The Unexpected Bride (The Unexpected Sinclares Book 1) Read online

  Elthia glared. In the momentary silence, she heard the lap of the water, could hear a bird trill in a nearby tree.

  Pressing her palms to the rough stone, she shifted. He was trying to manipulate her, of course, to corner her into feeling she must prove herself.

  But even knowing this, she couldn’t pass up his challenge. Tossing her head, she smiled. “Like this?” She lightly traced the side of his face with the back of her fingers as she leaned down to plant a kiss on his cheek.

  She lingered this time, but her I’ll-show-you determination quickly changed to something softer, warmer. The sandpaper texture of his cheek against her lips, the firm, supple feel of his skin under her fingers, the warmth of his breath stirring the hair next to her ear, combined to set her pulse racing.

  The poor little butterfly was frantic now.

  When she pulled away, her hand continued to stroke his jawline, almost of its own accord.

  His cocky grin had disappeared. He lifted a hand to brush some hair away from her face. “You know,” he said, his voice thrumming through her, “sometimes when we’re home and only have the kids around, we might want to try a real kiss. Just to add a touch of realism to our act, you understand.”

  Elthia nodded, unable to speak. The butterfly changed into a hummingbird.

  “Good girl.” Slowly he lowered his head.

  Her eyes closed just before his lips met hers, and she felt her senses come alive with anticipation, straining toward something she wouldn’t let herself identify.

  Caleb ignored his mind’s screaming urge to fully taste those luscious lips. His hand snaked behind her, and his thumb stroked her nape. Her shivery response heightened his awareness of her as an utterly desirable, sweetly feminine creation.

  It took every bit of his control to just brush her lips with his and then pull back. If he wasn’t careful, his plan would backfire. He wasn’t supposed to be the one lowering his guard.

  Her eyes flew open, and he was pleased to see a flash of disappointment mingle with her surprise. “There,” he said, forcing a lightness to his smile he didn’t feel. “You seem to be getting the hang of this. Nothing to it, just like I said.” He watched her struggle to regain her composure. It was all he could do not to preen in satisfaction.

  “Yes, well, time to go.” She moved to stand, and he assisted, letting his hand linger at her waist an extra heartbeat or two.

  He took her elbow to guide her across the rocky pier. What would she do if he pulled her to him and gave her a real kiss, the kind he knew they both were itching for right now?

  Whoa there, he chided himself. The plan was to leave her wanting more, not give her an excuse for righteous indignation.

  When she sat to pull on her footwear, he didn’t offer to help. Not that he couldn’t have handled it, he assured himself. But there was no point in overplaying his hand.

  He plucked a blade of grass and stuck the stem in his mouth. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he leaned against a pecan tree. Doing his best to maintain a bored expression, he tried to ignore the bit of leg she exposed as she pulled on her footwear.

  Poppy rejoined them, abandoning whatever trail he’d been following the past few minutes. Elthia gave the mutt’s head a vigorous rubbing behind the ears, then stood.

  Caleb straightened. “Ready?”

  She nodded. “Just lead the way.”

  They backtracked along the creek, single file, until they reached the trail again. Caleb offered her his arm. He could feel the tension in her, could sense the churning of her thoughts, could see the edgy glances she sent his way.

  So far so good. He only hoped he didn’t look as unsettled as he felt. His lips greedily craved another taste of hers. His hands itched for one more brush against her soft cheek. His arms longed for a chance to pull her tight against him. But the stakes were too high to risk scaring her away. He had to wait until she was not only ready but eager.

  So Caleb clamped down harder on his control. Maybe a bit of conversation was what they needed right now. “Tell me a little about your family.” It had been a casual question, but her defensive, stiff-backed reaction sharpened his interest.

  “What do you want to know?”

  He shrugged, trying to put her at ease. “I’m not after any Sinclare family secrets. Do you have a passel of brothers and sisters? Are you the oldest, the youngest, or somewhere in the middle? Are your parents living? You know, that sort of thing.”

  She relaxed. “Well, I don’t have a ‘passel’ of siblings. I only have one brother, Harmon, and he’s older than me.”

  So she was the baby of the family. No surprise there.

  “Harm is also my best friend,” she continued. “He’s intelligent and understanding and nonjudgmental.” She shot him a look that silently added Unlike you.

  Then she turned her gaze back to the trail. “As for my parents, Mother died when I was eight. Father is still alive though. He’s a businessman and is away from home a lot.”

  What wasn’t she telling him? “Tell me about your life back East. What would a typical day be like for you?”

  She shifted uneasily. “I’m sure my typical day would be quite boring to a man such as yourself.” She didn’t give him time to ask more questions, turning the talk instead to a discussion about the oppressively hot climate in Texas.

  What was there in her background that she didn’t want him to know about? Did it have to do with her broken engagement? He was growing increasingly curious about just what had happened. Especially the question as to whether she was nursing a broken heart…

  Elthia plopped down on the chaise and pulled off the irksome footwear. Turning her left shoe upside down, she caught the pea-sized rock that had caused her such misery on the walk home. But not for anything would she have stopped and asked Caleb to assist her. His touch was something she both longed for and dreaded.

  How could this be possible? She shouldn’t have been attracted to Caleb Tanner. He wasn’t classically educated, though he did seem intelligent. He wasn’t Prince Charming handsome, though his rugged, lean-muscled looks had somehow grown on her. He didn’t respond to logic or reason; in fact, he was stubborn, opinionated, and convinced he knew best in most everything.

  But he cared for those children with a palpable passion. He made his living crafting whimsical rocking horses. And he’d rescued Poppy that time in the barn, despite his supposed dislike of her pet.

  How could one dislike a man with such qualities?

  Elthia tossed the shoe across the room. She absolutely refused to get emotionally involved with Caleb. Especially since he seemed quite willing and able to treat this all like a game.

  She recalled the feel of that kiss he’d given her, and again it sent a little thrill through her that she couldn’t quite suppress. She began to hum softly as she glided across the room to retrieve her mistreated shoe.

  After an early supper, Caleb headed to his office to verify some numbers on his latest order. When he stepped out on the porch a short time later, he found the whole family gathered there, enjoying the last bit of fading daylight.

  Elthia sat on the gently swaying porch swing with Alex beside her. She smiled a greeting his way, then returned to whatever conversation she and Alex had been having.

  Beside the swing he spied his aunt Cora’s sewing basket. This afternoon Keith had ripped a button from the shirt he was wearing. Before anyone else could offer, Elthia had announced that sewing was one chore she could handle. Not only had she taken care of Keith’s button, she’d told all the kids to bring her any of their clothing that needed repair.

  He’d wondered at the time if she knew what she was letting herself in for. But she’d seemed pleased when they’d taken her up on her offer and handed her a pile of shirts and dresses.

  His attention caught by a low growling, Caleb turned to the other side of the swing. Josie sat cross-legged on the floor, playing tug-of-war with Poppy and a bit of rag.

  Keith and Kevin knelt on the hard-packed g
round at the foot of the steps, shooting marbles.

  Zoe was pulling weeds from around the flower bushes. That girl didn’t seem to know how to play or even just sit and do nothing.

  Peter, predictably, stood apart from the others, leaning against a support post and watching the twins.

  Caleb reached for one of the scraps of wood he kept handy for his nightly sessions. “It’s getting on to bedtime. Time you headed inside to clean up and get tucked in.”

  He smiled at the grumbling that greeted his words. “Okay, a few more minutes, but then it’s off with you and no arguments.”

  Josie abandoned her game with the dog and stood. “Aunt Thia,” she said, “would you tell us a story?”

  Elthia lifted Josie onto her lap. “Of course, sweetie.”

  Alex shifted forward. “Want me to fetch your book for you?”

  She shook her head. “I can tell you a story without a book.”

  Josie gave her a wistful look. “Can you tell one with a beautiful princess in it?”

  Elthia nodded.

  From Caleb’s feet, Kevin snorted. “Princesses are sissy stuff. What about an evil witch or a big old dragon?”

  Elthia nodded again. “But of course. A really good story will always have a nasty villain in it.” She settled Josie more comfortably in her lap. “Now, let’s see, where do we begin?”

  Caleb watched her slip an arm around Josie as the little girl snuggled closer. What a pretty picture they made. He could almost imagine she was the real mother of these kids.

  There was no denying her love for little ones. Watching her like this, he could tell himself that if he succeeded in wooing her, she would welcome being a permanent part of this family.

  Please God, let that be true.

  “Once upon a time,” she began, “in a faraway land, there was a kingdom called Tannerhaven. Tannerhaven was ruled by King Noble, a wise and just man who had six children. Now it happens a good fairy had gifted each royal child with a special talent.”

  She met Caleb’s gaze for just a moment, a hesitant expression on her face. Then she smiled and looked back at the kids.

  “The firstborn was Prince Justice. Since he would one day be king, he was given two gifts, courage and artistry. Next came Princess Lyrical, who was given the gift of music. The third child, Prince Pippin, was gifted with the ability to converse with animals. Prince Hijinx and Prince Jester came next. They were given the ability to read each other’s thoughts. Finally came Princess Honeybee, who was given the gift of bringing joy.”

  Caleb smiled as he listened to Elthia place each of the kids in her story. She went on to describe grand adventures, fighting dragons, rescuing innocents, heroic quests, and in each of these, she found a way to show how the princes and princesses used their talents to work together and achieve victory.

  When she’d happily resolved the fourth adventure, Caleb stood. “I believe that’s enough for one night.”

  Elthia silenced their protests with a smile. “Your uncle’s right. It’s getting late. I can tell you more about the adventures of Tannerhaven’s royal family another day.” She kissed Josie on the forehead, then set her down on the floor.

  As she stood, Caleb came closer and put an arm around her waist. “Got one of those for me?” he asked.

  He felt her slight stiffening, and he thought for a moment she might refuse. Then her gaze met his and her expression signaled acceptance of her role. “Of course.” She turned fully toward him, as if at home in his embrace. Then, with a teasing smile, she placed her hands on his chest and gave his cheek a peck.

  “Nothing to it.” The words were pitched so that only he could hear. As she stepped back, her hand lingered on his chest, then slid slowly away in a gesture that caused his pulse to jump.

  She turned, took Josie’s hand, and escorted the kids inside.

  Caleb sat on the steps and picked up his chunk of wood. Rubbing a thumb across the smooth-grained surface, he wished instead it was the soft, satiny texture of her wrist. Recalling the faint blush that had warmed her cheeks, he wondered just how far the sprinkle of freckles that dusted her neck extended.

  With a frustrated growl, he pitched his carving and stood. Raking a hand through his hair, he wondered why on God’s green earth he was so tied in knots over someone like Lady Privilege. She wasn’t beautiful, and she sure as thunder wasn’t biddable.

  But she’d definitely gotten under his skin.

  “Now you’re sure you can handle this?”

  Elthia frowned at her inquisitor. Irritation was a safer emotion than the unsettling attraction she’d felt since that walk two days ago. “I told you, I’ve driven buggies since I was ten.” She lifted the reins. “Now, do you want to lead or shall I?”

  Caleb stepped back, his expression still reflecting doubt. But he didn’t question her further. “Unless you want to eat dust all the way to town, it’d probably be best if you lead,” he said. “Zoe can help you with directions if you don’t remember the way.”

  “I think I can manage.” Good grief, how much of a henwit did he think she was? When they’d traveled to town for the wedding, it had been almost a straight shot.

  “Well, I guess we’d better get started.” Caleb moved to the buckboard. He tugged on one of the ropes securing the crated furniture he and the boys had loaded earlier, then climbed onto the seat next to the twins. “Remember,” he called out. “We’ll be taking it slow. Try not to get too far ahead of us.”

  She rolled her eyes at him, then turned to Alex and Peter who were seated in the back of the wagon with the crates. “You boys be careful back there, all right?”

  Smiling when she discovered herself to now be the one on the receiving end of long-suffering looks, she turned to the girls seated in the buggy with her. “Ready, ladies?”

  At their nods, she turned the horse toward town.

  Yesterday, Caleb had asked if there were any supplies she needed him to pick up when he made his delivery run to town. Elthia had immediately announced that they were all going along.

  She was, in fact, quite pleased. She’d been trying to find an excuse to go to town. There was something she wanted to purchase, and she couldn’t ask Caleb to do it for her.

  Elthia had cudgeled her brain for ideas on a birthday gift for Caleb. Problem was, even if she knew what he might need or like, she had no idea what merchandise the local shops carried.

  She’d finally hit on something yesterday while mending one of Zoe’s pinafores. She’d make him a shirt. The more she thought on the idea, the more she liked it. Not only was she familiar enough with his wardrobe to know he didn’t have an overabundance of shirts, she liked the idea of giving him a gift she’d made herself. She just had to buy the cloth without him seeing.

  As Elthia stared at the dusty road, she wondered why it was so important to her that she make this birthday celebration into something extra special for Caleb.

  Caleb watched the buggy up ahead with a frown. What was she up to now? Since yesterday, Elthia had been walking around with an I-know-something-you-don’t air. It made him decidedly uneasy.

  Still, he couldn’t fault her for much else. He had to admit, once she agreed on something, she didn’t hold back. She’d thrown herself into their playacting without visible reservation. They’d made a nightly ritual of the good-night kiss, all for the kids’ benefit of course. And when he’d mentioned that perhaps he shouldn’t always be the one to initiate it, she surprised him by greeting him with a good-morning kiss at breakfast today.

  She’d even stopped jumping every time he touched her.

  Well, not every time, he remembered with a grin. Yesterday he’d reached over to close a curtain and “accidentally” brushed an arm across her chest. She stepped back so quickly she almost tripped over her own feet, and she hadn’t been able to meet his gaze for an hour after without blushing clear up to her hairline.

  Yep, one thing Elthia wasn’t was a cold fish. Perhaps tonight he’d try putting a little more heat into th
eir good-night kiss. Goodness knows, he’d been wanting to anyway.

  And maybe tonight he wouldn’t wait until she had time to fall asleep before he climbed up the stairs to their room.

  CHAPTER 16

  Elthia sat on the porch swing, enjoying the evening breeze as the soft murmur of the children’s conversation flowed around her.

  Her gaze turned to Caleb, as it had so often lately. During the trip to town today, she’d found the perfect piece of fabric. She was itching to get started, but she’d have to wait for times when he was in his workshop if she wanted to keep it a surprise.

  Would he appreciate her efforts?

  His brow furrowed just then, and he paused, looking up at Peter. “Something’s not quite right about this piece, but I can’t put my finger on it. What do you think?”

  Elthia pushed her glasses up. He’d been doing quite a bit of that lately, asking the boy’s opinion and quietly complimenting him on some well-done piece of work.

  Peter only shrugged. Elthia studied him, realizing his I-don’t-care attitude wasn’t quite as firm as before. There were cracks showing, signs that he was softening just the tiniest bit.

  Caleb blew on the pipe whistle, and a weak, sour note sounded. Leaning back, he shook his head. “Hear that? Maybe it’s a flaw in the wood. Here, take a look.”

  Elthia thought Peter would refuse. Then he snatched it and began a meticulous examination. Finally he looked up with a smug expression. “I see the problem. You haven’t cleared this hole. There’s a sliver under the lip here that needs to come out.”

  Caleb’s frown deepened. “You sure about that?”

  Peter handed it back to him. “Have a look for yourself.”

  Caleb studied the hole in question. “Well I’ll be. I think you’re right.” After some delicate maneuvering with his knife, Caleb put the pipe to his lip again. This time a clear, true note sounded. “Much better. Thanks.”