Angel of Smoky Hollow (8 page)

“That surprises me. He's usually more standoffish with strangers. He likes Smoky Hollow to be just residents, I think. Not that he goes to town that much.”

“Why not?”

“He's feuding with half the town it seems like.”

“Apparently not Webb Francis, he asked after him.”

“They get along fine. Hope Webb Francis makes the festival. Shouldn't be that hard to sit and enjoy the music. Betsy would have to bring him.”

“Is she the sister? It must be nice to have family around in times of need.”

He flicked her a glance. “Wouldn't yours?”

“I'm sure they would. But sometimes too much of a good thing can be smothering.”

“Want to get a bite to eat at the diner?” he asked as they reached town.

“I'd like that.”

Seated in a red vinyl booth a few minutes later, Angelica was reading the menu when an older woman stopped by.

“Hey, Kirk. How are you?”

He half rose and nodded. “Miz Harper. I'm doing fine. Yourself?”

“Arthritis acting up, but that's nothing new.” She looked at Angelica.

Kirk made introductions.

“Heard from Alice the other day. She and her husband were
going to the Caribbean for vacation. Sure wish she'd settled here.”

“Yes, ma'am, I reckon we all do,” he said.

Angelica watched the interaction between the two struck by the tension that appeared. Was there more to that statement than appeared?

When the woman left, Angelica leaned forward so he could hear her, but so no one else in the diner could.

“Who was that?”

He looked after Mrs. Harper for a moment, then shrugged. “She's Alice's mother.”

“And Alice is?”

“Was—my fiancée.”

Angelica blinked. “What happened?”

He closed his menu, laid it near the edge of the table. “She didn't want to live in Smoky Hollow. Moved to Atlanta, found another man and got married.”

Angelica couldn't believe another man could compete with Kirk.

“And you didn't want to live in Atlanta?”

He shook his head. “My granddad is here. My family's been here for generations. I like it here, why would I want to live in a city when the forest and hills offer so much?”

“Did you love her?”

“What kind of question is that? Of course I did. I wouldn't ask a woman to marry me that I didn't love. Marriage is hard enough. Especially in my family.”

“Why especially in your family?”

“My granddad's wife left when my dad was a kid. My own mother left when I was still a baby. And then Alice left. Not good odds, do you think?”

“All left because they didn't want to live in Smoky Hollow?” she asked in disbelief.

He shook his head. The waitress came over to take their
orders. When she'd left, Angelica leaned forward again. “So why did they leave?”

“I don't know the full story of my grandmother, but my granddad isn't the easiest man in the world to get along with. She ran off to be an actress in Hollywood. Had a few two-bit parts that I know about and then nothing. No one knows what happened to her. She could still be living there or could have died years ago.”

“And your mother?”

“She decided she didn't want to raise a child. She went to New Orleans where last I heard she's part owner of a small restaurant near the Quarter.”

“You never see her?”

He shook his head. “I looked her up a few years ago when I was traveling. But there was no instant bonding or strong family ties. She was a stranger and viewed me as one as well. She can cook, though. I had the best meal in a long time at that restaurant where she's head chef as well as the part owner.”

“Your dad and grandfather never found other women to marry?”

“Once bitten, twice shy.”

“And you?”

“Oh, I expect I'll find someone one day. I would like to have a kid or two. But I want a woman who loves living here. Who wants the same things I do, who will be content here in Smoky Hollow. Someone who puts family above all else. Not looking for fame or a fast lifestyle.”

“Nice, if you can get it,” she said.

“And if I don't, I'm content with the way things are going now.”

“Except no kids.”

“There is that.”

She was silent for a moment. Trying to see into her own future. She had never met a man she wanted to spend her life
with. Most of the men she dated were older, more patrons of the arts than looking for a wife.

In one case, she might have had a chance as a second wife. But Marshall had not made her heart flutter and after only a few dates they stopped seeing each other. She was young yet, she didn't feel any urgency to get married. Now she wanted to explore more of the world before getting tied down to one man.

Looking away, she tried not to compare Kirk to those other men she'd dated. Or figure out how he could become the one. He and she would never make a couple. He lived here. Her life was in New York. And from the way he spoke of Alice, the thought of living in a big city never crossed his mind. He seemed to let her go easily enough. Had he really loved her? Had he been devastated when she left?

She had never fantasized about getting married. Did she even want children? She'd never been much around them. But she enjoyed the encounters with Sam and Teresa Ann. And she liked looking at babies. How would it be to have a child, raise it up, teach it her values, teach it to appreciate music?

One thing for sure, she would never pressure a child as she had been.

“You're not married, anyone on the horizon?” he asked.

She shook her head. “I haven't dated much, except for musicians or men who love the symphony. That's going to have to change. I don't want nothing else in my life. I want variety and change and something different.” Looking around at the diner, she smiled. “This is different.”

“Not trendy like New York.”

“Maybe not, but still very nice. Everyone seems to know everyone. That's definitely different from New York. I like it.”

When the waitress brought their burgers and fries and soda, Angelica ate with relish. She didn't have to rush through meals in order to make an appointment or a rehearsal. She could eat
what she wanted, enjoy every mouthful. Then take her time deciding what to do next.

“These are great,” she said a few minutes later.

“Different. Variety,” he said.

She grinned. “Right you are.”

 

After lunch they drove to the store so she could pick up a few items. The two old men sat in the rockers.

“Afternoon, Miss Cannon,” one said. Was it Paul?

“Good afternoon. What's happened around here today?” she asked, pausing on the porch.

The men gave her an update of who had been shopping that morning, who was at the library and the rumors that were going around about her playing at the festival.

“I might just do that,” she said. “I've been practicing,” she confided, leaning closer as if conveying a secret.

“Do tell, what will you play?”

“The fiddle, of course.”

“What song?”

“Ah, you'll have to come to the festival to see,” she said, enjoying the exchange. These men were delightful.

“Where is the festival held?” she asked Kirk when they entered the store. Bella greeted them. Angelica waved and took a cart for her groceries.

“On the county fairgrounds. It's scheduled after the county fair which kicked off yesterday. There's a kind of amphitheater where the acoustics are good. Those who don't get there early enough, or have small kids, usually sit on the lawn around the stage.”

“Show me sometime.”

“Sure.” He studied her for a moment. “We can go to the fair tomorrow if you want, see it with all that's going on there. It's not far. Between here and Bryceville.”

She nodded. “I've never been to a county fair.”

“That doesn't surprise me. We'll leave around ten, have lunch there, wander around and see everything.”

“Like what?”

“Future Farmers of America displays, livestock, quilts, jam and pie displays, you name it. They have music going all day in different venues around the fairgrounds, and a small carnival with rides and games. Lots to eat, too.”

“Okay. I'll let my students know I won't be here tomorrow. Thanks, Kirk.”

She knew he was only squiring her around as a favor to Webb Francis who was doing a favor for Professor Simmons. Still—she felt anticipation rise at the thought of the outing. Once again she felt she was in an alien world. One she loved exploring.

 

Angelica was home before the two children arrived. They ran partway and were out of breath when they clattered up to her door. She set them both to work playing scales and showing Teresa Ann more techniques when Sam practiced his festival song. He was really showing signs of improvement and Angelica was proud of the child.

Teresa Ann liked to talk, but she applied herself to the tasks at hand and was already showing she had a talent for the instrument.

Angelica didn't have them play the songs she'd grown up with, but tried to incorporate the songs she was learning from the CDs and the music Webb Francis had around.

After their practice, she provided cookies and milk. She loved listening to the chatter of the two, talking about people she didn't know. When she asked what they did the rest of the summer days, she got a glimpse of their lives in Smoky Hollow—chores, playing with friends, helping at the church, exploring the creeks and woods. A slower pace of life and one that sounded idyllic. When she explained why
she wouldn't be home the next afternoon, she was surprised at the disappointment of the children.

“I love you teaching me,” Teresa Ann said, giving her an unexpected hug.

“I'm enjoying teaching you, honey,” Angelica said with a smile. “It's only one day. I've never been to a fair before.”

Both children were astonished. They'd been going every year as long as they could remember.

“I like the rides best,” Sam said. “Especially the one where we go upside down.”

Teresa Ann added she liked looking at all the animals best. Both families were going on Friday and the children were looking forward to the day at the fair.

“You'll love it,” Teresa Ann said. “Can I go with you, too? Then I'd have two days to go.”

“Better not this time. Kirk Devon asked me so I can't invite anyone else.”

“It's a date,” Sam said wisely. “Kids don't go on dates!”

A
NGELICA WAS GETTING USED TO
the casual attire she wore all the time in Smoky Hollow. She selected cotton slacks, a cotton T-shirt and comfortable walking shoes. She heard the motorcycle right at ten and went through the back door to the side of the house just as Kirk pulled up. She kept thinking of Sam's comment—it's a date. It was, no matter what kind of spin Kirk or she put on it. She almost danced out of the house. She was going on a date with Kirk Devon.

He greeted her, handed her the helmet then waited for her to climb on. She felt self-conscious putting her arms around him and snuggling up against his back. She knew the kiss at the pond had meant nothing to him, but the memory made her awareness spike to an all-time high. She tried desperately to get control of her emotions. They had the entire day ahead of them. She couldn't act like a silly schoolgirl with a crush. Taking a deep breath to calm her jangled nerves, she took in the scent of the man instead, kicking awareness up another notch. He smelled of soap and aftershave and the combination did odd things to her thought processes—or lack thereof.

While she was fighting her attraction, he turned the motorcycle around and roared out into the street heading for Bryceville and the county fairgrounds.

Arriving, Angelica was glad for the end of the ride. She felt tingly and self-conscious and wanted to gain some equilibrium.
Avidly looking everywhere she was immediately enchanted by what she saw. The air was filled with animal smells. The bright sunshine was already heating everything. They parked on a dirt parking lot among pickup trucks and older model cars. Between the parking lot and the gate she saw rows of horse trailers parked every which way. She'd never seen such a sight before.

They walked to the gate where a lanky teenager stamped the back of everyone's hands once they'd paid admission.

“So we can come and go if we wish,” Kirk explained. “One fee lets us into everything, including all the rides.”

Angelica nodded, still trying to take in everything. Did any county in New York have fairs like this? She'd never heard of one, but then, would she, living in New York City?

Once through the gate, Angelica saw the stables. Horses hung their heads over the stall doors and watched as people passed by. Several children went to the horses to pet them. A few owners sat on benches, working with bridles and talking with friends.

Beyond were dozens of pens covered from the hot sun by high metal roofs. Sheep were in one section, hogs in another, cattle in a third. The smell was a mix of hot dirt and the excrement of the assorted animals. Pungent and sometimes overwhelming, its earthiness had Angelica taking shallow breaths. She wrinkled her nose, but smiled. How amazing.

Kirk led the way down one aisle with sheep in small pens on either side. Some were all curly wool and a dirty white. Others had black faces and legs with snowy fleece everywhere else. Some were covered with canvas coats. “To keep them clean for the judging,” he explained when she asked why they wore covers on such a hot day.

When a group of teenagers laughingly headed their way, Kirk pulled Angelica closer, out of their path. One hand around her shoulders, he drew her against his chest. Her pulse raced. Swallowing, Angelica couldn't speak. She didn't move away
once the kids had passed, content to be snuggled up against Kirk, smelling his scent mingled with that of the ambient air surrounding them. She could stay here forever.

He must have felt the same as he didn't release her, but continued to point out features of the sheep and explain the judging. She turned her head to see where he was pointing, but wished she could lay it on his shoulder and have him pull her even closer.

When he stepped forward, she moved away, walking at his side. He reached down and caught her hand, lacing his fingers with hers. She could do nothing but feel the waves of sensation that washed through her. How could she concentrate on the fair when every minute inch of her was focused on Kirk Devon?

Once out of the animal barns, there was a center walkway as wide as a street with assorted buildings on either side, like the main street of an old sleepy Southern town. Even to the rocking chairs on several porches—occupied. Some had kids rocking madly. Others had an older couple watching the people saunter by.

When Kirk ran into neighbors he knew, he introduced Angelica, explaining he was showing her around. She wished for a little while that she was not in Smoky Hollow for a visit, but could be a part of the community. How amazing it would be to know everyone she ran into, to stop and chat a few minutes, knowing she'd see them again in a day or two.

The morning took on a magical feel—like something out of a fairy tale. She was enchanted with everything, from the animals to the canning and quilting, to the wonderful exhibits. There was plenty to eat at the food court, where anything from teriyaki chicken to corn dogs to cotton candy was readily available. And sun tea booths everywhere. Which they took advantage of as the day grew warmer.

Stopping to eat lunch on the lawn near one of the platforms, they listened to the musicians playing that hour. Kirk
explained how the various musical groups rotated around the fairgrounds. There were several venues where different type of music from bluegrass to country to rock were played.

“Did you put on sunscreen?” he asked as they were finishing their lunch.

She shook her head.

“Your nose is looking red,” he commented. “Come on and we'll buy you a hat to keep you shaded.”

She wrinkled her nose, feeling tightness. “I didn't even think about it this morning.” She was rarely out in the sun enough to worry about sunburn at home. But if the feeling on her nose was anything to go by, she'd be burned to a crisp by the end of the day if she didn't do something.

Kirk led her to one of the concession stands where hats and scarves and sunglasses were sold. He picked out a pink cowboy hat and plopped it on her head.

“It's so you,” he teased.

She laughed and looked at the small mirror on the stand. For a moment she didn't recognize the reflection. Her face was pink, her eyes a deeper blue than normal. But it was the happiness shining back at her that surprised her.

“We'll take it,” he told the vendor, paying him for the hat.

“I can buy it,” she protested, noticing the transaction.

“Consider it a gift from Smoky Hollow. I bet you don't have the nerve to wear it in New York.”

She smiled and shook her head. “Probably not. But then, I don't spend a lot of time outdoors in New York.”

“Why not?”

“Too busy with practice.” It sounded lame. She could make time to go to Central Park, or even to the beach. Maybe if she factored more breaks in her schedule she wouldn't feel so overwhelmed and pressured. She was in control of her life. It was up to her to find the balance.

“It'll work for today,” he said, taking her hand again.

Kirk took her to the amphitheater where the music festival would be held later in August. Today there was a rock band playing with lots of teenagers on the stands and sitting on the grass. Many were dancing to the music, others clapped or sang along. He found a spot on the back of the stands and they sat.

“The acoustics are good here,” she said.

He nodded. It wasn't bad. He could hear the music and some of the murmur from conversations around them. Usually it was too much effort to listen. He glanced at Angelica and her new hat. She looked pretty as a picture watching the musicians with an assessing look. He hoped the sunburn would fade and not peel. Though he bet she'd look cute with a peeling nose.

He leaned back against the empty seats behind them, remembering the last time he'd come to the fair. It had been before he'd gone into the army. He had brought Alice. They'd just graduated from high school and had talked of marriage once he was done with his service. They'd listened to music, rode the rides. He'd even won a silly turtle for her at the pitching booth.

Different experience now with Angelica finding every aspect fascinating. Just showed what different upbringing could do. He took it for granted, she was amazed. If she stayed, after a few years would she take this for granted as well? He'd never know.

She looked at him and smiled and he felt a kick in the gut. If she had any idea how pretty she was she'd control those smiles.

“You must come every year,” she said.

“Nope. First time in a long while.”

“Why? This is fabulous.”

He sat up. “More fun coming with someone. Didn't have anyone to come with before. Not since Alice.”

“No one?”

“No one I wanted to risk gossip enough to bring.”

“Is there some rite of passage I don't know about coming here with you?”

“If you were staying, there'd be speculation about our relationship. Bringing someone to the county fair is a pretty strong indication you're involved, or thinking about it.”

“But not with me?”

“No. You don't live here.”

If she did, would he still have brought her? If she lived here, he'd have to rethink the entire situation. But he knew better than to get involved with someone who liked the bright lights and big city. Alice hadn't stayed. He hadn't enough to offer Alice and she'd told him so in no uncertain terms. There was no reason to think Angelica could ever fit in.

But for today he could pretend. The idea surprised him. The longer he considered it the more he thought, why not? He would show her around, explain everything to her and enjoy her enthusiasm for the fair. He hadn't dated anyone seriously since Alice. He was careful not to give the wrong impression to anyone. Or was he guarding his heart against the pain of loss? He wouldn't think about that today.

“Come on, let's hit the carnival section and ride the Ferris wheel,” he said, standing and offering his hand again. A day for just the two of them. Making memories.

As the afternoon progressed, Kirk did his best to give her the best fair experience she'd ever have. And she loved every moment. Laughter was the key word for the day. He hadn't had such fun since before he could remember. During times waiting in line for a ride they talked a bit about their childhoods. So different it was educational in one sense. He still thought she had lacked the carefree days of childhood. And twice she had wistfully told him how lucky he'd been.

When they passed the pitching concession, he offered to try to win her a teddy bear.

“You're kidding?” she said, looking around him to see the stand. Three metal milk bottles stacked pyramid style sat on
the back board. A direct hit in only one area would knock all three flying—qualifying for a bear.

He bought some balls. Several other couples stopped to watch, while Angelica stood a few feet away, so not to crowd him. He threw the first ball which clipped the top bottle. But it only swayed, staying on the other two. His next ball missed completely and everyone laughed. The third ball hit the bottle on the bottom left. Again the bottles swayed, but remained upright.

“I'll take another set of balls,” he said. Now it was getting to crunch time. Several good-natured teasing comments were called. A guy he knew from Bryceville called an insult to his pitching ability—or apparent lack thereof.

“Don't listen to them,” Angelica said. “You can do it.”

He'd done it before for Alice. He wanted to do it today for Angelica. He threw it for all he was worth. It missed completely. He looked at her and the faith showing in her gaze touched him as nothing had in a long while. She didn't know him, didn't know what he could do, but he could read her confidence in him as if it had been tattooed on her forehead.

He threw the ball and the trio of bottles exploded apart, flying around the concession booth.

“Woohoo!” Angelica said, rushing over to throw her arms around him. “You did it! I knew you could.”

The crowd clapped and began drifting away. Kirk's friend called congratulations before moving on.

“Whoa, man, when you connect, you do it in style,” the concessioner said, looking at Angelica. “So what color bear do you want?” he asked.

“Pink, please, to match my hat,” she said looking over her shoulder.

Kirk liked the feel of her in his arms. Giving her a hug, he slowly released her so she could take the big pink teddy bear. Grinning, she looked at him.

“Thank you, no one has ever won a teddy bear for me before.”

“My pleasure.” The feel of her soft body against his felt imprinted. She walked along beside him and all he could think of was to find a place to pull her back into his arms to kiss her.

Twilight was fading into darkness when Kirk drove into the driveway of Webb Francis's home. Angelica had held on to the bear with one arm, the other encircling him as the motorcycle rode through the quiet evening. Her hat had been squashed between them so it wouldn't blow away.

“That was the best day ever,” she said when they stopped. Slowly she withdrew her hand when he turned to help her off the bike. He scooped up her pink hat and pushed it back into shape while she removed the helmet.

He took it, the bike still rumbling.

“Thank you,” she said, leaning over to kiss him.

He pulled her closer, relishing the taste of her, the feel of her in his arms. The kiss was awkward with him still straddling the bike, but he wouldn't have changed an instant. When she straightened, he released her. He tried to gauge her expression in the dim light but it was impossible. All he could see was wide eyes and a stunned expression.

“I'll see you in,” he said.

“Not necessary. It's only a few steps. Thanks again. I had a fabulous time!”

She seemed to run away. He watched until she was inside and the light went on in the kitchen. He was hot after that kiss. Yet she'd skittered away like a fawn startled beyond expectations.

He frowned, studying the dark door. Putting together all she'd said about her past, was it possible in this day and age she had never had a serious relationship with a guy? No, that'd be impossible. She was too pretty, too talented.