Excerpt from The February Wife
 |
"It's about time you got here."Jared Sinclair automatically smiled at the querulous voice chiding him. Aunt Milly was in one of her formidable moods. He jumped up the weathered wooden steps of the wrap-around porch that framed the house and planted a loving kiss on her delicate cheek.
|
"You know I got here as fast as I could," Jared said.
He received a sarcastic sniff in return. "Hurry with that hot chocolate, Caroline," she called over her shoulder.
Jared frowned. None of Aunt Milly's neighbors was named Caroline. Who was visiting his sick aunt?
The woman who stepped out on the porch, bundled in a heavy coat and carrying a tray, stopped his breath as much as the frosty air did. Big, baby blues peered out from under a navy hood. The serviceable pea coat concealed the woman's body, but Jared's gaze moved right back up to those amazing eyes. She gazed back at him, her manner direct.
"This is Caroline Anders, my nurse," Aunt Milly explained. "Caroline, my errant nephew, Jared."
He caught the amused twinkle in Milly's eyes. Nurse, his foot. His aunt was up to her neck in another scheme to land him a wife. This time the bait was luscious, from what he could see, but he wasn't in the marriage market.
"It's nice to meet you, Caroline," he said, with a polite nod. The look he gave Milly was more severe. "Doc Carter didn't mention you were so ill you needed a nurse."
Milly accepted a steaming cup of cocoa from the "nurse." Jared was willing to bet every acre of the family ranch that his aunt no more required a nurse than he did. He found her ploy--or prank, however one might view it--somewhat endearing and a lot maddening. Milly was convinced he needed a wife--and a corral full of wild, screaming kids. Jared was equally convinced he did not. He shook his head at the china cup Caroline offered him.
"I don't know what Doc Carter told you, nephew. The fact is, I need a little help now, and will likely require more in the months ahead. Caroline has graciously offered to assist me."
He just bet she had. Those assessing blue eyes settled on him again, and Jared was momentarily grateful that the woman his aunt had chosen for him this time appeared to be from sensible stock. Maybe she wouldn't throw a fit and dissolve into tears when he told her that, no matter how long she hung around the Sinclair ranch, she wasn't going to be wearing his wedding ring.
"I appreciate Ms. Anders' concern, Aunt Milly. How are you feeling, anyway?"
"Fine, fine." She waved away his question with an impatient flip of her hand. "The question is, how long are you staying in Sinclair this time?"
Ah, the crux of the matter. This was the actual reason he'd been beckoned from Dallas to come visit his aunt, who according to Doc Carter was doing "poorly."
He was staying in Sinclair long enough to spend an afternoon with a woman he loved dearly, and then he was heading back home to Dallas. The vast acreage in Sinclair, Texas, didn't hold any allure for him, despite the blue-eyed beauty on the porch.
Jared sat down in a cane-bottomed rocker next to his aunt's. "I'll stay long enough to eat your delicious grits and fried eggs for breakfast tomorrow morning, then I'm heading back out."
Milly sniffed. "This isn't a bed-and-breakfast inn. This is your home, Jared."
He crossed his legs, unfazed by the recurrence of a discussion they'd had a thousand times. "It's your home, Milly. I'm not a rancher, I'm a businessman. I don't belong here."
"Humph. This ranch needs your business expertise to survive. What makes you think some fancy metals company is more important than your family heritage?"
The nurse eyed him as he tried to think of a rebuttal to his aunt's statement. Sipping from the delicate cup she was holding, Caroline appeared to wait for his answer with great interest. Suddenly, Jared resented the lure that was being cast to keep him in the very place he didn't want to be.
"I don't want to be tied down to a piece of land some ancestor bought a century and a half ago, Milly. I want to build something of my own. My heart just isn't here."
He jackknifed out of the rocker. Shooting a last resentful glance at Caroline Anders, Jared opened the screen door and went inside the grey-framed house.
Caroline jumped when the door slammed at her back. "Goodness. That didn't go very well, did it?"
Milly's eyes sparkled. "On the contrary. It went much better than I'd hoped."
Caroline looked at the door doubtfully and rubbed her hands. The hot cup had warmed them, but if she was going to survive sitting on this porch day in and day out with Milly, she was going to have to invest in a pair of mittens. "I don't know. He seems awfully angry. And he did say he was only staying until the morning. Don't you think you'd better tell him the truth?"
Milly shook her head and pulled her shawl more tightly around her. "I don't want him to know. Yes, right now he's angry. That I can deal with. But I don't want him hanging around here because he pities me." She nodded at Caroline, giving her a bright smile. "I've noticed that, as I get older, I worry terribly about being dependent on people. I don't want to be the burdensome relation. If Jared's going to come home, he's going to have to do it because he realizes it's the right thing to do."
"All right." Caroline could easily understand Milly's point. She didn't want anyone feeling sorry for her, either. Milly had given her a chance to start over, to earn a living doing something respectable, despite her lack of experience as a nurse. "Will you be okay if I go inside for a minute and put some more cocoa in the pot?"
Milly waved her hand imperiously. Caroline took that to mean a resounding "Of course! What do you think I am, an invalid?" She smiled as she picked up the tray and went inside. The past three weeks had felt like a soothing, peaceful balm to Caroline. She'd learned a lot about overcoming odds from Milly, as they spent time sitting on the wide porch shelling pecans, or mostly, just taking in the spectacular view that living on top of Sinclair's Hill afforded. Despite her fragility, Milly was strong--and Caroline was learning from her.
In the yellow daffodil-printed kitchen, Caroline set the tray on the table and walked to the stove, flipping it on. Setting a paper doily on the tray, she laid out a few sugar cookies, hoping to entice Milly to eat a little.
The thump of boots on the kitchen floor told Caroline he'd come in the room. Slowly, she turned around.
Jared Sinclair was too rugged to be called handsome. He looked like he belonged on the back of a bull, riding it out with all the grit and determination that shone from his steel-grey eyes. Hair black as onyx ignored convention and teased the collar of his western shirt. Taller than Caroline by a foot--and she a respectable five-four--he appeared to loom before her. The sensation was uncomfortable, and Caroline turned back to her chores. If he wanted to say something, he could. Otherwise, he could stand there all day, until that frown permanently etched his face, for all she cared.
"So. How did you and Aunt Milly cross paths, anyway?"
That was a fair question. Putting a small amount of cocoa powder in the hot water, she replied, "At the church."
"Are you a licensed nurse?"
Checking out her credentials was also fair game, Caroline supposed. She'd want someone hiring a qualified person to take care of her family if she wasn't around to do it. "I'm not licensed, nor do I have training," she answered. The tray was fixed, so she turned her attention to rinsing the dishes in the sink. It was better than having to meet Jared's inquisitive gaze.
"So you're really more of a paid companion."
Caroline nodded. "Yes. Your aunt chooses to call me her nurse."
"How much is she paying you?"
She did turn around at that. "That matter is between your aunt and me."
He nodded. "All right. How long have you been here, and how long do you intend to stay?"
Willing his gaze to release her, Caroline turned back around and continued the rinsing. Jared Sinclair was becoming obnoxious, to her mind. He acted like he thought she was out to take advantage of his aunt. Her back stiffened with indignation, but she forced herself to reply calmly. "I've been here three weeks, and I'll stay until . . . until--" Her shoulders drooped. She just couldn't bear to say anything more.
"Until when? Until the two of you come to your senses and figure out that I'm on to your little scheme?"
Caroline turned around slowly, the tears that had stung her eyes drying up quickly. "Scheme? What are you talking about?"
"Oh, come on. My aunt drags a different candidate through here quarterly, always with the same goal in mind: Getting me married. Don't act like you don't know that."
Her lips felt glued into place. Caroline shook her head, unable to take her eyes away from his mocking gaze. "I assure you, the last thing on Milly's mind is finding you a bride. And it certainly wouldn't be me."
He crossed his arms. She could tell he didn't believe a word she was saying.
"And why is that, if you don't mind me asking? Are you already married?"
"No."
"Have you taken some kind of religious vow--"
"No!" The denial erupted from her.
"Caroline!" Milly's faint but impatient call relieved Caroline. Jerking the tray off the table, she tried to move past Jared.
He put a hand on Caroline's arm, stopping her. "Saved, for the moment," he murmured. "But I want to talk to you later."
Not daring to pull away in case she spilled the hot chocolate, Caroline waited for him to release her arm. Trying to ignore the glimmer of amusement in his eyes was difficult. His questions, while asked innocently, had hit too close to home. Thinking about marriage and religious vows was painful right now. Miss Milly's home and friendship were a refuge she cherished, and Jared Sinclair didn't have any right to pry into her life. When he removed his hand from her arm, she stepped past him in an indignant rush. How dare he interrogate her in that manner?
"I'm ready to take my afternoon nap now."
Milly's voice sounded thready. Caroline glanced at her in concern as she set down the tea tray. "Are you sure you don't want something to eat?" she asked, her voice wheedling. "I brought some of those cookies you love."
Milly shook her head. "I feel more tired than I normally do at this time of day." She allowed Caroline to help her to her feet. A weary sigh escaped her and Caroline glanced indignantly at the man who stood framed by the screen door, watching them. He was the cause of Milly's lack of energy! If he would pay courteous attention to her, be the doting nephew she pined for, Milly wouldn't feel so run-down right now. But that was too much to ask. He had come in like a tornado, bullying poor Miss Milly and questioning Caroline like she'd been pilfering the sterling spoons.
She gave him another glare for good measure as she helped Milly to the door. "If you'll excuse us, please."
He stepped back, pushing the door open and holding it until they made their way through. He took Milly's arm, but she shook her head. "Caroline can help me."
For a moment, Caroline felt guilty. After all, Milly had been so looking forward to Jared's arrival. Now it seemed she was unhappy. Maybe the best thing to do would be to give Jared some time alone with his aunt, without the hired help hanging around.
"Here, Miss Milly. Your nephew wants to take you to your room."
She tried to step away, but Milly pulled her fast. "No. I need help with my dress, and that's a matter for women. I'll see you for the evening meal, Jared--if you're still around."
Caroline noticed a grim smile creased Jared's face. "I'll be here when you wake up, Aunt Milly. Rest well."
Milly mumbled something under her breath and Caroline smiled. She was sure the remark was typical Miss Milly, spitfire that she was. Leading her down the hall, Caroline tried to ignore the sensation that Jared was still standing there, watching their progress. Once inside the bedroom, Caroline helped Milly into a gown, then lowered the shades. "Have a good nap," she said.
"Wake me at four-thirty," Milly requested.
"I'll do that." With a glance around the bright chintz-draped bedroom to make certain anything Milly might need was within reach, Caroline quietly closed the door.
"You've really stolen her heart, haven't you."
Caroline jumped, her hand flying to her throat. "You startled me!"
The dimness of the hall accentuated the rugged planes of Jared's face. Despite his impatient demeanor, Caroline had to admit that he was a very handsome man.
But she wasn't in the market for a man. Getting over her last too-close-to-the-altar trip was proving a challenge. Not that she missed Vince, and not that she regretted her impulse to leave an explanatory letter, along with the engagement ring, before she took a bus out to anywhere in the only impetuous action of her life. Sinclair had seemed like a nice, quiet town to settle down in. She'd planned on asking for employment in a coffee shop, but sheer luck had sent Miss Milly to the church where Caroline had stopped to ask directions and inquire of suitable places to stay.
Thank goodness for Miss Milly, even if she was related to a most disagreeable--albeit sexy--man. With her typical brisk manner, Caroline turned and walked down the hall, leaving Jared to follow if he pleased.
She seated herself at the table and began snapping beans. Jared sat down across from her and picked up a handful, deftly breaking them apart and dropping them into the bowl.
"How have you managed it? Aunt Milly usually stays within her tightly-knit circle of friends."
Caroline folded her mouth together primly before answering. "Your aunt seems quite friendly to me." She gave him a look that was meant to be sour. "Unlike yourself, she takes it upon herself to be outgoing. It hasn't been hard for me to be charmed by her, and if the feeling is mutual, then I'm glad."
"This cordial bond has developed in three weeks?"
She gave him a withering glance without ceasing her rapid snapping, resenting the implication behind his question. "Close bonds can be formed easily between two people who need them."
Jared put the beans down and reclined in the hard-back chair. That was exactly his concern. His aunt had introduced women to him before, always in the hope that a bond would form. One time it had been a very nice girl from a neighboring ranch. Another time Milly had roped a debutante from Dallas into coming out for the weekend. He had quickly tired of Marni's speculative glances around the house and the absence of any genuine personality.
This woman was different. He found her straightforward attitude compelling. Jared allowed his eyes to roam over the woman leisurely. She'd shrugged out of her coat before sitting down to snap beans, revealing a denim smock over a crisp white blouse. Blonde hair brushed her shoulders, encasing a face that was implacably calm. But he'd seen her smile at his feisty aunt's remarks, and it had lit up her whole face. Caroline Anders was a refreshing change from the women Aunt Milly had tried to foist on him before.
Unfortunately, nothing had changed in his life. He still didn't want to be tied down, still didn't want to strap himself to the demands of this enormous ranch. He wished he could make Milly happy by returning here, but his heart simply wasn't in Sinclair.
"I wonder why Doc Carter didn't tell me Aunt Milly was so sick."
He watched to see if Caroline would flinch, but she didn't so much as blink. "I have no idea. All I know is that Miss Milly needs help with simple things, like getting dressed. I'm not aware of how long she's been ill." She raised her eyes from her work to pin him with a relentless stare. "I thought you might know. According to Miss Milly, the two of you are very close."
Jared shifted in the chair. Yes, they were close. She had raised him during his rough-and-tumble teenage years. But he'd had to make his own way after that, and Milly had let him go, always hoping he'd return on his own. As she'd gotten older, Milly had grown impatient for him to claim his legacy, and sensing that, he'd not visited her as often. He couldn't bear to see the disappointment in her weathered grey eyes every time he said goodbye.
"We are very close. But I haven't been spending as much time with her lately as I should."
His confession was met with no discernible blame on Caroline's part. She merely put the bowl aside and picked up another bowl containing dried black-eyed peas, which she inspected closely. After a moment, she glanced up as if surprised that he wasn't speaking.
"Yes, I know you're very busy. Miss Milly says you've developed a very lucrative business in metals of some kind."
There! This woman was in the know about Sinclair affairs, which meant Milly had probably advised her on Jared's life. He felt vindicated. To think that he had nearly believed this woman's innocent tale of being a paid-companion to his aunt made Jared angry. "I suppose Aunt Milly has told you a lot about me," he said, waiting to hear her confirm his guess with more details.
Caroline nodded as she sifted the peas through her fingers. Deftly, she picked out a tiny pebble and placed it on the table. "Your aunt is very lonely. She misses you. Talking about you seems to make her feel closer to you."
Jared ignored the twist of guilt the woman's words gave him. "Did Milly mention I'm happy living in Dallas?"
"Yes," Caroline replied. "But she says you'll come back to Sinclair one day."
"Ah." He admired the blonde hair falling over Caroline's face as she searched the peas. Late afternoon twilight filtered through the window and silvered strands of her honey-colored hair. He'd be willing to bet it was every bit as soft as it looked, free from hairspray and mousses of any kind. "What will bring me back?" he asked, wondering just how frank Caroline would be this time.
She glanced up. "A wife. Miss Milly thinks a wife might do it."
"Are you the candidate?"
Caroline shook her head slowly, holding his gaze unflinchingly. "Oh, no, not me. Miss Milly knows I'm not looking for a man."
She wasn't a day past twenty-eight, if he was any judge of women. Fresh and untouched by makeup, Caroline's skin looked soft as a baby's. Her beauty was all-natural and he was likely not the first man to appreciate it. "You're not looking for a man, but Aunt Milly told you all about her bachelor nephew."
"You're not being very subtle about your doubts about me, Mr. Sinclair," Caroline said. "I've been perfectly honest with you about everything. You have no reason to suspect me of any interest in you."
He had to grin at her suddenly indignant tone. Caroline sounded like his third-grade school teacher, very formal and unbending. If his aunt was deep into another one of her schemes, she'd picked an unusual woman to snare him.
"I suppose I should be grateful that you're willing to live here and take care of my aunt," Jared conceded. "Although she claims she wants me here, I would be poor company. Aunt Milly probably enjoys having another woman around."
He received a slightly more benevolent nod for his choice of words. "I've certainly enjoyed being here. Your home is beautiful, and Miss Milly is a delight," Caroline replied.
"And you'll stay until she gets over this bout of whatever's bothering her?"
She sighed, the sound wistful. "I'll stay, but it will be difficult."
Jared frowned. "Difficult in what way?"
Caroline set the bowl of peas on the table and began fidgeting with her hands, which he noticed were bare of rings. "I'm sure I'll become very fond of her."
"That's difficult?"
"Yes." Her tone was definitive. "I think caring about someone is very hard when you know they won't be around forever."
Jared was confused. "Is Milly going somewhere? She's been threatening to sell the ranch, but I always thought that was another one of her acts--"
Caroline put a hand on his wrist. Jared tried to ignore the warmth of her touch. "Miss Milly would never leave Sinclair ranch. In fact, she says she wants to be buried here, if you don't mind."
He shook his head. "Milly gets worked up sometimes about dying. I think she does it just to make me see that she's not going to be here forever. If she's been worrying you with those stories, just try to ignore them. My aunt's as fit as a range cow."
Caroline looked so sad that a bolt of realization hit Jared.
"Tell me, Caroline. Is Aunt Milly very sick?
The hand on his wrist tightened a little. Caroline shook her head. "Please don't ask me to say. You should ask your aunt."
"Caroline, please. I don't think she'd be upfront with me."
She sighed and shook her head. "Miss Milly doesn't want you to know this, but Doc Carter believes she may not live past March."
He couldn't have been more shocked. Something told him Caroline was telling the truth. She couldn't be faking the compassion in those amazing eyes. Jared felt like his world had just turned upside down, with everything dumped in places he'd never find again.
"This is February," he rasped.
