Nothing Short of a Miracle (8 page)

“What’s going on here?” Chad asked. He looked directly into Gabriella’s eyes as if she was involved in something underhanded. His mood hadn’t improved over the past hour and the sour look on his face spoke volumes.

The man needed to get a life. And she didn’t think any amount of coffee was going to help.

“Just shaking on a deal,” Dennis said, a lopsided grin covering his face. He looked at Gabriella and winked before turning back to Chad.

“Depends on the deal and who’s involved,” Chad commented, the scowl on his face deepening.

“Lighten up old buddy,” Dennis said. “This has nothing to do with you. It’s strictly between this beautiful young lady and me. Back off.”

Chad’s lips thinned, his back straightened. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. After the way he’d acted at the fender-bender, and the other day at his parents’ house, she was surprised and puzzled to see him at a loss for words.

She stepped back wondering just how tight their friendship was, and if Chad was trying to warn Dennis off.

“Right,” Chad said. “Right.” And with a quick nod of his head, his dark hair tumbling down across his forehead, he turned toward their truck. “We’re ready to go. Meet you back at the house to unload.”

“Don’t mind him,” Dennis said. “Never did like it when I cut in on his lady friends or beat him to a better deal. I do it just to rile him up a bit now and then. Doesn’t hurt to be humbled once in a while.”

“I’m hardly his lady friend.”

“I know Chad like a brother. Been friends all our lives. I even rescued his sorry self from the lake when we were kids. He thought the ice was thick enough to hold him and his sled. I had to fish him out of the water before he turned into an ice cube. Anyway, Chad never lets the ladies bother him unless there’s a reason, usually because they’re getting too close. If you only met a few days ago, and you’ve gotten under his skin already, I can guarantee something is going on.”

“He’s the grouchiest man I’ve ever met. Besides, I’m really not interested. I have too many problems to deal with right now to worry about Chad, or anyone else for that matter.”

She didn’t want to admit to Dennis the real reason she had gotten under Chad’s skin was because he assumed she was after his money.

“Are you trying to tell me to back off, too?”

Gabriella’s eyes flew open. “Oh, Dennis. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean… that is…. I’m so sorry.”

“No, no, calm down. I understand. Story of my life. Listen, don’t worry about it. I’ll call you for dinner, and we can cry on each other’s shoulders.”

“Thanks, you’re a sweetheart.” And she meant it. There was a refreshing kindness about him that was hard to resist.

“And don’t you forget it. See you back at the ranch.”

Gabriella made her way back inside the apartment to check on Nina and collect the rest of her belongings. A few pictures of her family, a special paperweight given to her by her sister when she was sixteen, and the jewelry box containing a couple of precious family gems handed down on her mother's side of the family. The picture of Charles, she took out of the frame, tore it up, and threw it in the washroom’s circular file. She didn’t want a reminder of what a fool she’d been to think herself in love with such a cold-hearted jerk.

No sooner had she shut the door of her apartment, than Mindy breezed through it along with another spurt of the fresh winter air.

“Who was that gorgeous man who just left with all your belongings? What an irresistible smile—and he even waved at me.” Mindy asked, rolling her eyes. “What a hunk. I think I’m in love.” Mindy held her hand over her heart dramatically, and pretended to swoon onto the couch. “Be still my heart.”

“What about Andy? Isn’t he your ‘everything’?”

“Fat chance. I caught him watching Veronica. I mean really giving her the eye. Actually, they were so involved with each other they didn’t know I was there. So, I figured I’d cut my losses and leave.”

“I’m so sorry. You must really be upset.”

“It’s not as if he ever knew I existed or that I considered him in a romantic way.”

“You should’ve told him how you feel.”

“I don’t think it would’ve made a difference. Men! First Charles and you, now Andy and me. What is it with us?”

Gabriella put her arms around Mindy and hugged her. “We’ll be just fine. The way you reacted to Dennis, I can’t see you being too broken up over Andy right now.”

“You’re right. Maybe it was just the image of his brain that intrigued me. It did overwhelm me at times—a big turn on.”

“You’re going to be just fine.”

“What about you? You’re going to be okay, too?”

“Yes. Mr. and Mrs. Hempstead are wonderful people. I’ll give you a call when I get settled. Right now I have to catch up with the others.”

“I’ll be expecting a complete run down. I’m really going to miss you. And Nina, of course.”

“I’ll miss you, too. I’m sorry I can’t wait for Trish to get back—tell her I said goodbye.”

Gabriella gave Mindy another hug, gathered up Nina and her purse, then left her once secure life as a student behind.

Chapter Five

Fifteen minutes later, Gabriella squared her shoulders, maneuvered her vehicle behind the two trucks, and turned the ignition off. The men had already made short work of unloading her pitiful belongings, which were already stacked on the front porch.

She vowed to stay clear of Chad as much as possible while he was home for the holidays. Since she wasn’t part of the family, she didn’t expect to be included in all the holiday hoopla. Besides, she’d be too busy taking care of Helen. And Nina.

She discovered, however, that Helen had other plans when she and Ethel met her at the door.

“Welcome, my dear. Come in, come in.” Helen said. “Ethel and I will relieve you of that darling girl while you go upstairs to supervise the unpacking and get settled.”

“I’m grateful for this opportunity, Mrs. Hempstead, especially this time of year.”

“Don’t mention it, my dear. We’re glad to have you. And remember, call me Helen. Now, hand over that precious bundle.”

Once Nina was ensconced in Helen’s lap, Ethel maneuvered the wheelchair, and the three of them headed toward the library. Gabriella wondered, not for the first time, whether Helen hired her for her services or because of Nina. Regardless, Helen’s welcome had been genuine, and warm.

Gabriella’s spirits lifted.

“We’ll have tea in half an hour,” Ethel called over her shoulder. “That should give you plenty of time to sort things out.”

“Don’t you worry a bit about this small bundle, Ethel and I will take good care of Nina until you come down.” Helen waved her hand over her shoulder, dismissing Gabriella. “Take your time.”

Sean and Dennis passed her in the hall and headed up the stairs. Their arms were full of the last of the boxes. There was nothing left for Gabriella to do but follow. Chad was nowhere in sight, for which Gabriella was relieved. With any luck he would keep right on avoiding her.

The bedroom was decorated in various shades of rich lavenders and pinks. A white-canopied queen-sized bed covered in chintz and strewn with plump, matching pillows took up one side of the room. To the left of the window, in the corner, was a small crib that looked as if the family had owned it for years—now freshly made up, ready for Nina. The baby motif of pinks and blues with baby blocks and teddy bears, giraffes, and other cuddly animals coordinated with the crib pads, sheets and blankets. Someone had even put a musical mobile over the crib.

A touch of melancholy washed over her. She sank down on the edge of the bed. Her sister would have adored the setup. Touched by the Hempstead’s kindness, Gabriella had a hard time holding back the tears. She pinched her thumb and forefinger over the bridge of her nose and took a deep breath.

“Who was the hot looking babe back at your apartment?” Dennis asked.

She stood and held the door for him as he carted a heavy box into the room and deposited his load on the floor.

“She a friend of yours?”

So much for Dennis being interested in her.

“My college roommate, Mindy. Sorry, I should have introduced you. Unfortunately, she’s finishing up her exams on Monday and leaving town on Tuesday.”

“Just my luck.”

“You don’t have any luck, Den, so shut your trap,” Sean groused. “Get your butt moving and help me with this box before I drop it on your toes.”

“Yeah, right. You’re just jealous you’re not single and can’t look.”

“I can look all I want. I just can’t touch.”

“Keep that in mind,” Chad said, stepping out of one of the closed doors to the left of the landing. “You’ve got your hands full with your wife. Who just happens to be my sister.”

Chad’s tone was more lighthearted than Gabriella had witnessed earlier. Maybe his mother was right and he wasn’t always so grumpy.

“Thanks for helping,” she called to Dennis and Sean as they left the room.

Chad lingered in the doorway.

“I know you don’t want me here. Believe me, it wasn’t what I wanted either. Sometimes you’re forced to do things you don’t want to do.”

“Right. Fair warning. Don’t become too attached to my parents, nor let them become too attached to you. They’ll only be hurt when you leave. And one more thing. About Dennis. He’s on the rebound so don’t get any ideas. He’s a good friend. I don’t want to see him get hurt again by someone who doesn’t care.”

So much for his good humor. At least he made it clear where they stood. And even though it was none of his business, the need to be honest about Dennis overwhelmed her.

“I have no intentions where Dennis is concerned. Or any man, for that matter. I have enough problems right now, so don’t worry, you’re all safe from me.”

“Listen, I didn’t mean anything…”

“Yes. Yes, you did. Don’t worry, I’ll keep out of your way while you’re here, and I’ll put back all the silver when I leave so you won’t have to come back and count all the knives and forks.”

“
Touché
. Look, I think we’re getting off to a bad start. I apologize,” he said. “Dennis is right. Coming back home always has this effect on me. It takes several days to unwind. I’m sorry.”

“Are you apologizing, or is your mother?”

She was immediately contrite. Her words sounded waspish even to her own ears.

His full, sensuous lips lifted into a hint of a smile. He was an extremely tall, handsome man, and his musky scent, mingled with the fresh outdoors, filled the room. It surrounded Gabriella in a heady warmth—his closeness had her heart beating a fast drum-roll.

“I guess I deserved that,” he said, looking deep into her eyes. “Mother’s right. I do owe you an apology, even though I would have offered it without her suggesting I do so. As the baby of the family, and not married yet, she likes to think she has to keep me in line. I humor her.”

His serious gaze turned warm and sparkly. Was he actually smiling at her? Her heart fluttered again and she couldn’t help but respond and smile back. Maybe he wasn’t the scrooge she had suspected him to be. But a niggling feeling deep down inside cautioned her to keep her distance.

Before either of them could continue, Ethel barged through the doorway with a sleeping baby in her arms. Chad’s warmth from a moment ago vanished only to be replaced with a scowl. He quickly made his escape. Gabriella heaved a heavy sigh of relief. And frustration. Just when they were breaking ground and calling a truce, it appeared he still had reservations about her. And Nina. Maybe, like Charles, his temperament was because of Nina.

Ethel laid Nina gently on top of the cozy bedding, and covered her with the warm downy blanket. Gabriella joined her next to the crib and together they looked at the sleeping babe.

“She’s fed and sleeping like a lamb. What a wonderful little girl you have,” Ethel said. There was no hint of having overheard the conversation between her and Chad.

“I hope she won’t be any trouble. I’ll try to keep her as quiet as possible.”

“Babies cry, don’t you know? So don’t you be worrying. Why, she’s such a dear. And once Jodi and Sheila’s kids arrive, oh, my, there’s no such thing as quiet. We don’t mind a bit, though, especially during the holidays when they’re all so excited about Santa and presents.”

“Thank you, Ethel. I appreciate your kindness.”

“No need to thank me. Now run along. Helen is waiting for you in the library. She’ll be wondering why I’m keeping you. I’ll bring tea in as soon as the kettle boils.”

“I’ll just freshen up before I go.”

“The bath’s to the left of the stairs just down the hall.”

Gabriella did a fast wash up in the very old-fashioned washroom. The claw-footed deep oval tub had a draw curtain around it, and the washstand stood on its own on the black and white tiled floor. The towels were fluffy and fragrant, but Gabriella didn’t waste much time, not wanting to keep Helen waiting any longer than necessary her first day on the job. She must have taken longer than anticipated because Ethel was just wheeling in the teacart as Gabriella entered the library.

“Ah, Gabriella. Just in time, my dear. Come have a seat,” Helen called to her.

“I’m sorry if I kept you waiting.”

“Not to worry. Come, I’ll let you pour, if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. Please, Helen, you’ll have to tell me what you expect of me while I’m here. As I said, I’ve never been a health aide before.”

“Now, dear, we’ll worry about all the particulars later. Let’s enjoy our tea and get to know each other.”

Gabriella poured tea into dainty china cups that reminded her of her grandmother’s. The herbal aroma steamed, filling the room with an inviting and relaxing hint of mint. Cinnamon buns slathered with icing pooled over onto a crimson Christmas platter. Gabriella served them on matching plates.

“These are one of my favorites,” Helen said. She nibbled on her confection for a moment. “Ethel is such a wonder in the kitchen.”

Gabriella bit into the warm bun and closed her eyes in wonderment. Ethel’s fresh creations were better than her pumpkin muffins, and even they were to die for. These were better than anything she’d ever eaten.