Page 68 of Christmas at Black Cherry Retreat
Chapter Thirty-Two
Fee changed from a long sleeved black T-shirt into a black cotton blouse before tugging that off and yanking on a thin black jumper. She’d got into the habit of wearing all black when she was working because it didn’t show the dirt and everything could be washed in together. Looking at her wardrobe now, all her clothes struck her as dingy and well-worn.After seeing her pale, narrow face reflected back in the mirror she even considered buying a tube of lipstick.
MrsChambers would have to take her as she found her. This wasn’t a job interview for the position of Tom’s new wife.Admit it. You want her approval.Tom’s grandmother was important to him and therefore to Fee as well.
She brushed her freshly washed hair, pleased to noticeit was thicker and shinier these days. Fee tugged on her black cord trousers and added a pair of black trainers. Before losing her nerve she hurried outside and stopped dead. Tom leaned against her porch steps and he dragged his warm gaze all the way from her head down to her toes.
‘Do I pass inspection?’
‘Yeah. I’d say so.’ He reached out and pulled her down to him for a hug.‘Thought you might care for a lift into town.’
‘Haven’t you anything better to do?’
Tom lowered his mouth and she forgot the question as his kiss soaked into every bone in her body. Easing away he brushed a rogue strand of hair away from her face. ‘Come on, let’s get you to the witch’s lair,’ Tom teased. ‘I’m sure the cauldron’s bubbling by now.’ Before she could protest on hisgrandmother’s behalf he kissed her again. ‘I needed to pick up a few things in Pine Ridge anyway.’ He took hold of her hand and they strolled down to his cabin. Fee waited while he went inside to fetch his keys. ‘All set.’ Tom waved them in the air. ‘Pops wants me to stop by and see him too.’
‘What about? ’
‘He didn’t say.’ Tom shrugged.
She got in the truck and restedher camera on her lap. They set off and half way down the mountain Fee yelled at him to stop.
‘What’s wrong?’ He slammed on the brakes and screeched to a halt by the side of the road.
‘Nothing. Why should there be?’Fee jumped out and focused her camera on the breathtaking scene spread out in front of her.
‘I thought either a herd of stampeding bulls were heading our wayor you were having a heart attack.’
Fee hurried to explain about the effect of the vibrant colours juxtaposed with the effect of the morning fog on the top of the mountains. ‘Oh, my gosh, I’m so sorry.’ She slapped a hand in front of her mouth. ‘I didn’t mean to scare you. I won’t do it again.’ If they were to have any sort of future together she must learn to be more considerate.
‘Don’t apologise. If you can endure listening to me drone on about the Chambers’ family history for hours on end I’m damn sure I can put up with you takin’ pictures right, left and centre.’ Tom rested his hand against her cheek. ‘It’s called compromise, honey. All the best marriages have it in spades.’ He cleared his throat, shifting from one foot to the other. ‘I mean… well, um…’
‘I know what you mean,’ she whispered, certain he wasn’t the only one blushing. ‘I really want this with you, Tom, but I don’t know if I’m capable of doing it and can’t bear the thought of hurting you.’
‘You know what I’ve decided?’
Fee shook her head, pretty sure it was a rhetorical question.
‘For too long I was stupid enough to believe I could protect myself from moreheartbreak by living a safe, quiet existence.’ He caressed her face and his intense gaze stared right into her soul. ‘I’m tired of safe. You’ve turned the light back on in my world and I want to enjoy every moment. If it ended tomorrow I’d be devastated but I wouldn’t regret a second.’ He brushed his lips over her mouth, teasing them both. ‘I’m hopin’ it’ll be a lot longer but I’m willin’ to takea bet on you, Fee Winter.’
‘Wow. How did we get to here from me taking a photo?’ Tom silenced Fee’s attempt at a joke with another kiss.
‘There’s a ton more I want to tell you but not now.’ He checked his watch. ‘Being late for coffee at Mee Maw’s isn’t a good idea. Not if you want to impress her.’
‘And why would I want to do that?’ She tweaked his nose. ‘Men are so vain.You think this is all about you.’ It was of course, and they both knew it, but a little humour helped to smooth over the emotions swirling between them.
Tom gave a teasing smile. He knew exactly what she was doing. ‘Take your picture and let’s go.’
She turned away and raised the camera again, steadying her hands with a couple of deep breaths. Five minutes later she was done andswung back around with a broad smile.
Every time she took his breath away. What you saw was what you got with Fee and he loved that about her.Loved? Yeah, you love her you moron. Happiness bubbled up inside him.
‘I’m ready.’
Yeah, so am I.Tom resisted the urge to speak and simply nodded. He could easily be tempted to say things that weren’t right for here and now.
‘We’d better be going.’ He caught a glimpse of Fee’s smile as she turned away to stare out of the window.
‘Drive carefully,’ Fee murmured and her tinkling laughter filled the cab.
