The Manning Sisters (27 page)

“You, too,” she whispered sarcastically, but James didn't respond.

Closing her eyes, she tried to pretend it was Cody's arms around her. That was the only way she'd be able to continue this farce. Keeping his image in her mind gave her a sense of purpose, a means of enduring this disastrous night.

After a respectable number of dances, James escorted her off the floor. Until then Christy hadn't noticed how tired and defeated he looked. Several family members insisted on dances with her, and Christy found herself on the floor with a number of uncles, her brothers and longtime family friends.

James was doing his duty, as well, keeping the women from both families occupied. She did see that he managed to do so without dancing with any of them, and that made her smile, however briefly.

It wasn't until the end of the evening, when Christy decided she just might survive, that her aunt Lois, her mother's youngest sister, asked the impossible question. “When's the date for the wedding?”

The whole room went silent. The music ceased, and everyone turned to stare at Christy and James. They were sitting together in a long row of folding chairs against the wall. It was the first time they'd sat down that evening.

Christy felt like a cornered animal. The cracker in her mouth seemed to go down her throat whole.

“You don't have an engagement party without letting those you love know when you're planning the wedding,” Aunt Lois said.

James glanced at Christy. “We haven't had a chance to discuss a date, have we, darling?”

“No,” Christy muttered. It wouldn't look good to announce that she was counting the days until she could break the engagement. If she was going to discuss a wedding date with anyone, it would be with Cody. But he hadn't asked her, and after he learned about this evening, Christy doubted he'd ever want to see her again.

“Springtime is always lovely for a wedding.” Aunt Lois stood directly in front of her, waving her arms, demanding the attention of Christy and everyone else. “George and I were married in May, and the flowers were gorgeous.” Pressing her gloved hands together, she released a slow sigh of remembered happiness.

“But May's almost a year away,” Elizabeth Manning objected loudly, walking across the dance floor to join this all-important discussion. “Why wait so long? I was thinking more along the lines of November.”

“November?” Christy echoed.

“The leaves are always so pretty then. You know how I love orange, brown and yellow,” she said, looking at her daughter.

Already Christy could see her mother's mind working, plotting and planning. She'd enjoyed making the arrangements for the engagement party so much that she couldn't wait to start on all the pomp and ceremony of a formal wedding.

“With your dark coloring, Christy, an autumn theme would be perfect.”

“Personally I favor a December wedding,” Eric Manning shouted. He'd obviously had more than his share of champagne.

“December?” Elizabeth shrieked, shaking her head. “Never.”

“All right,” Eric countered. “Let's ask Christy and James which date they prefer. This is, after all, their wedding.”

“Ah.” Christy couldn't think. Her mind froze along with her hands, which were raised halfway to her mouth, her fingers clutching a delicate artichoke canapé. In a panic she looked at James, her eyes wide in speechless appeal. If ever she needed rescuing, it was now.

“What do you say, sweetheart?” her mother asked.

By some miracle Christy managed to lower the cracker to her plate. “I…I haven't given the matter much thought.”

“When George and I decided to marry, we couldn't do it fast enough,” Aunt Lois informed the group.

“November,” James said decisively. “Your aunt's right. There's no need to put off the wedding.”

“We don't have to choose a date
now,
do we?” Christy asked. “Not when you're so busy with the Mulligan case.”

His hand patted hers gently. “This trial will be over soon enough, and I've been selfish not to consider your feelings. Naturally you and your mother will want to start making all the necessary arrangements.”

“November would be perfect.” Elizabeth Manning opened her purse and withdrew a small appointment calendar. “Let's pick the date right now. How does the twelfth sound?”

Once more Christy found herself speechless. “Ah…”

“The twelfth sounds grand,” James said triumphantly, and lightly touched his lips to Christy's cheek. “Isn't that right, darling?”

The whole world came to an abrupt halt, awaiting Christy's reply. The walls seemed to be falling in around her, until she could hardly breathe.

“Christy?” her mother probed, eyeing her curiously. “November 12 would be a beautiful day for a wedding, don't you agree?”

 

Cody slowly patrolled the deserted streets of Cougar Point, but his mind wasn't on the job. The crime wave of the century could be happening before his very eyes, and Cody doubted he would've noticed.

How could he? The only reason he'd agreed to take this shift was in an effort to forget that Christy was with James tonight.

While Cody dutifully served his constituents, Christy was sipping champagne with her attorney fiancé. No doubt his diamond was firmly placed on her ring finger and she was having the time of her life.

It hurt.

The pain was as real as anything he'd ever endured. Except that it hurt more. There wasn't a thing he could do to alter the chain of events that had led Christy into this predicament. Apparently there wasn't much she could do, either.

He tried to remind himself that the woman he loved would go to great lengths not to hurt others, even if it meant hurting herself. But Christy wasn't the only one suffering.

Cody felt like a casualty of circumstance. And there was nothing he could do….

It was late when he rolled into the station—after eleven. He got out of the patrol car and saw Russ's pickup truck parked out front. Frowning, he made his way inside.

Russ Palmer unfolded his long legs and stood. “About time you got here.”

“Problems?”

Russ nodded. “A few. I thought it might be a good idea if we talked.”

The anxiety that had been following him around all night grew more intense. “I'll meet you in ten minutes.”

Since the bowling alley was the only restaurant in town that stayed open this late, Cody didn't need to mention where they'd meet.

Russ was already in the booth, holding a white ceramic mug, when Cody walked inside. Cody slid in across from him, wondering how his friend had come to pick the same booth he'd sat in with Christy. He'd been in love with her then and hadn't even known it.

“What's so all-fired important to bring you out this time of night?” Cody asked.

“Taylor.”

That didn't explain a lot.

The cook brought out a second mug for Cody and returned to the kitchen. Russ stared after the other man.

“You don't mean Taylor, you mean Christy, right?”

Russ nodded glumly.

“What did she do now? Run off with Gypsies? Marry the garbageman?”

“Worse.”

“I suppose this has to do with the engagement party.”

Once more Russ nodded. “Apparently no one guessed her real feelings. It seems everyone was too concerned about how much liquor made it into the punch bowl to ask Christy how
she
felt about the whole thing.”

“I should be grateful for that?”

“No,” Russ answered. “She went through the evening like a real trooper. She loves her family, and she did this for their sake, but she didn't like it.”

“She's not the only one.”

“I can well imagine,” Russ said with a sympathetic sigh. “I know how I'd feel in the circumstances.”

“I'm not sure what to do anymore.” Cody rubbed his face wearily. “Tell me what happened. I can deal with that better than not knowing.”

Russ seemed uncertain where to begin.

“Just spit it out,” Cody said, trying to persuade himself he should forget he'd ever met Christy Manning.

“She's sick. Started throwing up at the party. Taylor talked to her and said Christy's in pretty rough shape.”

For all his effort to portray disinterest, Cody's heart raced at the news. “What's wrong?”

“It's not what you think.”

“If she's feeling as bad as you say, then why didn't she contact me?”

“She's been trying to reach you for two days.”

“I've been busy. What was I supposed to do? Phone her and suggest she enjoy her engagement party? I have some pride left, and frankly I'm holding on to it.”

“She needs to talk to you. Call her.”

Cody shrugged.

“If you've been avoiding her, don't. She doesn't deserve this. Not now.”

“I've tried phoning,” Cody confessed, as if admitting to a shortcoming in his character. “She's never there.”

“You didn't leave a message?”

“No,” he answered reluctantly. What was there to say in a message that would help their situation? As far as he could see, nothing.

“She's at her apartment now. Take my advice and put each other out of this misery. Talk to her.”

 

Ten minutes later Cody unlocked his front door, turned on the light and walked into his living room. He scowled at the phone—but he didn't know who he was trying to kid. He practically lunged at it, he was so hungry for the sound of Christy's voice.

He dialed the Seattle number Russ had given him, and Christy answered even before the first ring had finished.

“Cody?” Her voice caught on his name before he had a chance to speak.

“Hello, Christy,” he said in a voice that, to his own ears, sounded stiff and cold.

“Thank you for calling me.”

Before he could respond, she asked, “Did Taylor tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“What happened at the party.”

“No.” There was more? “Russ came into town and asked me to call you. He alluded to something but never said exactly what. Go ahead and tell me.”

A slight hesitation followed. “I…it isn't easy.”

“Dammit, Christy, what's going on now?” The possibilities that came to mind did little to put him at ease.

“I want to be honest with you,” she said, her voice shaking. “I…” She paused, and Cody could hear her drag a deep breath through her lungs. “Something happened at the party tonight…something I never intended.”

Cody wanted to come across as nonchalant, but he couldn't. He expelled his breath, trying to think of what she might have done that would make him stop loving her.

Nothing. She could do nothing. Even if she were to inform him that she'd given in to the pressure and married James that very night, it wouldn't be enough. He'd still love her. He'd always love her.

“November 12,” she whispered.

“I beg your pardon?” She'd gone from guessing games to riddles.

“The wedding's set for November 12.”

C
hristy rolled over and glanced at the illuminated dial of her clock radio. It was 10:00 a.m.

This was supposed to be her first day back at the office, but she'd had to phone in sick. A flu bug was what she'd told Marcia, the office manager, who was sympathetic enough to suggest Christy stay home. But it wasn't the flu that was making her ill.

It was something else entirely. Christy was heartsick, afraid she'd lost Cody forever. She felt trapped, doing what was right for everyone but herself.

Now she was wide awake, and the day stretched out before her. She could occupy herself with mindless game shows on television, but that would only use up an hour or two. Reading would help pass the time—if she could concentrate. She might even give some thought to phoning Cody.

No.

That was out of the question. Cody didn't want to talk to her, not anymore. She'd said everything she could to make him understand her predicament two nights earlier. The conversation had gone reasonably well until she'd told him she'd been forced to set a date for the wedding.

An unexpected sob tore through her throat, and fresh tears flooded her eyes. She'd done a lot of weeping over the past days. Damp, crumpled tissues lay scattered across her bedspread where she'd carelessly discarded them.

She loved Cody, and nothing she'd been able to say had convinced him of that. Cody, being a sheriff, saw life in terms of black and white. Either she'd agreed to the wedding date or she hadn't. Unfortunately Christy had sanctioned November 12, more or less, when pressured by James and her entire family. As soon as she confessed as much, her telephone conversation with Cody had ended abruptly.

She'd pleaded with him for understanding, tried to assure him she'd never willingly marry James, but it hadn't helped. They'd hung up with Cody promising to contact her after he'd had time to think.

Nearly thirty-four hours had passed. Surely he'd had adequate opportunity to come to some kind of decision.

The doorbell chimed, and sniffling, Christy reached for another tissue. She blew her nose before tossing aside her covers and climbing out of bed. She intended to send her visitor, whoever it was, away. She was in no mood for company.

With her luck, it was probably her mother wanting to discuss color schemes for the bridesmaids' dresses. If her car hadn't been parked directly in front of her door, she wouldn't even bother answering.

“Who is it?” she asked, squinting through the peephole and seeing no one.

“Cody Franklin.”

“Cody…oh, Cody.” Christy threw open the door. For one wild second she did nothing but stare into his wonderful face, convinced he'd been conjured up by her imagination. Before another second could pass, she launched herself into his arms.

Cody dropped his suitcase, clasping her around the waist with both arms. He hauled her to him with joyful abandon. Their mouths met in a kiss so fierce, it threatened to steal her breath. He held her as if he was starving for the taste of her, and meant to make up for every minute of every day they'd been apart.

Christy's arms encircled his neck, her mouth finding his. She kissed him over and over in an agony of need.

With a shudder Cody tore his mouth from hers and spread a wildfire of kisses over her face. His arms were around her waist, and her feet dangled several inches off the ground as his chest heaved with deep breaths.

Weeping for joy, Christy pressed her head against his shoulder, feeling completely at ease for the first time since she'd left Montana. She was in Cody's arms. Nothing could hurt her again.

“It might be a good idea if we went inside,” he whispered.

Christy nodded. Slowly he released her, and she slid down.

“How'd you get here?” she asked, searching the parking lot for signs of his Cherokee.

“I flew,” he explained as his hand stroked the tumbling curls away from her face. “I couldn't leave things between us the way they were. At least not without talking this out face-to-face. I took three days' vacation, hoping we could put an end to this craziness.”

Christy was hoping for the same thing. She took his wrist and pulled him inside her small apartment. She closed the door, then turned to face him, her hands behind her.

From the moment she'd come home, she'd stood alone against what seemed like overwhelming forces. Her mother needed her. James needed her. Everyone wanted a part of her until she felt as if she were being torn in two.

“How…how'd you know I was home?” she asked once her mind had cleared enough to process her thoughts.

“I phoned the law firm from the airport. They told me you were out with the flu.”

Christy couldn't believe what she was hearing. Cody had phoned her at the office!

“You disapprove?” His eyes narrowed.

“No.” But her heart was thumping loudly. It wasn't likely anyone had given his inquiry a second thought. Even if they had, she wouldn't be around to answer their questions.

“But the fact that I talked to someone who knew you
and
James upset you, didn't it?” He started to pace her living room. Four long strides covered the entire length of it. He buried one hand in his back pocket while the other massaged the muscles of his neck. “You're so afraid your precious James is going to find out about me.”

“That's not true,” she denied vehemently. Too late, Christy realized she probably was the most pathetic sight he'd ever seen.

Her eyes were red and swollen, and she wasn't even dressed. The five-year-old pajamas she was wearing were as sexy as dishcloths. Not that any of this seemed to bother Cody, who was apparently far more interested in arguing with her than ravishing her.

In her emotionally fragile condition Christy was much too weak to withstand a heated verbal exchange. She'd already heard from Taylor, who knew without a doubt what would be best. Russ, too. But they weren't listening to
her.
It was easy for them to dish out advice when they were a thousand miles from the situation.

She was the one on the front line, the one who'd have to face their parents. She seemed to be the only one who appreciated the long years of hard work that had led James to this point in his career. She couldn't,
wouldn't,
ruin his chances now.

If Cody Franklin expected her to buy their happiness at another's expense, then he didn't really know her at all.

He turned to face her. Boldly she met his eyes, staring down the hot accusation she saw in them.

Suddenly Christy felt his anger start to dissolve, replaced with doubt and pain. Defeated, he expelled a harsh breath. His shoulders sagged. “Forget I ever mentioned James. I didn't come here to fight about him.”

“Why did you come?”

He didn't seem to have an answer, or if he did, he wasn't willing to supply it just yet. He looked away from her and plowed his fingers through his hair. “To talk some sense into you and end this confusion before we both go insane.”

How Christy wished it was that simple.

“This isn't as complicated as you're making it,” he said. “Either you're serious about loving me or you aren't. It should be a matter of setting the record straight, but—”

“I do love you.”

“Then why are you wearing another man's ring?” he demanded. He stalked toward her and pulled her hand from behind her back. He frowned as he found her ring finger bare.

“I've only worn James's diamond once. The night of the engagement party,” she said, surprised by how strained her voice sounded. “I took it off the minute I walked in the door and haven't put it on since.”

Cody's large, callused hand curled over her fingers as he shut his eyes. The muscles in his jaw clenched. Then, moving slowly, as though hypnotized, he lowered his mouth to hers.

Her lips trembled under his and Christy closed her eyes as hard as she could, wanting to shut out the realities that kept them apart. She longed to block out everything, except the man who was holding her so gently.

“We need to talk,” he whispered.

“Isn't ‘I love you' enough?” she asked. Although he struggled to hold her at bay, Christy spread nibbling kisses at the curve of his neck. She wanted him so much….

Cody released a ragged sigh and propelled himself away from her. He moved so fast and so unexpectedly that Christy nearly stumbled. Bewildered, she caught herself just in time.

By then Cody had put the full distance of the living room between them. “In case it's slipped your mind, I'd like to remind you that you're an engaged woman.”

It seemed she was allowed to forget that when she was in Cody's arms. She blinked back her pain. Throwing this farce of an engagement at her now was cruel and unfair.

“If you flew all those miles to remind me of that, then you made a wasted trip.” Humiliation tainted her cheeks and it was all she could do not to cover her face with both hands and turn away from him.

For several minutes neither of them spoke. She sensed that they both needed time to compose themselves. Cody continued pacing, while Christy stood rooted, leaning against the door, requiring its solidity to hold her upright. It was a shock to discover how badly she was trembling.

“I need to ask you to do something,” Cody said crisply, as if whatever he was about to say didn't involve him.

“All right.”

“Break the engagement to James.” His dark eyes cut into her with sharp, unquestioning demand.

“Of course. You know I will as soon as I can—”

“I want you to do it now. Today.”

Full of anguish and regret, Christy shut her eyes. This had tormented her from the moment she got home and talked to James. Surely Cody realized she didn't want to stay engaged to another man.

“Christy?”

“I…can't break it off. Not yet. You know that. James has been working for three months getting ready for this trial. He was as prepared as any attorney could be, and yet one thing after another has gone wrong for him. I can't add to his troubles by—”

“We have no business seeing each other,” Cody interrupted. “We didn't when you were in Montana, and we have even less of an excuse now that you're home.”

“But I love you.”

Her words fell into an uncomfortable silence. Cody didn't answer for so long that she began to worry. His expression told her nothing.

“Love doesn't make everything right,” he said, his eyes darkening with bitterness. “I wish it did, but the way we feel about each other doesn't alter one damn thing. You're promised to another man, and that's all there is to it.”

“But…Cody—”

“Not only do you have his ring, you've set a wedding date.”

“I explained all that,” she whispered, feeling utterly defenseless.

“There's something you don't seem to understand,” Cody said, frowning heavily. “I'm a man of honor, a man of my word…”

She nodded. “I couldn't love you as much as I do without knowing the kind of man you are.”

“Then you must realize that I can't continue this. You must know how it makes me feel.”

She stared at him, barely able to believe she'd been so stupid and selfish. Cody wasn't being possessive or jealous. It wasn't his pride that was injured or his ego. It was his sense of fairness. A matter of honesty.

He slowly shook his head. “For both our sakes, I wish I could be different. I'd like nothing better than to steal away with you for a few days, hold you, kiss you. More than anything else in this world I want to make love to you, but I can't allow that to happen.”

Christy wanted all those things, too.

“The fact that you were committed to James bothered me when you were staying with Russ and Taylor. The fact that you didn't want to break the engagement over the phone wasn't unreasonable and I understood it.”

Christy now wished she'd put an end to everything two weeks ago. If she had, her life would be so much simpler.

“It wasn't easy to keep my hands off you then, and it's a lot more difficult now.” His voice was tight, and he didn't slacken his stride as he continued to pace. “I can't do this any longer. Either you break it off with James, right now, today, or it's over. I'll fly back to Montana and this will be the last time I see you.”

Christy felt as if the entire ceiling had come crashing down on her head.

“The last time?” she repeated, struggling to keep her voice from rising.

“Christy, look at it from my point of view.”

“I am. All I'm asking for…all I need is for you to be a little more patient. The trial will be over soon.”

“I've been more than patient already.”

“But it'll only be for a while. I swear to you,” she said urgently, “I'll break it off with James at the first opportunity. But I can't do it now.”