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windows were closed and secured. Peeking into the foaling
stall, she smiled at the colt. Look at you, Criss Cross. You re
becoming quite a handsome fellow. She reached down and
nuzzled his soft head before she turned and went into the
tack room. After adjusting the volume to the radio, she left
the stables.
Jessica bumped into Mrs. Mayfield in the hall outside her
room. The housekeeper s bottom was the only thing sticking
out from the hall closet. Jessica tried not to laugh at the sight.
The wide rear bounced as Mrs. Mayfield struggled. Hi,
Jessica said.
Mrs. Mayfield s head poked out. Oh, hi dear. The old
woman huffed as she wrestled with the vacuum.
Would you like some help? Jessica peeked in the closet
and looked at the vacuum. Hoses, cords, and brushes were
entangled in huge knots.
Shaking her head, Mrs. Mayfield went back to the
undertaking. No, I ve got it under control.
Once in her room, Jessica allowed herself to openly
laugh at Mrs. Mayfield s efforts. She changed her clothes,
putting on something a little warmer, and ran a brush through
her hair. She used a large silver clip her father had given her
last Christmas to hold the silken strands from her face.
Mrs. Mayfield was still in the hall when Jessica left her
room. Do you know where Michael is?
She slammed the door shut with triumph. In the study.
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The study. Where else could he be? Knocking softly
on the door, she waited for the deep Yes that would allow
her to enter.
Michael took off his glasses as he looked up. Hi.
I closed everything up a little early. I don t think anyone
will be coming out. Not in this weather.
He glanced out the window. Yes, I noticed that it was
getting dark out there.
I m going to go meet Tom in town for a bite. I just
wanted to let you know where I d be.
Michael s head snapped around as raw possession for the
woman leaning in the doorway consumed him. He fought the
unfamiliar emotion. I wouldn t recommend you drive in
this. The weather has been unpredictable lately. I d hate to
see you stuck in a storm.
You think it s going to be that bad?
Could be. Wouldn t you rather be safe than sorry?
You have a point. She sighed. I ll go call Tom.
* * * * *
Jessica s back pressed rigidly into the mattress. Her eyes
were wide open, ears tuned to every sound. She rolled over
for the third time and glanced at the clock. Three twenty
three, only twelve minutes since the last time she looked. It
was no use. She would never be able to get back to sleep.
She flipped back the covers and got up.
In the kitchen Jessica put the kettle on for a cup of hot
chocolate. That would make her feel better. She searched the
cabinet for several minutes before finding the little package
of instant chocolate. Shaking the contents of the package as
she walked back to the counter, she tore the top off and
emptied the powder in the cup. Then she paced around the
kitchen waiting for the water to boil.
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When it was ready, she took the cup to the living room,
switched on the lamp by the recliner, and went to the
bookshelf to find something to read. There was everything
from Winter Gardening to All You Want to Know About Guns.
She chose an old western. Sitting, she opened the book and
tried to focus on what she was reading and not the sounds
that were coming from outside.
After reading the first chapter and realizing that she
couldn t recall a word of it, she put the book down. She held
her cup in both hands and silently wished she were home
with her father. Whenever there was a storm at home, her
father would fix two cups of coffee with a little Kahlua and
they would sit up for hours and talk. They would talk until
they were so tired they would drag themselves to bed and fall
right to sleep, blocking the storm completely out. Oh,
Daddy I wish you were here. She closed her eyes.
Michael watched Jessica intensely. What was the cause of
her insomnia? Did she also have dreams that haunted her at
night? Did she lie awake unable to sleep, unable to close her
eyes, because she was afraid of what she might see if she
did?
Can t sleep? Michael voice broke the heavy night air.
Jessica jumped out of the chair. Michael, good
heavens.
He rushed to her side and steadied her. It s okay.
She pulled away swiftly. What do you do, go around
and scare the hell out of people all the time?
I didn t mean to scare you. His voice was much softer
now.
For someone who doesn t mean to scare me, you sure
do it often. Will you please stop sneaking up on me? She
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turned and tried to identify the abrupt noises coming from
outside.
He could see her body shake with fear. He moved closer
and watched her pulse pound at the base of her neck. Tracing
his thumb over the throbbing vein, his eyes met with hers.
He recognized her torment and vulnerability.
I m sorry. Swinging his arm over her shoulder, he
pulled her tightly to him. He laced his fingers through her
hair and pressed her head to his chest. She clung to him like
he was some kind of lifeline. They stood there for a while,
holding each other.
Where the hell are these storms coming from? Jessica
asked. I ve never seen so many damn storms in my life.
And why is it always so windy?
My house sits on top of a mountain. It takes the brunt of
the wind. He turned her. Let s sit down. On the sofa he
pulled her into his arms.
A huge gust of wind whipped against the house. Michael
saw Jessica s eyes dart to the wall of glass. Can we talk?
she asked.
Sure, about what?
I don t care. Anything. Just as long as we talk. Her
eyes darted between Michael and the massive window.
Before Michael had the chance to think of a topic, Jessica
spoke. Do you think that the window could break?
Michael glided his hand up and down her arm in a
soothing manner. No, it s not going to break.
What if a tree falls on it? She curled her feet close
against her. Her head rested firmly against Michael s chest.
His steady heartbeat was comforting in her ear.
A tree isn t going to fall on it.
How can you be so sure? Jessica said.
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Trust me. He watched as small twigs, branches, and
leaves bounced off the glass. The wind was wild, whipping
in every direction. Every so often he could hear a huge gust
roll through the trees as it built up strength. It would then
smash against the house with enormous force. Why don t
you like this kind of weather?
She turned to him in his arms. You mean you do?
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