There in the bed of his boyhood, Tanner poured his heart and soul into her. Loving this woman in this house, he thought, was almost a benediction, a blessing on the life he knew they’d have together. With his eyes gleaming down into hers, he took her simply, without frills, without fanfare, with nothing but pure love.
Afterward they lay in silence for a long time, arms and legs entwined, fingers laced together, cheeks pressed close. The moment felt almost sacred to them. Neither wanted it to end.
“I feel too good to move,” Amanda said, stretching and yawning. “But I suppose we should dress. Your family will be back soon.”
“Not until after dark. They don’t miss a single house with their caroling. It’s a family tradition.”
She sat up and caressed his face. “I made you miss it. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I’m not.” He circled her waist with his arms and pressed his lips to her abdomen. “My beautiful Amanda. Love of my life.”
She touched his hair with her lips. “You say romantic things, Tanner.”
He sat up, leaned against the headboard, and pulled her to him. “I mean every one of them. It will take me a lifetime to say everything that’s in my heart.”
She cupped his chin. “You’re so special to me, Tanner Donovan. I love you.”
“Then marry me.”
She turned her face from him. “It’s Christmas Eve. Let’s not spoil it.”
“All right.” He got out of bed whistling. She was almost disappointed that he didn’t argue. Sometimes she didn’t understand herself.
“Your clothes are wet. I’ll find something of Hallie’s for you to wear.”
“Good. And then do you think we might catch up with your family? I suddenly have the urge to go caroling.”
He grinned at her. “I make you feel like singing?”
“You can take the credit if you want to.”
“Then I will.”
Amanda got into the shower while Tanner found her some clothes. Then he came in to scrub her back and ended up in the shower with her.
By the time they were dressed, twilight had descended on the Delta. Tanner saddled Napoleon, and he and Amanda set off to find the Donovan carolers.
They caught up with the rest of the clan at the Swanson farm. The entire Swanson family was on the front porch listening to the wagonload of Donovans sing. Tanner eased Napoleon to a halt behind the wagon. His parents swiveled their heads around when he and Amanda joined in to sing the beautiful old song, What Child Is This?
Anna smiled a secret smile.
o0o
Tanner slept late on Christmas morning. Amanda leaned over him and felt his brow. Nothing short of sickness would keep him from his early-morning jog. He stirred slightly under her touch, his brow cool and moist, a smile on his lips.
She slipped from the bed, dressed quietly, and went downstairs. Yesterday’s mail was still on the table, untouched. She flipped through the letters, noting the usual bills and Christmas cards.
It was the last envelope that caught her attention. Addressed to Miss Amanda Lassiter in a handwriting all too familiar to her, it stood out from the rest. Claude. Why would she hear from him after six years? Her hand shook as she opened the envelope. Inside was a Christmas card, no note, no message, simply the usual Merry Christmas and Happy New Year greeting and his signature—Love, Claude.
She shivered. The card was an invasion. With Tanner upstairs in bed, just looking at the signature felt like a betrayal.
“Why, Claude?” she whispered. “Why now?”
She heard Tanner’s whistling before she saw him. Quickly she put the mail back on the table and stuffed Claude’s card under the bottom of the stack.
Tanner came into view, dressed in long white beard, red stocking cap, and boxer shorts.
“Ho, Ho, Ho. Mer-ry Christ-mas.”
She burst into laughter. “Doesn’t it get a little breezy at the North Pole in that outfit, Santa?”
“Mrs. Claus keeps me warm.” He swung her up for a resounding kiss. “Are you jealous?”
“Extremely. I don’t want you fooling around at the North Pole with anybody else.”
“Speaking of poles . . .” He set her on her feet and pressed his hips against hers.
“We must do something about that condition, Santa,” she murmured.
And they did—under the Christmas tree with the blinking lights making patterns of red and green and gold on their bare skin.
Afterward they exchanged gifts. For once Tanner had agreed to keep it simple. Hers was a simple gold bracelet, engraved with the date. His was a pair of silver spurs, to complete his courting outfit, she told him.
Claude’s card was completely forgotten as they made a huge brunch and ate it at Aunt Emma’s rosewood table.