Page 92 of Christmas at Black Cherry Retreat
‘Pretty. I want it.’
‘Sorry, sweetie. It’s a present from UncleT and he wouldn’t be happy if I gave it away.’
Lulu pouted. ‘Not fair.’
‘Do you know what a bridesmaid is?’ They’d discussed wedding plans a little and decided on a quiet ceremony – all exceptingthis special little girl who’d helped bring them together.
‘Yes. You wear a pretty dress and have flowers.’ She grinned. ‘And a ring?’
Fee laughed. ‘All of those. Absolutely.’
‘Have you set a date?’ Sarah Chambers interrupted and the free-for-all started. Fee threw Tom a beseeching look.
‘Mama, leave her alone. We’re beat. It’s great to see y’all but we need toget out of here and head for home. You can interrogate us tomorrow,’ he said with a firmness that instantly stopped the questions.
Outside the airport they found Tom’s truck waiting on the kerb with Billy in the driver’s seat.
‘Thought you’d prefer your own wheels.’ He hopped out and tossed Tom the keys.
‘You’re a pal.’ Tom seized them and held out his hand for her backpack.With the luggage thrown on the back seat he gestured for her to get in. ‘The welcome was great. We sure did appreciate it. We’ll be down tomorrow evening for supper.’
‘Think you’re invited, do you?’ His mother tried to sound aggrieved.
‘Better be. I’ve had some damn good food over there but I’m cravin’ some decent home cooking.’
Fee stifled a laugh as his mother’s facesoftened.
‘I suppose I’ll come up with something,’ she conceded. ‘Now off with you and get some rest.’ Sarah shooed them away and Fee was too tired to argue.
Jumping into the passenger seat of the truck she couldn’t help remembering the first time she’d ridden along with him and Lulu into Pine Ridge.
‘A lot’s happened since then, honey,’ Tom muttered as he got in besideher. ‘Who would’ve thought?’
‘Not me.’ Fee declared. ‘Although I have to concede a tiny part of me did register the fact you were…’
‘Handsome. Charming. Witty. Sexy.’
‘Oh, yes, all of the above.’
He ignored her effort at sarcasm. ‘Exactly what I thought about you.’
‘Not scared, weird and odd-looking?’
Tom placed his hands on her shoulders, turningher towards him. ‘I could tell straight off you’d had a tough time but to me you were always beautiful inside and out. You needed to realise it yourself, that’s all.’ He stroked his thumb over her mouth. ‘You believe me now, don’t you?’
She sucked in a deep breath before nodding.
‘Good.’ He let go and placed his hands on the steering wheel. ‘Time to go home.’
‘It is indeed.’
Watching Tom going around his home, checking every room and touching things to reassure himself they were the same Fee smiled to herself. She followed him outside and saw him frown at the diminished woodpile. Next he unlocked his shed and stepped inside.
‘What still needs to be done?’ Fee gestured towards the dolls’ house.
‘The outside’s finished and inside I’ve got somepainting to finish up. Then it’s a question of getting the furniture and fixtures in place. Mary-Jo’s got most of it bought but I told her I’ve made a few pieces.’
‘You can start back on it tomorrow.’
