Читать книгу The Complete Christmas Collection - Джанис Мейнард, Rebecca Winters - Страница 41

“Hold on to your heart, girl.”

Amy whispered the words and pressed her fingertips to the cold metal of Logan’s truck. By the time she’d made her way back from the stables, the sun had disappeared and night had settled in. The full moon and stars cast a hazy glow over the surrounding fields, lengthening the shadows stretching from the fences and barn.

She grazed her throbbing knuckles over the ring hidden beneath her collar and grimaced, recalling the band on Logan’s hand. Her chest tightened. She shook her head, reached into the bed of Logan’s truck and hefted out one of her black bags.

“Here.” Logan’s chest brushed her back. He reached around her for the bag, his fingers brushing hers. “Let me.”

“I’ve got it.”

Amy hoisted the bag and leaned over to retrieve the second one. Logan scooped it up first. He flicked the cuff of his flannel shirt back and examined the glowing hands of his wristwatch.

“It’s almost six,” he said. “We better get a move on.”

He led the way up the drive toward the main house, the strong line of his back and lean jean-clad hips moving with confidence. Amy’s belly fluttered. She tore her eyes away and surveyed the entrance to the main house which was bathed in the soft glow of the porch lights.

Massive mahogany doors were adorned with lush green wreaths and red ribbons. The colorful cheer extended beyond the wreaths to the crimson ribbon wrapped around the large columns. Poinsettia blooms nestled in the nooks and crannies of the railing lining the porch and the warm glow emanating from inside the house enhanced the twinkling of the white lights draping the posts and eaves.

Christmas. Amy’s steps faltered on the slippery ground. It’d been so long since she’d spent the holidays at home with family. Since she’d left Raintree, the color and comfort of Christmas had faded and the holiday had contorted into a pale passing of a day. A low and lifeless one she’d grown accustomed to spending alone.

Amy swallowed the lump in her throat and strived for a light tone. “Why are all the decorations out already? Mama used to say it was a sin to put up Christmas lights before Thanksgiving was over.”

Logan glanced over his shoulder, his words reaching her in puffy, white drifts. “I imagine Betty was beside herself last night when we didn’t make it back like we’d planned. She probably got overanxious and decided to keep herself busy.”

Amy smiled. Next to cooking, her mother’s second favorite pastime was decorating. Not a single holiday passed without Betty celebrating it in style.

“Betty knows how much you used to love Christmas at Raintree.” Logan waited for her to reach his side, his big palm wrapping around her upper arm to assist her up the steps. “She wants to make this visit perfect for you. We all do.”

Amy’s blood rushed at the husky note in his voice and she curled her fingers around the handle of her bag, tamping down the urge to lean in to him.

Hold on to your heart. This time, she wouldn’t mistake friendship for love. What she felt for Logan was old-fashioned lust and misguided hero worship. She’d do well to remember that.

A loud jingle sounded, both wreaths swinging on their doors as a small figure burst out of the house.

“Amy.”

Betty’s red bangs ruffled in the night breeze, her green eyes glistening with moisture.

Amy’s vision blurred. “Hi, Mama.”

She drew her bag in against her thigh and dipped toward the floor of the porch, the length of her limbs becoming awkward. Betty’s short stature had always made Amy wither, trying not to loom over her.

Betty’s warm palms cradled her cool cheeks then traveled down her arms to caress her wrists. She gently lifted Amy’s arms out to the side, trailing her gaze from the top of her head to the tips of her shoes.

“You look beautiful. I think you grew another inch since I saw you last. You’re just as tall as your father was.” Betty dabbed at the corners of her eyes and smiled. “I’m so glad you came home.” She stretched up on her tiptoes, her kiss grazing the curve of Amy’s jaw. “I’ve missed my sweet girl.”

“I’ve missed you, too.”

Much more than she’d realized. Amy wrapped her arms around her mother in a tight embrace. The rich scent of cinnamon and butter lingered on Betty’s white chef’s apron, releasing in sweet puffs with each of Amy’s squeezes.

Amy giggled and nuzzled her cheek against Betty’s silken hair. “You smell like cookies.”

“That’s because I’ve been baking your favorite ones all afternoon.”

“Cinnamon and sugar?”

“Stacked a mile high,” Betty said, laughing. She released Amy and tugged at Logan’s shoulders, kissing his cheek when he bent his head. “Thank you for bringing her home safely, Logan. I was worried the storm would keep you from making it.”

“You think we’d let a bit of ice keep us from your cooking?” A crooked grin broke out across Logan’s face and his dark eyes sparkled. “Not a chance.”

Betty patted his broad chest, her smile widening. “I made your favorites, too. The green bean casserole and sweet potato soufflé are ready and waiting.” She shivered and rubbed her arms. “Let’s get inside. It’s too chilly out here for comfort.”

Logan nudged the small of Amy’s back, spurring her step on. She followed Betty’s jubilant advance into the cheery interior of the house and found the spacious foyer as warm and welcoming as it’d been in the past. The rich grain of the hardwood floors gleamed, several coats hung from a hall tree bench by the entrance and festive garlands draped elegantly from each banister of the winding staircase.

The low rumble of voices, children laughing and silverware clinking sounded from a large room on the right. Two teenage girls dressed in green-and-black chef uniforms strolled by carting pitchers of iced tea and water.

“You’ve hired some help, I see,” Amy said, noting the girls’ bright smiles and energetic expressions.

Betty nodded. “Raintree has done well the last two years. We’ve had to renovate the family floor and expand to accommodate more guests.” Her eyes brightened. “Logan and Cissy started an apprenticeship program for high school students last year. We have positions for students interested in culinary arts and equine management and the school gives them class credit on a work-based learning program. The kids learn and make money at the same time. And, believe me, those teenagers are a Godsend in the kitchen around the holidays.” She smirked. “Wish I could get your sister to peel potatoes as willingly as they do.”

Amy laughed. “I’d pay good money to see that.”

She glanced at Logan, warming at his lopsided grin. It was reminiscent of him as a teenager. Even then, he’d taken an eager interest in the business side of Raintree and had been determined to build it into a successful guest ranch. From the looks of things, he’d succeeded.

“Seems you’re doing a great job managing Raintree,” she said. “You must be proud.”

Logan shrugged. “It was mostly Cissy’s doing. She and the twins didn’t have much when Dom brought them to Raintree, and she knows how some families struggle. She wanted local kids to have as many opportunities as possible to succeed.” His smile widened. “Dom’s even getting in on the action. He’s trying to talk a friend into partnering so he can offer bull riding clinics.”

Amy smiled. “That’s wonderful.”

The warmth in Logan’s smile traveled upward to pool in his black eyes. The pleased gleam in them calmed her pulse and parted her lips. Lord, how she’d missed him. Missed talking to him, sharing dreams and celebrating successes. She missed her best friend.

“There’s our girl,” a deep voice rumbled.

Amy spun, a giggle escaping her as a tall, gray-haired man approached. Tate Slade, Logan’s father, had always held a special place in her heart. Having lost her dad to a heart attack at age seven, Amy had found a second father in Tate—or Pop, as everyone called him—as soon as they arrived at Raintree. His familiar gait and handsome smile provoked a fresh surge of tears. Pop pulled her close for a gentle hug and she pressed her cheek to his broad chest.

“It’s so good to have you home for a while,” Pop murmured.

“I’m glad to be back.”

He kissed her forehead, stepped back and nodded at Logan. “You made it back right on time. The guests have already settled in for Thanksgiving dinner and Betty has almost finished setting up the family table.”

Logan slipped the bag from Amy’s shoulder. “I’ll get Amy set up in a room and we’ll be there in a minute.

“Don’t think that’s possible.” Pop hesitated, splaying his hands. “A lot of guests missed their flights yesterday because of the storm. We’ve had to extend their stays and ended up with double bookings. Everything’s packed tight. Except for y’all’s—” he winced, nodding at Logan “—I mean, your room.”

Logan flushed. His knuckles tightened around the handles of the bags and he shifted from foot to foot. Betty fidgeted with the hem of her apron and Pop studied the toes of his boots. The silence lengthened and Amy’s heart ached at the awkward discomfort.

Logan cleared his throat. “I’ll stay in one of the bunkhouses. You can have my room.”

“Thank you, Logan.” Amy rubbed her clammy palms over her pants legs and forced a smile. “Mama, how about I help you finish setting the table while Logan puts my bags up?”

Betty’s face creased with relief. “Perfect. I’ll go get Cissy. It’s high time the two of you met.”

“And I’ll round up the boys.” Pop winked as he left. “Lord knows where they are.”

Amy started toward the kitchen, faltering when Logan gripped her arm.

“You’ve got to tell her about the move...”

“I will.” Amy sighed, a sharp pain settling behind her eyes. “But I’m not going to spring it on her this second.” She rubbed her brow with her fingertips. “I’ll tell her later. At a better time. Let’s just have a pleasant dinner for now, okay?”

She pulled away and headed down the hall. Her gut churned at the thought of telling her mother and sister about moving so far away. The last thing she wanted to do was upset anyone during her first visit home in ages. But, eventually, there’d be no way around it.

The light aroma of cinnamon enveloped Amy as she entered Raintree’s large kitchen. She inhaled, pulling in a lungful of the familiar scent. A red platter piled high with cookies sat on the edge of the kitchen island and her mouth watered.

Out of habit, Amy snuck a look over her shoulder at the empty doorway, half expecting Betty to spring into the room and shoo her away. As kids, she and Traci had never been successful at snagging a cookie before dinner without Betty pointing a finger and ushering them out. She smiled and made her way over to the cookies.

She reached out and stopped, hand hovering in midair. Small, grubby fingers fumbled over the pile of sugar cookies. Mud-streaked fingertips curled around the edge of one and tugged it toward the edge of the plate.

Amy leaned over and found the top of a blond head pressed below the edge of the counter. The head swiveled and deep blue eyes widened up at her in shock. She bit back her grin and narrowed her eyes, taking in his features. Could be Kayden. But the twins were so similar in appearance it was hard to be sure.

“Shhh,” the boy whispered. “Don’t tell.”

“Boys.” A short woman with blond hair peeked around the door and leveled a stern expression across the room. “Stop that and get over here.”

The boy jumped, his head banging into the edge of the counter. He jerked his hand from the cookies and several scattered to the floor. Another blond head shot up from the other side of the island. This one was definitely Kayden. He sported the same cavalier expression he’d displayed earlier when Logan had chastised him. The boys stood together, Jayden with a bowed head and Kayden with raised brows.

“What’d we do, Aunt Cissy?” Kayden asked, a dab of red cinnamon icing smudged across his cheek.

“You know very well what you did,” she said. “Now, get those cookies up and go wash your hands. You’re about to eat supper.”

The boys groaned but complied, gathering up the broken cookies and tossing them in the trash.

The woman winced and shot Amy a rueful smile. “Sorry about that. Those two are always looking for trouble. You must be Amy. I’m so glad to finally meet you. I’m Cissy, Dom’s wife.”

Cissy entered the kitchen, stepping carefully and pressing a palm to the blue sweater stretched across her heavily pregnant belly. Amy froze. Her eyes clung to the roundness of Cissy’s midsection and her arms drew in against the flat emptiness of her own. Weight dragged at her legs, rooting her to the floor.

Amy swallowed hard and held out a shaky hand. Cissy covered it with both of hers. She was a tiny thing, her shoulders barely reaching Amy’s chest. But her blue eyes were rich with welcome and happiness.

“I’ve heard so many wonderful things about you,” Cissy said.

Amy masked her expression with a polite smile. That couldn’t be the case. There weren’t that many good things for anyone to tell.

“Dominic talks so much about how you two got up to no good back in the day,” Cissy added with a laugh.

That sounded more like it.

“So this is where you boys snuck off to.” Betty swept in, smiling as the twins rushed over and wrapped their arms around her waist.

“We’re hungry,” Jayden said, tipping his head back and pouting.

“Yeah.” Kayden frowned. “And Aunt Cissy won’t let us have a cookie.”

“I’ll let you have one,” Cissy said. “After supper. I’m sorry, Betty.” She flashed an apologetic smile. “The boys were supposed to be washing up with Traci. Not sneaking away and stealing cookies.”

“Aw, come on, Aunt Cissy,” Kayden said. “You can smell ’em all the way down the hall. And we only wanted one.”

“You can have one after you eat dinner. Not before.”

Kayden poked a grubby finger at Amy. “But she’s gonna eat one.”

Betty ruffled their shiny hair and laughed. “Well, she should know better. I never let her or Traci get away with grabbing a cookie before dinner either.”

Jayden elbowed his brother. “Hush, Kayden. Aunt Amy didn’t rat us out, you know.” He nodded up at Betty. “Aunt Amy can have one. We’ll wait ’til later.” He jerked his chin at his brother. “Come on.”

The two boys scampered out, pausing to press a quick kiss to Cissy’s belly.

“Can’t blame them for trying.” Cissy giggled and rubbed her palm in smooth circles over her protruding midsection. “Even the girls kick harder when I get close enough to smell your mother’s cookies.”

Girls. Amy stared at Cissy’s middle. She’d almost had a girl of her own. Sara.

The ache behind Amy’s eyes spread, streaking in painful bolts to her temples. Heaven help her, she thought she’d gotten past this. Thought she’d set this pain down long ago.

“Congratulations,” Amy managed to choke out on a strangled whisper.

“Thanks.” Cissy laughed. “We’re having twins. Once you add the boys, Dom and I are in for quadruple the trouble. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Betty’s arm curled around Amy’s waist and squeezed. Lines of worry creased her brow.

Amy lifted her chin, hugged Betty closer to her side and summoned up a sincere smile. “I’m so happy for you both. Dom’s a good man.”

Cissy nodded. “One of the best.”

Betty lifted to her toes and kissed Amy’s cheek. “Well, I think it’s about time we got a home-cooked meal in you. Whatcha say we get this table set?”

Ten minutes later and only five minutes beyond Betty’s designated six-o’clock dinner hour, the family Thanksgiving table was packed. Utensils clanged, napkins flapped in the air and settled in laps. Dishes stuffed with sweet and savory samplings were passed from one end of the table to the other.

The twins, tucked snugly between Cissy and Dominic, barely paused to breathe between bites. Traci ate with the same enthusiasm, shooting smiles Amy’s way between each extra helping. Logan went for seconds, his muscular arm brushing against her as he stretched across the table.

Amy shifted in her seat, still whirling from the rush of reunions and welcomes. The only moment she’d had to herself was when the men had left to check on the guests while Betty and Cissy rounded up the boys and Traci. Amy had seized the opportunity to sneak off and stow her purse in her bedroom.

She winced. Their bedroom. Hers and Logan’s. The same room they’d first shared on the night of their wedding, dodging each other’s eyes with tight smiles and stiff limbs as they’d prepared for bed. Her guilt and his anger at her betrayal had made it difficult to enjoy the occasion.

Amy’s leg quivered at the brush of Logan’s thigh under the table. She slid to the side, lifting her cold glass of sweet tea and taking a deep swallow. The liquid coated her throat and forced its way past the lump lodged there. A chill swept through her, raising goose bumps on her arms.

There was no way she’d be able to sleep in that bed. Not with all the memories filling that room. And not with Logan’s familiar scent of soap and pine lingering on the sheets.

She put the glass down with trembling fingers and picked a loose strand of hair off her neck, tucking it back into the topknot that had almost fallen loose.

“Here, baby girl.”

Pop stretched across the table and tipped the large pitcher of tea toward her glass.

“No, thanks, Pop. I’ve got plenty.”

“Saving room for the sweet stuff at the end, huh?” he asked, setting the pitcher down.

Amy nodded, trying for a small smile.

“She gwanna eat le cookies wif us.” Kayden’s mouth gaped around a lump of potatoes.

“Ew.” Traci wrinkled her nose. “Swallow your food first, squirt.”

Dominic chuckled, wiping Kayden’s mouth with a napkin. “Use your manners, buddy.”

Jayden snickered at his brother.

“You, too, Jayden,” Cissy said, plucking a bit of turkey from his lap and putting it on the edge of his plate.

They all laughed and some of Amy’s tension eased. She took a bite of green bean casserole.

“Nothing quite like a full house.” Pop sat back in his chair and sighed with satisfaction. “Sure is nice having all of you kids back home at the same time.”

Betty murmured an assent, casting a wistful look at Amy. “It’s wonderful. I’m so grateful to have you back for a few weeks. I just wish it was longer. Will you be able to visit again this summer?”

The painful throb returned behind Amy’s eyes. She’d have a new job by then. There was no chance of her being able to take time off work again that soon after moving to Michigan and hope to make a good impression. She shrugged with stiff shoulders.

“I don’t think so, Mama. I’d hate to take up a room during the busy season. You told me yourself Raintree is always full now. Especially around the holidays.” Amy gestured toward the closed door leading to the public dining room. “There’s a crowd out there.”

“Yeah, but those are guests.” Pop smiled, eyes warming. “You’re family. We always have room for family.”

Betty squeezed Amy’s arm. “And your seat’s been empty for far too long.” She smiled at Logan. “We’re all so happy you’ve come home.”

“That we are,” Logan added in a low voice, his warm palm smoothing over her back.

Amy’s face heated. She straightened, the cup tilting in her hand and ice clinking in the empty glass.

“Switch gears,” Dominic said, propping the mouth of a wine bottle on the edge of her glass and sloshing red liquid into it.

“No, thanks. I’m good.” Amy nudged the bottle away.

The red stream splashed against the ivory tablecloth. The formal one with the fancy cutwork and scalloped lace edges. Betty’s favorite.

Amy gasped and dabbed at the rapidly spreading stain with her napkin. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Mama.”

Betty tsked, shaking her head and stilling Amy’s hand. “Don’t trouble yourself. We’ve got more where that came from.”

“You sure you don’t want a glass of wine?” Dominic asked, concern clouding his features. “You had a long trip down here. It’ll help you relax a bit.”

Amy pressed harder at the soaked tablecloth with her napkin. “No, I’m fine. A bit tired is all.”

Dominic exchanged a glance with Logan before averting his face and returning to his meal.

“She needs a good night’s rest,” Logan murmured. “We had a long day and a run-in with Thunder earlier.” He took the napkin from her hand, leaning close and gently examining her swollen knuckles. “How’re they feeling?”

Amy’s skin tingled under his tender touch. She shrugged, peeled her eyes from his dark five-o’clock shadow and chiseled jaw and ignored his enticing male scent.

“We’re sorry about Thunder,” Pop said. “Real sorry, Amy. We all know how much you love that horse. Wish we didn’t have to put him down.”

Amy’s throat closed and she couldn’t bring herself to meet Pop’s eyes.

“Whatcha mean, put him down?” Jayden’s brow creased.

“Yeah,” Kayden said. “What’s gonna happen to him, Aunt Cissy?”

Cissy moved to speak but stopped, shaking her head and looking down at the table.

“He doesn’t have to be put down,” Traci said, blinking back tears. “You could help him, Amy.”

Logan leveled a look across the table. “Traci, Thunder is beyond anyone’s help. And now’s not the time to discu—”

“When would be the time?” Traci asked, shooting a pleading look at Betty. “Tell her, Mama. You know she’s the only one that could do it.”

Betty sighed but asked gently, “Have you given any thought to working with him, Amy?”

“That would take a lot of time,” Amy said. “More time than I have.”

“But they’re gonna put him down.” Traci’s voice rose. “Please, Amy. I’ll help you. I’ve been training the other horses and Logan said I have a way with them. Just like you. Isn’t that right, Logan?”

Logan nodded slowly, his steady gaze causing Amy’s cheeks to tingle. “She’s not where you were at her age but she’s good.” His smile was tender. “It must be in your blood.”

“See?” Traci scooted forward in her chair and rested her fists on the edge of the table. “Come on, Amy. It won’t take us that long. And if it does, surely you can stay for a few extra days.”

Amy fixed her eyes on the red stain bleeding toward the edge of the table. “I can’t.”

Traci glowered. “Why not?”

“Traci,” Betty admonished.

“Not ’til she tells me why.”

“That’s enough, Traci.” Logan’s arm tensed against Amy. “It’s too dangerous. And she just said—”

“I know what she said but she can’t mean it.” Traci’s voice shook. “They’re gonna put him down, Amy. Don’t you care about Thunder at all?”

“I care. But I can’t stay.”

Amy closed her eyes briefly, her good intentions fading. Now was as good a time as any to tell them. This might be the best opportunity she’d get to break the news.

“I can’t stay any longer than I’d planned because I’ve been offered a management position. It’s one I’ve worked really hard for and I start in January.”

Betty smiled. “That’s wonderful news. Is it with the same insurance company?”

“Yes, but it’s at a new branch.” She licked her lips. “In Michigan.”

Her quiet comment pierced the comfortable companionship at the table and thickened the air around them. The clatter of utensils silenced.

“Michigan?” Betty’s chin quivered and her eyes glistened. “But that’s so far away.”

“It’s not that bad a trip by plane, Mama,” she said gently. “You and Traci can visit as much as you want. I’ll buy the tickets.”

Amy glanced at Traci. Her eyes flooded and tears streamed from her lashes down her cheeks.

“You told me you were moving to a new apartment. Not to a different state.” Traci’s ragged whisper broke the silence at the table.

She rose, pushing back her chair and leaving the room.

“Come on, boys,” Cissy said, pulling the twins’ napkins from their laps and nudging them to their feet. “Time for your bath.”

Kayden scowled. “But we ain’t had no cookies yet. You said we could—”

“I’ll get you some on the way,” Dominic said. He stood, helped Cissy up with a hand on her elbow then took each of the boys’ hands, leading them out of the room.

“Have you thought this through?” Betty asked, fingers clutching the collar of her shirt. “Maybe you need to take some time and decide if it’s really what you want to do.”

“I’m sure, Mama.”

“But...” Betty’s gaze hovered on a red-faced Logan. “What about...?”

“Things have been over for a long time between me and Logan,” Amy whispered. “You know that. It was my fault. I was too young and too much happe—” Her voice broke and she cleared her throat. “It’s time we both moved on.”

The implication fell hard, slamming into the silence and echoing around the room. Betty winced and looked at Pop. A burst of laughter traveled from the guests’ dining room, the sound muffled by the closed door.

“Logan?” Pop frowned, his gaze sharp on his son’s face.

Logan’s jaw clenched. He looked down and slumped back in his chair.

“Excuse me,” Betty whispered, shaking her head and leaving the table.

The sound of her sobs faded with each of her slow steps.

“I’ll just...give you two a minute.” Pop squeezed Logan’s shoulder briefly before he left, too.

Amy stayed silent, flinching at the harsh rasp of Logan’s heavy breaths and staring at the empty chairs. She bit her lip, her teeth digging hard into the soft flesh, and a sharp metallic flavor trickled onto her tongue. Red drops of wine dripped from the tablecloth and plopped onto her leg, the crisp material of her pinstriped pants soggy beneath the stain.

The moment was so familiar. Almost a perfect replica of another meal she’d shared at this table. When she’d announced her pregnancy with gleeful, nineteen-year-old abandon, shocking and saddening those around her. Betty’s tears and Pop’s disapproval had been just as strong. And Logan’s shame just as apparent.

Amy jerked to her feet and headed for the door with unsteady steps. She shouldn’t have told them tonight. It hadn’t been the right time. But she’d done so anyway because it was easiest for her.

Here, she was still the same disruptive girl she’d always been. If she stayed at Raintree, she’d only bring more of the same. Discord and trouble. She should never have come back.