Marc held the twins’ hands as they stood on the curb in front of the emergency room. When she pulled up, he opened the back door of her car. The twins climbed into their old car seats, jabbering excitedly about the new red car.
“Beautiful interior,” he said and buckled them in. The shadow of his beard gave him a masculine aura, but he looked like he was burning up. His knit shirt was unbuttoned, and wisps of dark chest hair looked damp. Galen asked, “Mommy, go back to the ranch?”
Annie whined, “Want to play with the puppies and kitties.”
Heatherlee turned around. “Okay. But, tonight we’ll sleep at our place.”
Marc said, “Galen, put more water in the dog bowl. Annie, the kittens and puppies need more food.” His instructions sounded dad-like. “Heatherlee, I don’t know how long I’ll be.” His square jaw tensed visibly. “My mother’s upset that she can’t hostess the barbeque.”
“She can still be the hostess. Tell her you’ll take care of everything. I’ll help.”
“You’re sweeter than honey.”
“Hurry in there, Marc.”
“I’ll phone later. Love you three.” He shut the rear door and headed toward the entrance.
She turned around to face the twins. “I’ve named the car the Red Engine.” It seemed to be okay with them because they were talking about the “Little Engine that Could” and bouncing in their car seats.
It was mid-afternoon. If she stopped at the garden center on the way to the ranch, she’d have two hours of daylight. Doing something positive lifted her spirits even further. She was thrilled with her new home on Cliff and didn’t know what to do with her energy. Gardening had a therapeutic quality. Picturing the front of the ranch house, triangular garden areas bordered both sides of the steps. Hollyhocks were going to seed. Weeds needed to be pulled. An edge of low growing alyssum would neaten the beds without disturbing perennials. Window boxes in the front and along a bay window on the side could be filled with trailing ivy and red petunias.
She pulled the Red Engine into the garden center. The twins helped her push a large cart until they saw a fishpond. They watched for fish that didn’t seem to be there while Heatherlee selected plants near the pond. Stepping-stones were on sale. She lifted a dozen of them to the lower level of the cart. They were cement, but designed to look like tree trunk slices. They’d make lovely meandering paths through the garden. Double tiered, wrought iron plant stands held pots of poinsettias near the checkout counter. She bought two for her new house. She pulled garden gloves off a rack and paid.
A worker from the center managed to fit everything into the back of the Red Engine.
Galen and Annie spotted an ‘In and Out Burger’ across the lot. Heatherlee bought hamburgers, two chocolate shakes, and a water bottle and salad for herself. Food came with lap mats and napkins.
She reached back and handed food to the twins. “This is your first hamburger.”
* * * *
With her gardening project finished, the setting sun gave off enough light for her to admire the results of her work. New plants graced the front and side yard. Ivy and petunias flowed from window boxes. Paths of stepping-stones drew the eye into the triangular country garden plots, edged with white alyssum. In two hours, the Duarte gardens went from drab to stylish green and red.
The screen door to the porch on the side of the house looked drab, and she remembered the stands with poinsettias. She’d bought them for her new place, but one would make a perfect accent beside the wooden steps to the side door. She lugged it piece-by-piece and set it up.
Before leaving, she gave the pots and window boxes a watering with an antique watering can that sat on the porch. She’d made a good start but had more plans before the big barbeque. The porch railings would benefit from ropes of greenery, lights, and bows. A wreath was needed for the front door, and a Christmas tree for the living room. Knowing those items would be sold in a couple of days in the church parking lot, she planned tell Marc to buy a tree and have it flocked white. Somehow, she’d come up with a winter wonderland theme for the interior. All-white, bows, berries, and ornaments would add sparkle to the rustic ranch home.
“Galen and Annie, we need to go.” Heatherlee walked up the steps to the front porch where the twins were playing with the puppies and kittens. She walked through the unlocked front door into the living room and was struck by the bare spot above the fireplace. The Pyrenees Mountains had dominated the room. It needed to go back up.
Galen followed her inside and held the watering can. “Where’s the water, Mommy?”
“I used it for the pots. Let’s go out and find the hose.” She locked the doors before leaving, bringing her set of keys. She walked to the side of the house, found the hose, and put a few inches of water in the can. She brought it to the porch.
Galen filled the water bowls. Annie opened a small plastic bin and took out two bags of food. “This one has a kitty on it.” She used a plastic scoop and filled the kitty bowl. “That has a puppy on it.” She filled the puppy bowl.
“I’m amazed.” She watched Annie put the bags and scoop back into the bin. Ranch chores were meaningful to them. They could grasp their value. Animals needed food and water.
* * * *
The twins were asleep. She wasn’t sure if she’d ever felt safe in the rowhouse. She passed through the living room and didn’t slow her pace until she reached her bedroom. Truly, she thought, every piece of furniture was a trophy. The high ceilings were prestigious, but she looked forward to a residential neighborhood. She dialed Marc to see how his mother was doing.
He and his father had finished having dinner at the hospital cafeteria, and Marc was driving home. “Can’t wait to see you Friday, Honey,” he said, referring to the night of the barbeque.
She knew he’d be playing host and didn’t want him to feel she needed to be indulged. “I may be preoccupied talking with your guests that night. Don’t flatter yourself, thinking I’m going to have time for you.”
He laughed. “My dad said you bought the Pyrenees sketch. The men’s group will deliver it to you.”
“I’d like to have it mounted back where it belongs at your place.”
“Is that because you’ll be moving in with me soon?”
“You’ll keep it for me until I do.” She talked a while longer about decorating the ranch with greenery, a white-flocked tree, and white lights. She’d make another trip to decorate.
The week wore on. Marc was moonlighting, organizing for the barbeque, and visiting his mother at the hospital. She was equally busy. Clearwater was running seamlessly under new ownership. She’d turned over her last class. After having her new home painted and the carpet replaced, she hired a cleaning crew.
On Thursday morning the contents of her rowhouse apartment were being moved to her new home on Cliff Avenue. That night, she and the twins would sleep there. It was the day before the barbeque. With her decorating supplies, Heatherlee and the twins were at the ranch bursting with enthusiasm. The twins scrambled off toward the baby animals. One step at a time, she told herself. She had plenty of glitzy items, but wanted to arrange them with care. Sometimes, even for a holiday party, less is more. While the twins played with the puppies and kittens on the porch, she worked inside, filling glass bowls with cinnamon scented pinecones and spraying them with artificial snow. She knotted swaths of silvery white fabric, wound them with ribbon and then tacked them above windows. To create the look of snowdrifts, she stacked wide books in one bare corner and covered them with white satin. On top she placed candles that looked like white birch on a ceramic serving tray. She decorated the flocked tree with tiny lights and snowflake ornaments.
The twins were sneezing, she noticed. “Galen and Annie, I see you’ve fed the pets. We’ll be back tomorrow evening for the party.”
Galen sat with Fluffy. “Mommy, do tails ever stop wagging?”
She laughed. “I think they do when you leave.”
Annie scratched behind the puppies’ ears.
* * * *
After a full day, but back at the ranch, Marc awoke in the middle of the night without a warning. Had Heatherlee breathed beside him? Touched his cheek? Then, he saw a kitten. “How did you get in here?”
Loneliness was relentless. He’d gotten used to being loved. Missing her, he was glad he’d see her at the barbeque.
* * * *
Heatherlee had brought the twins in the bathroom, an important stop before guests arrived at the ranch. She wiped their noses. She’d stay at the barbeque just a short time, and then get them home. With rest and hydration, they’d be over their sniffles in no time. She’d dressed the twins in matching white sweaters decorated with snowmen, jeans, and cowboy boots. She looked out the window.
White lights twinkled everywhere, even in the olive trees. Headlights of cars were coming over the bluff, and other cars were parking. Several people were making their way through roaming fiddlers and flutists, contracted for the event. Hired dancers in Basque finery shook tambourines and began dancing with guests in a large circle. It struck her that the guests were bonded even with dance. She didn’t think the steps looked difficult. Fake it till you make it. Out on the lawn, racks of lamb simmered on multiple half-barrel barbeques. This was the Duarte area of expertise, she knew, but caterers were paid to watch the grills, slice meat, and serve it. Beer, champagne and nonalcoholic drinks were available from the bar. Top Hat catered side dishes and desserts. A half dozen waiters in white chef shirts passed glasses of champagne on silver trays. Marc had told her that some guests would bring food.
Galen and Annie darted off ahead of her down the hallway. Marc met her and put his arm around her shoulder. He tilted her face up to his with the length of his forefinger and brushed his thumb across her chin. “I’ve missed our conversations. We haven’t talked for three days. Anything special going on, Honey?”
“I sold Clearwater, bought a new house, and we’ve moved in.”
He glared at her for a full ten seconds, and then his shock settled to brooding. “I wanted you to move here.” He kissed her forehead. “Next year, you’ll flip your house.”
“I’ll work toward that.” She ran a finger along the pencil-thin lines of his beard. “You look debonair.” The last time she’d seen him, he hadn’t shaved. Now he had a mysterious new look, and it gave a dangerous air to his good looks.
“You and Annie look cute in your matching pink cowgirl boots.”
“Glad you approve. We can’t stay late because the twins have the sniffles. And you, Mr. Moonlighter, need to take care of yourself.” She walked around the corner to light the cluster of white birch candles. While here, she’d take on the role of unofficial hostess, paying attention to anyone who looked stranded. Like her decorations, she wore winter white. In her casual long dress, embellished with silver sequins and matching shrug, she planned to mingle.
Marc took the twins’ hands and bent down. “I moved the puppies and kittens to the barn with their igloo. I was worried that people might step on them.”
“Okay.” Galen ran to the window. “I see my friend out there.”
Annie jumped. “Nicky.” She bolted through the door with Galen to see their friend, Nicky Duarte, from their preschool.
Across the living room a wave of people poured through the door. A waiter passed through, deftly holding a tray of beer and wine. The waiter paused while Marc picked up two glasses of white wine. He handed Heatherlee a glass and raised his glass for a toast. “To our first Christmas.”
She clicked her glass with his. “One we’ll remember.”
With an arm on her shoulder, Marc brought her to a cluster of Basques from Nevada. “This is my special lady, Heatherlee Baronova.” His voice was congested, and he covered a cough.
Heatherlee smiled, shook hands, and guided women who brought covered dishes to the oak table, tonight covered with white linen. They were referring to the appetizers as pinchos, she realized. Women were setting down garlic shrimp, leeks vinaigrette, roasted red peppers, rosemary sauce for the lamb, and pan-seared baby squid.
Marc’s father needed him to attend to the barbeque outside.
Following as others dished up, she heaped leeks and squid on a plate for herself. She stood with his relatives. Feeling squeamish, she forced herself to take a bite. Surprised that she liked it, she took another forkful. “This is very good.”
Marietta burst in and gave her a hug. “Heatherlee, you’re eating squid.”
She bypassed the soy product casserole provided by the caterer. “How are you feeling, Marietta?”
“Fantastic. You know about the nesting instinct.” Marietta spotted Marc’s mother coming in and waved.
Anna wore an elegant purple skirt with a gray satin blouse and hobbled over on crutches. They spoke about her unfortunate ankle twist and gave her the quick customary kiss on Anna’s right cheek.
Heatherlee said, “Hope you’re not in too much pain tonight, Anna.” Adrenaline pounded in her veins, not entirely comfortable about being there.
“Heatherlee, I’m thrilled with how you helped Marc whip the place together. It’s decorated beautifully. The garden and window boxes are breathtaking.”
“I had fun.”
Marietta said, “Heatherlee, I’m going to copy your winter wonderland theme at my house. That wide silver white ribbon looks pretty over the fireplace.”
“Wire ribbon makes it easy.” She watched Marietta disappear into a clump of Nevada relatives.
Anna stared at the large sketch of the Pyrenees and then asked, “What’s it doing here?”
She thought for a second. “Anna, I’m loaning it back. Only temporarily, it’s a striking piece. Now that I own it, I can’t give it up.”
Anna beamed. “I’m glad you like it.”
“Can I fill your plate, Anna?”
“Give me a little of everything. I’m going to sit over there.” Anna motioned to a leather chair.
Heatherlee arranged food on a plate and then set it on the end table at Anna’s elbow.
Anna asked, “Have you ladies met Heatherlee? Her twins are outside with little Nick.”
The ladies nodded and smiled.
“I need to check on them, actually.” As she milled her way toward the porch, she realized that almost every city commissioner was in attendance. Their positions weren’t based on financial portfolio. They were Basque. Her heart swelled with pride that she had set the stage for the party. She stepped through the door and then froze at what she saw.
At the bottom of the steps, three dark-haired beauties made an orbit around Marc. He leaned against the railing. The jubilant women squealed at their center attraction.
She wanted to avoid going down the steps and planned to turn around. She could take the side door out. Guests climbed toward her. She stole a glance.
One raven beauty asked, “You’ll take us to an art gallery, won’t you, Marc?”
His stance stiffened. “I’ve arranged escorts. Expect them any minute.” When he glanced around, he met her eyes. “Heatherlee.” His voice was raspy.
She steeled herself and swallowed tightly, hoping not to appear weak. “Merry Christmas, everyone.” What a faker I am. Still wondering what to do, she heard the creak of the side yard gate before hearing male voices. Soon Ditzman and a couple other men burst onto the front porch.
“Welcome, gentlemen,” Marc said and then introduced the singles set.
A man with caramel-colored hair walked up the steps to Heatherlee. “Hello, I’m Billy. Don’t believe we’ve met.”
“Hello, Billy. I’m Heatherlee.” She offered her hand.
When they shook, he lifted her hand and kissed it. She was close enough to catch a heavy dose of liquor on his breath.
Marc angled up the steps beside her. “Billy’s new on the force,” he said good-naturedly. “He doesn’t know you’re mine. All mine.” He nuzzled his face in her long hair.
“Sorry, Marc,” Billy offered.
Ditzman sprung forward. “Heatherlee Baronova, I have bad news. There was another jewelry heist, this one in Laguna Beach. Makes your break-in look like nothin’.” Ditzman’s loud slurred speech drew attention. Everyone within five feet stared at them.
Marc stood in front of her. “Hope you gents have a designated driver.”
One of the Basque women said, “If they don’t, I’ll drive them.”
She knew Ditzman didn’t mean it to be hostile, but she felt embarrassed. Luckily, a waiter appeared with a tray of imported beer, and Marc stepped down to the base of the porch, handed bottles to guests and asked the waiter to bring more.
The partygoers uncapped them and began gulping down swallows.
Ditzman’s stance indicated he was enjoying the attention and had more to say. His elbows were akimbo as he looked at her. “They got prints from the head honcho of the jewelry theft ring. That’d be Mitvolsky. From Russia. Get it?”
“I get it. My late husband was from Russia.” She braced herself, guessing Ditzman would make a long night of it.
Marc interrupted with a cough. “I’ve got a story for all you folks. A dentist’s office was robbed in Anaheim as well, today. The crooks got into the office next door to his. They came through his wall with a drill.”
She’d never heard him speak so forcefully.
“A petite Basque woman, hidden from view behind Marc’s massive chest, asked, “What did the robbers use to drill through the wall?”
Marc said, “A small backhoe. There was construction going on in the building next door. The dental office was sucked dry. Every piece of dental equipment was taken.” His story had drawn attention away from her.
Ditzman gave a bark of laughter so robust that his belly shook, but eyes were on Marc as he gestured to the front door. “Have you people gone through the buffet line?” The group moved inside, and Ditzman followed up the rear.
Marc had her elbow and was moving her to the white rattan loveseat in a dark corner. “When it comes to dumb asses, Ditzman’s a classic. He had no right to bring that up. You, on the other hand, deserve a different kind of attention for whipping this place into shape.”
On the porch alone with Marc, Heatherlee felt her legs wobble beneath her. When he sat on the love seat, he pulled her onto his lap. Her gaze fell to his mouth. “We’ve mastered the lap nuzzle, haven’t we.” Close to him again, gooseflesh tingled up her arms.
“Sorry about Ditzman,” he said. “I shouldn’t have invited him, but my sister told me that some single women would be here. I didn’t want to be stuck with them. I invited every bachelor I knew.”
“I felt jealous.”
“And I didn’t appreciate the rookie moving in on you.” His lips found a tender spot under her ear.
She put a hand flat on his chest. “Let’s not make a spectacle of ourselves.” While moving off his lap, she noticed Ilia standing alone on the lawn. “I see a woman, and I’d like to speak with her. You need to mingle.”
His brows made a little lift, matched by his shoulders. “Forgive my bad mood. I haven’t been sleeping well.” He walked with her to the front steps.
“You seem to have a lot on your mind.” She thought the barbeque was taking a lot out of him.
With a sigh he made an X over his heart. “I should be freed up by Tuesday.”
“You and your father will have to put the ranch back in order.” She headed down the steps and then moved through the thick crowd like a fish through sea grass. Ilia was leaning against an olive tree. Coming closer, Heatherlee noticed her eyes were closed behind her thick glasses. With her cheek in her palm, she looked like she wanted to go home. “Ilia,” she said, nodding at the dancers, “Do you think you could teach me that?”