Lone Wolf (5 page)

****

Angry silence reigned in the confines of the vehicle as they drove to the banquet hall. Nicole sat in the passenger seat, her arms crossed over her chest. Ryder and Renee had gone ahead earlier, so it was just Tanzi and the two little girls in the back seat.

“Why don't you drop us off at the door?” Tanzi suggested. “I can take the girls in and you two can go park the car.”

Thomas nodded his agreement and pulled up in front of the banquet hall. His niece was quick to see that they needed some time alone, and he appreciated her offer minus any fuss. She bustled the little girls out of the SUV and up the walkway into the building.

“I was going to tell you,” he offered as soon as he started driving again. “It just never seemed like the right time.”

“When would be a right time?” Her voice had a sarcastic edge and she raised one brow in question.

He maneuvered the vehicle into a parking space along a side street one block away and cut the engine. “I didn't want to alarm you. It just came up.”

“Oh? How recently?”

He shrugged. “Last week…maybe the week before…”

“And how many times have we talked since then?”

Thomas let out a frustrated sigh. “I probably won't take it anyway.”

“But you might.”

He shrugged.

“Or maybe you want to?” It sounded like a question.

Thomas turned as much as possible in the seat in order to look directly at Nicole. “Look, my job takes me all over the place. You knew I'd be moving somewhere this summer.”

“Yes, but not out of the province!”

“It's not so bad. I'd still have to come home a few times a year to keep an eye on Ryder.”

“In other words, you do want to take the job.”

“I didn't say that. You're making something out of nothing.”

“Am I? I'd say not telling me that you might be moving thousands of miles away is definitely something.”

“Maybe it'll be good for us. Like a test or something. We have been moving awfully fast.”

“Oh?” Her voice raised another notch. “So that's what this is about? You're looking for a way to get out of this relationship?”

“You're doing it again. Putting words in my mouth.” His own voice had started to rise. He had never seen this side of Nicole. Angry and defensive.

“Well? Are you?”

Thomas took a deep breath and then let it out in measured increments. “We'll talk about it later. Right now we need to get to the banquet.”

“You bet we'll talk later. And soon,” Nicole said. “For Ryder's sake—and the girls—I'll pretend like everything is fine.”

He had all but ruled out taking the job before tonight, but for some reason—call it stubborn pride—he felt suddenly attracted by the prospect. Maybe it was fear that he and Nicole were moving too fast that had him even considering the job in BC. Or maybe it was a way to test how much they really meant to each other. In either case, he clamped his mouth shut and exited the vehicle, not even bothering to open Nicole's door.

The banquet and dance went off without a hitch. Renee was in her glory, getting lots of attention from the local boys, while Thomas and Nicole managed to smile and carry on like nothing was wrong. Nicole left the dance early, using Maggie and the long drive back to the city as an excuse.

It wasn't until the next day at breakfast that Tanzi approached her uncle with the question. “Is everything all right between you and Nicole?” They sat at the small kitchen table in Thomas's home. The rest of the family was still asleep.

“You could tell?” Thomas cradled his coffee mug between his two hands.

Tanzi shrugged, the movement almost imperceptible. “It wasn't anything major. I just tend to notice things more than other people.”

“You watch. You're like your kookum. She always said we had two ears and only one mouth so we should listen twice as much as speak.”

“So? What's the problem?” Tanzi asked.

Thomas let out a gust of air. “She's mad about the job offer in BC.”

“I guess I'd be mad too, if it was me.”

“I was planning to discuss it with her. I just didn't expect Ryder to blow the whistle like that in front of everybody.” Thomas frowned. “Almost like he wanted to get me in trouble or something.”

“Maybe his way of showing you he won't be pushed around.”

Thomas surveyed his niece. “Is that what I'm doing? Pushing him around?”

“I don't know. Are you?” Her gaze was steady. Unflinching.

Thomas shook his head and looked away.

“I know there's more to your preference for Regina than just keeping Ryder closer to home. Isn't that right, Uncle?”

Thomas rubbed the back of his neck. “You are one tough cookie. Are you sure engineering is the right field for you? I'd say you should be heading to law school. You'd have every bad guy shaking in his boots.”

Tanzi's look softened somewhat and she almost smiled. “Sorry. I didn't mean to pry.”

“We both know your mother isn't in very good shape and I just didn't want him exposed to that,” Thomas said honestly. “And I can't ask you to look out for him because you already have enough with Renee on your plate, not to mention Manny.”

“There's enough trouble to be found on campus at either university. My mother is the least of your worries.”

“Don't remind me,” Thomas groaned.

“Ryder is a good boy. He'll be so busy his first year he won't have time to get in trouble.”

“But to purposely go against my wishes—”

Tanzi held up a hand, effectively cutting Thomas off. “He's not a little kid anymore. And for the record, I don't mind looking out for him a little bit. He is family.”

Thomas shook his head. “You put me to shame. You're a better person than I am.”

“Of course not,” Tanzi said. “You've just got more years of baggage than me.”

“Thanks a lot.” He grinned.

“Now, about that job offer. Are you going to take it or not?” Tanzi asked matter-of-factly.

Thomas cocked his head to one side. “Since you seem to be so full of advice this morning, what do you think?”

“Well…have you made a list of pros and cons?”

“Maybe. In my head.”

“And what about Nicole?” She lifted a finger as she asked each question. “Is she part of your decision process? Would she be able to move? Start up another practice? Do you even want her to consider it?”

“You're making my head spin.” Thomas rested his forehead in his palm. “First of all, I need to see if she's even talking to me.”

“So that's the first thing you need to do. Call Nicole.” Tanzi took a sip of her coffee and surveyed her uncle over the rim of her cup.

“Since when did you get so smart?” Thomas asked.

“Runs in the family.” She smiled.

****

Thomas waited to take Tanzi's advice until after the weekend's activities were over. He had to shuttle Tanzi and Renee back to the bus depot in Silver Creek and supervise the dismantling of the decorations at the town hall. Once he got Whisper into bed that evening, he picked up the telephone and dialed Nicole's number. He was half expecting her not to answer when she looked at her call display, but within two rings her familiar voice filled the receiver.

Thomas felt an instant knot of regret in his stomach. He loved this woman. So why had he baited her? “It's good to hear your voice. I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to talk earlier, but it's been a pretty hectic day around here.”

“It's okay.” Her voice sounded clipped. Aloof.

Thomas rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand. “Yeah, so about that whole BC thing…I'm really sorry for not mentioning it to you earlier. I was planning to tell you after the graduation, but we both know that didn't turn out as planned.”

“It doesn't really matter. Either way, you're moving, so I guess there's nothing more to say.”

Thomas took a deep breath to make sure he kept his tone calm. “I never said I was taking it, Nicole. I'm still thinking about it. There are some things we need to talk about first, obviously.”

“What seems obvious to me is that you're looking for a way out and this is it.”

“Is that what you really think? That I'm bailing on you? 'Cause that is definitely not the case.”

There was silence for a moment on the other end of the line. “Of course you're going to say that, Thomas. You're a good man, honorable and caring, so you wouldn't want to tell me the truth even if it was the case.”

“No, I swear, I was going—”

Nicole cut him off before he could finish his thought. “It's okay. It's not the first time I've been dumped, you know. Men tend to shy away from a woman who is strong and successful. They find it intimidating.”

Thomas's eyebrows shot up. “Is that what you think?”

“Maybe.” She hesitated. “No, not really. But it helps me to think so. Eases the pain a little.” She sighed. “I just keep running ahead of God. But I'm sick of getting hurt, Thomas, and I don't want to put Maggie through that either. It's not fair to her.”

“What if I asked you to come with me?” Thomas said.

There was a space of silence. “I…I don't see how that could work. I mean, my practice…my family…We've hardly known each other long enough for me to give up everything and go traipsing out to BC on a whim.”

“But would you consider it?” he persisted.

She expelled a deep sigh. “I don't know. Maybe God is asking me to wait, and I wouldn't want to live with you without, you know, getting married—and I'm not about to put that kind of pressure on you.”

Thomas didn't quite know how to respond to that last admission.

Nicole continued. “I think maybe we jumped into this relationship a bit too quickly. We both need some time to think things through. Get our heads on straight.”

Thomas nodded to no one in particular. “So what you're saying is, maybe we need some time before we go any further.”

“That's exactly what I'm saying.”

Thomas digested that. It was exactly the thought he'd had himself, but now that she had verbalized it, he felt hurt. “Okay, then. Well, I guess that settles it. You're still welcome to come to the opening ceremonies for Mamawa. It's in two weeks.”

“Thanks. Maybe by then we'll both know where we stand.”

****

The next two weeks were so hectic Thomas hardly had time to examine his bruised heart. The opening ceremonies were a spectacle of color, ceremony, and history, held on the grounds of Mamawa Center. There were traditional dancers, drummers, and of course, guided tours of the indoor exhibits and archaeological site. Dennis Johns, the elder who had shared firsthand information about Thomas's ancestor, the “Wise One,” was invited to come back and say a prayer. A peace pipe was passed among the dignitaries, and afterward, Minister Holtac cut the ribbon.

Thomas circulated among the crowd, shaking hands and chatting. He was talking with Con McKinley when Whisper collided with his pant legs and then ducked around behind him, squealing with delight. He craned his neck over his shoulder to get a view of the top of her head. “Hey, take it easy, my girl. You almost spilled my punch.”

“You didn't catch me yet!” With another giggle, Whisper dashed away.

Thomas was about to scold her a little more sternly when he saw another small figure darting after his daughter. Maggie. His eyes immediately scanned the crowd. If Maggie was here, then Nicole was too. “Excuse me for a minute, Con. I have someone else I need to talk to.”

“No problem. You're the man of the hour,” Con replied.

It didn't take Thomas long to locate Nicole. She was standing alone on the wooden walkway, away from the center of activity, leaning against the rails and looking out at the marshy lake. “You came,” he said simply when he reached her side.

She nodded, her gaze never leaving the water. “Of course I came.”

“I'm glad. I thought maybe you wouldn't.” He leaned his forearms on top of the railing, clasping his hands in front of him.

“This is a big deal to you.” She turned her gaze to look at him at last. “And you're a big deal to me.”

Thomas swallowed hard and then just drank in the sight of her. It seemed like decades, not mere weeks, since he'd seen or talked to her. “I made a decision, finally.” His voice was soft; barely above a whisper.

Nicole stopped him by laying her hand on his arm. “Before you go any further, I have a few things I need to say first.” She took a deep breath. “I need to apologize for the way I acted when I found out you got that offer in BC. I should have been happy for you. Supportive. Instead, I was petty and selfish. Honestly, I was scared that it meant the end of you and me, and I wasn't ready to face that.”

“Nicole, I—”

“I'm not done,” she continued. “I want you to know that I'm proud of you. Of all that you've accomplished here and will accomplish anywhere you go. You're a great visionary, Thomas Lone Wolf. A man of integrity. And of course I know you weren't just looking for a way to get out of a relationship with me. That was stupid and I'm sorry for even thinking it.”

“Good. Well I'm glad you got that right, at least.” He grinned. “Not sure about that visionary stuff, though…”

She smiled. “Anyway, I realized that if God wants us together, He'll make a way. Maybe a separation is best, and in time, I might even consider moving if that's what God wants.” She hesitated and looked down at the railing. “If it's what you still want. I promised myself I wouldn't run ahead of God again, but I did start researching what it would take to get my license in BC…”

Thomas shook his head and chuckled. Then he straightened and opened his arms, inviting her to step into his embrace. “Come here.” She smiled and did so. It felt heavenly to have her back in his arms. Thomas inhaled deeply of the scent of her hair and tightened his hold. “You are one silly woman.”

“Excuse me?” She pulled back slightly, enough to scrutinize his face.

He just laughed and pulled her tight to his chest. “All that talk when I was about to tell you I decided not to take the job.”

“You did? Oh dear! Now I feel terrible.” She squirmed free and stood looking up at him.

He shook his head. “You shouldn't. Why would I move when everything I care about—the woman I love—is back here?”

Nicole blinked. “Oh.”

“Is that all you have to say?” He raised a brow and smiled.

“I'm speechless for once.”

“Good. Does that mean I can kiss you now?”

She nodded and their lips came together with such sweetness, Thomas knew he would never grow tired of the sensation. Suddenly, small feet pounded down the boardwalk and Thomas was forced to pull away to see Whisper barreling toward them. Maggie wasn't far behind.

“We saw you kissing!” Whisper called.

“Is that so?” Thomas put an arm around Nicole's shoulders and waited for both girls to arrive. They pulled up short in front of their parents, panting and giggling, and he released Nicole and bent to bring each little girl into the circle of his arms. “That a problem?” He looked from one girl to the other. They shook their heads in unison. “Good.”

“Does this mean you're gonna be my new daddy?” Maggie asked, looking up into Thomas's face.

Thomas smiled and looked over at Nicole. “Maybe. If your mommy wants me to be.”

“You don't believe in rushing, do you?” Nicole quipped. “We just made up.”

“How long do you need?” Thomas asked with a grin.

“At least another minute,” Nicole replied, a playful smile on her lips.

Another set of footsteps clopped along the wooden planks, sending all four sets of eyes in that direction. Thomas released the girls and stood up.

“Excellent job, Mr. Lone Wolf.” Minister Holtac stopped in front of them and nodded at Thomas. “Is this your family?”

Thomas glanced at Nicole and then back at the minister, a smile forming on his lips. “Yes, it is.”

“My offer still stands, you know. About a position with the government. I already spoke to some of my higher ups and they're all for it.”

“I might be interested, but we'll have to talk it over.” Thomas squeezed Nicole to his side.

“Of course, of course.” Holtac bobbed his head. “You'd have to move to Regina, though.”

“I don't see that as a problem.” Thomas smiled. “In fact, I was planning to relocate there anyway as soon as things are wrapped up here.”

“Excellent. I'll get my secretary to call you and schedule a time when we can talk further.” Holtac took a deep breath and surveyed the landscape. “Nice spot. I hear the committee might open it up for private events. Weddings and such.”

“That's right.” Thomas caught Nicole's gaze with his own. “They might even have their first booking. If the bride says yes, of course.”

Holtac turned to stare at Thomas and Nicole for a moment, a quizzical expression on his features. Then he shrugged. “Very well. We'll be in touch.” He waved a hand in salute and sauntered away.

“So? What do you think?” Thomas asked, turning to Nicole.

“I think this would be the perfect spot for a wedding.” She smiled up at him. “And I just might know somebody who would be interested in such a celebration.”

“Me too.”

Their lips came together again to the cheers of two small girls.