The Sheriff's Christmas Twins (11 page)

“I did.” Something in his tone warned her the news wasn't good.

“He won't budge from here. Can't say as I blame him. Where's he going to go? This place is all he's known. And there are no relatives in the position to give him the long-term assistance he needs.”

Allison had figured as much. “What if something were to happen to him?”

Terrible ideas crowded her mind, each more dire than the next.

“Hey.” He stepped closer, ducking his head to catch her gaze. “I'll figure something out. I'll send someone out here once a week to check on them. I'll even come myself if I have to.”

“Once a week isn't enough.” She grasped the rough edge of the stall door. “If he were to have an accident or fall ill, Izzy and Charles would starve before they were discovered.”

Shane's warm hand covered hers. The gesture startled her. “Fine. I'll send someone three times a week.”

She lost herself in his steady gaze. “You care what happens to them?”

“Of course, I do.” He pulled away. “You think I don't want them to be safe and cared for? That's what I want for every single resident in these mountains.”

“I didn't mean to offend you.” Feeling bold after their late-night interaction, she captured his hand and squeezed. “I'm simply grateful that you're willing to go out of your way to help. I know taking care of infants isn't something you're familiar with.”

He nodded. “You're right about that.”

“Charlie didn't have any complaints about your bottle handling skills.”

Instead of answering, he gave her an arch look. He slipped his hand free and pointed to her hair.

“You, ah, have something...” Shane peered closer. “Looks like dried corn mush.”

She grimaced. “Charlie can't help himself. He likes to grab fistfuls of my hair.”

“I noticed. Hold still while I get it out.”

Allison studied his serious countenance. His fingers were gentle as he worked the bit free. Tingles radiated across her scalp when his knuckles scraped her tender nape.

“There,” he breathed huskily. “I think I got it all.”

Shane proceeded to smooth her heavy mane behind her shoulder, taking his time finger-combing it so that it lay against her cloak. “It's as soft as I thought it would be.”

She felt unsettled. Nervous. The strong column of his throat above the neckerchief filled her vision. “It is?”

A muscle in his jaw worked as he lowered his arm to his side. “Yeah.”

His searing gaze roamed her hair and face. He would deny it if asked—and she wouldn't dream of asking—but Shane Timmons was drawn to her. The evidence was reflected in his eyes, the hungry yearning he'd be horrified to know was there for her to see.

Her elation was tempered by the knowledge that he didn't
want
to be affected by her. He wouldn't welcome these feelings, wouldn't celebrate them like she did. There was no victory in the revelation. How could there be when nothing was ever going to change between them?

Chapter Eleven

A
llison's nearness, coupled with the longing in her expressive eyes, made it tough to cling to his long-held convictions. His fingers begged to sink into her silken mane a second time. Curling them into fists, he shoved them in his pockets.

His heart's pumping was fast and erratic as other thoughts bombarded him. In the deserted barn, lamps hooked on nails throughout the space gave off enough light to make it seem like evening instead of afternoon. They were alone, and she was breathtaking. Her smaller stature and form appealed to him, evoked his protective instincts and made him want to curl his arms about her waist and cradle her against his chest for hours.

He couldn't believe he'd said that out loud about her hair. The statement was of a personal nature, something he tried to avoid with her.

Allison came close and, curling her arm through his, leaned into him. With her face tilted up, he couldn't
not
look at her soft, supple lips and wonder how she'd react if he kissed her.

“Make snow angels with me.”

He jerked his gaze up. “What?”

“There's no one around to see,” she said diplomatically. “Besides, you owe me.”

“How do you figure?”

The sparkle in her green eyes dimmed. “I haven't forgotten how you snubbed me when we were kids. A girl doesn't forget those types of things. All I wanted was your friendship.”

The blood roared in his ears. He'd been so busy trying to protect himself that he hadn't cared how his behavior had impacted her.

“Allie—” His voice sounded raw.

She stopped him with a finger pressed to his lips. His throat went dry.

“I don't wish to discuss the past right now. What I want is to have a little fun, all right?”

“Fun.”

“Snow angels. With you.”

He didn't see the appeal of getting snow down his collar and making a fool of himself, but she was right. He did owe her.

“I let you talk me into this once before.”

“You abandoned me after a minute. Stomped off muttering about little pests and foolish games.”

Shane couldn't help himself. He very lightly curved his hand around her cheek, his thumb resting against the crescent below her eye. Allison held still, her lips parting.

He drew on every ounce of willpower he possessed not to kiss her.

“I was young and confused. Damaged goods. It was right that I stayed away from you.”

“And now?” she whispered.

“I'm still damaged.”

Her lashes drifted down. “Oh, Shane—”

“You're only here for a short while. And you're wise to the ways of the world like you weren't back then. So let's go be silly, shall we?”

Shane turned her toward the exit before he could do something unforgiveable. He grabbed his hat and gloves and pushed the door open, squinting at the white winter wonderland that greeted them.

White powder encrusted the gigantic pines and evergreens. Those trees without leaves were also coated in snow inches thick in the crooks where the branches met the trunks. Making sure the barn door was secure, he led Allison through the knee-high drifts around the barn to where the cabin wasn't visible. There was only snow and forest and the occasional cardinal to witness their antics.

He swept his arm out like a gallant knight. “Ladies first.”

She grinned, her teeth as white as the sky against her red lips. She took a handful of steps into the middle of the clearing, made a complete three-hundred-sixty turn and then, with a girlish giggle, lay flat on her back and made wide arcs with her arms and legs.

“Come on!”

Shaking his head, he laid his hat atop the snow and marched over beside her. “This stays between you and me, got it?”

He could only imagine what the good folks of Gatlinburg would say about this.

“I won't tell a soul.”

With a sigh, he lay on the ground, wincing at the cold sensations greeting his body. At first he felt foolish moving about like a seal bobbing on dry land. But as Allison's laughter rose toward the heavens, he started smiling, too. The powder was soft and springy. He let some of it drift between his gloved fingers.

“This is the perfect consistency for a snowman.”

Allison sat up, anticipation lighting her face and making her seem like a young girl again. “I can't remember the last time I built one. Let's do it!”

Shane could've listed several reasons why staying out here wasn't a good idea. Instead, he smothered his voice of reason and let himself take part in a custom that thousands of families performed across the country each winter season. Working together, they packed and rolled and patted snow until they'd constructed an impressive-looking figure.

“See?” She surveyed their work. “This is fun, right?”

“I suppose.” He shrugged, unable to resist teasing her.

They were on their knees in front of the snowman. Her hair was disheveled, her cheeks bright pink and her eyes shone like radiant gems. “You
suppose
?”

“It beats doing paperwork.”

“Is that so?”

Without warning, she barreled into him, knocking him flat on his back. Shane gasped as wet snow was smushed against his face and neck. Allison bombarded him with handfuls of the stuff, the element of surprise on her side. But she was a lightweight and no match for his strength. “You're gonna regret that, woman!”

In an instant, he had her on the ground. Crouching beside her, he retaliated, dousing her with a shower of snow. She squealed and squirmed and tried to snag his hands.

“Okay, okay, I give up!” she gasped.

Leaning over, he pinned her shoulders and bent his face close. “You sure you're done?”

All of a sudden, the lightheartedness fled, replaced with a pulsing awareness between them. Her eyes were huge in her face. She was gazing at him with longing that mirrored that which was unfurling inside him. Stunned by what he saw, he scrambled to standing.

Allison had stated that she wanted to be his friend. She hadn't indicated she was interested in anything more. It was impossible.

“Here,” he said gruffly, extending his hand. “Let's get you dusted off.”

Averting her face, she allowed him to help her stand. “I can do it.”

While she righted her cloak and brushed the moisture from her skirts' hem, he brushed the flakes from his hair and seized his hat from where he'd left it.

Where there'd been shrieks and laughter minutes before, there was strained silence. He felt bereft, of all things. Lonelier than he could recall being, which was strange considering Allison was standing right here.

“I could go for a cup of coffee,” he said. “How about you?”

She met his gaze and smiled. “I could use some warming up.” Turning to look at the snowman once more, she said quietly, “I wonder who's going to build snowmen with Izzy and Charlie?”

“They're six months old.”

“Soon they'll be crawling. Then walking. Talking.” She fell into step beside him as he started for the cabin. “Raising children isn't solely about feeding and clothing them or teaching them their letters. It's so much more than that.”

He glanced at her profile. “You're worried whether or not they'll have time for frivolous things.”

They stopped at the base of the cabin steps. “Fun isn't everything,” she admitted. “But it is important.” Cocking her head, she considered him. “Did you have fun today, Shane?”

“I'm not going to lie.”

Disappointment flitted over her face.

“Today was the most fun I can remember having. Thank you, Allie.”

The disappointment transformed into joy. “That makes me happier than you can imagine.”

The door opened, and Fenton stared at them in concern. “You two lookin' to catch pneumonia?” he demanded. “Come on inside and warm up before the fire. I've got soup simmering on the stove.”

Shane and Allison shared a smile, and he realized something had changed between them. He wasn't sure if that was a good thing, but he liked it.

* * *

Allison tickled Izzy's soft belly and waited for the drool-filled smile. Izzy didn't disappoint. Her big doe eyes shone with contentment. Bending over the mattress again, she blew gusts of air against her middle. The baby girl cackled and, using both hands, latched on to Allison's cheeks.

“Easy, sweet girl,” she said, smiling as she curled her fingers over Izzy's and moved out of reach.

“Ba-ba.”

Shane's pacing ceased. Holding Charlie against his shoulder, he turned and regarded them in surprise. “That sounded like a word.”

“She's trying out sounds.” Allison sat her up and tugged a clean dress over Izzy's blond curls. The baby objected. Typically laid-back, Izzy didn't like having her diaper or clothing changed.

Charlie protested the lack of movement. Lightly bouncing him, Shane resumed his route from the window nearest the kitchen to the opposite wall where a wardrobe contained Fenton's clothes and personal items. Scooping Izzy into her arms, she approached the pair.

“Want to trade?”

Frowning, he shook his head. “I'm okay. I haven't worn a blister on my heel yet.”

“He acts like his tummy is hurting him,” she said. “Maybe he has gas.”

Shane gave her a dubious look, and a bubble of laughter escaped her. Charlie decided to explore Shane's chin. His cute button nose wrinkled at the feel of his stubble.

“I think Charlie wishes you'd shave.”

Ensconced in the only rocking chair, Fenton closed his Bible and observed them. “Now don't the four of you look like a picture-perfect family.”

Shane appeared as startled as she felt. The observation was surprising given that his granddaughter wasn't long buried.

“The sheriff's got it in his head that he's not cut out for family life,” she blurted.

Fenton raised an eyebrow. “Sometimes God has to adjust a man's thinking.”

Charlie started fussing again, and Shane patted his small back. “I know how you feel, little buddy. I feel like fussing, too.” He gave Allison a pointed glare.

Fenton laughed heartily. “Come sit with him. Lay him over your knees and pat his back.”

Allison watched as Fenton helped Shane situate the baby. The sight was a touching one. Shane was so careful with him. His large, tanned hand looked huge as he balanced Charlie on his lap. After a few minutes, he picked him up and held him midair.

“Like the view from there?” Smiling, Shane pulled him close so that they were nose to nose and then lifted him up again.

Charlie gurgled and sucked on his fingers.

“I think he likes that,” Allison said, fascinated by this first display of playfulness toward the babies.

Shane repeated the action several times before sitting Charlie in his lap. Izzy lurched toward them, and Allison lowered her beside her brother.

“There.” She nodded in satisfaction. “Now this would be a perfect image for a photograph.”

He smirked. “The first peep out of them and you're coming to my rescue, right?”

“Of course.” Grinning, she eased onto the nearby bed. “Do you think Ben's worried about you?”

His eyes glittered. “Ben knew I was taking you out to look for a tree.”

“He did?”

“Most of the time, we keep each other informed as to our whereabouts in case of emergencies.”

Something about his manner implied he had made a point to tell his deputy about their plans. While he seemed to respect Ben, he didn't appear to want him associating with Allison.

“Will he organize a search party if we're gone too long?”

Using the toe of his boot, he set the rocker to moving, his arms firmly around each baby. “Depends on how bad it is in the heart of town and if he's dealing with any problems there.” He rested his head against the chair slats. “Ben and I know these mountains like the backs of our hands. He no doubt assumes I've found shelter for us.”

“How long would he wait?”

“Given current conditions, I'd say a week. Why?”

She glanced at Fenton, who was at the counter washing bottles. That reminded her she should probably wash the bucket of soiled nappies and clothes—not a task she was looking forward to but one she'd willingly tackle in order to give their host a break.

Leaning forward, she lowered her voice. “When were you planning on returning to town?”

He lifted his head, his gaze alert. “It hasn't snowed in a couple of hours. If it doesn't start up again between now and tomorrow morning, we should head out then.”

“I've been considering asking if he'd like me to stay awhile longer.”

The rocking halted. “I've got to get back—”

“Just me.”

He shot a quick glance at Fenton, who was whistling while he worked, before spearing her with a formidable stare. “Allie, I understand why you'd offer. However, this is your holiday. You're supposed to be enjoying your time away from work and responsibility. I'm sure the reason your brother sent you on ahead was because you're due a break. I admire your selflessness, but I can't let you do it.”

“Let me?”
Unwilling for their host to overhear, she used the rocker arm to support her weight, bringing her close to him. “I may be a guest in your town, but that doesn't mean you can dictate my actions. I've been making my own decisions for quite some time now. I can't in good conscience abandon this precious family.”

Anger sparked in his eyes. “This is my responsibility, Allison, not yours. Your life is in Virginia. What are you going to do? Play house for the rest of the month? What happens after Christmas? I'll tell you. He gets used to having you around. The kids get used to having you around. And then they lose you, just like they lost Letty.”

The color drained from her face. She couldn't do that to them.