A Moment To Dance (22 page)

Her grandmother’s engagement ring.

It was still at the jeweler. She had yet to pick it up, because she hadn’t known whether to sell it or keep it. But with this revelation came her original dilemma—could she break her word to her grandmother and sell the ring? She wrestled with the decision, torn between her grandmother’s wish and her own longing to make a home for herself.

Tony’s words came back to her:
It’s time you let go of the past, of the horrible things your grandmother said, and move on. You can’t change the past. But you can change how you see yourself and your future
.

He was right. First thing in the morning, she’d head to the Golden Nugget Jeweler. A portion of the money would go to the victims’ fund. She hadn’t decided what exactly to do with the rest, but it’d have something to do with her settling in Whistle Stop—for good.

Now if only her problems with Tony could be rectified this easily. But the truth was, he didn’t feel the same way as she did. He couldn’t have made that any clearer when they were up on the mountain. She had to accept that and move on.

If only her heart would listen to her mind…

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

H
omeward bound…at last.

Friday morning, Tony stared out the windshield of his pickup as he pulled up to his mother’s house. The sun shone brightly in the clear blue sky. The dousing rains over the last couple of days had aided in controlling the fire. The change in the weather was exactly what they’d needed so they could bring in some tankers to douse recurring hot spots.

All morning, the only thing he’d been able to think about was getting home. He wasn’t in the mood to see or talk with anyone but his family—and Ella. He regretted how he’d turned her away at the command center. She had no idea how hard it’d been for him not to pull her into his arms and return her words of love.

Yet, he couldn’t forget the night he’d seen her trying on her sexy dress for the contest and how she’d admitted that moving to Whistle Stop had been a mistake. Now with her home reduced to mere cinders and no permanent job, he didn’t want to tie her down to this quiet little town. Eventually, she’d come to resent him for holding her back. And that was something he couldn’t bear.

He stepped out of the pickup and rushed to the house. “Hey, Mom,” Tony said, stepping inside the kitchen door. “I’m back and all in one piece.”

“Thank goodness.” She rushed over, ignoring his filthy state, and gave him a tight hug.

“Sorry about the dirt and grime. I haven’t seen a shower in quite a while.”

“I’m just glad you’re home.” She returned to the counter, where started filling the coffeemaker with fresh coffee. “We need to talk, but it can wait until you get cleaned up.”

His mother wasn’t the person he needed to talk to—it was Ella who filled his mind. But the problem was, he still didn’t know what to say to her, other than he was sorry for being so abrupt. He hadn’t been expecting her to blurt out that she loved him. He’d handled the whole situation shabbily. But he’d known she was worked up after the fire. He couldn’t—wouldn’t—take advantage of her emotional state. By now reality must have set it.

Wanting to ask where Ella was staying, he rolled the words around in his mind. It didn’t matter how he phrased the question, his mother would read more into his curiosity than he wanted. Instead, he kept his thoughts to himself.

“I’ll be back. Would you mind throwing together some food? It doesn’t matter what. I’m so hungry.”

Tony, deciding a cool shower was a definite necessity, headed down the hall to the bathroom. After a brief shower, he toweled off and yawned. Maybe he’d lie down for a couple of minutes until the food was ready. After he ate, he’d seek out Ella. Then a worrisome thought struck him—was she even still in Whistle Stop? Had he chased her away for good?

He dressed and stretched out on his bed. The scent of Ella wrapped around him. It was so real that he opened his eyes and glanced around the room, certain she must be there, but he was all alone—alone with his thoughts.

She wouldn’t have left already, would she?

His eyes grew heavy and drifted shut as Ella’s image danced in his mind…

♥♥♥

An entire day slipped by before Tony meandered back to the kitchen. He found his mother standing at the stove. “Sorry about falling asleep and missing all of yesterday. I didn’t get much sleep while I was on the mountain.”

“I understand. You had to be exhausted. I made sure Johnny left you alone, but he’s anxious to see you. He stayed overnight at Bobby’s. Melissa should be dropping him off any time now.” She moved to the fridge and grabbed a carton of eggs. “I should tell you that I gave Ella permission to stay in your room while you were away.”

The memory of her scent surrounding him in bed came rushing back. So it hadn’t been his imagination. She’d been sleeping in his bed. The thought warmed a spot in his chest.

His mother added a couple of eggs to the sizzling-hot skillet and then popped some bread into the toaster. “I hope you don’t mind.”

“No. Not at all.” He fidgeted with a cow-shaped saltshaker. “But where did she stay last night?”

“She was able to rent Mrs. Sanchez’s apartment.” His mother returned the carton of eggs to the fridge. “I’ve got a couple of things for her if you’re planning to head over to see her this morning.”

“I’m not.” His hasty reply had his mother arching a brow at him. “I mean, I wasn’t planning to go into town. I need to check on the ranch and then the fire station.” After some much-needed sleep, he was having second thoughts about seeing Ella. What would he say? Besides, she would most likely slam the door in his face after the way he’d acted on the mountain.

Carlota set down the spatula and turned. “Ella hinted that there was something wrong between you two. She doesn’t think you still want to be her dance partner. I hope that isn’t the case. The competition is this evening. You should know we had a town meeting. The money raised is now going to the victims of the fire.”

“That’s sounds like a really good idea. About the fund, that is. I know those people will need help getting relocated.”

“Does that mean you’ll still participate in the dance?”

Tony shrugged. “To tell you the truth, I hadn’t given the dance too much thought.”

Carlota gave him another puzzled stare. “You aren’t trying to avoid Ella, are you?”

He didn’t want to get into this. “Why does it matter? I don’t have time for a relationship.”

Carlota removed the skillet from the burner, slid the eggs onto a waiting plate, added toast, and placed it all in front of him. She pulled out the kitchen chair directly across from him. “I should have had this conversation with you a long time ago, but the time never seemed right with you always rushing here and there.”

He lifted a piece of toast and was about to take a bite when her words sank into his exhausted brain. She was about to unearth the past. The memories he’d tried so hard to bury were about to see the light of day. He dropped the toast on the plate and clenched his hands. “We don’t need to ever have this conversation.”

“Yes, we do.” Her voice was rigid. “You need to move on with your life. The deaths of your brother and his wife were not your fault.” When he didn’t say anything, she continued, “This is important. You’ve been carrying around this unfounded guilt for far too long. Do you hear me?”

He nodded.

“No. I want you to say the words, and then maybe they’ll start to sink in.”

“In my mind, I know it wasn’t my fault. But then I’m haunted by the thought of what if—”

“No. Don’t go there. You can’t. I did the same thing at first. If only I’d done this or that, they wouldn’t have been on the road at that particular moment. But they were, and we aren’t to blame. You’ve got to believe that.”

He’d never known his mother had similar thoughts. Somehow, he no longer felt alone. “I know. I do.”

Why did this conversation sound so eerily similar to the one he’d had with Ella? If he expected her to take his advice and let go of the past—of the guilt—he should try to do the same thing. Funny thing was, it was so much easier to dole out the advice than to take it.

Carlota sent him a sidelong glance. “There’s something else you should know. I’m planning to move on with my life. You and I have been stuck in the past for too long now.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a diamond ring. Her ring. “Here. I want you to take this.”

His mother’s engagement ring dropped into his palm. Stunned, he stared at her. “Why? Why would you give me this?”

“You need to settle down with a family of your own.”

“I can’t take this.” He tried to give the ring back to her, but she shook her head and scooted back in her seat. “Life is too short to keep looking back.”

“But—”

“A life without love isn’t much of a life at all. I have someone new in my life—Mr. Wilson.”

“You mean the guy who owns the hardware store?”

She nodded. “You’ll meet him tonight at the dance competition. He’s my escort.”

“Are you serious?” Tony knew how that sounded, but this was all news to him and a bit of a shock, to say the least.

“Of course I’m serious. I’m getting on with life. Now it’s time you did the same. It’s time you quit closing yourself off from life and love.”

Stunned, Tony gazed at the ring as the light danced upon the diamond. It’d be perfect on Ella’s finger.

Was it possible he and Ella could have a future? He shook his head. He was daydreaming. By now she would have had time to calm down and realize she’d blurted out her love for him during a moment of excitement—that she hadn’t meant any of what she’d said.

Or had she?

Nah. No man was that lucky.

“Now, I have a thousand errands to run before the dance contest this evening. I have your outfit pressed. It’s hanging on the closet door.”

“I won’t be needing it.” There was no way Ella would dance with him now.

His mother frowned. “Everyone is expecting you.”

The back door squeaked open, and Johnny bounded into the room. “Uncle Tony!” The boy launched himself into Tony’s outstretched arms. After a tight hug, Johnny pulled back. “Stay here. I have something to show you.”

Johnny tore off down the hall, leaving Tony to wonder what had his nephew so excited. “Do you know what this surprise is?”

His mother shook her head, but a knowing smile tugged at her lips.

Johnny ran back into the room holding a small manila envelope. “I got my report card. I only got one A, in art, but I didn’t get any bad grades.”

Tony looked over the encouraging note from Johnny’s teacher and the much-improved grades. He smiled broadly. Thanks to Ella’s influence, Johnny’s grades were headed in a positive direction. And remembering how Johnny’s parents had rewarded him, Tony reached for his wallet. “Looks like this deserves a reward.”

“Gee, thanks. I’m going to put this in my bank. I’m saving up for a rocket.” Johnny’s whole face lit up as he accepted the money and ran from the room.

Carlota waited until Johnny’s bedroom door slammed shut before speaking. “Are you sure giving him money for good grades is a good idea?”

“No. I’m not. But I’m still figuring this parenting stuff out. It’s what Johnny’s mother did, so it’s what he’s used to. I don’t know what I’ll do in the future. I have a lot to figure out.”

“Okay, well, you need to get moving. Johnny will expect you to be there to watch him perform tonight before the contest.”

“I won’t miss it.”

“And Ella will be expecting you to dance tonight.”

He sighed. “After everything, I doubt she’ll still want to dance with me.”

“Guess you’ll have to go and find out. And make sure you wear that outfit. I went to a lot of trouble making the vest and doing alterations.” Without giving him a chance to argue, she grabbed her purse and went in search of Johnny to take him with her.

Tony went through the motions of working the ranch, but his heart wasn’t in it. His thoughts centered on Ella. Had she calmed down and realized that she didn’t love him?

The not knowing was driving him nuts. He needed to talk to her. If her feelings for him had changed, he’d learn, in time, to live with the gaping hole in his heart. But if she stood by her words, he wanted a chance to beg her forgiveness and to tell her that he loved her, too.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

E
lla paced back and forth. She tugged at the shirttails of the sheer white blouse she wore over the dress and tied just beneath her chest. Her gaze kept returning to the doors of the community center every time they opened. Would Tony skip out on her tonight?

She glanced up as Carlota came through the doorway on the arm of a distinguished older man. Carlota was positively glowing. Ella couldn’t help but wonder if Tony was pleased with his mother’s new romance. Then again, Ella wondered if he even knew, as Carlota had been quite tightlipped about it until tonight.

As the gentleman handed over their tickets, Carlota spotted her and made her way over. “You’re gorgeous. Although you’d be so much prettier if you’d quit hiding behind that blouse. I realize you’re self-conscious about your scars, but I think you should know they aren’t nearly as noticeable as you think they are.”

Ella fingered the edge of the sleeves. She’d toyed with the idea of going bare-armed, but at the last minute she’d grabbed something to cover herself. “I don’t know.”

“Trust me, dear. You can’t hide who you are forever. If people care about someone, they need to accept and love them, flaws and all. And I happen to think you are beautiful inside and out.”

Ella’s gaze met Carlota’s. Her friend was right. The time had come for her to make peace with her body. She pulled at the knot in the blouse.

Carlota held out her hand. “I can take it over to the table for you.”

“I’ll go with you.”

“No. You wait here. Your dance partner should be here shortly. I’m afraid I tied up the bathroom getting ready, so he’s running behind.” Carlota’s hand remained outstretched, waiting for her to hand over the blouse.

Taking a deep breath, Ella slid off the top and relinquished it.

Carlota positively beamed when her date joined them. “Ella, I’d like you to meet George Wilson. He owns Wilson’s Hardware here in town.” She lowered her voice as though sharing a secret. “He…he’s my boyfriend.”

“It’s so nice to meet you, Ella.” The silver-haired fox held out his hand and gave her an easy smile. His handshake was firm but gentle. “Carlota says you and Tony are the couple to keep an eye on tonight.”

Ella worried her bottom lip and glanced toward the door. “I’m not so sure Tony’s going to make it.”

“He will, dear. Have faith.” Carlota gave her a brief hug before slipping her hand through her date’s arm. “We’ll be rooting for the two of you.”

Ella just hoped there was something for them to root for. Where was Tony? Surely he wouldn’t skip out on the contest just because he didn’t feel the same way she did. Would he?

♥♥♥

He was late.

Tony rushed into the dimly lit community center. He’d had second and third thoughts about showing up—about what he should say to Ella. In the end, he decided that he had everything to gain if he took a chance on being honest with her.

He glanced around at the crowd, not finding Ella among the familiar faces. This section of the room was lined with dining tables. At the far end stood the stage, which currently had bleachers full of youngsters dressed in red, white, and blue.

“Everyone, take your seats.” Mayor Ortiz stood in front of the kids. “It’s time for some of Whistle Stop’s youngest talents to open tonight’s festivities with a couple of songs. While the children are singing, volunteers will be making the rounds with tickets for the 50/50 raffle. Remember, tonight’s event will now be benefiting the victims of the wildfire. So please dig deep and give with a generous heart.”

Tony scanned the group as they belted out
America the Beautiful
. He spotted Johnny in the back row. Tony eased his way closer to the stage, wanting Johnny to know he was there for him. He waved, doubting Johnny could make him out in the dark, but the boy’s face lit up, and he waved back.

When the children concluded their singing, Tony made a beeline for his mother, who was serving punch. “Mom, I need to talk to you.”

Carlota ladled more red fruity drink into a clear glass and handed it off to a young boy. “Is something wrong?”

With his patience unfurling, Tony got straight to the point. “I can’t find Ella. Have you seen her?”

“Of course. She’s right over there.” His mother pointed to a group of tables in the far corner. “She’s been waiting for you. She already has you both signed in for the competition.”

Through the throng of people, he spotted Ella. She looked gorgeous in the red and white dress that his mother and Mrs. Sanchez had made for her. And he noticed that her arms were bare. A smile tugged at his lips. Ella was no longer letting her past dictate her life.

He strode over to her. “You look absolutely gorgeous.”

Ella crossed her arms as though self-conscious about her scars. “I’d feel more comfortable with a shirt or something on.”

“Trust me when I say that no one’s going to be looking at your arms. There’s so much more to you to appreciate. Especially that amazing smile of yours.”

Color filled her cheeks. “You really think so?”

“I do.” He held out his hand. “Are we still friends?”

Her hesitant gaze moved to his outstretched hand. Seconds passed. Then she unfolded her arms and placed her hand in his. “Yes. We’re still friends.”

He gave her hand a squeeze before reluctantly letting her go. “I need to go congratulate Johnny on the show. Don’t disappear.” He knew he’d only end up tracking her down, unable to resist following wherever she led. “We have a few things to discuss.”

♥♥♥

She’d wait for him as long as it took.

Ella’s insides quivered. What did he want to talk about? Had he changed his mind about them? Or had he talked to the court investigator and found out how she’d messed up everything?

She turned toward the dance floor as Alexis and Cord performed their version of the Texas two-step. Their movements were fluid and flawless. It was as though they could read each other’s thoughts. They were definitely tough competition.

Ella glanced around the room, searching for Tony. Her gaze stumbled across a trophy consisting of a piece of white marble with a gold replica of a hat resting on a pair of cowboy boots. It sat front and center on the judges’ table. Not so long ago, winning that trophy and the prize money had meant the world to her, but now her focus was on Johnny and Tony.

First, she had to confess to Tony what had gone down between her and Ms. Sorkin. Her stomach sloshed. He wasn’t going to like what she had to say. Not at all.

“Now it’s time to talk.” Tony moved to stand in front of her. “I owe you a big apology for what I said at base camp. I shouldn’t have been so rude.”

“I understand. Wrong time, wrong place. Right now I have to tell you something important.” She considered blurting out what she’d done, but yelling above the music from the competition wasn’t the right way. “Can we go outside, away from the noise?”

“First”—he took her hand in his—“I need you to forgive me, truly forgive me.”

Their gazes met, and her heart skipped a beat. “Your apology is accepted.”

“I was so worried that you might have left town after I blew it so badly when we last spoke.”

“I rented a place in town.”

He took a step back and smiled at her. “So you aren’t planning to leave?”

“Why would I?”

“Never mind,” he said. “But there is something I have to know. Did you mean what you said up on the mountain? Do you love me?”

She couldn’t answer his question, not yet. First, she had to get this burdensome confession out in the open.

Before she uttered a single syllable, a voice on the loudspeaker interrupted. “Could the next couple step onto the dance floor?”

“That’s us,” she said, holding out his numbered tag.

Disappointment dimmed his eyes. “I guess you better put that sticker on my back.”

She moved to stand behind him. Her fingers refused to cooperate. She couldn’t decide if it was nervousness over the competition or their impending conversation that had her hands trembling.

“Let me.” Melissa appeared at her side and moved in to make quick work of pinning the tag to Tony’s back.

“Thank you.” Ella smiled at her friend, even though her insides quivered like gelatin.

“Relax, girl. Have fun out there.” Melissa sent her an encouraging smile.

Ella nodded. She turned to Tony and held her hand out to him. “May I have this dance?”

He looked her directly in the eyes, making her pulse race. “I’d love to dance with you.”

“Let’s go show these people what we’ve learned.”

Once they assumed their proper positions, Tony’s hand slid down her bare arm to entwine his fingers with hers. She froze, wondering if he had changed his mind about her revealing her scars.

“Relax. You’re the most beautiful woman in the room,” he murmured, bolstering her courage. With his free hand, he grabbed her waist and pulled her to him. “In the whole world.”

Overcome with emotion, she missed the first two beats of the music, but she quickly recovered and forced herself to concentrate as a wonderful euphoria kicked in.

They moved across the floor in perfect time. His gaze held hers with an intensity she’d never experienced before. When he drew her to him, he held her closer than had at any of their lessons. Her body hummed with excitement as they brushed against each other. Their bodies flowed together in harmony.

When the music faded away, they remained center stage while the judges critiqued their performance and presented the scores. Two nines and one ten. She stifled a squeal of excitement as she realized the results had them in the hunt for the trophy. Maybe she had more of a competitive streak than she’d thought.

She led him off the floor amidst an explosion of clapping. “Let’s step outside where it’s quieter.”

Once the door clicked shut behind them and they’d moved off to the side, Tony spoke first. “Did you—I mean, do you still feel the same way about me?”

“Yes, I do,” she said without any hesitation. “But there’s something you need to know.”

“Whatever it is, we’ll deal with it. Together.”

She sure hoped he felt the same way after she finished her confession.

“It happened while I was staying at your mother’s. This woman showed up at the door looking for you.” Ella explained how she’d mistaken the woman for Jessie.

His smile faded. “Jessie was there?”

“Worse.”

His dark brows arched. “How so?”

“The woman was Mary Sorkin.”

The color leached from his face. “What did she say?”

Ella’s gaze dropped to the ground. “Thinking she was Jessie, I implied you and I were involved.”

“How did she take this news?”

“She said I created a wrinkle in the adoption.”

Tony combed his fingers through his hair. “Having you in Johnny’s life will never be a bad thing, and the court will see that. We’ll deal with this together. After all, you’re good for Johnny. You’re good for me.”

“I am?”

A smile lifted his lips. “Yes, you are. Don’t ever doubt it.”

Ella sucked in a deep breath, trying to stem her rising emotions. “Once I knew who she was, I answered all of her questions.”

She’d even mentioned her past. Ms. Sorkin had made a few notations but hadn’t made a big deal about the fire. Was Tony right? Had she assumed the worst when everyone else was willing to accept it was an accident, no matter how it started?

“Did she seem satisfied with your answers? Did she say how this would impact the adoption?”

“I couldn’t tell. She was full of questions and wrote a ton of notes. She didn’t disclose anything. I’m truly sorry. I…I never meant to do anything to hurt you or Johnny.”

Ella started to turn away, but his fingers wrapped around her hand, stopping her.

“Don’t go.” His gaze met and held hers.

“But I messed everything up.”

“No, you just moved the process along faster than I anticipated.”

“What process?”

He drew her into his arms. “The one where I tell the court that I love you.”

Her heart thumped hard and fast. “Are you sure about this?”

His unwavering gaze held the certainty she needed. “Definitely, absolutely, one hundred percent positive.”

“I love you, too.” Her soft words winged through the air, bringing a smile to his face.

He leaned down and kissed her. His touch was gentle. Her mouth opened, and the tip of her tongue traced the outline of his lips and slipped inside to taste the subtle hint of mint. It was as though they were exploring each other for the first time.

A moan escaped her as she let down all of her defenses and let his love flow into her heart, filling in the cracks. At last she was where she truly belonged—in his arms. Wherever life led them, her home would be comprised of deep and abiding love.

Her hands slid up his muscled arms and wrapped around his neck. She inhaled a fresh soapy scent combined with his own rugged male scent. It was utterly intoxicating. Her fingers toyed with the short strands of hair along his neckline.