Chapter Sixteen

It was late evening before everyone departed and Cora, a romantic at heart, knew Jess was chomping at the bit to pop the question. “You two haven’t had a minute to yourselves all day. You stay and I’ll take these two home, they’re already tuckered out.”

Watching until the lights came on in the cabin, Jess shut the door on a bliss-filled sigh then moved to her side. “She really is something.”

“Yes, she is.” Thinking he was about to kiss her she lifted her face. Her heart fell when instead he got up and headed for the fridge. The man couldn’t possibly be hungry after that large dinner and two pieces of pecan pie he’d eaten. “It was fun, wasn’t it and those kids will never forget this Christmas as long as they live, and all because of you.” She watched Jess remove a bottle of champagne from the fridge and take two champagne flutes from the cabinet. Ah, they’re toasting to the happy day.

“I can’t take all the credit. It was a group effort, honey.” Pouring the champagne, Jess’s hand trembled and a whole herd of rambunctious butterflies started dive-bombing his stomach. Fearing they’d fly right out of his mouth, he clamped his lips together. It was a sudden case of nerves, but he had the perfect remedy and gathered her in his arms, his lips claimed her lips in a deep kiss. “I’ve wanted to do that all day,” he gasped when they finally drew apart.

Whew! The man sure knew how to kiss! “Me too, and I want more.” Putting words to action, she pulled him in for more of the mind-drugging kisses. And drug her they did, taking her under into the deep, sensuous world of wanting where she floated on the decadent waves of desire.

Finally lifting his lips, Jess definitely wasn’t nervous now, just the opposite. “If we keep this up I’m going to get a Christmas present I hadn’t planned on tonight.” The woman was a fever in his blood. All she had to do was look at him and he wanted to love her into oblivion. But he wanted more. No other woman had ever affected him this way, not even his long-ago first wife. Over forty, he’d definitely not been celibate, choosy—but not celibate. And until Raine came along, no female had made him want to get permanently entangled again.

Suddenly, a ripple of unease slithered through him that he might be moving too fast. Just because she loved him didn’t mean Raine was ready for the ultimate commitment. She could have reservations after her horrific first marriage. Well one thing was for damn sure—he was nothing like that low-life, wife-beating dirt-bag! He’d never raise a hand to her. On that thought, the unease disappeared and only a few lingering butterflies remained. As he went down on one knee, the one she’d kicked not so long ago, he grimaced.

Seeing it, Raine almost giggled until he removed a jewelers’ box from his pocket then a hitch of excitement caught her breath. It couldn’t be what she’d hoped for, even asked Santa for. Giddy elation engulfed her when he opened the box. Yes! Yes! Yes! It was even the ring she admired the day he’d driven her to the mall. Huskiness tinged his voice and his hands held a tremor again. For a man not easily flustered, he was jittery than a cat on roller skates. Any second he expected the butterflies to soar out of his mouth. “Raine, will you take this cranky, set in his ways ex-jarhead to be your husband? Will you marry me? Will you love me forever?”

Ecstatic beyond her wildest dreams, she threw her arms around him planting a kiss on him that gave him her answer. “Yes! Yes! Yes! I’ll marry you. I’ll marry you even if you are a cranky, set in your ways, ex-jarhead. I love you, Jess Harper!”

“I love you with all my heart and I want my ring on your finger.” And slipping it on her left hand, he kissed her again . . . and again.

When they finally came up for air, she was as breathless and excited as Katy had been that morning that Santa had found her. Though she’d prayed for it, it was the last thing she’d expected. Admiring the shimmering stones in the lamplight it dawned on her the ring was a perfect fit. “Just how did you know my ring size?”

“Would you believe a little birdie told me?” He asked, drawing her up.

“Un-huh and I’m guessing that little birdie’s named Cora?” Her tone was drenched in skepticism.

“I guess we can’t fool you on anything.” Looking from her eyes to the dark sapphires in her ring, he thought they matched perfectly. “Cora had me figured out a long time ago and set me straight. She didn’t mince words, either.” He shuddered in remembrance. “Anyway, when I told her I was determined to marry you, even bought the ring, she was more than happy to help me, even took it for sizing.”

“So that’s what all the whispering’s been about. Knowing you wanted to propose tonight no wonder she was eager to take the munchkins home.”

“I hoped to, but I wasn’t sure how long everyone would stay, or if you’d go home with the girls. I have to say, she’s awesome. She’s like Inez when it comes to getting things done.” He was feeling pretty proud of himself having succeeded in surprising her. He had a feeling that wouldn’t happen very often.

“You don’t have to convince me. I would have managed these past months, but Cora made things a lot easier. From the moment she learned what happened she, and her sister, Ethel, were by my side. I was such a mess those first days I could barely get around. They not only took care of Katy, they took care of me. And when it was suggested I leave Phoenix, Cora wouldn’t hear of us going off alone. She’s the mother I never had, and she treats Katy like a granddaughter. Heaven knows, Addison’s parents aren’t the get-down-on-the-floor-and-play type.” Bitterness welled remembering her former mother-law’s doubting Katy being Addison’s. If only Roberta knew how badly she wished that were true.

Seeing the displeasure on her face, and privy to the crude accusation, he refused to let a spite-filled woman intrude on their special moment. “Quit thinking about your witch of an ex-mother-in-law and kiss your fiancé! That’s a lot more fun.” And he was right.

It was several minutes before they came up for air. As he caught his breath another niggling of doubt passed through him. Might as well get rid of it, he decided. “Are you sure it’s not too soon to be doing this?”

“Oh no, you’re not rushing me. The day I drove away from Phoenix I started looking ahead. I’m ready to start a new life with you.” One dainty brow shot up. “What about you? You’ve been a swinging bachelor for a long time. Are you sure you want to take on a ready-made family?”

Jess tugged her hair. “I may have been single for a longtime but the only swinging I’ve been doing is with that squeaky porch swing. And I already love Katy like she’s my own. Hopefully, we’ll give her a little brother or sister sometime down the road.”

A delicious shiver wafted through her thinking of having his babies. “Maybe several baby brothers and sisters. Perhaps enough to field a baseball team.” She mused dreamily.

One dark brow shot up as he sat down abruptly. “Now just how many are you planning on having?” He’d thought one or two, but it sounded like she planned on a houseful. But hey, if that’s what she wanted then he’d be quite happy being a very willing participant. The baseball team comment coupled with the errant hand tracing a heated path slowly up his thigh nearly derailed his idea. Maybe they should start those babies tonight. It suddenly occurred to him neither had been concerned with birth control the night she’d returned from Phoenix. Maybe they’d already made a baby. However, before they took any more chances he had an idea, one she’d hopefully agree to.

“Oh, I don’t know. Nature can decide how many.” Her hand was wandering up his thigh.

“Behave yourself!” He growled, grabbing her marauding hand.

“Spoilsport!”

Jess pulled her to him. “So, how do you think Katy will react to you marrying me? She knows I love you and she knows you and Addison are divorced.” Raine had explained in the simplest terms about her and Addison not living together anymore. “I overheard her telling Kathy that Addison didn’t want her anymore because he never comes to see her. It almost broke my heart and I wanted to break Addison’s face.” Unknowingly his fist clinched.

“There’ll be no face-breaking unless I’m doing it!” She scolded, her small hand covering his large fist. “I’ve explained to her that we’re not married anymore, but I’m not sure she quite gets what I’m talking about.”

“I don’t know. Katy-bug’s pretty smart. I bet she understands a lot more than you give her credit for. I know you tried shielding her from Addison’s . . . outbursts, for lack of a better word, but I’ll wager she knew something was wrong, probably even heard some things.”

“I’ve a feeling you’re right.” A frown furrowed her forehead. “It still infuriates me about the powder incident. That he’d use cocaine while she was with him is crazy. What if she’d ingested it? She could have died.”

“Obviously, his addiction is stronger than his concern for his daughter!” Jess was getting riled up and if she didn’t redirect his thoughts he would be on the next flight out to break Addison’s face.

“I think she’ll be over the moon having you as her dad and I think we should tell her together. But,” she had to caution him, “Addison’s still her father, and I know she loves him despite being hurt that he hasn’t been in touch with her. That may be why she told Kathy what she did.” A sudden chuckle burst out earning her an inquisitive look. “Although, she seemed more concerned about Santa than Addison.” She explained.

“I can’t say I blame her.” Palms up, he weighed the options. “Santa on the one hand, Addison on the other, I’ll take Santa hands down every time. And I don’t plan on taking his place in her heart. I’m only hoping there’s enough room in there for me, too.”

“You don’t have to worry about room in her heart. She fell hard for you the first time she laid eyes on you. Don’t let it go to your head, Mr. Harper, but you were her first crush.” He grinned arrogantly. Even four-year-olds found him irresistible. “Yesterday the girls were having a tea-party in their room, so I did a little eavesdropping. Katy asked Kathy what she’d asked Santa to bring her. I thought I’d cry when she said she asked for a mommy and daddy. That’s when Katy told her she’d asked for you to be her daddy. Said you were nicer and loved her and spent more time with her than her old daddy.” At the sudden sheen in his eyes Raine twined her fingers with his. “You are a good man, Jess Harper, and I can’t believe it’s me you fell in love with.”

“How could I not fall for that feisty but terribly messed up woman who showed up in my driveway? I didn’t want to admit it but two seconds in you had me. It was fate that you met up with Inez and now you’re to be my future.” He smiled at her. “That sounds pretty darn good. I love the sound of it.”

“I love the sound of it, too. Mrs. Jess Harper. Raine Harper. It has a nice ring to it.”

Happiness surged through him as he fingered the ring on her hand. “I don’t want to rush you but what do you think about getting married as soon as possible, say Valentine’s Day?”

He thought that was soon? “Surely, we can get married sooner? I love you and can’t wait to be your wife.”

The tempting look in her eyes almost made him forget his plan. “Well . . . we could, but you do realize we’ve never formally dated. . . . I have an idea.”

Raine acknowledged things had moved pretty quickly, and they had skipped the getting-to-know-you part. “Okay. What’s your idea?”

“This. I want to court you properly. You know—dinner, dancing, walks in the moonlight. Of course, if you’d rather not I’m just as happy getting married sooner.” Whatever she decided was fine by him though he believed she deserved to be courted in the old-fashioned way, especially given they’d done everything backwards thus far.

Pondering the idea, a sudden gleam sparkled in her eyes. “Okay, let’s do it. But,” a mischievous grin joined the gleam, “let’s make this courtship even more fun.”

It sounded like she was issuing a challenge, especially with that wicked gleam in her eyes. “And just what might that be?”

“How about until we’re pronounced husband and wife we don’t do anything—if you know what I mean. Just think how hot our wedding night will be.”

Immediately the blustering started. “Now wait a minute. I don’t know about not being able to make love to you. I’m not sure I can hold out that long. Every time I’m near you I want you so badly I can hardly think straight. Just like now.” He placed her hand on the proof of his statement. A second later, he hissed, “stop it!” Though it was the last thing in the world he wanted.

She barely got, “You started it!” out before his hand was under her sweater meting out the most deliciously punishment. As much as she loved him touching her, she would play by the rules and removed his hand, albeit with a reluctant sigh.

“Now who’s the spoilsport? I was just getting started.” Not making love to her during their courting hadn’t been part of the plan, but she had a point. Come their wedding night they’d be so hot they just might set the world on fire. Abstaining until then? It wasn’t like he hadn’t taken cold showers the last few nights, anyway. “Okay. We’ll play by your rules. Until our wedding day we’ll be as chaste as a blanket of newly fallen snow. If you can do it, so can I.”

“You’re on.” She stuck her hand out. “Shake on it.”

He gave her a wickedly sexy grin. “I’d rather seal our bargain in another way.” Abstinence could start afterward.

“Too late!” She shook her head vigorously. “We’re now officially engaged and a wedding date’s set.”

“You’re one tough woman, Raine Andrews, but I’m glad as hell you’re my woman. Now, you be ready at seven tomorrow night. It’ll be our first official date.” He said before lowering his head.

All was quiet for a very long time as they plied each other with heated kisses that soon had warning bells ringing loud. With a frustrated groan, he rolled to his feet when he realized they were entwined on the couch. “I think I’d better take you home before I forget our bargain.”

Languid from his kisses, her eyes were mistily glazed. Stretching with feline grace, her golden hair caught the glow of the flames from the fireplace. A hot ember popped. Lord, but she was so tempting. “Well . . . we could start our bargain tomorrow.”

He shook his head. “You had your chance to have your way with me.” He pulled her to her feet. “Come on woman, before you lose control and ravish me.”

Sultry laughter followed him to the mudroom. “I’m thinking the ravishing would be mutual and you don’t have to walk me to the cabin.”

Helping her into her coat, he eased her blond tresses, soft as silk, free of her collar. “Oh, yes I do. I consider myself a gentleman and I always walk my date to her door. Besides, it means I get to kiss you some more, and might I remind you, you’re not just my date, you’re my fiancé.”

With a pert toss of her head she hooked her arm through his. “Then by all means, Mr. Harper, walk me home.”

The stars shimmered like tiny diamonds in the velvety heavens. With the ring on her finger sparkling in the moonlight, a strong tide of emotion swept over her stealing her breath away. She could hardly believe that she was marrying the man God had truly meant for her to wed. Her world was good, and nothing, she vowed, or no one—specifically Addison—was going to ruin it.

Jess was doing some musing of his own. Before Raine had swooped into his life he’d enjoyed his freedom and had absolutely no desire to marry again. He’d even boasted quite proudly that there wasn’t a female on either side of the muddy Mississippi he’d ever sacrifice his freedom for again. He’d been down that rocky marital road once and swore never again. At the first sign of any clingy female hinting permanency, he bid them adios. Just goes to show you never know what life will throw your way. It still amazed him how the feisty woman had cruised right into his life, stolen his heart, and in just a few weeks she’d be his wife. Life sure was unpredictable!

Upon reaching the cabin he drew her against him. “I get another goodnight kiss, actually, make that several.” His mouth closed firmly over hers and, once again, the mystical magic of desire pulled them under its spell. This time it was a reluctant Jess who pulled away first. One of them had to be strong if they were going to stick to their bargain. Tonight, it was him. “If you don’t get inside right now, I’ll forget about our agreement and make love to you right here in the snow. And I can promise you the impressions will definitely not resemble snow angels.”

That vision would stay with her for a long time. “Okay, okay,” she grumbled, “but I can hardly wait to sleep in your bed every night, make love with you, and wake beside you every morning.”

“That’s our bed, our home, our place. What’s mine is yours, sweetheart.”

The man sure knew how to get to her. “The same goes for me. Whatever I have is yours.”

“All I want is for you to love me and let me be a dad to Katy. There’s nothing more I could ever want.”

“You’ll have that and so much more.” She promised softly.

Before he succumbed to temptation and carried her back to his place, Jess opened the door. “In you go. I love you and I’ll see you tomorrow. Be sure to lock up after me.”

He started to pull the door closed but her firm grasp on his jacket stayed him. “I love you, Jess Harper. You’ve given me the best Christmas I’ve ever had.”

“The same goes for me, sweetheart, and this is the first of many.” He kissed her again then gently pushed her back inside. “Lock the door.” He ordered before setting off with a jaunty whistle.

Smiling at the happy sound, she just had to have one last peek at him. Standing in the open doorway, she watched until Jess was out of sight before turning around. She let loose a sharp yelp finding herself nose to nose with Cora. “Cripes! You just about gave me a heart attack!”

“Get yourself in here! I want a good look at that ring!” Grasping Raine’s hand, she sighed in awe. “My, oh my, I think that’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen. And those sapphires match your eyes perfectly. That man sure did pick out the right ring for you. It suits you to a tee.”

Raine gave her a caustic look. “Oh, he knew which one to pick, all right. He saw me fawning over it the day we picked up Katy’s dollhouse. He’s as sneaky as you are . . . and don’t pretend you didn’t know. He said you even helped him.”

“Guilty as charged.” She grinned smugly. “Did you know he actually bought it that day?”

That surprised her. “I told you he’s as sneaky as the day is long.”

Cora rushed to his defense. “Yeah, but he’s crazy about you, so that negates any sneakiness. Now, when’s the wedding and don’t tell me months away. There’s no earthly reason why you two should wait to tie the knot.”

Smiling coyly, Raine twined a strand of silky hair around her finger. “Valentine’s Day, and until then Jess wants to court me. It sounds kind of old-fashioned, doesn’t it, but he pointed out we’ve done everything backwards. So, until then we’re going to just date.”

“I think that’s sweet . . .” Cora started then trailed off at the wicked grin on Raine’s face. “Did you say, ‘just date’?”

“I sure did. And close your mouth before you catch a fly! Jess reacted the same way.” A schoolgirl giggle burst from her. “I had to sell him on how hot our wedding night would be.” Just talking about it made her blush.

“You’re a devious woman, my girl, and a very shrewd one. That man will be hotter than a chili-pepper by then, and you too for that matter.” These next weeks should prove fun. “I might have to chaperone you two, even put you on a curfew,” she teased, hugging her. “I’m happy for both of you, honey. After everything you’ve been through you deserve all the happiness that comes your way.

Oh boy,” she rubbed her hands together. “We’ve got to get on the stick. We’ve got a wedding to plan and the day will be here before you know it. Tell you what! You two just concentrate on the courting. I’ll enlist Inez, Belle, and Cory to help me organize it. Oh gosh,” she was giddy with excitement, “this is going to be totally awesome. I always wanted a daughter to plan a wedding for and you’re as close as I’m ever going to get.”

A huge lump formed in Raine’s throat. “You’d have made a wonderful mother, Cora, and since I don’t have a clue about mine, I officially make you mine.”

“And if I’d had a daughter I’d have wanted her to be just like you.” Misty-eyed, she found a tissue and dabbed her eyes. “I’d hope she’d be as strong and courageous as you are. After what you’ve been through, you deserve all the happiness that man can give you. And he is a good man.”

Later, snug beneath the covers, Cora’s words played in her head and she whispered a heartfelt prayer. “Thank You for leading me to Jess. Cora’s right, he is a good man and I promise to always love him and treat him well. With him beside me, I can face anything.”

As she slipped softly into sleep, her nemesis was stretched out on his bunk sipping coffee and plotting his next move. Sonny’s idea of a burner phone was excellent. Having his own phone meant he could taunt Raine anytime he wanted, not just when the deputy was on duty. He could toy with her like the big bad cat toys with a trapped mouse, then once released he’d toss it and get another. Plus, having the phone would keep the deputy out of hot water, which was necessary. Believing him the injured party, the man was eager to help. Fluffing the pillow beneath his head, Addison decided Sonny would be perfect for his plan, and he’d be paid handsomely. All he had to do was visit the little backwoods place to play games with her.

“I promise you, you little bitch, as soon as I’m out of here I’ll blow your little play-house to smithereens.” He made an explosive sound as the Styrofoam cup in his hand crunched sending scalding hot coffee over his fingers. Ignoring the burning, he wished the cup was Raine’s throat—he’d squeeze the life out of her. And sometime in the future he might just do it. In the meantime, he had to propose his little plan to the guard. “Hey Sonny, you got a minute?”

While Addison detailed his plan to the enthusiastically nodding deputy, Raine shifted restlessly as menacing shadows intruded on her dreams.