one’s for you, Drake. It was delivered late yesterday and I didn’t have a chance to wrap it.”
Drake ripped open the tab and pulled out the leather bound album, identical to Tiffany’s but with the words Marcus Drake LeBlanc and the date July 4th embossed in gold lettering.
“Ms. Vivienne...I...I don’t know what to say,” he told the tiny woman. “I can’t believe you went through this much trouble for me,” he said, touched by her actions.
“You’re family now, too,” she said quietly.
He opened it, skimming through each page quickly. He closed the book and gave Vivienne a big bear hug. “I want you to know how much this means to me, but I want to check it out later, when I won’t make a fo
ol of myself,” he whispered to her.
Vivienne laughed and gave his face a gentle pat. “I understand, Drake. That’s what my boys did, too,” she said.
He straightened up and looked at his sister who was watching the display of affection with tears in her eyes. “I have my own book,” he said with attitude, trying to lighten the mood.
“I see that. There’s no need to get all cocky,” she said as those within hearing distance chuckled with laughter.
It took another hour for everyone to finish unwrapping gifts, dispose the paper, and clear the area under the tree.
Tiffany turned to her husband and thanked him again for the gorgeous diamond necklace.
“You’re welcome, and I can’t wait to see my gift from you.” He looked at the picture of the beautiful pair of quarter horses she’d asked Leah to acquire for them, along with new saddles and everything they’d need to care for them.
“They won’t be delivered until after we get back from the honeymoon,” she said. “That way we won’t have to have anyone tend to them while we’re gone.”
He pulled her into his arms. “That sounds good. Have I mentioned how much I’m looking forward to our honeymoon?” he murmured into her ear.
Tiffany gave her husband a sexy little smile and kissed him before pulling away. She turned to her father and picked up the receipt for the savings account he’d opened with the name McAllister Grandchild Number One written on the outside of the envelope. “Thanks Dad, this is really generous of you,” she said of the $50,000.00 deposit showing in the book.
Daniel beamed at his only daughter. “It’s just the beginning. My grandchildren will be able to go to any college they want to and not have to worry about it,” he told her. “I just hope they start coming soon.”
“Ah, Dad, be careful what you wish for,” she whispered.
“Are you?” he asked, sounding hopeful.
Tiffany shook her head. “Not that I know of, but maybe within a couple of months. Red has started calling our honeymoon a ‘Procreation Vacation’.
Daniel put his head back and laughed. “Hell, I like the sound of that. I think I should warn you that I plan on being a doting grandfather, you know.” He paused. “When you have time, I’d like to explain something to you about your mother, Tiff.”
