Love Me Tonight (19 page)

“Will you agree not to see other men?” he asked her. “I need a commitment from you, and I'm willing to give you the same.”

“I thought we were already committed.”

“Not in the way I mean. I've been holding back because I've needed to know who my parents are. I'm not absolutely positive now, but I feel certain enough to start putting my life in order. If we can work out our problems, such as your career and where we'll live, I want us to get married and start a family.”

“It makes sense,” she said softly.

“Sense? I need more than that, and please don't tell me you haven't given it any thought.”

“I love you, Judson, and I cannot conceive of any other man in my life. Nor do I want any other. Is that good enough for now?”

“No, it isn't. But until I can make it more definite, I'll accept it.”

She didn't want to be without him, but how could she commit herself to marriage, knowing how tenuous relationships could be? Yet, she knew he wasn't going to let her string him along. Eventually, she knew it would be marriage or lose him.

 

The following day, she made an appointment with her superior, told her that she couldn't leave her terminally ill father and recommended Scott for the ambassadorship to Lithuania.

“I'll miss you,” she told Scott, “because you're the first real friend I ever made.”

“Thank you for recommending me. You won't be alone, because you have Judson now, so you won't need me. I'm depending on you to see that I don't stay in that outpost for longer than two years.”

“I promise, friend.”

“Marry him, Heather. He's the best thing that's ever happened to you.”

“I know. Too bad you won't be around to make me think straight.”

“Not to worry,” he said. “We can talk every day. I'm going to try and stay focused on what's important, and you do the same. “

“Just tell me this—in your opinion, is Judson a very vulnerable person?”

“You mean fragile? No, he's got enough self-assurance for three men. With one exception. He has always lacked confidence about his parentage, what kind of stock he comes from and whether he'd be proud of his mother and father.”

“He's about to resolve that, because it appears his father was Fentriss Sparkman.”

“Yeah, but until he sees proof of that, he'll agonize over it. That's why he's a helluva lawyer.”

 

Shortly thereafter, Judson phoned Scott for lunch. “It doesn't have to be special, Scott. A barbecue sandwich will suit me. What about you?”

“Man, you know I go for the barbecue every time.”

Scott was seated at the table when Judson arrived. “What happened to you?” Judson asked him. “In over thirty years, you didn't go anyplace early. What's up?”

“Heather turned down an appointment to Lithuania, pleaded her father's illness and recommended me in her place. You're looking at the chief diplomat at the U.S. consulate in Lithuania. She didn't have to do it, but she did, and I'll never forget it.”

“Well, I'll be. I'd adore her for that if for nothing else. She's a classy woman. I couldn't be happier for you, Scott. But won't she damage her career? That's the second opportunity she turned down.”

“Trust me, she hasn't done herself any harm. She has a hell of a record at State, and they owe her a better post. Between you and me only, there could be some reluctance to send a single woman her age to a high post. I'm not sure, but I've thought about it a lot. Don't mention the idea to Heather, man, because she'll freak out.”

They placed their orders, and Scott included in his a bottle of beer. “Don't I know it,” Judson said. “She'd have a fit.”

“What more have you learned about Aunt Bev and Sparkman?”

He recapped the day and the information. “I don't
doubt that Mom was my birth mother and that Sparkman was my father, but I want to see the proof, and I am going to get it. I want to be able to tell my children who their grandparents were. When are you leaving for Lithuania?”

“Two or three weeks. I have to have a lot of briefings, lease my condo and take care of some other personal things. I'll miss you, buddy.”

“Same here. It will be the first time we've been separated since we met.”

“Yeah,” Scott said.

After a moment, Judson broke the silence. “I'd better go. I'm meeting with the D.A. on a case of criminal negligence tomorrow morning, and I have to be on my toes.”

“I'll see you before I leave. Remember that Heather isn't as tough as she seems.”

“I know that, buddy, probably better than you do. Not to worry. I'll take care of her, if she'll let me.”

“She won't want to think that you're taking care of her, Judson, but she needs it. Not where her work and the management of her life are concerned, but she needs caring and she's just realized it.”

Judson raised an eyebrow. “Since when?”

“I'd say, six or seven weeks at the most. I suspect she's just now learning that she's not all brain and smarts. You've had a role in that.”

“Yeah. I have. But she possesses awesome self-control and determination. I can only hope that she'll decide I'm worth it.”

J
udson could hardly contain his surprise when he received a call from Russ Harrington. “We're all going for a spin on my cruiser this weekend, and I'd be delighted if you'd come. We'll spend nights at Drake's house in St. Michaels—and bring Heather.”

“That would be wonderful. I'll ask Heather if she'd like to join us. Where is your boat?”

“On the Chesapeake. It's about an hour-and-a-half drive from here, and about fifty minutes from you. We could hook up in Baltimore and drive over together. Telford and Drake will drive their cars. Henry hates big boats, but he's coming because he loves to fish, and he wants to try out the gear you gave him. We'll have a great time.”

“After I speak with Heather, I'll phone you. Thanks
so much for thinking of us, Russ. And please give my regards to Velma.”

“It's a family outing, Judson, and that automatically includes you.”

They said goodbye, and he hung up. He dialed Heather's number and waited, anxious to hear her say she'd go with him on the cruise. When he heard her voice, his heart skipped a beat.

“Hi, sweetheart.” Surely that calm voice was not his. He relayed to her Russ's invitation. “I want to go, and I'll be miserably lonely if you don't go with me.”

“I'd love to go. Maybe Henry will teach me how to fish.”

“Henry, huh! What about me? I'd think you'd look forward to spending a weekend in my company.”

“You poor baby. Of course I will.” She practically purred.

“Why do you get kittenish when I'm nowhere near you? I'd like to curl up somewhere with you right now.”

“But, honey, I'm in my office.”

“Don't I know it! If you were at home, I'd be halfway there by now.”

“Honey, tone it down. I've got a lot of work to do today.”

He sucked in his breath. “At least I get to you the way you get to me.”

“I didn't think that was in question,” she said.

“It isn't, but when you get fresh with me, I'm never sure how serious your teasing is.”

“I'm honest, Judson. You can depend on that.”

“I know, and that's important. I'll call you when you get home. In the meantime, I'll let Russ know we're joining him and the family on the cruise.”

 

On Friday afternoon, he picked up Heather at her office and drove her to his house. “Except for the first three years of my life, I've always lived here, and what you see represents my parents' personalities rather than mine.”

“It's a beautiful home. You haven't changed anything?”

“Nothing. Since mom died I've been focused on clearing up the matter of my parentage. Eventually, I'll sell it and build one that suits me.”

“Are you thinking about the Harringtons for the job?”

“I hadn't, but I've seen Russ's and Drake's homes. They're magnificent. Sure.” He looked straight at her, and without any semblance of a smile, he said, “Unless you'd prefer some other architect and builder.” The bell rang simultaneously with her gasp. He rushed to open the door.

Judson and Russ greeted each other with a brotherly embrace. “Come in,” Judson said. “Heather's in the living room.”

Russ greeted Heather with a kiss on the cheek. “We're glad you're coming with us. Imagine Judson all alone among a bunch of lovers.”

Heather's grin creased her smooth face, and sparks danced in her eyes. “Why? I thought he got on well with Henry.” She turned to Judson. “You did, didn't you?”

“Keep it up,” he growled. “I may forget Russ is here.”

Both hands went to her hips in a gesture he hadn't previously seen her make. “Really? Honey, I can't wait to see what you'll do.”

She challenged him often, but she hadn't previously challenged him in the presence of a man he considered his equal. He took his time getting to her and, as if choreographed to do so, Russ stepped aside to let him pass. He stopped in front of her, stared down at the mischief dancing in her eyes and crushed her to him. Like a robot, her arms went around his shoulders, but he put on his thinking cap and resisted the temptation.

“When I do get you alone, I'm going to make you scream with pleasure, and that's a promise,” he whispered in her ear.

Russ whooped. “From the expression on her face, Judson, you may as well have said it aloud. I was going to suggest that you two ride with Velma and me, but I wouldn't like to have my car set on fire.”

Judson hugged Heather and kissed her forehead. “Try to behave.”

“Don't I always?”

He picked up two of their bags, handed one to Russ and then lifted the one that contained gifts. “Sure you do, and Baltimore borders on Canada.”

Velma got out of the car and greeted them. “I'm so glad you could come, Heather. We've been looking forward to seeing you again.”

“As I think of it,” Russ said, easing away from the curb, “it's not such a good idea, Judson, to have these
two women together. My wife's full of pranks and devilment, and challenge is her middle name.”

Velma turned so that she could see the backseat. “Don't listen to him, Judson. I'm as innocent as a lamb born today. Nobody ever got away with challenging Russ, and there's no point in trying to argue with him.”

“The way to keep a marriage nice and friendly,” Russ said, “is to forget about winning arguments. Women love to win. I couldn't care less about that. I say what I think, and that's it.”

“I love to win,” Heather said. “And I like a good fight so long as it's genteel, clever and is conducted by rules of good conduct. You know…foxy, outwitting your opponent.”

“That's why you're a good ambassador,” Judson told her. How would she ever give up that goal and settle in Baltimore with him? The thought depressed him.

“That's the trait of a first-class lawyer, too,” Russ said. “Life with the two of you should be exciting.”

“It is,” Heather said. “Judson's a wonderful man.”

He reached for her hand, and she moved closer to him and rested her head on his shoulder.

They reached Pinehurst in time to see the sun slip into the bay. Russ walked onto the boat first, looked back and called to Judson. “You all come on. I hired a captain for the weekend because I want to enjoy it. Steering a boat is as much of a responsibility as driving at high speed on a crowded highway. We'll spend the night at Drake's house in St. Michaels. He's got a small boat docked there.”

“This is not a small boat.”

“No, but I didn't want a second house, so I got a big boat. Velma and I spend weekends on it.”

Henry baited his hook and cast out as soon as the boat moved out to deep water. “Come over here,” he called to Heather. “You can hold the basket in case I catch anything.” Judson looked at Russ in time to see him throw back his head and laugh.

 

Heather had already planned to marry Judson, but she liked Henry, and she suspected he had a reason for his request. He didn't keep her waiting. “How long is it gonna take you to get Judson's ring on yer finger, Heather? He's a fine man, he loves you and he's lonely.”

“He doesn't seem lonely to me, Henry.”

“Then you're not as smart as I thought you were. Heather, a first-class man like Judson does not go around with the word
lonely
stuck to his chest. If you love him, you shoulda figured it out just like I did. Here, hold this while I support me back.”

“But suppose a fish bites.”

“Then you'll hold on tight, 'cause that's me best rod and tackle that Judson gave me.”

She heard the pride in his voice. “Isn't the water too deep for fishing?”

“No, and don't change the subject. If you show Judson you need him, he'll get the courage to ask ye to marry him.”

“Why would he need courage?”

“Child, there's not a man born who enjoys the word
no
coming from a woman and especially if he loves her. Ever hear of the male ego?”

“Gotcha. But, Henry, I think he wants the proof of his parentage first.”

“And 'spose he never gets it? Don't you believe that. Look at him standing over there wondering why you'd rather be with me than with him. Go on over there. I can handle me basket when I need to. Don't let it drag too long. You hear?”

“Thanks, Henry. You have a way of endearing yourself to me. Be back later.”

She walked over to Judson. “Is he pulling in anything?” Judson asked her.

“Not yet. I thought Telford, Drake and their families would join us. What happened?”

“Telford went directly to Drake's house. Drake dropped Henry off here this morning. He wanted to catch crabs and, according to Russ, he pulled in a couple of bushels. Henry's an expert fisherman.”

Judson took her hand and walked with her down to the bar where Velma was putting together snacks. “What do you want to drink, sweetheart?”

“Gin and tonic if I get something to eat along with it.”

Russ entered the room, picked up Velma and kissed her. Then he eased her down until her feet touched the floor and kissed her properly. She hung on to him as if her life depended on it. When Velma's breathing accelerated almost to a pant, Heather forced herself to look away. But frissons of heat plowed through her, and
she turned to leave the bar. Judson stopped her with a hand on her shoulder and gave her the drink.

“They love each other,” he said for her ears only, “and they're free to do whatever they enjoy doing.”

She nearly spilled the drink. “I know. Oh, I know.”

He set her glass on the bar and pulled her into his arms. “No woman is more precious to a man than you are to me.”

She kissed his neck. “Do you really mean that? I want so badly to believe it.”

“If you trust me, I'll show you beauty you didn't dream existed. The sun will shine brighter, the moon will shimmer with a silvery glow, and your life will be fuller and sweeter than it's ever been. Give me a chance, and I'll show you a world you've never seen or imagined.”

She held him tight and snuggled closer. “If you don't stop it, I may cry. If you give me all that, what can I give you?”

“Yourself is all I want and all I'll need.”

What was he saying? Did he even realize what he was saying? She had so many questions and just as many misgivings. She reached for her glass, playing for time, and saw that they were alone in the bar room.

“Our time will come, Judson. At least, I hope so.” She looked around. “Where did they go?”

“They saw that we needed privacy.”

“I guess. How long have they been married?”

“Around four years, I think. Drake's been married almost three years and Telford, almost four years. Why?”

“They're like lovers, courting,” she said, increasingly bemused. This was not her estimation of marriage.

“Why shouldn't they be?” he asked her. “Drake and Pamela are the same. Love and passion do not end with marriage. The feelings should deepen.”

“Yes,” she said softly and tried to believe it.

 

“Supper's ready,” Velma called. “We'll be at Drake's place in about forty-five minutes or so. Honey, pull Henry in here. He'd stay up there trying to get a fish all night.”

“Did you catch anything?” Heather asked Henry after Russ said grace.

“I got meself three good-size croakers and two mackerel. A big flounder got away.”

Judson sampled a piece of baked bluefish. “That's quite a haul for a couple of hours, Henry.”

“I ain't tired, though. I caught two bushels of crabs earlier, got meself a couple hours of sleep, and now I could fish all night.”

“But you won't,” Russ said, in a no-nonsense voice. “You're going in that house and go to bed like the rest of us.”

Henry looked at Heather. “When I was raising me boys, they never considered talking back to me, but this one here's got to the place where he thinks he's me daddy.”

“But you know he loves you,” Velma said. She looked at Heather. “I didn't grow up in a loving and peaceful home. You don't want to know what it was like to be around my parents, and especially at night. I never knew
what a loving family could be like until I met Russ, his brothers and Henry. They loved each other and they showered love on Alexis and Tara. That's why I love Henry. He planted the seeds for that. Witnessing the genuine affection and love among them changed my life and the way I looked at life.

“When I realized and accepted that Russ really loved me, I saw myself and everything around me differently.” She sniffed back the tears. “And it seems like we love each other more every day.”

The pressure of Judson's knee against her drew Heather's attention to him. He let his expression say, “Isn't that what I told you?”

She reached for his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, but what she wanted most was the assurance of his arms around her. If only she could know where she'd be, with whom, and what she'd be doing a year hence. She smiled because he needed it from her.

They finished supper shortly before the captain spoke through the intercom. “We'll be docking in a few minutes. I see Mr. Harrington's signal lights.”

“Are we docking at the edge of Drake's property?” Judson asked.

“Exactly,” Russ said. “He's got a pier that extends out into the bay. Henry'd sit there all night and fish if we'd let him. You go on, Henry. I'll take your fish and your suitcase in.”

“I'll help you with this stuff,” Judson told him. When they reached the gangplank, he saw Drake and Telford coming to meet them. “I've finally got some brothers,” he said to himself happily.

The brothers embraced him and Heather and took the bags that he carried. “We'll be back for the crabs,” Drake called to Russ.

“If there're any mosquitoes,” Heather whispered to Judson, “I'm not coming back outside.”