Everyone turned to him.
“Thank you,” the staff member said. “I have some excellent help.”
“I have one more bow to tie and I’ll be ready,” Cass called.
There was a happy note in her voice. That had been missing when she’d first arrived and he rather liked hearing it. Had he had anything to do with putting it there? He really hoped so. “We have time.”
She moved up a step with only a slight hesitation. Soon she would be coming down those stairs as part of her graduation and be leaving him. The thought brought a wince deep within him. Did he want her to stay? Could he ask her to? He refused to do a long-distance relationship again. From experience he’d learned those didn’t work. Cass’s life was going all over the world, helping people, and his was staying here and doing the same. It would never work. It would be better for both of them to let go sooner than later.
Another few minutes went by before Cass came down the steps slowly, holding tightly to the rail, but she was doing it on her own. She approached him.
“You have made progress. It won’t be long before you’ll be going up and coming down the grand staircase instead of using the lift.”
She smiled and his world brightened. “I have to admit that a few weeks ago I looked at it as if it was Mount Everest. I was halfway up before I knew it.”
“You’ve worked hard. You should be proud of yourself.” Lyle was.
“Thanks.” Cass picked up her coat off a chair and slipped into it. Buttoning it, she quickly wrapped the scarf around her neck and pulled on her hat.
“Ready?”
“I am.” She headed toward the front door.
Lyle followed. When they were out of hearing of the others he asked, “I thought you didn’t want anyone to know about our...uh, friendship? You didn’t seem to mind the others knowing you were going out with me.”
Over her shoulder she said, “I told them you were testing my endurance by going for a walk with me.”
“Ah, I see.” He had a sour taste in his mouth. When she had suggested the other night that they keep their relationship between themselves it’d seemed the wise thing to do. Now he wanted people to know that Cass was his and he hers. Or was it really that way? “We do need to walk to my place and then take the car from there.”
“Your parents live far?” She started around the castle toward the path to his cottage.
“No, but further than you would even wish to walk.”
They were soon out of sight of the castle and Lyle took her hand. His heart thumped an extra beat when she didn’t pull away. After they reached the seclusion of the large trees, he pulled her behind one and into his arms.
“I’ve waited too long to do this.” His lips found hers.
Unsure what Cass’s reaction would be, he was elated when she stepped into him and joined him in a kiss that should have melted the snow beneath their feet. They stayed like that until the wind blew and a pile of snow dropped off a branch, landing on their shoulders. They giggled like school kids then started toward his place again.
Once there, Lyle led her to the detached garage to where he kept his car. Inside it, he reached over and cupped her cheek. “I have missed you. I wished there was time to take you inside and have my way with you, but my mother is expecting us.”
Cass smiled. “We all like to keep our parents happy.”
He groaned. “That we do.” He’d spent the better part of his life trying to do just that and was still managing to disappoint his father. If he returned to the army, he would be choosing his father’s happiness over his own.
* * *
Cass looked over at Lyle as he backed out of the garage. It had been so long since she had been alone with him that she’d feared she might rush into his arms when she did have him to herself. The moment she had looked up from tying the bow to the spindle and her gaze had locked with his, her heart had galloped like a horse making the last quarter-mile.
What had he been thinking? Had he been as excited to see her? She’d left things between them as if their time together had been nothing but a nice evening. She’d been fooling herself. Being with Lyle had been more than that. She couldn’t say that to him earlier in the lounge, so she was glad to have the invitation to his parents’. They would have a chance to talk. More than that, to touch.
She’d only agreed to help decorate the foyer because it gave her nervous energy an outlet. If she hadn’t, she would have been pacing the floor when he arrived. It had to have been high school since she’d last been this wired up about seeing a guy. Her attraction to Lyle had tipped over into need in such a short time.
That horse had broken into an even faster gallop the second Lyle had pulled her out of sight of the castle and kissed her. She’d been back where she belonged. When the snow had fallen on them she had laughed like she hadn’t laughed in far too long. Instead of having second thoughts about becoming involved with Lyle, she was running headlong into doing so. Especially by going to his parents’ house.
After Lyle had driven onto the main road, he took her hand and held it as often as the narrow winding roads would allow. He drove through the village and out the other side. Soon he turned into a lane that led to a stately house that was a larger version of Lyle’s cottage.
Lyle’s mother greeted her by pulling her into a hug. Cass instantly missed her own mother, who she hoped to see soon. She glanced at Lyle. That would mean she would be leaving him. At that moment, she decided she would make the most of the time she had with him. She wanted this happiness to last as long as possible. The difference between misery and joy had been made clear over the last couple of weeks and she would take all the cheer in life she could grab for as long as she could have it. Right now, that meant being with Lyle.
When Mrs. Sinclair finished embracing Cass, she moved on to Lyle with the same vigor, as if she hadn’t seen him in years. Done, she escorted them into a living area where the TV was on. Lyle’s father didn’t stand as they entered.
Mr. Sinclair did offer his hand. “Hello again, young lady.”
Lyle would age well based on his father’s looks, despite the older man’s illness. Some other woman would get to watch that. Cass wasn’t going to think of that now. “Hello. Thanks for having me.”
“Glad to. Hello, son.” He and Lyle shook hands.
Something about the action bothered Cass. Shouldn’t they have hugged? A second of coolness seemed to surround them.
“Cass and I are going to the kitchen to have our knitting lesson,” Mrs. Sinclair announced, and turned to Cass. “Unless you have changed your mind?”
“Oh, no, I would love to learn.”
“Then come with me. Lyle, you watch the match with your dad while we have our lesson.” Mrs. Sinclair waved a hand at him as she moved toward a door off the room.
Cass glanced at Lyle who was already settling into a chair. Maybe Cass had just been imagining things. Lyle acted as if spending time with his father wasn’t a problem.
She found the more she was around Lyle’s parents the more she liked them. His mother was what every mother should be—warm and open. His father was harder to get to know with his gruff voice and iron exterior, but Cass suspected he loved his wife and son deeply, and they him.
Cass followed Mrs. Sinclair into the kitchen. It, like the rest of the house, was in perfect order. The counter tops were spotless and the floor gleamed.
“Why don’t we sit by the fire? We’ll be warm there.”
A large range sat against one wall with two rocking chairs in front of it. Beside one of the chairs was a basket full of yarn with large needles stuck in it.
Cass took the chair that didn’t have the basket next to it, reasoning that it was Mrs. Sinclair’s.
Lyle’s mother settled into the other. “We’re going to start with something simple. Just learn to knit. I think it will be all that you want to do in the first
lesson. Now I’m going to show you how to start then I’m going to let you do it.”
Cass eagerly sat on the edge of her seat, watching every move Mrs. Sinclair made. “That sounds fine. I know nothing about knitting.”
Mrs. Sinclair’s mouth formed a smile much like Lyle’s. “Today you’ll learn. Here are some needles and you pick out a skein of wool.”
“They’re all so lovely.” Cass decided on a blue that reminded her of the color of Lyle’s eyes. When she was gone at least she would have that to remember him by.
Lyle’s mother picked up some needles and pulled out a length of wool. “The first thing you want to do is make a small loop and slide it onto one of the needles.”
Mrs. Sinclair was already in her element. Cass watched intently.
“Now you bring this up around here, the tip of the needle through here and the wool around like this.” The wool worked perfectly onto the needle. “Now I want you to try with your needles and wool.”
Cass did as she had been shown until it was time to move the wool up and around the needle.
“Not quite, dear.” Mrs. Sinclair’s voice was patient. Did Lyle get that from her as well? “Let me show you.” She brought the wool around and got Cass started correctly once again.
Cass had made ten rows and was proud of her accomplishment when Lyle’s voice came from behind her. “It looks like you’re making progress.”
Cass held up what she had done. “Look, I’m actually knitting.”
He smiled as if he was proud of her as well.
“She’s a really good student,” Mrs. Sinclair offered.
“Cass is good at anything she puts her mind to,” Lyle said.
A warmth that had nothing to do with the fire spread through her. Looking over her shoulder again, Cass saw Lyle gazing at her with a twinkle in his eye. Was he thinking about their time together in bed? She gave him a shy smile then glanced at his mother to find her watching them closely. Did she see the attraction between them?
“I hate to break this up, but Dad and I were wondering how long it would be until dinner?”
Mrs. Sinclair put her work into her basket and stood. “Lyle Sinclair, you know as well as anyone that in this house we eat promptly at six. We have all your life. Gregor wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Yes, once in the army always in the army.” Lyle said it as fact, but there was a note of bitterness there as well.
She gave her son a direct look. “I’ll have you know I don’t worry about you starving when you eat Mrs. Renwick’s food all the time.”
Lyle’s mood lightened. “I do have to be careful not to overdo it there.”
Cass placed her work in the basket as well. “What can I do to help?”
“We’re just having a chicken pie tonight. It’s already in the oven so there’s not much to do except set the table.”
“Lyle and I can take care of that, can’t we?” Cass looked at him.
An amazed look came to his face, but he nodded. “Yes, we can.”
Over the next few minutes she and Lyle gathered what was needed. A couple of times he brushed past her, making her tingle all over. When she asked him for a fork he handed it across the table in a manner that let him trail his fingers over her palm, which started her center throbbing. She’d had no idea that setting the table could be such an erotic activity. Her eyes met his. She didn’t see a flicker of desire there, but a fire burning.
His mother cleared her throat, bringing them back to where they were. Cass dropped the fork with a clang onto a plate.
Lyle, the devil, grinned and picked it up. He put it in its place. “All done, Mum.”
His mother smiled. “Thank you.” She turned back to the counter to where a large bowl sat. “Oh, my goodness, we all need to give the pudding a stir. I don’t want to forget it.”
“Pudding a stir?” Cass gave the bowl a dubious look. “Exactly what’re we doing?”
“Stirring the Christmas pudding,” Mrs. Sinclair stated, as if it was a great occasion.
“I don’t know what a Christmas pudding is.” Cass looked into the bowl from which she had removed the cloth.
“I think they call it a fruit cake in America.” Lyle moved up beside Cass.
“I have heard of them but never seen one or eaten one.” Cass still studied the mixture.
“You’ll have to join us for some in a few weeks.” Lyle’s mother pulled out a large wooden spoon from a drawer.
Cass felt more than saw Lyle tense beside her. Did it matter to him that she would be gone soon? It did her. She wanted as much time with him as possible before she left. “I’m not sure that I’ll be here that long.”
“Well, if you’re here then you must come for a slice.” Mrs. Sinclair didn’t miss a beat. “You need to stir three times and then make a wish.”
Lyle’s mother handed her the spoon.
Wish? What should she wish for? To hurry home? For a new partner? She wasn’t sure she was ready for that. She glanced at Lyle. To have him in her life always? What did she want most? Happiness. She glanced at Lyle. She felt that right now. But could it last?
It took more effort than she’d anticipated to stir the thick mixture but she managed to make the three turns. She made her wish.
“So what did you ask for?” Lyle took the spoon and started to stir.
“I can’t tell you that. It won’t come true.” And she wanted it to come true no matter how improbable and unrealistic it was.
His mother stepped away. Lyle whispered, “Was it about me?”
Cass whispered back, “Such an ego.”
“Lyle, if you’ll carry the pie to the table and Cass brings the beans, I think we’ll be ready.” Mrs. Sinclair pulled a round golden-brown-crusted pie out of the oven. It smelled heavenly. She set it on the counter.
Lyle then picked it up and moved it to the table. His mother handed her the bowl with beans in it.
“Gregor,” Mrs. Sinclair called. “Come to the table.”
Lyle’s father joined them, but it took him a while. He moved slowly.
Over the next hour they enjoyed good food and lively conversation. Cass looked around the cozy room. At Lyle. This was what she would like to have in her life. Lyle smiled at her. This was happiness.
“So what do you do in America?” Lyle’s father asked her.
Her heart sank at the reminder. This wasn’t her home. “I work in search and rescue.” Did she still, though?
Gregor nodded. “Interesting work.”
“It can be.” She didn’t really want to talk about it. “I understand you’re retired military?”
He sat straighter, if that was possible. “I am. All the men in my family have made a career in the armed forces.” He gave Lyle, who had turned stony-faced, a pointed look. “I’m hoping Lyle will decide to go active again soon.”
She looked at Lyle, who was pushing food around on his plate. Had she said something wrong?
“Dad, let’s not get into that now.”
For the first time since Cass had arrived Mrs. Sinclair had no smile on her face. An uncomfortable feeling settled around them, completely wiping out the ease of earlier.
She had said something wrong!
Lyle’s request went unnoticed by Mr. Sinclair. “You need to do it soon or time will run out for promotions.”
“Isn’t Lyle needed here? You should have seen him in action the other night. He had two patients to see about and then me. I understand that he’s the only emergency medical care around here. That’s a big burden for anyone. I think there are different ways of fighting for people. You did it by being in the military and Lyle does it by caring for people when they are hurt. In my book you’re both heroes.”
The others looked at her, speechless. Not even Mr. Sinclair said a thing. Lyle gave her a tender look of wonderment and a
ppreciation.
Mrs. Sinclair pushed back from the table. “I’ll get those biscuits I bought at the market the other day for dessert.”
* * *
An hour later Lyle was driving them back to his cottage.
“I hope I didn’t say anything wrong at dinner,” Cass said in a small voice. “I didn’t mean to.”
Lyle couldn’t believe that Cass had even asked that. After her speech to his father Lyle’s chest had puffed out like a bird preening for a new mate. Few managed to put his father in his place and Cass had done it effortlessly and had complimented his father at the same time. Lyle looked at her like she was a queen. “You were wonderful. The subject is an age-old sticky issue between my father and me.”
“How’s that?” Her attention was focused on him.
“You could tell that I’m a disappointment to him. He’s sick. Dying, in fact.”
Cass squeezed the hand he already held. “I’m sorry.”
“I am, too. If I re-enlisted he’d be so happy. I could give him that before he died. Right now, I’m letting the family name down.”
“You are not! He can’t believe that. You help people. Look how much you have helped me.”
Lyle raised a brow and gave her a suggestive look. “I don’t help all the residents in the same way as I have you.”
Her lips turned up in a smirk and she poked him in the shoulder with a finger. “And you had better not.”
He was even feeling better about himself after that statement. It was the first time Cass had indicated that she felt any ownership of him, that he was important to her on a level outside bed. He liked the idea of her being jealous. She was definitely good for his ego.
Lyle pulled into his garage and turned off the engine. Twisting toward Cass he brought her to him. She looked at him expectantly. “I thought you were perfect tonight. Thank you for the vote of confidence. It means a lot. Especially coming from you.”
Cass gave him a tender smile as his lips slowly lowered to hers. They were as soft as he remembered. A second later, her hands gripped his coat and pulled him closer. She returned his kiss. He lifted her onto his lap. It wasn’t until she winced that he remembered her injuries.
Highland Doc's Christmas Rescue Page 12
