Hidden in the Heart (37 page)

The dog lifted her head as Michelle approached. Brass chimes hung from the rafters and gave off a welcoming sound.

Smoke swirled from the stone chimney and told her he was home. Jazz left her
position at the front door, emitted two short barks, then padded down the front steps, her thick black tail wagging.

Michelle laughed as she bent over the dog. “Some watchdog you are, Jazzy. You’re supposed to be protecting the place.”

“Do I need protecting?”

Michelle straightened and drew in a breath. Rick leaned against the doorframe, arms folded across his chest. He was barefoot, in jeans and a black T-shirt, over which he wore a white apron splattered with all sorts of different colored stains. The barest of smiles toyed with his lips.

“Not from me.”

“You sure about that?” His mouth twitched, but his eyes sparked with mischief.

As she stepped closer, delectable aromas wafted around her. “What are you making?”

Rick scratched his jaw and gave a low chuckle. “It’s supposed to be some kind of Mediterranean stew. But I’m not sure I’m doing it right.”

His hair was longer now and it lifted in the breeze, giving him that boyish look she remembered so well. Amazing how twenty-seven years could change a person so much, yet not at all. The times she’d spent with him since coming home made her wonder if they’d ever been apart.

Of course she hadn’t told him that.

Michelle smiled, but didn’t dare get any closer. “It can’t be that bad. Smells good.”

“Oh.” Relief washed over him, followed by a scowl. “Do you know what coriander is?”

“It’s a spice. Haven’t you got any?”

“Don’t think so.”

“Well, maybe it won’t matter too much. How about parsley?”

“Got that.” He held up a band-aid covered finger. “Had a little run in with the chopper.”

“Ouch.” A giggle stuck in her throat at his befuddled expression. “Sounds like you might need a little help, Mr. Matthews.”

“You offering?” He walked out onto the porch as she took the steps one at a time.

Michelle almost laughed at the ridiculous way her heart pounded when she raised her eyes to meet his inquiring gaze. Insane. Perhaps she’d truly slipped over the edge of reason.

She wrestled with the fierce urge to turn tail and run, but embraced the moment and lifted her shoulders. “Maybe.”

She stood less than a foot away from him and felt her knees buckle. It was all she could do to take her next breath. Rick moved quickly and took her by the arms, waiting while she steadied her breathing.

His clear eyes moved over her and she saw his hesitation. “What are you doing here, Shel?”

“I…” Tears formed as she stared up at him. How she’d missed that face. Even when she hated him, she’d never stopped loving him. Not really.

Something she’d read once, a long time ago, came back to her then—a quote from Winston Churchill. After going back to college, she’d taken history and political science. She loved Churchill.

‘Never give in! Never give in! Never, never, never, never -- in nothing great or small, large or petty. Never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense.’

Michelle drew in a calming breath and smiled. She ran a light finger over his thick eyebrows and down the side of his face. He gave a slight shudder but kept his eyes fixed on her.

“I came to tell you that I…I forgive you.”

Her heart aching, she took the final step needed to bring her fully into his embrace. Slowly she slipped her arms around him and held him tight. He released his breath in a haggard exhale as he pulled her against him.

Michelle didn’t know how long he held her. Didn’t have the slightest clue what either or them would say or do next. But she didn’t care.

She was home.

Finally Rick drew back and cupped her face in his hands, his eyes moist but his smile brighter than she’d ever seen it. “I love you,” he whispered hoarsely. “I don’t know what that means to you or what you think about it, but that’s the way it is. The minute I saw you again, I knew it. There’s never been anyone else for me, Shel. I know I was a fool, and I’ll regret that until the day I die. But, if you’re crazy enough to give me a second chance, I swear you won’t be sorry.” His eyes sought hers and she saw the fear in them.

Fear had no place in their lives anymore.

Michelle placed a finger on his lips and shook her head, smiling. “You always did talk too much. I didn’t walk all the way up this mountain for nothing, Maverick.”

He tipped his head, a grin bringing out his dimple. “Thought you didn’t believe in second chances.”

“Maybe I changed my mind.”

“Lucky me.” He rested his forehead against hers and tightened his hold. “Do you have any particular plans for the rest of your life, Miss Kelly?”

Laughter caught in her throat as she shook her head. “It’s kind of up for grabs at the moment. Did you have a suggestion?”

“Possibly.”

His face was so close she could barely bring it into focus, but she felt his breath on her mouth and longed to be reminded of his kiss. “Are you going to stand here making small
talk or are you going to kiss me?”

“Um…I think my stew…”

“Forget your stew.” Michelle grinned and pulled his head down to hers, claiming his lips with her own.

It was all the incentive he needed.

Chapter Thirty-Five

As Tara’s Place came into view late that afternoon, the day before Thanksgiving, Claire shifted in her seat, her excitement building. James laughed as he parked the truck off to the side of the house. “We can always turn around.”

Claire tossed him a grin as she scrambled out and let the dogs out from the back. They catapulted out of the vehicle, all of them barking at once. So much for surprising everyone.

“Leave the bags. Let’s just go in.” She waited for James and they headed up the front steps together. The door swung open before they reached it, and Jessie stepped onto the porch, beaming. She opened her arms wide and Claire ran to her.

“You didn’t tell anyone we were coming, did you?” Claire drew back, unable to stop her laughter.

Jessie joined in as she held Claire’s face between her hands, her brown eyes sparkling. “Just Mac. Oh, it’s good to see you! Where’s your father?” She looked past Claire and James with an enquiring gaze. Claire smiled at her enthusiasm and loved her all the more for it.

“He and Eleanor are coming tomorrow, if that’s okay? They’ll get an early start, definitely be here for dinner.” Claire pushed back nerves again and took comfort in Jessie’s reassuring smile.

“Wonderful. We’d planned to eat around 2. And we’re just about ready for tomorrow.
It’s going to be the best Thanksgiving ever. Hello, dear.” Jessie went to James and drew him into a long hug.

Jessie had somehow convinced her to invite Dad and Eleanor, and they’d jumped at the idea, much to her surprise. Claire had no idea how Michelle or Rick would feel about it, but suspected they’d all done a much better job of letting go of the past than she had. They would all get along just fine.

“Can we go in already?” Claire stamped her feet, suddenly cold.

“After you, oh impatient one.” James held the door for them and Claire breathed in the familiar smell of the place as she stepped into the warm house. Furniture polish, potpourri and apple pie.

It was good to be back.

Where she belonged.

She followed the sound of Jackson’s chatter to the den, where she found Mac, Darcie and Jackson sitting at the table working on a puzzle. Mac held his gray head at an angle as he watched his great-grandson decide where to put the piece he held in his little hand.

Darcie looked on, eyes shining with pride, waiting to see what his decision would be. A couple of times she pulled her hand back to stop herself from helping him.

Claire tried to contain her laughter at what the next moment would bring.

“Boo.”

They all looked up at the same time. Mac’s face cracked first and he released a knowing chuckle. Darcie’s mouth hung open as she stared at Claire, while Jackson gave a whoop and shot out of his chair, barreling toward her.

James was quick to step in front of Claire and lift the little boy high into the air before he could hurl himself on her. “Easy there, bud. How are you?”

“Good.” Jackson gave him a quick hug and reached for Claire, his eyes shining.
“Clay-uh! You’re here! I prayed last night you would come for Thanksisgiving!”

“Well, I guess God answered your prayer.” Claire pulled him into her arms and gave him a squeeze. “I missed you, buddy.”

“Okay, my turn.
What
are you doing here?” Darcie jumped from one barefoot to the other, her grin wide. Claire drew her into a long hug. Darcie shot Jessie a look as she stepped back, wiping her eyes. “Did you know about this?”

Jessie’s delighted laughter was answer enough. Mac harrumphed behind them and Claire turned to receive his bear hug. She’d missed them all far too much.

While they greeted James, she took a moment to catch her breath.

“Is Rick here?” Claire asked a little hesitantly. “I saw his truck outside.”

“In the kitchen with Mom.” Darcie flashed a grin and pushed her wild hair off her shoulders. “Just follow the shouting.”

Claire raised an eyebrow. “Shouting?”

“Oh, yes,” Mac laughed and waggled his eyebrows. “Them two can’t hold a civil conversation for nothing. Never could.”

Jackson gave a dramatic eye roll and slapped his hands against his legs. “It’s kissing and shouting, shouting and kissing.”

Darcie let out a squeak and clapped her hand over his mouth. “Hush, you.” Claire gawked. “Kissing? What have I missed?”

Darcie giggled and tipped her head toward the kitchen. “Go on. You’ll see.”

James came to her and took her in his arms. “Go. You’ll be fine,” he whispered.

Claire pulled at her thick sweater as she walked down the hall to the kitchen, and willed her heart to quit pounding. She felt sick enough already without nerves getting the better of her.

Michelle and Rick stood at the long wooden counter, their backs to her. Michelle
appeared to be chopping up celery or something while Rick…Claire strained her neck…she couldn’t really see what Rick was doing, other than giving instructions that were not welcomed. Every now and then he jostled Michelle with his shoulder and she yelped.

“If you’re not going to help, then go away,” she told him, a teasing lilt to her tone.

“I am helping. I already chopped the onions for you. Hurry up, already. At this rate we’ll be having your stuffing at Christmas.”

A good kick in the shins from Michelle and it was Rick’s turn to yelp. “You can be uninvited from this dinner very easily, Mr. Matthews.”

“You’d never do that.” He moved behind her and began to work his fingers into her neck. Michelle’s low groan wavered between annoyance and appreciation but Claire didn’t intend to find out which would win out.

“Wow. Is it just me or is it really warm in here?”

They both jumped and turned to face her, astonishment stamped on their faces. Claire couldn’t stop her laughter. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt the love fest.”

“Hey, brat.” Rick’s face cracked into the biggest smile she’d seen on him as he strode across the room and swept her into his arms. “What are you doing here?” His laughter resonated through the kitchen and settled on her like an old familiar blanket from home.

“Hey, jerk.” Claire hugged him hard before he set her down. “What do you mean, what am I doing here?” She took a step backward and pushed up the sleeves of her sweater, giving a shy smile. “It’s Thanksgiving. Families are supposed to be together. Didn’t you get the memo?”

He pinched her nose between his thumb and forefinger and grinned. “Better make some more stuffing, Shel. You haven’t seen anyone eat like this one.”

Claire swatted his hand away and made a face. The aroma of onions and sausages was already making her want to run for the bathroom.

Michelle washed her hands and dried them with a tea towel. She kept her distance, hesitation written all over her face. Claire couldn’t blame her.

“No offense, but I’m probably not going to be eating much this year.” She locked eyes with Michelle and gave a shrug. “I was pretty sick last time too.”

“What?” Rick’s mouth opened and she could have sworn he paled. “Claire…are you…”

“She’s pregnant, Rick, not dying.” Michelle laughed and inched a bit closer. “That’s wonderful. Congratulations.”

“Thanks.” Claire took one look at Rick’s face and dissolved into giggles. “What’s the matter with you, Grandpa?”

“Nuh uh.” He raised his hands and backed off. “No way. I am not old enough to be anybody’s grandfather. Seriously, Claire.” He looked so alarmed she only laughed harder. Michelle joined in and walked to where he stood, slipping her arms around Rick’s waist.

“You have a few months to get used to the idea, Maverick. When are you due, Claire?”

“End of June.” Claire smiled at both of them, grandparents her child would never have to live without.

Rick studied her, worry in his eyes. “Are you okay?”

His concern brought fresh tears and Claire nodded. “Yes. We’re both very happy. I’m trying not to be nervous.”

Rick pulled her in for another hug. Claire released a long sigh and silently thanked God for this moment. “By the way, my dad’s coming tomorrow.”

“Whoa, what?” Rick stared down at her, his eyebrows shooting skyward. “You’re kidding, right?”

“No.” Claire ran her hands down her face and laughed. “Jessie called him herself. He
and Eleanor are really looking forward to meeting everyone. So, you think you can handle that one, Maverick?”

“Depends on whether he can handle us.” Rick chuckled and scratched the back of his neck. “It’s not exactly the Park Plaza around here.”

Claire waved a hand and rolled her eyes. “He’s not like that. Just don’t discuss politics and you’ll get along fine.”

“Oh, we don’t. Ever.” Michelle grinned, her face flushed and prettier than Claire remembered. In fact, she looked years younger. Tara’s Place had worked its magic again.

Claire inhaled and managed a smile. She shot Rick a pointed look and cleared her throat. “Maybe you could help James with our bags.”