On The Dotted Line (21 page)

Somehow
with him there it didn’t matter.

“We
are going to have to get ready for dinner and presents, but first I must warm
you up.” He stood and helped her up.

Better
than the idea of presents, was the anticipation of how he planned on raising
her body temperature. As he guided her inside and up to their suite, the snow
clinging to her hair melted chilling her, and her mind yelled out a warning.

He
corralled them both into the huge grey marble bathroom, turned on the water in
the shower built for multiple people and returned to her. “Let’s get out of
these wet things.”

On
automatic she undressed, and dropped her clothes in a pile on the floor. Her
mind overruled the rest of her body, and she realized she at least better figure
out what she wanted before stepping into the shower with her husband.

Yes,
Nan always told her to go with the flow, but she didn’t think the woman meant getting
washed away. What was it about Randolph the third that made her forget
everything?

“The
hot water awaits.” He took her hand.

She
turned and practically fell over. No wonder her mind turned to mush around him.

Yes,
she had spied Randolph without his suit of armor many times, but for some
reason it was always a flash, or the room was dark, or something prevented her
actually being able to take him all in.

In
the brightly lit bathroom, she finally got to truly take in the man she
married.

His
poster perfect looks didn’t stop at his face. In fact, the rest of his body
would have made the ideal centerfold. Muscles in all the right places
encapsulated by smooth skin, everything fit, strong, and tight.

“Come
on.” He gave her a little tug.

Without
a thought or a protest, she stepped inside with him. Several strategically
placed showerheads ensured they both remained under the warm water. Once she
spotted Randolph with his damp curls, she closed her eyes lest she attack the
man. Images of him making love to her in their wet wonderland instantly filled
her struggling mind.

“My
God, you are beautiful.” His voice echoed, bouncing off the marble.

She
gained her courage to look at him. No matter the arguments, the
miscommunication, the bizarre circumstances where they ended up together in the
here and now, they had the same effect on each other. Though privy to the size
of his erection, it was truly impressive in the stark bathroom lighting.

“I
want you to know that from day one I thought you were beautiful.” He took her
by the shoulders and turned her back to him. “I want to do something.”

Fine,
she wanted it as well. Damn, she needed it. She might as well make love to him,
he was right at the beginning. They couldn’t stay celibate, it wasn’t natural,
and it made sense. “What do you want to do?” The shower boasted a seat in the
corner, but she could easily brace herself on the water spigots.

“Tilt
your head back.”

Unsure
of his plan, but up for anything, she complied.

Rather
than answering, he combed his fingers through her hair. The aroma of lavender
and lilacs took over the shower as he shampooed her hair.

She
already knew what Randolph could do with his fingers, but she wasn’t prepared
for him to expertly massage her scalp, bring her follicles and the rest of her
to life. With the strength leaving her body, she leaned back against him.

After
all the back and forth, one part of her finally claimed the winning position. Her
body wanted him and for the next several months she wouldn’t deny her desires,
but would indulge. Hopefully, the man would prove to be like a chocolate sundae
and after feasting for months she would be sick of him.

He
rinsed the shampoo out of her hair. “Are you enjoying Christmas?”

“I
think I’ll never be able to thank you enough for such an incredible holiday.” With
her new resolve set, she spun around and ran her hands over his wet, slick
chest.

He
tilted her chin up to his face. “I want to tell you something.”

Her
heart sped and she took a breath. “What?”

“Remember
when you asked me if I would have dated you?”

She
nodded but wondered how the topic bubbled up again.

“The
answer is yes.” He stroked his thumb across her lower lip. “I wish I would have
asked you out instead of teased you. I wish I’d taken the chance to know you. I
wish I would have had the opportunity to wine and dine you and I wish I would
have done all of that instead of getting you caught in the middle of my
situation.”

The
water continued to cascade over them. Yes, Randolph had changed and she liked
it, liked him. Hell, she liked him before though he made her insane. Even if he
was hard on her, he tried to be a husband, while she simply fluttered around
him thinking signing her name on a marriage certificate was enough when in her
heart she knew she faltered.

Beyond
her control, she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. Though unsure
exactly what he tried to tell her, his words raged havoc on her heart. Did she
go with the flow or did she fight her feelings? Did she live each day or plan
for the end of the year when they parted? Most importantly did she even out her
world and step up and act like a wife? “I need to do a reading.” For the first
time she wished she really could tell the future.

* * * *

“Well,
I did not know there was truly such a thing as Figgy Pudding until we had it tonight.”
Randolph’s grandmother sipped her tea. “I’m not sure what you have done to my
grandson, but I like it. Normally, he spends the holiday staring at his phone
or computer.”

Willow’s
cheeks heated, a normal occurrence for her these days. Caught in a food
hangover from the amazing Christmas Eve meal and a Randolph hangover from his
attention, she didn’t speak.

“Yes,
last Christmas he didn’t even want to open presents. Willow is having quite an
effect on him.” Lillian tilted her cup toward her. “You said to leave some of
the tea in the cup?”

She
nodded and distracted herself from Lillian’s words by taking in the unique room.
While the mansion in Bel Air possessed a million different beautiful rooms, the
solarium Caroline took her to was one of the most magnificent places she had
ever been.

Round
and entirely made out of glass on half the circle, the little spot presented the
perfect picture of the outside view. The evening lights sparkled off all the
snow with the only break in the perfect covering where she and Randolph raged
their mock war. Her heart fluttered. “I’ve never seen anything like this room.”

“When
Judge and I took over this home, he added the room for me so I wouldn’t miss
the California sun.” Caroline nodded. “Something told me you might appreciate
it as much as I do.”

“It’s
beautiful.” Maybe along with her mattress, once the year ended she would find a
place with a solarium or sunroom. Nan would love it. She wished Nan would have
joined them, but the woman insisted she needed to spend time with Caroline and
Lillian alone and told her she needed to nap for a bit. The men of the family
retired to the library for brandy and to digest before opening their Christmas
Eve presents.

“Well,
I am very happy that I could share it with you. Having you here has made the
holiday’s extra special.” Caroline patted her arm.

Her
heart both warmed and constricted at the wonderful traditions the Van Ayers
allowed her to take part in. Aside from Randolph and Mr. Van Ayers, she was
sure no one else knew her time here was only temporary. She swallowed and
cleared her throat, wishing she didn’t know either. “I’m so happy to be here.”

“Are
we ready to start?” Caroline set her cup down. “Randolph told me you have
amazing talents.”

Randolph
told her that?

“Oh
she does!” Lillian sat up straighter. “She’s so smart, and she can make
anything. I am having the most fun showing her off, and her store is amazing. She
is everything I could have asked for in a daughter.”

Daughter?
Willow dug her nails into her hand refusing to have any reaction other than a
smile. Even Nan didn’t give her that title. She gulped her tea down, swallowing
a couple of leaves in the process. “Okay, everyone hold the handle toward you
and swirl the cup three times.” She demonstrated and Caroline and Lillian
followed her lead.

“Now
what?” Lillian’s voice took on a tone of wonder.

“We
turn the cup over on the saucer.” She showed them and guided them through
turning the cup. “Lastly, we tap the cup three times.”

“Is
there a reason?” Caroline seemed to be spending more time watching her than
tending to her tea.

“The
gypsies used to say that it called the spirits to the tea leaves.”

“May
I go first?” Lillian pushed the cup and saucer toward her. “Maybe ask what is the
silver box for me under the tree.”

“I’m
sure it jewelry.” Caroline sucked in her cheeks.

“I
hope so.” Lillian pressed her hand to her chest and took a breath. “I’m ready.”

“I’m
going to turn the cup over and we will look for the picture.” She lifted
Lillian’s cup.

All
three of them gazed inside.

“It
looks like a dirty cup.” Lillian sighed.

Willow
studied the configuration. “To me it looks like a fireplace.” She traced the
outline for them without disturbing the leaves.

“Well
Santa is coming.” Lillian practically bounced in her chair.

“A
fireplace deals with matters related to your home.” Willow returned the cup to
her.

Lillian
stared inside. “That’s because my home expanded with you and Nan and little
Jeb.” She cradled the dish in her palms. “I have my son back.”

“What
do you mean, Lillian?” Caroline patted Lillian’s arm.

“Before
Willow, all he did is work, I never saw him and he didn’t talk to me. It was as
if he was dragging around a 100 pound bag of worry with him all the time.” Lillian
put the cup down and fanned her face. “Then he came home with Willow, and he
changed. He comes home and he talks and he does things other than stare at that
damn phone or computer. She turned him into a husband.”

She
held her breath. Randolph had changed, turned into a husband while she only signed
a paper.

“The
Van Ayers wives have a history of turning their boys into men.” Caroline took their
hands. “Willow fits right in.”

Every
muscle in her body tensed. With these women’s words, she knew what was wrong,
why she struggled. “No.” She shook her head.

“What’s
wrong?” Caroline squeezed her hand.

She
closed her eyes. No wonder her entire world was off balance. She was the weight.
While Randolph moved on, went with the flow, became a husband, she fought her
commitment, focused only on the end, what she wouldn’t do, struggled at every
turn. Her husband even went to Sedona and slept in a tent. He helped with her
business and even defended her in front of her friends and she soaked it up
like a sponge offering only sex in return when she felt like it and avoiding
his questions.

“Willow.”
Lillian grabbed her free hand. “What is it?”

“I’m
not a wife.” Her voice cracked. She wasn’t even a year-long wife. “I don’t fit
in. I messed up the dinner and I don’t look right. He took my calendar away.”

Silence
took over the room and she opened her eyes.

Both
women stared at her then, as if they were related by more than marriage, broke
out into matching smiles.

“Is
the calendar brown leather with gold edges on the paper?” Lillian giggled.

“I
swear they buy them in bulk.” Caroline winked at her. “I think the bank gave
them away one year.”

Willow
looked from one woman to the other.

“When
you first fall in love, it’s hard to remember that being a wife also comes with
responsibilities.” Caroline’s tone turned maternal, or grand maternal.

She
bit the side of her mouth. Yes, she had responsibilities, ones she neglected. She
wasn’t sure about the love. No. She meant she didn’t have the love.

“Men
in the position of the Van Ayers men need a strong woman who can take charge. The
job you hold with your husband is just as important as his job.” Caroline
continued.

Lillian
nodded.

“You
are part of an amazing history with a lot of tradition.” Caroline stared right
into her eyes as if trying to relay a message. “Did you know we can trace your
husband’s ancestors back to before the Mayflower and every wife went through
the same set of trials and tribulations?”

Did
Caroline know why they got married? She opened her mouth but Caroline’s serious
expression and intuition told her not to react, give anything away. Wait. The
situation made no sense. They were only in the situation for a year, how did
that explain the marriages with the women who sat in front of her? She took a
breath. They had the love.