Was she going to shoot him?
�Your flowers look nice,� he muttered, cautiously eyeing the tube she held.
She shook this new cylinder a couple of times, then moved her thumb over a small rippled piece on the side. A wide, white river shot from the end.
Caleb jerked back, but not fast enough. The streak caught him on the thigh then settled into a pale gold puddle on the floor. He swiped his hand over the area of his thigh that had been nipped. No pain, and no visible damage, even though the gun-like object put out a flame-like glow.
With another push of the button, the woman doused the beam and glanced out the window. �Darn, the shed�s locked.
You take the light, and I�ll get the keys.�
She extended the tube, but he didn�t take it.
�Look, if you don�t want to do the work, why don�t you just leave?� She shoved past him and out the door without once pulling out her other weapon. The silver tube still protruded from her front pocket, and she held the red and yellow one at her side in a tight-fisted, angry grip.
�Miss Berclair?�
�What?� she yelled as she whirled around to face him.
He stepped off the porch and held out his hand for the tube, realizing that she�d called it a light. It must be some type of torch. �I�m supposed to take that thing, and you�re supposed to get the key.�
She slapped the light against his palm. �I don�t have time for games, Mr. Harrison.�
�I�m not playing games, Miss Berclair. I wish I were. This morning when I woke up, I left Raleigh, but I never expected to go so far.�
�And just how far did you travel? All of five miles?�
�And more than a hundred and sixty years,� he whispered to himself.
I would like to dedicate this book to the members of River City Romance Writers, Deb Dixon, Carolyn McSparren, and my faithful critique partners, without whom I would have quit long ago. I would also like to give special thanks to my editor, Linda Kichline, for everything she has done for me.
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Epilogue
Atlantis orichalc is a metal with the brilliance of the summer sun. When it�s pure as new fallen snow it has the power to change the past and form a better future. But beware, for the person whose greed outweighs the needs of others will find this precious metal of Atlantis to be deadly.
***
Raleigh, Tennessee June 1816
When would it end?
Caleb Harrison shoved the dresser forward in the wagon bed. He didn�t like responsibility. Didn�t want it. So why did he always end up giving his word? Why couldn�t people stay out of his life? No matter what he did, or what path he traveled, obligations challenged his resolve to stay a loner.
He would always be accountable to the nuns who had raised him, yet he had had no problem leaving the orphanage. Now an obligation struck between him and his one true friend meant giving up his solitary life. Not for just a day, either. This promise would last a lifetime.
As Luke Berclair�s godfather, Caleb never thought the boy�s survival would depend upon his becoming the child�s father.
Caleb removed his hat and wiped the sweat off his forehead.
His horse jerked against his harness and reared his head, signaling that they weren�t alone. The odor that drifted on the breeze let him know that William Jacobs stood on the other side of the wagon.
�What is it, Jacobs?�
�Heard ya needed help. Ain�t no one else willin�, but I�m not sure I�m up�ta the work.�
Caleb dusted his hat against his leg and let his gaze meet the drunk�s. William Jacobs scratched his scraggly beard with a grimy hand and squinted against the afternoon sun.
�The Widow Berclair wants this dresser delivered today.�
Caleb replaced his hat, turned his back on the man and checked the ropes that held the dresser in place. �Job�s yours if you want it.�
As he waited for the man�s answer, Caleb watched the rain clouds gathering in the distance. He didn�t particularly like the idea of Jacobs riding to Berclair Manor with him. Eight feet of wagon didn�t lessen the odor of stale liquor, and the stench of dirty body, shoulder to shoulder, would be sickening. But he was right. Only a drunk in need of a drink would ride shotgun with a suspected murderer.
He had a dresser to deliver. He always kept his promises.
Bad weather or not, with the drunk�s help or without it, Rebecca would have her dresser today. And if they couldn�t find another way to save Luke, he and Rebecca would have a marriage to plan.
�I don�t have time to waste, Jacobs. If we don�t move out soon, your return trip will be in the rain.� Caleb gathered up his rope and vaulted into the back of the wagon. �You coming, or not?�
�What kinda pay ya offerin�?�
He should have known the drunk would want his money up front. Caleb slung the rope over his shoulder and tugged a pouch out of his saddlebags. He removed a coin and flipped it toward Jacobs. The drunk snatched the money out of the air with more dexterity than Caleb believed possible.
�I�d rather have that fancy neck piece yore wearing. It�d buy me a lot more whiskey than this here coin.�
�You�ve got the dollar. That�s more than enough pay. Get your horse and tie him to the back of the wagon.� As he spoke Caleb caught the medallion�s chain, tucked it inside his shirt and covered the medal with his palm. A tingle radiated from the coin.
A warning.
Subtle, yet there. It felt the same as when his mother had given him his first lesson at the age of five. She had closed his fingers over the orichalc medallion and whispered, When the coin�s vibration is sharp, there is danger close. Remember this, my son. Someday it will save your life.
Caleb wrapped the rope around the dresser and jerked it tight. The coin hadn�t saved hers. She�d lost her medallion the night she�d been murdered. Murdered by a man she�d thought was her friend. He�d forgotten the lesson until he�d seen Rebecca Berclair wearing an identical medallion bearing the symbols of good and evil�identical, yet different. Rebecca�s coin lacked the deep scratch that had marred the beauty of his mother�s.
Now he wore the medallion. Rebecca wanted him to oversee it until Luke�her son, his godson�came of age. With the medallion came a promise. He would guard it as his mother had hers, to death if necessary.
The Atlantis orichalc glowed brighter than fire. His mother told him it had powers yet to be tested and promised its keeper a life worth living.
Rebecca and her late husband, Saul, had questioned him relentlessly about his past. Deep down he�d known the questions were a test, but he hadn�t known why, not until Saul�s death.
At the funeral Rebecca spoke of far away places, secret time locks and passages that only a true survivor of Atlantis could travel through. She had handed him the medallion as they stood over Saul�s grave. Caleb, you have proved you are pure in heart. A true Atlantean.
Pure?
Although he hadn�t lied about his past, he hadn�t told her or Saul everything.
Rebecca didn�t know the secrets he kept hidden. The time hadn�t been right for divulging them. Not until now.
Once he delivered the dresser they would talk about his past and see if she still thought him worthy to wear the medallion�worthy to bear the responsibility of Luke�s future.
A shiver rippled down Caleb�s spine. Another warning.
He caught the chain and slipped it over his head. For a moment he gazed at the medallion.
Hide it.
A shiver of urgency followed the thought. He brushed his knuckles over the elaborate initials on the dresser then twisted the left letter until the �B� lay on its back. While holding the sleeping �B� in place, he turned the other knob in the opposite direction. He heard the latch click into place, curled his fingers over the raised letters and eased the front panel down.
If he died on the trail Rebecca would know where to look for the coin.
Still clutching the coin in one hand, Caleb brought the deerskin pouch to his lips, caught the drawstring between his teeth and worked it open. He added the medallion to the other coins, closed the pouch, and shoved it inside the secret compartment.
He felt his lips twitch into a smile. Rebecca hoarded her gold and she didn�t trust banks, so at her request every piece he made had a secret storage area. Even the bed she slept on.
And not just the usual bedpost-bank either. Oh, no. She�d wanted full-fledged secret compartments.
Caleb worked the front panel back in place, sealed it and draped the quilt over the mirror.
Jacobs pulled himself into the back of the wagon and squeezed in between the dresser and sideboard just as Caleb moved to the front to take his place. He snapped the reins and clucked the gelding into motion.
***
Memphis, Tennessee, Raleigh area Present Day Becci rocked back on her heels and rolled her eyes toward the ceiling. Why couldn�t her aunt understand? They didn�t have a choice any longer. She�d spent the last of her savings, and it hadn�t saved the mansion.
�Mary Rebecca Berclair, don�t you roll those eyes at me.
Just sit down at this table and listen. And please, child, listen with an open mind.�
�There...is...no...gold.� Becci Berclair pounded her fist against her thigh to accentuate each word.
�Eat your dinner and stop fussing, dear. Besides, I told you�it�s not gold, it�s orichalc.� Lilly ran her finger over the fading flowery writing in the journal and read, ��Eli has given us one of the medallions. We are saved. The beautiful golden, orichalc coin holds powers beyond belief.� That�s what it says right here. The coin helped Mary Rebecca, and it will help us.�
�I don�t care if we find a dozen books claiming there are a dozen coins of gold or orichalc. Whatever it�s called, there is nothing powerful and nothing of value in this house.�
Aunt Lilly just wouldn�t give up. Becci sighed. She didn�t blame her. For the briefest moment she, too, had hoped the old journals they�d found would unlock the secret to the riddle of Berclair Manor.
She immediately recalled the riddle�s words. Gold glows bright in the house of Berclair. Fortune shines on the true of heart, and love strengthens the powers of The Coins of Good and Evil.
Legend said The Coins of Good and Evil were hidden in the house. Hidden? Sure. Her great grandfather, Matthew Berclair, had spent his entire life trying to decipher the legend.
He�d even pointed out that there had to be more than one coin since the riddle spoke in plural. He�d passed the only thing of value he owned, the house, to his only living relative, his grandson, her father. Her father had mortgaged the place to the chimney top, not because he was looking for the Berclair fortune. Oh, no. Every spare cent he had went for his weekly poker game and his bottle of booze.
�The journal talks about hiding places. I know we�ll find them. I just know we will.�
Becci closed her eyes and eased into her chair. He aunt had fixed the meal and she�d best not waste it.
Nothing really mattered any more. Not her plans for the nursery, not her job as an aide in the prenatal unit, not even the house. Besides, she�d bet her life savings, if she hadn�t already spent it, that the original Mary Rebecca had squandered every golden cent.
Becci tossed her long braid over her shoulder. She and Aunt Lilly had been through this over and over since they inherited Berclair Manor.
Once she sold the place, maybe her life would settle and she could go on about her business. After all, she had a wedding to plan and no time to waste. �Aunt Lilly, we�ve done everything but tear down the walls looking for that stupid treasure, and I don�t intend to do that.�
She jumped up, shoved open the screen door, and scraped the remains of her half-eaten dinner into the small dish beside the step. A scrawny gray tabby peeked out from the stack of newspapers in the recycle bin.
�Come on, Pepper.�
At the mention of his name the kitten tumbled out of the bin and fell into his water dish. He daintily shook each tiny paw and cautiously made his way to the food. Becci stepped back to give the skittish feline room.
The image of the first time she saw the shivering ball of fur came to mind. She couldn�t turn her back on a stray. Never could. But they had no trouble leaving her alone when they regained their health or found someone else to give their affection to.
Becci dropped the fork on her plate. This stray would leave, too. At least she hoped so. She couldn�t afford another mouth to feed, even if that mouth belonged to an orphaned kitten.
�Why not?� Lilly snapped before the door closed behind Becci.
�Why not what?� Becci asked as she rinsed her plate and put it in the dishwasher.
�Tear down the walls. When you sell that�s what a developer will do. And since you won�t even talk about my plan....�
�Aunt Lilly...�
�Just listen, Becci. I don�t want this place destroyed either.�
Becci groaned and rolled her eyes toward the ceiling again.
�Okay. What�s your plan this time?�
�It�s the children�s sanctuary you want to open.�
�We�ve been over this before. The bank turned down my loan.�
�Well, how about the nursery? You know the one I�m talking about�the inexpensive place for new mothers to leave their babies.�
�I can�t get the money I need to open either the safe-haven or the nursery.�
�Yes, you can. There�s this company, Ascomp Incorporated.
Michael thinks they might have a solution to our problem.
They�re offering ongoing aid for organizations run by minorities. He thinks there�s a chance your newborn nursery qualifies.�
�You�re listening to Michael? My fianc�, Michael Ascott?�
When her aunt nodded, Becci huffed in disbelief. Aunt Lilly hated Michael. She even went out of her way to insult the man.
And the day Becci showed her �the ring,� she left in a rage, the back door slamming at her heels. �I thought you couldn�t stand him.�
�I can�t. Nor do I trust him, but he gave me the name of the company and...well...I called a Mr. Latham. He�s the CEO or something like that. He wants to look the place over next week.
I said we would have it ready for his inspection.�
Becci cupped her hand to her nape and massaged the tense muscles. She might as well give in. Once her aunt got a notion to do something, an entire football team couldn�t stop her.
�What do we have to do?�
�Michael came by while you were at work the other day and discussed his plans. This Latham guy wants to take a tour of the house and have you explain where you plan to put everything. Michael suggested we give the company a party, of sorts, in a couple of weeks. Michael�s sure they�ll give you the aid you need. He�s also inviting a couple of antique dealers who might be interested in buying some of the old furniture.�
Lilly shut the journal that lay on the table in front of her.
�Selling off the antiques will give us a little extra operating money. I hired some men to help to move the pieces we want to keep from the shed to the upstairs. We should be ready for Mr. Latham�s visit.� Lilly stood and shoved her hands in the pockets of her apron.
�You hired movers?�
�No, just a couple of men. They�ll be here around ten on Saturday. Mr. Latham isn�t due until one. Oh, Michael said that Mr. Latham needs a budget outlining your plans for the nursery, a list of the supplies we need, and my nursing certificate. He also suggested we include the invoice for the cradles.
Becci shook her head in resignation. Heaven help her, Aunt Lilly had already put things in motion. How did she think they could have a party on their limited budget? How would they pay workers when they had to scrape pennies to put food on their own plates?
Becci pressed her fingertips to her temples. What were they going to do?
�We�ll find a way, Mary Rebecca,� Lilly said, as if reading her mind.
Raleigh, Tennessee June 1816
Caleb slowed his wagon, lifted his hat, wiped the sweat off his brow and nodded at Rebecca. She stood on the wraparound porch with Luke perched on one hip and her journal clutched to her chest. If it hadn�t been for Luke she would look like a young girl holding her first reader.
Caleb stared at the beautiful picture Rebecca made. Wind fluttered the curls that had worked free of her braid, which hung in a long, red-gold trail down the beige lace covering her shoulders. The high-collared dress accentuated her pale, sculptured beauty.
The cameo, the gift he�d given her to celebrate Luke�s birth, rested below the lace�s ruffled edge where the medallion had once lain . The deep, wine-colored silk of her skirt swirled about her ankles.
Her beauty rivaled the exquisite Berclair Manor with its whitewashed pillars bright against the darkening skies. The scene created a strange sense of foreboding that even Rebecca�s cheerful smile couldn�t alleviate.
If their plan failed, what would become of Luke? He cared for the boy more than he�d ever thought possible. Hopefully, he would come to care for Rebecca, too. If she still thought him worthy after he told her about his past, they would marry.
Neither had a choice.
�You gonna get this thing in before the storm comes or am I gonna haf�ta ride back in the rain?� Jacobs snapped.
�Untie your horse and I�ll get the wagon in place,� Caleb replied.
As soon as Jacobs disappeared around the side of the house, Caleb circled the wagon and backed the horse up until the bed touched the edge of the top step. He secured the reins, jumped out of the wagon, and shoved a wedge of wood in front of the wheel as an extra precaution. It wouldn�t do to have the animal bolt and ruin the dresser before Rebecca ever saw it.
Caleb glanced back at the quilt-covered dresser. This was the fifth and final piece Saul Berclair had commissioned before his death. Caleb had planned to leave Raleigh as soon as he�d completed the order, but his plans had changed when Saul died.
Black clouds churned on the horizon like a swollen creek after a harsh spring storm. Wind whipped the trees and sent a swirl of leaves and dust across the road, along with the sweet scent of roses from Rebecca�s well-tended bushes.
�Afternoon, Rebecca.�
�Caleb.� She acknowledged him with a tip of her head. �I thought the storm might have changed your mind about coming.
I�m glad you�re here.�
�I�m glad we made it before the storm hit.� Caleb slapped his hat against his leg, sending a spray of dust flying. He braced his foot against the porch and ruffled Luke�s hair. �Hi, fellow.�
Luke laughed and leaned toward Caleb, waving his arms for Caleb to take him. His heart lurched as it did every time the boy wanted to hug him.
�Not yet, Luke.� Rebecca hitched the squirming boy higher on her hip and moved so Luke couldn�t reach Caleb. �You won�t get the dresser in before the rain comes if you take him now.�
�Right.�
Caleb started to turn away, but Rebecca caught his shirtsleeve to stop him.
�Will you stay for supper? I�ll fry up a chicken.�
Caleb smiled. His favorite Sunday dinner served in the middle of the week. Rebecca knew him well. �I�d like that.�
Rebecca gave him a quick nod. �I�ll go kill it.�
�No. You might mess your dress.� Caleb raised his hand to the fancy lace collar. Rebecca needed a husband. Someone to love her. Not him. He didn�t need or want the responsibility, but fate had made the decision for them. He cared for Rebecca, but it wasn�t love.
The muscles of his heart tightened. If the secrets he revealed today didn�t turn Rebecca away, he would marry her to keep Luke safe. And even if she didn�t want to marry him, he�d find a way to make sure Obadiah never took the boy away from his mother. Never.
Luke raised his arms and squealed, stopping Caleb�s next question. They would have plenty of time after he finished working to discuss Obadiah�s upcoming visit.
�Let me get this in, son, and kill that chicken, then I�ll take you.� Luke screamed louder and Caleb chuckled. �I guess I�ve spoiled him.�
�He�ll quiet down soon.� As if contradicting Rebecca, Luke�s cry edged upward a notch.
Caleb brushed the tears off the boy�s chubby cheeks. �I�ll hurry,� he promised.
�Come to the parlor as soon as you can. I�ve filed some papers at the courthouse giving you control of Luke�s inheritance.� Rebecca raised her hand to stop his protest. �It�s what I want. We need to discuss the conditions I�ve stipulated before dinner.�
�Yes, ma�am.� Caleb touched the brim of his hat, nodded and went back to the job at hand. Rebecca planned everything.
Went over each detail thoroughly. They would beat Obadiah.
He would never get control of Luke�s inheritance. Never get the chance to squander it like he had his own.
He pulled out his saddlebags and knife and laid them on the wagon seat while he untied the rope holding the dresser in place. Catching two corners of the quilt, he moved it from the mirror and spread it out on the end of the wagon. �Jacobs, are you going to earn your wages or not?�
�I�m here, ain�t I?� Jacobs said, climbing into the wagon.
Caleb shrugged, lifted his hat, raked his fingers through his hair and settled it back in place. He should have known better than to expect Jacobs to earn the money once he had it in his pocket.
Caleb glared at the drunk until the man grabbed one edge of the dresser.
He�s not wearing his neckpiece...
�Damn.� Caleb jerked his hands off the dresser. Jacobs�s silent observation shouldn�t have startled him, but it had. He hadn�t thought the medallion would transmit another�s thoughts unless that person touched him or the coin, but somehow the dresser had formed a link between him and Jacobs. Rebecca had warned him that this happened, but he�d never experienced it until now.
Rebecca had almost completed his lessons on being the Keeper. She�d promised that before they finished he would know as much as she did about the medallion and understand what it meant to be a Keeper. His mother had been a Keeper, and she�d lost her life protecting her missing medallion.
Taking a deep breath, he placed his hands back on the dresser. Together they lifted it just enough to slide it to the end of the wagon.
...most likely lost it in the wagon. I�ll find it and he�ll never know where it went.
Caleb pulled back again. �Jacobs, I can take it from here.
You draw some water for the horses.�
Jacobs disappeared, and Caleb grabbed his saddlebags from the seat and tossed them on top of the dresser. Jacobs had a reputation of pilfering through things and tended to have a loose tongue when in his cups. Well, he had things written in his journal that the rest of the town didn�t need to know.
Caleb tipped the dresser onto the quilt to protect the wood then tugged it up the step and into the house. He paused at the parlor door. Rebecca sat on the love seat with Luke on her lap.
The boy�s loud scream echoed through the house.
She would stay there, out of the way, until he finished.
Then he would quiet Luke, maybe for the last time, and confess his past. The final decision on what they would do belonged to Rebecca. Could she trust a professed murderer to raise her son?
***
Memphis, Tennessee, Raleigh Area Present Day
Where�d the time go? Becci hurriedly braided her hair and tied the end with a cotton ponytail holder. She grabbed her sweater and hurried downstairs. She�d already wasted most of the morning on trivial things. Aunt Lilly could supervise the moving of the furniture. After all, she knew what pieces needed to go upstairs.
Coffee threatened to slosh over the side of the mug her aunt handed her as she entered the kitchen.
�Uh-oh.� Not a good sign. Aunt Lilly only poured her coffee when she had something bad to report. Lately, every time she entered the kitchen a mug ended up in her hands.
Becci glanced out the side window at the driveway�the empty driveway. She shifted her gaze to the bay window. She had a clear view of the vacant backyard.
She barely managed not to roll her eyes toward the ceiling.
Maybe they had arrived and would be back later.
�Where are the workers? I thought they were due around ten.�
�They�re late, dear.�
Her aunt�s voice held a nonchalance that made Becci clench her jaw to keep from losing her temper. She waited for the rest of Aunt Lilly�s reply. There had to be a good explanation.
�Uh. They...uh...are due any minute. You just go on and pick up those cleaning supplies. I�ll handle things here until you get back. I do know what needs to be done.�
Becci downed her coffee and set the cup in the sink. Staying here wouldn�t get the work done, most of which she could do herself. She would put her strength up against most men. The only problem was the sturdy antique dresser would take at least two people to maneuver it up the stairs, and her aunt�s arthritic knee couldn�t stand the pressure.
Becci sighed. When she had a firm financial base she would surprise her aunt with the knee-replacement surgery she needed.
�I�ll be back in a jiffy. If the men come show them what goes upstairs and let them get started.� Becci caught the strap of her purse then faced her aunt.
�I�m expecting a couple of calls. Several of the women who visited the hospital�s obstetrics clinic were asking about child-care for newborns. I told them about our plans, and they seemed interested. It�s a good idea, Aunt Lilly.�
Before her aunt could reply, she glanced out the window.
Thunder rumbled in the distance. She�d best take the car. �Back shortly, Aunt Lilly.� She said as she grabbed her keys off the counter.
A half hour later, Becci pulled into her driveway and shoved the gear stick into park. She ground her teeth to keep from cursing. A storm rumbled, not only on the horizon, but in Berclair Manor as well. No workers.
Why hadn�t they come? Becci snatched the plastic bag of cleaning supplies, hurried into the house and headed upstairs to change into the cutoffs and crop-top she wore to work around the house. Aunt Lilly had done her best. It wasn�t her fault the workers never showed up.
But even as she made that acknowledgment, Becci was glad her aunt wasn�t anywhere to be seen. Her temper didn�t always listen to reason.
***
Raleigh, Tennessee June 1816
Caleb paused at the first landing. Luke�s shrill cry echoed through the hall. The boy never fussed this long. Maybe he felt Rebecca�s tension. She worried about Luke�s future. Obadiah wanted to send Luke to a boarding school back east. Rebecca would only see him on the holidays, if Obadiah let her make the trip.
Caleb shoved the thought away, took out his handkerchief and polished the wood one last time. The sooner he placed the dresser in Rebecca�s room, the sooner he could try his luck at quieting Luke and they could start making plans to thwart Obadiah�s attempt to take control of Berclair Manor. Rebecca didn�t want to believe Saul�s brother would steal Luke�s inheritance, but Caleb didn�t doubt it. Man�s greed often forsook blood and loyalty.
He stuffed his handkerchief back in his pocket. Stalling wouldn�t eliminate the task before him. Ten more feet and his future would be mapped out for him. He glanced at the bedroom door and froze. His eyes must be playing tricks on him. He would swear a shimmering glow encircled the entry.
Thunder rumbled in the distance.
Lightning. That�s all it was.
Caleb caught the strap of his saddlebags with one hand and the quilt with the other. He should have thought about using the quilt before he hired Jacobs, but he�d been thinking about protecting Luke and Rebecca from Obadiah, not moving furniture. Storm or no storm, once he finished he would give the man another dollar and send him back to town.
Caleb tugged the dresser up the last of the steps.
Wind rattled the windows and fluttered the curtains. Voices echoed through the house.
Had Rebecca called him?
Caleb tilted his head toward the sounds coming from downstairs. Darn it, Luke, pipe down. The boy�s cry drowned out all the other noises.
A river of anxiety washed over Caleb. Every instinct in his body shouted for him to hurry. He tried to shove the dresser into the room but it wouldn�t move. Why? Nothing stood in its path.
Caleb leaned against the dresser. Without Jacob�s help he would never get it through the door.
Luke�s bellowing grew louder.
�You up there, Caleb?� Jacobs called.
�Yeah.� Caleb shook his head in disgust. Where else would I be?
Caleb turned toward the stairs. Jacobs stared up at him from the landing�one hand braced against the wall, the other wrapped tight around a knife. The drunk�s gaze, wild and glazed, darted toward the downstairs then back at him.
Fresh blood glistened on the knife�s razor sharp edge.
�Rebecca!�
Jacobs stumbled up the last two steps. An eerie silence replaced the roar of the wind, and a chill shivered up Caleb�s spine.
Luke had finally stopped crying. A moment later the wind picked up harder than before, and so did Luke�s wail.
�Widder�s fine,� Jacobs yelled over the wind�s howl. �It�s that brat of hers that needs shutting up. She sent me up here to help so ya can git back down thare and quiet �im�
Caleb tipped his head toward the blood-dampened blade.
�That�s my knife.�
�Yep. I�uh�I borrowed it ta cut off the chicken�s head. I kilt it for the widder. Darn bird might near flogged me to death.
I was looking fer a rag to clean the blade when Widder Berclair said ya needed help. Besides, I thought if�n I kilt it I might git me a bite ta eat afore I left.�
Jacobs swiped the flat edge over his sleeve, dropped the knife to the floor and wiped his bloody hands down the front of his shirt.
�Rebecca��
�Like I said, the widder�s fine. But that thar storm�s a comin� in a might bit quicker than I expected, and I�m goin� ta be stuck here �til it passes.�
Caleb stared at the scratches marring Jacob�s cheek, then at the bloody smears on his shirt. Had they really come from killing the chicken? Of course they had. Jacobs didn�t have any reason to hurt Rebecca. He still felt uneasy, and he lifted his hat and settled it back on his head, ordering, �Let�s get this in place.�
They each caught a side of the dresser. Lightning flashed, sending glittering beams through the room. A sharp crack followed. Caleb adjusted his saddlebags and slipped his hand along the dresser�s side to protect the wood.
Where�d ya put that damn gold neckpiece? Jacobs�s words filtered through his mind just as tiny points exploded through his arm. Caleb immediately jerked his arm away from the dresser and flexed his hand. The prickling started at his fingers and danced upward to his shoulder.
The tingle reminded him of the strange sensations he�d felt when he�d held the gold-colored medallion, only stronger.
Ignoring the flicker of pain and Jacobs�s curses, he slipped his arm back in place and forced the dresser into the room.
Caleb braced his weight against the slick wood. An intense burning ignited the nerves in his arms, legs and chest, finally centering in his head.
�Push the thing through the door,� Rebecca�s soft voice called from inside the room, yet it seemed far away.
No, it couldn�t be Rebecca. She waited in the parlor with Luke.
�Rebecca, honey, don�t harass the workers,� a stranger�s voice called. Distant, yet so close Caleb would swear it came from someone standing at the foot of the stairs.
Where is it? Jacobs�s demanding thoughts clamored with the other voices.
Caleb rested his head against the dresser and relaxed a moment. Thunder shook the walls. Jacobs was right. He would never make it back to town before the storm hit. The only thing Rebecca and he could do was let the man stay in the barn until the weather cleared.
***
Memphis, Tennessee, Raleigh area Present Day
�I don�t want to sell,� Becci Berclair muttered. She stretched across the bed to straighten the spread. She liked her aunt�s idea of a nursery for newborns. The area definitely needed one. Besides, it would solve all their problems�financial and otherwise�if they managed to get it opened.
She knew Michael wanted her to sell the old place. He�d told her often enough that it was nothing more than a money guzzler. Still, he had gone out of his way to help her and Aunt Lilly find a way to save Berclair Manor. When she asked him why, he�d said he loved her and if she truly wanted the place he would do everything he could to help her save it. Then he managed to have her request added to the list of names vying for the Ascomp grant.
When, shortly after inheriting the place, she�d been approached by a real estate agent wanting her to list the property, her first thought was, Sell her home? Absolutely not.
She�d thought herself lucky when she inherited the family homestead, but she hadn�t known about the outstanding debts.
Now she knew that even if she sold she wouldn�t clear enough money to live a month much less a year. And that�s what she needed�enough money to get her through one year of living expenses so she could finish her schooling. Of course, Michael had said that after they�d married he�d help out on the expenses, but knowing he really didn�t feel she should keep the house, she couldn�t ask him to do that.
Lightning flashed through the room, interrupting her thoughts, and a sudden downpour dotted the floor with plump rain circles. Becci skirted the bed and put her strength into shutting the window. It wouldn�t budge. With luck, she might get it down before the whole room flooded.
A man�s curse sliced through the room. Startled, Becci whirled around and saw two men and the dresser through the doorway. When had the workers come? It really didn�t matter as long as they had the furniture in place before Mr. Latham arrived.
They were sure taking their time with the dresser, though.
Becci braced her hands on her hips. �Just push the dresser through the door.�
�Rebecca, if that�s the workers, don�t you dare harass them,� Aunt Lilly called from the foot of the stairs.
Becci drew in several deep breaths. It didn�t help. Her temper still threatened to erupt. Her aunt meant well but�
She rolled her eyes toward the ceiling and turned back to the window. Let the workers go at their own pace. What did she care if it took them half a day to move the dresser into the bedroom.
Caleb brushed his hand over the side of the dresser. Just as lightning flashed again, it vibrated and jolted over the threshold with such force that both he and Jacobs tumbled into the room after it.
A searing pain as keen as a flint-sharpened knife cut through Caleb. His legs trembled and threatened to give way. He clung to the side of the dresser and glanced at Jacobs.
The drunk held the dresser in a white-knuckled grip, his arms stiff and his jaw clenched. Did Jacobs feel the pain too?
Caleb tried to call to Rebecca, but the words were a silent beckoning.
Rebecca, help me.
Caleb, take Luke with you. You promised.
Rebecca!
It�s too late.
Caleb heard the anguish in Rebecca�s voice. Her next words were calmer, but he still heard her pain.
Go where the spirit leads you. Be safe, Caleb Harrison.
Rebecca�s words vibrated through Caleb. Haunting. Pain riddled. Luke�s cry tore at his heart.
Oh, Luke. I love you as if you were my own.
He suddenly knew he was losing the boy�would never again hold him in his arms again. Never have him snuggle against his chest or call him papa. Never see him grow to be a man.
�No.� The word tore from Caleb. He didn�t want to lose the child. Didn�t want to live without the innocent love Luke showered on him. At that moment, he acknowledged that he loved the boy as if he were his own.
Caleb slumped to the floor as a glaring white light filled the room. Searing heat flamed in him. He tried to shield his head with his arms as he cried out for Luke and Rebecca. He heard Rebecca scream in pain, heard Luke�s wail, then total silence.
Caleb heard an agonized groan and recognized it as his own. Slowly the pain eased, and he opened his eyes. The room swirled�tilting, shaking and spinning in all directions.
The vibrating dresser changed with each passing second.
Staring at its beautiful, glistening wood, Caleb watched its appearance alter before his eyes. A deep, fresh, scratch ripped the side, swirling angrily down the whole length of board.
�No,� he whispered, raising his hand to the scarred indention only to have the marred line darken as if colored by time. A corner cracked away. He reached up to snatch the chip, only to have it slip through his fingers and vanish before it hit the floor. The mirror rattled in its frame, then cracked.
A menacing quiet settled about the room, charging the air with tension. Caleb glanced to where William Jacobs crouched behind the dresser. The drunk�s terrified look told Caleb that whatever was happening they were in this together. Jacobs jumped to his feet and ran for the stairs. He suspected the man was going to look for a bottle. He knew that Rebecca kept a bottle of whiskey for medicinal purposes, and he was sure that Jacobs would find it. That meant he wouldn�t do anything but drink the rest of the day.
Caleb turned his gaze back to the dresser. His whole body trembled. His heart raced dangerously. He clutched his saddlebags to his chest with one hand and traced the dresser�s dented planes with the other. What had happened to cause all this damage? Had lightning somehow struck it?
As he asked himself the questions, the pounding of his heart began to ease, and the room slowed its swirling march.
Lightning flashed.
Caleb rolled his head against the floor and peered around the dresser. Regret tore through him as he stared at the long break in the looking glass. Rebecca hadn�t even seen the beveled mirror. He�d hoped to surprise her with it.
What had happened to destroy it? Confusion and anger battled with his common sense. Although the dresser looked similar, this couldn�t be the piece he�d just moved in here. Yet in his heart he knew that although it no longer resembled the beautiful piece Rebecca would have loved, it was definitely the one he�d just shoved into the room.
The silver-backed looking glass, once giving a perfectly clear image, now reflected a marred surface with discolored circles. The two sides gave a distorted, jagged, swirling reflection of the gradually slowing room.
Wind roared through the open window, whipping the soft white curtains and popping the material with such force that it threatened to rip them off the frame. A tree limb scraped the glass and rain pelted the floor, leaving small mounds of water in little pools.
Caleb drew in a shaky breath and rolled his shoulders. No broken bones. And no pain except for his head, and that would pass. Right now, he needed to close the window before the water damaged the floor.
He listened for Luke�s cry. Nothing. Had Rebecca finally quieted him? Were they still downstairs waiting for him? They had to be. Rebecca wouldn�t take Luke out in a storm.
Caleb sat up and caught the edge of the dresser to pull himself upright. Before he could stand, motion in the mirror caught his eye. Bare legs�feminine, perfectly shaped, bare legs�moved into view in the cracked looking glass. Caleb sucked in a sharp breath. In all his thirty years he�d seen such a sight only once and then quite by accident.
Whoever the woman was, she rose up on her toes and pressed on the top of the window. He couldn�t pull his gaze from her mirrored image.
Where had this woman come from? Why had Rebecca let someone of such obviously immoral demeanor enter her house?
Was this another of Rebecca�s sisters? A black sheep, perhaps?
He�d met Rebecca�s twin, Catherine, and this definitely wasn�t Catherine who carried too much weight to have legs that slender.
Well, he would have a word with Rebecca. If she expected him to marry her and raise Luke, this woman would have to leave.
He wouldn�t have Luke living in a home that the townspeople would gossip about. He knew firsthand how such slander could unfairly destroy a boy�s reputation for life.
Caleb released his hold on the dresser and brushed his damp palms against his trouser legs. Still kneeling, he twisted around, telling himself he had to be imagining the apparition. Rebecca was a good woman and would never let a loose woman into her home, even if she were a relative.
At the sight that met his eyes, his heart picked up its pace.
The reflection hadn�t lied. A real woman stood by the window, and he focused his gaze on her bare feet. Inch by inch he followed the gentle curves upward. Instead of frills and petticoats, she was dressed in clothes he�d never seen before and showed more flesh than a proper woman should. A lot more flesh. She wore something resembling men�s pants, but they stopped just below where her legs joined her hips.
Caleb swallowed around the lump in his throat. Not only were the men�s pants cut short, they started a good four inches below where her top ended. He�d never seen so much woman.
Not even at the bordello he�d visited every Friday night before he moved to Raleigh.
His head might be swirling, and his vision slightly blurred, but he could tell that regardless of her attire�or lack of it�her beauty rivaled any he�d ever seen.
But beautiful or not, he had to get her out of Rebecca�s house before her reputation was ruined. If that happened, even marriage to him might not stop Obadiah from stealing Luke�s heritage from him.
He tightened his grip on the edge of the dresser and tried to stand again. Pain, sharp and intense, tore through his head, and the room suddenly faded into darkness.
Becci just about had the window down when another curse rent the air. She again whirled around to tell them not to use such language in her house, but the sight of colorful lights encircling two men who�d just stepped over the doorway stopped her.
One of the men turned and stumbled from the room. As his footfalls faded, the other man glanced at her before his iceblue eyes rolled back. His body twitched for a moment, and then he sank into a motionless heap.
�Aunt Lilly, I need help up here!� Becci yelled as she hurried across the room and scooted the dresser out of the way as best she could. Fear knotted inside her. Her hands were shaking.
�Calm down and check his pulse,� she whispered, mentally going over the procedures Aunt Lilly had taught her. She pressed her fingers to his wrist. �Slightly elevated, but steady.�
�Respiration.� Becci frowned at the strange saddlebags he held, then shoved them aside and rested her hand on his chest.
�Come on, make those breaths deeper, mister,� she ordered.
He seemed to obey, and Becci breathed a sigh of relief.
�That�s it. Keep it up. Help is coming. Aunt Lilly�s a retired nurse. She�ll know what to do.� What was keeping her aunt?
Becci flipped her braid over her shoulder. �What next?�
She went through the list of emergency procedures again.
�Skin tone,� she muttered as she cupped her hand to his cheek. She brushed her knuckles over his chiseled features, as she stared down at his rough, yet ruggedly handsome, face.
He looks really good..
Becci let her hand glide down his neck to his shoulder and on to his upper arm. Trim, yet muscular. A real working-guy physique like the type used in the television commercials that had women hanging out the windows for a peek.
Lord, even unconscious the man sent a tingle of attraction to the pit of her stomach. His raven-black hair curled over the collar of his flannel shirt and accentuated his sun-drenched skin.
�Aunt Lilly!�
�I�m coming, dear. The other man collapsed at the foot of the stairs,� Lilly said as she entered the room. She drew in several deep breaths before she dropped to the floor beside the other worker and held a glass out toward Becci. �Take the glass, honey. I�m too shaky to hold it and pour the whiskey at the same time.�
�Whiskey?� Becci gasped in disbelief. What had gotten into her aunt? After the way alcohol had destroyed Becci�s father, Lilly despised the use of liquor for any reason. �What are you doing with whiskey?�
Aunt Lilly winced as she answered. �I bought a couple bottles after I read the journal last week. I was putting it in the cabinet when I heard the commotion. The other man snatched the one bottle I had when he came around. He drained half the whiskey in one long swig.�
Her aunt paused and drew in a deep breath. Becci drew in one with her, too stunned by her aunt�s behavior to comment.
�Before I could explain that he needed to rest a moment,�
her aunt continued, �he ran out the door, bottle in hand, so I had to get this one. That�s why it took me so long to get up here.�
Becci rolled her eyes toward the ceiling. She knew what her aunt�s next words would be. Sure enough, Lilly didn�t disappoint her.
�They have to be from the past. The book says...�
�Don�t start. There is no way these men came from the past. You hired them. Didn�t you?�
�Me?�
Becci arched her brows and looked at her aunt askance.
They both knew she�d hired them. She opened her mouth to state as much, but closed it without uttering a word. What was the use? Her protest wouldn�t be heeded. If her aunt chose to use a remedy she found in one of the old tattered journals they�d found, she would. And no amount of prodding would change her mind.
Becci expelled an exaggerated sigh. She always gave in to her aunt. Today wouldn�t be any different. �It doesn�t matter whether or not they came from the past. You still shouldn�t give someone you don�t know alcohol. He might be injured and booze could make the condition worse, or he could be an alcoholic.�
�The other one might be a drunk, but this guy looks too clean-cut to be a drunk.�
�You know looks have nothing to do with it.�
Lilly dismissed her comment with the wave of her hand.
�One sip won�t hurt him, even if he is a drunk.�
Becci noted the determined set of her aunt�s mouth. Aunt Lilly wouldn�t stop until the man had the �antidote.� Hopefully it wouldn�t hurt him. She couldn�t afford a lawsuit on top of all her other expenses. Her checking account had more red in it than the blood bank.
�Take this,� her aunt ordered as she shoved the glass she�d been extending into Becci�s hand. Glass clanked against glass as the bottle hit the tumbler�s lip. Lilly poured two fingers of the amber liquid, twisted the lid back onto the bottle, and then slipped her arm under the man�s shoulders.
�Give it to him, Becci,� Lilly ordered as she tipped her head in the direction of the unconscious stranger. �The books say it�s important to give it to a traveler if he collapses. A swallow or two is all he�ll need.�
Together they raised the stranger�s head enough to trickle a little of the whiskey down his throat, and Becci made sure it was a very small amount. Still, he choked on the liquid and his head jerked away from the glass.
After a moment of fighting for his breath, he drew in several deep gasps and relaxed. His eyelids fluttered but remained closed. Slowly, he reached for the saddlebags lying beside him and drew them back to his chest in a white-knuckled grip.
Becci shook away her concerns and faced her aunt. �What do we do next?� she asked as she eased his head down. �Call an ambulance?
�Goodness, gracious, no. He doesn�t need an ambulance.
Unfasten his shirt while I get a cold compress.�
�I don�t know, Aunt Lilly. Maybe we should call 911.�
�No need, child. I�m a nurse, and I say he�s fine. Now unfasten his shirt,� she ordered as she left the room.
Unfasten his shirt? Becci�s hands trembled, and she stared at his broad chest and drew in a deep breath. After she released it, she said, �Well, mister, you heard Aunt Lilly. The shirt needs to be open. I guess the first thing I have to do is remove the saddlebags.� Where had those old things come from anyway?
Becci tried to move the bags, but the man clutched the strap so tightly the leather crimped.
�All right, mister. I�m just trying to help.� Becci tugged at them again. �Finally,� she muttered when she managed to lower his hands enough to work the top three shirt buttons free. As her fingers brushed over the soft cotton fabric, she noticed the stitching on the shirt pocket. Strange, but she would swear his shirt was hand sewn.
Becci rested her hand on his shoulder. She hoped her touch would reassure the man that they were doing all they could for him.
What else could happen? She didn�t need another delay.
Something had to be done, and soon.
She glanced at her watch and then toward the window.
The rain would start in earnest at any minute. Since this worker had collapsed and the other one had disappeared, there was no way they�d get any more furniture into the house today. At least she�d managed to clean up the two rooms they planned to use for the nursery. That�s really all she needed done today.
She leaned against the dresser but kept her hand on the man�s shoulder while she waited for her aunt�s return. Her back ached, and she didn�t have time to waste. Yet she couldn�t just leave him lying alone on her bedroom floor.
Becci studied the man�s face. Sweat beaded above his upper lip. His jet-black hair fell across his forehead, nearly touching his eyebrows. She brushed her fingers over his brow edging the hair back, then slid her knuckles down his cheek. A tingle rippled up her arm as she traced the contour of his jaw and his lips with her fingertips. What would they feel like against hers?
Becci chuckled. Where had that thought come from? She certainly didn�t need another man in her life. After all, she had a fianc�, and Michael definitely wouldn�t appreciate her having such thoughts about another man.
Her aunt hurried into the room and knelt beside the worker.
She pushed Becci�s hand aside, and placed the compress on his head. �I need to get a blanket. According to the journal, his temperature might fluctuate for a few minutes as his body adjusts to our time. Whatever happens, don�t let him get up until his system stabilizes. It could be dangerous. Only one person was supposed to come through.�
Becci arched her brows. �Aunt Lilly, what are you talking about? No. Never mind.� She raised her hands and waved off her aunt�s reply. �I don�t want to hear another word about people popping in and out of the past. It�s all gibberish. You said the journals are written like an outline for a science fiction novel.�
�Becci, please, for his sake, just do as I ask. What will it hurt?�
�People think I�m stubborn. They ought to tangle with you.�
Becci shook her head. What was the use? Ever since Lilly found the tattered, old journals they�d been at war over selling the house, even though Aunt Lilly knew Becci would jump at any reasonable chance to save Berclair Manor. Fictitious gold aside, did her aunt have to bring up the other supernatural things the journals mentioned? Becci caught her braid and gave it a tug.
Time-travelers? Yeah. Sure.
Her aunt left the room to get a blanket, and the man suddenly moved like a slow-motion video. He groaned, reached for the compress and drew it away. Then he blinked several times before he managed to keep his eyes open.
Blue. Not the iciness she�d seen from across the room, but a hue so deep it reminded her of a cloudless night just after the sun dropped below the horizon. Confusion clouded his gaze, and the deep squint-lines at the corners of his eyes, combined with his dark tan, suggested he spent lots of time outdoors.
Boots, saddlebags, cowboy hat, and hand-sewn clothes�could this man really be from the past?
Becci�s mind balked at the idea, but a strange feeling inside suggested that her aunt might be right.
She forced herself to shake her head to remove that silly idea before she let her gaze drift back to the stranger�s face.
His classically sharp features looked freshly shaved except for the stubble circling a small dimple in his chin. The indention dipped just deep enough to add a bit of charm to his features.
Their eyes met, and Becci felt her cheeks heat as she realized he returned her inspection with the same intensity as she�d scrutinized him. Suddenly, he shivered violently and closed his eyes.
�I�m sorry.� His words reached her just as lightning flashed and thunder cracked.
As Aunt Lilly appeared in the doorway, the lights went out.
�Not now. I don�t have time for this!� Becci cried.
�Don�t worry about the lights, Becci. Just help me wrap this blanket around our time-traveler.� Lilly dabbed perspiration off his forehead after they secured the blanket. �Please don�t jostle him, Becci, dear.�
�Aunt Lilly, if you insist that he remain immobile, fine, but I don�t have time to sit here. There�s a pillow and another blanket in the bedroom at the end of the hall. I believe there�s a flashlight in there too. Would you bring it to me?�
�Of course, dear.�
�This must be heaven,� Caleb reasoned more to himself than the woman as he watched her through half closed eyes.
Her touch felt comforting, and she smelled like spring flowers and fresh air after a gentle summer rain. She wore her hair like Rebecca did, in a long braid that hung like a red river over one shoulder. She flipped it back, and he caught the flowery scent again. Not of roses or violets, but a mixture�like a field of wild spring blossoms at their most fragrant time.
Caleb closed his eyes completely and took pleasure in the tender sweep of her fingers on his forehead. He�d never had a woman soothe away his pain. Not Rebecca, and definitely not his mother. Of course, ladies of the night didn�t have much time to devote to one man. No, sir, prostitutes didn�t touch like this.
When he heard a shuffling sound, he opened his eyes. The older lady called Lilly had returned with a pillow, another blanket, and something that looked like a long silver weapon.
He watched the cylinder pass above him, from the aged hand to the slender, youthful one.
Undoubtedly, this woman was another of Rebecca�s relatives. She couldn�t be the young woman�s travel companion because ladies of the evening didn�t travel with companions, and as far as he knew, Rebecca hadn�t hired anyone. So who was she? Why hadn�t Rebecca told him about these women?
�Becci, dear, if I don�t take our lunch out of the oven it�s going to burn. Do you think you�ll be okay alone with this man?�
�Sure.�
�Yell if you need me.�
�Will do,� Becci called after the woman who�d already hurried out of the room.
Caleb gazed at the young woman, and his heart skipped a beat. She was definitely not Rebecca�s twin sister, Catherine.
He�d seen her once. She was a sour-looking woman. This woman�s eyes held him transfixed with their brightness.
Her long red braid had fallen over her shoulder again. A scrap of white material kept the ends together. Would her hair be as soft to the touch as it looked? He lifted his hand and immediately let it drop back down. He didn�t know this woman.
Even a prostitute might object to the forwardness of such a touch before he paid her price. But she�d made the first move when she�d caressed his forehead.
Caleb cleared his throat and forced himself to change the direction his thoughts were taking. He�d talked to Rebecca at the Wednesday night prayer meeting, and she hadn�t said a word about having guests in her house. Of course, he hadn�t really listened either. Luke had held most of his attention during the service. Afterward they�d met with the solicitor to discuss his responsibility as the trustee of Luke�s and Rebecca�s inheritance, and what he should do if something should happen to Rebecca.
Luke? Caleb hesitated, listening for the boy�s wail, but he heard nothing. �Luke�s not crying. I�m glad Rebecca finally got him quieted down,� he told the woman.
Then he remembered the bloody knife Jacobs had held and fear stirred inside him. He wanted to rush downstairs and make sure Rebecca and Luke were all right, but he didn�t have the strength to sit up let alone stand.
�How long have you been here?� he asked the woman.
�When you were late, I went to the mall for Aunt Lilly so she would be here when you arrived. I�ve been back about an hour,� the woman said, scooting away from him. Caleb frowned. She didn�t have to move. He enjoyed the feel of her fingertips on his forehead.
She sat beside him with her arms wrapped loosely around her bare legs, making it difficult for him to follow the trail of their conversation. What�s a mall? he wanted to ask, but he was too scandalized by all that flesh to speak. He also knew he was destined for Hell because he couldn�t stop staring at her smooth, naked legs.
�I�d hoped to get the furniture in before the storm hit. If you hadn�t been late you would be finished by now. We expected you and your friend early this morning.�
�My friend?�
�The other worker. I believe you called him Luke.�
Caleb jerked his eyes away from her legs and stared straight up at the ceiling. If he focused on the animosity he felt for the town drunk maybe he could keep his mind off her shapely thighs.
He cleared his throat, but the words still came out husky.
�The other man is William Jacobs.� He cleared his throat again.
It didn�t help. �He�s more of an enemy than a friend. Luke is eleven months old. He�s in the parlor with Rebecca. Or at least he was when I started upstairs.�
�You brought a child to work with you? Great. That�s all I need, a sick man and a baby. The nursery�s not open yet, mister..
Even if it was open, this nursery is going to be for babies up to a year old, not toddlers. In another month you�d just have to change his routine again. But even that is a moot point. If I don�t get the aid from Ascomp, we�ll have to sell, and there won�t be a nursery of any kind.�
�Sell? This house?� Caleb waved his hand to indicate the whole house. �Rebecca didn�t say anything about selling Berclair Manor.�
�What are you talking about? I�m Rebecca.�
Caleb lifted his gaze to hers and stared at her in confusion.
�I�m talking about Luke�s mother. Where is she? She�s the woman who owns this house, and she wouldn�t even consider selling it without talking to me first.�
�Listen, mister, Berclair Manor belongs to me. Me,� she repeated jabbing a finger at her chest. �My father left it to me, debts and all. When the time comes to sell, I�ll be the one making the decision.�
�Your father gave it to you?� Caleb managed to roll to a sitting position so he could look at this stranger. Big mistake.
His head throbbed, and his stomach churned in protest to the motion. He raked his fingers through his hair then wrapped his arms around his waist as another shiver vibrated through him.
Expelling a groan, he leaned back against the wall and shut his eyes. Lord, he didn�t want to lose his breakfast in front of this woman. He drew in several deep breaths and slowly opened his eyes. The woman stared at him with concern, and not the anger he expected for doubting her word.
�Sir, are you okay?� Becci asked.
He nodded slowly, and she continued. �My name is Becci Berclair. The only person I consult when making decisions about this house is my Aunt Lilly, but basically what I do is up to me alone.�
He watched Becci unfold her arms and push herself to a standing position with the grace of a sleek doe. She shoved the long silver weapon in her front pocket, leaving just enough showing to get a good grip on it.
The fact that she put it away told Caleb she wouldn�t use it unless provoked, and he had no intention of picking a fight with a woman. He would say nothing more until he consulted with Rebecca�the real Rebecca.
Once he put the dresser right, he would leave this woman to her fancy, but not until he found out if she came from the
�house� on the outskirts of Raleigh. Ladies from places like that shouldn�t go about flaunting their wares outside such establishments, not to mention the damage she�d cause to Rebecca�s reputation.
She swung around and marched across the room. His gaze automatically focused on her legs. He felt his temper flare, although his anger was directed more at his inability to keep from staring at her than at her.
�Do you plan on parading about in those clothes?� he asked, knowing he sounded like a stuffy minister, but he needed to do something to get the woman clothed for both Rebecca�s reputation and his sanity. �Rebecca�s about your size. I�m sure she has something that will cover you properly.� He watched her through half-closed eyes, making sure where her hands were. One move for the weapon and, nausea or not, he�d be across the room before she could shoot.
�Look, mister,� she said as she whirled around to face him.
�What I wear is none of your business. I�m sure Mr. Latham will understand if I�m not dressed to the hilt for this meeting.
After all, he�s just coming by to see the area for the nursery and pick up the financial statement that needs to be filed with my application.�
Lightning flashed behind her, and she shot a quick glance at the window. With her thumbs hooked in her back pockets, she rose up on her tiptoes and swayed. Rebecca rocked like that while trying to think. Only Rebecca usually braced her fists on her hips because she didn�t have the pockets to hold on to.
As he took her in from the top of her head to the tip of her toes, he was ashamed to admit that this woman made his heart race and his blood heat like no one he�d ever encountered, not even the women he�d visited at the bordellos. And he was sure that�s where this woman had come from. Of course, he wouldn�t know about her because Rebecca wouldn�t discuss a black sheep relative with him. She also wouldn�t let such a relative into her home unless it was under duress. So what had this woman done to force Rebecca to take her in?
�You and the other lady were discussing some journals.
May I ask where you found them and what was written in them?� he asked with more casualness than he felt. Had she somehow found out about The Keeper journals? Was she working with Obadiah? Something inside him told him that that was exactly what was going on. She and Obadiah were teaming up to steal Luke�s inheritance, and he wasn�t going to let that happen.
She looked relieved by his question. �We found several books. My great-great-great-grandfather, Obadiah Berclair wrote some of them. He kept one that discussed his father Eli and his brother, Saul Berclair. Saul built this house. There are several others written by my great-great-aunt, Mary Rebecca Berclair, who was my great-great-grandfather Samuel�s favorite aunt. That�s who I was named after. I believe there�s even one journal written by her sister, my great-great-great-grandmother, Catherine.� She held up her hand and counted off the greats as if to be sure she put enough in. �They married brothers.�
She shook her head, looking bemused. . �Finding those journals really sent Aunt Lilly on a sniper hunt.�
Caleb went still. He must be dreaming. This woman talked about Rebecca, Saul, Catherine and Obadiah as if they were long lost relatives, but that was impossible. Samuel, who was Rebecca�s nephew, was only ten-years-old, for heaven�s sake.
He reached for his saddlebags, and his hand hovered over the cracked leather. A corner of his journal protruded from the open flap, its edges frayed. What was going on? The journal was new!
For the first time since he regained consciousness, he really looked around. Only two of the five furniture pieces were in place�the dresser he�d just moved in and the bed.
Cracks marred the beauty of the hand carved �B�s� on the bed�s headboard. The wood no longer showed the texture of the grain, but had gone dark. Three white-lace doilies similar to the ones he�d watched Rebecca create only a week before lay on the matching coverlet in the seat of a rocker he�d never seen. The lace looked old and yellowed.
Caleb closed his eyes. Everything about the room looked age-worn and tattered. The wallpaper didn�t even have the same design. The dresser, which he�d lovingly wiped with the final coat of linseed oil only this morning, had a dull, uncared-for finish.
�I�ve got work to do,� Becci said, turning back to the window she�d been trying to close when he first saw her. �You just sit there and rest until you�re feeling better.�
Caleb wasn�t about to rest. He was going to find Rebecca and learn what was going on. He pushed himself to his feet, picked up his hat and saddlebags from the floor and laid them on the rocker. He would retrieve his belongings and go looking for Rebecca after he put the dresser into its proper place.
He rubbed his hand over the tight muscles at the back of his neck and studied the once beautiful scrollwork he�d labored over so hard. He could do nothing to restore its beauty.
Confused by how the furniture had changed in just a matter of minutes, he decided to ignore the problem for now and take care of the immediate one, which was protecting Rebecca�s bedroom from the rain. He walked over to the window and edged Becci out of the way.
�I won�t let you or Obadiah steal Luke�s inheritance,� he said as he shoved the window down.
Becci caught his shirtsleeve and whirled him around. Caleb stared at the hand that rested on his arm and faced her. Concern flared in her eyes.
�What inheritance?� she whispered.
�This house, of course,� he replied.
Caleb glanced at the hand resting on his arm. Her touch felt real. He let his gaze trail up her arm to her well-rounded bosom. The small piece of fabric she wore showed every rounded contour.
Heat scorched his cheeks, and he quickly turned his back to her only to come face�to-face with her image in the cracked mirror. Damn it, he didn�t know where to look.
�What inheritance?� Becci asked again.
�Nothing. G-gold, maybe?� He swallowed hard, forced his thoughts away from the woman�s body, and locked his eyes with hers. If she didn�t know about the gold Rebecca had hoarded or the orichalc medallion, it wasn�t his place to tell her. The gold belonged to Rebecca. And according to Rebecca, he was the keeper of the medallion until Luke came of age. He knew the rules, knew its powers, but Rebecca would decide who inherited Berclair Manor and its contents.
�There is no gold or, as Lilly prefers to call it, orichalc,�
Becci said. �We have antiques and this old house that�s mortgaged through the roof. That�s all.�
Smiling, Becci caught her braid, gave it a sharp tug and flipped it over her shoulder. �I�m tired of all these stories about something that doesn�t exist and probably never did.�
Caleb�s breath caught, and he snapped his gaze back to the window. The hazy reflection in the glass only made him want to look at the real person standing beside him. Even blurred, he could tell that her smile made her eyes sparkle, which added to her appeal. He�d bet his horse that she had her pick of the men who visited her work place.
�We also have six journals.�
�Journals?� Caleb repeated. He cast a quick glance in her direction then forced himself to turn away again.
�Yep. They tumbled right into our laps last month while we were going through some of the junk in the shed. One of the tables literally fell from the top of the mess, dumping the box of journals at our feet.�
Becci frowned. Did she have remnants of her lunch between her teeth or something? The man acted as if he couldn�t stand to look her in the eye.
�Did Aunt Lilly hire you to look for the treasure that�s supposedly hidden in the house? Well, it doesn�t exist. And please look at me while I�m talking to you.�
She planted her hands on her hips and rocked up on her toes. �I want to be sure you understand completely. I�m not paying you to go on a treasure hunt. I�m paying you to bring the furniture from the shed to the upstairs before Mr. Latham arrives. Understand?�
Caleb swallowed hard. He�d thought she just didn�t realize her effect on him, but at her demand for him to �look at her,� he knew better. He scanned the room for something to cover the woman.
She might not care who saw her body, but as long as she remained under Rebecca�s roof she would not display herself for his benefit.
�Ma�am, would you please cover yourself while I�m in the room?� Without waiting for her answer, he crossed to the bed and jerked off the spread.
�I�ve never met your Aunt Lilly,� he said, draping the coverlet over her shoulders. �At least not before she administered to me just now.�
He caught one of her hands and pressed it against the loose ends. He let his fingertips brush the back of her hand as he reluctantly pulled away.
�You said one of the tables broke.� He waved his hand toward the dresser. �Does it match this bed and dresser?�
He couldn�t turn away. Couldn�t concentrate. Even with the coverlet wrapped around her shoulders, the memory of her pale, bare midriff flooded his mind.
�This is ridiculous.� She raked her free hand through the bangs curling over her forehead. �Of course it does. The bedroom furniture are the only pieces that lasted. Whoever made them knew his trade.�
�Yeah.� Caleb felt a surge of pride followed by concern.
Why had Rebecca removed the other pieces? Had they changed, too? Had the linseed oil he�d used done this damage and Rebecca just didn�t want to tell him? He ran his hand over the side of the dresser.
�If you�ll show me where the rest of the furniture is, I�ll get back to work.�
�Did your fainting spell cause your mind to go blank, too?
The rest of the furniture is in the same place you found the dresser.�
Caleb frowned.
Becci rolled her eyes toward the ceiling and expelled a hard breath. �We stored everything in the shed while we painted the nursery and office,� she explained.
�Shed?�
�Are you sure you�re up to the job?� She heard the concern in her own voice. The man looked healthy, but he had just passed out. She ruled out his having anything major wrong with him. After all, he�d just moved the dresser up the stairs.
Lightning flashed again. Becci glanced at the window and mentally counted off the seconds while she waited for the rumble of thunder. Two. Not far away at all. According to the weather forecast, the small shower preceded a raging storm that was due to arrive within the hour.
�I�m fine,� Caleb said, pulling her back to their conversation.
He reached out, as if he wanted to touch her, but his hand never reached her cheek. A half smile tipped one corner of his mouth as he slowly lowered his hand. She should move. She should tell him not to even think about touching her, but the thought of his touch sent a tingle from her toes to her lips.
Would his kiss create the same rippling effect? Heaven help her, what had brought that thought to mind?
He stepped back, and the fluttery sensations inside her ebbed away.
Her common sense shouted for her anger to flame, but what she felt bordered on�disappointment? Yes, disappointment at not receiving the kiss her mind had conjured up. Becci expelled a breath and decided to ignore both emotions. Neither would help the situation.
�I hope you�re worth your wages. I don�t have money to waste.� She knew she was being rude, but she couldn�t seem to help herself. The man was having such a strange effect on her. Instead of apologizing, she flung the spread toward the bed and walked out of the room.
She stopped at the door and turned to stare at the man. She wanted to ask his name, but his actions stopped her. What in the world was he doing?
Caleb brushed one finger over the door frame before his gaze collided with the woman�s. She didn�t appear to have been harmed when she went through the door. He arched one brow and caught the doorknob, glancing at the room. It still looked basically the same, yet different. The dresser and bed both looked�old.
Rebecca told him the medallion could transport people through time, and he hadn�t believed her. But that�s what this felt like. He gave a wry shake of his head. This had to be a dream. Dreams often felt real until a person woke up.
If he went into the hall, would it cause him to wake up?
Whether it did or not, he couldn�t stay in Rebecca�s bedroom.
It wasn�t proper. Besides he had to find Jacobs and make sure he understood that he could stay with him in the barn for the night. He didn�t like the idea, but he couldn�t send the drunk back to town in a raging storm.
As he prepared to step through the doorway, Caleb kept his eyes on the woman. Resting one hand on each side of the door frame, he walked through the entrance. A tingling sensation pulsed around him. Not the painful prickles of before, but a gentle throb. He would ask Rebecca if what had happened earlier had something to do with the orichalc medallion.
The woman called Becci remained in front of him.
Disappointment mixed with excitement and fear. This was a dream, so why hadn�t he awakened from it?
The woman headed for the stairs. �We need to get going, Mr�I�m sorry, I don�t know your name,� she said, stopping at the top of the staircase to look back at him.
Caleb shrugged. �My name is Caleb Harrison.�
Becci paused, her fingers tightening around the handrail, and she turned to scowl at him. �Aunt Lilly put you up to this.
I know she did. Don�t you even think about trying to trick me into believing you�re from the past.�
Without giving the man a chance to answer, Becci pivoted and ran down the first flight of stairs. At the landing, she stopped and glanced over her shoulder, watching the stranger start down.
�What is your name?�
�Caleb Harrison,� he repeated.
�Listen, mister, I don�t know why Aunt Lilly put you up to this charade. But if you insist on taking the name of one of the characters my namesake, the original Mary Rebecca Berclair, wrote about, I�d rather you didn�t choose the one who murdered her, even if that murder did happen more than a hundred and sixty years ago.�
�M...murdered?�
The shock she saw reflected in his expression looked genuine. It was the same kind of look she�d seen at the hospital when friends and family learned of a loved one�s death.
Recalling the journals� claims that the orichalc coin let people travel through time, she felt an eerie shiver climb up her spine.
He couldn�t be the real Caleb Harrison, could he? No.
Impossible.
Pain gnawed at Caleb�s heart. Rebecca�s dead? He caught the banister and stared down at the woman on the landing below.
The image of Jacobs holding the blood-soaked knife flashed through his mind. Did Jacobs kill Rebecca? Did he kill Luke?
But if he had, how would this woman know about Rebecca�s death without him knowing about it, too?
�You�re lying. Rebecca�s not dead. She and Luke are waiting for me in the parlor.�
Caleb glanced past Becci to the sitting room�s entrance, and then he let his gaze scan the old portraits that lined the stairwell. There were unfamiliar portraits that he hadn�t seen before, and he felt a fluttering of panic as Becci�s words replayed in his mind. She�d said the original Mary Rebecca Berclair had been murdered more than a hundred and sixty years ago.
Again, the image of Jacobs with the bloody knife flashed through his mind. Had the drunk killed Rebecca and come upstairs to kill him, too? Was he actually dead instead of dreaming? But if he had died, and Jacobs had killed him, why had Jacobs come with him in this dream or nightmare or whatever it was? Although illogical, was Rebecca�s claim that the medallion could transport a person through time true?
Caleb sucked in a deep breath and expelled it slowly. For the first time, he let himself believe in the possibility of time travel because he couldn�t let himself believe that Rebecca and Luke were dead and lost to him. He had to get back to them, but he couldn�t leave Jacobs behind. If the drunk had harmed either Rebecca or Luke, he would make sure he paid the price.
Finding Jacobs came first, and then he�d find his way back to Rebecca and Luke. When a voice inside whispered that he was too late, he refused to listen. Rebecca and Luke were alive and well. He had to believe that.
�My name is Caleb Harrison, Miss Berclair, and I�m not lying about that.�
She looked both irritated and puzzled, but all she said was,
�Okay, Mr. Harrison, let�s just get to work and forget this discussion ever happened.�
�Caleb.� He moved around her, heading for the front door.
�Please, call me Caleb.�
�If you and Aunt Lilly aren�t in this together, I hope you�re prepared to listen to her questions. Especially if you keep insisting that Caleb Harrison is your name. She�ll want to know all about how you killed Rebecca.�
Caleb slowed. He couldn�t have heard her right. But she�d repeated it again. Rebecca was dead, and he�d supposedly killed her. Caleb faced the front door and pressed his palms flat against the wood. He slowly curled his hand into a fist.
�The last time I saw Rebecca, she wore a cameo that I�d given her to celebrate Luke�s birth. She�s my friend�my only friend. I didn�t�couldn�t�kill her.�
Becci didn�t have time for games, but for the second time in less than a minute she felt a surge of concern for this man.
She came up behind him and placed her hand on his shoulder.
He shrugged away from her touch. For a moment her hand hovered in the air before she dropped it back to her side, telling herself that the man was acting. To believe otherwise would mean she�d have to accept time travel, which only happened in movies and books. But even though her logic told her the man was playing a role, she couldn�t bring herself to challenge him.
�The furniture is out back,� she said. �Of the remaining pieces, the only one you�ll need help with is the wardrobe.
Why don�t we move that piece in first?�
�We?� He swiveled to face her. His blue eyes glistened. A hint of moisture shimmered on his dark lashes, but no tears fell.
Again telling herself he was acting, Becci motioned for him to follow her.
She pivoted toward the kitchen. �The wardrobe is too heavy for one person, and Aunt Lilly said your friend ran off. That just leaves me to help. The work has to be done if I plan to keep this house.�
Becci heard her father�s voice when he handed her the key to the front door. �No one but a relative of Saul or Obadiah Berclair has ever owned this place. That�s why I�we�have to try and save it. Besides, the secret of the coin is here somewhere.� Becci half whispered her father�s words.
�Let�s get to work.� She didn�t care if the man had heard her or not. She didn�t care if he followed, did the work of an army, or pretended to be sick. The offer of funding from the Ascomp Company had put the spark back into her dream. Now she had two choices�find funding for the nursery or sell out.
Either way finances were going to be tight for a few years to come. If she hoped to get the nursery started, she needed more money than her meager salary provided.
�If we wait, I�m sure this Mr. Latham you�re expecting will gladly help me,� Caleb said as he caught up to her.
Becci whirled around to face him and laughed sarcastically.
�Believe me, if he�s anything like Michael Ascott, Mr. Latham will not help. He�ll be too afraid he�ll wrinkle his three-piece suit.�
�Then I�ll do it by myself. You�re a....� He hesitated. His gaze drew a pointed line from the top of her head to the tips of her toes and back up, hesitating slightly as it reached her chest.
She felt her body respond. Butterflies took flight in her stomach when he lifted his eyes to her lips. She had to fight the urge to moisten them.
�You�re a lady. No matter what your profession, a job like this should be done by the man in the family.�
�There is no man in the family, at least not yet. My fianc�
isn�t the type to get his hands dirty with manual labor. That�s why we hired you.�
�You�re promised?�
It took her a moment to figure out what he meant. �Engaged, Mr. Harrison.�
�Same difference. They both mean you�re spoken for.�
Caleb didn�t know why the thought of her belonging to another man caused such strange feelings inside him. It couldn�t be because of her chosen profession. After all, he�d been engaged to a prostitute once. The strange feelings just didn�t make sense.
Nothing did.
This all had to be a dream, he told himself. He could look.
He could even touch her if he wanted too. She was part of his dream. If he wanted to make love to her, he could. Providing she was willing. He wouldn�t take a woman who didn�t want him, not even in a dream.
�Does your fianc� know you let men see you like this?�
Caleb glanced toward the door while he waited for her answer.
His heart thundered like the hoofbeats of a stampeding heard of wild mustangs.
His gaze was drawn back to her as she snapped, �Mister, what my fianc� knows or doesn�t know is between him and me, and if you want to continue to work here you will keep your chauvinistic views to yourself.�
Caleb nodded once and glanced back toward the door. He didn�t know what she meant by chauvinistic views, but he wasn�t about to ask her to explain. For now, he would help her rearrange Rebecca�s house and pray that something would wake him.
He passed the woman and headed toward the back of the house. The woman might have Rebecca�s hair and eyes, but she didn�t have her other qualities. The Widow Berclair would never allow a man to see her in such sparse clothing.
Caleb came to an abrupt halt in the middle of the kitchen and scanned all the changes. A table had replaced the potbellied stove, and a window bowed outward where a solid brick wall had once protected against the heat. On the new table, steam swirled over a platter of hot vegetables and a glass container of brown liquid that smelled like coffee.
The woman called Lilly stood in the far corner of the room beside a tall, rectangular box, mostly white. A short, square piece sat beside it. The wood enclosures that lined the lower half of the wall had two deep holes centered under the window where he�d watched Rebecca wash plates in a large dishpan. A long, curved piece of shiny silver, metal protruded out over one of the indentations.
None of this could be real, yet it was. Outside, the flowers he�d helped Rebecca trim back because the last of the blooms had wilted looked fresh and full of color. Further out in the yard several rose bushes bloomed. Last month Rebecca told him the spring flowers on the table were the last of the season.
She�d been wrong. Rebecca�s gardens were in full bloom...again.
�What...?� He started to ask what month it was, but a calendar hanging beside the back door gave him his answer.
May?
Impossible!
Caleb traced the month displayed in two-inch letters below a strange picture. He tossed a quick glance back at the window then swiftly returned his gaze to the calendar. It locked on the month again.
He�d already lived through May once this year.
No. He corrected as he took note of the year on the calendar.
His heart skidded to a stop and then leaped into a thundering gallop. Never had he dreamed this year would exist in his lifetime. He still wanted to believe he was dreaming, but if what the calendar said was true, he had traveled through time.
And how else could he explain all the strange furniture in this room and the missing brick wall? Rebecca said he had a good imagination, but he could never dream up such strange things.
As he tried to accept the notions running through his mind, he watched Becci walk over to one of the wall protrusions.
She opened a drawer and took out another long tube. The red and yellow shaft made it look less dangerous than the other one.
�Your flowers look nice,� he muttered, eyeing the tube cautiously.
Maybe this wasn�t a new type of gun, but he would watch her closely while she held it.
Her gaze slid to the window, and she sighed. �Yes, they are.� She tipped her head in Lilly�s direction. �Aunt Lilly works hard to keep them looking pretty, but it�s too much for one person.�
As she spoke, she shook this new cylinder a couple of times then moved her thumb over a small rippled piece on the side. A wide, white river shot from the end.
Caleb jerked back, but not fast enough. The streak caught him on the thigh then settled into a pale gold puddle on the floor. It moved when she moved, yet it destroyed nothing.
He swiped his hand over the area of his thigh that had been nipped. No pain, and no visible damage, even though the gunlike object put out a flame-like glow.
With another push of the button, the woman doused the beam and glanced out the window at the shed. �Darn, the shed�s locked. You take the light, and I�ll get the keys for the doubledoors.
It will be easier to get everything out that way.�
Caleb expelled the breath he hadn�t realized he�d been holding and felt the tension drain away. She extended the tube, but he didn�t take it.
�Look, if you don�t want to do the work, why don�t you just leave?� She shoved past him and out the door without once pulling out her other weapon. The silver tube still protruded from her front pocket, and she held the red and yellow one at her side in a tight-fisted, angry grip.
�Miss Berclair?�
�What?� she yelled as she whirled around to face him.
Caleb stepped off the porch and held out his hand for the tube, realizing that she�d called it a light. It occurred to him that it was some type of torch. �I�m supposed to take that thing, and you�re supposed to get the key.�
He arched one brow and gave Becci a smile that sent her heart racing.
She caught his hand and slapped the light against his palm.
�I don�t have time for games, Mr. Harrison.�
�I�m not playing games, Miss Berclair. I wish I were. This morning when I woke up, I left Raleigh, but I never expected to go so far.�
�And just how far did you travel, Mr. Harrison? All of five miles?�
�And more than a hundred and sixty years,� he whispered to himself.
Caleb kept his strides steady. He didn�t have to see Miss Berclair standing behind him to know her eyes still bore into him. He locked his gaze on the large oak tree in the center of the backyard. Was this the same tree that just last week he�d circled his hands around and touched his thumbs together?
He pressed his palm to the rough bark and drew in a calming breath. He couldn�t even wrap his arms around the trunk now.
Nothing remained the same�not the house nor the yard�and the most horrifying difference was this stranger who claimed to be Rebecca.
Rebecca would never let the morning glory vines choke the marigolds or the rosebushes remain untrimmed. And when had the trees grown so large? The maples, magnolias and oaks towered over the house. Their limbs now swept the roof as the wind filtered through the branches.
No lean-to sheltered a woodpile. In its place stood a gleaming, whitewashed building with glass-paned windows.
Next to the building, where Rebecca�s wagon usually sat, was a large, metal contraption on strange looking wheels. The barn and chicken coop didn�t exist anymore, either.
Caleb tossed his hat and the light stick to the ground. He couldn�t let the fear or the dull throb that beat a trail through his head control him. He would manage. He had to. Once he learned what happened, and how it happened, everything would return to normal.
Maybe he�d fallen down the stairs and hit his head. He raked his hand over his head. Although he had a headache from the ordeal, he felt no bumps that would indicate a head injury.
Of course, he wouldn�t necessarily feel the injury in a dream. Would he? Everything seemed so real. Even the gentle breeze that feathered across his cheeks and cooled his skin felt real. It brought the scents of the roses, the musty stench of wet dirt, and the freshness created by a spring rain.
Even the water that dripped from the leaves and splashed into the small puddles under the tree looked real.
Spring flowers, the fragrance of the pines, the rain�all had a familiar essence, yet somehow everything felt different.
He pounded his fist against the rough tree trunk.
�What�s happening?� he whispered frantically.
He twisted around, leaned against the tree and slid to the ground. The rough bark scraped his spine.
He heard the soft meow of a kitten and glanced toward the sound. He caught the small ball of fur and brought it to his chest before it pounced on his hat.
The tabby struggled a moment then clawed its way to Caleb�s shoulder and settled into a tiny fur-ball against his neck, purring. He ran his hand over the cat�s vibrating body. If he could curl up into a small contented ball like the kitten and ignore everything, maybe his life would return to normal. But he couldn�t do that. He had responsibilities.
Whatever was going on, he couldn�t abandon Rebecca and Luke. They depended on him.
Becci massaged the tight muscles at her nape as she watched Caleb sit slumped against the tree. Damn it, her back ached, her head throbbed, and her stomach churned. She didn�t have time to waste seething over�or soothing�Caleb Harrison.
He definitely spelled trouble. She didn�t need any more problems. He might look vulnerable and in need of a little TLC, but she knew better.
The stray kitten needed her.
The dogs and cats that barked and meowed at her back door needed her. The newborn babies that would benefit from the nursery needed her.
She sighed in defeat. Her instincts said Caleb needed her, too.
The distant rumble of thunder seemed to argue the point, reminding Becci that she didn�t have time to watch this stranger who called himself Caleb Harrison. Every lie he spoke reaffirmed that he couldn�t be trusted. Nobody traveled through time, no matter what the journals said.
The books also said there was enchanted gold somewhere in the house. All she�d found were problems and bills that multiplied by the hour.
Becci jerked open the screen door, rounded the counter and grabbed the key off the hook above the sink.
�Aunt Lilly, the man says his name is Caleb Harrison.�
She watched her aunt carefully. Shock flickered across Lilly�s face. She obviously hadn�t expected that. Becci held the key out to her aunt.
�Will you unlock the shed for him while I clear the cleaning supplies out of the area where the wardrobe is supposed to go.�
Yeah, right. Admit it, Becci, you just need a few more minutes to get over the effect he�s having on you.
Lilly plucked the key out of her hand. �Sure. I need to speak to him anyway,� she said as she bustled toward the door.
�Take all the time you need, dear.�
Becci ran up the stairs and made sure nothing would hinder their moving the piece into place, then hurried back down the stairs.
Time was a fleeting commodity, and she�d wasted too much already.
***
A shadowy figure edged into Caleb�s view. He wanted to tell the woman to leave him alone, but he�d learned a long time ago that rudeness only created more problems.
He glanced up expecting to see Becci, but it was Lilly who stood over him.
�Miss Lilly,� he said and tipped his head in greeting.
�Caleb,� Lilly said. �Becci told me your name, and she asked me to open the shed.�
Lilly took a step toward the whitewashed building then stopped. �May I ask you something?�
�Sure.�
�Where are you from, exactly?�
�Around. I was born back East.� Caleb cupped his hand over the kitten�s back and shoved himself to his feet.
�And?� Lilly stood before him, her hands on her hips.
�After my mother died, I lived in an orphanage. Left there at eleven and worked the land for awhile.� Caleb stared down at Lilly. �I didn�t kill Rebecca.�
�I never said you did, Mr. Harrison. The journals, however, do say a man named Caleb Harrison stabbed her to death, and no one in the area ever saw him again. I don�t know if you are that man or not. I don�t know how you arrived.�
Lilly shook her head. �What I do know is that you are the answer to my prayers. And maybe Becci and I are the answer to your prayers, too.�
�Your prayers?�
�Yes. That said, I have a favor to ask.�
Caleb took a deep breath. �What kind of favor?�
�Becci needs your help. There�s too much work around here for one woman, and I�m too old to be of much help. Will you stick around long enough to get the nursery going?�
What she asked didn�t make sense. Rebecca already had Luke�s nursery set up.
The unusual words added to the strangeness of the events.
He stared at the woman who waited patiently for his answer.
�I�ll help out as long as I can, ma�am.�
�Promise?�
�Yes, ma�am. As long as the spirits that be let me.�
�Well, Caleb Harrison�if that is indeed who you are�
according to the journals you were considered a man of your word until you vanished. I�ll understand if you can�t stay. After all, none of us really knows what�s going on, do we?�
She grinned at him. Almost as if she knew something she didn�t want to tell.
Before he could speak, she said, �You can give me the kitten and take the key. You can unlock the shed yourself.� She held out her hands for the kitten, handed him the key and headed for the house. When she reached the door she turned and waved at him before going inside.
Caleb stared at the strange key. It was small and didn�t look like the keys from his time. Things had definitely changed.
He settled his hat firmly in place and headed for the shed. He�d always enjoyed a puzzle, and, as he studied the door�s strange looking lock, he realized this whole episode was a puzzle.
He�d figured out how the key fit and opened the lock just as Becci joined him. He didn�t want her help, but Jacobs hadn�t returned. He couldn�t do the job alone.
One fact he definitely knew. Jacobs wouldn�t show up until he and Becci finished the job. The drunk was a master at avoiding work.
***
�I�m glad that�s done. I had no idea the wardrobe weighed so much.� Becci opened the shed door and stepped aside to let Caleb pass. When he turned and eased by without touching her, Becci fought the urge to reach out and touch him. �We actually managed to get most of the things moved.�
�Yes, ma�am,� he said with a slight nod and quickly moved further into the shed. He immediately knelt down next to a stack of boxes and started going through one of them.
�Who said you could go through my things?�
�Sorry.� He rested his hand on the box and looked up at her. �May I?�
�Oh, go ahead.�
He gave her a lopsided grin and lowered his gaze back to the box. He laid aside several items, including a rusty knife and a leather sheath that appeared to belong together. Both looked ancient and of little use. Silently, he placed everything else back in the box and let his gaze move slowly around the room.
Becci enjoyed watching him, but not once after she�d granted him permission had he looked back up at her. That alone proved her point. A man with secrets didn�t make eye contact. She�d tried to strike up a conversation as they worked, but unless you considered the occasional �yes, ma�am� or �no, thanks� conversation, he never spoke. She could have had a better running dialogue with a brick wall. What was it about her that kept handsome men at a distance? She felt the tension build as the silence extended.
She wanted to shout, �Say something. Anything at all,� but she didn�t dare.
�Is that the other bed table?� he asked as if reading her mind.
�Oh, ah...� Becci swallowed hard and tried to see what he pointed at. A big oak tree blocked any light that might have penetrated the open door and without electricity the room reflected only dim shadows.
She flicked on the flashlight. The beam cut through the darkness, slashing across Caleb�s thighs. He flinched as if he expected the light to hurt.
Lord, he�s jumpy.
Caleb pointed toward a box of boards in the far, left corner and waited for her answer.
�Yes, that�s the other nightstand. I guess I�m going to have to toss it out. The parts don�t appear to be broken, but Aunt Lilly and I can�t get them back together.�
�May I try?� Before she could answer, he took the box down from the shelf and started arranging the boards on the floor. She held the flashlight so it would illuminate the area.
After he had all the pieces laid out, he swiftly set them in the proper grooves. While holding the parts together, he picked up the rusty knife, wedged it between the top and side, and eased the dislodged front panel into place with practiced skill.
He twisted the decorative knobs until the front slipped into place. Then he moved each one until they looked right.
�The wood is a little warped but it should hold until I can find some pegs to secure it better.�
Becci flexed her fingers to ease their trembling. According to Aunt Lilly, the man who killed Rebecca had made this furniture, and Caleb had put the table together with such easy expertise it was as if he�d built it.
Becci�s heart hammered against her ribs, and she lowered her gaze to the knife in his hand and swallowed hard. Had Rebecca�s murderer truly come forward in time? It was impossible, but if it was true�
She glanced over her shoulder to locate an escape route.
Would she be his next victim? Realizing how ridiculous her thoughts were, she shook them off and forced her gaze to stay on him. Why wouldn�t he look at her?
�If-if you need anymore help, just knock on the back door,�
she said, taking a step toward the door.
Her mouth felt dry and her palms sweaty. She brushed her hand down her thigh and kept her words even and her voice calm. Her mother had used the same tone with her father to hide her fear. It had worked most of the time. Hopefully it would work with Caleb, too.
�After you finish, come see me to get your pay. I�ll need a receipt for my records.�
�Yes, ma�am. I�ll see you after I move the two smaller tables inside. As for the pay, you can save your money.�
He hesitated, then looked her squarely in the eyes. �When I�m finished here, I�ll be moving on. Back to my time.�
Becci brushed her bangs off her forehead and stared at Caleb. Where do you find them, Aunt Lilly?
Last year, when they�d had a little extra money, Lilly paid a man to work in the garden because he looked like he needed help. Alcoholics anonymous would have helped him more. The year before, she�d hired a sticky-fingered maid. Now she had hired a nut who thought he was a time traveler.
Never again would she let her aunt hire people to work around the house.
She couldn�t really blame Aunt Lilly, though. Her aunt had probably looked into his gorgeous eyes and decided that he might be just the man to come between Becci and Michael.
You lose, Aunt Lilly. He might be sexy, but he�s not my type.
He flashed a shy smile in her direction, and she felt as if she�d been gut-punched. She snapped off the flashlight throwing them into semidarkness. Big mistake. It might hide his smile, but it put her at a distinct disadvantage.
Why hadn�t she replaced the burned out light bulb? She didn�t like talking to his shadow, but it beat drowning in the blue depths of his eyes. No. It was worse, because she realized that she didn�t have to see his eyes to know when he glanced in her direction.
�Listen, mister, there is no way you�re from the past.� Her pulse raced. �Even if you believe what you�re saying, I still need to pay you for the work you�ve done, and I�ll need a receipt.� She forced herself to take a deep, cleansing breath, but it caught in her throat. He would not sway her the way her father swayed her mother. She wouldn�t allow it.
�You can write, can�t you?� she taunted. �Or, if you are from the past, are you one of the many of that age who didn�t think such things were important?� She regretted her words the minute she spoke them. Even the dim light didn�t hide the brief flicker of pain that flashed in his eyes. It made her feel ashamed. He might be a nut case, but even nut cases deserved respect.
�I�m not highly educated, Miss Berclair, but I assure you I do read and write,� he answered softly. �The nuns at the orphanage believed such skills a necessary achievement. You are right, though. Most of the farmers don�t think education should interfere with their everyday work.�
He reached toward her, and she dodged. When he took the leather sheath from the stack of boxes directly behind her and slipped the knife into it, she released a clipped, nervous laugh.
She watched him take his handkerchief from his pocket and wipe the dust off the table he�d just repaired. Thunder rumbled, and the wind caught the door and slammed it against the wooden frame. He leaped at the door and caught and closed it just before it banged a second time. With a quick flip, he snapped the latch into place. The strong emphasis on locking it made Becci take a step backward.
Lightning flashed again. Rain pelted the roof. Wind whistled through the broken window. Becci sucked in a deep breath. She felt as if she�d stepped into a low budget horror flick.
Why had he locked the door? What would she do if he attacked her? She stared at the sheathed knife he had placed out of her reach.
In the eerie semidarkness, she followed Caleb�s movements as he glanced at the various scraps of fabric scattered on the floor. He picked up a tattered sheet from the scrap pile and stepped toward her.
Instinctively, she took a step backward and wrapped her arms around herself, shuddering.
�I�m sorry. Did I scare you?� he asked
�N...no,� she lied.
�You shivered. I thought you might be chilled. Whether you are or not, I would appreciate it if you would cover yourself while in here with me.�
She took the sheet he held out and wrapped it around her shoulders while he sorted through the rest of the old rags. After finding one that obviously suited him, he stuffed it into the window�s broken square. She told herself that there was nothing sinister in the action, but that didn�t quell the panic stirring inside her.
She wanted to run, but her feet remained frozen in place.
With the door bolted, she couldn�t make a hasty retreat. Heaven help her, she was trapped with a nut case who thought he came from the past and had taken on the identity of a murderer.
She wanted to scream for help, but she knew the cry would be fruitless. Aunt Lilly was in the house. The storm raged. Wind and rain pounded the roof.
Pressing her hand to her chest, she asked, �H-how much did Aunt Lilly promise to pay you?�
�I don�t want your money.�
His voice held absolutely no emotion. The shy smile that had softened his features moments ago had vanished. Lightning flashed again. The brief glow illuminated the room for a second then shoved it back into a ghostly semidarkness.
She saw Caleb�s faint outline as he picked up the flashlight he�d laid on the floor while he had fixed the table. He rotated the slender cylinder and flicked the switch. The beam raced across the cluttered floor toward the back wall. The golden halo stopped on a small cot in the far corner.
�There is something you can do for me, though.�
Panic knotted inside her as she stared at the bed in horror, imagining what �something� he wanted her to do for him. The
�no� she wanted to yell stuck in her throat. Her heart pounded, and her mouth went dry. The man was going to rape her.
Please don�t let this be happening.
She tightened her hold on the thin material draped over her shoulders. She would fight him. He might win, but he would know that he�d only defeated her because of his masculine strength. Swallowing, she moved backward until her heel bumped against the wall.
�What is it you want me to do?�
�If I can�t get back to where I belong, I�ll need a place to stay. Let me work for room and board. It doesn�t take a lot to satisfy me. I�ll sleep there.� He tipped his head toward the cot.
�You won�t even know I�m around. You can give me a list of chores you�d like done, and I�ll do them. I don�t mind hard work.�
Becci expelled her breath. In all her life, she�d never before experienced the fierce fear that had flashed through her, or the extraordinary relief that followed his request.
�Oh, Lord.� Tears pooled in her eyes. Her legs wobbled.
Unable to stand a moment longer, she slumped to the floor and leaned her head against the wall�s hard planks.
�Are you all right?� Caleb flung the flashlight down, sending long streaks bouncing erratically off the walls. Before she could reply, he knelt in front of her and covered her hands with his. �Do you need to lie down? Can I get your smelling salts for you?�
Gradually her gaze met his. His midnight blue eyes held oceans of concern and a hint of panic. Before she could respond he scooped her up and rushed across the room.
Instinctively, Becci hooked her hands around his neck and buried her head into the curve of his shoulder. As hard as she tried, she couldn�t hold back her laughter.
�S-smelling salts? Th-thank you for your concern, Mr.
Harrison, but women haven�t carried salts in years. Today�s weaker sex is not prone to fainting spells,� she said through spurts of laughter.
She loved the strength of his arms. She should make him put her down, but no one had ever shown her this type of protectiveness before, and she liked it. It seemed impossible that just moments ago she�d felt threatened by him.
�I misunderstood your gesture toward the cot,� she explained while trying not to giggle. �Some men have been known to ask women for sexual favors in payment for their work. F-for a moment I thought you might be considering force.�
His hands tightened around her, and then his palm glided up one thigh as he lowered her legs to the floor. When she wobbled, he steadied her with a light touch on her shoulders.
Becci wiped at the tears rolling down her cheeks. �I�m sorry. I haven�t laughed this hard in years.�
She fanned her face with one hand and tried to stifle the next barrage of laughter as she blew out a calming breath. �You may stay in the shed, Mr. Harrison. Without charge.�
She glanced up, and her laughter died. The silence in the small shed overshadowed the rumble in the distance and filled the area with crackling tension. Caleb�s expression held a combination of anger and hurt.
�I would never force a woman into my bed,� he said, his words barely audible. �Not for any reason. And although I have visited a bordello or two, I would not consider it proper to suggest such a thing to anyone outside such establishments, no matter how beautiful the woman is. And you are beautiful, Miss Berclair.�
Spinning away, he snatched a large piece of canvas off the floor, covered the small table he�d just repaired, and picked it up. Without looking back, he threw up the latch, shoved the door open and stalked out into the raging storm. The wind immediately slammed the door against the outside wall, splitting the board at the hinges.
Becci pressed her hand to her rampaging heart and stared at Caleb�s retreating figure through the door�s broken slit.
Moments ago fear had knotted her stomach. Now, confusion mixed with anxiety. The expression on his face had said she�d hurt him deeply. If he turned out to be the man Rebecca and her brother talked about in their journals, upsetting him like that could be dangerous. Very dangerous.
Obadiah�s statements listed the evidence they�d found. It all pointed to Caleb as the murderer. Caleb�s knife had been clutched in Rebecca�s hand, and his wagon, less its horse, had been at the house. Even Rebecca�s sister, Becci�s own great-
great-grandmother Catherine, had written about Caleb in her journal.
However, Catherine�s words raised doubts when the others wrote of the worst. She hadn�t believed Caleb Harrison capable of murder, but she had been discussing a man who was from the past. Unless Becci was willing to admit that time travel was possible�which she wasn�t�then she was dealing with a man who�d chosen to play the role of a murderer. And why would he do that if he didn�t have some kind of sinister actions on his mind?
She shivered and wondered if she should call the police, but what would she say? A man is here pretending to be my great-great-great-aunt�s killer, come and arrest him?
***
Caleb stopped in front of the bedroom�s entrance. God, he had wanted to take Becci to that narrow bed and bury himself in her softness. But he�d ignored his baser instincts and behaved like a gentleman. It stung to have her think he would use force.
He gathered the thick canvas material in his fists and hugged the table to his chest. Maybe he deserved the title of scoundrel or rake. It had taken every ounce of willpower in him to keep his hands away from the abundance of satiny skin she exhibited. Every time she moved, that skimpy top gave him a glimpse of pale flesh. He couldn�t take this indecency much longer and remain sane.
He lowered his head in defeat. An inner torment gnawed at him. He needed his godson. He needed to feel the free and easy trust Luke offered him. He�d made a vow to always be there for Luke, and he planned to use every available source to get back to his own time and keep his promise.
�Caleb, I�m sorry.�
The sound of Becci�s voice startled him. He lifted his head but kept his eyes locked on the doorway in front of him. �Don�t say things you don�t mean. I know I�m not wanted here. If I have my way, when I go through that door, I�ll be back in my lifetime. Not stuck where people consider a person lazy, or suspect they might force�what did you call it?� sexual favors on unwilling females.�
Becci moved in front of him and stared at him assessingly.
According to her aunt, less than an hour earlier Caleb had promised Aunt Lilly he would help them for as long as �the spirits that be� allowed him to stay.
Becci shook her head. She had no idea what that statement meant, and she wasn�t about to analyze it. If she did, she�d probably be as crazy as her aunt and Caleb. She also knew she should throw Caleb out the door and slam it securely behind him.
But even as she told herself to get rid of him as fast as she could, there was another part of her that said this man couldn�t be violent if he wanted to. She also knew that if he worked for her for room and board, she�d have the help she needed to get the house ready for a nursery. It would be a way out�her only way out. Besides, what if he really was from the past? He wouldn�t have anywhere to go, wouldn�t know how to survive in today�s world. The culture shock alone would probably give him heart failure.
She laughed inwardly. She�d definitely lost her mind. He couldn�t be from the past, yet...
�Are you a man of your word, Caleb Harrison?�
He jerked his gaze to her face. Mere inches separated them.
She fought the urge to move closer and smooth her fingers over his forehead to erase the deep creases his frown created.
�Are you?� she repeated, keeping her hands clenched in tight fists at her sides. She had an almost overpowering urge to reach out and touch him.
�Yes.� The single syllable hung in the air. Seconds ticked off. Each one accented by the grandfather clock in the parlor downstairs.
�Listen, I know you�re angry, and you have a right to be.
But I�m not doing this for me. I�m doing it for Aunt Lilly. I don�t give a whit about this house. I n-never have.�
She stumbled over the lie. She loved the place. Always had. If she had the finances to keep Berclair Manor in the family, she wouldn�t even consider selling it. Her parents had barely managed to hold onto it, and the bills they�d left behind proved that she�d never be able to manage to do so without the nursery.
�The funding Ascomp is offering is my last hope. I can�t possibly get the nursery ready without help. The living room has to be painted, and the appliqu�s put up. You told Aunt Lilly you would help us. I need you to keep your word.�
�I made a promise, and I do not break my promises.�
He shifted the table to one side. With his free hand, he raked his hair off his forehead. His lips curled into a semblance of a smile as he visibly relaxed.
�Who are you? Really?� Becci watched for any sign that this might be a charade.
�I am Caleb Harrison. I was raised in an orphanage on the outskirts of New York. I left there on my sixteenth birthday, July twenty-seventh, eighteen sixteen.�
Eighteen sixteen. He�d said the year with such force she knew he really believed he�d traveled through time.
�Yes, well, despite your advanced age, you look physically fit enough to work. So, I�ll tell you what we need done, and you can tell me if you�re able to do the work, okay?�
Caleb nodded. �That�s fair.�
�It�s a long list. I�ll get a pencil so you can write everything down.�
Caleb hesitated letting his gaze rake over her. �That won�t be necessary. I have an excellent memory. Rebecca�the Rebecca I know�called it a unique gift that should be cherished. My ability to recall even moot details is not always a blessing, though. Some things are best forgotten. Other things�.�
Caleb�s gaze shifted to her lips, and he seemed to lean toward her. His lips were so close to hers, yet they were eons apart. Instinctively, she closed her eyes, feeling as if she would explode with anticipation.
She waited for his kiss, but it never came. Instead she felt the scrape of his callused thumb glide lightly over her lower lip. Her eyes flew open, but his hand hung at his side. Was her imagination playing tricks on her?
�Mary Rebecca, I�ve called you three times. What�s going on up there?� Lilly�s voice slowly penetrated the fog encircling them.
Aunt Lilly had called her three times? Impossible!
Becci felt heat skitter up her neck to burn her cheeks again.
With a casual nod, Caleb stepped back, but his gaze stayed locked with hers. In his eyes she saw the same heat that she felt, and she knew she hadn�t imagined his touch. She wanted to grab his hand, pull it back to her lips and press kisses to his rough palm. But to do that, she�d have to look away from those mesmerizing blue eyes.
She didn�t know how long they remained suspended in an emotional trance. Only when he closed his eyes was she released from the captivating, nerve-rattling hold they�d had on her. She turned to face her aunt, who now stood on the first landing staring up at them.
�N-nothing. We�re doing nothing,� Becci answered as she took a step backwards. What had come over her? �I�m sorry.
We didn�t hear you call. I�m coming.�
But she still couldn�t seem to move, and her gaze shifted back to Caleb and settled on his lips. He�d wanted to kiss her, and, heaven help her, she�d wanted him to kiss her.
What about Michael? her conscience taunted. She and Michael were comfortable together. No wild passion. No raging hormones, and that�s the way she liked it.
And she wasn�t about to let a man who thought he was born in eighteen-sixteen change that.
�Mr. Latham is waiting in the parlor. I told him you�d be right down.�
With a casualness she didn�t feel, Becci swept around Caleb and hurried down the stairs.
Damn it, she had to stop thinking about Caleb and concentrate on her future. She�d spent her whole life trying to get away from her parents� legacy of a day-to-day existence.
There had never been extra money. Extra? There had barely been enough for food. You could forget clothes and college.
Her father�s words echoed loud and clear. If you think you can�t exist without a college education, then you�d better earn a scholarship or start saving. Heaven knows we can�t pay for that kind of schooling.
Of course they couldn�t. Daniel Berclair�s drinking habits came first.
No way would she let Caleb divert her attempt for financial security.
Even if he did make her blood run hot.
Becci lifted her hand and shifted her engagement ring until the light made it sparkle. Soon she would be out of this financial bind forever. Michael offered her the security she craved. Maybe he didn�t make sparks fly when they kissed, but he understood her.
What about Caleb?
Becci curled her fingers into her palm. Even the memory of Caleb�s midnight-blue eyes, dark and full of desire, sent a ripple of excitement through her. They seared into her, spawning a flow of volatile sensations, but she couldn�t judge a man by the feelings he created.
Besides, she knew all about lust. She wouldn�t give in to the feelings as her mother had done. Emotions such as passion destroyed everything.
Becci gave her crop-top a decisive tug. Besides, Michael didn�t criticize what she wore.
Caleb rearranged the items again and stepped back to study the set up. Everything on the table belonged to Rebecca, even the kerosene lamp, but nothing looked right.
He straightened the lace doily, removed the things from the top of the table and carried the table to the opposite side of the bed. Changing the tables didn�t make a difference.
If he concentrated on the little things maybe he could keep his mind off Becci. He shouldn�t have noticed the desire in her eyes. His body shouldn�t have responded to what society declared off limits for a man with his background.
He knelt in front of the table and picked up Rebecca�s handheld looking glass. He felt Becci�s presence before he saw her reflection in the mirror.
She stood at the entrance for a moment before she entered the room. A spiral of desire whirled through him. He wanted this woman.
Encircled in a halo of color she looked like a princess. His eyes followed the long weave of golden-red hair over one shoulder and along the curve of her breast.
�Caleb?�
�Ma�am?� He laid the mirror down and pretended to be engrossed in straightening items on the table. Why had he taken liberties with this woman? He had come so close to kissing her. He couldn�t afford to make that kind of mistake. And now he had to face her again.
He stood up, took a deep breath, and turned toward her.
She rocked back and forth from her heels to her toes. Her thumbs were tucked into the belt loops of her short-pants, and her fingertips were slipped into the snug pockets.
�I could use your help showing Mr. Latham around. It gets pretty dark when it�s cloudy, especially when the electricity is out.�
�Show him around?�
�Yeah. It�s not what I want to do, but one of the antique dealers coming to the party asked him to check out the antiques.
Consider it part of your job description.�
She caught his hand, slapped the light in it and motioned for him to follow her downstairs.
�Mr. Latham, this is Caleb Harrison. I�ve asked him to accompany us on the tour. With the power out, I figured we could use the extra light.�
�Mr. Harrison.� The middle-aged man tipped his head in greeting.
Caleb returned the action then faced Becci for instructions.
She pointed toward the back of the house. He followed them to the kitchen, making sure the puddle of light fell a fraction ahead of Becci and the stranger.
As Mr. Latham drew ahead of them, he found himself walking next to Becci. Her shoulder suddenly brushed his. He dropped a step back, but a moment later Becci caught his hand and tugged him back in line. Still holding his hand, she guided the light to an area where the stranger needed to take a closer look. His breath caught in his throat and stayed locked there until she released him.
They finished their tour of the lower floor and headed upstairs. As they entered the bedroom, Caleb could smell the simple lilac fragrance Rebecca had worn.
Did Rebecca�s spirit remain in the room? He thought he felt it as he passed through the door. Surely not.
His stomach muscles tightened. He was here wasting time when what he really needed to do was track down Jacobs and return to Berclair Manor. If he returned tonight, he might be able to save Rebecca. Especially if he managed to go back to the month of May.
What had really happened to him this morning?
Had he fallen through time as he pushed the dresser into the room? Could the dresser he�d made for Rebecca have something to do with his dilemma? He eased over to it and ran his fingertips over the initialed knobs. Or was it the orichalc medallion he�d hidden in the secret compartment? Had anyone found it? Was this the treasure Becci sought?
�The furniture is all hand carved,� Becci explained to Mr.
Latham.
Caleb watched the man run his palm over the slick wood surface.
This must be the furniture Michael asked me to check on.
It�s old enough. He�ll be glad to know the junk is still here and in fairly good condition, too.
Caleb stiffened, jerked his hand off the dresser and stared at Mr. Latham. He�d heard the man clearly even though he hadn�t spoken aloud. That meant the coin he�d hidden in the secret compartment hadn�t been found, and it still had its powers.
Had the man called the furniture junk? The man didn�t know quality work. Caleb Harrison didn�t make junk, and he didn�t like hearing his masterpieces described in that way. He didn�t want to eavesdrop on other�s thoughts, either, but curiosity pulled at his resolve. He tentatively replaced his hand on the dresser.
Michael said there would be a chest, but I don�t see one.
Maybe it hasn�t been brought in yet.
Caleb slipped his hand off the dresser again.
�The dealer that�s coming might be more interested in the furniture in the next room. I have a cradle and matching chest that is at least as old as this set, maybe older,� Becci said.
Instead of responding, Mr. Latham traced the carved letters on the dresser.
�Mr. Latham?�
�Huh? Oh, yes, the nursery furniture.� Mr. Latham waved his hand to indicate Rebecca�s bedroom. �Is this your room?�
�Yes.�
�And all this furniture is authentic?�
�I�m not sure,� Becci answered honestly. �I believe so. It was what we used when my family first inherited the house. I slept in the child�s bed that�s in the next room and put my toys in the chest. If you�ll follow me I�ll show it to you. We believe the same carpenter made all the furniture.�
Becci glanced at Caleb as if waiting for confirmation. He nodded and swallowed hard. They were going into Luke�s bedroom. He couldn�t stifle the surge of pain that clawed at his heart. In another hour, he would be helping Rebecca put Luke to bed. Provided, of course, he returned in time to save her.
Becci swung around and motioned for Mr. Latham to lead the way into the room then she inched closer to Caleb.
Caleb closed his eyes. Lord have mercy, didn�t she know what she was doing to him? She smelled good. Too good. She stood too close, and he wanted her too much. When he opened his eyes, he found her staring at him, her lips curling into a tentative smile.
�Lighten up. I don�t think you have to worry about leaving us just yet,� she whispered. She lifted her hand, indicating for him to follow Mr. Latham.
She�d taken his hesitation as fear that he would disappear when he exited the room. If she really knew his thoughts, it wouldn�t be Luke�s bedroom she led him to but the front door he determined, watching her hips sway as he reluctantly trailed after her.
Big mistake. Becci Berclair definitely existed. The longer he was around her the more he didn�t want to leave. He had to get away.
He didn�t want to look at Luke�s tattered bed and know that he hadn�t been there when Luke had needed him. He had to find Jacobs, retrieve the medallion from the dresser, and leave before he started caring too much about Becci, her aunt, and the problems they faced.
As they reached the door to Luke�s room, he glanced toward the window. The sun had long since dropped below the horizon.
Jacobs would need another bottle of whiskey before long. They had to head back to Raleigh before that happened.
�I think I hear Lilly calling me,� Caleb said.
He slapped the light into Becci�s hand and hurried toward the stairs. He told himself it was the idea of entering Luke�s bedroom, but he knew better. He could have faced seeing Luke�s room, but he couldn�t take another minute of Becci�s gentle touch as she guided the light he held to where Mr. Latham needed it.
Caleb shook his head, disgusted. Becci had asked him to help her. How could he? He�d failed his godson. He�d failed Rebecca. Just as he�d failed everyone who ever touched his life, even his mother. And if he tried to help Becci, he would fail her, too.
Maybe he could go back to his time where he belonged and be the godfather he�d promised to be. For now he had to concentrate on the unvoiced declaration Mr. Latham had made because he sensed that there was something wrong about the man�s visit.
Who was this Michael, and why did he want to know about the furniture? And why was he interested in the chest?
He didn�t know who Michael was, but he didn�t trust him any more than he trusted himself around Becci. And she�d better not trust either of them.
***
Becci hurried Mr. Latham through the rest of the upstairs and started down. What had gotten into Caleb?
When they reached the ground floor, she saw Caleb standing in the hazy shadows by the front door, studying the parlor as he�d studied each room. In the dining room he�d given an inordinate amount of attention to the corner cabinet�s glass doors. He�d studied the hinges and traced the indented wood.
He�d even examined the floor where a deep gouge marred the surface.
When they stepped into the bedroom she�d felt his anguish as if it had been hers. But for whom, Rebecca, or the small child he spoke about earlier? She shook her head. She had definitely lost her mind if she was buying into Caleb�s delusion that he�d traveled through time.
�I�ve seen enough, Miss Berclair,� Mr. Latham declared.
�If you will allow me to pass....�
Becci gasped in surprise. She hadn�t realized that she�d stopped in the middle of the flight of stairs to stare at Caleb.
When Caleb glanced up at them she saw the pain in his eyes before he managed to push his mask back into place.
�I�ll leave you to your...remodeling,� Mr. Latham said. The way he said the word made it sound dirty, which confused Becci.
She stepped up beside Caleb.
Caleb leaned down and whispered, �He�s actually leaving?
None too soon if you ask me.�
�Shush.� Becci turned her attention back to Mr. Latham.
�What about��
�There�s a lot of work needed to bring the house up to the standards required for a nursery that caters to newborn babies,�
Mr. Latham interrupted, �but it�s possible to make it right.�
He stepped toward the door then hesitated. �Michael said you planned to sell the antiques to help with your expenses. I�m not an expert, but I don�t think you�ll get a much money.�
Becci gripped the banister and stared at the man. Had Michael told Mr. Latham everything they�d talked about?
�Michael mentioned some old journals, too. If they prove authentic, they could be of value to the dealers, even if the antiques aren�t. Especially if they contain rare historical information.�
Mr. Latham readjusted his tie. �The first step is to get the nursery ready. Of course, the funding will be given out before the end of the month. Most of the applicants had their information to us six months ago, and I�m not sure the company will have time to even process yours. If I were you, I would consider Michael�s offer to sell the house for you instead of applying for the aid. You�ll get a lot more money that way.�
�I have my reasons for trying, Mr. Latham. Aunt Lilly wants to keep the house in the family if at all possible, even if it�s as a nursery.� And so do I.
�It is a beautiful place. I�d hate to see it destroyed to make way for an apartment complex or a gas station.�
Mr. Latham reached for the doorknob. �Good day, Miss Berclair.� He bowed politely then walked out without acknowledging Caleb.
�Good day, Miss Berclair. Consider selling instead of applying for aid,� Becci snarled, shutting the door and leaning against its center stile. �Why did I listen to Aunt Lilly? Why didn�t I just go ahead and sell like I originally planned? It isn�t going to work. It can�t. I don�t want it to,� she lied.
Becci handed Caleb the flashlight and caught the end of the braid hanging over her shoulder.
�What is aid, and what will happen if you don�t get it?�
Caleb asked. He didn�t know why she needed this aid but it must be important to cause her to go to such trouble. He flicked the flashlight on and off while he waited for her answer.
�This particular grant is like a scholarship. Companies like Ascomp give struggling entrepreneurs money to help them get started in a business. This one is for minority ownership.�
Caleb�s heart did a skittering dance as Becci covered his hand with hers to stop him from flicking the flashlight�s switch.
�Since Lilly and I will be co-owners and we�re both female, we qualify. If I don�t get the aid, I�ll sell the property to a commercial developer and rent a place for my nursery somewhere in Memphis.�
�You�ll receive enough money for that?�
�Yes. My land extends all the way to one of the busiest street corners in the areas. Ever since the Wal-Mart and those other places went in across the street, all property in this area is hot. Especially mine. I�ve had a dozen offers, all of them outrageously high. Aunt Lilly practically stayed on her knees for a month begging me not to sell. But I�ve got to. Or at least I will if this funding doesn�t comes through.�
�You can�t sell Rebecca�s house.�
Becci groaned. She wanted to yell that she owned Berclair Manor, not his long-dead Rebecca. She managed to tamp down her frustration and calmly state, �I don�t have a choice, Mr. Harrison.�
Caleb watched her when she shoved away from the front door. As she moved, the soft glow of the candle lit room cast a shadow over her face. Concern wrinkled her brow the same as it had Rebecca�s the last time he�d seen her. At that moment he realized Rebecca had known disaster was pending, just as Becci now knew it. But had Rebecca known she was going to die? Is that why she�d asked him to take Luke with him?
�Why sell now?� Caleb asked, forcing the questions about Rebecca out of his mind. He didn�t have the answers, and he had a more immediate problem. If Becci sold the manor would he ever be able to return to Luke? He�d told Lilly he�d stay as long as he could to help, but he had to get the medallion and try to return to his time as soon as possible. Luke needed him.
And he needed Luke. He had to get back to him before Becci did something that could prevent that from happening.
Caleb again flicked the flashlight on and off as he waited for Becci�s answer. He had to find a way to sneak into Becci�s room and look for the medallion. It wouldn�t be easy. He instinctively knew that if Becci caught him in there, she would never trust him again.
As he recalled putting the medallion into the dresser, he remembered he�d also put his coin pouch in there with it. Would the coins he�d hidden be enough to save the manor? If so, he could leave them behind for her. But she�d mentioned the orichalc coin, so it might mean that she needed it to save the house. Once he used the medallion to return to his own time, would he be able to send it forward in time to Becci? He was sure that if Rebecca knew Becci needed the medallion to save Berclair Manor, she�d insist he send it forward. But if he did, would anyone purchase a medallion they couldn�t let touch their skin?
Becci snatched the flashlight away from Caleb, jerking him out of his ruminations.
�Why sell? I�ve told you why. Because Berclair Manor is a burden.� Becci forced a calmness into her voice that she didn�t feel. �I can�t afford the upkeep or the utilities.�
�Utilities?�
As if on cue the lights flickered on. Becci turned and pushed down some funny looking lever, and the lights went out.
What in the world? Caleb reached over her shoulder and flipped the lever back up. Light immediately flooded the room again. He�d seen the funny looking rectangles beside several of the doors, but he�d had no idea what they were.
He took the steps two at a time to the middle stair landing and examined the metal and glass contraption attached to the wall. His gaze went from the small globe of light to the lever and back. He ran his hand along the wall on his way back down, then caught the switch and flipped it in rapid succession.
�Don�t do that,� Becci ordered.
�What�s it called?�
�That�s a light, and this is the switch to turn it on and off.
That thing over there,� Becci pointed at another rectangular piece close to the floor, �is called an outlet. You plug electrical cords in them to supply power to other things such as floor lamps and appliances that run on electrical energy.�
�Appliances? Electrical energy?�
�Yes, appliances�refrigerators, toasters, coffee pots, things that need power. Appliances,� she repeated, �like those in the kitchen, and the lights. That�s where the utilities come in. I run the appliances. The power company supplies the energy.
It costs money to run everything. Money I don�t have.�
�Money? You mean that you have no one to manage your funds? Hasn�t your fianc� taken over running things for you?�
He was aghast that she was forced to handle her own money.
No wonder she was so upset. How could he help? He wanted to, but he had no right to interfere in her business.
Becci stared at Caleb in disbelief. His dismayed expression assured her he was serious. What was with this man? He was as old-fashioned and chauvinistic as�a man from the era he claimed to be from.
She should have gotten angry, but she decided it wasn�t worth it, particularly since Michael did handle her finances now. �I handled my own finances until I met Michael. He asked to look everything over to see if he could improve on what I�m doing, but he discovered that I�ve handled everything as efficiently as he could have.�
�This Michael is your fianc�?� he asked, thinking of Latham�s thoughts. The man had made Michael sound like some kind of scoundrel, but he couldn�t be a scoundrel if he was engaged to Becci, could he?
Becci nodded. Impulsively, Caleb gave the long braid that hung over her shoulder a tug. He knew he was being too bold and should release her hair immediately. But Becci didn�t object to his forwardness, and he couldn�t bring himself to release the silken tresses. He brushed the end down her jaw the way he would use a paintbrush to put the final strokes on a fragile carved chest and met her gaze head-on. �How long before you and this Michael plan on marrying? Surely he�ll help out until the vows are spoken.� He knew he would if she were his bride-
to-be.
Becci laughed and headed toward the kitchen. As she moved away he let the braid slide through his fingers, shoved his hands in his back pockets and followed her down the hall.
What would she have done if he�d brushed his lips to her cheek instead of the end of the braid? Slap him or return the kiss?
�I wouldn�t ask Michael to pour his money into this money pit. And he is helping me apply for the Ascomp Grant. He knows that only some type of grant will give me the necessary funds to keep the house. Of course, Aunt Lilly would give her life savings, if she had one, to save it. Michael explained to Lilly how the grant works but she�doesn�t trust him.�
�Do you?�
�He�s a financial advisor. My financial advisor.�
�But, do you trust him?�
�I...Yes, I...I do trust him.�
Caleb lifted her chin with one finger. Her words had sounded hesitant, and he wanted to see if that same hesitancy was reflected in her eyes. But his gaze never made it to her eyes. It landed on her beautiful mouth, and he resisted the urge to scrape his callused thumb over her lower lip.
When her lips parted slightly, as though in anticipation, he cleared his throat and said, �I hope he knows he�s getting a very special woman, Mary Rebecca Berclair.�
Before she could respond, he reached over her shoulder and lifted his wide-brimmed hat off the hook by the back door.
He had to get out of here before he did something ungentlemanly, like kiss another man�s betrothed.
He shoved the hat low over his eyes. �I�d better clean up the shed if I plan to sleep there tonight.�
After giving her a two-fingered salute, he picked up his saddlebags from the kitchen counter and walked out.
Becci pressed her fingertips to her lips. He�d looked as if he�d wanted to kiss her, and, heaven help her, she�d wanted him to do so. What was wrong with her? She was engaged for pity�s sake!
But the reminder didn�t stop the tingling in her lips. Nor did it stop her from recalling his words. Did he really think she was special?
***
The next afternoon Becci slapped the letters down on the table beside the door and grumbled, �More bills.�
What had she expected? A check? She needed to figure out which past due bills to pay, but that could wait until closer to payday. She�d promised her aunt that she would look at the dusty journals one more time, and she might as well get it over with. She didn�t know which was worse, reading old family history about delusional gold�no, orichalc�coins that transported a person through time, or fretting over her empty bank account. Both were depressing.
She picked up the box of old journals and headed for the kitchen. �Well, Mr. Caleb Harrison, let�s see if one of these can tell me a little more about you.�
She set the box on the kitchen table and stretched. Her back ached, and all she wanted to do was sleep. But she�d promised, and she would keep her word. She pressed one hand to the small of her back and stifled a groan.
Why had she worked so hard for what would probably end up being nothing? She adjusted the cushion in the canebottomed chair and sat down at the kitchen table with the first book.
According to Aunt Lilly, one of these old, tattered journals had a little of Caleb�s history in it. Of course she had no way of knowing if her Caleb and the man written about were one and the same. She still told herself that time travel was impossible, but as crazy as it seemed, there was a part of her that had begun to believe his story.
And if his story was true, would he still interest her if she knew more about him? She had enough trouble keeping her mind off the man without reading about him, but read she must.
Aunt Lilly would never stop pestering her until she did.
Becci straightened the book so the light hit it and carefully turned each brittle page. The grandfather clock�s constant ticking set a slow, monotonous pace in the background. She didn�t see anything about Caleb in this journal, so she set it aside, picked up the next one, and laid the first one back in the box.
This journal revealed more of the same boring monologue as the first. She didn�t care that rain washed out the bridge over the Wolf River or that a late spring freeze had destroyed the newly planted seedlings.
The second book joined the first. One by one she studied each journal. There was nothing of importance, at least not in her eyes. What had she expected? Maybe a detailed description of the man outside, or an identifying birthmark to give her positive proof that Caleb Harrison was whom he claimed? Or maybe she�d hoped to read about the elusive gold? No, she knew better than that. After all, her mother and father had looked in every conceivable place for the fortune.
They hadn�t had the journals, but if they couldn�t find the manor�s secret treasure in fifteen years what made her think she could locate it in less than a month? Assuming, of course, that it existed, which she still didn�t believe.
She flipped open the fourth book, stretched and glanced down at the first
page. A sense of awe consumed her. In the corner beside the date, Rebecca had
written, �Book One, 1815.�
January 10, 1815
Eli called for Saul this afternoon. He�s been sick since Saul and I moved here from Boston. He�s much worse today.
As Saul instructed, I wrote Obadiah to tell him of Eli�s worsening condition. I fear Eli will not be here when his son arrives.
Saul and I told Eli of my condition. We�d hoped the news that he would become a grandfather sometime in June would give him new strength. It didn�t, but we saw the pleasure it brought to him. Eli gave Saul the gold medallion. I�ve never seen Eli without it. Now Saul will be the one responsible for this last remaining piece of Atlantis metal. Orichalc, such an odd metal. Golden, yet not gold. Eli explained that Obadiah had stolen a similar coin from another family, then he lost it in a game of chance. Now the one we have will be theirs as payment for the sins against their family. We, as his kin, have now inherited Obadiah�s sins. Once the rightful family reclaims ownership and understands the aspects of the medallion it will become theirs. Through Obadiah�s disgrace we have lost the right to be keepers. There are no single men or women left in our family except for Christina�s son, and unless the new owner marries into our family the Berclair�s have lost the power forever.
As far as I know, there are no more pure Atlanteans left, and only a true Atlantean will be able to touch the medallion.
We will keep it safe until the proper owner arrives, or until we are instructed to nullify its properties. We cannot leave such power in the hands of uncaring souls for it will destroy them.
So this is where Aunt Lilly had found the proper name for the golden metal. Becci shut the book. She�d read enough for one evening, and she definitely didn�t need to read about what her namesake had done with the fortune she�d been forced to oversee.
Besides, Rebecca�s words were written in such a fancy script they were difficult to decipher. Becci cupped her palm to the back of her neck and massaged it. Then she caught the braid and slid her fingers along the woven length. When she reached the brush-like tip, the memory of Caleb painting her cheek with it flashed instantly to mind. What was he doing right now?
Not that she really cared. She didn�t. She just doubted he was from the past. After all, if he came from Rebecca�s era, he should be brimming with curiosity and bombarding her with questions. But he hadn�t asked about anything. Except when the lights came back on, she amended. And then he only questioned her on the meaning of the words �utilities and appliances.�
The thought of his reaction to electricity and his stunned expression made her smile. He�d beamed with curiosity, but remained silent. She had to admit his acting abilities surpassed her expectations. Earlier he�d stopped in front of the paintings on the stairwell gallery and waved his hand at Eli, Saul and Obadiah�s portraits. �I know who these three are, but who are the rest?� he had asked. Had he really known her ancestors?
Becci stood and stretched. Then she rolled her head in a slow circle trying to get relief for the nagging ache between her shoulder blades. With her hands on her hips, she twisted first to one side and then to the other. Finally, she bent forward, touching her toes. She slowly straightened and inhaled, drawing in a deep breath. She loved the smell of wood-smoke.
Wood-smoke? She glanced toward the bay window. The setting sun streaked the blue-white clouds as they forged a slow path through the large oaks and gnarled magnolia trees that surrounded the small lake.
Smoke. Fire!
She felt a surge of hysteria. She couldn�t lose Berclair Manor. Not this way. If she hurried she could the contain fire until the fire department arrived. She grabbed the telephone and punched the nine, then stopped, her index finger hesitating over the one.
No, she couldn�t call nine-one-one. What if it was a false alarm? They�d bill her for coming out, and it would cost more than she could afford. She would just have to check it out.
Another puff swirled over the hill. She grabbed a bucket from the shed and ran in the direction of the swelling clouds and fragrant odor of wood smoke.
When she reached the top of the hill, she came to an abrupt halt. Thank heavens she hadn�t called the fire department. It wasn�t a fire�it was Caleb. She drew in several deep, calming breaths then ambled down the slope.
Everything glistened around her. Water droplets left by the recent storm twinkled like diamonds in the trees. Caleb sat on a stump, his forearms resting on his denim-clad thighs and his hands hanging loosely between his knees.
He wiggled his fingers then jerked them back when the kitten slapped at them. He teased Pepper again and again, but that wasn�t what held Becci�s attention. It was the smooth muscles of his bare back rippling with each move that captivated her.
He picked up the kitten in one hand, leaned forward and shifted the two long sticks, turning over the catfish that lay at the edge of the small campfire. The evening sun painted the smooth surface of the lake with red and orange, while the dancing flame�s softer hues flickered over Caleb�s muscled shoulders. The man, more real than she cared to think about, stared as if hypnotized into the flames and slowly caressed the kitten. The fire created a golden halo, making the thin layer of perspiration on his body shimmer and added highlights of masculine strength to the sculptured lines.
The scene appeared mystical, like looking into a crystal ball and catching a vision of your future lover.
Lover?
Where had that thought come from? Certainly not from the scene playing before her. Caleb represented nothing magical, and he�d created the symbolic mist with his fire.
Besides, he didn�t show any signs of being overly interested in a relationship, intimate or otherwise. He cared more about her cat than her.
She couldn�t stop the smile from curling her lips. That wasn�t exactly true. She�d seen the desire flicker in his eyes each time she�d looked up and caught him staring at her.
She gave herself a mental shake. Enough.
�That�s against the law,� Becci proclaimed, pointing at the fire as she approached Caleb.
He snapped to attention. Without answering, he set the kitten down, rolled to his feet, and grabbed his shirt and hat off the low limb of the magnolia tree where he�d hung them. He slapped his hat onto his head and shrugged into his shirt.
Becci watched Pepper scamper off toward the house. When she faced Caleb she froze, her gaze locked on his hands as they inched up his shirt, sliding each button into place. She imagined those same callused thumbs tracing her lips, and the image sent a pleasant shiver down her spine.
�I wasn�t expecting company,� Caleb said.
His voice pulled her attention to his face. His eyes held no sign of desire as he scrutinized everything about her. His lips curled into a crooked line�half smile, half frown.
She�d never met anyone like Caleb Harrison. He had the power to make her tremble without even touching her. His raven-black hair curled just above his brows as if begging her to brush it back. His midnight-blue eyes showed a strong-willed, stubborn streak. Altogether he added up to a very sexy, very masculine, hunk-of-the-month-gorgeous guy.
�I didn�t know they�d made laws against cooking.�
Becci followed his motions as he pointed at the neatly circled stones and branches that made up his campsite. �Not cooking. Open fires. They�re too dangerous.� And so are you.
�Not if you know what you�re doing,� Caleb replied as he rolled a stump closer to the fire.
Oh, yes, especially if you know what you�re doing.
After checking the log for stability, he took his hat and fanned it over the top to dust away the loose leaves and twigs.
�Will you join me? It�s not much, but you�re welcome to share what there is.� He motioned for her to sit down.
Becci straddled the seat Caleb had prepared and set the bucket on the ground next to her. He waited until she�d settled before he returned to his seat.
His blue plaid shirt gaped open at the neck, revealing a thatch of dark hair the same shade as the long lengths that curled around his collar.
�I whittled down a fallen branch and managed to spear a couple of catfish,� he said, tipping his head toward the long pointed stick leaning against the magnolia tree�s trunk. �I would have tried catching the fish by hand in the logs around the pond, but Rebecca told me it was best not to disturb the snakes.�
Becci cringed. The thought of Caleb reaching under the water into one of the buried logs chilled her. �Grandma told me stories about men log fishing and losing a finger to a turtle or having to have a hand amputated for lack of medical attention after a snake bite. I thought the stories were tall tales woven to keep me from playing in the mud around the lake.�
�The stories are probably a bit exaggerated, but basically, they�re true. That�s one of the reasons I chose to make the spear.�
�You should have used one of the rod and reels in the shed,�
Becci said. �Although, after the front that just passed through I doubt you would have caught anything using them. I�m surprised you were able to catch these.�
�Me, too,� Caleb said reaching down to rotate one of the fish. �They�re ready to eat. You will join me, won�t you?�
She started to refuse, but Caleb was already sliding the fish off the charred limb and onto one of the old metal plates that had been stored in the shed. He leaned to one side, slid the plate toward her and repeated the process on a second one.
�Have you done this before? Cooked by the lake?� Becci asked as she reached for her portion.
�Yes, once or twice. Rebecca would fix a basket, and we would take our midday meal out here. We never stayed this late in the day, though.� Caleb lifted his gaze to the colorful sunset. �By now I�d have already tucked Luke into bed and been on the road back to Raleigh.� He broke off a piece of the white meat and took a bite.
A flash of what could only be jealousy sparked in Becci.
She wanted to ask him more questions about her namesake.
What kind of relationship had they had? What attracted him to her? How did she, Becci, compare to Rebecca? Instead, she followed his lead and pinched off a bite of the fish. To ask him such questions would be ridiculous. There was no such thing as time travel! Yet in her heart she knew he spoke the truth.
Somehow, he�d slipped forward in time. For now she�d ignore the situation and just enjoy the food.
The moment the morsel touched her lips she closed her eyes and enjoyed the rich smoked flavor. �This is absolutely the best fish I�ve ever tasted.�
�Thanks to Lilly,� Caleb admitted. �I asked her if she had any spices to liven up my dinner, and she gave me this,� he said holding up a small seasoning bottle. �And a lemon.�
�Well, this is fantastic.�
�Thanks,� he said again, this time with more emphasis.
Caleb hadn�t thought her approval would mean so much to him, but it did. Except for the gentle caress he�d woken up to after his arrival and the brief moment in the hall, she�d wavered between sharp-tongued and distantly polite. Now, she was offering kindness and conversation, and he was oddly hungry for both.
�Tell me about this nursery you�re planning.� Caleb broke off another bite and put it in his mouth, never taking his eyes off her. He heard the excitement in her voice as she talked about the new mothers who had to work but couldn�t find daycare, and of how she loved children.
�So those are the plans. Turn the downstairs into the nursery, with the exception of Aunt Lilly�s bedroom. When Aunt Lilly first came up with the plan to turn the house into a nursery we were going to use her room as a clinic for the children that might get sick during the day. But she broke her hip last year, and it�s too hard for her to go up and down the stairs.�
�I�m sorry to hear about Miss Lilly�s injury.� Caleb looked at his plate, surprised to find only bones remained. �Things have changed so much around here. You even closed the well, and I haven�t made it over to the spring for water.� Caleb shrugged. �I�ve already drank what water Miss Lilly gave me, so I can�t offer you anything to wash the fish down.�
�I didn�t close the well, the city did, and we don�t go to the spring for water. It�s piped to the house through the city�s water system. You could have gotten it from the spigot beside the back door.�
�Oh. Nobody told me. How would I go about learning the everyday things? Are there books? I know about switches that make dark rooms light, and that the torch I carried around the house is called a flashlight, but what are a rod and reel and a two-wheeler? There are hundreds of other things you�ve mentioned that don�t make sense to me. Will you teach me about these things?�
�Come off it, Caleb. Enough is enough. The thought of you being from the past is ridiculous, and I�m not going to listen to another word,� Becci snapped, bounding angrily off the stump. She tossed the metal plate next to the fire, spun away and hurried up the hill. She�d heard all she wanted to hear about him being from another lifetime. The thought tied her in knots.
One moment she believed him and the next logic took over.
It was all a pack of lies. It had to be. If she believed him she was as crazy as he was. Demented. Deranged.
�Miss Berclair, please,� Caleb called after her. She didn�t turn around, and he sighed heavily.
He had no right to ask her to teach him about things that would be useless when he returned to Rebecca. And once he removed the medallion from the dresser and rounded up Jacobs, they would go back to Raleigh.
They didn�t have a choice. He had to save Rebecca, and Luke needed him.
Becci glanced at her aunt as the back door cracked against the frame. She pounded her fists against her thigh, one for every number as she counted slowly to ten. Then she repeated the sequence. Her nerves were shot. Why had Caleb said please when he asked to learn about the present? She wanted to ignore the sincerity in his voice, but he�d looked so vulnerable when he�d asked for her help.
�Becci, dear, you�re going to crack the windows with that temper of yours. What�s the matter now?� Lilly tugged her housecoat closer around her and retied the belt before turning on the stove to heat the milk for their nightly cup of chocolate.
They both enjoyed this one and only extravagance they had left from better times. It gave them a chance to go over the day�s events and discuss their financial status.
�Nothing. Everything.� Becci pressed her fingertips to her temples and closed her eyes. She knew it was childish, but she said, �That man is stealing my cat, and why did you hire someone who belongs in a straitjacket?�
�I didn�t hire him. I thought you did. And Pepper�s a stray, so technically he�s not yours.�
Becci dropped into one of the kitchen chairs and gently massaged the tight muscles at her nape. �Stop kidding around.
You told me you�d take care of everything, and you did.� She glanced at Lilly and waited for her affirmation.
�Everything?�
Becci frowned at her aunt.
Lilly shrugged as if she still didn�t know what Becci meant.
�The workers. Caleb,� Becci said in exasperation.
�Oh, my. If you didn�t hire him, and I didn�t hire him...Do you think Caleb Harrison might have really come from the past?�
Becci tossed her braid over her shoulder and tipped her chair onto its back legs. Keeping one toe on the floor, she rocked back and forth. There had to be a logical answer. �Aunt Lilly, you told me you took care of the movers,� Becci said patiently.
�If Caleb isn�t one of them, what happened to the ones you did hire?�
Lilly stirred the special cocoa paste she�d made into the milk and switched off the burner. �Right after Caleb collapsed, the dispatcher called to apologize for his men not getting here.
They had a wreck on the way over, but thankfully no one was injured. He wanted to reschedule. I told them you�d hired someone else.�
�But I didn�t.� The chair came down with a loud bang, and Becci lifted her gaze to stare at her aunt. Could he really be the Caleb Harrison? She told herself he wasn�t, and that her aunt and he were pulling some kind of hoax, probably hoping it would stop her from selling the house. But even as she told herself that, she couldn�t help playing what if. �If he�s for real, does this mean the stories about the gold are real, too?�
�It�s not gold, it�s�.�
�I know, orichalc. Do you think it�s still valuable? If it�s real, of course.�
�Of course it�s real, Becci.�
�Well, let�s suppose for a moment that it is real. You read all the journals. Isn�t there a hint about where it might be hidden?�
Lilly pulled a tissue from the pocket of her housecoat, took off her glasses and began cleaning them thoughtfully. �Well, I only scanned the ones written by Eli. They were too technical for me. Obadiah�s, Saul�s and Rebecca�s were the best.
Christina�s dealt mostly with the constant jealousy she had for Rebecca. Saul wrote about what to do for time-travelers. That�s where I learned about the remedy and the orichalc. The information on Caleb came from Rebecca�s journal. Of course the information about Rebecca�s death was in Obadiah�s and Christina�s books.�
Lilly�s voice drifted into a thoughtful murmur as if she were speaking to herself. �Saul didn�t say anything about how people got from one era to the next. He should have. That�s an important fact, don�t you think? Maybe I just missed it. Oh, well, I guess it will be just as good if you find out instead of me.�
Becci waited for her aunt to run down. Or come back to what they�d been discussing. She might not do either if she got wound up in a subject that excited her.
Lilly glanced toward the bay window and shook her head.
�Becci, dear, I don�t think Caleb would intentionally steal the kitten. He seems like such a nice man. Animals sense that sort of thing. The journals could be wrong, but if he is that Caleb Harrison, we�ll need to be very careful. Do you think he�ll harm Pepper?�
Becci sighed. �I don�t think Pepper�s in danger. Nor are we. Caleb is no killer. I�d bet my life on it.�
That was exactly what she�d done, she realized with a start.
�I certainly hope you�re right,� Lilly said as she slipped on her glasses and took two mugs out of the cabinet. �We don�t want a murderer hanging around the manor.� She poured the cocoa into the mugs and set one on the table beside the journals.
Wrapping her hands around the other, she leaned back against the counter. �I think I�ll drink my chocolate in my room and leave you to your reading.�
Becci tapped the stack of books she�d left on the table when she�d seen the smoke. �If there�s anything about any precious metals in one of these books, I�ll find it.� She lifted the mug and, with a slight nod, raised it to her lips. �Thanks for the chocolate.�
�You�re welcome, dear.�
Becci stood up and gave her aunt a kiss on the cheek. Aunt Lilly might jump from subject to subject during a single conversation, and at times her thought processes could confuse even the most astute listener, but Becci loved her dearly. She�d always been there for her, especially after her parents� deaths.
For that she would be eternally grateful.
Becci gathered up the journals and followed Lilly out of the kitchen. She still didn�t believe there was gold�or orichalc�in the house, but maybe reading the journals would get her mind off the feelings Caleb evoked in her. Feelings she shouldn�t be having toward a stranger. After all, she was engaged.
Becci flipped on the light in the family room. After laying the books on the end table, she snuggled into one corner of the overstuffed couch. Once settled, she balanced the mug on her stomach and closed her eyes.
Steam rose from the cup, bringing the sweet aroma of chocolate. Nothing erased Caleb�s sexy voice from her memory.
It drifted to her in the misty steam from her cocoa along with the image of his sun-drenched frame leaning forward, his arms resting on his jean-clad thighs as he teased her cat. Even the thought of him made her heart race.
With a sigh, Becci set the mug on the end table. She adjusted the light and picked up the first book. If Caleb was from the past, how had he gotten here? And why had he come? Maybe the answers would be somewhere among these stained, yellowed pages.
Carefully, Becci ran her hand over the front cover and slowly flipped open the book.
February 20, 1815
They buried Eli yesterday. As I knew would happen, Obadiah and my sister arrived too late to see him one last time. At least they came swiftly enough to see him laid to rest.
They didn�t stay long. After lunch they hurried to Sanderlin�s Bluff to catch a barge heading for Memphis. They didn�t want to miss the steamer that would take them to St. Louis.
Obadiah told Saul to sell the house. He wants no part in running Berclair Manor. He complained that he needed the money as soon as possible to pay off his debts. Obadiah claims that as the oldest son, it is all his.
Saul will abide by his father�s wishes and divide the income equally. If Obadiah has his way, his fancy attorney will have us out on the streets within the year.
Obadiah�s hatred for Saul is well known. Although Eli declared his love for both his sons, he chose Saul and I to bear the penalty of Obadiah�s greed. How do we rectify your crime, Obadiah? How? Oh, Eli, how could you do this to us?
Saul said this was your way of showing that you trust our judgment. How I wish I�d never heard of the Atlantean coin. I do not blame you, Eli. You were a father to me. You accepted me as your own, and my heart feels the pain of losing you.
The words blurred. Becci struggled to keep the memories at bay. Memories that reminded her that Aunt Lilly represented the bulk of her family. And since Michael didn�t want children, there would be no heir to the Berclair legacy, a legacy that covered more than one hundred and seventy years.
Becci ruffled the corner of the book. The diamond solitaire on her finger caught the light and flashed colored fragments over the pages. The day Michael showed up at her door reminded Becci of the day Caleb arrived. She didn�t know why.
Maybe because they were both strangers.
Michael had come by looking for a friend, but he had the wrong address. Before he walked away, he gave her his business card and asked if he might call on her socially. They started dating, and within a month he�d become her financial advisor.
His wizardry had given her hope for a brighter future, although she�d yet to see any improvement. Michael kept telling her that these things took time. Just like making a commitment.
They�d only dated six months when he asked her to marry him. It had taken her a month to accept. Their relationship wasn�t one of passion. At least not the kind found in the romance novels she read. Passion like that didn�t really exist.
What about Caleb? An inner voice taunted. You feel his passion, and you�ve never even kissed him.
Becci dismissed the thought. Caleb had no place in her life. Michael did. Michael gave her hope, but not for Berclair Manor or her nursery. She wanted the happiness that had existed in the past to return to this house. Besides, Caleb was either nuts or from the past. Neither option bode well for a future.
�Everything I�ve read is so filled with despair, Mary Rebecca. Yet, you never lost faith, did you? You had happiness in your life, even if it didn�t last. Were you the last to find true love?� Becci shut the journal and tossed it on top of the others.
The books shifted, sending one flying off the table.
Becci leaned down to pick it up. Her hand hovered over the dim, smeared ink date on the cover�May 1815-June 1816
Curious, she picked up the book and opened it.
May 10, 1815,
Even though my last journal still has space, I�m starting a new one. Saul and I saw someone today. His lips turned up in a shy smile when he met us. Saul and I knew we�d met a man that shared our kinship. He arrived this morning and attended our small prayer meeting at the General Store.
Mr. Harrison stared at the medallion. When he greeted us, his first act was to examine the necklace. He could touch it. And his gaze didn�t contain the diffidence others had shown, but held a reverence the books say is due the amulet. Saul heard his thoughts. Yes, Caleb Harrison is indeed an Atlantean.
With a trembling hand Becci skimmed the rest of the page.
Rebecca closed with a small paragraph about the weather and signed it as she had the others with just her initials M.R.B.
Becci turned the page.
May 11, 1815,
I visited the General Store today and overheard several of the men discussing Caleb Harrison�s situation. He�s a carpenter in need of work and lodging. I must inform Saul.
We can offer him both. He can help Saul get the nursery built before the baby comes.
Becci read down the page. Below this section were several dates, each containing a brief description of the weather and comments on her pregnancy. All the passages ended with the simple phrase. �Nothing new on Mr. Harrison today.� Her descriptions of the weather were more flowery, and Becci sensed the anticipation her namesake must have felt about becoming a mother.
May 17, 1815,
During the church services today, I caught Mr. Harrison staring. Each time he nodded and smiled the smile that is uniquely his. After the service, Brother Robert introduced Mr.
Harrison to the gathering. He informed us that an order of wood suitable for making furniture should arrive on the next riverboat. Mr. Harrison is taking special requests for his work.
Saul and Caleb are friends now, and he accepted our offer.
Soon the baby�s nursery will be finished.
May 21, 1815,
I met with Mr. Harrison today. Saul is sick and wanted me to ask Caleb if he might move into the lean-to down by the lake. As we spoke, I told him about the few trinkets missing from my cupboard. It seems I wasn�t the only one confiding to him. We�d never had a problem before. Although he�s the only stranger in town, it can�t be him. The thefts started at least a fortnight prior to Caleb�s arrival. The rumors are surfacing anyway. People are suggesting that he has an accomplice. I don�t believe them. Caleb is a good man. He suggested each piece of furniture he makes should have a secret compartment.
He assures me this will be easy to do. I must hide our valuables and the amulet from the thief. Although I don�t care about their value, they are my child�s future. I�m not one that believes in fate, but I know there is a reason for Caleb Harrison�s arrival. Saul believes he is the new keeper. If he is, he will soon learn that the medallion Saul wears belongs to him.
Obadiah�s debt will be paid, and we can live our lives as they were meant to be. I pray for Saul�s rapid recovery. There is so little time left to raise the room.
Becci smiled and laid the book on top of the stack. How had the stranger staying in her shed learned enough about Caleb Harrison to impersonate him? And it had to be an impersonation. It was impossible that he�d come from the past.
To believe anything else was crazy.
Maybe he�d read the books and was pulling a scam. But why? Was he casing the house, hoping to find the treasures Rebecca spoke about?
Becci traced the smudged ink. �I�ll prove you�re lying, Caleb Harrison, if it takes a month,� Becci promised.
Suddenly the journal she�d been reading fell off the stack and hit the floor, as if someone had slammed it down. Becci jerked her hand back, her eyes locked on the book.
�What was that all about?� Lilly set her empty mug on the end table.
�Huh?� What had caused the journal to fall to the floor?
She hadn�t pushed it. She�d barely rested her fingers against the stained leather.
Lilly picked up the book, laid it back on top of the stack, and reached for her cup. �Why did you throw it down?�
�I didn�t. It...slid off the stack.�
Becci tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and shook her head. She didn�t believe in ghosts or books that moved on their own. She just hadn�t realized she�d shoved it hard enough to push it off the stack.
�It�s time to go to bed,� Becci said. She placed the books in the storage box, making sure they were in order with the
1815-1816 volume on the bottom.
She wanted to read them in order, yet the journal on Caleb lured her away from her plan. �The next time I read,� Becci vowed, �I�ll start with the journal written in 1810.�
She lugged the heavy box upstairs. Until she found the time to read them, she would keep the books close by. No one would get the chance to gain more information without her knowing.
***
Caleb held his plate in both hands and tried to focus his attention on nature�s music. Frogs and crickets began their nightly chorus, extolling a lively and, usually, tranquilizing serenade. He�d gone to sleep to the soothing songs for years.
Tonight the sounds only heightened the anxiety churning in his stomach. With an exasperated sigh, Caleb tossed his plate on top of Becci�s, grabbed the bucket she�d left, and made his way to the water�s edge.
�Why couldn�t your namesake have been as caring and sensitive as you, Rebecca?� Caleb addressed his question to the stars. �I think I�m losing my mind, but I�ve got to talk to someone. Over the past year, you�ve always been there for me.�
Could Rebecca hear him? Would he regain consciousness in the guest bedroom, recovering from a fall? Or wake up from a deep sleep in his own bed, having dreamed this nightmare?
But what if this was real? What if he was stuck in this time?
Caleb massaged the muscles at his neck. This must really be getting to him. He couldn�t be in the future. It was impossible to travel through time. Wasn�t it? He set the bucket beside a small oak tree and scooped up a handful of acorns. He had to think. Leaning against the tree trunk he tossed the small nuts into the water.
�What am I going to do? I figured that when the right time comes along, I�ll walk through that doorway and be back where I came from. I must go back for Luke�s sake.� His promise to raise Luke demanded that he find the way back. If he didn�t, Obadiah would end up stealing everything from Luke, and the boy would end up as impoverished as he�d once been. Caleb would never be able to live with himself if that happened.
The last acorn joined the others in the water. He dusted his hands and bent to pick up the bucket. Then he caught the trunk of one of the small oaks and leaned out over the water to fill the bucket. Swinging to the side, he set the bucket down, regained his balance and stared up at the last rays of the setting sun.
Tomorrow he would get the medallion out of the dresser. It had to still be hidden in there. How else could he have heard Becci�s and then Mr. Latham�s thoughts when he touched the dresser at the same time they did?
His breath caught in his throat. After a hundred and sixty years of being hidden, would the medallion�s powers be strong enough to return him to Rebecca and Luke? How could he find out?
He didn�t dare enter Becci�s room without being invited. A gentleman didn�t do that unless the woman in question spent her evenings entertaining the gents of the area.
But he knew he Becci wouldn�t invite him in, and he couldn�t tell her why he needed to go into her bedroom. She might take the medallion, and he�d never get back to Luke and Rebecca. He would have to figure out a way to get into her room without her knowing it. Surely she had a few indoor chores for him to do. He didn�t like sneaking about, but he didn�t have a choice. He�d also have to find Jacobs, but he didn�t figure that would be too hard. All he�d have to do is look for the nearest saloon.
With renewed vigor Caleb dumped another bucket of water on the fire and spread the ashes. He repeated each move again to make sure the fire was dead. Then he returned to his place under the oak tree.
Caleb stretched, then leaned against the tree trunk and watched the sun drop below the horizon. He�d always enjoyed the way the water reflected the beautiful sunsets. At least that much hadn�t changed.
With a weary sigh, he pushed himself up and headed for the shed. If he planned on sleeping there, he had to straighten up some of the clutter.
A few minutes later, he flipped the switch that flooded the shed with glorious light. Sleepless nights would no longer be a problem. He shook his head. The whole room gleamed as if the noonday sun shown inside.
Caleb grabbed a scrap of canvas off the floor and scrubbed some of the gritty dust off the lettering on several of the boxes.
When he was done his heart pounded against his ribs. Most of the boxes held books. Books were the best teachers. He would start with them to learn about this time.
As he opened a box, he recalled that when he was six Sister Teresa told him he needed to read if he planned on leaving the orphanage some day. She loaned him a Bible and several other books. At that moment his whole life changed.
He returned the books to the Sister the day Farmer Boyd took him out of the orphanage. Sister Teresa wrote in the Bible and gave it to him as a gift. He�d left it under the wagon seat when he passed through time, and he felt a sense of loss. Maybe he would find a Bible stored in one of the boxes. One by one he went through them.
�It can�t be,� he whispered when he finally found a bible.
He flipped the front cover open to the first page and traced the faded inscription. James Caleb Harrison. It was his bible.
He stripped off his clothes, brushed the day�s grime off and moved the cot under the window so he could see the stars.
He pulled a thin sheet over his naked body and stared up at the sky with his Bible clutched to his chest. He fought the emotions churning inside him. He�d managed to keep his journal with him as he traveled through time, and he�d found his Bible. But he�d lost so much.
He�d lost Luke.
If Rebecca had agreed to his plan, the boy would have been his son. Would he ever hold the boy again? He didn�t know, and only time would give him an answer. He closed his eyes, covered them with his forearm and slipped into a restless sleep.
***
Caleb rolled off the cot instantly alert. Something had woken him, but what?
A light tapping sounded, followed by Lilly�s frail voice.
�Mr. Harrison, are you decent?�
�No, ma�am. Give me a minute.� Caleb grabbed his trousers and hurriedly pulled them on, then shrugged into his shirt before he opened the door.
�Good morning. I�m sorry if I woke you,� Lilly said. �I�ve made you some biscuits and sausage for breakfast, and I thought you might prefer them hot. And here�s a thermos of coffee, too.� Lilly twisted off the top on a strange looking cylinder, poured the coffee into a cup and handed it to him, then she resealed the �thermos.� Another word to remember.
Thanks for the breakfast and the coffee, too, ma�am,� Caleb said. Last night he�d wondered what he would do for his next meal. He�d planned on catching another fish, but this was definitely a better breakfast.
�Becci has to work today, but she left a list of things for you to do.�
Caleb scanned the list Lilly handed him. Becci�s penmanship was very different from the writing of his time, but he was able to read it. Every job Becci wanted done was outside.
He felt a wave of frustration. He�d promised to help, but he�d thought the jobs would be inside, and he would have a chance to check the dresser for the medallion. He knew it was there. He just wanted to verify it before he dragged Jacobs into the house for the trip back to their time.
That wouldn�t happen today and probably not tomorrow, if this list indicated the amount of work Becci planned to pile on him every day.
�Thanks for the breakfast, Miss Lilly. I think I�ll eat these down by the pond.� He grabbed his hat off the stack of boxes by the door, took the plate in one hand, the cup in the other and followed Lilly outside.
�I�ll let you work at your own pace and call you to the house when lunch is ready,� Lilly said.
Caleb waited until she went inside then headed back to the clearing where he�d taken his evening meal. He had just sat down when a movement on the far side of the pond caught his attention. He stood to get a better look. William Jacobs was sneaking through the bushes. Caleb moved to the top of the hill and watched as Jacobs staggered into the shed. At least now he knew where the drunk was and, if he were as drunk as he looked, he would sleep most of the day.
***
Caleb opened the shed door and cringed. The whole room reeked of Jacobs, but the man was nowhere in sight. He cursed both the man�s disappearance and the smell.
He raked his fingers through his hair. If he planned to sleep in the shed it would need airing out. He propped open the door and raised the window so the breeze flowed through the room.
Then he grabbed his Bible and sat outside under the oak tree, using the last of the day�s light to read by.
He hadn�t seen Becci all day. He�d returned from the other side of the pond to find a covered plate sitting on a rickety old chair that someone had placed beside the shed door. After he ate, he�d taken the plate back to the house, hoping to see Becci, but Lilly said she had already gone upstairs for the night.
***
Becci woke to the sound of glass shattering. �Who�s there?�
she yelled as she snatched her robe off the foot of her bed. She yanked it on and quickly tied the sash. Her heart pounded so hard she knew the burglar could probably hear it all the way downstairs.
Aunt Lilly, please don�t interrupt who ever it is, Becci pleaded silently. There were no phones upstairs, no way to call for help. The door hinges squealed when she ventured into the hall. Something fell with a loud crash, followed by an explicit curse in a raspy, masculine voice.
Becci pressed her back flat against the wall. She needed a weapon before she confronted the burglar.
No. She wouldn�t go down. Aunt Lilly would stay out of harm�s way, and so would she. As she stood helplessly in the upstairs hallway listening to a thief pilfer through her belongings a floor below, her temper reached the boiling point.
In her journal, Rebecca had written, �Trinkets missing from my cupboard.� Had Caleb been Raleigh�s thief back then?
A door rattled, then the screen clapped against its frame.
Silence.
A moment later Aunt Lilly called to her from the foot of the stairs. �Becci, honey, he�s gone. Come down and help me assess the damage.�
Anger rippled over Becci. What had Caleb stolen? She�d been understanding, had even given him a place to stay. And how had he repaid her?
With thievery. Tomorrow she would order him off her property.
Becci jerked a pair of jeans from her closet, then tossed them on the bed with the others she�d rejected for one reason or another. She tapped her foot impatiently. What did it matter what she wore to kick Caleb off her property? It shouldn�t matter, but it did.
She finally selected a dark green outfit, then tried to force some control to her unruly hair. She slammed the brush down and braced her fists on her hips. Primping? She�d lost her mind.
With one last look in the mirror, she rolled her eyes and hurried downstairs. She would drink a glass of milk instead of her usual coffee. Maybe that would calm her nerves. Then she would face Caleb.
Her aunt puttered around the kitchen, making biscuits and setting the table for breakfast. Becci carried her glass of milk to the dining room and studied the destroyed cabinet door. Glass crunched under her feet, and Becci�s anger rose another notch.
Forget calming down. She was going to get rid of Caleb now.
***
As he�d done the last two nights, Caleb went to sleep with the Bible�s weight resting on his chest. He�d rolled away from the light coming in the window and fought through the fog of his first few waking moments. He gradually opened his eyes, hoping to see that the last two days had been just a vivid dream, but he knew that this morning wouldn�t be any different than yesterday�s.
The early morning sun etched bright squares on the stacks of boxes. Nothing had changed. He�d really walked into the future. At least today there wasn�t a storm brewing.
That thought died instantly when the door bounced open with a loud explosion. The weather might have changed, but Miss Berclair sure hadn�t.
Sunlight silhouetted her figure where she stood in the entry, but he didn�t have to see her face to know it was her. Becci�s trim, youthful body gave her away. She was younger than the Rebecca he knew, but just as beautiful. And Lord, he wanted her in his bed.
Through half-closed eyes, Caleb watched her pivot around.
She�d glanced at something in the far corner, but what?
�Get out,� Becci ordered as she advanced toward him, her hands on her hips. �Unless you�re snake bit or dying from some unnamed wound that you thought alcohol would cure, I want you off my property. I�ll not cater to thieves. A liar is bad enough, but when you steal from the people trying to help you, you�re lower than the scum of the earth.�
Her words slowly penetrated his sleep-fogged mind. He stretched his arms above his head and stifled a groan. �I take it something�s missing.� He�d been right about her eyes sparking when she got mad. And right now they didn�t hold just sparks, they were in full blaze.
�Damn right. If you wanted our whiskey, all you had to do was ask. But no, you have to break into the cabinet and steal it.
The glass alone will cost sixty dollars to replace. That�s money I don�t have.�
Caleb laid his Bible on the floor and cupped his hands behind his head. He wouldn�t get angry at her accusation that he was a thief. There had to be a logical answer. He certainly hadn�t taken her whiskey.
As he tried to think how to approach the matter, he swept his gaze over her. Today she wore long pants in a muted green and a matching top that brought out the color of her eyes and covered her torso completely. The outfit didn�t erase the memory of her bare legs and slender waistline. If anything, he liked the less revealing garments better. Her anger heightened the color in her cheeks, giving her a fresh, glowing look. He fought to keep his masculine needs under control. If only he knew if she were a proper lady or not. She might dress like a bordello woman, but after their earlier misunderstanding, he doubted she worked at the local brothel.
Caleb closed his eyes and stifled another groan. Even if she did work at the brothel, he couldn�t touch her. She belonged to someone else, and he�d bet a ranch hand�s wages the man wasn�t a sleazy saloon type or a bastard, like Caleb.
Besides, she�d come here in anger, and he knew her anger would get worse if he got up. His clothes hung on a nail beside the door. It would serve her right if he decided to toss aside his cover and traipse across the room with nothing on but what God brought him into the world with.
�I didn�t take the whiskey,� he told her. �Spirits rob a man of his ability to think straight, and in my situation I need all my wits intact.�
�If you didn�t take it, then how did that get in here?� Becci asked, pointing toward the far end of the room.
Caleb rolled his head to the side and looked where she pointed. The sunlight flickered off something on the opposite side of the room. Catching the corners of the sheet securely, he whirled to a sitting position. An empty bottle lay in plain sight between two boxes.
�Jacobs must have brought that in here.�
�I�ve never seen your Mr. Jacobs. You�re the one who checked the lock on the door and lingered in the dining room to study the liquor in the cabinet. If you weren�t looking for whiskey, what were you looking for? I bet you spent the last two days planning the robbery instead of finishing the jobs I gave you.�
Caleb�s temper stirred. First she thought he was trying to play out some sort of ruse with Lilly�s help. Then she�d accused him of trying to bargain his work for time in her bed. Now, she denounced him as a liar and a thief.
He tried to tamp down his anger. Hadn�t she learned anything about how he felt about liquor? If he�d wanted it, he would have taken it the first day.
�I was examining the workmanship of the cabinet, not planning to steal its contents,� he said. �Maybe you�d better ask Jacobs about the whiskey. He does have a taste for strong drink.�
�And you don�t?� Becci drawled sarcastically. �You probably fall below him in that department. You�re the only one who has been in the house.� Becci paced back and forth in front of the door, her hands on her hips. �Aunt Lilly and I both saw you looking at the cabinet during one of your trips inside the other day.�
She stopped pacing, and turned to face him. �What are you doing? Casing the place? Not my house, mister. I�ve had enough. You�ve taken the last thing you�ll ever take from me.
Leave, now, or I�m going to call the police.�
She�d had enough. Well so had he. He�d been patient. Hell, he�d been a damnable saint. Caleb stood up and snapped the sheet off.
Becci gasped.
Caleb hesitated for a moment, his breath hissing between clenched teeth. With deliberately slow steps he crossed the room, jerked his clothes off the nail beside the door and retraced his path back to the bed. He tossed the clothes down and in two long strides closed the distance between them. Less than an inch separated them. With each breath, he drew in the soft scent of wildflowers and felt the flimsy material of her blouse brush against the hair on his chest.
�For the record, Mary Rebecca, I haven�t taken anything�
not even the medallion that belongs to me. And I have to have that to get back to where I belong.�
Even though he was furious with her, he couldn�t fight the urge to feel her mouth against his. Three days of trying to ignore the way her pants molded her rounded bottom and her tops teased him with glimpses of pale skin was all he could take.
He caught Becci by the shoulders, lowered his head and took her lips for a taste of heaven. She tasted better than fresh, cold water after a hard day in the field. He feathered kisses across her lips from one corner of her mouth to the other. In his thirtytwo years, he�d kissed lots of women, but none as tantalizing as this stranger.
Becci gasped again, and Caleb took advantage of her parted lips to dip his tongue into the sweetness of her mouth. She tasted of milk and mint. Of anger and desire, heaven and hell, and the forbidden fruit, all rolled into one.
He curled his fingers into her silky hair. It held the scent of flowers and hung loose over her shoulders in a riotous flurry of red curls. Lord, she felt good, and she tasted better than anything he�d ever experienced.
Becci heard a deep-throated groan and realized it had come from her. His kiss was tender and soothing. Her anger evaporated as he slipped one hand to her waist and let the other glide up to cup the back of her head.
She had to end this! And she would, in a minute.
She slipped her hands to his shoulders to push him away.
Instead, she pulled him closer, delighting in the explosive feel of his flesh against her palms. He tensed as she wove her fingers together behind his neck, but he didn�t back away.
He slid his hands down her arms, his thumbs grazing the sides of her breasts. He moved his hands to her waist and took the kiss deeper.
His hold tightened, and he drew her intimately nearer. She could taste the hunger, the need, and something else that tugged at her heart that she couldn�t quite identify. His arousal pressed against her abdomen, and she instinctively arched against him.
Wanting. Needing. But not knowing how to put out the fire he�d ignited. Her whole body trembled.
With a surge of need she couldn�t deny, she buried her hands in the soft folds of his hair. She wanted his arms around her, wanted to lose herself in his embrace. He reminded her of summer storms�the scent of fresh pine needles and the fresh soil of the flower beds after a much-needed rain.
Oh, Lord, Michael�s kisses had never tasted this good.
Michael!
Frantically she pushed against Caleb�s chest.
He pulled back and stared at her. His lips curled into the half smile Rebecca had discovered was uniquely his. Seizing her wrists, he held them against his chest with one hand. She could feel the thunder of his heart, its pace matching her own.
He traced a line over her lips, then let his knuckles glide over her cheek before dropping his arm to circle her waist.
He traced tiny circles in her palm with his thumb. Becci stared at her hand cradled in his, his touch unbearably erotic, provoking images of intimacies in rumpled satin sheets that she had only read about. His kiss had kindled a fire deep inside her.
She�d stormed into the shed ready to throw him out of her life. Instead, he had dissolved her into a quivering mass of jelly. The very sight of him made her desires soar. The feel of his body against hers did strange things to her senses.
Michael had never made her tremble. No one ever had.
How could she kiss Caleb and enjoy it when her heart belonged to another man? What could she be thinking of?
Heat warmed her cheeks at the realization that they were plastered together from the waist down. Only her thin cotton slacks and underwear separated her from his arousal, and she didn�t want to move away.
�I shouldn�t have done that,� Caleb whispered. His eyes, dark with passion, held hers. Inviting her to make the next move, yet closing down as if to put a barrier between them.
�I�m not sorry I did, but you might be... and should be, if you aren�t ready to�.�
He glanced at the cot then back at her.
Becci jumped backwards as if he�d branded her.
Caleb chuckled and turned away. He jerked on his jeans and shirt. When he faced her again, the guard on his emotions appeared to be firmly in place.
�For the record, Miss Berclair, I don�t have a liking for whiskey, and I�m not particularly fond of wine, either. I may be a bastard, but I don�t lie, cheat or steal. I did kill a man once. I�m not proud of it, but it happened, and with good cause.�
Caleb picked up his hat and settled it on his head. �I owe you a half day�s work for the use of your cot. If you have no objection to me making that a full day, I�ll use the other half to pay you for this.� He scooped the Bible off the floor and held it up. �I found it among Rebecca�s things.�
Becci nodded, afraid her voice would betray the emotional turmoil inside her.
�I�ll work straight through until dinner. Then I�ll be gone.�
�F...fine,� Becci stammered.
Caleb picked up the hoe he�d repaired yesterday and headed for the garden. Becci had given him a list of chores. He still had to weed the flowers before he left.
�Miss Berclair,� Caleb called from the doorway without facing her. �It�s been a pleasure meeting my Rebecca�s namesake. There is gold in the manor. I only need one small piece of the treasure, and it�s not gold, it�s orichalc. You may have the rest. Once I find it for you, I�m gone. I just wanted you to know there are no bad feelings, and I�ll be no more trouble to you. I also promise that I�ll take Jacobs back with me, so you�ll have no more problems.�
That said, he walked out.
Becci stared at the empty doorway, her fingertips pressed to her still tingling lips.
�Oh!�
The single syllable had come out as a breathy whisper.
Caleb Harrison packed a punch like no man she�d ever kissed.
How could she have behaved so�so wantonly with a stranger?
She should apologize, but her feet wouldn�t move. Her heart pounded frantically�and not from fear, either.
Pepper leapt out of the corner and sent the empty whiskey bottle spinning toward her. She retrieved it before it rolled away and scooped up the kitten.
She held the cat up in front of her. �He proved one thing for certain. He didn�t smell like he�d been up all night drinking.
But where else could the bottle have come from? I want to believe him. I really do.�
***
Jacobs eased the blanket away from his face and watched the woman scoop up the cat. He wished she would leave. He needed a drink, but he didn�t dare move until she left.
But he couldn�t wait. He licked his lips, quietly twisted the top off the whiskey bottle and swallowed a big gulp. Damn woman. At least he�d had the good sense to stay under the blanket out of sight while she accused Caleb of stealin�.
He brushed his mouth on his shirtsleeve. Two bottles wouldn�t last him long. He would have ta slow his drinkin�
until he learned where they kept their stash. He tucked the full bottle in the crook of his arm, took another swig of the open one and moved deeper into the shadows. Slow, he ordered silently. Drink it slow.
***
She�d made a mistake, and thievery had nothing to do with it. The danger lay in Caleb�s kiss, which had felt like magic.
Becci tossed the bottle in the trash can and combed her fingers through Pepper�s soft fur. The cat mewed, squirmed free and scurried out the door. She was sure it was following Caleb.
�Traitor.� Becci dusted her hands and scanned the dingy surroundings. A single row of boxes, all marked books, lined the same wall the cot occupied. Another row of boxes lined the other wall. Caleb Harrison certainly wasn�t lazy. He�d done more work in three days than two men could in a week.
There had to be something here that gave her a clue about the real Caleb Harrison, and she was still convinced her Caleb couldn�t be the one from the past.
She took a tentative step toward the cot. Why had he wanted the Bible? She traced the raised letters on the bible�s front and ruffled the thin pages. Slowly, she lifted the time-aged cover to the dedication page and read the inscription.
Accept this, my gift to you, Caleb Harrison. You are a young man ahead of your time. A soul destined for future greatness. Listen and learn, read and pray. We, here at Our Lady of Sorrow Orphanage, wish you the best. God bless you.
Your friend, Sister Teresa Caleb hadn�t said why he wanted the bible, but now she knew. It definitely belonged to a Caleb Harrison, but was he the Caleb Harrison? She turned to the middle section to see if anything had been listed there.
The family tree had the name Sara beside the word mother.
Where the father�s name would be, a child�s hand had written
�Bastard.� The label didn�t mean much today, but a hundred and sixty years ago it held the power to scar a child for life.
Two other names were listed on the page. The first had two small paragraphs beside it.
Elizabeth Murray, as of the fifteenth day of January in the year of our Lord 1810 has agreed to become my Mrs. We will wed in the summer.
Becci smiled at the simple statement of love. But as she read the rest, her smile died.
My dearest Elizabeth laid to rest this fifth day of April in the year of our Lord 1810. Killed by the hand of an illicit lover. Good-bye Elizabeth.
�Killed by an illicit lover?� She�d seen words similar to those when she�d scanned the last page of Rebecca�s diary.
They were in the paragraph speaking of Rebecca�s death. The journal entry bore the signature of Obadiah Berclair, Saul�s brother.
The names of Saul and Rebecca were next in Caleb�s Bible beside the date of May 10, 1815. Only one paragraph followed their names.
My thanks to one of the fine citizens of Raleigh. I now know Saul and Rebecca Berclair. They are more than friends.
I feel as if we share a rare kinship.
Becci closed the Bible and backed away from the cot. �Oh, Caleb. Did you kill Rebecca? And why did you come forward in time? Are you here to kill me, too?�
She shook her head at the question and whispered, �No.�
She knew Caleb wouldn�t harm her.
�Please, how can I help?� she asked, her hand resting on the Bible.
A noise startled her.
Becci whirled around to face the intruder. She clutched her hand to her chest to try and calm her wildly pounding heart as she realized the shed was empty.
***
Becci pressed her toe against the floor and rocked back and forth in the kitchen chair as she watched her aunt roll out dough for the apple pies. One by one Lilly set the three crusts aside. Then she pulled out the bag of Rome apples they�d purchased earlier in the week and laid them on the counter.
�He didn�t do it,� Lilly said as she dug through the utensil drawer. She didn�t have to explain what she meant. Becci knew.
Ever since they woke to the sound of breaking glass, Aunt Lilly had defended Caleb.
�I know,� Becci said with a sigh. �At least, I know he didn�t drink it. If he had, I would have smelled it on his breath when he kissed me.�
�Kissed you?� Lilly glanced at Becci, her eyes sparkling with delight as she grabbed the paring knife out of the drawer and snatched up the sack of apples. She crossed to the table, plopped the apples onto the surface and pulled out the chair beside Becci�s. �I think we need to have a little talk. Why are you and Caleb kissing? You hardly know the man.�
Heat rushed to Becci�s cheeks. She hadn�t meant to tell her aunt about the kiss. And she certainly couldn�t tell her all the circumstances surrounding it.
�The only reason Caleb kissed me is because I made him angry. Besides, I�m engaged, remember.�
�Pooh. You might be engaged, but you can�t possible love Michael. Just compare the two. Michael�s lazy. Not Caleb. No siree. Caleb Harrison is one strong man. And I swear, have you ever seen a more handsome man, Mary Rebecca?�
Becci laughed. �He called me Mary Rebecca, too. Only it didn�t sound as if he meant it as an endearment.�
�Oh, dear. You weren�t kidding when you said you made him angry. I bet he didn�t raise his voice though, did he?�
�No. In fact, I don�t think I�ve ever heard anyone speak that soft when angry,� Becci mused.
�I assumed as much. Rebecca said his voice got soft when his dander got ruffled. Which, according to her, wasn�t often.
But when it happened, he would call her by her full name.�
�How do you know that?� Becci asked, the front legs of her chair coming down with a loud crack.
�It�s in the journal. I�ll show you.�
Before Becci could stop her, Lilly headed for the box in the far corner and pulled it across the room. As she reached for the top book, Becci caught her wrist.
�Have you looked at these since I put them away last night?�
�No. Why?� Lilly asked, glancing from Becci�s hand cinching her wrist to the box.
�I�I put the last journal on the bottom of the stack, and now it�s on top. You�re sure you didn�t bother them?�
�I�m sure. And don�t start accusing Caleb. He hasn�t been in the house since early yesterday.�
�Unless he stole the whiskey,� Becci reminded.
�Becci, you had the books upstairs, remember? You took them with you in case you couldn�t sleep.�
Lilly was right. No one could have touched the books during the night, and she�d brought them down with her this morning.
If the last journal had been on top she would have seen it.
Wouldn�t she?
Recalling that this was the same journal that had jumped off the table last night, she shivered. It felt as if someone or something wouldn�t rest until she read this portion of her namesake�s life.
***
Caleb circled the lake for the third time. His luck had changed over the last twenty-four hours, and not for the better.
He�d been too angry to ask Becci for breakfast, and he�d worked through lunch. Now he felt the tremor from the pit of his stomach to the tips of his fingers. At least he�d found the spigot by the back door. The water had a strange taste, but it satisfied his thirst.
He laid the hand-whittled spear down and stretched out along the bank. No fish were turning near the edge, and he couldn�t ask Becci for anything to eat. He had to think.
It wouldn�t be right to sneak into the house to look for the medallion, and he�d said he would be gone before dinner.
Without the amulet, leaving would be impossible. Still, he�d told her he would leave, and he was a man of his word.
By his calculations, darkness would descend in about an hour. It didn�t matter if night fell before he got to Raleigh. He knew the trail, and the full moon would light the path. Someone in Raleigh would put him up one more night.
Caleb rolled to his feet. If he planned on leaving by nightfall, he�d better get moving. He�d already delayed long enough. The last boat going to Memphis would depart from below Sanderlin�s Bluff before he arrived, and there wouldn�t be another until morning.
Most of the town folks were probably turned in for the night, but he had several other options open to him. He would just ask Brother Robert if he could sleep in the new church building. Or better yet, Old Man Tapp, the prospector who lived down by the Wolf, would be glad to share his campsite with him. They�d supped together many times over the past year. What would one more time matter? It would give them the chance to discuss the thefts going on around town.
Caleb cursed and slapped his hat against the ground. He knew for a fact that neither Brother Robert, Old Tapp, nor any of the people of Raleigh he�d met would be alive. With a hundred and sixty years of changes, he doubted he�d even be able to find the bluff or the old familiar path without a guide.
�Who knows?� he muttered aloud. �The boats might not even be leaving from below the bluff anymore.�
First he would rid himself of the rancid odor that three days of hard work had created. If he didn�t, no one would welcome him. Not even the old prospector.
Caleb pulled the chunk of what he hoped was soap out of his pocket and tossed it on the ground before shrugging out of his clothes. With luck, the small piece of soap would last long enough for him to get the odor out of his shirt and off his body.
***
Becci rubbed her damp palms on her slacks. After washing and drying the clothes she�d found in the attic, she�d neatly folded and laid them aside until she garnered her courage to face Caleb and apologize. She couldn�t delay any longer.
Becci drew in an encouraging breath. It had never been easy for her to admit to a mistake, and this time was no different.
She gathered up the clothes and headed in the direction Caleb had disappeared. She�d seen him go toward the lake with his homemade spear and a small box.
Hopefully he hadn�t been leaving without a word. She still owed him for the work he�d done.
Whether or not Caleb accepted the clothes as a peace offering was questionable. She hoped he would, but according to Rebecca�s journal, he wouldn�t look favorably on charity of any kind. Rebecca had spent two pages ranting about Caleb refusing to take money she offered him when his funds ran short. She�d closed the section with a note praising him.
In words soft but firm, he called my full name and proceeded to tell me to put my money away unless I had work for him. He had no intention of accepting anyone else�s charity or mine.
Becci sighed. It sounded exactly like the man she�d fought with less than ten hours earlier. The more she read about the
1800�s Caleb Harrison, the more she believed her Caleb had come from the past. As for the secondhand clothes, the work he�d done in the last three days would more than pay for everything.
Besides, he hadn�t even eaten one meal today. By the time he caught and cooked a fish, he would be starving. He deserved dinner, but how could she convince him to accept it?
As she neared the lake, she heard water splash. She glanced at the lake. Fear sent a cold chill up her spine. No one dared walk into Berclair Lake among the snakes to swim or bathe.
Yet Caleb stood fifteen feet from the bank with a circle of bubbles lapping at his chest.
She gasped and wavered between calling out a warning to him or turning back toward the house. She knew he probably wouldn�t heed her warning, so she decided to leave. She would bring the clothes back later.
�Becci,� Caleb called.
�Hi,� Becci called back over her shoulder. �You�re in the water.� She heard the tremor of fear in her own voice.
�Yes. If you�ll give me a minute before you turn back around, I would appreciate it.�
�What are you doing?�
Caleb chuckled. �I think it�s called bathing. The water is refreshing.�
She tried to keep her gaze averted, but her eyes had a mind of their own. As long as he stayed in the water, what would it hurt? She walked back to the water�s edge.
�I don�t think anyone has gotten in that water in over twenty years.�
His mouth cocked into the half-smile Rebecca commented on frequently in her journals. �I didn�t have much of a choice.
Besides, I�d begun to smell worse than Jacobs.�
He held up something, but she couldn�t tell what it was from where she stood. �I found the soap in one of the boxes. I hope you don�t object to my using it.�
�Not at all.�
Becci rested her chin on the clothes she carried and inhaled their freshly washed scent. She needed every ounce of courage to offer them to him. If he refused, then what?
�I found some things I thought you might be able to wear while I clean yours. If your clothes are from the 1800�s, they will probably need special attention, and I�d like to keep them preserved for the antique dealer coming to the party. He might be willing to pay you a lot of money for them.�
�Does that mean you�re not kicking me out of the shed?�
Becci tipped her head back and drew in a deep breath.
�I�m not kicking you out. I would like you to come to the house for supper. And I know you didn�t take the whiskey.�
�You saw Jacobs?�
Caleb lowered himself neck deep in the water, and waited for her answer.
�No. I still don�t know who stole it, but after you�after we kissed, I knew you didn�t. I should have apologized immediately, but the kiss shocked me. Then you left, and there wasn�t time to say I was, um, sorry. But I don�t want you�us�to kiss again.� Heaven, help her she was babbling worse than Aunt Lilly.
�I get the point, Miss Berclair. You�re just stating what I told Rebecca when the rumors about my lack of a name started spreading through Raleigh. It�s wrong for a man with no name to make advances toward a respected lady like you. I�m the one who owes the apology,�
No, she wanted to shout. It isn�t your fault. It�s mine. You don�t know what that kiss did to me.
But she couldn�t say that. She stared at him while he treaded water, mesmerized by the way his muscles moved under the slick coating of bubbles.
�You�ve found my work acceptable. You no longer consider me lazy, but if I step out of line you�ll pack me off down the river. You don�t have to worry, I know my place.�
That said, Caleb raised his arms and dropped below the water. He knew his place all right, but his body didn�t care about propriety. Here he was neck deep in cold water, but that didn�t stop the desire raging through him. Didn�t Becci know what just being around her did to him?
He surfaced a few feet closer to the bank.
A gasp escaped from Becci as Caleb resurfaced, and she backed up a step. �Caleb, get out of the water. There�s a...a...snake.� Her throat closed around the words, fear making them barely audible.
�Where?� Caleb asked. He didn�t act alarmed. He simply went perfectly still. �And what kind?�
�Behind you. I...I think it�s a moccasin�
He didn�t turn around. Slowly he inched toward the bank.
�How close?�
�Less than six feet. Hurry! It�s coming right at you.� Caleb twisted around slowly, trying not to draw the snake�s attention.
It dipped under the water and Caleb dashed to the shore and crawled out, slipping twice at the muddy edge before dragging himself to safety. The snake appeared at the bank just as Caleb pulled his feet out, and then it slithered away.
With the same fluid motion he�d used last night, he came up off the ground and stood before Becci.
�Are you okay?� Becci asked. �It didn�t bite you, did it?
What can I do to help?�
She stopped abruptly, her gaze sweeping the length of his naked, dripping body. Caleb stood there silently as she scanned him from head to toe not once, but twice. He felt his face heat.
�You�re....�
From the moment she�d appeared he�d burned with a desire to lay her on a soft bed of pine needles. The hunger in her eyes fueled the fire inside him. But he couldn�t let it happen�not now. Not ever.
�Yes, I�m fine.� He flashed a grin at her. He knew she hadn�t been about to ask about his health, but he didn�t dare let her finish.
He shook his head. �And, no, the snake didn�t bite me.
He�s probably more afraid of me than I am of him, but there�s no use taking a chance. Now, if you�ll hand me those clothes and hightail it back to the house as fast as you can, I�m sure no one will know of this little meeting,� he said. �I�ll be there as soon as I�ve finished dressing.�
Becci whirled away and started up the hill.
�Miss Berclair?� She stopped, her back ramrod straight.
�You forgot to leave the clothes.�
Without glancing back, she dropped the stack, saying,
�Becci. You can call me Becci. I�ll go across the street and pick up something for supper. Wait for me in the kitchen. Aunt Lilly wants to discuss Rebecca�s murder with you.�
Caleb knelt down beside the pile of clothes. Rebecca�s murder! Who had murdered her? Jacobs? Obadiah?
If he returned, would he hang for a crime he didn�t commit?
Musical notes floated through the house. Lilly paused, her hot-pad, mitten-covered hands hovering in front of the open oven door.
�What in the world is that?� Caleb gasped, then inwardly groaned. After Lilly�s lecture on electricity, he�d promised himself he wouldn�t ask any more questions. The music sounded again, followed by a rattling noise and then a sharp rap.
�It�s just someone at the front door. I�ll explain about the doorbell later,� Lilly answered. �Right now, though, I need for you to see who�s there. My pies are ready to come out of the oven.�
�Sure.� Caleb marked his place in the encyclopedia Lilly had given him to study and shoved his chair back. He reached the door just as the music sounded a third time and the visitor knocked again.
He opened the door. The man standing on the porch squinted at him with angry disapproval, and a prickle of recognition struck Caleb. He ignored the uncomfortable sensation. He knew only Becci and Lilly from this era, and he didn�t care to meet anyone else.
The stranger�s dark-eyed glare swept over Caleb. Caleb followed the man�s scrutiny down the clean, but faded britches Becci had given him to his mud-encrusted boots. Then he turned his gaze on the stranger and mimicked his actions. Not one speck of dirt soiled his clothing.
The stranger swallowed and, with deliberately slow motions, ran his hand over the funny cravat that covered the row of buttons on his shirt. He made a show of tightening the knot at his neck.
�May I help you?� Caleb asked.
�Who the hell are you?� the stranger snapped with authority.
�Caleb Harrison. And you are?� Caleb replied evenly.
�What are you doing here?�
Caleb frowned. Twice the man had answered his question with a question. �I asked if I might help you, sir, and who you are. You have not answered me. I insist that I at least know with whom I�m speaking.�
�My name is Ascott. Michael Ascott. Becci�s fianc�.�
Caleb tightened his grip on the door. So this was the man Becci planned to marry. She should reconsider her choice of men, Caleb decided. Surely she could do better.
What was he thinking? He had no right to pass judgment on this man because of his own attraction for Becci. Especially since she obviously didn�t feel likewise.
True, she�d responded to his kiss, but she�d made it clear she�d only done so because he�d caught her off-guard. She�d chosen Michael Ascott to be her mate.
Caleb locked his gaze on Ascott�s hand as he drew it down his cravat. A tiny scar threaded its way across the knuckles of the man�s right hand. Something tugged at a long-ago memory.
He�d seen a scar like that before, on a man whose face he�d never seen. The man who had lain with his Elizabeth.
This couldn�t be that same man, not a century and a half into the future. That man was dead. He�d killed him.
Ascott slid his right hand out of sight, cleared his throat and shoved the door open wider with his left.
�I�m glad to finally meet you. Becci has mentioned you several times since I arrived,� Caleb said as he extended his hand in greeting
�I�m sure she has. Where is she?� Ascott asked as he pushed past Caleb, ignoring his outstretched hand.
Caleb curled his fingers into a fist, then opened it and gently closed the door.
�Becci�s out. Miss Lilly is in the kitchen.�
�Becci�s out? Where did she go?�
�She�s picking up something for us to eat,� Caleb said, tossing the words over his shoulder as he passed Ascott on his way to the kitchen.
�Not for herself, I hope. We have a date.�
�Oh.� Caleb shrugged with a nonchalance he didn�t feel.
Ascott had come courting. Would they use Rebecca�s parlor?
Caleb cringed at the thought of them together.
He felt trouble brewing. Just as he had the day Elizabeth died. Same as he had the day he�d loaded the dresser in his wagon to deliver it to Rebecca. He�d let his guard slip on both occasions. He wouldn�t make that mistake a third time.
Ascott strode past Caleb and entered the kitchen as if he owned the house. No one in Raleigh had treated Caleb as an outcast. They�d feared him, even disliked him, but they�d accepted him.
Caleb pulled out his chair, took his place at the table and opened the encyclopedia to the place he�d marked. The man wouldn�t run him off. He belonged here as much as Ascott did.
�What are you doing here?� Lilly asked, sounding surprised.
Caleb breathed a little easier. At least Ascott hadn�t been expected.
�Are those fresh apple pies? They smell absolutely heavenly,� Ascott said.
Did the man always avoid answering questions? Caleb wondered.
Ascott closed his eyes and sucked in a deep breath. Lilly tossed a quick look at Caleb, pointed down her throat and pretended to gag, then turned quickly away before Michael saw her.
Caleb swept his hand over his face and covered his mouth to stifle his laugh. That only made matters worse when the sound came out a sputter. He faked a cough.
He barely managed not to burst out with another laugh when he realized that Lilly�s face had turned crimson. She picked up a towel from the counter and sent Caleb a warning glare as she slowly dried her hands.
�You know they�re apple,� Lilly chided. �Apple is Becci�s favorite. Now, I asked you a question. What are you doing here?�
Caleb glanced from Ascott to Lilly. She twisted on the water and started cleaning the sink she�d already cleaned before Ascott arrived. Her movements were clipped, and her shoulders were drawn in a tight angry bow. At least Lilly and he shared the same feelings for this man, even if Becci didn�t.
Ascott pulled out a long, dark cigar and ran it under his nose. �Tonight is Ascomp�s charity dinner. Becci and I won�t be eating here.�
�Tonight?� Lilly whirled around. Her gaze landed on the cigar. �You know better than to light up in this house, Michael.�
Ascott�s lips slid into a challenging sneer as he put the cigar between his lips and pulled out a box of matches.
Caleb rose slowly, and Ascott glanced in his direction. Their gazes locked.
Just do it, mister, Caleb thought. Just do it. If Ascott lit the small cigar it would give him an excuse to put his fist in the man�s face.
�I believe you were asked not to smoke in here, sir. You may either take the cigar outside or put it away,� Caleb said.
�The choice is yours.�
Ascott hesitated for a moment before taking the cigar out of his mouth and slipping it into the inner pocket of his jacket.
Caleb eased back into the chair. It was only a minor victory, and one he would probably regret later. But the battle had definitely begun.
�To answer your question, Lilly, yeah, the benefit dinner is tonight. And since Becci wouldn�t want to miss out on the pie, we�ll just take one of them with us.� Ascott pinched off a piece of the crust and popped it in his mouth. �Becci and I can share it at my place later.�
Caleb flinched inwardly as the remark found its target.
Hopefully he�d managed to keep his expression free of emotion.
One look at Lilly, and he knew she�d sensed his reaction.
Thankfully, it appeared that Ascott hadn�t.
�No, you can�t take a pie.� Lilly said. �The extra one is for Caleb.�
She nodded in Caleb�s direction, and then quickly turned back to her cleaning.
Caleb�s gaze again collided with Ascott�s angry glare. With a hint of triumph, Caleb smiled. He wasn�t sure Lilly really had made one of the pies for him, but he�d certainly let the man think she had.
�Since when did you start making pies for the hired help?
And what is he doing answering the door?� Ascott snapped.
�He�s not the hired help. He�s a friend,� Lilly said.
�Friend? Yeah, sure. And how long have you known this friend?�
The back door opened, and Becci rushed in, saving Lilly from having to answer. Caleb stood politely, but Becci stared at Michael and smiled.
A sharp tightness gathered in Caleb�s chest as he watched the exchange. Would she ever look at him and smile? He doubted it. He closed his book and traced the binding with his index finger.
No one had to tell him he didn�t belong here. The silence in the room let him know who was the outsider.
Becci tossed the paper bag on the table and took a tentative step in Ascott�s direction.
�What are you doing here?�
Ascott crossed the room, hooked his arm around her waist, and pressed his lips to hers in a possessive kiss. Caleb clenched his jaw to stop the curse that almost erupted.
He had no right to feel jealousy for this woman. No right to take offense at the way they held each other. After all, he�d only known Becci three days.
But he did feel jealous.
Ascott glanced in Caleb�s direction. His cold, dark eyes said Becci belonged to him. Back off.
He�d held her closer this morning, Caleb recalled. He�d kissed her with more passion, and she�d responded. A smile tugged at his lips then died as Becci slipped her arm around Ascott.
Caleb stifled a groan. It hurt to see her in the other man�s arms. He�d never had Becci, and never would, yet the thought of losing her hurt almost as much as losing Luke.
Ascott�s smirk changed to a smile as he faced Becci. �Did you forget about the company�s charity dinner? I called to remind you, but your shift supervisor said you�d taken a personal holiday. You aren�t sick, are you?�
Becci rose on her tiptoes and placed a kiss on Ascott�s cheek. �No, I�m not sick. And, yes, I did forget about the dinner.
It won�t take me ten minutes to change.�
She heard Caleb�s muffled curse and glanced around in time to see him grab a book from the table and his hat off the hook by the door. Their eyes met for a brief instant before he put on his hat. In that moment she saw a flicker of an emotion she didn�t want to acknowledge.
The door slammed behind him, shaking the windows, and Becci�s heart lurched in her chest. Why had she kissed Michael in front of Caleb? Because childish as it was, she�d wanted to make Caleb jealous, but all she�d done was make him angry.
�Have a piece of pie while I�m dressing,� Becci said to Michael, ignoring Lilly�s scowl as she rushed from the kitchen.
If the dinner hadn�t been a benefit for Ascomp she would have begged off, especially after seeing the hurt in Caleb�s eyes. A hurt she felt, too. She hadn�t realized how much she�d wanted to share the meal with Caleb until it had become impossible.
***
Caleb dropped to the shed�s cot. Cupping his laced fingers around one knee, he rested his head against the rough wall and tried again to rationalize his feelings. The whole situation was hopeless. He�d walked around the lake three times before he got his jealousy under control.
He had to block out his memory of Becci and concentrate on his immediate needs�finding something to eat. He�d seen a pair of squirrels at the edge of the woods. They would make a nice meal, but not a quick one.
He rolled to his feet, grabbed his hat and slapped it against his leg. Sitting on the cot wouldn�t get him his supper. With one last glance at the small shed, he scooped up his bible, opened the door and halted in his tracks.
Startled to see Lilly standing in the front of him clutching a large bowl and a brown bag to her chest, he stepped back.
�I thought you would like some stew. There�s a slice of pie in the sack. Michael stole the one I made for you, only I didn�t notice it was missing until after they�d left.�
Lilly handed him the food and took a step backward. �Becci doesn�t love Michael. She�s grateful for the help he�s given us, but it�s not love. The kiss didn�t mean anything.�
�Did she say that?�
�No,� Lilly admitted.
Caleb set the food on one of the boxes and pushed it closer to the cot. �Sit down, Miss Lilly. We can talk while I eat.�
�Good. I need to know as much about you as possible.�
There was nothing underhanded about Lilly. If she wanted information she didn�t hesitate to ask. Well, they would just trade off. He wanted to know things about Becci. Things only Lilly could answer.
�There�s a rocker behind the boxes. I�ll get it for you,�
Caleb said. If this session turned out to be like the ones he�d had with Rebecca, they both needed to get comfortable.
Lilly placed a bowl and spoon on the box he�d chosen to use as his table. While he uncovered the rocker, she opened the container and dipped out a large helping of stew. He could smell the rich aroma the moment she started filling the dish.
�Sit,� she ordered. �You�re a man with a man�s appetite, and as far as I know you haven�t eaten much of anything since you arrived. You have to be starving.�
Caleb motioned for her to make herself comfortable. She tested the rocker for stability and eased down into the woven seat.
Once she was settled, Caleb took his place and picked up the steaming bowl. When he lifted the dish to his face to breathe in the tantalizing aroma, his stomach rumbled, confirming her statement.
When he finished, Lilly dipped him another serving.
�I want to thank you for the stew,� he told her. �It�s delicious. Now, I know you have several questions you want to ask. I�m ready when you are.�
�Is Caleb Harrison your real name?� Lilly asked.
�Yes, ma�am.�
�What year were you born?�
Caleb set the empty bowl on the box, leaned against the wall and brushed his hand over the Bible beside him. �1802, I think. I was six when I entered the orphanage. According to Sister Teresa, Ma died in March of 1808.�
Lilly raised one arched eyebrow and kept her gaze steady as she said, �The journals say Caleb Harrison murdered Becci�s namesake. Are you that Caleb Harrison? If so, did you kill her?�
�I am Caleb Harrison, and I am from that era. However, I didn�t kill Rebecca. She named me as Luke�s godfather. The last time I saw her, she told me that she and Luke would be in the parlor, and I was to join them when I finished carting the dresser I�d made for her upstairs. That was June 18, 1816.�
�But you arrived here three days ago�May twenty-seventh, not June. Are you sure about the date?�
�Yes, ma�am. Saturday, June 18, 1816.�
�The day Rebecca died.�
�I didn�t kill her,� Caleb repeated, his voice barely a whisper. He kept his gaze locked on Lilly.
Lilly rocked forward and rested her hand on his arm. �I believe you.� She cleared her throat and continued. �I know you want to get back to your time, but there is a chance you�ll be stuck here. And my Rebecca needs you, whether she knows it or not.
�But you might have a few problems with the police if we don�t get you a Social Security Number and a birth certificate.
If you�ll give me your vital information, I�ll try to get them for you. Your being an orphan might help. You can�t do much of anything without proof of your birth.�
Caleb nodded. �If that�s all you want to know about me, I have a couple of questions.�
�Fair enough, but in exchange, I would like to know what you remember about the day you came here.�
�As you said, fair enough. Now, this nursery Becci wants, why is it so important to her?�
�Last month a mother was arrested for stealing milk for her newborn baby. Her excuse was that she couldn�t work because she didn�t know anyone she trusted enough to care for her baby, and none of daycare facilities would take a child under six months old.�
Lilly snapped the lid back on the plastic container she�d brought the stew in and set it back on the makeshift table.
�Becci�s heart went out to the woman. She would really like to open a nursery for the underprivileged, but, as you know, her finances won�t even allow her to open one for profit. Once the nursery is established, she might be able to accept a few charity cases.�
�Is Becci from...I mean, the clothes she wears are...skimpy.� Caleb�s cheeks burned. How could he ask Lilly if her niece sold herself? And if, perhaps, she wasn�t allowed to open the nursery because of her social standing?
�Today�s women wear fewer clothes than they did in your day,� Lilly said. �Although I agree that they�re too darned skimpy.�
�She doesn�t work at�Of course not.� Caleb cleared his throat and decided to change the subject. �You wanted to know about the day Rebecca died. I didn�t kill her, but I�m pretty sure I know who did.� He told Lilly everything he remembered about that day. Even that Jacobs had come up the stairs carrying the blood-covered knife. The same knife the journals claimed he�d used to kill Rebecca.
�I have to find Jacobs and go back,� he finally finished.
�Caleb, you can�t go back to Raleigh. They�ll hang you for Rebecca�s murder.�
�If I go back, I might be able to save her. I have to try.�
�I understand,� she whispered. �Just let me�us...know before you leave.�
�I will,� he promised. �Now, will you teach me about the world today?�
�I was wondering when you�d ask.�
***
The man at the door checked their names off a list, then said, �Mr. Ascott, according to our list we never received your check for the benefit. The notation beside your name says you are to pay at the door.�
Michael patted his pockets. �I can�t believe this. I�ve left my wallet home. Becci, can you give the man a check? I�ll pay you back tomorrow.�
�I can�t,� Becci whispered.
�Becci, don�t embarrass me. You know I�m good for it.
Give the man a check.�
She had a bad feeling about this, but her utility bill wasn�t due for another week, and Michael said he would pay her back tomorrow . She had to trust him. She was going to marry him, after all. After writing out the check, she ripped it off and stuffed her checkbook back into her purse. Michael escorted her to the table and ordered wine for both of them.
Becci sipped the wine and tried to stifle her complaint.
She didn�t like the club, but at least more of the money would go to the charity than if they�d gone to a snazzy restaurant. A lot of fifty-dollar-a-plate benefits were held at various places around town. Not many were held in nightclubs.
�Who picked this place?� Becci asked.
�It was a committee decision,� Michael supplied.
�I can�t believe they chose a country and western bar,�
Becci grumbled. On all sides, people wore jeans and hats. It wouldn�t take much imagination to visualize the whole group horseback riding across an open range.
She felt ridiculous in her outdated long satin dress and the dangling crystal earrings that hung nearly to her shoulders.
The dress and accessories had been her mother�s, and she�d thought the outfit appropriate for the benefit dinner. Out of all the members present, only four of the women wore evening attire, and hers was the only full-length dress in the whole room.
Most of them wore cowboy boots and jeans. Michael hadn�t specified what to wear, but she hadn�t asked, so the blame wasn�t entirely his. But he could have spoken up when she came downstairs instead of telling her she looked nice.
Although Michael wore a three-piece suit, he didn�t look out of place, probably because he hardly ever wore anything else. And he was wearing cowboy boots, damn him.
�Don�t complain too loud, Becci,� Michael chided. �The organization gets more money this way, and the club did reserve an area just for our group. Besides, there won�t be any boring speeches to listen to and no elaborate pleas for additional funds.�
�I understand all that, but I�d hoped to mingle and discuss my plans for the nursery with a few of the members.� Especially since she�d had to use the money she�d set aside for the utility bill to pay for the tickets because Michael had conveniently left his wallet at home.
With the music blaring she had to strain to hear what the person next to her said. She shook her head and blew out an exasperated breath. She�d thought Michael said the Ascomp executives were a very tight-knit group. She must have misunderstood him. These people hardly spoke to each other.
Becci waved at Mr. Latham, who sat at the other end of the room. He nodded and turned away. Michael picked up her plate. The other men at the table followed his lead and cleared off the remains of their dinner, leaving the women alone.
Becci started to introduce herself to the ladies, but they were wrapped up in a private conversation. Wishing she�d stayed home with Caleb, she glanced at her watch but couldn�t make out the time in the dark room. Becci tapped her fingers on the hardwood table. She�d had enough. She reached for her evening bag just as Michael returned.
Becci straightened and garnered her courage to ask him to take her home, but before she could speak the DJ said, �I would like to present the Ascomp Company. They are our special guests tonight, and the following song is a special request for one of the couples in the group. Enjoy, Becci and Michael.�
Michael took her purse and tossed it on the table. �I�m not ready to leave, and your nose isn�t shining. Might I suggest a little whirl around the dance floor since they�re playing this for us?� Michael coaxed.
Before she could refuse, he led her to the small parquet area in front of the bandstand and wrapped his arms around her. A round crystal ball hung from the ceiling with red, blue and green spotlights trained on it. Fragments of color flashed over everything. Becci curled her hand over Michael�s shoulder and swayed to the soft country love song flooding the bar.
Nothing felt right. Not the dancing nor the way he rested his hands at her waist. Even the slight pressure of his fingers, which she knew he meant as a loving gesture, had little effect on her.
Where were the sparks? Caleb�s face came to mind. She�d never experienced such an explosive reaction with anyone�
never believed such sensations existed. At least that�s what she�d thought until Caleb had kissed her. Why had his touch created such a response when Michael�s didn�t?
She glanced up, letting her gaze drift slowly over Michael�s features. He was handsome. More handsome, really, than Caleb.
And Michael had been there to help her through the financial woes her parents had left her. Yet, Michael was a bit standoffish, even with her. Maybe she just needed to jump-start their desire.
But how? With a kiss? It definitely had worked with Caleb.
Becci combed her fingers through the short hair that curled just above Michael�s collar. He looked down at her. His eyes took on a hard glare, and his lips twisted into a cynical sneer.
Confused, Becci lowered her gaze and stared at the diamond tie tack placed a fraction too high on Michael�s tie. His reaction had startled her. He probably thought he looked sexy, but he just looked...mean.
Suddenly, she realized she felt nothing for Michael. She didn�t love him. Would never love him. She wanted to be with Caleb.
Becci sighed, recalling when she�d come home. She�d caught a glimpse of Caleb coming to his feet, and she�d felt the thick thread of tension in the air. She hadn�t dared acknowledge Caleb, even though all she�d wanted was to stare at him forever.
�Is everything okay, baby?� Michael asked.
She snapped back to the present and nodded. Michael lowered his head and kissed her.
When she didn�t respond to his kiss, Michael tensed, and pressed his mouth to hers again, probing fiercely, almost violently, with his tongue.
Becci jerked back. She�d made a mistake, a big one.
�What�s the matter? There�s nothing wrong with a little kiss on the dance floor,� Michael said.
A little kiss? He�d nearly attacked her. �I�m sorry. I...I don�t think it�s proper,� she replied.
�Then let�s go some place where it is proper,� Michael said. He brushed his hands from her shoulders to her hands. �I stole one of Lilly�s pies. It�s in the car. How about you and I get out of here and share it at my place?�
Becci cringed at the thought of fighting off his advances.
He�d never really attempted more than a few kisses, but tonight he seemed different. She knew instinctively he wanted more than kisses.
�No,� she answered a bit too hastily. �I�m not ready, Michael. You promised you wouldn�t push.�
�We�re engaged, baby, and this is the twenty-first century.
Nobody goes into a marriage without sampling the goods.�
A flash of anger sparked inside her. �I�m not �goods,�� she snapped. �I�m a person. And I don�t want to fight. Not tonight.�
�Okay. I�ll forgive you this time and take you home. You do look tired.�
She and Michael had always had a quiet relationship. A kiss or two here or there while they discussed her finances had marked the extent of their passion. Even their dates had been easygoing and, she suddenly realized, boring. Becci stared up at Michael. Aunt Lilly was right. She didn�t love him.
And it wasn�t just Caleb�s kiss that had made her see the truth. It was that every time she saw Caleb she had the same reaction�her heart raced, her breath caught, and the desire to touch and be touched flooded her.
Her response to his kiss this morning had not been a fluke.
She wanted Caleb Harrison like she�d never wanted another man, and in the most intimate way.
She had to tell Michael tonight that their engagement was off. She would invite him in for coffee and try to explain.
***
The sun dropped below the horizon as Lilly left the shed.
Caleb smiled to himself as his gaze followed her trek back to the house. Lilly hadn�t been near as closemouthed about Becci as he�d thought she would be. She�d answered most of his questions. Now, he needed to learn about all the changes that had taken place over the last hundred and sixty years. Lilly said she was exhausted and asked him to wait until morning.
But he didn�t want to wait.
Once Lilly entered the main house, Caleb started opening the boxes he�d set at the foot of his bed. Lilly said the boxes contained a whole set of encyclopedias like the one he�d been reading when Michael arrived, and she told him they were books on the history of the world.
He�d just about given up hope when he found them. Using two boxes as bookends he lined the books against the wall in order and ran his index finger over the raised letters on the leather binding. There was so much to learn�so much Rebecca and the others from his time would never believe. The information he would gain from these books alone would be tremendous.
If he went back he would have to be careful with whom he shared the knowledge, however. People in his time would proclaim him crazy and lock him away for the rest of his life.
But if he didn�t go back, he would need to know everything in order to survive.
Caleb turned away from the books and removed his boots.
He stripped off his pants and drawers and hung them on the nail beside his hat.
Slowly he picked up the first volume, dropped onto the cot and draped the blanket around his hips. He flipped through the book, glancing at the strange pictures. Suddenly, his gaze locked on a picture that filled the page. An automobile.
His heart raced. Becci had one of these contraptions. He�d seen it out front. Ascott had one, too. He�d watched Becci and Ascott get into it and leave.
As a new wave of jealousy hit him at the thought of the two of them courting, Caleb shook his head in disgust. He didn�t have time for such feelings. He had a lot to learn, and the current mode of travel was just the beginning.
Settling back, he read the entire article. He returned to the first page and looked at the strange pictures. Times had changed more than he wanted to admit, but he could easily picture himself in one of the horseless carriages with Becci at his side.
He shut the book and reached for the second one, only to stop when he heard the crunch of gravel and the deep-throated roar of Ascott�s automobile.
Caleb rolled out of the cot. Hurriedly, he shrugged into his shirt, tugged on his britches and boots, and slapped on his hat.
He caught the thin material covering the window and eased it back. His hands shook at the sight of two round, eyelike lights. They vanished suddenly, leaving the yard black.
Michael and Becci had indeed returned. A small light inside the enclosed compartment of the oddly shaped carriage clearly illuminated them.
Becci tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and made several motions with her hands while she spoke. She didn�t look too happy. Michael nodded as if agreeing with what she�d said.
Caleb took a deep breath of the shed�s musty air. Would Becci agree to teach him about this new mode of travel? He wanted a closer look at it. This had to be an automobile, although it didn�t resemble the pictures he�d seen.
He decided that when Becci and Michael got out he would sneak up close and peek inside. What harm could there be in getting a better look?
He watched them open the sides of the automobile and slide out. He waited until they entered the house. Slowly, he eased out the shed door, and he jumped when the machine beeped twice and the lights flashed. Caleb hesitated, but it made no other noises. Silently, he crept toward it.
***
Becci opened the window above the sink and glanced toward the one behind the table. Even though the sun had gone down hours ago, the humidity had turned the kitchen into an oven.
She retrieved the mocha-flavored coffee out of the freezer and measured enough for a full pot. Michael hated the flavored brews, but this pot was for her not him.
�It�s hot,� Michael grumbled. �Let�s shut the window and door and turn on the air conditioner,� he suggested as he reached for the doorknob.
�No, leave the door open. I like the fresh air, and it costs too much to cool this place.�
�What difference does that make? You�ll have plenty of money once you sell the house.�
�But the bill will come before I sell, so unless you plan on forking over the hundred I paid for tonight�s banquet, leave the door open,� Becci said, frowning at the realization that he�d seemed to have forgotten the Ascomp grant.
�You�ll get your money. I just don�t happen to have it right now.�
�Fine. The door stays open,� she repeated Michael paused in the entryway. What little air filtered in around him fluttered the red-fringed edge of the tablecloth.
Becci sighed. She�d left the door open for two reasons. The first being she hoped Michael would take the hint and leave.
He didn�t.
Her second reason made her heart thud so hard she could barely breathe. She�d seen Caleb�s shadowed figure outlined against the white shed and knew he�d seen them. She had hoped he would follow them inside. He hadn�t.
She shook her head. When would she ever learn not to trust a man? Both Caleb and Michael frightened her, but for different reasons. Tonight Michael had an air of controlled anger that made her feel physically threatened. Caleb�s easy going nature threatened her emotionally. His quiet confidence only added to his allure.
She silently cursed. She didn�t need either of them at the moment. She needed money.
***
Under the cover of darkness, Caleb crossed the yard and eased closer to the sleek, black carriage. He touched a fingertip to the roof. He�d seen them touch it, and neither of them had feared it so surely it wouldn�t harm him.
Cautiously, Caleb flattened his hand on the roof and traced a line over the contour of the cold slick surface. One step at a time, he moved around to the back. A row of silver letters spelled out M-u-s-t-a-n-g.
A smile tugged at his lips. This was definitely a horse of a different kind. Black and cold as ice, but just as slick as a well-groomed stallion. Caleb rubbed each of the letters and continued to examine the outside. Becci had looked good sitting on the seat, but the area seemed too crowded for two people.
Curling his knuckles, he brushed the surface lightly and rounded the end. There was a seam in the side then it became smooth again, but only for a short distance. The back of his hand dropped into an indented area.
The beat of his heart echoed in his ears, and sweat trickled into his eyes. With his free hand, Caleb swiped at the moisture.
Easing a step away, he traced the area around the small hollow.
There seemed to be a separation there. This part had opened to let Becci out. He turned his hand over and let his fingers slide into the cavern. It felt different.
Slowly, he tugged upward. With a sharp snap, the section popped open, and Caleb gasped in alarm. Lights flashed and a shrill noise split the air.
Jerking free, Caleb hit the ground. What had he done? His heart pounded in competition with the noises surrounding him.
He rolled as far away from the automobile as he could and scooted under the bushes out of sight.
***
A shrill blast shook Becci out of her internal debate.
Dear Lord, that�s Michael�s car. What has Caleb done now?
And she knew Caleb was the cause of the commotion, whether intentional or not. She sure hoped he at least had enough sense to hide.
�My car! Damn it, I knew I should have locked it.� Michael shouted, whirling around. �Call the police.�
�Michael, wait. Don�t go out there.� Becci caught Michael by the arm and kept her voice calm. �Let�s get a light and look around. Then we can decide if we need to call the police.�
Purposely, she opened the wrong drawer. She had to stall and give Caleb enough time to get out of sight.
�Will you hurry?� Michael snapped.
Becci snatched the flashlight out of the drawer and scooted past Michael. As they rounded the corner of the house, she scanned the yard with the light and saw a booted foot disappear beneath the shrubbery. Hopefully, Michael hadn�t seen it.
When would Caleb learn to ask questions before he took action? She shook her head, instinctively knowing the answer.
Never.
This morning Aunt Lilly had introduced Caleb to indoor plumbing. Becci smiled as the image of Caleb standing in the bathroom drenched from head to toe came to mind. He�d shoved his hands under the faucet trying to hold back the flood of water, and he had ended up drenching himself and the bathroom before her aunt had turned off the water.
Such a performance couldn�t be feigned twice. No matter what she had thought before, Caleb�s response could only be explained in one way. As insane as it sounded, he must be from the past.
Becci fanned the area with the flashlight, avoiding the row of bushes behind them. �Whoever opened the door is long gone by now. Maybe next time you should consider locking your car.�
�Yeah. And if you�d known where you stored your flashlight we might have caught the culprit.�
�I�m sorry,� she lied.
Michael leaned Becci back against the car. �At least they didn�t get the car. This baby can�t be replaced,� he said reaching over Becci�s shoulder to trace a line along the car�s roof. The adoration in his eyes rivaled any that she�d ever seen. He�d never looked at her like that.
Becci rested one hand on his chest to push him away, but he held her firmly in his grasp.
�We�ll talk tomorrow,� Michael said. �I hate to keep bugging you, but my buyer wants an answer. He won�t wait forever, so I�ll need your decision when I call.�
�Michael, what about the financial aid from Ascomp that we�ve been working on? Until I hear something about that I can�t give your buyer an answer.
�You don�t need a damn nursery, and I don�t have time to waste on such a foolish project,� he snapped.
Becci�s temper flared, but she bit back her retort and calmly said, �Ascomp won�t decide who gets the money until after the party, and that�s three weeks away. I need that time, Michael.�
He pressed his lips into a tight line. For a moment she thought he would refuse. �All right. I�ll find a way to make my client understand, but it�s imperative I have the signed contract in my hands that night.�
�Caleb says I shouldn�t sell.�
�What does he know? He�s a backwoods carpenter who doesn�t know how to turn a buck.�
�Carpenter? How did you know Caleb was a carpenter?�
She hadn�t told him anything about Caleb, and when she�d entered the kitchen earlier everyone had been so tense that she was sure that neither Caleb nor her aunt had told him.
�I didn�t know for sure, but I know his type. He certainly isn�t a man who can give you sound financial advice. Use your head, baby. I�m your friend and your personal consultant, and I�m going to marry you.�
Becci glanced toward the shrubbery and flicked the flashlight on and off. She needed time to think about what Michael had just said. Even if she wasn�t going to marry Michael, she did trust his financial advice. Would she be better off selling? She might get enough money to open a better, more modern nursery somewhere else instead of sinking a fortune into this money pit of a house. And if she broke off her engagement with Michael right now, she might lose the seller he already had lined up. Who knew how long it would take to find another buyer.
She felt torn, knowing she should tell Michael she didn�t love him and wouldn�t marry him, but she had to think about her aunt. Would it really be so wrong to wait another couple of weeks before breaking their engagement?
Before she could come up with an answer, Michael curled a finger beneath her chin and turned her face toward his.
Lowering his head, he brought his lips to hers, stopping a breath away.
�Forget Caleb. I know what�s right for you,� he whispered, brushing his lips against hers.
Becci turned away from his kiss and saw a flicker of anger in his eyes as he cupped his palm to her cheek and forced her to meet his gaze.
�If I didn�t know better, I�d think you cared more about that bum than you do me. You wear my ring, Becci. Not his.�
She couldn�t reply. The solitaire on her left hand seemed to tighten. If she had any sense at all she would give his ring back and tell him to get out of her life, but what would she do without his financial advice? Who could she trust to handle the sale of her property? No one else had presented an offer that promised as much as the one he�d given her.
�I think you�d better leave now. It�s late, and I have to work tomorrow.�
�Okay, Rebecca, but we will settle the issue of the house within the month.� He lowered his head and ground his lips roughly against hers. She hadn�t expected such a harsh kiss, and when he raised his head, the only sparks she felt had to do anger not passion. How dare he try to force her to make a snap decision on something so important! Her anger veered toward panic at the sound of Caleb�s muttered curse coming from the bushes.
Damn it, Caleb, shut up. What if Michael hears you?
�You�d better go,� Becci said, hoping she�d covered Caleb�s mumbling as she shrugged out of Michael�s grasp.
�We�ll talk, tomorrow,� he assured her again, his voice clipped and his expression hard.
Michael slid behind the wheel, and Becci breathed a sigh of relief as she watched his car disappear behind the row of trees that blocked the view of the busy highway. The moment the car was out of sight she turned toward the shrubs.
�Caleb Harrison, get in the house. Now!�
Becci paced around the kitchen. Her head pounded, and her muscles ached from all the tugging and lifting she�d done over the last two days. Having Caleb sit at the table with his hat pulled just low enough to give her a shadowed glimpse of his sparkling blue eyes didn�t help.
His cockeyed half-smile gave him a mischievous but confident aura. The room seemed to shrink in his presence, and her pulse started tapping out a rhythm that she�d never felt before Caleb�s arrival.
�Men,� she rasped. �I don�t need this. I don�t need Michael, and I don�t need you. I don�t need anyone.�
She watched his mouth twitch. �You�re enjoying this, aren�t you?� she said as she took two glasses from the cabinet and slammed them onto the counter. �Didn�t you see the flashing light on the console? You had to know the alarm was set.�
The minute she spoke, she realized how ridiculous that statement must have sounded to him. She lifted her hands in exasperation and slapped them against the counter, making the glasses clink together.
�Of course you didn�t,� she stated, expelling a sigh. �You didn�t even know what a car was until tonight.�
He shoved his hat back and gave her the full impact of his mischievous smile and glistening blue eyes. �It sounded worse than a drunken band of river ruffians after a long night of carousing.�
Caleb rocked back in his chair. �I had a mustang, once.
Well, it wasn�t exactly mine. The man who took me from the orphanage to work his fields owned him.� His expression slipped into a distant stare. �I thought I�d found a home, but it didn�t work out.�
�What happened?� She watched the sparkle drain from his eyes, replaced by a deep sadness. She wished she hadn�t asked. The memory obviously wasn�t a good one.
Spinning away, she grabbed a bottle of aspirin out of the cabinet and laid two on the counter. After filling both glasses with water, she tossed back the tablets and drank down the contents of one. Without asking if he wanted a drink, Becci set the other glass within Caleb�s reach and settled into her chair.
�Tell me your story, Caleb. I really would like to hear it.�
Caleb took his hat off and rolled the brim. When he looked back up his expression held no visible emotion. �I�d hoped the horse would be mine someday, but they had a boy of their own.
Newly born. When he turned five, they booted me out because I�m a �bastard� and they didn�t want me corrupting their son.�
�How old were you?�
�Eleven when he took me in. Sixteen when I left.�
Becci felt the pain in her heart. �I�m sorry.�
Caleb met her green-eyed gaze, saw the sympathy glistening in them, and turned away. He didn�t want Becci�s pity. Why had he told her that story? Not even Rebecca knew about the hurt he�d felt at the family�s rejection.
He shrugged off the memory. At least Becci hadn�t bristled at his confession of having no name. He shook his head and let his gaze meet hers again.
�Don�t feel sorry for me, Becci. It wasn�t a bad life. The man paid me a good wage and kept me fed, even if he didn�t let me forget I had no pa. I should have known it wasn�t permanent.
When the time came for me to leave, he handed me some saddlebags with a day�s supply of food and said thanks. It was time. I was a grown man and needed to make a life for myself.
Besides, it�s long since past.�
Becci chuckled. �You can say that again. By my calculations, about one hundred and eighty years. Give or take a year or two.�
�Yeah, seventeen for me. Give or take.�
Caleb tossed his hat on the table and picked up the glass of water. He stared at the contents for a moment, drained it and handed the glass to Becci. He pointed at the carafe on the counter. �Is that coffee?�
�Yeah.� Becci pushed herself up and went to the counter.
She�d thought her stab at humor would put a smile on his face.
All it had done was make him more pensive.
�What did you do after you left the farm?� She poured them both a cup of coffee and slid back into her chair.
Caleb didn�t meet her gaze head on, but watched her reflection in the window. �The day I was ordered out, I spent every penny I�d saved on a bottle of cheap whiskey and a lady of the evening just to prove that whether I had a name or not, I was a man. It turned out to be the best investment I ever made.�
Becci�s hazy image in his peripheral vision held his attention. He didn�t dare look at the real woman sitting so close.
She had joked about his past, whether out of jest or ridicule, he didn�t know. Once women of his era learned of his birthright they treated him with reproach and taunted him with cruel words and glances, unless they decided to tinker with danger. He�d been able to stay in Raleigh longer than any other place. He�d been asked about his family background the week before Rebecca invited him to move to Berclair Manor. He hadn�t lied, and the taunts from the townspeople had begun within the day.
Caleb faced Becci. Like Saul and Rebecca, Becci was different. Although he�d known her less than a week, he felt a friendship with her he�d felt with few others. And friends didn�t turn away when they learned about things in your life you had no control over. Things like having no father, or having a mother who sold herself to feed her offspring, shouldn�t be dumped on the child�s shoulders. But he�d learned firsthand how cruel the world could be for a bastard.
�Why do you say that a bottle of cheap whiskey and a...um�lady were the best investment you ever made?�
As she asked the question, Caleb watched the blush of embarrassment color her cheeks. He lowered his gaze and studied the strange-smelling coffee before taking a tentative sip. He set the cup down and faced the window.
He�d told her this much, and she�d had the gumption to ask, so he might as well let her know the whole story. �Lola, the woman I bought, took the bottle of whiskey away from me and asked what happened to make me turn to the spirits. I told her, and we talked for almost two hours. She refused to take me in the way a woman of her profession usually would and, instead, introduced me to an old man who taught me how to make furniture.�
Their eyes met in the window�s reflection, but he couldn�t see clear enough to know what Becci thought about his story.
He tried to tell himself it didn�t matter what she thought, but it did. He had to know. Slowly, he faced her, ready for the worst.
Her expression held no rebuke, and if she pitied him, it didn�t show in her eyes. The corners of her mouth suddenly curved upwards, and a series of emotions slipped across her face that he couldn�t define. But he saw no sign of rejection in her green eyes. Without thinking, Caleb leaned forward, traced the contour of her jaw, and shifted her head until they faced each other. He eased closer until he felt the warmth in the nervous sigh she expelled.
�Enough about me,� he murmured, knowing he was being too forward. She belonged to another man. He let his knuckles linger on her cheek a fraction longer than proper before he lowered his hand to his coffee cup. For a long moment their gazes held. Then she closed her eyes, breaking the connection.
He cleared his throat, swallowed hard and chose an impersonal subject for them to discuss. �Tell me about these automobiles. Is the mustang as fast as its namesake?�
�Faster.�
He heard the tremor in the single word. He should never have touched her, but her womanly softness pulled him like the tide sweeping the shoreline of a distant sea.
Tentatively, he brushed her knuckles with one finger. When she didn�t pull away from him, he traced a line up her arm to her shoulder and on to her face. He cupped his hand to her cheek. So soft. His heart raced as she leaned into his palm and feathered a kiss to his callused hand. Only a whisper touch, yet he felt it deep in his very soul.
Heaven help him, he wanted her more than any woman he�d ever met. He wanted to feel her womanly curves against his hardened muscles�flesh pressing flesh. Body to body in the most intimate way a man could be with a woman.
Closing his eyes, he let the sensations flow freely. He had no right to want this woman. He shouldn�t crave the feel of her lips, nor have this aching need to take her in his arms. Not just because she belonged to Ascott, but because a lady such as Becci deserved more than he could provide.
Slowly, he drew his hand away and tried to force back the raw desire that battled within him. No matter how long he lived, he would never be worthy enough to make Becci his wife, even if he ended up staying in this time.
Caleb tipped his chair back and hooked his thumbs in his pockets. Hopefully it would keep him from touching her again.
�Did you have a good time tonight?� he asked, his voice sounded unusually husky, even to his own ears.
Becci pushed a curl away from her face and drew in a deep breath. Caleb had asked the question in his usual tone, his voice laced with a husky, controlled calmness she couldn�t believe. He�d touched her, but he wasn�t even affected, while her heart raced at the speed of an Indy car, and her hands trembled from the effects of his caress.
She tried to hide the tremors by removing the pins holding her hair in the tight twist. Michael preferred she wear her it up when they went out. She hated it. Finger combing the lengths, she divided them into three equal parts and began braiding it for the night.
�No,� she answered honestly. �Michael and I argued tonight because he thinks I should quit school and give up the idea of the nursery. Just because we�re engaged he has no right to tell me what to do, and I�m tired of him pressuring me to sign the papers giving him permission to sell my house.�
�You�re going to school?�
She nodded, and he added, �Very few women of my time took to book learning beyond reading. What are you studying?�
�Nursing. I need the degree because the law requires a qualified medical person in any facility where newborn babies are cared for. That�s the kind of nursery that�s most needed in this area, and that�s the kind I want to open.�
�Won�t you have enough problems taking care of your own children?�
�I...we�re not going to have any children.�
�Not have children? Not even one?�
�No.� She stopped weaving her hair and looked up.
�Michael doesn�t want children. Besides, we plan to live in an apartment if we have to sell the manor, so there wouldn�t be room for kids. And I won�t know if I have to sell until we find out whether or not we get the grant money.�
He started to tell her she couldn�t sell the house, but he knew he didn�t have any say in the matter. �What will happen to the house if you sell it?�
�The developer interested in the property wants to put in a gas station.�
�A what?�
Becci finished braiding her hair, and while holding the ends together scooted her chair back until she could reach the junk drawer. She pulled out a scrunchy and secured the woven lengths before she said, laughing, �A gas station. It�s where you buy the fuel that runs cars. Automobiles are called cars for short.�
Caleb stiffened. �You�re laughing at me, Becci. I�m not an uneducated man. But I�m learning a whole new world, and I don�t deserve your ridicule. What I�m discovering now are things you�ve known about all your life. Thanks to the books, it�s not as bad as I thought it would be. The only thing that could make it better would be to learn everything firsthand from a well-instructed guide.�
Becci cringed at his offended expression. �I�m sorry, Caleb.
I wasn�t making fun of you. It�s just that it seems impossible for someone not to know what a gas station is.�
�That�s why I need someone to teach me. Will you do it?�
�I�m sorry, Caleb, but no. I have so much to do right now.
I have to plan the party for the Ascomp employees, and the house has to be ready for the inspector. I don�t have time to teach you.�
She saw the flicker of disappointment skitter over his face before he slid the emotional shield back into place. She felt guilty, but she had to say no. Teaching Caleb would mean more contact with him. Part of her wanted to stay by his side and teach him everything he needed to know, while the other part wanted to run from the fiery attraction he spurred inside her.
Caleb slowly rocked his chair back and forth before he replied. �Don�t worry, Becci. Miss Lilly has agreed to teach me. I had just hoped you would also help.�
His flat response left her feeling like a coward. No, she wanted to shout, you don�t understand. But how could she explain without letting Caleb know about the attraction she felt toward him? She searched for a safe topic. They�d discussed her work, the house, and cars. What was left?
�Michael asked me to get everything to look as realistic as possible for the party. I know it won�t be perfect because of the changes that have been made over the years, but I�ve got to do my best for Aunt Lilly. Selling the antiques will give us enough money to open the nursery. Do you have any suggestions to help make it seem realistic?�
Caleb raked his hand through his hair and visualized the house as it had been in 1816. She was right. Nothing would bring it back to its original state, but he had an idea.
�If you want the party to take on the air of that time, you could dress for the occasion. I found some of Saul�s and Rebecca�s clothes in a cedar-lined chest in the shed. You�re about Rebecca�s size. You could wear one of her dresses,� Caleb suggested.
�And you could wear something of Saul�s.�
He went very still. �That sounds like an invitation. Do you really want me around all those people?�
She heard the bitterness in his words. She met his gaze.
�Yes. I do.�
�I don�t want to embarrass you.�
�You won�t embarrass me. You might even enjoy discussing the antiques with people in the group.�
�Yeah. Since I made everything, I should be able to hold my own.�
�I can see us now.� Excitement colored her voice, and Caleb felt a strange tightness in his chest. �Using the clothes to create the atmosphere of the eighteen hundreds is a fantastic idea.
Everything is going to be perfect. Oh, Caleb, thank you! I can�t wait for the party.�
Without thinking Becci leaped forward to hug Caleb and sent them both toppling backwards. She ended up on top of him with her arms wrapped around his neck.
Becci laughed. He tapped one of the long crystal earrings and smiled up at her. His gaze flicked from her eyes to her lips.
She couldn�t resist the temptation to press her mouth to his.
She lowered her head and, with a gentle sweep of her tongue, probed lightly until he parted his lips. He groaned and met her kiss with a reluctant, feathery touch that sent a ripple of passion washing over her.
A blaze of heat followed the trail of Caleb�s hands as he brushed them over her hips. Even through the layer of silk and satin, his touch created more feelings than she had ever experienced. He pressed her closer, and there was no mistaking the extent of his desire for her.
In one swift twist, he changed their positions, and his kiss turned hungry. She couldn�t stop him�had no desire to stop him. She�d wanted this almost from the moment she�d seen him slump to the floor by the dresser.
With a sharp curse, he pulled his mouth away from hers and buried his face in the curve of her shoulder. �We can�t do this, Becci. Ascott could raise a gun to me, and no one would care.�
Becci brushed a lock of hair from her face. She was still quivering inside, and she�d never reacted to Michael like this.
She should feel mortified by her actions, but she wasn�t. She hadn�t had the courage to break her engagement to Michael tonight, but now she knew she had to. �You�re right. We can�t do this. It isn�t fair to Michael, but the law has changed. If Michael shot you for kissing me, he would go to jail for murder.�
Caleb rolled away, and she sat up. Leaning against the wall, she studied his prone figure. His chest arched with each deep breath. One arm covered his eyes, and the other rested limply over his stomach.
She sympathized with his struggle to regain his shattered control. At least he�d had the power to suppress the fire she�d unwittingly created.
�I�m sorry,� she whispered.
He dropped his arm and turned his gaze to her. �I�m not.
I�ve wanted to see if what happened the first time we kissed would happen again. I guess I found out.�
Caleb kept his eyes on her as he pushed to his feet and extended his hand. She cupped her fingers in his and let him pull her to her feet. He released her hand and instinctively locked his arms around her in a loose embrace. He knew he should walk away from her, but he couldn�t seem to do so.
Becci rested her hands on his chest, slowly slid her hands up his shoulders to his neck and curled her fingers into the hair at his nape. Her green eyes revealed a desire that matched his own, but he knew she would never forgive him if he succumbed to the temptation.
�It�s late,� he finally said.
His eyes, full of uncensored desire, burned into Becci. She tried to swallow the lump in her throat. Her blood thrummed through her veins and heated her cheeks. The tremor of their kiss still vibrated through her. What would he do if she kissed him again?
She knew the answer. If she tempted him again, he wouldn�t want to stop, and neither would she. This handsome, sexy stranger, who claimed to be from the past, created a rush of excitement in her. But she couldn�t give in to her lust. Even if he stayed in this time, Caleb had nothing to offer her.
Nothing. And she�d spent her life with nothing. She�d promised herself that she wouldn�t live like that any longer.
She let her hands drop to her sides. �We can discuss the party tomorrow.�
Caleb nodded.
�I won�t...this won�t happen again.�
Caleb nodded again. �I understand. I may be unfamiliar with what�s proper in society today, but I am an honorable man. If I can�t control my feelings for you, I�ll pack up and leave.�
�Were you running away from what you believed to be an impossible situation when you passed through time?�
He turned away, and she followed his gaze to their blurred image in the bowed window. �No. I gave my word to protect Luke and Rebecca. I planned to ask Rebecca to marry me. It would have been improper, but it was the only way to keep my promise to Saul.�
Becci watched him struggle for the right words, wondering what promise he�d made to Saul, but she was afraid if she asked he�d stop talking, and she wanted�needed�to know what he had to say.
�You�re a lot like Rebecca,� he continued. �She didn�t care what people thought. She went with what she felt, proper or not. She is�was�a fine woman and a true friend.�
�You loved her.�
�No.� Caleb shook his head as he spoke. �We were just friends. She was Luke�s mother, and Luke was my godson.�
He glanced up, and Becci almost gasped at the raw need still burning in his eyes.
�I cared for Rebecca, but I never touched her as a husband would touch a wife. I have more feelings for you than I ever felt for her or for Elizabeth. I think it has something to do with what�s here,� he said, tapping his chest lightly. �Contrary to my reputation, the nuns taught me to be a gentleman. That is why I will not give in to the temptation. You are another man�s woman. As I�ll not be here for an extended period, it would not be proper for me to try to steal your affections.�
Caleb retrieved his hat, put it on and adjusted it, deciding he�d better leave before he made everything he�d just said a lie. �If you�ll leave a list of chores with Miss Lilly, I�ll make sure they�re finished early so we can plan this party of yours.
I�ll even try to decipher the journals and look for the gold. As I said before, I only need the orichalc. The rest is yours.�
Caleb stared at Becci. The flame of desire still blazed in her eyes. He imagined the silky feel of her hair draped over his chest�of her draped over his chest. He�d never had a woman romping through his thoughts like Becci did, and he knew instinctively that no other woman ever would.
With a quick tip of his hat he left before he made a bigger fool of himself than he already had.
***
Caleb nearly gagged as he entered the shed. Jacobs�s odor announced his presence before Caleb spied him hiding under a ragged blanket in the corner.
�What are you planning on stealing now, Jacobs?� Caleb tossed his hat at the foot of his bed and sat down to take off his boots. If Jacobs wanted to share his room, he would have to clean up. He�d tried to air the room once, but the odor had plagued him continuously since he�d seen the man sneak inside.
The clothes the drunk wore were the same ones he�d had on when they were thrust through time. The chunks of black mud that clung to his boots and pants indicated that he�d probably been hiding in the woods or down by the lake.
�Whiskey, if they got it,� Jacobs�s drink-slurred words preceded him out of the corner. �I�m almost finished with what I got the other day. I need food, too. Some of that sweet smellin�
stew might be nice. I watched you and that Miz Lilly having that little chat of yore�s. You didn�t even think about yore friend here, did you?� Jacobs placed his palm to his own chest.
�If you�d care to work for Miss Becci, I�m sure she would feed you.�
�I don�t reckon that�s necessary. Not when I can jist walk in and take what I want. Besides, once I get the neckpiece the Widow Berclair gave you, I�ll be set for life, and you�ll be the one they hang for murder.�
A vision of the blood-drenched knife flashed into his mind.
Luke�s wail would have covered Rebecca�s cry for help. Caleb seized the edge of the cot in a white-knuckled grip and fought to keep his anger under control. He�d failed Saul. He�d failed to protect Rebecca and Luke.
�You killed her,� Caleb whispered. �You killed Rebecca.�
�No. You did. It were yore knife that was used. No one�s gonna blame me. It were common knowledge that you kilt before. Course I won�t say nothin� if�n you�ll just fetch me that there gold piece yore so fond of and that sack of nuggets and gold coins you had when we headed to the manor. I�ll head on down river soon as I get it. One town�s good as �nother.�
�I don�t have the gold.�
�Liar. Only a fool would lose a sack of money. And you�re a lot of things, but you ain�t no fool. Where is it?�
�I don�t know,� Caleb repeated. �By now, I�m sure Rebecca�s family has spent most of it. After all, that was a hundred and sixty years ago. Or haven�t you found that out yet?�
�Yore lyin� again! I ain�t no fool, Caleb Harrison. I don�t know what you done to make things seem different, but it ain�t been a hunnert and sixty years. You get that gold for me, or I�ll take that young filly you got yore sights on. Then maybe you�ll listen.�
Caleb leaped off the cot, caught Jacobs by the collar and shoved him into the wall. The bottle Jacobs held by the neck bounced against the boards at his back.
�You stay away from Becci.�
�Then you best git me more whiskey, boy. This bottle is almost empty.� He lifted the bottle to show Caleb. �Or maybe you kin git me some of that gold so I kin git my own bottle.�
Caleb remained silent for a moment, then shoved Jacobs toward the door. �I can�t take anything out of the house until Saturday. Even then I�m not sure I�ll be able to find the gold.�
�I can�t wait �til then for a drink, and I need me some food.�
Caleb reached under the cot and pulled out the small sack of biscuits Lilly had brought him earlier.
�This will have to do for now.� He tossed them to Jacobs.
�I�ll talk to Lilly. Getting food shouldn�t be a problem.�
�Fine. Tomorrow morning I�ll be expectin� you to be leaving me vittles in here. I know yore feelings towards the spirits, so if�n you wants me to, I�ll handle gettin� that myself.�
Jacobs tipped the whiskey bottle up for a long draw, then wiped his mouth on his dirty shirtsleeve. �If the gold ain�t here Saturday, I might just take a notion to find it myself. I know all about them there hidden spots in yore furniture. Ain�t no place in that furniture that an ax can�t find. Especially one as sharp as the one you jist honed.�
�You stay away from the house, Jacobs,� Caleb warned.
�You stole all the liquor they had.�
�If you want me to stay out, you�ll get me the gold and some more whiskey. I wouldn�t dally if I were you, either. I�m a mighty thirsty man, and I get right ugly when I don�t have my drink.�
Caleb let out a sharp curse as Jacobs slipped out the door.
He shoved open the window and gazed at the dark shadows of the trees. He hoped the cool breeze would help clear his head and take the stench out of the shed.
He slammed his fist against the windowsill and whirled toward the cot. He had a lot of emotional and moral sorting to do. Mostly about Becci, the house and the gold. Jacobs, too.
He wanted to kill the man, but he knew he couldn�t do it. He had to take him back with him, and if the drunk had truly killed Rebecca, Caleb would make sure the man hanged for it.
But before he could do any of that, he had to get back to his time. He could drag Jacobs upstairs while Becci was out, get the medallion out of the dresser and leave, but that would be stealing. Even if the gold and the medallion had been his, the house and everything in it now belonged to Becci.
He couldn�t take the medallion without lowering himself to the likes of Jacobs, and he�d be damned if he would do that.
Right now he had to protect Becci and Lilly, and his instincts told him that Jacobs wasn�t the biggest threat they faced.
Something nefarious was going on here, and he couldn�t leave until he found out what it was and made sure Becci and Lilly were safe.
Caleb tucked his knife in his belt, grabbed his hat off the cot and went back to the house. As long as Jacobs needed whiskey, Becci and Lilly wouldn�t be safe from the drunk. He�d have to get spirits for Jacobs, and he�d have to get them fast.
Caleb rubbed his hand over his face and tried to cast aside the images assailing him. The full moon sketched a path across the yard, creating moving puddles of light as a gentle breeze fluttered the trees. Sleep wasn�t claiming him, and morning was taking its time coming.
Every time he had closed his eyes the memory of Becci�s body pressed to his took over his thoughts and sent an ache through him that only she could sate. He rolled to his back, moved his knife so it wouldn�t jab him in the side, and stared at the stars.
Becci was engaged to Ascott, so she must love him, but her actions confused Caleb. He�d slipped into her life and turned it upside down. She should hate him, probably did. But her response to his kiss said she had other feelings, too.
One more time he closed his eyes. Instantly the memory of her kiss, her taste, her scent, and her soft skin assaulted him.
The innocent air surrounding her didn�t correspond with either the way she dressed or her forwardness.
Caleb groaned. He might as well give up on sleeping. He rolled to his feet and leaned against the oak tree he�d lain under.
The sun�s orange glow had yet to paint the horizon. If he hurried he could finish washing and be dressed in time to have a cup of coffee before doing his morning chores.
Besides, maybe the icy water would help dissolve the masculine needs that surged with every thought of Becci.
Grabbing the bucket, rag and soap Lilly had given him, he headed toward the water spigot. The lights were off, and everything looked peaceful inside. But the shed looked that way, too, and he knew firsthand that those walls had been anything but peaceful the last few days.
It would have been nice to clean up in the water room Miss Lilly had shown him. It wasn�t necessary though, because he had everything he needed outside. With the cover of darkness, he could undress and bathe under the oak using the snakelike tube Lilly had called a hose. She had used it to water the plants yesterday, and now he would use it on himself.
Holding the hose in one hand, he twisted the handle above where it was connected. Water suddenly erupted from the end of the tube and jerked the hose out of his grip. It snaked maniacally over the ground, spurting water everywhere. Caleb dodged the erratic showers.
He chuckled and brushed the water off his shirt. Couldn�t he even clean up without causing a mess? At least Becci wasn�t around to see him make a fool of himself this time.
Catching the hose under his foot, he leaned down and retrieved the wildly wiggling end. There had to be a way to use the thing to his advantage. His damp hair trickled water into his eyes as he studied the situation.
Suddenly he realized that by throwing the end over one of the low hanging oak limbs he could create a shower. He tossed the end over the branch and again dodged the erratic spurts of water. At least it didn�t flop off.
He finished bathing quickly, filled the bucket, and turned off the water. Jacobs would also clean up, Caleb vowed, as he gathered up everything and headed toward the lake to find Jacobs.
After searching for the drunk for over an hour, Caleb made his way back up the hill. Golden squares of light spread across the yard from the kitchen window. Lilly smiled at him through the glass. She raised her cup as if offering it and motioned with her hand for him to come in.
�Morning.� He placed his hat on the hook beside the back door and took the steaming mug Lilly handed him. He breathed in the coffee�s rich aroma and took a long, deep sip of the brew.
�Have a seat, and I�ll make you breakfast,� Lilly said. �I hope the coffee is okay. I added an extra scoop, so it might be a little strong.�
The coffee tasted weak to him, but he liked it more than the bitter brew he usually fixed for himself. �It�s fine.�
Lilly opened the large white box called a refrigerator, took out a short tube, pulled off the paper covering and whacked it against the counter. Then she placed the doughy contents on a flat pan.
�Miss Lilly,� Caleb started. �I�ve got a problem, and I believe you might be the only one able to help me out.�
�I�d be delighted to help.�
�You best wait until after you hear what I�ve got to say before you offer your services,� Caleb replied. �It involves Jacobs, the man who passed through time with me. He has...needs. I can give him half my food, but he�s a drinking man.�
�And he�s asked you to get liquor for him.�
�Not exactly. He plans on stealing it, and the only place he knows where to steal it is from your house. I don�t want him in here again.�
�That explains why he grabbed the whiskey that first day.
Was he the one pilfering through our things the other night?�
Caleb nodded. �I think so.�
�Money�s tight, but I�ll get a couple of bottles while I�m out shopping today. I�d rather spend the money and have Becci mad for a day or two than have that man back in the house.�
�I�d hate to cause trouble between the two of you. Maybe I should ask Becci.�
�No. It�ll be okay.�
�What will be okay?� Becci asked from the doorway.
�I asked Miss Lilly to help me get a few things for Jacobs,�
Caleb said. He wouldn�t let Lilly lie for him.
He set his cup down, tipped his chair back and let his gaze roam slowly up Becci from her white shoes to her lips. Today she wore a pink shirt and matching pants. A tiny hat that looked as if it belonged on a doll was on her head, and her hair was twisted up like it had been the night before.
She moistened her bottom lip, and the memory of their shared kisses flashed through his mind. He wanted to pull her into his arms and finish what they had started last night.
�What does this Jacobs guy need?� Becci asked as she poured herself a cup of coffee and pulled out the chair opposite him.
Suddenly, Caleb remembered his manners, lowered the legs of his chair and stood. He shifted his gaze to the large oak in the backyard and then to toward where Becci stood across the table from him.
Becci drew in a shaky breath and lost herself in the blue depths of Caleb�s eyes. For a long moment they just stared at each other. When he looked away, she felt the loss as if it had been a tender caress instead of a steamy once over.
�What does Jacobs need?� she repeated.
When Caleb faced her again, his expression showed no emotion. He�d again locked his feelings securely behind an invisible wall. She wanted to shout at him for shutting her out.
Instead she waited for his answer.
�Food, clothes and whiskey.�
�I don�t have money for liquor.�
�You can�t afford not to buy it.� Caleb�s voice held a warning. �He�s a drunk, and if he doesn�t have his spirits, he�ll steal them�or something he can trade to buy them.�
�Fine,� Becci said as she drank the first sip of her coffee.
�There are some old clothes in the shed. He can have those, and I�ll pick up a bottle of whiskey tonight. And you�d better tell him to make it last.�
Caleb walked to the door, took his hat off the hook and brushed the crown with the cuff of his shirt. �I�ll be sure he understands.�
�I�ve got to leave for work. Just give Aunt Lilly a list of anything else you need,� Becci said.
�Work?� She�d mentioned work a couple of times, but he�d thought she meant the work around the house. �You work outside the house? For other people?�
�Yes. I�m an aide at Methodist North Hospital across the street.�
He frowned and eased back into the chair. �You shouldn�t have to work. You�re a woman. Besides, there�s more than enough for you to do here. Who�s going to do the mending and the washing and the cooking?�
Becci knew he didn�t understand that today�s women worked outside the home, so she didn�t get angry at his chauvinistic statement. �Aunt Lilly and I share the cooking. I don�t sew. And thanks to the washer and dryer, the laundry doesn�t consume as much time as it used to. I can wash everything in one evening after I get home.�
He looked confused, but all he said was, �This work you do, what is it?�
Becci glanced at her watch. She wanted to explain it to him because, strangely enough, it mattered what he thought about her chosen occupation. But she didn�t have time to talk to him now.
�I�ll tell you tonight,� she said. �If I don�t get out of here, I�ll be late for work.�
As she rushed out the door, she felt Caleb�s hungry gaze burning a hole in her back.
***
Jacobs had watched the strange carriage leave the house last night, stop at the foot of the hill, and back into the trees out of sight. He hadn�t expected it to still be there this morning, but it was.
The man opened the car door, stepped out and stretched, then pulled out a cigar and lit it. Jacobs moved closer and stepped out from behind his hiding place.
�I know you.� Jacobs cursed the slur he heard in his voice.
The sun still hung high in the sky, but that didn�t mean anything.
He couldn�t remember the last time he was sober.
�Ya come to Raleigh lookin� for Obadiah some years back,�
Jacobs said as he slipped to the ground under the old magnolia tree. �Ya bought me a bottle for showin� ya the way to the Berclair�s. Drunk or sober, William Jacobs don�t fergit a man who buys him a bottle.�
�I wondered if you had come with Harrison. Last time we met I asked you to stick close to him. Do you remember what you were supposed to find out?�
�Sure do. You said you�d buy me another bottle. You got the whiskey?�
Ascott reached inside his car and brought out a bottle of whiskey. Jacobs reached for it, but Ascott jerked it back. �I can get you a whole case of the stuff for the right information.�
�And what mighten that be, Mr. Ass�cott,� Jacobs leaned forward, his gaze never straying from the whiskey.
�Where�s Harrison?� Ascott asked.
�Round back diggin� in the mud around the Widder�s roses�at least they was her roses. Now I guess they belong to the women livin� there at the house.�
Michael frowned. �Widow? Saul�s dead?�
�Yeah, got hisself sick and died �bout a year ago.�
�And Rebecca?�
�She�s gone, too.�
�Sorry to hear about Rebecca. She was a fine lady. But if she�s dead then Harrison probably has the medallion that matches this one.� Ascott tucked the bottle of whiskey under his arm and pulled a small metal box out of his pocket. He opened it and tipped it so Jacobs could see inside.
�Yeah, he does. You told me to steal it, but I ain�t had the chance,� Jacobs said.
�You�re sure he has it?� Shutting the box, Ascott slipped it back into his pocket and caught the neck of the bottle.
�Reckon so. He had it when we left Raleigh. Course I ain�t seen it recently.�
�Find out where it is, and I�ll keep you supplied with this stuff for the rest of your life.�
Jacobs licked his lips and reached for the bottle. Ascott didn�t let go. �Deal?�
�Learn where that there necklace is, and I won�t have to worry about gettin� myself whiskey?� Ascott nodded and Jacobs said, �You got yoreself a deal, mister.�
Ascott got in his horseless carriage, then rolled his window down and said, �Another thing, Jacobs.� Ascott tipped his head in the direction of the house. �No one up there is to know that we know each other or the deal�s off.�
* * *
Becci came in the back door. Caleb sat at the table where she�d left him that morning, a legal pad and set of pastel colored pencils in front of him.
He glanced up and smiled. Then he shoved the tablet aside and stood. �Lilly said it was time for you to come home.�
�And I invited him to eat here tonight so you two can talk about your job,� Lilly added.
Becci felt her heartbeat pick up speed. She�d planned to talk to Caleb after she�d cleaned off the day�s grime and eaten, but talking over dinner in the kitchen was better than meeting Caleb in the shed or beside the lake.
�I�m off to play bridge,� Lilly said as she set a plate of corn bread in the center of the table. She returned to the stove, ladled out two bowls of soup and brought them to the table.
�Help yourself to more, and don�t worry about cleaning up.
I�ll do that when I come back.�
Becci eased into her chair and picked up her spoon. She paused when Caleb bowed his head and blessed the food. �What were you drawing?� she asked.
He moved the pad so she could see the drawings. �I asked Lilly if she�d seen the medallion. I drew these to show her what it looked like.�
He pointed to the first circle. �One side, the front, is for friendship�two hands clasped together.� He scooted his fingertip across the page to the second drawing. �The other side represents hatred�two fists raised in anger. Lilly said she hadn�t seen anything like it. Have you?�
Becci studied the page. �No. Afraid not.�
He tore the sheet off the pad and tossed it into the garbage can beside the door.
�The medallion is the key to the portal. I have to have it to go back and save Luke and Rebecca.�
Picking up his spoon, Caleb kept his gaze on the soup. As soon as he got the chance, he would ask Becci�s permission to open the secret compartment in the dresser upstairs and get the medallion out, but not tonight. He had to find Jacobs first and make sure the man was with him. Otherwise, the portal might open up and take him, leaving Jacobs behind. If the drunk got stuck here, he might do the same thing to Becci and Lilly that he had done to Rebecca.
�So,� Caleb said. �Tell me about this job of yours.�
***
Becci watched as Caleb knelt before the small chest of drawers in the nursery, concentrating on the decorative knobs.
A week had passed since she�d come home from work and sat down with him at the table to tell him about her job. He�d seemed truly interested in what she did.
What was he doing? she now wondered. She�d asked him to paint the woodwork, not work on the furniture.
He opened each drawer and ran his hand inside all the way to the back. He left all of them open in a stair-step fashion with the bottom drawer pulled almost all the way out. With his back to her he stood, moved to the side, and fiddled with one of the carved initials. Reaching across the top he turned the other handle slowly.
Becci couldn�t stop her surprised gasp. The top panel slid down to reveal a small cubbyhole.
Caleb whirled around, the knife he�d been using to pry the panel free still clutched in his hand. �You�re early.�
�What are you doing?� Becci shouted, fear erupting inside her as she gazed at the knife. If the journals were to be believed, he�d killed her namesake with a knife.
�It�s not what you think.�
�Do you plan on using that on me?� Becci indicated the knife with a tip of her head.
�No.� Caleb sheathed the blade and laid it on the chest.
�You know I would never harm you.�
�Really? How am I supposed to know that?� she asked, placing her hands on her hips and glaring at him.
�Because I say I wouldn�t.�
�Okay, you won�t harm me. You�ll just steal from me.
That is what you�re doing, right?�
Caleb glanced toward the dresser. If he told her the truth, she wouldn�t understand, but he couldn�t lie. The damning words lodged in his throat.
�Caleb, I need the gold legend says is hidden in this house so I can help save as many children as possible. So if there really is gold here, it�s important to me. Now, I ask again, what are you doing?�
�Opening the top of the chest.�
�I can see that. What I want to know is why?�
�To see if Rebecca might have hidden anything of value in the chest. Anything that might...�
Pay some of the bills I found while snooping around downstairs. Put a few coins in your coffers. Buy the cradles the company refused to send you on credit. Help you, he thought. But he couldn�t give any of those reasons to Becci. If she found out he�d been pilfering through her personal things he would never be able to get the medallion. �...help me discover how to get back to my time.�
Icy fingers squeezed his heart at the thought of leaving. If he�d opened the dresser instead of the chest, he might have been gone when she returned home.
�You should have waited on me.� She stepped toward the chest and brushed her fingers over the carved initials.
�Be reasonable, Becci. If I have to wait for you, nothing in the house will get finished in time for your party,� Caleb said.
�Tearing apart the furniture has nothing to do with the work you�re doing. It�s not even on the list of jobs I gave you.�
Besides, she wanted to shout. I want to work with you. Instead, she said, �Maybe you ought to go downstairs.�
�I�ll put the chest back together before I leave. You wouldn�t want any of the parts to get lost.�
She nodded. He supposed she meant that as a yes. He reached for the panel he�d removed. That�s when he saw the neatly folded square of paper inside the cubical. He could easily palm it, but it, like everything in the house, belonged to Becci.
Caleb carefully slipped the paper out. He recognized the seal as Rebecca�s. His heart pounded in his ears. There was no name on the outside and no indication as to whom it might belong. He wanted to tear it open and read the letter.
Instead, he handed it to Becci. �I�m not sure if this is important or not. As you can see, I haven�t broken the seal.
Which, by the way, contains Rebecca�s own personal insignia.�
Becci�s hand trembled as she let the yellowed paper rest in her palm. As Caleb said, the wax seal remained intact. Careful not to destroy the fragile piece, Becci ran her finger under the wax and opened the letter. She recognized Rebecca�s flowing penmanship immediately.
This should be a letter of recognition attached to an orichalc medallion, but several years ago Saul�s brother used the coin to pay a woman for her services. When he tried to reclaim it, she refused to give it back. I am afraid it has been lost to us forever. Now there is only one medallion�the one Saul gave me the night he died�and it is already in the hands of its rightful owner. I will meet with the new keeper tomorrow.
The letter was dated June 17, 1816, the day before Rebecca died. Becci looked from Rebecca�s letter to Caleb, her mind full of questions. Was Caleb�s mother the one who refused to return the medallion? He�d said she was a lady-of-the-evening.
Was he the rightful owner Rebecca had referred to as having the medallion, or was the medallion the reason Rebecca had been killed?
Becci refolded the page, knowing she had to know more about the medallion before she could trust Caleb.
�Please, fix the chest. Then I need your help to change the furniture around in my bedroom. From now on, the work upstairs will be done in the evening after I get home.�
�Yes, ma�am.� Caleb combed his fingers through his hair.
What had the note said that upset her so much? And her wary expression said she was upset. He wanted to ask her, but he knew instinctively she wouldn�t tell him. So instead of asking, he replaced the panel on the chest and shut each drawer while she stood over him. Things had definitely changed between them.
She leaned against the door frame until he had all the parts back together, then she followed him to her bedroom.
�What do you want changed in here?� he asked
�The dresser. I think it would look better against the wall opposite the window.� She pointed to the far wall.
�Do you think you can help me move it? I would hate to scratch the floor.�
Without saying a word, Becci braced one hand at the front of the dresser, caught the back leg and lifted her side. Caleb caught his side in a similar manner.
What�s wrong, Becci? I don�t like seeing you upset.
She glanced up, her eyes wide. What in the world?
You can hear what I�m thinking.
�Yes,� she whispered.
You heard me the day I arrived, too, didn�t you?
Did I? Was that really his thoughts I heard?
Yes. And I heard yours, too. It must be the dresser that links us together. Why you and not Jacobs? I heard his thoughts, but he didn�t hear mine.
Becci set the dresser down, hoping that she wasn�t trembling as badly on the outside as she was on the inside.
How could she read Caleb�s thoughts and him hers? It was impossible�wasn�t it?
�I think you�d better go. I need time to figure this out.
And, Caleb, this is just between you and me,� she said as he set his side down. �I do not want Lilly to hear one thing about what happens when we both touch the dresser.�
Her heart raced as the connection finally made sense. He�d made all the furniture, and she�d heard his voice when they both touched the dresser. But, he�d made the chest, too, and she hadn�t heard him when they both touched it.
The chest. If it had a secret compartment, maybe there was one in the dresser, too. And if there was, maybe the medallion was the reason for the strange connection between them. He�d said it had �powers� he couldn�t explain.
She started to ask him if there was a secret compartment in the dresser, but she couldn�t voice the words. If the medallion was in there, he�d be leaving�maybe right in front of her eyes.
�We need to discuss what just happened and the medallion we talked about last week. Until we do, I don�t want you opening any more secret compartments,� she said. �Do you understand what I�m saying?�
�Perfectly.�
***
More than a week had passed since Becci had realized that the medallion might be in the dresser. She still hadn�t asked Caleb if there was a secret compartment, although if there was, he was a master at building secret compartments.
She�d tried everything she could think of to find one, but she�d come up empty.
Unable to sleep, she tossed and turned in her bed. When she heard Pepper�s sorrowful meow, she decided to go downstairs and see what was wrong with the kitten. When she entered the room, she glanced out the window and froze. Caleb was in the yard, but what was he doing?
Her gaze didn�t stray from him as he filled the bucket, fought with the hose, and prepared for his shower. She kept telling herself that she shouldn�t spy on him, that she should turn on the light so he�d know she was there, but she simply couldn�t move. Soon, he was bathed in nothing but moonlight and glistening drops of water, and she drank in the sight of him.
Had her namesake, Rebecca watched him in secret like this? From what Becci had read in the journals, probably so.
The first few months after Saul�s death Rebecca had written paragraphs of grief, followed by praise for the support Caleb had given her. Then things had changed.
Becci sighed as she recalled Rebecca�s words. The accurate descriptions she�d given in her journal told Becci that Rebecca had cared for Caleb. In them Rebecca had described in detail how his broad shoulders stressed the seams of his shirt while he chopped wood or carried in one of the heavy pieces of furniture he�d made. He is a man who is not afraid of hard work or gentle conversation, she�d written.
Becci sighed again. She could add a few descriptive words of her own. Some that weren�t too complimentary, such as sneaky and manipulative. Then of course, there were those words that a woman of Rebecca�s social status nearly two hundred years before wouldn�t have been caught writing, like alluring and sexy. Caleb was all that and more.
He moved with a masculine grace she�d seen only on television or in the movies. What would it be like to run her hands over his soap-slick body? To feel his muscles bunch and relax at her touch? Her fingers tingled with the urge to push open the door and find out.
�He�s quite a sensational specimen,� Lilly whispered from the doorway. �But I don�t think he would approve of you watching him from the shadows.�
Becci forced her gaze away from the window. �I know, but there�s something about him�.�
�Becci, you�d better consider all the possibilities before you involve your heart,� Lilly warned.
�It�s too late.� Becci frowned. The confession startled her.
Had she really let this stranger wind his way into her heart?
�What happens when he leaves?� Lilly asked as she pulled out a chair to join Becci.
Becci covered her aunt�s hand. �He won�t. He has nothing to go back to.�
But even as she said the words, she knew they were a lie.
Time and again he�d told her he had to go back to his time.
�He may not have a choice,� Lilly said. �And don�t forget Luke. Caleb must go back to take care of him. He gave his word. He also thinks he might be able to save Rebecca. That�s why you should take your time with this.�
Becci closed her eyes. She didn�t want to think about Caleb leaving. And she couldn�t stand the thought of him marrying her namesake. She knew in her heart that if Caleb returned to his time and saved Rebecca, Rebecca would marry him�and not just for Luke�s sake.
But whether or not he stayed, Caleb had taught her one thing. She couldn�t marry Michael. She didn�t love him.
�You don�t have to worry about anything happening between Caleb and me. I care about him, and I don�t want to see him hurt. That�s all.� It was a flat out lie, but she had to convince herself it was the truth.
�I�ve got to get dressed,� she said before her hand could respond.
She hurried upstairs, slipped on her uniform and pinned on the small nurse�s aide hat. She checked her hair in the mirror and smiled. Last week, as she discussed her job, Caleb had caressed her cheek, and she thought he might kiss her again.
He hadn�t, though. From then on he hadn�t come in for his morning coffee until after she�d left for work. He�d even told her aunt about the rule she�d put into force about him not being allowed alone in any of the rooms. Personal reasons, he�d explained.
Becci grabbed her badge off the dresser, clipped it to the pocket of her lab coat and plopped down on her bed. Caleb was avoiding her. She�d gotten her proof last night when she took him the list of chores for today. He�d asked her to slip it under the door because he wasn�t decent.
He�d lied. She�d looked through the window before she knocked and saw him sitting on his bed whittling a chunk of wood. He�d had his shirt off and his pants on. What else was he lying about? Damn it, why couldn�t they be friends?
�What am I doing wrong?� she mumbled as she ran downstairs and rounded the corner into the kitchen.
�I don�t know. You look fine to me.� Caleb immediately stood up. �I do prefer your hair down,� he added. �But you said you had to wear it up for work.�
Becci raised her hand to her chest and tried to still her racing heart. She�d barely managed to get her raging hormones under control from her spy session a short while ago, and now they were going at a full gallop again. �What are you doing here?�
Lilly gave her a scathing look as she handed her a cup of coffee, and Becci knew her tone had been too harsh.
�I�m sorry,� Caleb said.
Becci raised her hand. �No. I�m sorry. I�m not used to seeing you in the kitchen, so let me start again.�
She cleared her throat and tossed a quick glance in Lilly�s direction. Hooking her thumb under her purse�s long strap, she adjusted it and lifted her gaze to meet his. �Good morning, Caleb.�
�Morning, Miss Berclair.� Caleb swallowed hard. He�d never found it difficult to talk about work before, not even with Rebecca. Right now his mouth felt like he�d stuffed it full of cotton. He�d been avoiding Becci all week, hoping it would curb her effect on him. It hadn�t.
�I�ve finished repairing the furniture for upstairs. Just let me know when you�ll be able to watch me take them up.�
She hadn�t expected her rule to cause such problems. She should have remembered that her aunt went upstairs only when she had no choice. �I�ll be home tonight. You can finish up then.�
�That�ll work out fine. We need to discuss the party, too.
Will you have the time to talk after you�ve finished your evening meal?� Caleb asked.
�I have a better idea. Why don�t you, Aunt Lilly and I eat together? We can talk while we eat.�
Caleb reached for his hat and the sack of sausage and biscuits Lilly set on the table for him to take to Jacobs. �I�m not sure that�s such a good idea.�
�Caleb Harrison, you will eat with us tonight,� Becci ordered.
�Yes, ma�am.� He suppressed a satisfied grin. She must have forgiven him for his snooping. He�d thought they might go on a picnic, but he�d forgotten she had to work.
�I�m sorry, I forgot,� he murmured.
�Forgot what?� Becci asked.
�Huh?�
�What are you apologizing for? What did you forget?�
�That you had to work today,� he stammered. �I thought we might go on a picnic.�
�That�s a great idea. We�ll plan one for my next day off.�
She glanced at the calendar. Michael�s name was scrawled across the date in bright red.
Caleb�s gaze followed hers. �Maybe a picnic isn�t such a good idea after all. Mr. Ascott wouldn�t appreciate me escorting his woman.�
She didn�t care what Michael did or didn�t appreciate. She stifled a groan. She needed to break her engagement with him soon. Hopefully he wouldn�t hold it against her when the time came to sell her property.
�We�ll discuss it later.� She hurried past Caleb, took her keys off the hook, and let the ring slide over her finger with a jingle. �I have to leave or I�ll be late.� She opened the door. A rush of hot, humid air stole her breath. It wasn�t even seven yet, and the rising temperature indicated the day would be another record breaker.
�Give Pepper some water, and remember to drink some yourself,� Becci advised Caleb, affecting a melodramatic, motherly tone. �Take a break every hour, and don�t swim in the pond.�
Caleb laughed like she�d hoped he would.
I could be happy here.
Becci blinked as the words reverberated in her head. Had she heard his thoughts? They weren�t touching the dresser, so that was impossible�wasn�t it?
Becci blocked out both the whimpers coming from the clear plastic portable cribs and Meg Franklin�s constant chattering.
One of the aides hadn�t shown up, so she and Meg were responsible for the four girls and two boys.
The little girl she held to her shoulder stretched her fist upward, burped and then curled into a tiny knot. Becci adjusted her into the crook of her arm and hummed softly.
Meg finished feeding the baby she was tending and changed its diaper. Meg was the closest thing to a best friend Becci had ever had. They had taken several courses at the University of Tennessee together, had applied for their jobs as nursery aides on the same day, and somehow managed to work on the same shift three out of every five days. In a couple more semesters they would have taken all the courses they needed to attend the Methodist Hospital�s School of Nursing.
�Hey, girlfriend, you�re not listening again. I asked if you�ve decided what classes you�re going to take in the fall?�
Meg repeated as she cupped her hand beneath the baby�s head and carried her back to her crib. She checked the infant in the next crib and sighed. �This one�s not too happy. I don�t think he likes the formula they�re giving him. He�s always hungry.�
�Boys usually are. At least that�s what I�ve heard.�
�Classes, Becci. Which ones?� Meg prodded as she took the little boy to the changing table.
�I�m not taking any. I used up all my savings to patch the roof last month.�
�Why are you doing the repairs? Aren�t you selling the land to a commercial developer?�
�Well, yeah. It started out that way, but Aunt Lilly doesn�t want to sell. And I met this guy and��
�Hold it,� Meg ordered, spinning around to face Becci while keeping one hand on the squirming infant. �Guy? What happened to Michael? I thought you two were engaged?�
�I was...am. But I�m having second thoughts. I don�t know if I love Michael. He�s nice enough, and he has helped Aunt Lilly and me plan a good budget to help eliminate the financial problems that mom and dad left behind, but...� She raised her shoulders in a shrug.
Through the glass enclosure Becci watched a maintenance man push his cart down the hall. Love�she�d never known two people who really loved each other. Although her parents hadn�t divorced, they certainly didn�t share an undying love.
Becci sighed. Her grandmother had been a widow by the time she�d been born. If anyone had been happily married, it was Granny.
�Does your heart flutter?� Meg asked.
�What?� The question startled Becci, snapping her out of her reflections.
Meg turned back to the baby. After changing his diaper she carefully lifted the infant off the changing table and cuddled him against her shoulder. �When Michael kisses you, does your heart do funny flips? Or does just looking at him take your breath away?�
Caleb does that to me, she wanted to say. Instead she said,
�Well, no. It�s not like that between us. It�s comfortable and relaxed and...and kind of quiet. I guess that�s why I�m questioning our relationship.�
�Have you slept with him?� Meg asked as she laid the baby in his crib.
Becci laughed. It was just like Meg to ask questions that everyone else would think too personal.
�No. We decided to wait until our wedding night.�
�You decided or did he? I mean it�s not like you�re a virgin, right?�
Becci couldn�t look directly at her friend, and she inwardly cursed the hot blush she could feel coloring her face.
�Heaven help me, you are! Does Michael know?�
Becci shook her head and raised the baby to her shoulder.
�No. We�ve never discussed it.�
�Michael is supposedly madly in love with you. You�re engaged. Haven�t you ever had to fight off his advances?�
�Meg, that�s none of your business.�
�Okay. Let�s put it a different way. Number one, he claims to love you. Number two, he never takes you out to dinner or to a movie. And number three, unless things have changed over the last month, you�re paying him to help you with your financial problems, but you haven�t seen a cent of the pennies he�s pinching for you. I�ve told you all along I had my doubts about his credibility.�
�Don�t you start, too,� Becci snapped. �We went out last week. Granted, I paid for the tickets. The function was a fundraiser for the people trying to get aid from Ascomp, but it was definitely a date.�
�You paid?�
�Michael forgot his checkbook. He promised to pay me back.�
�You had a lousy time, didn�t you? And I�ll bet you ten bucks you�ll never see one dime of your money.�
Shoving herself out of the rocker, Becci thought about her date with Michael. She couldn�t stop the smile from sneaking to her lips. That had been the night Caleb had discovered car alarms.
�From your smile, I�d say I�m wrong.�
�No. You�re right, but Caleb has a way of turning every situation upside-down and making it fun.�
�Caleb? Wait�one�minute,� Meg said, separating each word with exaggerated flare. �I thought you went out with Michael.�
�I did. Caleb is the guy that has me questioning my feelings for Michael, but Caleb�s only here for a short time.�
�Uh huh. How does he make you feel?�
�Oh, dear. I�ve got to go. Look at the time,� Becci said, glancing at the clock.
�Not so fast. Let me get this straight. Your date with Michael turned out badly.�
Becci nodded.
�I assume that something happened after the date, and that something has to do with this Caleb guy.�
Becci nodded again.
�Tell me about him.�
�No time,� Becci muttered. �I promise to explain tomorrow.
I should have been out of here five minutes ago. Caleb�s having dinner with Aunt Lilly and me.�
�I�m not working tomorrow,� Meg declared. �I�ll let it slide for now, but you mark my word Mary Rebecca, I won�t let you off the hook. Next time I see you, I want a full report.�
�You�ve got it,� Becci said as she placed the baby in its portable bed, noting the time and the amount of the feeding for the nurse to add to the chart.
Grabbing her purse, she raced to the elevator. Was she in a hurry to escape Meg�s continuous questions, or to rush home to Caleb? She didn�t know. Besides, if Caleb found the key to the time lock, he would be gone. Or would he? From what she could tell, he didn�t love her namesake, so would he really choose to go back?
He might not have a choice. Aunt Lilly�s words haunted her. She knew he hadn�t had a choice in coming here. Fate had played a dirty trick on him. Or was the trick on her? Had fate sent him here to make her understand what losing the manor really meant or to steal her heart?
Becci tugged on the car door. It made a horrible creaking sound as it opened and again as it closed. She turned the key, and the old car�s engine did its usual grind before it finally started.
Through the copse of oaks, she could see her house. In less than five minutes she would be home. She exited the parking lot, and her heart began to flutter. Was this the sensation Meg had spoken of? Did she actually have deeper feelings for Caleb than she wanted to admit?
She rested her head against the steering wheel and waited for the light to change. Yes, she did care for Caleb, and she couldn�t wait to see him. Her heart pounded like a drum, and her pulse fluttered with expectation.
Would Caleb be waiting to greet her? Or would he still be clearing away the brush from around the lake? With the attraction between them simmering on the edge of combustion, she knew she should keep her distance. At least until she broke up with Michael.
Becci turned into the drive. Maybe she�d talk to Aunt Lilly.
She might be able to give her some advice to straighten out her confusion.
After parking the car, Becci caught her purse by the strap, slid out of the car, and hurried in the front door. She entered the dining room and came to an abrupt halt.
She had a perfect view of the kitchen table. Caleb was placing the flatware at a precise angle beside each plate. She waited for him to glance up. He worked his way around the table, keeping his gaze riveted to the task he performed.
His normally shadowed chin held no stubble. Moisture shimmered in the dark hair hanging over his shirt collar. He looked as if he�d just stepped out of the shower. She�d seen him clean-shaven with a thin sheen of water glistening in his hair before, yet, something didn�t seem right. He looked...different.
Unable to discern what it could be, she shrugged off the strange feeling and took another step into the kitchen.
Caleb didn�t move from behind the table. Slowly he laid the last piece down and glanced up.
�Hello.� He wedged his fingers into his pockets. �I hope you had as good a day as I did.�
�It was nice,� Becci stated casually as she made her way to the alcove by the back door. �What did you do today?�
�I ate lunch with Miss...with Lilly,� he corrected. Lilly told him that most people today didn�t put Miss in front of people�s given names. �After that, she suggested I read or watch the television while she went shopping. I�m not much of a sitter unless I�m reading, so Lilly gave me a couple of books, and I sat outside under the oak until she came back.�
�What era did you study today?� Becci asked, hanging her jacket on one of the hooks. She then took off the pillbox cap and stuffed it in the pocket of her lab coat. One by one she removed the pins holding her hair in a twist and shook it out.
When she turned back Caleb�s face had turned a deep crimson under his dark tan.
�I�it�Lilly called them romance novels. They were...entertaining.�
Becci felt the heat creeping up her neck to her cheeks. She knew the types of romance novels her aunt preferred. �Yeah, I bet. But that stuff is fiction. Take us for instant. If we were the characters in one of those books, we would already be lovers and falling irrevocably in love. We�re not. We�re friends, nothing more,� she stated flatly, her cheeks growing hotter.
�You enjoyed the books?�
He remained silent as he eased out from behind the table and cupped his palm to her cheek. He brushed his thumb over her lips. �Yes. I did.�
With his index finger, Caleb tucked a strand of hair behind Becci�s ear, letting the back of his hand slide slowly down her neck. He knew he shouldn�t be touching her like this, but according to the books he�d read, touching in this era wasn�t as taboo as it was in his.
�I like your hair down,� he told her, his voice oddly husky.
�I dream about how it would look draped over a snow-white pillow. That�s what the guy in the book said, but it�s true. I dream about you like that. Do people today really do the, uh, things that, uh...�
�It�s fiction, Caleb,� Becci interrupted, her breath catching at the feel of his fingers massaging her nape. �Fables, stories, tales, untruths. Things like that don�t happen in real life.�
�People don�t move through time, either,� he murmured softly. He lowered his head. His lips hovered over hers, his words nothing more than a warm, faint tingle of air.
�No. They don�t,� Becci whispered. �And people thrown together like we�ve been don�t become lovers, either.�
A shiver rippled through her. They weren�t lovers and they wouldn�t be, could never be. Meg�s questions about her feelings had her wondering if she did feel more for Caleb than friendship.
He did make her heart race.
She silently chanted, �We�re not in love,� like a guru repeating a meditation. She couldn�t deny the attraction, but it wasn�t love.
Caleb inched closer, his breath touching her cheek. �Fiction or not, the book I read had a very emotional impact. With what I�ve learned, everything seemed...plausible.�
One second mixed with the next until time became irrelevant. Becci feathered her hands over Caleb�s chest, and caught him by the shoulders to keep from melting into him.
A cabinet door snapped closed in the dining room. The noise ricocheted through the kitchen, jolting them apart.
Caleb stared at Becci, feeling confused. She�d said they were friends, and they were. But what he felt went deeper than just friendship. He wanted to kiss her and tell her he�d missed her today, but he�d lost whatever composure he had when she slid her hands over his shoulders and gazed up at him. He expelled a long, weary breath and backed away from her.
Becci sucked in a shaky breath and took another step backward, too. �You...you said Aunt Lilly went shopping. What for?�
Caleb held his arms out to the side and shrugged. �These.�
�Clothes!� Becci exclaimed. She hadn�t noticed that Caleb�s long-sleeved, plaid shirt had been replaced by a blueknit golf shirt that brought out the color of his eyes. His jeans had been swapped for denim shorts. No wonder he�d looked different to her! Her gaze fastened on his bare legs and slowly moved upward. Her mouth went dry. By the time her eyes reached his lips, butterflies were doing double-time in her stomach.
�Lilly bought me two outfits. When I refused them, she said the work I did more than paid for the clothes and that I reminded her of Nick on her favorite soap. I don�t know who Nick is, or why he�d be on soap, but she assured me it was good.� He shrugged. �She said these clothes are what he would wear.�
Slowly Becci realized what he�d said. Lilly bought�
�How did she p-pay f-for them?�
Caleb glanced at Lilly over Becci�s shoulder. �She said she didn�t need anything but a small piece of plastic.�
�Damn it, I don�t have money to clothe you!�
Caleb flinched. He hadn�t expected Becci�s angry explosion.
�Whether you pay cash or charge them, they eventually have to be paid for. I already have more bills than I can pay now.�
Becci whirled around at the sound of her aunt shutting the oven.
�How could you? You know how tight money is. First Michael waltzes me into that fund raiser and orders me to write a check for fifty dollars a plate, and now I have to pay for clothes I can�t afford.� Tears blurred her vision. She battled to keep them from falling but failed. As they rolled down her cheeks, she batted at them impatiently and said, �Don�t you understand we can�t pay the bills? There is no more money.�
Lilly set the biscuits on a trivet. Her shoulders sagged.
�I�m sorry, Becci. I didn�t think you�d mind.� She drew in a deep breath. �Everything will be just fine. You�ll see. Now you just go wash-up. We�ll discuss this later.�
Caleb kept his eyes trained on Becci until she ran from the room. Her tears squeezed at his heart. He hadn�t realized that accepting the clothes would create such a problem. Why had he let Lilly talk him into them? He�d never accepted charity before. This would be the first and the last time. And he�d caused a problem between Lilly and Becci.
He hadn�t hurt the clothes. Maybe the storeowner would take them back. If not, he would find a way to pay for them.
Lilly set a steaming bowl of potatoes on the table and cast a quick glance toward the doorway. �I�m sorry. I guess I should have asked, but I really didn�t think she would mind.�
�I don�t want to cause trouble between you and Becci.�
�Pooh. You didn�t do anything. I�m the one who upset her by going shopping without consulting her. Her and her foolish rules. We can�t buy this or that. Watch what you spend. You can�t do this because there�s no money. When will all this end?�
�Maybe if I talk to the storeowner he�ll take them back?�
�Oh, that won�t be a problem, but I don�t want to take them back.�
�I insist. I don�t need them, and if returning them helps make things right, it�s what should be done.�
�You love her,� Lilly said quietly.
�I don�t know if it�s love, but I do know that what I feel is wrong. As Becci said earlier, this isn�t one of those romance novels or television stories you�ve introduced me to. I�m an honorable man, Lilly. I would never do anything to hurt either of you, no matter what�s written in those journals.�
�Heaven forbid,� Lilly gasped as she pressed her hand to her chest in a theatrical gesture. �You mean you�re not the murderer they claim you are?� Her voice became serious again.
�Where Becci is concerned, all I ask is that you not break her heart when you decide to return to your own era.�
Caleb shrugged. �The heart is a funny thing. It gets hurt real easy. I don�t plan on letting anything hurt Becci, but it would be best if I left soon. I�m beginning to care more than I should. She�s already taken, and I still have a promise to keep.
And that means I must go back. Just know that where Becci is concerned I won�t act on my��
�Desires,� Lilly supplied the word for him.
�Desires,� he repeated. He hoped, for Becci�s sake, he could keep his promise to Lilly.
Musical tones echoed through the room. The doorbell.
�There�s a basket in the corner cabinet in the dining room.
Put the biscuits in it while I see who�s at the door. Hopefully I can get rid of them before our supper gets cold.�
Caleb found a linen napkin in one of the drawers and lined the basket before dumping the biscuits in it and placing it on the table.
Becci rounded the corner and greeted him with a polite smile that didn�t touch her eyes. An instant later Lilly came from the opposite direction, followed closely by Michael.
�Becci, darling,� Michael gushed. He brushed past Lilly and caught Becci by the shoulders, giving her a kiss. �You must be physic. I decide to come by at the last minute, and you�ve got a place already set for me at the table.�
�It�s not�,� Becci said, trying to tell him the spot belonged to Caleb, but Michael interrupted.
�Who else would it be for? Surely you�re not entertaining the hired help,� he said with an arrogant nod in Caleb�s direction.
Becci�s gaze met Caleb�s. She didn�t know what to do. A knot tightened in her stomach. She and Caleb needed to talk.
His eyes had glistened with excitement when she�d come home.
Now a barrier cloaked all but one emotion�his animosity toward Michael.
Caleb took his hat off the hook and settled it on his head.
�I�ll get that list of chores from you in the morning. It�s late, and I need to go rustle up some grub. Night, Miss Lilly. Becci.
Y�all have a nice evening.�
�You will not let that man come in this house again!�
Michael shouted.
Becci rested her fists on her hips and glared at Michael.
�Caleb is my friend, and you have no right to tell me who can come into my home and who can�t.�
�I have every right,� Michael said. Grabbing Becci�s left wrist, he lifted her hand until her engagement ring was only inches from her face. �This gives me that right. You�re mine.�
Air hissed through his clenched teeth as he drew in a deep breath. His eyes, barely visible through his squinted gaze, were dark with a stormy rage she�d never realized existed in him. A paralyzing fear snaked through her. He wouldn�t hurt her. Or would he?
Michael whipped a curt glance in Lilly�s direction, and her aunt also froze.
�What�s gotten into you, Becci?� Michael asked returning his attention to her. �That...bum waltzes in here full of mystery and in need of a handout, and you all but invite him into your bed. Or have you done that, too?�
Becci�s anger outweighed her fear. Without thought, her palm cracked against Michael�s cheek, the sound echoing through the kitchen. Then there was nothing but silence. It hung like a suffocating mantle as the seconds passed slowly.
She cut her gaze to her wrist, which Michael still held. He wouldn�t win. She wouldn�t let him. She curled her fingers into a fist and glanced up. His grip tightened a little more. An eternity passed as she and Michael stared at each other, his fury battling her smoldering rage.
But despite her anger, icy fingers of fear skidded down her spine, and she couldn�t stop the tremor that rippled over her.
She�d never encountered this side of Michael, and now that she had, she knew she�d never marry him.
Michael drew a breath between his clenched teeth and closed his eyes. Whether to regain control or as an attempt to cover his true feelings, Becci didn�t know. When he opened his eyes, the surliness had vanished, replaced by a cool nonchalance.
�I�m sorry. I deserved that.� He hesitated for a moment, then loosened his grip but didn�t let her go.
Becci rubbed her free hand against her thigh and drew in a deep breath, forcing the tension out of her body.
�Let me go, Michael,� she ordered, breathing a silent prayer of thanks for the firmness reflected in her voice.
Instead of releasing her, Michael said, �I�m so jealous, Becci. Every time I talk to you or Lilly, you mention something about your illustrious guest and how much he�s helping you get things ready for the party. He�s doing all the things I should be doing, but I don�t have time. It�s...humiliating.�
Michael brushed a kiss to her palm, then slid his hands to her shoulder. �Why are you so blind to his actions, honey?
Can�t you tell he�s only after your money? I bet he�s read every one of Rebecca�s journals and knows there�s gold in this house.
Please be careful.�
�Gold? How do you know about the gold?�
�I...I don�t know,� he stammered. �You must have mentioned it. Or maybe I overheard you and Lilly talking about it. It�s really not important.� Becci eyed him warily. Her question had shaken him. Why?
�What�s important,� Michael continued, �is for you to watch out for Mr. Harrison. With all the creeps out there today, he might be a murderer, or a rapist.�
�No, Michael. Caleb�s my friend. He wouldn�t hurt me or anyone else.� She knew she meant the statement to bolster her own feelings as well as convince Michael of its truth. She had nothing to worry about. Nothing.
But even as she gave herself the pep talk, Caleb�s declaration echoed in her head. I killed a man once. She couldn�t believe Caleb would take a life, but he�d admitted that he had.
Yet, there was a gentleness in him that belied his statement.
But if he hadn�t killed a man, why would he say he had?
She must have frowned at the silent question because Michael drew his knuckles down her cheek. She suspected he meant his touch to be soothing. It wasn�t.
Shouldn�t the caress of the man you supposedly loved make you feel...loved? Where were the sparks? Or the wild fluttering?
Where were the signs of passion Meg had asked her about?
Where were all the things she felt when Caleb touched her?
Caleb Harrison had changed her. Sparks had ignited between them from the moment he�d arrived, and they were still hovering just below the surface, ready to be rekindled.
Lust, excitement, and, yes, fear, too.
Not fear like she felt at Michael�s rage, but fear of her attraction for Caleb. Besides, Caleb didn�t share the desire she felt. He wanted to find the elusive medallion and go back to Luke and Rebecca.
Did Caleb have an ulterior motive as Michael suggested?
Caleb had said he wouldn�t infringe on another man�s woman, so why did he keep touching her? Kissing her?
Becci stepped away from Michael�s touch. She didn�t have answers to her questions about Caleb, but she knew what she had to do about Michael. Lifting her hand so he could see it, she removed the ring and held it out to him. �I think you should take this back. I�m not the woman you need, Michael. I don�t love you.�
�No!� Michael shoved her hand away. Then he took a deep breath and calmly said, �Don�t give it back, yet. You�re under a lot of stress, financially as well as emotionally. Asking you to marry me only added to your problems. I�m sorry, I shouldn�t have proposed until this was all over with, but I was desperate.�
Desperate for what? Ownership of her house? Control of the money she�d yet to see? It couldn�t be desperation for her because he�d never acted like a desperate lover. Sure, he�d kissed her, but where was the need she�d felt in Caleb�s kiss?
The hunger she�d felt in Caleb�s touch? A hunger that she�d never felt in Michael. She extended the ring again. It was time she faced the truth. She�d never loved Michael and never would.
He took the ring and spun it around, letting the stone sparkle in the light. With a sigh, he caught her hand, laid it in her palm, and curled her fingers over it.
�You don�t have to wear it, but keep it for now and think about what this means to both of us. After Ascomp makes their decision, you�ll have a little less stress to deal with, and if you still want to break our engagement then, I�ll understand.�
The oven door squeaked, reminding Becci of her aunt�s presence.
�Supper�s getting cold,� Lilly said as she moved around them and placed a platter containing a large roast, surrounded by carrots, in the center of the table. She glanced at Becci and picked up her plate. Becci didn�t miss the message reflected in Lilly�s eyes. She didn�t like Michael, and although she�d planned to eat with Becci and Caleb, she wouldn�t stay in the same room with Michael any longer then necessary. Lilly filled her plate, picked up her glass of iced tea and went to the parlor.
Michael held out a chair and motioned for Becci to sit down. �About the ring, if it isn�t on your finger after the party, I�ll have my answer. Now, let�s eat before our dinner gets cold.�
Michael took Caleb�s place, his back to the window.
Becci glanced toward the large oak in the back yard. An aura of light from the shed�s window circled a retreating figure.
She couldn�t see the figure clearly, but she didn�t have to. The width of his shoulders told her it could only be Caleb.
�Michael, I don�t need time to think things over. I don�t love you. I hope you�ll remain my friend, but friendship is all I can offer you.�
With a deep sigh, she laid the ring next to Michael�s plate.
Relief swamped her. It was like leaving a stuffy attic after hours of dusty, grueling work. She felt...free.
As soon as Michael left she would find Caleb and explain everything. Tomorrow they would plan a picnic, and, hopefully, she could convince him that the only thing that waited for him in the past was a hangman�s noose.
Michael slipped the ring in his pocket. �Fine. We�ll just make tonight�s dinner a celebration of our new, strictly business relationship.�
He picked up his water glass and lifted it in a parody of a toast before taking a drink. His eyes were as hard as granite.
She had the oddest sensation that he was plotting against her.
But that was ridiculous, wasn�t it?
***
As Caleb glanced up, Jacobs dropped his findings next to the flickering beginnings of the campfire.
Jacobs pulled out a half empty bottle of whiskey. At least he�d heeded Caleb�s warning about the limited supply of spirits.
Caleb positioned the larger logs carefully around the fire so they wouldn�t smother what little flames he�d been able to create. Fire licked at the damp logs, sending a spiral of smoke skyward. Once he was satisfied that the fire would thrive, he secured the fish on a limb, laid it in the hot embers and leaned back against the log he�d used the night he and Becci had shared his dinner.
A gentle breeze made the leaves dance in a crooked path along the bank. The water�s surface rippled. Caleb expelled a long, harsh breath. He had no reason to complain. If things went the way he hoped, in one more day he would be out of Becci�s way and teaching Luke how to ride a horse and catch fish.
He watched the darkness swallow the trees on the opposite side of the lake. With an eerie resemblance to a shroud, the dark sky stretched endlessly over the lake. Not even the stars twinkled.
�Nice git-up,� Jacobs said, gesturing toward Caleb�s new clothes as he offered Caleb his bottle. �The pants is a little short fer a full-growed man, don�t ya think?�
�No, not for here. These are what people of today wear when the weather gets too hot for working in breeches.� Caleb declined the bottle Jacobs offered with a shake of his head.
�Thanks, but you know I don�t drink whiskey.�
No matter how bad things got, he refused to drown his feelings with a temporary antidote. It might help for a night, but it wouldn�t cure his problems.
�We don�t belong here, Jacobs. I know how to get us back home.�
�Well, what are ya waitin� fer? I�m ready to wake up out of yore dream. This place gives me the creeps. It�s Miz Rebecca�s house in some ways and not in others.�
�It�s not that easy. I have to locate the medallion I had on the day we moved the dresser.�
�That there gold piece?�
�Yep, that�s it, but it�s not gold, it�s orichalc. I put it in the dresser, and I believe it has something to do with the passageway that brought us here.�
�Yore serious, aren�t you? This ain�t no whiskey dream?�
�It�s no dream,� Caleb confirmed.
�You do want to go back, don�t ya?�
�It�s not a matter of wanting. I have a promise to keep.
Besides, there�s nothing here for me.� Pain gnawed at Caleb�s stomach. An innocent child awaited his return, a child that needed him. But if he took the medallion, would Becci find the remaining gold before she lost Berclair Manor? Would she ever have her nursery? The one that would help a whole lot of children? He didn�t like having to choose between one child and so many. And that�s what he would be doing�choosing one over many.
�After the way you�ve been behavin�, I thought you might be sweet on that little filly. Wouldn�t take much fer ya to git in there and toss that feller out.�
�I can�t do that. She...she�s taken. Was before I came. Will be when I�m gone. According to Lilly, that�s what the ring on Becci�s left hand stands for. Lilly called it an engagement ring.
Sort of like swearing on the Bible. I�d be wrong to toss him out.�
�What you gonna do?� Jacobs asked as he lifted the stick and turned the fish over.
�I have to find a way to get the medallion.� Silently, he added, I have to become a sneak and a thief. I have to become all the things Becci hates. I have to steal from her.
***
Jacobs lifted the bottle to his lips and drained the last of its contents. Empty. He sure hoped this call-me-mister-Ascott feller held up his end of the bargain. Jacobs wiped his mouth on his filthy shirtsleeve. He�d been waiting beside the metal machine for almost an hour. It shouldn�t be too much longer. After all, Ascott and that little filly had left the table quite some time ago.
The front door opened. A wide streak of light flashed across the rocky path, and voices came from around the corner of the house. Jacobs darted for cover. It wouldn�t be right to have Miz Becci catch him and her feller conducting business. If everything went right, he�d have half the widder�s gold and be on his way to Raleigh before Caleb knew he�d been tricked.
With gold in his pockets, they couldn�t refuse to serve him whiskey. And until he found the gold for Ascott, the man would keep him well supplied.
As quick as the light had painted squares on the rocks, it erased them, leaving the area shrouded in darkness. The woman went back into the house, and Ascott walked toward his riding contraption. Jacobs stepped out of the deep shadows to stand in front of the man.
�What have you got for me?� Ascott asked, glancing furtively toward the house.
�You bring the whiskey?�
Ascott nodded.
�You�s right about the me-dallion. He says it�s hidden upstairs.�
�Where?�
�Didn�t say,� Jacobs lied. �I�ll find out before Saturday.
If�n we come to terms. That�d be another case of this here whiskey.�
�Deal,� Ascott whispered. �You�d better keep your part of the bargain, or I�ll make sure this deal will be the last one you ever make.�
Ascott moved to the rear of the vehicle and opened a strange flap. Bottles rattled as he set a box on the ground and slammed the flap down.
Jacobs licked his lips and reached for a bottle. Ascott caught his wrist. �Don�t get so drunk you foul things up. I want that medallion, and I don�t mind killing to get it.�
Jacobs jerked free. �Don�t you worry, Mr. Ascott.�
Ascott opened the car door and slid onto the seat. �Heed my words, Jacobs. Just heed my words.�
With that warning still lingering in the air, Ascott did something to his carriage that made it throw rocks into the air, and then it fishtailed down the drive and out of sight.
***
Becci set her purse on the counter and snatched up the note from the stack of clothes.
Dear Lilly, You said you could get your money back on these. I hope you can. I do not feel they would be favorably looked upon when I return to Raleigh. I have enjoyed learning your customs and getting to know that no matter how bad things are where I come from, there is a future. Hopefully I will not be a burden on you much longer.
Caleb Becci�s chest tightened, and she read the note again. Did Caleb really feel like he was being a burden to them? Clutching the paper in her fist, she ran toward the shed.
�Caleb?� She knocked and waited for him to answer.
Nothing. She knocked again, then put her ear to the door. All she could hear was the rapid thunder created by her own heart.
�No,� she choked out. �You can�t leave like this. You can�t.�
She drew in a deep breath. �Be calm,� she ordered herself.
�He hasn�t left. He hasn�t.�
Or had he? Was he telling Aunt Lilly good-bye and leaving without acknowledging her? Tears burned her eyes. Would she ever see him again? Watch the water glistening on his broad back? Hear him laugh at some ridiculous invention? Or taste his lips?
She slowly trudged up the hill. She wanted to throw something or scream or cry. She scooped up the clothes and hugged them to her chest. They still carried his unique scent�
fresh, outdoorsy. She would ask Lilly to give the clothes back to Caleb...if he was still here. Why had she reprimanded her aunt in front of him? Why?
Becci shouldered open the back door and laid the clothes back where she�d found them. Grabbing the notepad beside the telephone, she scribbled a note to Lilly.
Hopefully, her aunt would be able to return the clothes to Caleb sometime today. Becci placed the note on the table beside the sugar bowl and caught her purse�s shoulder strap. Right now, she had to get to work.
***
Caleb hefted the sharp ax to his shoulder, picked up the burlap sack, and headed for the woods. The sun peeked through the trees. It had been dark when he�d come up to the shed from the pond, but not dark enough.
He�d started up the hill with every intention of having his morning shower, but decided to skip it. He had work to do.
Saws, knives and axes were his tools of trade, and they needed tending. If a man wanted to be good at his trade, he had to practice. To do that he needed supplies.
Caleb lowered the sack to the ground. He caught a lowhanging branch and scanned the thick underbrush looking for a fallen tree, one suitable enough to make a small trinket box for Becci. A nice pine or a cedar would do the trick.
Hopefully he would be able to find one that had been down long enough to be dry, but not so long that rot had set in. Pine trees lined the top of the next hill. Caleb hoisted the ax back to his shoulder and caught hold of the burlap sack. Maybe he would find something deeper in the woods.
He froze when he reached the hill�s crest. Twenty feet in front of him were three lines of different shaped automobiles.
They took off as if he�d scared them out of their nesting place.
He dropped the sack beside him and slipped to the ground. As he watched, another colorful group came to a halt in front of him, stayed for a moment then moved away. While one set rested others passed in front of them. The lines came and went, stopped and started.
Above them, a mysterious rectangle went from green to yellow and then to red. A loud noise erupted from one of the cars. One man waved his fist at another.
Caleb backed away. His heart echoed in his head. These things looked dangerous rolling along in their little clusters�
exciting and dangerous. Too dangerous for him to consider investigating alone. He would have to wait for Becci to escort him onto the funny roads in the powerful carriages.
Ppppppa. Pppppaa. The sound of Luke�s voice startled Caleb, and his heart hammered in his chest. Had he stepped back in time?
A breeze twisted the tall Johnson grass. Off in the distance he could just barely make out the roof of Berclair Manor. Before him cars stopped and started. Across the road one man held a sign to a tall, limbless, tree, while another man placed the end of something that looked like a gun against the sign, and the sound erupted again. It wasn�t Luke. Just a strange sound from an even stranger looking object.
Realizing it wasn�t Luke left him feeling both disappointed and relieved. Heaven help him, he was torn between going back and staying. In the past, Luke needed him and loved him. And Rebecca, a friend, had trusted him with both hers and Luke�s future. They both would be happy to have him permanently in their lives.
Here, there was Becci. Who...Who what? She didn�t trust him to be in her house alone. She definitely didn�t like him, nor did she need him. But he loved the way her hair cascaded over her shoulders, the softness of her skin, and the sweet scent of wildflowers she always wore. He loved everything about her, even her independent streak.
No, she definitely didn�t need him. Unless you counted the fact that he knew where the gold was hidden. And he did know.
He was sure of it now.
Caleb turned to the left. If he planned on finishing the trinket box he was making, he needed to find a suitable wood for the tray. Maybe he would have better luck if he headed away from the automobiles, or cars, as Becci had called them.
�Finally,� he whispered hours later. He rested his foot on a downed oak and stared at the pile of brush containing, not only oaks, but also pines, maples and various fruitwoods. Any of which would work for his project.
Sweat trickled down Caleb�s cheek. The sun stood directly overhead. It had taken him half a day to find what he needed.
Of course, he�d spent a good part of it watching the cars stop and go down the road.
Caleb dropped his sack and picked out the right-sized tree.
He raised the ax and slammed it down. Putting his foot on the log, he worked the blade out of the wood and again brought it down. He reached for the piece that cracked away and put it in his sack.
He repeated the action, adding another hunk of wood to his trove. He reached down to move a chunk of bark away from the blade. That�s when he saw the swarm of angry yellow jackets inches from where he�d buried the ax into the log.
One of the insects slammed into his hand, and he knocked it away. The flash of pain told him his reaction hadn�t been quick enough. He tried to jerk the ax free, but it wouldn�t budge.
If the ax had been his, he could leave it behind, but it wasn�t his. He had only one choice. Hold the log steady with his foot and work the blade out. Hopefully he would loosen the ax before the swarm had a chance to inflict too much pain.
***
�Aunt Lilly,� Becci called as she opened the back door.
�In the parlor, dear,� Lilly called back. �And before you ask, the answer is no, I haven�t seen Pepper all day. Frankly, I�m worried. He didn�t come when I called, and he�s always eager to come in after you leave for work. Caleb didn�t come in for his morning coffee, either. Even during the three days you two weren�t talking, he came in to have a cup of coffee with me.�
Lilly sat in the rocker, her head tilted back. The early afternoon sun danced across Rebecca�s tattered journal, which rested on her lap. Pushing with one foot, Lilly kept the chair moving in a rhythmic sway.
�Do...do you think he�s...gone?� Becci asked. She heard the quiver in her voice and knew her aunt had heard it, too.
She�d practically run out the hospital door when her shift ended at one. She�d spent her entire morning worrying about Caleb.
�Could be. He�s been mysteriously absent all day. He might have left, or he could be off exploring on his own. I promised him I�d take him shopping, but after yesterday, I doubt he�ll ever want to go. Maybe we should just give him the gold and let him leave.�
Had her aunt found something in the journal? Becci rested her hand on the book to get her aunt�s attention. �What is it, Aunt Lilly?�
Lilly brushed her hand over the journal again. �Caleb said he left the day Rebecca was murdered, June eighteenth, but he arrived here over six weeks earlier, May the second.�
�So?�
�If what Rebecca wrote in one of the earlier journals is true, the days Caleb spends here are counted in minutes in the past.� Lilly opened the book to the first bookmark and handed it to Becci.
Obadiah and the stranger who came to see him fell through the portal today. They were only gone a few minutes, yet Obadiah claimed they�d stayed three days. Thankfully Obadiah had had the medallion in his pocket and was able to return.
His friend, however, didn�t come back. I fear the stranger has taken the other medallion with him. When Saul and I questioned Obadiah further about his travels, we learned that he�d nearly frozen to death in those three days. It might be spring here but he�d landed in Raleigh in the dead of winter.
�There�s a time difference,� Becci murmured. �It�s like a hole�time gets sluggish as you climb to the future, and when you return you land practically at the same moment you left.�
�There�s more. Turn to the next page I have marked.�
Becci glanced at Lilly then turned to the page and read.
Obadiah tried to find his friend again today. It�s been nearly a month since he fell through the portal. Obadiah thought he knew what to expect, but this time he felt no pain and didn�t use the whiskey he�d taken with him. Obadiah said he spent a whole month looking for his friend, yet he returned the same day he�d left. Saul and Obadiah think the weather might change the time frame. They think it�s best not to travel during a storm.
�You know what this means, don�t you?�
Becci nodded. �Caleb can�t save Rebecca and Luke.�
�He�s been here three weeks�twenty one days. He may have stayed here too long to catch the real murderer, too,� Lilly added.
�What are we going to do?�
Before Lilly could answer, someone tapped on the back door. Becci grasped Lilly�s arm and gave it a gentle squeeze. It had to be Caleb. She wasn�t expecting anyone else.
Becci hurried to the back door with Lilly close behind.
She placed her hand over her heart to slow its rapid pounding which the thought of seeing Caleb had created. Her excitement plummeted when she saw Michael standing on the steps, his hands shoved in his pockets and a smile that looked more like a sneer curling his lips.
�What�s wrong? Why are you here?�
�Is that any way to treat a friend?�
He entered uninvited and leaned down to kiss Becci. She turned away just as his mouth would have touched hers. �You haven�t answered my question.�
�We have a problem. Fix a pot of coffee, and I�ll tell you about it.�
Not another problem!
Becci headed for the kitchen, started the coffee and dropped into one of the chairs. �What�s wrong?�
�I�m afraid there has been a mistake on the date for your party. Instead of next Friday, it�s going to be tomorrow night.�
�Tomorrow! Impossible,� Becci said, panicked. They couldn�t possibly prepare everything in one day.
�If you can�t get ready for the party, I guess we�ll have to cancel. They can�t rebook until sometime in the fall�October or November�and there won�t be any aid available then.�
�Surely we can set up something else on a different day.
I�ll take a day�s vacation.�
�Sorry. As I said, it�s tomorrow night or not at all.�
Becci�s hopes died. Without that grant, she wouldn�t be able to open her nursery. She�d lose Berclair Manor. And without Caleb here to help, she would never be able to pull the party together.
�I can�t be ready that soon. I don�t get paid until next Thursday. I have to buy the food, and...and we have to finish painting. I can�t.� She fought back tears.
�I�ll tell Mr. Latham to withdraw your application then.
I�m sorry. Really sorry. I figured you�d be anxious to complete the sale now that you know you won�t be receiving the grant, so I brought along the papers for you to sign.�
She stared at the pen. Over the last few weeks she�d begun to think she might win this time, but she�d been wrong. She�d have to sell. She didn�t have a choice. Her hand shook as she reached for the pen Michael held out to her.
�Don�t sign anything yet.�
Becci�s heart leaped at the sound of Caleb�s voice. She looked up and saw him standing just inside the small alcove.
His face looked flushed, and his eyes had a feverish glare.
He hadn�t left her.
�I can finish the painting before nightfall, and I�ll move the rest of the furniture into place tomorrow morning.� Caleb smiled at her with that cockeyed smile that she�d gotten so used to seeing. �The house will be ready for the party tomorrow night.�
Lilly glanced from Becci, to Michael and then to Caleb, but she didn�t speak.
Neither did Caleb as he waited for Becci�s answer. He knew what he was asking Becci to do might be next to impossible, but he had to give it his best shot.
�The food might be a problem,� he said when Becci didn�t speak. �If you two could cook up some ham, bacon, eggs, and rolls I think we can whip this party into shape and be in our dancing shoes at least an hour before the party begins. I already know what I�m wearing.�
�You?� Ascott scoffed. �This is by invitation only, and I don�t recall putting your name on the list.�
Silence hung like damp moss on a rainy day. Caleb shoved away from the door frame and crossed to the sink.
The moment of truth had arrived. Would Becci inform Ascott that she had not only invited him, but made him the host for the evening? He kept his back to them. While waiting for Becci to speak, he turned on the faucet to wash the grime from his hands. The rush of water invaded the gaping silence as the seconds ticked by.
Caleb opened the cabinet and pulled out a cup. The door banged closed, and the sound cracked louder than a rifle blast.
Why wasn�t she speaking? He rubbed his thumb over the back of his swollen hand. He�d been stung in at least six places, but he was lucky. A couple more stings, and he would have more than a little fever and a few welts to show for his outing.
Caleb reached for the coffeepot. The glass container clattered against its plastic base. Still, Becci remained silent.
He carefully set the decanter back into place. Her unspoken declaration gave him the answer he needed. She would retract her invitation and let Ascott be the host.
It didn�t matter, Caleb told himself as he clutched the edge of the sink.
The hell it didn�t.
Whatever she decided, he would work hard to make sure the party went on without a hitch. He would do this one last thing for Becci, even if it meant losing her forever.
Becci flicked her gaze over Michael, the ever-tidy, whitecollared businessman, who stood in the middle of the room.
When Caleb had entered, Michael had taken the pen and slipped it and the papers back into his coat pocket while casting a disdainful look at Caleb. She�d never noticed before how he tilted his head as if looking down his nose at everyone.
She switched her attention to Caleb. He looked more comfortable with his surroundings. His actions revealed a casual fa�ade that intrigued her�strong, silent, and dangerous.
Definitely a man that shouldn�t be taken lightly.
Her pulse throbbed, and her mind raced with confusion.
Caleb made her heart dance and her body ache in a way that had all her senses humming. Definitely dangerous.
With each second of silence she saw his posture change.
Each deliberately calculated move accented his altering mood.
He slowly filled his coffee cup and replaced the decanter. Steam swirled from his cup, and, keeping his back to them, he lifted the mug to his lips, took a sip, and set it back on the counter.
His hand remained curled around the handle. She watched his shoulders sag and his head tip forward, his knuckles turning white as his grip tightened.
Gradually he eased his fingers free. As she continued to watch him, he lowered his arms, clutching the edge of the counter. His shoulders lifted in a slight shrug, then straightened.
After taking a deep breath, he turned and fixed his gaze on her.
Becci whipped her braid back over her shoulder. When she saw Michael send Caleb a calculated smirk, she curled her fingers into her palms.
Michael thought he�d won.
�It�s true you�ve handled inviting the employees of Ascomp, Michael, but that doesn�t mean I can�t invite whomever I want.�
�It�s a private party.�
�Michael...� Becci�s voice, raspy with anger, echoed in the intense silence. He turned the smirk in her direction and, with a slight tip of his head, indicated for her to continue.
She gathered her courage and rested her hands on her hips.
�Michael, this is my party. Not only did I invite Caleb, but he will be attending as the host.�
�Host? I thought....� Michael�s voice hissed through his clenched teeth, and anger sent blotches of color to his cheeks.
Becci studied the way he drew in a deep breath and released it. She�d encountered this side of Michael once before. Angry and volatile.
�I told the president of the company that I would be hosting,� he said.
�Then you�d better inform him of your mistake. You are not a member of this household.�
Michael started to protest, and she raised her hand, signaling him not to speak. �Caleb has been a dear friend of the family for a long time. He came here to help me with the problems surrounding the manor, and it�s only natural that he be the one hosting the event that could save my home.�
Becci drew in a deep breath, hoping she�d put enough sincerity into her voice to disguise the lie. After all, it held a smattering of truth. He had been a friend of Rebecca�s and Saul�s, and that was a long time ago.
�If that�s your wish, Becci,� Michael said stiffly. �I�m your friend, too, and at one time I thought you loved me. I just want you to know that I�ll work with you no matter what Ascomp decides. Hopefully, after the party is over, you�ll come to your senses about us.�
�There is no us, Michael. I meant what I said last night. I don�t love you. Time won�t change my feelings, and I had hoped we could be friends.�
�I am your friend,� he repeated. �When he�s gone,� Michael said, tipping his head in Caleb�s direction, �I�ll still be here.�
Before she could respond, he caught the lapels of his jacket and straightened them, then stroked his tie into place. �I told Mr. Latham that the party would begin with cocktails at seven and dinner at eight. I�ll be here around six to help with the last minute details.�
�That won�t be necessary. Caleb and I can handle everything.� She wanted to tell him not to bother coming at all, but he was her only connection to Ascomp.
Michael lifted his shoulders in a nonchalant shrug and pulled the folded sheet of paper out his jacket again. He tapped it gently against his palm. �There�s another piece of property down on Beale Street that Ascomp is considering. The other place is well established. It�s a soup kitchen that provides for the homeless. Ascomp can only afford one grant, and Mr.
Latham is pretty sure the soup kitchen will get it. Why don�t you sign these preliminary papers? Then once you know whether or not you get the grant, you can either tear these up or go along with the deal.�
A cold smile curled Michael�s lips as he slipped a pen from his shirt pocket and held it and the papers out to Becci again.
�You�re going to have to sell anyway. You might as well go ahead and sign it over.�
She reached for the documents and the pen. What difference would it make if she signed the papers now or later? She could tear them up if she changed her mind.
Don�t sign.
Becci froze, her hand hovering over the papers. The whispered command became a chanted repetition in her head.
Don�t. Don�t. Don�t.
She drew in a quick breath and looked over her shoulder, hoping to see Caleb pleading with her not to sign. His stern expression and pursed lips indicated that the order hadn�t come from him. Yet, it sounded like his voice. Had she read his thoughts again?
Becci laid the pen down and stepped back. �I�ll wait. What difference does a day make among friends?�
She didn�t miss Michael�s flushed cheeks or the anger that once again flared into his eyes. Without a word, he snatched the papers off the table and stuffed them back into his coat pocket. He paused beside Caleb on his way out.
�You haven�t won yet, Harrison. You won�t get the medallion. It�s mine. The gold, the medallion�all of it is mine.�
Ascott spoke in a barely audible whisper, but Caleb had no trouble hearing him.
His stomach churned, but years of practice kept his face devoid of emotion. He didn�t miss the challenging glare in Ascott�s dark eyes, nor did he fail to hear it in his words.
Michael Ascott had tipped his hand. Caleb held the man�s gaze until the man pivoted away and stormed out of the room.
The front door closed with a loud crack, and moments later the sound of flying gravel marked his departure. Caleb drew in a deep, calming breath. He couldn�t let Ascott get the gold or the medallion. Becci needed one, and he needed the other.
Caleb raked his hand through his hair. He dumped the last of his cold coffee down the drain and set his cup in the sink.
�We have furniture to clean and a room to whitewash,� he said heading toward the door. �It shouldn�t take more than a couple of hours. I�ll finish upstairs while you prepare the evening meal.�
Caleb caught the door frame and faced Becci. �Thank you for standing by your invitation. I�ll try not to let you down. As I told you before, I�m not knowledgeable about the modernday practices involved with parties, and I�m not sure I�ll be able to mingle with these people. If they ask about my past, how will I answer them?�
�Honestly. However, I suggest you leave out the dates, and don�t get into a discussion about any modern-day equipment such as computers,� she said, laughter lacing her voice. �I�d hate for one of the guests to call for a padded-wagon and a straitjacket.�
He grew quiet, and his smile faded. Becci caught his arm and raised up on her tiptoes to brush a quick kiss against his lips.
When Caleb pulled away, her heart plummeted. Did he hate her so much he couldn�t stand for her to even touch him now? She glanced up and gasped at the pain clearly etching Caleb�s face.
�What wrong? What did I do?�
�Nothing. I had a little tussle with a nest of yellow jackets today, but I�ll be okay.�
�Are you sure?� She cupped her hand to his cheek. �You�ve got a fever.�
Before he could answer, Becci whirled away, grabbed the aspirin bottle out of the cabinet, and popped open the top. �Here, take these,� she ordered as she caught his hand, shook out two tablets, and shoved a glass of water in his other hand.
�You might as well do as she says. Unless you�re allergic to aspirin they won�t hurt you, and they will reduce the fever,�
Lilly supplied.
Caleb shrugged and tossed the pills into his mouth, grimacing at their taste. He quickly drank two glasses of water, but the bitter taste remained in his mouth.
�Do I need to call a doctor? Have you ever been stung before?� Concern glistened in Becci�s green eyes, as she caught his wrist and pressed her fingers against his pulse. Her gentle touch created a fire in him that had nothing to do with the fever heating his body. He�d never had anyone worry over him. He glanced at Lilly, who seemed nearly as worried as Becci, then fixed his gaze back on Becci.
�Mary Rebecca, I�m fine,� he said softly, trying to keep his voice even. �This isn�t the first time I�ve had a run in with a nest of yellow jackets. If you�ll excuse me, I�ve got work to do.�
�No,� Becci snapped. �Aunt Lilly, please get the antihistamine capsules and the calamine lotion out of the medicine cabinet.�
�Yes, dear. I�ll bring some cotton balls too,� Lilly said as hurried toward the back of the house.
�You,� she said pointing a finger at his chest, �get that shirt off so I can examine you.�
He worked the buttons free without looking away, shrugged out of the shirt and laid it over his arm.
�Sit,� she ordered, whirling a chair around for him to sit in. Again he followed her orders without speaking.
Becci examined the angry welts on his chest.
�Oh, Caleb.� She feathered her fingertips over them. Then she slowly lowered her head and brushed her lips to the red, swollen area. She felt Caleb tense, then relax. She followed a path over his chest sprinkling soft kisses on the other welts.
�Becci.� He ground out her name.
She forced herself to move away. Her hands were trembling, and her breath raced nearly as fast as her heart pounded. What in the world had gotten into her? She�d never been so forward in her life. She�d seen the pain in his eyes and had wanted to take it as her own.
�I think there are a couple more places on my back,� he whispered huskily. He caught her chin with his thumb and forefinger and turned her head until she could see his face.
There was no teasing glint in his eyes, only a deep heated desire.
�Maybe you could tend them later.�
Lilly entered the room, saving her from having to reply.
Becci stepped away from his touch. Opening the bottle of lotion her aunt handed her, she soaked a cotton ball with the thick pink liquid while Lilly filled his water glass and handed him two antihistamine capsules.
�I�ll p-put this on the ones you can�t reach,� she stammered as she stepped around him.
She dabbed each welt, closed the bottle and handed it to Caleb along with a clean cotton ball. After inspecting the soft puff carefully, Caleb did as Becci had done�saturated the cotton and doctored the places on his chest, arm and hand.
He�d enjoyed the feel of Becci�s hands caressing his back, but he�d loved the way she�d kissed his injuries. Lord, he wanted her to finish what she�d started. He wanted her to kiss him all over.
He stood and cleared his throat. �If you�ll excuse me now, I�ve got work to do.�
�Maybe you should lie down. I�ll check on you in a little while just to be sure you�re okay,� Becci called after him as he headed toward the hallway.
�That�s not necessary.�
Becci wanted to shout that it was necessary, but she knew he was right.
He glanced back at her, and his lips twitched into the crooked smile she�d grown accustomed to seeing. He nodded and disappeared through the door.
Becci dropped into one of the kitchen chairs, closed her eyes and pressed her fingertips to her temples. �Oh, Aunt Lilly, what am I going to do? I think I�m falling in love with him.
He�s not like anyone I�ve ever known. Yet, like everyone else, the gold is all he�s interested in.�
�That�s not true,� Lilly replied hastily. �He would never let gold come between him and what he feels is right.�
Becci lowered her hands to her lap. �But that�s just it. He thinks that crazy medallion is the only solution to his problems.�
Lilly caught Becci by the chin and lifted her face so she had to look her aunt in the eye. �Becci, he thinks the medallion is the key to the time lock�and according to the journals, he�s right.�
�I need that medallion as much as he does. Besides, he wants it so he can go take care of another woman and her son.�
�You�re right. He does, but that�s because he�s a man of his word. He made a promise, and he must keep it. Trust him, Becci. According to the journal there should be enough wealth in this house to keep both of you for the rest of your lives.
He�ll leave you what he can.�
�The amount doesn�t matter. I don�t want him to have it because I don�t want him to leave,� Becci admitted. �Even if it means giving up the nursery.�
Lilly wrapped her in a soothing hug. �He might come back.
Whatever happens, you�ve got to believe it�s for the best. But Caleb Harrison has no choice. He has to go home.�
�To Rebecca,� Becci snapped. The flare of jealousy hit so fast she couldn�t keep the harshness out of her voice.
�Yes, to Rebecca,� Lilly agreed. �Not because he loves her, but to keep the promise he made to her and Luke. He promised he�d take care of them, and he�ll keep his word, no matter what it costs him. You wouldn�t want him any other way, and you know it.�
***
Caleb shrugged into his shirt and tucked it in while he listened to Lilly�s and Becci�s muffled voices flutter up from the kitchen. Sweat trickled down his back even though the air conditioner kept the house cool.
The fever. No, nerves.
And he could blame it all on Becci�s soothing touch. She�d eased the pain of the stings, but she�d unwittingly caused another kind of ache.
He had to forget about his carnal desire and concentrate on getting home. This was the chance he�d been waiting for.
For the first time in a week he was upstairs alone. All he had to do was enter Becci�s room and turn the knobs on the dresser.
Standing outside her closed bedroom door, he hesitated for a second, then pushed the door open. The room held the secret. He could feel it in the slight prickling of his skin when he passed over the threshold.
Stopping in the middle of Becci�s room, he closed his eyes and drew in her scent. Wildflowers�flowery and delicate just like her. No matter how far he traveled�be it in years or distance�he would never forget her. Every time he lifted a flower to draw in its delicate perfume, or heard the rain patter on the roof, he would think about her. Every mirror he glanced into, he would remember his first glimpse of her lithe body as she tried to shut out the storm. Even now he could feel the gentle caress of her fingers on his forehead.
He flicked a quick glance over his shoulder. Becci�s soothing voice slithered under his skin as it ascended in whispers from the floor below. He couldn�t understand her words, but he treasured them. The same way he treasured the feather-like kisses she had treated him to just moments ago.
She�d dismissed Ascott, leaving the way clear for him to court her. He�d never properly courted a woman. Elizabeth had wanted none of it, and Rebecca�s and his was not a courting relationship.
He cared for Rebecca, and he planned on marrying her.
But his body hadn�t burned with need for her like it did for Becci.
Caleb stepped closer to the dresser and traced the handcarved
�B.� If the gold remained where he�d hidden it, would Becci ever find it without his help? If she did, would she use it to build the nursery she�d planned for Berclair Manor?
In her anger, she�d said she needed the money more than she needed him or Ascott in her life. Caleb knew that wasn�t true. Becci needed a man to stand by her side and help her make her dreams come true. And, heaven help him, he wanted to be that man.
But if he didn�t return to his time, he would fail Luke as well as Rebecca. He couldn�t fail them. But how could he live without Becci? When had she come to mean so much to him?
Caleb closed his eyes. He would stay for a little longer.
Another day or two wouldn�t matter. The time to leave would come soon enough without him forcing it.
�Caleb!�
He pivoted around. Becci stood framed in the doorway, her green eyes studying him intently. One hand rested on her chest, nervously working at the top button on her shirt. She lowered her gaze, and her thick dark lashes veiled her eyes.
She was a picture of beauty. His heart thundered like a stampede of wild horses. When she raised her eyes to him, all emotion had vanished from them.
�What are you doing in here?� she asked, her voice strangely husky.
He couldn�t lie to her. �I�m trying to find the key to the past.�
No! Becci wanted to shout as she stepped closer. How could he leave her? Didn�t he know she would give up everything for him? But how could he know when she hadn�t known herself until just this moment? The realization jarred her to a stop.
She had lied to Lilly when she said she thought she was falling in love with Caleb. She wasn�t falling in love. She was already head over heels there.
She loved the way he had of smiling when he didn�t really understand what she was telling him, and the way he put honesty and loyalty above his own desires. But most of all she understood what it meant for him to be a man of his word.
He didn�t love Rebecca, but he�d made a promise, and he would keep it. Becci moved closer. Rebecca would have him the rest of her life. Tonight might be her only chance to know the passion of true love.
Becci held his gaze with hers and smiled. If tonight was all they had, she wanted a memory that would last a lifetime.
She drew in a deep breath for courage and inched closer.
Caleb knew the moment Becci made her decision. She pushed her braid over her shoulder and smiled. Her chest rose with each breath she took, and he fought the urge to peel away the material of her blouse and expose a little more of her creamy skin. Resting his hands on her shoulders, he backed up to keep her at arm�s length. Never had it been so hard to step away from a woman, but he had to. He�d be gone in another day or two.
Without speaking, Becci closed the distance he�d created and cupped her palm to his cheek. Every thought vanished from his head, and all his strength deserted him. Caleb lifted his hand, letting his knuckles trace the contour of her jaw, so soft and inviting.
�Kiss me, Caleb. Please.�
Her plea was impossible to ignore, and he decided to take one kiss. One they both wanted.
He leaned closer until his mouth touched hers. The moment it did, a hunger erupted within him. He couldn�t pull away, nor did he want to. Heat flooded his senses as she tugged him closer and took his lips with an equal hunger. With the tip of his tongue, he gently begged entrance into her mouth. When her lips parted, he traced the sweetness within.
Becci gripped his shoulders to keep from melting into a puddle at his feet. This had been what she�d wanted to do in the kitchen. She wove her fingers in the black hair that curled temptingly over his collar and returned his blistering kiss with one of her own.
Whirling her tongue around his in a sensuous battle, she took delight in his masculine groan. His arms tightened around her as he tasted her fiery passion and hungry desire. Then he eased her away. She could feel him battling for control�control she didn�t want to relinquish.
She inched closer and felt his restraint crack. He brushed his thumb lightly against the soft swell of her breast, and she gasped in pure delight.
She had to feel his muscles, touch his warm skin, let his body brush hers flesh to flesh. She tugged at his shirt, but couldn�t free it. She wanted to run her fingers over his bare chest and make him burn. She wanted him naked in bed, turning her dreams of him into reality.
Caleb pulled Becci closer, pressing his arousal against her.
He wanted to touch her softness. To kiss his way to the distended peak of her breast visible through her blouse and lavish it with kisses until she quivered in his arms. He slipped one button free and kissed the newly exposed area. Then the second and third buttons parted. His lips sought her lace-covered breast, and he kissed her nipple through the soft material.
Becci pulled his mouth back to hers and flicked her tongue over his lips. Gripping his shirt, she tugged until it slipped free of his pants. She swept her hands under it to let her fingers play in the coarse dark hair that curled across his chest. She traced the provocative arrow down his chest past the ripple of muscles and over the waistband to cup her palm over his arousal.
Caleb tore his mouth from hers, caught her hand and pulled it to his chest as a tremor shook him. If he didn�t stop now, there would be no turning back. He had to regain control. Lord help him, he wanted to wrap his arms around her and hold her captive for all eternity.
�Don�t stop,� Becci whispered, nipping at his earlobe.
�Please, don�t stop.�
�We must.� His words trembled with need. He rested his cheek on the top of her head, and, as much for himself as for her, repeated, �We must.�
Not sure he could stay on his feet without support, he backed up until he felt the bed at the back of his legs. He lowered himself to the edge and pulled her onto his lap.
As the seconds ticked by, she pressed kisses to his neck.
He had to get away. If he didn�t he would end up bedding her, and she would hate him when he left. He eased her off his lap and tried to fasten her blouse. His hands were trembling so badly he couldn�t work the small buttons into place.
Becci slapped his hands away. Tears pooled on her lashes as she tried to finish buttoning her blouse, but she didn�t manage any better than he did.
She lowered her hands to her sides and tried to blink back the burning tears that threatened to fall. Why had he refused what she�d so freely offered? What she�d never offered another man?
�Becci, it�s not that I don�t want you,� he said as if reading her mind. He looped his arms around her waist and pressed her gently to his chest. �Do you feel the way my heart is pounding?
It pounds with love for you. My body responds instantly with visible proof of what I want.� He rested his forehead against her head. �The door is open, sweetheart, and as much as I like your aunt, I�d rather not have an audience sharing the private matters of the bedroom. I believe both of us were caught by surprise.�
Caleb knew he had to make her understand. Slipping her off his lap, he knelt in front of her and caught both her hands in his. �Think about what you�re offering me and what it means.
I can�t promise you a future, Becci. I�m not even sure I can promise you tonight. I want you, but taking you would not be practical. One of us would get hurt.�
She wanted to shout, �damn practicality,� yet she knew he�d spoken the truth. He didn�t know that it was too late to save her from being hurt. She�d already lost her heart. A future without him would be no future at all.
He gave her hands a gentle squeeze. �If, after you�ve got your wits about you, you still want me tonight, I�ll be in the shed waiting.�
Becci couldn�t know what turning away from her did to Caleb. Work waited in the next room. Thank goodness painting didn�t take concentration. He didn�t have the power to keep his mind on a tedious task.
He feathered one last kiss to her cheek, stood and walked out.
***
Becci tossed the empty fried chicken box into the trash.
She�d spent her last ten bucks on the dinner, and she hoped Caleb appreciated it. After placing a blanket on top of the basket, she cast a quick glance at the clock. They still had a little over an hour of daylight for a picnic, if Caleb agreed to it.
He would argue that they didn�t have time to waste, but they had to eat anyway, and it wouldn�t take much longer to have a picnic than it would to sit down at the table.
Caleb had been upstairs painting since he�d walked out of the bedroom, leaving her sitting on the bed trembling with a need she couldn�t comprehend. He�d finished one room and started on the upstairs� hall.
Becci set aside the plate she�d made up for Lilly, then lifted the corner of the blanket and double-checked what she�d packed.
�Do you want me to tell Caleb to meet you down by the lake?� Lilly asked.
Another idea surfaced. Grabbing the basket, she faced her aunt. �That would be great, but give me five minutes to get it set up.�
***
What could be so all fired important that Becci had asked Lilly to interrupt the whitewashing? Caleb lowered his hat to shade his eyes from the evening sun and started toward the pond. As he reached the crest of the hill he slowed, and his heart lurched.
Becci sat on the edge of a dark blue quilt. She glanced up and smiled then continued to take things out of a large basket.
She laid out a napkin and two plates, then pulled out a bowl of fried chicken.
But the food wasn�t what held his attention. Becci did.
Her legs were curled under the full skirt of her yellow dress.
Thin straps trailed over her shoulders, leaving an enticing amount of skin visible. Caleb swallowed hard, and tried to stifle a hunger that had nothing to do with food.
As he approached her, Becci wove her fingers together and rested her hands in her lap. �I hope you like chicken.�
�Yes, ma�am.�
�You said you wanted us to go on a picnic. It�s a beautiful evening for one.�
�Yes, ma�am,� he repeated, �but I have work to do.�
�We have electricity. You can do the work later.�
�Well, yes. I...I guess I can, but don�t you think you�re asking for trouble? Especially after what happened in your bedroom?�
�Maybe I am.�
She looked at him then. He saw fear trembling in her soft gaze and heard it in her hesitant reply. Kneeling beside her, Caleb covered her clenched hands with his own and rubbed his thumb over the soft skin of her knuckles.
Becci swallowed hard when Caleb pinned her with his blueeyed gaze, and she leaned toward him and said, �Kissing you could become addictive, Caleb Harrison. I like it more than I should. If that means I�m asking for trouble, then yes, I am.
Kiss me. Please.�
He brushed his hand up her arm and over her shoulder to cup the back of her head. His lips touched hers, coaxing at first, then with more urgency. His tongue teased, begging entry.
With a dreamy sigh of surrender, she opened to him and met his tender assault with renewed hunger.
He pulled back, resting his forehead against hers. �Becci.�
Her name vibrated with feeling, as did the kiss he pressed to her temple. He stood and took a step backward.
He wanted her. That much was evident. So, why did he resist what they both wanted?
�We�d better eat.� She picked up one of the plates and held it out to him.
He took it, slid the napkin off and watched as she placed two pieces of chicken on it. Her hands shook as she filled his plate with mashed potatoes and slaw. The thought that he�d caused that tremor both thrilled him and scared him.
He took a biscuit from her, then moved under the canopy of the nearest magnolia tree. He eased down between the gnarled roots and leaned against its trunk, determined to put some distance between them.
Resting the plate on his thighs, he ate without letting his gaze leave Becci. When he�d first walked down the hill, there had been an excitement around her that had dwindled since he�d pulled away from their kiss.
�I�m sorry,� she said. �I guess I should have asked if you still wanted to go on a picnic before I planned it.�
�Don�t apologize. This is special. It means a lot to me.�
�Then why are you sitting over there?�
�Because if I sit within touching distance of you, we�ll end up on that blanket, and the hungers we satisfy won�t be out of a need for sustenance.�
�Would that be so bad?�
�Yes, it would. We are in the clearing, Mary Rebecca. Lilly is at the house. When I make love to you, I don�t want anything or anyone interrupting us.�
He set his plate on the ground beside him. His heart hadn�t slowed since he�d topped the hill, and he wanted what Becci offered, but not here in the open. �There is a mountainous attraction between us. I feel it, and I know you do, too. I want you to be sure what you�re offering me. You must realize there is no future for us. No wedding, and no commitment, which goes against my beliefs. In my time, bedding a respectable woman means forging a commitment�one man, one woman together forever. That�s what it�s supposed to be.�
Becci pulled out two mugs and opened the thermos of coffee she�d brought down. After filling the cups, she tightened the lid and returned the thermos to the basket.
Standing, she picked up the two cups and joined Caleb under the low branches of the magnolia. �Caleb, no one can be sure of the future. What we have is the present. Shouldn�t we make the most of our time together?�
�Not if it means destroying each other. That kind of hurt never goes away.�
She handed him one of the cups and knelt down beside him. She�d heard the bitterness in his words.
�Has someone broken a promise to you?� she asked softly.
�It�s not your concern.� Careful not to spill their coffee, Caleb motioned for her to turn around then he slid his arm around her waist and pulled her between his thighs, her back to his chest.
�I�ll never intentionally cause you pain,� Becci said.
�I know you won�t,� he said as he rested his chin on her head. Together they watched the last rays of the day dance on the lake�s smooth surface. A peaceful silence surrounded them, disturbed only by the night sounds of crickets and frogs.
�It�s been so long since I watched a sunset,� Becci said.
�It�s one of my two favorite moments of the day. The other is when the sun peeks over the horizon, bringing in a new day.
I�m not sure which one I like best.�
Becci sighed. �I hate to break the spell, but we still have work to do and clothes to try on.� As she spoke she picked up their cups and stood. �Maybe we can have another picnic before you leave.�
�I would like that,� he said.
***
Becci discarded the cotton and boned corset, held the flowing, wine-colored dress against her, and looked in the fulllength mirror. The day dress, although casual for its time, gave the appearance of formal attire. The dark silk material had been well maintained and carefully stored, as had been the clothes Caleb was putting on downstairs.
She ran her hand over the ecru lace that went from shoulder to shoulder just above the bust line and discovered several small mended areas. The material surrounding the rips had a faint, dingy stain that only showed when the light hit it at a certain angle. The spots were nothing more than could be expected for clothes more than a century and a half old.
Becci glanced at her watch. Caleb would meet her at the foot of the stairs in fifteen minutes, and they would inspect each other�s attire. She eased the dress on and slipped the tiny loops over each button. She pinned the cameo she�d found with the dress in place and glanced at her reflection.
She ran her palm over the soft, silk skirt, then traced the mottled image in the cracked mirror. Somehow she knew Rebecca would approve. According to the journal, this had been Rebecca�s favorite dress�the one Caleb liked best. Becci brushed her fingers over the lace then lowered her hand to the dresser�s carved initial handles, feeling a close kinship with the long ago Rebecca. Rebecca had never seen the dresser Caleb had made for her, but Becci knew she would have loved it.
A shimmer in the mirror caused Becci to look up, and her heart echoed in her ears. There was another woman�s reflection in the glass instead of her own. She felt the woman�s anguish, and Becci�s throat tightened over a sob.
I only wanted him to find happiness. He has, but now he must return to the sorrows of my life�not for me, but for Luke.
It was a woman�s voice echoing in her mind. The wavering image in the mirror was oddly like Becci�s own image, yet different. Was it Rebecca? Was the voice also hers?
He needs you, Becci, and if it were not for Luke I would relinquish Caleb to you. But I can�t. Please do not hate me.
Becci drew in a shaky breath. How could she let Caleb go? Didn�t Rebecca know that she loved him and needed him, too?
�Caleb will be there for Luke,� she told the reflection. �He feels strongly about his promise, and not even I can make him break his word. My love is not enough to hold him.�
Becci covered her eyes to block out the other woman�s image. �This is crazy.� She lowered her hands and faced the mirror again. Her own image stared back at her and reflected the tears that pooled in her eyes. She was sure she�d been hallucinating, that she�d dreamed up the other Rebecca�s image as well as her words. It was her subconscious� way of making her face the truth.
Caleb would never be hers.
Feeling as if her heart would break in two, she repaired her makeup, slipped her watch from her wrist and laid it on the dresser. She wanted everything from the top of her head to her toes to look perfect, even if life with Caleb could never became a reality. At least the memories he took back of her would be good ones.
The clock struck seven. With one last glance in the mirror, Becci headed for the stairs. She stood at the top and drew in several deep breaths as she heard the door to Aunt Lilly�s room, where Caleb had chosen to dress, open and close. The sound echoed through the silent house. Then Caleb�s shadow fell across the polished, wooden floor. Becci descended the stairs one step at a time. Her foot hit the last step just as Caleb rounded the corner.
They stopped, several feet still separating them. The sight of him took her breath away. The stirrup pants molded to his thighs like a second skin and outlined every masculine detail.
With a flourish, he flipped off his top hat and bowed. From top hat to tails and down to his sharp-toed dress boots, he created a picture of elegance. Even the cravat looked right on him.
He wore that cocky grin that she loved, and excitement sparkled in his eyes as his gaze drifted from her toes upward.
His grin assured her that he was equally approving of her.
Suddenly his grin disappeared. With deliberately slow steps, he closed the distance between them. A mixture of disbelief and pain flickered in his eyes.
What had she done to hurt him so badly?
Becci held her breath as Caleb raised his hand to the cameo and traced the ivory border.
�I gave this to Rebecca to celebrate Luke�s birth. She had it on the last time I saw her. In fact, she...she was dressed exactly as you are now.�
Shock rifled through Becci. Slowly she placed her hand on the cameo nestled on the dress� ruffled neck. She touched each button lining the bodice front. As she let her hand fall to her waist, she lifted her eyes to Caleb�s.
Pain swam in the depths of his blue eyes. It made her wonder if his relationship with Rebecca had really been one of friendship and nothing more.
�Rebecca wore the cameo the day she died.� Becci spoke the thought aloud, a chill shaking her.
Her hand went to the stitched slit. If Rebecca wore this dress on that day, then the mended area and the faded marks weren�t just incidental rips and watermarks. They were grim reminders of Rebecca�s death, and a crude attempt to remove the blood that had once soaked the dress. Becci felt weak. With her free hand, she clutched the stairs� newel cap to steady herself.
�Don�t you mean, the day I killed her for her gold?� Caleb asked softly.
He closed his eyes to block out the accusation that he instinctively knew would be evident in her eyes. She really did think he�d killed Rebecca. She�d found him guilty without asking him one question. It usually didn�t matter to him what others thought, but in this case he felt like a knife had been thrust into his chest and twisted.
When she didn�t respond to his question, he opened his eyes and nervously rolled the brim of the top hat between his hands while he studied her. She�d gone pale.
�Are you sure Rebecca was wearing this dress?�
Caleb nodded slowly. �Yes. I�m sure.�
Becci swayed and reached out for support. Caleb placed his hand on her elbow to steady her, then quickly released her.
She looked vulnerable, and he wanted to protect her.
�I have many dark secrets in my life, Becci, but murdering Rebecca isn�t one of them.�
Her lips parted in protest, and he touched the tip of his finger to them to stop her reply. It was a mistake. Just the feel of their softness against his skin made him want to haul her into his arms.
So inviting. So tempting.
Caleb had to swallow hard before he could force out the words. �Lilly showed me the last page of Rebecca�s diary. The one where Obadiah wrote that he believed I killed Rebecca and stole her gold. I know you�ve read it, too.�
Becci nodded. The motion created a tantalizing sensation where his finger still rested on her lower lip. She should tell him that she knew he didn�t kill Rebecca�tell him of Rebecca�s appearance in the mirror and her plea for Becci to send him back. But she couldn�t. If she confessed to having contact with Rebecca, he would leave. And she didn�t want to lose him. Not yet.
Caleb�s gaze rose to hers and then dropped back to her mouth. Slowly, he lowered his hand. His words were barely a whisper in the quiet entry hall.
�Rebecca and Saul befriended me when others turned their backs. When Saul died, I promised to look after Luke and Rebecca. I love Luke as if he were my own, and I�I have promised to wed Rebecca. As for the gold, I believe there may be some here, but I�m not sure where it is. Rebecca did give me a medallion�the one that I drew the picture of and showed you. I�m sure the medallion is still in the house, and you know that once I have it I�ll be leaving.�
She opened her mouth to respond, but he again lifted his hand to her mouth and brushed his thumb across her lips. The friction had her trembling like a girl waiting for her first kiss.
Not sure she could stand up a moment longer, she caught the long skirt, lowered herself to the bottom step and patted the vacant space beside her.
Caleb settled the top hat on his head and ran his palms over the upturned brim. He glanced at the door then back at Becci. He should leave. Run like he�d done before. Something told him that if he sat down beside her, it would only make it harder for both of them when he had to leave her.
But instead of running, he joined her.
She kept her gaze straight ahead. Her tongue flicked over the area his finger had just rested. He glided his knuckles down her cheek and then captured her chin and turned her face to his. Her eyes were brimming with curiosity, fear and...desire.
As he stared at her, her lips parted, inviting him to taste them. Covering her hand, he threaded his fingers through hers and tried to ignore her entreaty. He had to tell her his story. She had to know the truth.
�The day the journals claim Rebecca died, I delivered the dresser which is upstairs in your bedroom. I planned to ask her to be my wife that day. I wasn�t sure she would accept, my past being what it is.� He pulled his hand from hers and leaned forward, his elbows on his thighs.
�Jacobs came with me that day. He was the last person to see Rebecca alive. What happened next is as much a mystery to me as it is to you. One minute I was pushing the dresser into Rebecca�s bedroom, and the next minute I was in yours. But I swear to you, Becci, I didn�t kill Rebecca. I�m not a violent man.�
Becci inched over until their thighs touched. Then she rested her hand on his and squeezed lightly. Slowly, he let his gaze meet hers again. A jolt of heat surged through him at the understanding reflected in her eyes.
He bent forward to claim her lips, but she turned away. He closed his eyes and ran his hand over his face. He�d misread her expression. She didn�t want his kiss�didn�t want him. But he couldn�t move away.
Becci groaned inwardly when she glanced back at Caleb.
His defeated express told her he thought she was rejecting his kiss because she thought he�d killed Rebecca.
�Caleb, to use a phrase you�re so fond of, it�s not what you think,� she assured him. �I don�t think you killed Rebecca. I know you wouldn�t kill without just cause, but you did tell me several days ago that you�d killed someone. I can�t believe the Caleb Harrison I knew would do such a thing. I�I have to know what happened about the man you claim to have killed.�
As much as she needed to know his story, she had trouble concentrating. A fraction of an inch separated them. If she leaned forward at all, their lips would touch.
�I did kill a man, Becci,� he said, his words a feathery breeze against her lips.
He was so close his features were blurred, and Becci could detect his unique masculine scent, combined with the soap he�d used.
�Was it Elizabeth�s lover?� she whispered, leaning toward him.
He turned and braced his back against the wall. Lifting the top hat, he raked his hand through his dark hair and then replaced the hat. His blue eyes flared with anger, and then filled with a bleak sadness that tugged at her heart. He angled his head to one side and stared at her. The grandfather clock in the parlor counted the seconds with a loud, pulsing beat.
Neither of them spoke, and the silence lengthened, creating a tension that sent a wave of awareness bouncing between them.
Would he explain his fianc�s death? Could she believe what he said?
Yes. One thing she�d learned over the past few weeks was that Caleb Harrison didn�t hide from the truth.
�How did you find out about Elizabeth?�
�I�I read about her in your Bible.�
�You accused me of snooping. Is what you did any different? What�s written in there is private, as is what is written in my journal. Did you read that, too?�
Becci shook her head. �No, I didn�t. The Bible was in my things when you arrived. You brought the journal with you when you came.�
The image of the tattered book lying beside the Bible came to mind. She�d known it held Caleb�s innermost thoughts, but she hadn�t even considered reading it.
He didn�t respond for several minutes, and she thought he�d decided not to tell her the story. Then he stated bluntly,
�Elizabeth was a working woman. She sold herself to live. I mistook her desire for me as love. Being a bastard, I believed that we were well suited for each other.�
He paused and drew in a deep breath, then said, �She promised she would stop selling herself once we were betrothed, but I caught her...working. Stripped down to her frilly pantaloons and rocking above another man with more fierceness than she�d ever shown me. She was my woman, and she brought another man to my tent. Yes, in a fit of anger, I could have killed her, but I didn�t. I did kill him, but not intentionally.�
Caleb closed his eyes and tilted his head back against the wall. The vision of Elizabeth, her dress discarded and her lithe body thrusting against a stranger, wouldn�t leave him.
Wearily, he opened his eyes. �The man heard me cock my rifle. He shoved Elizabeth at me, and I dropped my rifle when I grabbed for Elizabeth. The rifle hit the ground and fired at the same time as the man�s gun. My bullet killed him. His killed Elizabeth. She...she died in my arms.�
�You loved her.�
He didn�t think Becci wanted an answer, yet he needed to give her one. �I thought I did. But in an instant that love turned to hate. What counts most is what�s in here.� Caleb tapped his chest with one finger. �I thought Elizabeth only sold herself to survive, that she was a good woman. She wasn�t. She�d promised to stop selling herself the day we became betrothed.
I learned later that she never stopped.�
His voice was emotionless as he continued. �I swore I would never trust another person, man or woman.� Caleb shifted on the step, rested his elbows on his thighs and clasped his hands beneath his chin. �Until I met Saul and Rebecca, I kept that promise.�
Becci rested her hand on his shoulder. She had sensed from the very beginning that something kept him from trusting anyone. Now she understood why.
�Saul and Rebecca? You trusted them?�
�Yes, and they trusted me. But I failed them. I came here, Rebecca died, and I have no idea what happened to Luke.�
Becci wished she could soothe away his hurt. �You didn�t fail Rebecca, Caleb. What happened was beyond your control.
You didn�t purposely break your promise, and there�s a chance you can right what happened. Go back and...and save Rebecca and become Luke�s father. I know that�s what you want to do.�
Becci could see the pain in his blue eyes, and the crooked grin he flashed at her didn�t have its usual spark. �Is that what you want me to do?�
She brushed a stray curl off her forehead and took a fortifying breath.
�I guess it�s time to tell you my reasons for selling the manor,� she said ignoring his question.
�This wasn�t a trade off, Becci. I know you need the money to pay bills.� His cheeks flushed. �I found all the past due notices in the trash last week. I wasn�t snooping.�
�Sure. You always go through people�s trash,� she stated dryly, but she couldn�t summon up any anger. She been curious about him, and it only made sense that he�d be just as curious about her. �But you�re right. I need to sell to pay my bills and my college tuition. I�ve wanted to go to college since my freshmen year of high school.�
Caleb knew she was lost in thought when she paused and caught her long braid, twisting it around her finger. �I even set up a college savings account with my baby-sitting money. What I didn�t know was that as fast as I put the money in, my dad was taking it out. Later he told me he�d done it for my own good, that he�d used the money to put food on the table. You know,� she said turning to look at him, �I believed my father.
It wasn�t until later that I learned that he�d had to use my money for food because he drank and gambled all his money away.
�That�s one of the reasons why the nursery is so important to me. I want to give those new mothers a safe place to keep their babies. Especially those women who have a hard time paying their bills and can�t afford top dollar for day care.�
She sighed again and leaned against the newel post. �When my parents died, I inherited this house and all their debts.
Michael stepped in to help me.�
She felt Caleb tense and said, �Michael thinks he loves me, and his intentions are honorable. But when I met you I realized that what I felt for Michael was only gratitude, not love. In case you�re interested, my relationship with Michael was not an�intimate one. We weren�t, uh, like those romance novels you read.�
Shifting sideways, Caleb reached up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear and slowly let his knuckles glide down the contour of her jaw.
His touch sent a shiver shooting through Becci. His expression grew serious, and he leaned closer until the heat of his breath dusted her cheek. �And what do you feel are my intentions?�
Becci wasn�t sure how to respond, so she said, �You�ve been honest from the beginning. You need this mysterious medallion everyone keeps talking about to get back to Rebecca, and you�ll do anything to get it.�
He backed away. His eyes dimmed. �Not anything. What has happened between us has nothing to do with your damn gold, this house, or my leaving.�
He closed his eyes and swallowed hard before confessing,
�If you let me, I�m going to make love to you. Not for the gold, or payment, or any other reason except that it�s what you and I both want. When I leave�and I know I have to go�I�ll take only the medallion to get me back where I belong. If there is any gold here, it will be yours to do with as you please.
Hopefully there will be enough money for the taxes and your education. And maybe even enough to set up your nursery should you decide to keep this house.�
�I�m not sure there is any gold. If there is, it�s been buried for years.�
�It�s real. I�ve seen it.�
�You�ve seen it?� she repeated, eyeing him dubiously.
He nodded. �Rebecca didn�t believe in banks, and Saul once showed me where she�d hidden it in case something happened to them and I needed it to care for Luke.�
�Then you know where it is?�
�No,� he said, telling himself it wasn�t really a lie. He had an idea where the gold might be, but he didn�t know for sure.
�After Saul died, Rebecca told me she�d moved the money and that she�d show me where it was hidden. She never got the chance before�I ended up here.�
Becci�s shoulders sagged in disappointment. �Aunt Lilly thinks the secret to finding the gold is in Rebecca�s journals.
I�m not sure. But it can wait until after the party. Once I know for sure I have to sell the house, I won�t mind tearing up the place to look for it.�
He wanted to tell her nothing needed to be destroyed, but what if he was wrong? What if the gold wasn�t in the furniture�s hidden compartments? What if Rebecca had hidden it elsewhere because she didn�t trust him? Caleb brushed his hand over a tiny booklet he�d found in Obadiah�s top hat. Maybe Rebecca had hidden the gold she hoarded in the linings of dresses long since given away.
Caleb leaned closer and closed his eyes just as he brushed his lips against hers. �It can wait, but this can�t.�
Becci circled her hands around his neck and pulled him closer. He felt his own pulse thrum against her palms. He sank back, drawing her between his thighs. He�d never wanted a woman as much as he wanted Becci. When her tongue slipped between his lips, he groaned. Her kiss was unlike any he�d ever experienced. The women he�d had in the bordellos didn�t kiss, they just submitted with as little contact as the act allowed.
�How long will Miss Lilly be gone?� he asked, his voice shaking with emotion.
Before Becci could answer, a loud ring shattered the moment. They jerked apart and sprang to their feet like children caught misbehaving.
Caleb searched for the source of the racket. It wasn�t the doorbell or car alarm. This was something new.
He watched Becci pick up a plastic rectangle off the table and speak into it, saying Lilly�s name as if she spoke to the woman.
A telephone. He�d seen them on television, and Miss Lilly had shown him the one Becci held and suggested he read about them in the encyclopedias. But he was usually outside, so he�d never heard this one ring or talked into it.
�May I?� Caleb asked, taking the receiver before Becci could refuse and bringing it to his ear.
�And make sure Caleb hangs the pants and shirt up so they won�t wrinkle,� he heard Lilly say.
�Lilly? You sound like you�re standing right here with me.
I�ll be real careful with Obadiah�s things. I promise.�
�Caleb, I don�t have much time, so please put Becci back on the line.�
�What line?� Caleb glanced at Becci�s feet and frowned.
�She wasn�t on a line, so I can�t put her back on it.�
�Give her the phone.�
He held the receiver out to Becci. �Lilly wants you to get back on the line.� He lifted his shoulders in a shrug. Becci covered her lips with her fingertips to keep from laughing. She shook her head and took the phone. She couldn�t believe the emotional roller coaster they�d been on for the past thirty minutes. From serious to sensual, and now Caleb�s eyes were full of laughter, glittering like stars.
He reached up and traced the smooth surface of the receiver to the shell of Becci�s ear and down the curve of her jaw. There was no mistaking the teasing grin as he continued his taunting caress. Slowly, he drew an invisible mark down her neck to the lacy trim, around the cameo and on down the row of tiny buttons to the swell of her breast.
Becci slapped at his hand and turned away until she finished talking to Lilly. When she placed the phone in its cradle, she glanced back at Caleb. �Aunt Lilly wanted to let us know everything is in place. She�s spending the night at her sister�s.
Aunt Maude volunteered to help Aunt Lilly prepare most of the food, and since her kitchen is bigger, they decided to prepare most of it over there. Aunt Lilly also wanted to make sure the clothes didn�t need any mending. She said to handle them carefully when we take them off.�
Caleb couldn�t stop the grin at the image Lilly�s words created. The pink that tinged Becci�s cheeks told him he wasn�t the only one who was reading more into Lilly�s instructions than she�d meant.
�The material is old, and as much as I�d love to slip each of those tiny buttons free, I�m afraid I would destroy the dress.
Maybe we�d better meet here in ten minutes.�
�Five minutes,� Becci said, already removing the cameo and slipping the first of the tiny buttons free.
Stunned by her straightforwardness, Caleb swallowed hard.
�Ten,� he repeated. �It will take us that long to properly take care of these clothes. I�ll lay Obadiah�s things neatly on Miss Lilly�s bed, take Jacobs his supper, and be waiting for you down here.�
He backed up a step, hooked his suspenders with one hand, and lifted the top hat a fraction with the other. He resettled it in a simple farewell gesture and left.
***
Caleb shut the shed door, sailed his hat in the direction of his bed, and set Jacobs�s dinner on one of the boxes lining the walls. He needed to get rid of some of the emotional turmoil boiling inside him before he returned to Becci, and he knew exactly what would do it.
He knelt down beside his cot and pulled out a canvascovered packet. He carefully laid out the finely honed and oiled tools on the cot. He�d returned last night with several small pieces of oak and pine that would be perfect for the little trinket box he planned to make for Becci.
He�d laid aside the box he�d started for his Bible and started working on his gift for Becci. He�d worked almost all night and all his spare time during the day carving and buffing until the wood glowed with perfect, satin smoothness.
Caleb checked the box for stray splinters, then turned it over and ran his finger over her name. The entwined letters flowed over the whole lid from one side to the other�Becci.
Taking the smallest knife, he turned the box over and carved his initials on the bottom. The box would give her something to remember him by once he returned to his own time. He would give it to her tonight, after they made love.
He worked the lid off and checked the padded lining made from a piece of silk Lilly had asked him to throw away. After carefully storing his tools, he took another piece of silk and wrapped the box. He set the gift beside his hat and reached for his journal.
Before Caleb turned around, Jacobs slammed through the door. �Ya gotta help me,� Jacobs pleaded. �This is all yore fault. I thought I�s dreamin�. Or that the whiskey done rotted my thinkin�. So I decided to head on back to Raleigh cause the whiskey�s bad here. An� I discovered this ain�t no dream.�
Caleb stuffed his journal back into his saddlebags and faced the drunk, as Jacobs continued, �That man in that fancy ridin�
thing, well, he ain�t the only one that has one. I took on down toward town, and I found a whole bunch of them. You said you knew the way back. Jist tell me how to git there. I can�t take no more of this.�
�What�s wrong?� Caleb shouldered his way around Jacobs.
�Are you out of whiskey?� He set the plate of food on the makeshift table and handed Jacobs a fork.
�No. I got plenty. But it ain�t good. I�m seein� things. And not jist those fancy ridin� things, either. Daylight in dark rooms by touching a square on the wall. And other things I�s can�t explain.�
�Hold on. I told you this wasn�t a dream. If you have whiskey, what�s the need to go back to Raleigh?�
�I�m scared.�
Something didn�t sound right. As long as Jacobs had whiskey, he didn�t care what went on around him.
�I understand that, but we have to take things a day at a time while I look for the medallion. I told you it�s the key to doorway home. Don�t you remember?�
Jacobs nodded. �I remember all right. But what�s to keep ya from changin� yore mind? Especially since ya is soft over this filly.�
�I...� He couldn�t lie. Going back was inevitable, but a part of him would remain with Becci forever. She filled a hollow spot in his heart that he hadn�t known existed. For the first time in his life, he felt whole.
He roped his emotions and tied them securely in his heart.
Becci was the dream the nuns had promised he would find.
But they were wrong. He and Becci lived a world apart. This dream could never come true. It was a life fated to end before it flourished.
�I have a promise to fulfill, and if I can�t save Rebecca, I�ll have a murderer to find.�
�You git me the gold and I�ll go back and save the widder for you.�
�I just bet you would.� Caleb tipped his head in the direction of the food he�d brought Jacobs. �You eat. We�ll go back when I say we go. I do know the way.�
Jacobs grabbed the fork and shoveled in several bites of potatoes.
�Here�s the plan,� Caleb said. �Saturday night, after everything is settled, I�ll get the medallion. You�ll stay here until I come get you. You have one order to obey. Be ready.�
The muscles around his heart tightened. He would never hold Becci again. He would lose her just as he�d lost Luke.
When he left, his heart would stay behind, and as much as he loved Luke, the boy would never be able to fill that empty space.
�That little filly, Becci, will never love you,� Jacobs said.
�No decent woman would take to a man with no daddy.�
Caleb fought the anger that burned deep within his very soul. Becci wasn�t like the others. His past wouldn�t matter to her.
Before he could respond, Jacobs said, �I...I think I�ll take my meal outside. The view is much purtier.� The man grabbed the plate and his bottle of whiskey and shouldered his way out the door.
Lightning flashed on the horizon, outlining the drunk�s stooped shoulders as he headed down the hill. A storm would hit soon.
Caleb picked up the silk-wrapped package and gave it one final inspection. He needed to write a note to put inside it.
Something special.
***
�Where are you? Why haven�t you come to me?� Becci whispered.
She wrapped her arms around her waist and made another methodical trip from the family room to the kitchen. Stopping beside the kitchen table, she gazed out the bay window toward the shed as she�d done each time before. Ten minutes had turned into twenty. Caleb still hadn�t appeared.
Lightning flashed, brightening the yard. Thunder rattled the windows. Dark shadows danced with each gusting breeze, sending tree limbs swaying and distorting her view. The spring pattern of sunny days and stormy evenings lent itself to the eerie sense of trepidation looming in the dark of night. Becci shivered and rubbed her arms.
In the distance a man paced in and out of sight inside the shed.
Caleb. She would recognize him anywhere.
Becci slowly tapped her fist on the table. Please come, she pleaded silently. When he didn�t appear, she expelled a weary sigh and walked slowly back to the living room.
Another shiver swept through her as tears glazed her eyes.
Dropping into the overstuffed recliner, she accepted that Caleb wouldn�t be coming. She�d been too forward with him, too ready to let him take her to bed. Too ready to let him be her knight in shining armor.
She should have taken the hint when he backed off. He didn�t want her.
Raking her fingers through her hair, she divided it into three parts, braided it for the night, and tied it loosely with a scrunchy she�d left on the small end table. Then she picked up one of the journals that had been left beside the chair and fluttered the corner of the book before opening it to the marked section.
Caleb is bringing the dresser. I must persuade him to make me his wife. Not for me, but for Luke. He loves Luke as if he were his own. Caleb does not love me, but he will never find his true love in this time so our families must be joined or our race will be doomed. At least I have finally gained his trust. I have returned the key to Caleb. Now it�s time to return the title that goes with the key, the title of keeper.
My heart aches as it never has before because I know Saul and I are partially to blame for Caleb�s pain. Our promise will keep him from traveling to his true love, whoever she might be. Until we met Caleb, we never realized the consequences he would suffer because of Obadiah�s actions.
Becci closed the book and flicked off the lamp. Travel to find his true love? Could what she heard when she tried on Rebecca�s dress really be Rebecca�s words instead of some hallucination? She knew that whether or not it had really been Rebecca speaking, what she�d heard was the truth. She, Becci, would lose Caleb because of his promise to her namesake.
Tears trickled down her cheeks, and she swiped at them impatiently.
�Enough of this wallowing in self-pity,� she grumbled, shoving out of the chair. She might as well get some sleep. Try to get some sleep, she amended.
Wind blew the screen door open. The hinges creaked. Becci whirled around and listened for another sound.
Nothing. Just her wishful thinking. If Caleb had planned on coming, he would have already been here.
Hesitantly, she took the stairs one at a time. She�d done all she could to make Caleb come to her. For more than fifteen minutes she�d stood at the window gazing into the night, hoping he hadn�t changed his mind and knowing he had.
The door. She whirled around on the landing. She had to lock the back door. With the wind blowing and the rain falling in solid sheets, she should check all the windows and fasten the screens as well. She expelled a weary sigh as she started back down.
A lock snapped into place, echoing through the house like a gunshot.
Becci paused.
Footsteps whispered across the kitchen floor.
Reflexively she tightened her hold on the railing. The footfalls vanished, and Becci realized the intruder had entered the carpeted dining room. She listened intently to each minute sound, trying to distinguish between the pounding of her heart and the hushed fall of cautious steps.
Glass shook when the corner cabinet�s door popped free of the magnet latch. At least this time the intruder hadn�t broken the glass to get his whiskey. She stifled a groan. All the liquor for tomorrow night�s party was in that cabinet. She couldn�t let Jacobs get away with it this time. She took a step downward and stopped. The glass rattled again as the door shut.
All the sounds mingled into a symphony of confusion.
Muffled footsteps merged with the other nighttime sounds. The floor creaked, windows rattled, curtains rustled, and tree limbs scraped.
The hair on her nape bristled. Her instincts warned her that danger lurked in the dark shadows downstairs.
Cold terror rippled through her. She had to find a weapon.
Becci glanced down the hall. After a week of walking around screwdrivers, hammers and paint cans, why had she cleaned everything up tonight? There wasn�t even a stir-stick she could use to protect herself. She struggled to stay calm while listening to each sound the intruder made so she could figure out exactly where he was. Then she heard footfalls dragging across linoleum.
The kitchen.
A loud whack indicated something had been set on the counter or table, which meant he was between the back door and the living room entry. A loud crash, a violent curse, and the click of a switch interrupted the whispered sounds. Light streaked from the kitchen, lighting the dining room and seeping into the shadows across the entry hall�s slick marble flooring, drawing Becci�s attention to the tools in the corner.
She started down the stairs, only to stop when another sharp curse preceded the scrape of what she assumed was the fallen object being righted. Then a small click plunged everything back into darkness.
Hushed rustling sounds came closer, and then a shadow moved at the bottom of the stairs.
Please let it be Caleb.
A stooped-shouldered, masculine outline, barely visible in the darkness, stood at the foot of the stairs. Becci raised her hand to her chest and tried to calm her racing heart.
�Caleb?� she whispered hopefully, even though she knew this man held little resemblance to the man she loved.
The form came to halt. �No, ma�am,� a coarse, gravelly voice ground out. �I�m Willie Jacobs, and I come to see you.
Ain�t no need for Caleb to keep you to hisself. I thought we�d share a little drink and have a little fun. I left the whiskey on the kitchen table �cause I decided to save it �til later. It can wait, but other things jist can�t.�
Jacobs stepped close enough for her to see him brush a fisted hand over his mouth. He looked her up and down.
�You got something better in store fer yoreself tonight, filly. You got yoreself William Jacobs. I ain�t never had me a woman as purty as you.� As he spoke he inched up the stairs.
�I�s got more experience than young Caleb. Had me some mighty good women to pleasure me.�
Lightning flashed against a shiny object in Jacobs� hand.
He moved closer, and the sickening smell of stale whiskey and unwashed body collided together in a gagging odor.
�Where...Where�s Caleb?� Becci asked, as a shiver raked her body from head to toe. Her legs were barely able to keep her upright.
Run! she silently ordered herself, but her feet refused to obey. Upstairs she would be trapped. Less than three steps away, a screwdriver lay in the corner entry hall�s corner. But to reach it she had to pass Jacobs.
�Oh, don�t ya worry yore purty little head. He won�t be interruptin� us. I locked him in the shed,� Jacobs said as he reached out and ran a finger down her cheek. �Yes, siree. You�s a purty thing,� he added, tracing the narrow strap of her nightgown.
He cupped his hand over her shoulder and squeezed it.
Becci cringed at his touch. �We gonna have us some fun while he�s figurin� how to get out. He�ll git you later. I don�t mind sharin�, but I�m here now, and he ain�t, so...�
�Wrong, Jacobs. I�m here. And you might not mind sharing, but I do,� Caleb said from the shadowed doorway leading to Lilly�s room. �You touch my woman again, and you might not make it back to Raleigh after all.�
Caleb reached up and flicked on the light. Relief swamped Becci. Caleb wouldn�t let Jacobs harm her.
�What difference does it make ta you?� Jacobs whined.
�She ain�t no prize. Besides, ya got nothin� to threaten me with.
Ya don�t know the way back yoreself. That ole me-dallion ain�t the key. You�s just tryin� to trick me so ya can keep all that gold you hid.�
�Sheath the knife and keep that mouth of yours closed, or you won�t be going back with me.�
Jacobs held the long metal blade up to Becci�s cheek, and she heard Caleb draw in a breath and slowly release it with a hiss.
�Why? She knows yore lookin� for the gold. Jist like I knows you plan on keepin� it all.�
�Put the knife down, Jacobs. We�ll discuss this later.�
Becci couldn�t stop the sob that wrenched from her when Jacobs tightened his grip on her shoulder. The man scowled at her then returned his attention to Caleb.
�Your only chance of getting back is with me, Jacobs,�
Caleb said. �Don�t forfeit that because of a woman. I asked you to wait until after the party on Saturday. If I don�t come through then��
Caleb left the conclusion up to Jacobs and forced himself to breathe as he inched toward the stairs.
Slowly, Jacobs lowered the blade. Caleb reacted instantly.
Catching the newel post, he swung around, caught Jacobs� wrist and slammed it against the wall. The knife tumbled down the steps and landed with a loud crack on the marble floor.
Caleb pinned Jacobs with a forearm to his throat. �Go upstairs, Becci.�
She hurriedly made her way to the landing. Her breath came in short gulps. Fear made each gulp harder to draw in. She saw Caleb slam Jacobs into the wall again, his hands tightening on the man�s neck.
�I didn�t mean no harm,� Jacobs gasped clawing at Caleb�s fingers. �I�s jist...I�s....�
�Caleb, stop! Don�t kill him. He�s not worth your life,�
Becci said.
For a moment she didn�t know if he�d heard her, but then he slowly loosened his grip, gathered Jacobs�s shirt collar and twisted it so the man stood on tiptoe. �You listen to me, and you listen good,� Caleb growled. �Unless you want me to use that knife on you, you�ll do what I say.� He shoved him away.
�Get out and don�t ever let me catch you in this house again.�
Jacobs scooted down the two steps, his back pressed against the wall.
Becci rested one hand on her quivering stomach and covered her mouth with the other.
The door slammed, sending an echo vibrating through the house. Her legs trembled and her heart raced. She could no longer hold herself upright. With a sob, she melted to the floor.
She needed Caleb�s strength�needed his assurance that everything was going to be all right�but he remained at the bottom of the steps, his hands on his hips. His shoulders heaved up and down with each breath he took. Finally, he looked up at her, and she was startled to see his furious expression.
�What in hell were you doing prancing around more than half naked in that see-through thing?� he snapped. �Damn it, Jacobs is just a man. He shouldn�t have busted in here like he did, but if I�d been in his shoes, I�d have taken that vision of you in the window as an open invitation for whoever decides to come calling.�
She gasped at the hardness in his voice. �This is my house, Caleb Harrison. Neither you nor Jacobs belong in my back yard peeping in my windows. And, for your information, I wore this�this see-through thing for you!� she yelled around another sob.
She wiped at a tear trickling down her cheek, then hugged her body as a shiver swept over her.
As his anger subsided, Caleb focused his attention on Becci.
His breath caught at the sight of her. She was nothing but a puddle of black silk, pale skin and glistening red hair sitting on the first landing. Her arms were wrapped around her middle, and she was leaning forward as if in agony. He took the steps three at a time, reaching her in two long strides.
Helplessness joined the other emotions he�d felt over the last five minutes. Fear for Becci. Anger at himself for letting Jacobs trick him. And rage at the thought of what might have happened if he hadn�t gotten out of the shed.
He dropped down to the step beside Becci and eased her onto his lap. His fingers trembled as he combed them through her silky hair, and he hugged her close to his chest. He would have lost her forever if he hadn�t seen the light flash on and Jacobs moving about the kitchen. His Becci might have met the same fate as Rebecca.
His heart lurched. Lord, help him, he loved her.
�When I saw the knife, all I could remember was Jacobs dropping that same blood-soaked knife to the floor just before we went through Rebecca�s bedroom door and ended up here,�
Caleb said hoarsely. �According to the diary, that was the day Rebecca lost her life. And that�s my knife, Becci.�
Struggling for control, he gulped in a breath and shook off the memory. �He killed Rebecca. He killed her with my knife.
I know he did. When I saw Jacobs in the kitchen with that same knife in his hand again, I didn�t know if I�d be able to save you. I thought I would fail you just as I have failed Luke and Rebecca.�
He rocked her gently. The feelings welling up inside him rocked him to the core. He didn�t want to leave Becci and go back to his time. He wanted to stay here and always protect her. Why did he have to go? Why couldn�t he forget the life that awaited him in the past?
Because he had a promise to keep.
He buried his face in Becci�s hair. Her intoxicating scent surrounded him. The first time he�d gotten a whiff of it she�d been combing his hair off his forehead with her fingers.
It seemed like an eternity had passed since that day instead of just a few weeks.
�I thought Jacobs knocked the stack of wood over in front of the shed door by accident. I realize now it wasn�t an accident.�
�He trapped you?�
�Yes. I hoped you would come to the shed when I didn�t show up.� Easing Becci away, he curled one finger under her chin and lifted her head so he could look in her eyes. �I should have known you wouldn�t come to me, you being a lady, but I hoped.�
�But, how did you get out?�
Caleb lowered her head back to his chest and rubbed his hands over her arms. His senses came alive with the essence of her. �I broke the shed window. I had to. When the light flashed on in the kitchen, I realized what Jacobs was doing. I knew I had to find a way to save you. I�d have busted the whole wall out to save you if necessary, Becci, my love,� he confessed.
Caleb tugged gently on Becci�s hair until she gazed up at him. Then he lowered his mouth to hers.
My love. The words showered Becci with hope. She didn�t bother trying to respond. There was nothing she could say that would convey what she felt in her heart. The best she could do was show Caleb what it meant to be loved.
With new resolve, Becci tentatively slipped her tongue between Caleb�s parted lips. Flames of desire flickered within her when he groaned and responded with the same fiery need.
He brushed his knuckles down her cheek to her neck and then to her shoulder, sending a shower of sparks trickling over her.
With a boldness she didn�t know she processed, she circled his wrist and lowered his hand to her breast.
Caleb tried to still his trembling hands. Lying with Becci would be different than anything he�d ever experienced. He�d never made love before.
He deepened their kiss. He needed to caress her softness, to touch her gentle curves and feel her response. He wanted her hands on him�craved the soothing sweep of them over his skin.
Each kiss created a need for another within him. Each brush of his hand on her body begged to be repeated. She was as delicate as a rare flower, as fragile as a fine bone teacup, and he loved her.
Touching his lips to the corners of her mouth, he let his tongue dip in to taste her sweetness. Slowly, he mapped out a line of kisses from the delicate tilt of her chin, down her neck to her shoulder. And lower. He cupped her breast in his hand and lifted it to his mouth, circling his tongue around the distended peak, then gently tugging at it through the thin material. She arched, giving him full access, but the gown kept him a fraction too far away. He�d waited so long�wanted her for so long�that his control teetered on the brink of vanishing.
He paused to fight for control, and Becci groaned in protest.
He felt more alive than at any other time in his life. He�d known from the first kiss that what he felt for Becci was different from any other emotional attachment he�d ever experienced.
Becci slipped off his lap and shrugged off her negligee in one fluid motion. She needed to feel his touch. Flesh to flesh.
She wanted his whole body pressed to hers.
She knelt in front of him and jerked at the front of his shirt, frantic to touch him as he�d been touching her. One by one the buttons popped free and bounced like tiny bits of glass down the stairs. She threaded her fingers through the thick patch of coarse hair on his chest, enjoying the texture. She felt his muscles tense as her touch floated over him.
Caleb lifted his hand to trace a line from her shoulder to her breast to her waist. She could hear his shaky breath, feel the shuddered cadence vibrating against her palm. His mouth moved to hers again as he swept his hand to the core of the heat pulsing in her. She arched against his palm, asking instinctively with her body what her mind couldn�t comprehend.
�Bedroom,� he choked out.
�Here,� Becci corrected, covering his mouth before he could protest. She didn�t want to release him. For two weeks she had dreamed of him pressing his body to hers. The place didn�t matter. Jacobs had been right about one thing. Some things just couldn�t wait.
She pulled him down so that she lay beneath him, and he hovered over her. Then she fumbled with the top button of his fly until he finally shoved her hands away and flicked the whole line open. Becci took over from there, slowly tugging the front of his pants apart and slipping her hand over his arousal.
He shivered and caught her wrist, bringing her hand to his chest. �Are you sure, Becci? I don�t think I�ll have the power to stop if we take things much further,� he warned.
�I�m sure,� she whispered, taking his mouth again.
With feathery strokes, Caleb traced a path over her hips, down her thighs and then up to caress her moist, feminine nub.
She arched against his hand, and he knew this would be a memory he would always cherish. Wild, sweet and wanting him. Him. It was almost too much to believe.
Caleb caught her around the waist and drew her hips to him. He hovered over her, letting the tip of his arousal brush against her. He wanted to bury himself inside her, but he held back, commanding himself to take it slowly. She expelled a shivered gasp and opened to him.
I love you, Becci. The thought both excited him and saddened him. Her love would stir him in his dreams for all eternity and keep him warm on the long, cold, empty nights he would have to face when he left her.
I love you, too, Caleb.
He smiled. She�d heard his thoughts. Her thoughts now circled through his mind, and they awed him. She loved him.
He rocked against her and felt the resistance too late to back away. �Oh, Lord, Becci, why didn�t you tell me?�
Caleb pulled her against him in a loving hug. His heart raced as he waited for her body to adjust to him. He hadn�t known he would be her first, and he again felt awed. She was his. No one else would ever claim her as he had. Looking down at her he wished he knew more about satisfying a woman.
He slipped his hand to where they were joined and gently massaged until she trembled in his arms. Slowly he moved inside her�each thrust a loving entreaty that he would never forget.
Becci shivered as tingling waves of sensations swirled inside her. Even as she climbed toward ecstasy, she knew that tonight might be all they had. She would take what he offered without regret.
She raked her nails over his pebbled nipples and felt him tremble. Placing her hands on his shoulders, she raised her hips slowly, teasingly, again and again, until a shattering vibration of completion snatched her control. She arched into him and called his name as her whole body reached for fulfillment. Stars exploded. Powerless to harness her reaction, a cry of pure pleasure erupted from deep in her throat.
When she tightened around Caleb, he thrust into her, possessing her, making her his alone.
�Sweet heaven,� he gasped as his world shattered into glorious ecstasy.
Nothing in his life had prepared him for lying with a woman he loved. Nothing had ever come close to feeling what he felt.
She�d destroyed the blockage around his very soul. When he left, he would leave without his heart as he had suspected he would. He shuddered in pleasure and drew her closer, holding her until the world slowed to normal.
She laughed. �I don�t think sweet heaven is grand enough.
I love you, Caleb.�
She felt him tense at her declaration. She didn�t regret her words. They were true�would always be true, whether he returned her love or not. If those really were his thoughts she�d heard before they made love, he did love her even if he didn�t like to hear the words spoken aloud.
�Stay the night with me,� she whispered. �Pretend we have forever. I promise you won�t regret it.�
Becci smiled when, without a word, Caleb stood, lifted her into his arms and, leaving their clothes at the top of the stairs, carried her to her bed. He laid her on top of the cool, down comforter and made love to her again like it would have to last a lifetime, which it would.
When they finally lay together side-by-side, Caleb tucked Becci close to him. Thunder cracked. Wind howled through the trees and shook the windows. He glanced at the small calendar Becci had set on the dresser. A bright red circle encompassed the date for the party. Tomorrow. He shifted his gaze to the year. The one hundred and sixty-fourth anniversary of Rebecca�s death. Tonight he would love Becci. Tomorrow night, he would be propelled back to where he�d started.
Could he really leave her? He had to. He had no other choice.
Caleb listened to Becci�s soft breathing as she slept. A sharp bullet of longing rifled through him. They�d made love twice, and he still wanted her. Propping himself up on one elbow, he let his gaze drift over her slender figure. As if the storm outside was raging inside him, the thunder had clapped and the lightning had flashed while he�d taken Becci.
He glanced at the window. Lightning from the storm, long since passed, flashed in the distance, creating a weblike pattern that vanished as quickly as it appeared. The howling wind had turned into a gentle breeze, and the harsh onslaught of rain was now a shower that made no sound as it landed and streaked slowly down the glass. In another ten minutes stars would twinkle in the inky blackness, and the world would go on as if nothing had happened. But it had.
Caleb looked down at Becci and caught a red-gold curl, twisting it around his finger. How would he ever live without her? In the note he�d placed in the trinket box, he�d called her a friend. She definitely meant more than that to him now.
Easing out of bed, Caleb crept from the room. He needed to hurry. If Becci woke before he returned, she might take his absence the wrong way. But he had to get the small trinket box he�d left in the shed while he�d dealt with Jacobs.
Without turning on the lights, he found his pants at the top of the stairs and pulled them on. Then he moved quietly through the house, slipped on his boots at the kitchen door, and let himself outside and crossed to the shed. He retrieved the silkcovered box and retraced his steps to the house.
He shook his head as he brushed his fingers over the carved heart on the lid. The note he�d written didn�t do justice to what he now felt. Writing it had seemed so right�so perfect�until they lay together. Slowly he worked the lid off, took out the paper and reread it.
Becci, I have never met anyone who touched my heart like you have. Not even Rebecca. Accept this gift as a token of my friendship. If it brings thoughts of me to mind, hopefully they will be good. I will never carve another letter or polish another box without thinking of you. All I ever wanted was for you to be happy. If I have helped to make that happen, I�m glad.
I often wished for a friend to share my life with. You have given me that friendship, if only for a short time.
Thank you.
Your friend, Caleb H.
Becci hadn�t just touched his heart. She�d stolen it. Moving through the kitchen, he crushed the note and tossed it in the trash. He loved her, and if there was any way for him to stay with her, he would find it.
He hesitated at the top of the steps and gathered up their scattered clothing. Raising the soft satin to his face, Caleb inhaled the scent of spring flowers and Becci�s own feminine perfume that clung to her gown. The combination stirred up all his emotions�desire, fear, lust, anger, and love. In all his life he�d never felt such a strong need to hold and protect another person. Why had his heart chosen this moment to break through its protective shell? He hadn�t needed love in his life before, so why did it seem so important to him now?
His gaze drifted to Becci as he entered the room. The cover had slipped down exposing the soft slope of her breast. He turned away and tried to tamp down the desire that surfaced every time he looked at her. This was a dream. It had to be. No woman affected a man like this. Even if he stayed here forever, he would never get enough of her.
He laid the clothes over the small wooden rocker sitting in the corner and went to the window. Leaning his forehead against the glass, he looked out at the now clear sky.
�Rebecca, what am I going to do?� he whispered so he wouldn�t disturb Becci. �Every thought I have says this can�t really be happening. Yet if this is a dream, I don�t want to wake up. I love her.�
Caleb gazed at the stars and waited for Rebecca�s voice to reply. She didn�t speak.
A smile tugged at his lips as he moved away from the window and crawled back into bed with Becci.
�Hmmm?� Becci murmured as she snuggled into his embrace.
�Nothing, love,� he whispered, slipping the trinket box under his pillow and capturing Becci in the circle of his arms.
�Nothing.�
***
The sun flashed off the mirror into Becci�s eyes. She groaned and tugged at the sheet to pull it over her head. Why did morning have to come so early? She yanked at the sheet again. It wouldn�t budge and a strange weight held her firmly in place.
Sleep-hazy memories fluttered in her mind as she pushed at the solid mass. As those memories solidified, her eyes flew open.
Caleb! It hadn�t been a dream. Caleb had made love to her.
�Please don�t leave yet,� Caleb�s drowsy, masculine voice pleaded. �This is a new experience. I�ve never had a woman beside me when I woke up, and I think I could get used to it.
Besides, I�ve got something for you.�
His words soothed her like a gentle caress, and she snuggled deeper into his arms. Weaving her fingers with his, she lifted his hand to her lips and kissed his knuckles.
�Something else?� She couldn�t stop the smile that curled her lips when she thought of the night she�d just spent in Caleb�s arms. She also couldn�t stop the trace of sadness that mixed with the joy. Once they left her bedroom she might never get the chance to make love with him again.
Caleb swallowed hard as Becci shifted until she faced him, letting the cover slide down to her waist. Smiling down at her crookedly he twisted a long lock of hair around his hand. Then he tugged her closer and leaned his forehead against hers.
�You are one beautiful lady,� he said, trying to keep his voice light while he regained control of his rampaging emotions.
He snagged the bed sheet and pulled it over her shoulder. �Stay under that until I say what�s got to be said or I�ll never finish.�
He cast a quick glance at the dresser�so old in this time, yet for him barely five weeks had passed since he�d first delivered it oiled and glistening to Rebecca�s front door. It had taken him more time to smooth the wood than to make the box he would give to Becci. He hoped she would always remember the love he put into it. Reaching under his pillow, he drew out the silk-wrapped package.
�I wish...� he started, then closed his eyes, but not before Becci saw the sheen of moisture glistening in them. When he opened them again, there was fear and vulnerability in their blue depths. Their gazes locked, and his lips slowly slipped back into the grin she�d become so fond of.
�It�s not much, Becci. It started out to be a thank you gift for your friendship, but you�ve touched my very soul and given me more than I deserve. I�m a man of few words. What I feel for you is different. Whatever it is, it can�t be put into words.
And this is such a small token of what�s in my heart.�
He unfolded the silk square. Catching her hand, he placed the small, hand-carved oak box in it and curled her fingers around it.
�I hope you like it,� he said as he feathered his knuckles down her cheek. He cupped her chin and lightly touched his thumb to her lips before pulling away.
Becci closed her eyes. Her heart was pounding so hard she was sure Caleb could hear it, too. Slowly, she opened her eyes and, for a long moment, stared at the fine wood grains of the box. Then she brushed a finger over the letters carved on the lid. Tears surfaced, and the box blurred. What on earth was the matter with her? She pressed her hand to her mouth to muffle a sob.
�Oh, Caleb. It�s beautiful. I will always cherish this.
Always.�
She held the tiny box to her chest with one hand and wiped the tears from her cheeks with the other. Leaning forward, she pressed her lips to his.
The kiss told Caleb what was in her heart. He took the box and placed it on the bedside table. Then he lowered her to the mattress and covered her mouth with his. All his emotions came spilling from his heart. He couldn�t say the words. He could only show her what he felt.
With slow, measured moves he explored every inch of her body as if it was a farewell message. He held her tighter. Kissed her slower. Stretched each lingering caress to the fullest. When they finally exploded into a world of sensations, he knew he�d been truly and thoroughly loved.
Becci traced the shadowed curve of Caleb�s jaw. There was a deep sadness in his eyes that shrouded their joy.
�You stay right where you are, honey,� Becci ordered, forcing a lightness in her words she didn�t feel. �I�m going to prepare you a true feast. Breakfast in bed�eggs, toast, coffee, and maybe a special treat. Today I�ll pamper you. In the morning, it will be your turn to pamper me, which means you�ll serve me breakfast in bed.�
She laughed at the frown he sent her. �It�s called women�s lib. That�s something you�ll have to get used to if you stay in this era. I�ll help you tomorrow, but after that you�re on your own.�
She had to keep thinking there would be a future for them, that the love they shared would be here forever. If she didn�t, the pain would be unbearable.
Tomorrow. Caleb liked the sound of that. He would love to spend the day doing nothing but loving Becci. Hell, he wouldn�t mind spending the rest of his life loving her.
�Come here, baby. It�s you I want, not food.�
Just as he spoke his stomach rumbled. Laughing, Caleb lunged for Becci. She whirled away, also laughing.
�I think your stomach is telling me a different story, Caleb Harrison.�
Dodging another lunge, she rolled out of bed and snatched the trinket box off the bedside table. She set it on the dresser, slipped on a long, flowered housecoat and waved at him as she backed out of the room.
Love and fear. Never had two emotions clashed so violently together inside Caleb. He felt them both raging like the storm that had passed through the area last night. Now the tree limbs swayed, scraping the window, and sunbeams bounced off the mirror.
Caleb caught a glimpse of his reflection in the cracked looking glass and ran a hand over his head. His hair was as tousled from Becci�s fingers as hers had been from his. They�d held and loved each other with a fierceness that had reflected their unvoiced fears. In his heart he knew there would not be a tomorrow. Five weeks in Becci�s world, a hundred and sixtyfour years ago today�his time�he�d delivered the dresser.
Rebecca died that day. He remained accused of Rebecca�s murder and the thief of the cursed �Atlantean Medallion,� and he knew he had to go back and make everything right.
�Oh, Rebecca, how could they think I would harm you?
And what about the gold you hoarded for Luke? You never saw the dresser, so it couldn�t be there. I certainly didn�t take it with me. Not your gold, only�mine.�
Caleb tossed off the sheet, dropped his feet to the cool floor and raked his hands through his hair again. If he thought about what had happened to Rebecca, he would go crazy. He stood and slowly crossed the room to stand before the dresser.
He�d never dreamed the furniture would still exist so many years after he�d created them. With his left hand, he outlined the hand-carved initial.
He knew the medallion was still where he�d hidden it. It had connected him with Becci when she leaned against the dresser, and it had opened his mind to Mr. Latham�s thoughts.
With his right hand, he brushed one of the letters. A thin coating of something held it firmly in place. The other rotated easily.
He glanced at the door. The tantalizing odor of bacon frying wafted into the room, although it had thinned considerably. He was sure Becci was still busy in the kitchen, but it wouldn�t take her long to finish. He had to know if the gold was also in the dresser, but if he opened the compartment, would he be thrust back to his time?
They only had today. One day to love her and create memories that would have to last him for all eternity. He didn�t want to lose their time together because of some damn medallion.
But Becci needed the money he�d put in the secret compartment. If he found the gold she might have enough so that she wouldn�t have to sell. She might be wealthy. If she was, she would have her wish for her charity nursery. His future�their future�depended on what he found.
He put both hands on the belly-side of the initial that was stuck and pushed.
Nothing.
He drew in a deep breath and tried again, using a little more pressure. The letter snapped free. He rolled it on its side like he�d designed it and held it in place while he turned the second letter. The front slid down, easily.
Caleb paused. Fear sent a tremor rippling through him. It was too late to back out now. Slowly, he pulled out the shallow drawer. Sunlight ricocheted off the looking glass and hit the contents in the hidden compartment. His heart thudded against his chest. After all these years, the gold he�d tossed in here remained untouched.
He opened the deerskin pouch and emptied its contents, staring at the small, gold medallion nestled among the nuggets and other coins. Hesitantly, he traced the outline of the floral design that had fascinated him the first time he saw it. Catching the chain, he drew out the pendant, letting it spin in the sunbeams. Fragments of light flashed in every direction.
He lowered the Atlantean coin to his hand and brushed his thumb over the emblem again. Rebecca had given him the medallion, and he wished he could give it to Becci. He was sure it would be enough to save Berclair manor. It had been worth a fortune in his time, so it would surely be worth a couple of fortunes now. He curled his fingers over the circular piece.
Was there some way he could get back to his time and leave this behind for Becci?
Caleb.
�Rebecca?� Caleb stared in disbelief at Rebecca�s image in the mirror. She wasn�t dead!
The medallion is yours, Caleb. My gift to you for Obadiah�s sins. It is one of the keys to happiness. Its secrets are many, and its treasures are great, but only if its owner is not greedy.
You have proved that you are worthy of the coin.
�Can I use the medallion to get home and then return it to Becci?�
No. It�s yours, not hers. From the day you were born, the Deity of Atlantis proclaimed you to be its Keeper.
Caleb frowned. Deity? Atlantis? Keeper?
Yes. Keeper. Chosen at birth. You are a descendent of Atlantis, as are Becci and Lilly. But greed denied you your right.
My right for what?�
You will learn when the time is right.
Slowly he shifted his gaze to the door. Its edges glowed in a rainbow of colors. All he had to do was walk through the door with the medallion in his hand, and he would be back where he�d come from. The gold throbbed in his palm. He could go home.
He took a step toward the door and stopped. �No. I don�t want to return to the past. If this is my destiny, then I will remain here.�
There are lessons you must learn to be a keeper and guide.
�If I am the keeper, then I can stay where I want.�
No.
�I don�t want to go back,� he repeated.
You must.
Caleb stared at the mirror as Rebecca�s image was replaced by the reflection of the rumpled bed. �Oh, Becci, how can I leave you?�
A gnawing pain clawed at his chest. The hope of lasting love would vanish the moment he walked back in time. If only she could go with him, but he knew she wouldn�t be happy in his time. A woman�s role was much different today than in Rebecca�s day.
�One more day. Please,� he pleaded. �Give me just one more day to love her.�
�What are you mumbling about?� Becci called from the foot of the stairs.
�Nothing, honey,� he replied. Caleb hurriedly pushed the gold and coins back into the pouch. Opening the top of the small trinket box, he slipped both the medallion and pouch of gold into it and returned the box to the spot where Becci had left it. Resetting the dresser handles, he scooted the front panel back in place and secured the secret compartment. He dusted the dresser and quickly crossed to the bed. He�d just tucked the sheet around his waist when Becci entered.
�What are you up to?� Becci asked. The look in Caleb�s eyes told her something was wrong.
�Nothing.�
�Are you sure?�
Caleb nodded and turned his gaze toward the window. She knew he was lying. Did he already regret making love to her?
Her heart sank.
Forcing a cheerful tone to her voice, she said, �I need to pick up some things at the store for tonight�s party. How would you like to suffer through a bit of culture shock today and tag along with me? It will give you something else to write about in your journal.�
He caught her hand and lifted it to his lips. �As long as I�m with you, I�ll go anywhere.�
***
�Fasten your seat belt,� Becci ordered. She grabbed hers and clicked it into position. Then pivoted toward Caleb and waited for him to secure his. He didn�t move.
She chuckled as she watched him sit stiff-backed in the passenger seat.
�Seat belt,� she repeated, jerking hers to show him what she meant. �It�s the law that you wear one any time the car is moving, whether you�re driving or just a passenger.�
He still didn�t move.
She unfastened her belt and scooted across the seat. She grabbed his leg just above his knee and squeezed gently. The muscles in his leg tensed. Leaning in front of him, she reached for his belt.
He cupped his hand over her shoulder and eased her around.
Mere inches separated them, and she kept her face turned away.
She didn�t want to look into his eyes, and she wasn�t sure why.
Caleb slipped his palm to the back of her neck, lifted her face to his, and smiled his crooked grin. �I can do it. I just wanted a kiss.�
When their lips touched she felt him tremble. She pulled back so she could see his face. The fear was still in his eyes.
�Are you afraid?�
�No�yes. This is crazy, Becci. I�m thirty-four years old, and all this is impossible for me to believe and remain sane.
It�s too much.� Caleb tugged her into his arms. �I want to believe everything I hear, see and feel.� He paused and outlined the contour of her jaw with one finger. �I�m trying, Becci. I really am.�
�I know you are, but you�ll probably feel better if you don�t try to believe in it all. Just sit back and enjoy it.�
He sighed and leaned back so she could fix his seat belt. If he believed himself crazy, then so was she. After all, she believed he was from another time.
She snapped the belt into place and moved back to her spot. Drawing in a deep breath, she met his gaze. She really loved him so much it hurt.
She refastened her seat belt, gave him a sassy wink and hit the gas, spinning the wheels in the gravel. The car headed down the drive. She slowed down at the end of the driveway, cast a quick glance at the traffic, and turned onto the busy highway.
�Stop,� Caleb yelled just as the speedometer reached forty.
Becci pulled the car to the shoulder and slammed on the brakes. �What�s wrong?�
�That was a little fast, wasn�t it?�
She laughed. �Not hardly, mister. Hold on to your hat. You are about to experience the ride of a life time.�
Caleb held on to the padded armrest and closed his eyes.
Becci tapped her fist thoughtfully against the steering wheel.
If he stayed like that he wouldn�t see a blasted thing.
�Relax, Caleb. I�m really a good driver, and I�m not driving another inch until you open your eyes. How do you expect to see anything with them closed?�
�But��
�No buts. If you think this is fast, you ought to watch a Winston Cup Race. Most of the speeds average above one hundred, and even that is slow compared to some of the other races.�
�You�re joking. At those speeds a trip that takes�took�
me thirty or forty minutes by wagon can be accomplished in less than five minutes now?�
�Yep. Look, Caleb, if you�ll just relax and trust me, I promise I�ll get you back in one piece. Deal?�
�Deal,� he finally agreed.
Five minutes later they were walking into a discount store.
Caleb stopped just inside the entrance, and Becci laughed when he whirled around to watch the doors open for the next customer.
She caught his sleeve and pulled him toward the row of baskets. �Stay close and don�t talk to any strangers.�
Becci headed for housewares with Caleb close on her heels.
The next time she looked around he had vanished. Panic bubbled up inside her. She raced down one aisle and then the next. He was nowhere in sight.
Her panic increased. Where had he gone? How was she going to find him? And what was she going to do if he ended up getting arrested because someone thought he was looney tunes?
A buzzer sounded, and a disembodied voice announced that a salesclerk was needed in toys. Becci swung her cart toward the front of the store. She�d ask them to page Caleb and, hopefully, he would come to the front.
She walked up to the customer service department and looked around impatiently while waiting for the line of people in front of her to finish their business.
�May I help you?� the clerk finally asked.
�I�ve gotten separated from the person with me. Can you page him?�
�Sure,� the young woman said.
Becci gave her Caleb�s name, and the woman immediately spouted it into the paging system. Five minutes later, Caleb and an employee sauntered up to the desk.
�Hi, Becci. This is Stewart. He�s the manager out on the dock. I was helping him load a...truck.�
�I turned my back for a second, and you vanished,� Becci snapped. �I�ve been frantic. I looked all over the store for you.
I will never take you shopping again.�
�Mary Rebecca,� Caleb said with a soft firmness she recognized from the other times he�d been upset with her. �I�m sorry you�re angry, but I am not a child. I could have found my way back to Berclair Manor.�
�I�m not angry,� she whispered. �I was scared. I thought I�d lost you.� The profoundness of her words startled her.
�I�ll stay with you for as long as I can, Becci,� he whispered back.
Becci stared at Caleb and realized they both knew his words held a double meaning. She nodded and headed for the check out.
After they left the store, Caleb joked about the strange people and the new work inventions he�d seen. Things she�d grown up with and never thought about intrigued him. From his white knuckled grip as they drove a whopping forty miles an hour, to Caleb�s first experience getting fast food from a drive-in window, she hadn�t been able to stop laughing�except for the few minutes they�d been separated in the store. And he�d taken it all in stride.
�I wish we could have stayed out all day. Maybe I�ll give you a driving lesson tomorrow, but only if you promise not to go off without me,� she said as they arrived back home. The muscles around her heart tightened. She shoved the car into park and turned in her seat to face Caleb. �I don�t want you to leave. I love you.�
She wasn�t sure what made her say it, but she hadn�t been able to hold her tongue. He wore his crooked grin, but there was no laughter in his eyes.
�I didn�t want to love you, Becci, but I do. It�s not right to care so much knowing there�s no future in it. But I�ll be gone before dark tomorrow. Not because I want to. Because I have to.�
Caleb saw the tears glistening in her eyes at his words, but he made no effort to comfort her because he knew he couldn�t.
Instead, he shoved open the door and slid out of the car. With hurried steps, he headed toward the lake without looking back.
He couldn�t stand to see her cry. He should have left before her heart became involved. Before his heart became involved.
Becci leaned her head against the car window and watched him walk away. They had tonight and maybe part of tomorrow, and she couldn�t believe that they had to share tonight with a group of people. She wished she could cancel the party, but it was too late. She also realized she had to keep the house so Caleb could come back to her if he could find a way to do so.
If she couldn�t get the Ascomp grant, she�d find another way.
***
Jacobs opened the shed door, and Caleb glanced up and shut the journal he�d been writing in. He returned it to his saddlebags along with the two other journals that outlined his life. Writing them had been Rebecca�s idea. She�d said his life had been interesting enough that someday someone would write his story. He�d thought that notion foolish, but he found writing down his thoughts comforting.
�Whatcha� up to?� Jacobs asked. He tipped his bottle up and gulped down a long swig. �Writin� about yore evening with the filly?�
�That�s none of your business.�
�Shore it is. I ain�t never seen you that mad a�fore. I heard tell you was a man with a temper, but until yesterdee, I didn�t believe it.�
�Believe it, and believe this, too. I killed a man once for lying with my woman, and I�ll kill you if you come anywhere near Becci. Now, get out. I�ve got to get ready for the party.�
�That Ascott feller, is he gonna be at this here party?�
�Yes.� Caleb shrugged into his shirt and buttoned it. �I�ll bring you a plate over after all the festivities are finished, and we�ll make plans to return to Raleigh. I promised I�d get you back to Raleigh, and I�m a man of my word. Be prepared to leave tomorrow afternoon,� he said as he tugged on his pants.
�You found the gold?�
Caleb retrieved his saddlebags and slung them over his shoulder. �I found the medallion, and that�s all we need. We�ll take nothing that isn�t ours to take, understand?�
�Maybe I�s don�t want to go back. That Ascott feller, he told me there�s a place close to here that offers anything a man has a notion to do fer a price. And if I don�t go back, I might be able to find me some of that there gold stashed in the house.�
Caleb stared at Jacobs as the drunk�s words finally registered. He�d mentioned Ascott twice. When had he spoken to the man?
�You don�t have a choice, Jacobs. When the time comes, we�ll go to the spot where I think the transfer should take place.
You had better pray it works.�
Jacobs nodded and said, �I�ll be ready.� He wiped his fist across his mouth then opened the door. �I�ll watch for ya to bring my vittles, too.�
Caleb crossed to the window and watched the drunk turn toward the lake. Then he went back to the cot and pulled out his journal again. He would have to write out the instructions for opening the hidden compartments in all the furniture before he went to the party. That way, after he was gone, Becci could find the rest of the gold and save the manor. Hopefully, there would be enough gold that it would give Becci the happiness and financial security she sought. Especially if Rebecca had hidden more gold in the secret compartments of the other furniture he�d made.
Caleb drew a rough diagram of each piece. After writing the instructions, he shoved the book into his saddlebags and slid them back under his bunk. He pulled out the boots he would wear to the party and a cloth. He had an hour to kill before it was time to go to the house.
A little earlier, Lilly had brought the clothes and shoes to him so he could dress in the shed and stay out of her sister Maude�s way. According to Lilly, her sister didn�t want anyone near the kitchen�not even Lilly.
Becci would expect him to be in the parlor before the first guests arrived. Maybe he would get the chance to tell her about the gold he�d left in the trinket box.
***
Caleb made it to the house in plenty of time only to find that Maude had lifted her ban on outsiders helping. Lilly had promptly ushered him into the kitchen to help. Now he stood a step behind Becci as she greeted and introduced herself to the new arrivals and totally ignored him.
He battled the curse that threatened to erupt. It hurt for her to act as if he wasn�t even there while she blushed at the casual compliments every man who entered made. She even let them hold her hand a fraction longer than necessary.
She was so beautiful and more nervous than he�d ever seen her. Each time someone knocked or rang the bell, she moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue, gently patted the upsweep of her hair, and wrung her hands before she opened the door.
He wanted to pull her into his arms and tell her everything would be all right. He knew it would. Especially now that he�d found the gold hidden in the dresser.
Even minus the medallion, there should be plenty for her to pay off all her debts and live on until the nursery got a foothold. She would be fine after he left.
Left.
The thought gnawed at his gut. He was leaving.
Why had he been brought to this time period? And why, after he�d been given a taste of love, did he have to go back? It wasn�t right. And what if Becci was carrying his child?
He felt himself pale. He�d been so wrapped up in loving her that he hadn�t considered she might get pregnant. He couldn�t leave without knowing. He couldn�t�wouldn�t�leave his child to suffer the way he had.
Slipping his arm around Becci�s waist, he pulled her closer.
She tensed at the intimacy but didn�t move away, and relief seeped through him. He nodded at the new arrivals and extended his hand.
�I�m Caleb Harrison, and this is Becci Berclair. We are the host and hostess. We�re happy you could make it tonight.�
Oops. Big mistake. He felt her back stiffen. Not once tonight had she introduced him as the host.
Becci gave the new arrivals a typed letter explaining her plans for the house and waited until they were out of sight before she whirled around. He braced himself for her anger, but her green eyes were sparkling with excitement.
�I�m sorry, Caleb. You should have moved up sooner. I�m just so nervous. This means so much to me.�
Caleb brushed a kiss to her temple. �Relax, Miss Berclair.
You are a great hostess.�
Becci smiled up at him. �And you make a great host, Mr.
Harrison.�
He bowed and took a step backward. �Maybe I should go to the kitchen and see if Lilly and Maude need my help.�
Becci caught his shirtsleeve before he could turn away and stepped closer, saying, �No. I need you beside me.�
�Are you expecting anyone else?� he asked.
�Michael said to expect around twenty-five people, but I think I�ve already greeted more than that,� she answered.
�I counted thirty-three, and that doesn�t include Lilly, her sister, or us, so why don�t we join the others?� Caleb caught her hand, placed it in the crook of his arm, and guided her toward the living room.
Becci held his arm tighter than necessary. She didn�t want him to let go of her. She tried to tell herself that it had nothing to do with his leaving, but she knew it had everything to do with it.
When they reached the doorway, Caleb eyed the room where people stood in clusters and dancers twirled about in the center of the floor. He�d gotten angry when Ascott showed up an hour early and started ordering the caterers to push the furniture back against the walls so people could dance. He had to admit, however, that it was a terrific idea.
He grinned when Becci winked at him and crooked her finger, motioning for him to follow her into the room. Music drifted through the house and seeped into every corner. The songs weren�t familiar, and the dancing had changed, but the thought of holding Becci in his arms had Caleb�s mind drifting back to the night they�d spent together.
�Caleb, why don�t you mingle while I check on Aunt Lilly?�
Becci suggested and, without waiting for an answer, disappeared into the crowd.
Caleb glanced at the various groups talking about the events of the day. Instead of sitting quietly around the edges of the room as they did in his time, the women mingled with the men and joined in the discussions. The men�s attire ranged from suits with vests to thick denim pants and wild print shirts. Some of the women even wore pants.
He circled the room twice, taking in bits of the different conversations. Twenty minutes later he spotted Becci standing by the kitchen door and slowly headed in her direction.
After watching the couples dancing, Caleb wanted to pull Becci out on the floor and whirl her about, but the music lacked the beat he�d clicked his heels to at barn dances. Still he liked it and�thanks to Miss Lilly�s fifteen minutes of dance instructions�he thought he could handle a slow dance or two with Becci.
Lilly had told him to hold Becci close, explaining that it was no longer improper to embrace a woman while you danced.
As he surveyed the swaying couples, he saw what she meant.
In his time, folks would be scandalized, and he would have been, too, if he hadn�t learned that people today weren�t as they were in his day.
Mr. Latham danced with his wife, a stout woman twice his size, and their hips brushed seductively together. Another couple, years younger than most of the others in attendance, were so close there was no denying that they would prefer being somewhere else�alone.
That brought memories of Becci�s and his night together, and he suddenly needed to get to her immediately. He wanted to touch her, to hold her. He wanted�
He cut off the thought. He wasn�t going to dwell on what he couldn�t have.
One song ended and another began before he reached Becci.
She stood in the middle of a group of women discussing the antiques.
�Hi,� he said, carefully extracting her from the group.
�Hi yourself.�
She smiled up at him, and his heart lurched. �May I have the next dance?�
�I thought you�d never ask.�
She slipped her hand over his shoulder and rested her cheek in the curve of his neck just as the next song drifted from the stereo system.
�You dance quite well,� Becci complimented after they�d circled the dance floor.
�Thank you. Miss Lilly gave me a quick lesson before you came downstairs. I�ve been watching the others carefully so I wouldn�t embarrass you, but I�m still not real good on my feet.�
�You�re not bad, but I must admit, I think you�re better off your feet,� Becci said rising up on her tiptoes to press a kiss to his lips.
Caleb groaned. �Woman, you�d best not do that again. I�m mighty close to carrying you upstairs, and I don�t care who knows.�
Dancing with Becci was not going to make the evening go faster. He would much rather be where he could take his time discovering how many ways there were to love her. The thought sent a sudden rush of heat flowing though his body. He wrapped one arm around her waist and held her head to his shoulder.
They swayed from side to side barely moving.
The song ended too soon. �I don�t want to let you go,�
Caleb whispered. �You feel so right in my arms.�
The first chords of the next song started, but before he could fit her securely in his arms, the doorbell echoed through the house. Becci stepped back.
�Get a drink and mingle. Hopefully everyone will go home early, and we can test my theory on your dexterity.� She pressed two fingers to her lips then to his before backing away.
His gaze trailed after her, and he knew the dance they had just shared would be the only one tonight. His heart ached.
Tomorrow he would be gone.
Becci disappeared into the crowd, taking his heart with her. At least they had tonight, but the party wouldn�t end for a couple more hours.
As he walked up to the bar, a woman caught him by the arm. �Hi, handsome. I�m Susan. I think you�re supposed to be my date tonight.� She ran her free hand over her hip, drawing attention to the red dress that hugged her figure.
�I don�t think so,� Caleb said. He turned to the waiter.
�Just a soft drink for me.� He wasn�t sure what a soft drink was, but Lilly had assured him it wasn�t spirits and would be safe for him to drink.
�You are Caleb Harrison, aren�t you?�
He glanced at the woman as he took his glass. She wove her fingers through her hair, making it hang over one eye. She then brushed the long blond strands over her shoulder and looked up at him through half-closed eyes. With one finger, she traced the low cut neckline of her dress, drawing his eyes to her cleavage.
The moves were obviously the same century to century.
This woman might have easily been from a neighboring bordello, if they still had them, but Becci said they no longer existed.
�My name is Caleb Harrison, but you are not my date.�
�Sure I am. You�re the host, aren�t you?�
Caleb nodded.
�Then you�re my date. Besides, I don�t see anyone else clinging to you. With a bod like yours, I have no idea why, either.�
�What do you want?� he asked, not sure what she meant by bod, but not about to ask.
�You, of course.� She laughed, a shrieking, sharp twang that made him bristle. �But since you�re determined that I�m not your date, I�ll settle for a glass of wine. Any kind as long as it�s white.�
When the bartender handed him the glass, he handed it to her and walked over to a group of men discussing something called pollution. The conversations were too steep for his limited knowledge, so he contented himself by listening and learning.
Susan followed him, slipped her hands around his arm and leaned her head against his shoulder.
�The flowers are a nice touch.� She ran a fingernail up and down the length of his arm. �I love flowers.�
�It wasn�t uncommon for the ladies of the eighteen hundreds to decorate with large vases of fresh flowers,� Caleb told her as he glanced around the room. Bouquets were placed on each of the glass-topped tables.
He pried his arm away from Susan and continued his journey around the room. With a slow stride he moved from group to group, studying all the different people.
Each time he stopped, Susan caught him by the elbow and leaned her cheek against his shoulder. He�d gone full circle, returning to the secluded corner of the room where the bartender served drinks. For almost an hour Caleb had tipped the same glass of cola to his lips, barely tasting the strange liquid, while he tried to escape the blonde trailing after him. No matter where he went, she followed as if someone had ordered her to stick by his side.
�If you don�t know how to dance, I�d be glad to give you a few private lessons.�
Her sultry words sent a chill down his spine. He had to admit she was pretty, but her voice ruined the effect. And she wasn�t Becci.
�I know how to dance. I just don�t want to,� he said. He downed the last few drops of the soft drink, letting its sweet taste coat his throat, then set his empty glass back on the bar and waited for the man to refill it. If he danced with anyone, it would be Becci, not some overly forward woman wearing a red dress that barely covered her essentials.
She tossed her hair back over her shoulder and raised up on her tiptoes to whisper in his ear, �We could go upstairs. It would be the perfect place for us to get to know each other better.�
�Lady, I don�t have the money to pay for your services, and even if I did, you�re not my type. If you�re desperate for a man, go find someone else.�
She laughed. �Why, sugar, I think you misunderstood me.
I don�t charge, and I don�t sleep with just anyone. It�s you I want. What harm is there in my occupying your time until this dreadful party is over? After all, you are supposed to be my date for this charade.�
He�d given up correcting her. He eyed her warily as she tipped her head to one side, then flipped her hair back and moved closer.
�I must admit that you�re a lot better looking than that bum Michael fixed me up with for that phony fund raiser.
Imagine anyone falling for the bullshit Michael has been feeding Ms. Berclair.� She shook her head. �Ascomp. What a crock. If she�d checked on them, she would know that there is no Ascomp Corporation. There never has been, and,� she continued drawing out the word, �if she hadn�t broken off their engagement for some country hick, Michael would already have this house sold and torn down. Now he�ll just have to find some other way to steal it from the bitch.�
Caleb paused, his hand tightening on the glass as he inched it to his lips. He turned the full glass up and tossed back the liquid in one swift gulp. Had he heard this woman correctly?
Had everything been a ruse? �If you�ll excuse me, miss, I need to make a phone call.�
She raked her long nails through his hair. �You just go ahead and make that little call. I�ll be right here waiting for you when you return.�
Caleb said a prayer of thanks for the soap operas Miss Lilly had made him watch to teach him about modern day language. Otherwise, he might not have understood the significance of what the woman had told him. Now he had to find Becci and tell her that all this had been for nothing�that Ascott was trying to steal her home from her.
Becci returned to her guests after informing Mr. Latham he had a call and showing him to the phone. She joined a group of antique dealers. They all chatted about the various pieces in the house, but she couldn�t keep her mind on the conversation.
She was covertly watching Caleb, and every time he leaned closer to the blonde, Becci wanted to scream. What she felt couldn�t be jealousy, could it?
Absolutely not. Well, maybe. She did want to wipe that flirtatious, cocky grin off Caleb�s face and give him a piece of her mind. As for the woman, she itched to confront the look-
at-me-I�m-willing bombshell and give her a piece of her mind, too. Yes, she was definitely jealous. She wanted to pull out the bleached blonde�s hair a single strand at a time, the slower the better.
�Is that cameo an antique, too?�
�Huh...Oh, yes,� Becci said, bringing her attention back to the group. �I believe it was given to the first Rebecca Berclair in celebration of the birth of her son, Luke, by the boy�s godfather.�
Becci raised her hand to the cameo and tried to concentrate on what the ladies were discussing. It was impossible. Right now she wanted to put her hands around Caleb�s neck and shake some sense into the fool.
�Is the man who gave her the cameo the same man who made the furniture upstairs?�
�Y-yes. He made five pieces in all.� Even the bed we made love in last night. �Rebecca�s journals verify everything.�
Becci looked back at Caleb. He glanced up, and their gazes locked. A spiral of heat zipped through her in response to the desire she saw in his eyes.
It was as if he�d touched her in the most intimate of ways.
She felt the heat creeping up her neck to touch her cheeks. He might be standing with another woman, but that look assured her it was her he wanted. And she wanted him. Her jealousy faded, and she smiled and tipped her head toward him. He acknowledged her with the same slight movement.
It didn�t matter that they were a room apart, his eyes warmed her from head to toe. When everyone left Becci knew she would be the one he chose to be with. More than anything she wanted to touch him. Love him. Hold him.
The blonde rose up on her tiptoes and whispered something in Caleb�s ear, and he looked down, breaking the heated visual contact between them. He shook his head and took his glass from the bartender. A couple danced past, blocking her view.
In that fraction of time Caleb�s expression went from saucy to distressed.
His motions were slow and calculated as he brought his drink to his lips and drained every ounce of liquid from the glass. The action startled Becci. What had the woman said to bring about such a quick change?
Caleb�s gaze sought hers again. He looked as if he wanted to be rescued. He was a handsome man, and he needed to learn how to fend off modern women. She knew he should gain the experience on his own, but the blonde cupped her hand to his cheek, and Becci knew she couldn�t take another minute of watching her make a play for Caleb. He belonged to her.
Maneuvering her way around the room, Becci came to the spot where she�d last seen Caleb. The woman stood alone, staring toward the entry hall, but Caleb had vanished.
Becci went to the kitchen to see if he�d gone in there to help Lilly and Maude. Neither of them had seen him.
She returned to the family room and began to move from group to group while she looked for him. Her heart was pounding so hard it battled the beat of the music coming from the stereo. Where had he gone?
Whirling around to go to another room, she gasped and took a step backward. Michael stood so close she could smell the bourbon on his breath. Mr. Latham stood beside him, his gaze darting nervously around the room. A heavy silence hung between the three of them.
Becci glanced around the room in search of Caleb, who was still missing, then from one to the other of the men blocking her path.
Mr. Latham tugged at his bow tie, cleared his throat and cast a wary look at Michael before he said, �Ms. Berclair, as you know, I just had a phone call. It was the committee chairperson calling about the grant.� He finger-combed his hair nervously, then took a long draw from his drink as he cut his eyes toward Michael.
Why was he scared? Becci wondered, bewildered. It wouldn�t be his fault if she didn�t get the grant.
�I�he informed me that the decision came back late this afternoon on the grant�s recipient. They�ve decided to give it to the food kitchen on Beale Street. I�m sorry you went to all this trouble for nothing.� He gestured about the room with his glass then brought it to his lips again, emptying the remainder of its contents.
�Thank you. I...� She didn�t know whether to laugh or cry.
Without the grant, she could go on with her plans to sell, but where would that leave Caleb? �There�s nothing to be sorry about. Just enjoy yourself. Even if I�d found out this afternoon, it would have been too late to cancel the party.�
Mr. Latham nodded. Staggering slightly, he caught his wife by the arm and headed toward the dance floor.
�Please don�t hold this against me,� Michael pleaded. �I did everything in my power to sway them in your favor. After everyone leaves, we can discuss your options.�
Becci nodded. What options? She had to sell. The only difference now was that she didn�t want to. But with no money to pay the taxes, she didn�t have a choice.
�May I have the next dance?�
�W-what?�
Without waiting for her answer, Michael caught her hand and led her to the dance floor. He slipped his arm around her, holding her firmly against his chest. Becci tried to step away from him, and he tightened his hold even more.
Everything about Michael�s behavior frightened her. She straightened and leaned away until she was able to look him in the eye. His touch and his actions were angry, and the hard glare in his eyes confirmed his fury. But why was he so angry?
She moved stiffly around the dance floor and searched the room for Caleb. If he saw her in Michael�s arms, she knew he would come to her rescue. As she examined each group they passed, she was surprised to see Mr. Latham and Aunt Lilly engaged in a heated conversation. Mrs. Latham stood at the bar waiting for her drink order. Caleb and the blonde were nowhere in sight.
�If you�re trying to find your hired help, he snuck into the hall just after he tossed back his third drink. He�s probably upstairs rummaging through all your belongings, looking for more of the gold like he found last night.�
�Last night? What are you talking about?�
�According to his friend Jacobs, �he found the key that is supposed to make everything right.� I have no idea what that means, but I don�t think the man was referring to what happened in your bed.�
Becci froze, the dance forgotten. Michael couldn�t possibly know that she and Caleb had made love.
�What I do in my house is no concern of yours. I am no longer your fianc�.� Becci jerked her hand free and stepped around him.
�I know that, Becci. That crack was totally uncalled for.
It�s just that I thought you loved me, and I�m jealous. I see the way you look at him, and you held him so close when you were dancing. We were engaged, and you never danced so suggestively with me.�
Before she could respond, he continued, �This man doesn�t love you. All he wants is the gold he thinks is in the house. He probably found some old necklace that is worthless.�
�Caleb didn�t find anything,� Becci assured him.
�I don�t think Jacobs was lying. No. Let me correct that�
I know Jacobs wasn�t lying. Harrison did find something. Jacobs showed me Harrison�s journal. The man wrote all about finding the �medallion.� Mighty interesting reading. Of course, I didn�t get to read the whole journal, just the last entry. And I couldn�t tell you if what he wrote is the truth or not. I haven�t had a chance to go upstairs and investigate.�
Becci frowned as a myriad of questions rushed through her mind. How did he know Jacobs? And why would the man steal Caleb�s journal? �You have Caleb�s journal?�
�No. Jacobs thought it might have some valuable information in it that I needed. And it did. I know that whatever Harrison found, it�s not of value or he wouldn�t have left it in that little trinket box he made for you. I just wanted you to know he was rifling through your things.�
�And you know this because you read it in his journal.�
Michael nodded.
�H-he didn�t find anything,� Becci repeated. �He would have told me.�
�Would he?� Michael�s words were cold, pulling at the trust she felt for Caleb. �The proof is in your room. Ask him.
I�m not sure he�ll be truthful, but I suppose you know him well enough to sense whether he�s lying or not. Or better yet, go look for yourself.� He indicated the stairs with a slight tilt of his head.
�And Becci, I still care for you. Whether or not things work out between us, I want you to know you can count on me to help you straighten out your financial problems.�
�T-thank you. We�ll talk later. I�ve got guests to see to.�
Becci stared at the staircase, her heart pounding. Her common sense told her to ignore Michael, that he was just trying to cause trouble. But what if he wasn�t lying? What would she find upstairs?
***
The clock struck midnight. Caleb stifled a yawn and massaged the muscles at his nape. He hadn�t seen Becci alone since he�d discovered Ascott�s deception, which was probably just as well. After giving it some thought he�d decided that what he�d learned could wait until everyone left. He didn�t want to be the cause of an embarrassing scene between her and the man.
The seconds continued to tick by in slow succession. Yet, they moved too fast. It wouldn�t be long before his time with Becci would come to an end.
As the people began to leave, Caleb�s stomach churned.
The turmoil he felt coiled inside him like a snake ready to strike.
He had to get out of the house. He�d promised Jacobs some food, and now was as good a time as any to take it to him.
Caleb hurried to the kitchen. He retrieved the plate Lilly had prepared for Jacobs and headed for the shed.
�Jacobs,� Caleb called out as he opened the door. �I have your food.�
Jacobs immediately popped into sight. Caleb handed the plate to him and picked up his journal. What was it doing on his bed? Who had taken it out of his saddlebags? He shrugged.
He�d probably left it out last night. Jacobs couldn�t read, so he wouldn�t have bothered with it.
�Why don�t you take your meal to the lake to eat?� he said distractedly. �I need a few minutes alone to make some notations in my journal. When I�m finished I�ll join you so we can go over everything you need to know about our trip home.�
�Did ya find some more of that there gold?�
�I haven�t looked for any gold, and I don�t intend to. Becci needs it more than we do.�
�Speak for yoreself, boy,� Jacobs drawled. �I got lots of needs. I ain�t leaving without fillin� my pockets.�
�I�m not a boy, and you�d best remember my warning about Becci and the house. Now get on down to the lake and wait for me.�
Caleb shoved him toward the door. Jacobs grabbed the plate and disappeared into the darkness before the door shut.
Caleb shook his head. He hadn�t been able to keep his despair from spilling into his words. The man had probably mistaken the anguish in his voice for anger. The intensity of the pain at the thought of leaving Becci shook him.
He raked both hands over his head and kneaded his neck.
Then he dropped them to the journal in front of him. �Oh, Becci, I don�t want to lose you.�
He turned to the last entry and flipped the page over. Staring at the blank page, he closed his eyes and inhaled. What could he say? Had she believed him when he�d declared his love?
Had he been able to make her understand what he felt in his heart? Did she know how much he loved her?
Slowly the words formed in his heart. He opened his eyes, and his pen hovered over the page. Then the words flowed from his heart onto the last page of his journal. When he�d finished, a deep sadness filled him. He shut the book, slipped it into his saddlebags and slid it under his bunk. He didn�t dare read it again. The written word couldn�t show his true feelings, but it was the best he could do. And he still had tonight to show her how he felt. For now, he had to take care of Jacobs.
He left the shed and walked slowly down the hill. He had never before noticed how the smooth surface of the lake reflected the full moon. Stars flickered in and out of sight while the clouds peeked over the tops of the distant trees. Lightning brightened the edges of the clouds that would soon turn the starry sky to black. With the storm would come high winds and blinding rains and changes he had no control over.
Across the lake a fish jumped for insects, breaking the silence and sending a ripple across the water. Had he really been here five weeks?
�Are ya spendin anuther night with the filly?� Jacobs asked, breaking into Caleb�s thoughts.
�Where I spend my night is no concern of yours. At ten o�clock tomorrow morning I�ll meet you here, and we�ll go to Becci�s bedroom together. That�s where we entered this time period, so that should be the way back. I�ll have the medallion by then. If it is the key, when we walk back through the door we should be back in our own era.�
�What�s to keep ya from goin� back without me?�
�We came together. If we don�t go back at the same time, I don�t know what will happen. Maybe one of us could die.�
Gravel crunched in the distance. Both men glanced up as the cars began to leave. �Just be here in the morning, Jacobs.
I�ve got to get back up to the main house right now. Our guests are leaving.�
***
Becci couldn�t wait for the guests to leave. She excused herself from the group of antique dealers and told Lilly she was going upstairs to change her clothes. She shoved open her bedroom door and walked to the dresser. She stared at the trinket box. Did she really want to know if Michael was telling the truth? It wasn�t whether she wanted to know�she had to know.
Clutching the box to her chest, she sat down in the chair and slowly pushed off the lid. The imprint on the medallions�
two hands clasped in friendship�matched what Caleb had drawn the day he told her about it. She held it up. It turned slowly, catching the light and sending a glittery array of color around the room. She couldn�t believe that this small necklace had caused all the troubles listed in the journals. But she knew firsthand how greed could change people.
Becci placed the medallion back in the box and picked up the pouch. Loosening the drawstring she poured two small gold nuggets into her palm. If this was pure gold it would pay most of the back taxes, but it still wouldn�t be enough to do everything she�d planned to do. Had Caleb put it there for her? He said he needed the medallion to travel back to his time, but not the gold. Did he plan on taking it anyway? Why hadn�t he told her he�d found it? And why had he put it in the box he�d given her?
�Becci, our guests are leaving,� Lilly said as she entered Becci�s bedroom. �Oh, child, what�s wrong?�
Becci held out the gold nuggets. She wanted to trust her heart. If Caleb had lied, he had to have had a good reason, didn�t he?
Lilly raised her hand to her chest and gave a woeful shake of her head. �Caleb lied to us, didn�t he?�
Ascott stood at the back door with Mr. Latham. His whispered words carried in the stillness of the night. �Tell the boss I�ll have Ms. Berclair�s signature on the papers before I leave here. We�ll close the deal by the end of the week, and he�ll have his money.�
Caleb walked into the light as Mr. Latham headed for his car. �Signature on what?�
�That�s none of your business, Harrison.�
�You�re not getting Becci�s house. That woman you set up for me as a date told me what you�re doing, and I�m not going to let you steal from Becci.�
�You don�t know what you�re talking about, and you don�t have a say in what Becci does or doesn�t do,� Ascott snapped.
�After what she learned about you tonight, I doubt she will ever be willing to trust you again.�
�She knows everything there is to know about me. You�re the one with secrets.�
�We all have a few,� Ascott said as he stalked off toward the Mustang parked under the large oak.
That man is trouble, Caleb thought as he went into the house, slid the bolt into the lock and put the chain into place. It wouldn�t keep Ascott out, but it would detain him while Caleb talked Becci out of signing the papers.
�Caleb, help Maude gather up the trash while Becci and I settle up with the bartender we hired, then meet us in the kitchen.
We have a major problem that needs to be settled.� Lilly handed him a plastic bag. Her demeanor was not the gentle manner he�d become used to.
�Sure,� Caleb said. �Is something wrong?�
�Yes. All I can say is just be truthful when you answer Becci�s questions.�
�Lilly, I love Becci. I would never lie to her.� As he spoke, he watched Lilly for some indication of what he�d done.
�Love? Hah! You don�t know the meaning of the word,�
Becci snapped as she stormed into the kitchen, slammed back the dead bolt on the door, jerked the chain out of the slide and hurried outside with a sack of trash.
The metal trash can lid crashed against the concrete just as lightning flashed. Thunder rumbled, and then there was nothing but silence and another flash. Caleb planted his hands on his hips and waited for Becci to come back into the kitchen. She�d changed from Rebecca�s dress into a green, loose-fitting pants outfit with tight-cuffed edges at the wrist and ankles. He couldn�t mistake the �hands-off� signal.
Becci ignored him when she came back in. She swept across the room as the bartender entered the kitchen, greeting him with a smile. �Here�s what I owe you. I appreciate you breaking the rules for me. I swear, no one told me you didn�t accept checks.�
The man smiled at her and said, �Michael said you were good for it, and I trust him.�
Trusted Ascott? The man was a fool.
�Becci, I�m not the one lying to you,� Caleb said after the bartender left. �According to that woman who followed me around all evening, everything is a set up. Latham is not with this Ascomp Company, because there is no Ascomp. He�s a friend of Ascott�s, as were all of your guests. Ascott is trying to steal this house from you.�
She grabbed the plastic bag Caleb held and headed for the front room, filling it with trash as she went. �I don�t know who to trust any more,� she replied as he followed after her. �And I don�t know whether to follow my heart or my head at the moment. Please, either get to work or get out.�
Caleb gathered a handful of napkins and slammed them into the plastic bag. After he�d removed everything he knew went into the trash, he gathered several pieces he wasn�t sure about.
�Save or toss?� Caleb held up a handful of plastic forks.
Becci pivoted toward the bar without answering him.
�Toss,� Lilly said as she came into the dining room to get the vegetable tray, her voice just as icy as Becci�s actions.
His temper churned a fraction more inside him. He�d prayed for one more night with Becci, and all evening his emotions had swung back and forth like a saloon door. At least his anger tamped down the pain gnawing at him. He�d have to be blind not to see what Becci�s actions meant.
She didn�t love him.
Lilly snapped off a clear sheet of plastic, covered one of the leftover trays of vegetables, and took it toward the kitchen.
Becci stood in front of the bar, tightening the bottle tops. He couldn�t stand the silent treatment she was giving him.
He edged up to the bar and slipped his arm around her waist. �Don�t be upset. I�m not angry. I�ll leave as soon as it�s possible. I should have known you couldn�t love a man like me. It takes more than a few weeks to earn someone�s love.�
�You�re not angry?� Tears threatened to slide down Becci�s cheeks. She whirled out of Caleb�s light embrace but kept her back to him until she had her emotions under control. Then she rounded on him, ready to tell him exactly what she thought of him and his deceit. One look at the pain in his eyes, however, and she felt her anger start to melt.
Don�t let him do this to you. He�s no good, and you should be glad you found out before you lost your heart completely.
Why was she lying to herself? She already loved him.
�Damn you, Caleb Harrison. Listen to what you�re saying.
You say I can�t love a man like you. What do you think I am?
I�m not some loose woman who gives herself to just anyone, but if you want to go, don�t use me as your excuse for sticking around. Go ahead and jump back through that time-traveling door you keep talking about.�
�What have I done to upset you like this?� Caleb asked, bewildered.
�I found the gold nuggets and your blasted medallion in that box you gave me. Exactly where Michael said they would be. You did put them there, didn�t you?�
Caleb nodded slowly, unable to trust his voice. How did Ascott know where he�d put the nuggets and the medallion?
Had she even thought to question the man? Everything she said was true, and he knew if it came down to a choice between him and Ascott, she would side with Ascott. After all, she�d not only known him longer, but they�d been engaged.
�When did you find them?� she asked. �Before or after we made love? You didn�t have to take me to bed. You could have just stolen the damn gold and the medallion and left. No, you had to steal my very soul.�
Steal her soul? Did that mean she loved him? He wanted to yell. I love you, too. �I never meant to hurt you, Mary Rebecca,� he said instead. �Lying with you felt right, like we were meant to be together. But I have to go back. I don�t have a choice. Others are depending on me. When the time is right, I�ll bring Jacobs back to the house, and we�ll leave, if you�ll let us.�
Becci stared at Caleb. His words were barely a whisper, containing no anger like there normally was when he called her by her full name. She sensed only a deep sadness. It was better this way. He had a promise to keep�a child to raise, and another woman to marry. Another life to live.
�Let you?� she repeated, her heart screaming for her to run to him, while her mind shouted for her to remember he�d never promised her a future. The regret she saw in his eyes couldn�t be real. �I want you to leave.�
�Then you have no problem with me taking the medallion?�
�If that means you�re leaving, no.�
Caleb raised his hand and gestured as if he were tipping a nonexistent hat then walked out of the front room. At the door leading to the kitchen, he hesitated, turned and scanned the entry hall, his gaze finally coming to rest on the box of Rebecca�s diaries. He would add his to the stack. Hopefully Becci would read them before she made her final decision about the manor.
Drawing a deep breath, he raked his fingers through his hair and let his gaze rest on Becci. �Please don�t sign anything until you�ve read all the journals. Especially not anything that Ascott may present. I don�t trust him. And, Becci, I may be leaving now, but I will return because I must know if our union created a child. I won�t let you be burdened with a fatherless bastard.�
�That�s not necessary,� Becci said, telling herself that last night had been a dream. �If I�m pregnant, I�ll take care of my baby without your help.�
Caleb felt his anger churning. �No, you won�t. I will not desert a child of mine like my father deserted me.�
No one deserved to grow up looking at strangers and wondering if they could be the man responsible for giving them life. His first memories of his mother were of her laying with a stranger to put food on their table while he hid in the armoire.
Then his mother died leaving him with no one to depend on except himself and a group of nuns. And all his life he�d been forced to do what others dictated because he had no father.
His heart had ached at his mother�s death, but this was different. For the first time in his life he�d felt what it was like to be loved and to love in return. Now Becci wanted him gone, and he would leave. Hopefully the memories she had given him wouldn�t vanish when he journeyed back in time. He would return to take care of his child, if there was one.
�You won�t desert a child of yours?� she whispered. �You may not have any say in the matter.�
Caleb clenched his jaw to keep from saying anything more.
She was right. The medallion controlled his life now, and his leaving was best for both of them. He nodded again and marched out of the gathering room.
Becci heard the slow scrape of Caleb�s boots as he crossed the kitchen and the screech of the rusty hinges as he slung open the back door and hurried down the three steps. The door slammed shut, its sound ricocheting around the empty room.
Becci pressed her fist to her lips to stifle a sob. Her heart felt heavy�a gaping emptiness of despair.
At least she�d known from the beginning that their love had no chance of lasting. Caleb hadn�t lied about leaving.
She wiped her palms down her sweat suit and straightened her shoulders. She didn�t have time to wallow in self-pity. She had work to do. Grabbing a tray of dirty glasses, she carried them to the kitchen.
Lilly silently loaded the dishwasher, her shoulders stooped and her head bent forward. From the moment she�d learned they hadn�t gotten the grant, her aunt had been like this.
�Are we going to have to sell the place?� Lilly asked without turning around.
�Those two nuggets aren�t enough to save it. We don�t have a choice.� Becci set the tray on the counter and started placing the glasses in the dishwasher. Her hand trembled. She tried to stifle the sob that shook her and failed.
�If we could only find the rest of the gold...� Lilly began.
�Stop it! This isn�t about the gold!� Becci shouted. �And I don�t want to hear another word about the legends of gold supposedly hidden in this damn house. There were two nuggets.
Two nuggets,� she repeated holding up two fingers. �And that won�t pay all the back taxes we owe, much less the upkeep on a place like this.�
Regret gnawed at her the moment the words spewed out and she swiped at her tears. �I�m sorry. I�m so sorry,� she told her aunt. �The only thing of value here is the property this house sits on. Selling it is the only way we can survive.�
�This is all my fault,� Lilly said, a quaver in her voice.
�No. If anyone�s to blame it�s Mom and Dad. They�re the ones who didn�t plan things right. If they hadn�t mortgaged the house to the limit I could have saved it for Caleb.�
Becci collapsed against the counter and shook her head.
Had she really said that?
�Saved it for Caleb?� Lilly shut the dishwasher, started water running into the sink and stared down at the rising mountain of lemon-scented suds. Becci watched her shut off the water. After she dried her hands she tossed the dishtowel over her shoulder, turned and caught Becci�s fingers with her own. �Child, what in the world are you talking about?�
�Oh, Aunt Lilly, what am I going to do? I love him.�
�I can�t tell you what to do,� Lilly said. �I can only give you the same advice my father gave me years ago. He told me I had to choose between being logical or foolish. I made my decision with my head, and I�ve lived to regret it. Loneliness is not a good companion.�
Lilly pressed her palm against Becci�s chest. �Do what you feel is best in here. Don�t lose your chance for happiness like I did.�
�But I don�t know what I�m feeling. Nothing is logical about my situation.�
Lilly squeezed her hand. �Don�t worry, child. You�ll make the right decision. Besides, I don�t think it matters whether the bricks and mortar are standing or not. The door Caleb travels through is not earthly.�
�Oh, Aunt Lilly, he�s going to leave me. I told him to leave.�
She went into her aunt�s arms and burst into tears.
�I know, child. I know,� Lilly said as she gathered her into her arms. �I know how badly it hurts to lose someone you love.�
***
As Caleb left Becci, he listened to the door slam behind him. It sounded so final, and his heart lurched in response. If Becci wanted him out, he would go for now. But he would find a way to learn whether or not she was carrying his child. If she were, he would do what he had to do�what his conscience demanded.
Lightning flashed, outlining the figure of a man standing under the oak tree�s canopy and smoking a cigar. He didn�t have to see the man�s face to know it was Ascott. Raindrops pelted the ground and fluttered the leaves as Caleb approached him. This was not a man to be trusted. He�d known it from the moment he�d set eyes on him.
�Well, Mr. Harrison, I guess with you out of the way, I�ll get what I want. I might even find the gold.�
�What you find might not be what you really want.�
�Gold is gold,� Michael quipped.
�Don�t count on it. Some of it might even be cursed.�
�For you maybe. You�ve put up a good fight, but I can truthfully say I will be happy to see you go.� Ascott extended his hand. �It has been challenging.�
Caleb glanced at Ascott�s hand then looked away. �I had a fianc� once,� he said. �She was shot in the back by a gambler named Michael. Not that you might be that man, but you have the look of a gambler about you. I don�t trust gamblers. Never have. Never will.�
Michael came up even with Caleb�s shoulder. �Just get out or Becci will be the one who loses.�
�You and I might lose, but Becci won�t. She has destiny on her side.�
�We�ll just see about that.� Ascott stalked away.
Caleb waited until he heard the car door�s hinges creak before turning toward the lake. When he reached it, an eerie calmness settled over the water, disturbed only by the raindrops dancing on the slick surface. Not even the wind blew to ripple it.
Dropping to his knees, Caleb lifted his face to the dark sky and let heaven�s tears drench him. �In my heart I know I can�t save you, Rebecca, but I will bring your killer to justice. And as I promised, I will care for Luke as if he were my own. But I�m not leaving this place a whole man. My heart is broken.�
A gust of wind erupted. The water�s glassy surface suddenly rippled and sloshed against the bank. Blue-white lightning flashed repeatedly in the distance as thunder rumbled. Caleb rose, turned his collar up and headed back to the shed. He had one more paragraph to write before he turned his journals over to Becci.
As he opened the shed door, his foot hit one of the whiskey bottles that littered the floor. Signs of Jacobs�s drinking were everywhere, but there was no sign of the drunk.
It didn�t matter. Nothing mattered anymore. One by one Caleb slipped his shirt buttons free, his heart growing heavier with each one. He�d thought Becci would be undressing him one last time. The memory of her hands touching, caressing, loving him gnawed at his very soul.
He would never again feel her touch. Never see her green eyes flash with anticipation or darken with passion.
Locking out the memories, Caleb finished changing and hung Obadiah�s damp clothes up to dry. He would give Jacobs fifteen minutes to return. After they finalized their plans, he would go over the instructions he wrote Becci for opening the secret compartments.
Caleb reached for his saddlebags and touched nothing.
No! He dropped to his knees and frantically scanned the dark area under the cot. Only a black, empty void greeted him.
***
�I need your signature on four different documents,�
Michael said as he handed Becci the pen.
She wished her aunt had stayed up, but she�d been exhausted. The party had been for nothing, and the long evening had taken its toll on both of them. She just wanted to be alone so she could think about her and Caleb. She�d been about to go to her room when Michael had returned. He said he�d stayed outside to smoke and wait for the others to leave so they could have a little privacy while they went over the papers for the sale of her home.
�What am I signing?� she asked, shoving her sleeves up over her elbows. She poised the pen just above the line waiting for Michael�s answer.
�Just a bunch of mumbo jumbo so complicated that it can hardly be explained. Trust me. It�s all legal.�
�I�m sure it is. When will I receive the money for the sale?�
Becci asked, straightening to look at him.
�The funds are set up to go into an account by the end of the week.�
Becci picked up the top sheet and started reading.
�Damn it, Becci. It is not really necessary for you to read every word. You�re acting as if you don�t trust me.�
�Maybe I don�t.� Becci slapped the paper and pen down on the table.
�Now, Becci, be...�
�Half the blanks aren�t even filled in,� Becci interrupted.
�I�ll take care of that later. It�s three in the morning, and I know you�re as anxious for me to leave as I am to get out of here.�
�You�re right. Why don�t you just leave the papers? After I�ve rested, I�ll read them. I want to discuss the offer with Aunt Lilly. When she and I come to an agreement, I�ll sign and forward everything to you by courier.�
�No. Just sign the damn things and be done with it.�
�If you do you�ll regret it the rest of your life,� Caleb�s husky masculine voice preceded him through the door. �Where I come from a handshake is as good as a man�s signature. But from what I�ve learned since I arrived here, that doesn�t apply nowadays, especially not with this man.�
�This is none of your business,� Michael snapped.
�What are you doing here?� Becci demanded at the same time.
�I�m trying to find Jacobs, and I must have the medallion before we can leave.�
Becci wanted to scream. He was here for that blasted medallion. �Michael, I�m not going to sign anything right now.
Why don�t you just leave the papers and go home?�
She turned to Caleb, letting her gaze start at his mudencrusted boots and drift upward. He�d changed from the clothes he�d worn to the party into the thick cotton shirt and pants he�d had on the day he arrived.
His hat was pulled low over his eyes, but she had no trouble remembering the emotions she�d seen in them over the past few weeks. She tried to stifle the flutter of desire that swept through her, but it was impossible. Her fingers still tingled with a need to touch him, and her heart continued to race with excitement. Even now, after all she�d learned about him, she wanted him. She would never see those twilight-blue eyes glisten with excitement or darken in passion again. Never.
�I had hoped you would decide not to sell the house,� Caleb said, snapping her attention back to him.
�I don�t know what I�ll do yet. I need to talk to Aunt Lilly first,� Becci returned, suddenly feeling angry toward both men.
Caleb only wanted the medallion, and Michael only wanted his finder�s fee for the buyer he�d found. �I�ll get the medallion and the box.�
She whirled around, leaving before either of them had a chance to speak.
Michael tapped the legal documents into an even stack, slipped them into a large envelope and tossed it onto the table.
Reaching for his jacket, he shrugged into it and raised his gaze to Caleb�s.
�If you don�t mind, I think I�ll stick around until you make your exit. But don�t plan on taking the medallion with you. I have other plans for it. As far as the house is concerned, once Becci signs these papers, I�ll own it, too.�
�Becci will never sign.�
�I�ll still have the gold medallion.�
Caleb took off his hat and placed it on the hook beside the back door as he spoke. �The medallion is not gold, it�s orichalc.
It also isn�t yours or mine. It belongs to an existence far more advanced than any we know and has powers no one can understand, not even its keeper. At least that�s what this book says.� Caleb pulled a small book from his shirt pocket. It was the one he�d found hidden in Obadiah�s top hat when he�d tried on the clothes the first time.
He hadn�t realized what he�d found until tonight when, as he dressed for the party, he saw the front cover clearly�two circles, one containing hands clasped in friendship, the other with hands raised in anger. He�d only read the first paragraph, but it had been very informative.
�You don�t know what you�re talking about,� Michael said.
�You�re wrong, Ascott. I do know. I am its keeper.�
For the first time he realized the significance of the position.
No one could knowingly take it through the door without a keeper. If they tried, death would soon follow.
Death.
�Becci!� he whispered, alarmed. He ran for the staircase.
He had to stop her before she touched the medallion.
***
A distant, whispered scream of pain sent a tingle of apprehension through Becci. It�s only the wind, she assured herself as she slowly climbed the stairs. When she reached the top she glanced down the long, dark hall. Never had she been afraid in her own house, and there was no reason to be afraid now. Besides, Caleb and Michael were still in the kitchen. If anyone was up here, all she had to do was scream, and they�d come running.
The constant flashes from the early summer storm gave the upstairs an almost ghoulish atmosphere. Wind whistled through the open window at the end of the hall.
Her heart pounded. Each breath became more difficult to draw in. An aura of gold, red and blue swirled around the bedroom�s entry. She shook her head. The lights were an illusion caused by the lightning. They had to be. There was no other explanation for them.
Becci drew in a shaky breath and expelled a sigh. This is crazy. I have nothing to fear.
She raked a trembling hand over her head and entered her room. A gust of wind from the open window assaulted her, bringing with it a strange yet familiar odor. She moved toward the dresser.
She had to give the medallion to Caleb. The coin would take him away, but it would also give him the ability to come back to her if he wanted to. She didn�t know how she knew that, but she did.
Becci opened the carved top of the small box. A shudder of apprehension rippled through her as her fingers grazed the warm coin and circled the cold chain. Reverently, she lifted it.
Earlier she�d been too angry and too hurt to see it�s beauty.
Now she realized she�d never seen anything so beautiful. Was this the one Rebecca said Obadiah gave in payment for a woman�s services? Or the one she�d given to Caleb?
Lightning flashed, and the gold caught each bright ray.
Slim, erratic bolts skittered across the room as the medallion whirled in circles.
Becci gazed at the coin, hypnotized by its design. In a whisper of time she heard a baby�s tears and a woman�s painful sob. A man�s scathing laugh followed, and there was another mournful cry from the woman.
Then she heard one word, drawn out. Noooo.
Its grievous tone tore at her very soul. With the sound came a misty haze that seeped into every corner of the room, bringing with it a sense of danger.
She heard a limb scrape glass, reminiscent of fingernails across a chalkboard. The wind bellowed, matching the roar of a freight train, and rain pelted the glass in the rapid-fire of a machine gun.
Suddenly, she shivered. Someone was in the room with her. She pivoted around. From the shadows a man crept out, a knife raised high above his head. The knife swept toward her, and Becci screamed.
�Hold it,� Ascott ordered, catching Caleb by the shoulder.
�You�re not going anywhere.�
�Wrong, Ascott,� Caleb said shoving the man�s hand away.
�Becci�s in danger. I�ve got to stop her from bringing the medallion downstairs.�
�She�ll be fine, and you�re not leaving this room until I say you can go. Besides, the time lock is either closed or only works in one direction. I know. When I first arrived, I tried to go back. I even knew that the medallion was the key, but it doesn�t work all the time.� Michael paused, arched his brows and asked, �How are Rebecca and Saul? Is she still as beautiful as ever?�
Shock rippled through Caleb. Surely he�d heard wrong.
�You know Rebecca and Saul?�
Michael laughed�a cynical, cutting laugh that sent a chill down Caleb�s spine.
�Yeah, I know them, and Obadiah, too. You should have seen the look on their faces when I vanished.�
Caleb raked his hand through his hair and glanced toward the family room. The lighted kitchen and the dark entry were stark in their contrast. The shadows seemed to come alive with more than the gentle breeze blowing through an open window somewhere in the house.
�Use your head, Harrison,� Ascott said, rubbing his left shoulder as he spoke. �I saw you once, too. When you were engaged to Elizabeth, and a fine woman she was.�
Caleb let his gaze return to Ascott, and he stared at him in bewilderment. What was he talking about? How had he known Elizabeth?
�You really don�t remember�or maybe you don�t want to remember. That�s understandable, considering the circumstances. It also took me a while to figure out just who you were.�
Ascott ran his hand over the file folder on the table. �You caused me a great deal of trouble back then.� He laughed again.
�I guess you really didn�t get a good look at me after I shoved Elizabeth at you. Great plan, having you arrested for my murder.�
Ascott reached inside his jacket and pulled out a deerskin pouch with the initials E.M. burned into the supple leather. �If you have doubts of my identity, look at this. Recognize it?�
Caleb clenched and unclenched his fist. This was the man he�d found Elizabeth with! The man he thought he�d killed.
His confusion shifted to fury in a heartbeat. He wanted to grab the man and�He forced his temper back into control. Beating Ascott half to death wouldn�t bring Elizabeth back, and he had to concentrate on getting to Becci.
Ascott arched his brows and held the bag up. �You do recognize it, don�t you?�
Caleb nodded. He�d been the one to stitch the bag and burn the letters to mark it as Elizabeth�s. He�d given it to her a week before she�d been killed.
Oddly, the only emotion he felt was a deep regret for the loss of such a vibrant woman. No hate, nor anger, nor bereavement over a love lost.
�I knew what Elizabeth did for a living. She said it was the only way she had of surviving,� he said.
�That was true enough,� Michael replied as he bounced the bag lightly in his palm. �But she made a good income at it.
Those little tent towns always did have men wanting to part with their money for a willing woman, especially one as young and pretty as Elizabeth. In my position I could line up as many men as Elizabeth could handle. Night or day.�
Ascott curled his fingers around the top of the drawstring and shook it in front of Caleb.
�She and I did our fair share of trading, too. The last time we did business I received a little more for my half of her take than the pleasures of her soft, warm body.�
Caleb flinched at the memory of Elizabeth slumped in his arms, her life tragically over. He tried to remember the gambler who had shared his bedroll with Elizabeth. Was it really Ascott?
Closing his eyes, he replayed the scene. The killer�s hand had a thin scar that blazed a crooked river across his knuckles�
a scar exactly like the one on Ascott�s hand. His eyes flew open.
�How long have you been here?� Caleb asked, trying to keep the anxiety he was feeling out of his voice.
�About four years. Walked right in here and made myself at home. Did you know that they have places that pay a fortune for those small, gold nuggets? Of course I�ve long since used up all the gold I had, but it got me started. And food is easy to come by once you have money.�
Caleb didn�t respond but slowly eased toward the hallway.
Ascott was so busy bragging about himself that, hopefully, he wouldn�t realize Caleb was moving until it was too late.
�It took me nearly a year to really adjust. This is a great time to live, even if it is full of stupid people. Everyone is so willing to help you learn, especially if they think you�re from overseas.� Ascott casually sauntered across the room to block the doorway.
Caleb inwardly cursed but still didn�t speak. As long as Ascott was enthralled with the sound of his own voice, he�d have a better chance of escaping.
�Yes, people here are stupid, and Becci is the perfect example. She believes I�m a financial consultant.� He laughed again. �Truth is, I�m a dealer at a gambling hall down in Tunica, Mississippi. Nice little place, Tunica. You ought to visit it sometime. There is more money in that place than ever existed back in the Raleigh we knew.�
As he spoke, he grasped Elizabeth�s pouch at the top and loosened the leather strap. �But you�re not interested in the gold are you? Not even this piece.�
Michael drew a medallion from the bag, carefully avoiding the swinging coin. The circular piece whirled between them.
�What do you think about this little jewel?�
Caleb tried to keep the shock out of his expression. Ascott hadn�t lied. He held an exact duplicate of the medallion Caleb had stashed in Becci�s trinket box.
�I see I�m wrong. You are interested in it. This one belonged to Obadiah Berclair.�
�Obadiah? Then how come you have it?�
�He gave it to Elizabeth for services rendered. She was only supposed to hold it until he could pay up. But she took a liking to it and decided to keep it, even though she couldn�t wear it. Some miner would have stolen it right off her. She said she�d never had anything so pretty. Obadiah was furious.�
Ascott leaned against the door frame and swung the medallion in a circle around his fist. Brilliant flashes shot from the coin, rivaling the lightning outside.
�Obadiah paid me to get this one from Elizabeth. He told me how powerful having both medallions would make him.
Of course I didn�t believe him. He was drunk at the time. You know the rest of the story. I was completing my deal with Elizabeth when you walked in on us. Really bad timing on your part, Harrison.
Caleb glanced from Ascott to the medallion as it slowed.
That�s when Caleb noticed the scratch that identified the medallion as his mother�s.
�Once I recovered from your stray bullet,� Ascott said, drawing Caleb�s attention back to him. �I came to Raleigh to steal the other medallion. I tricked Eli. Told him I�d brought the coin Obadiah lost, but I wanted to be sure it was really the duplicate. I refused to give it to him until I saw the one it matched. We were on our way to Eli�s bedroom when I vanished and ended up here. I figured it was only a matter of time before someone else showed up with the second medallion, and I was right.�
Caleb glanced at the hallway. Apprehension swept through him. If Becci brought the coin down...He couldn�t finish the thought. The image of Becci vanishing as she walked through the door flashed into his mind. What if Michael was wrong?
What if the door between his time and this was still open?
What would happen to her when she crossed the threshold?
He closed his eyes and forced back his fears. Panic wouldn�t help Becci.
�Why do you want the coins, Ascott?�
�Power. That�s what it�s all about.� Michael answered. �I would have had it four years ago, but you had to come along and destroy everything. You cost me a lot, saddling up with my Elizabeth like you did. She said she wanted to break our agreement and keep the money for a proper wedding. She said she couldn�t get ahead if I kept taking a cut. I offered her the whole week�s take for the medallion and her body.� Michael leered at him. �As you know, she accepted.�
Caleb drew in a shaky breath. �They said I killed you.�
Michael shrugged. �A mere flesh wound to the shoulder.
But I couldn�t have you hanging around asking questions, so I called in my markers from the people in town and had them railroad you out. Now, you show up again. I won�t let you ruin everything this time.�
�You have one medallion, let the other go,� Caleb said.
�I�m not a fighting man, but I won�t let you hurt Becci. The passageway is open. I know it is. I�ve got to stop her from bringing it through that door.� With renewed determination Caleb started past Michael.
�You�re not going anywhere until Jacobs tells me he has the medallion.�
�Jacobs? No!� Caleb roared, shoving Ascott aside and running toward the staircase. Before he could make it to the steps Ascott grabbed him by the arm and threw a punch. Caleb deflected the blow with his forearm and countered with a sharp, upward swing that sent Ascott to the floor. The man attempted to get up, then slumped to the floor. Caleb paused ready to put Ascott down for good, then realizing he already had, he raced toward the stairs.
Caleb fought away a sense of foreboding as he reached the upper landing. Jacobs was in the room with Becci, and he knew the drunk wouldn�t hesitate to kill her, just as he�d killed Rebecca. The long hallway stretched the full length of the house.
Tension gnawed at Caleb as he resisted the urge to run toward Becci�s room. If Jacobs heard him coming, he might hurt Becci.
He had to have the element of surprise on his side.
As he neared the end of the hallway, he noticed that the door to Becci�s room stood open. He stared at it, his heart pounding in his ears. But that didn�t block the sound of wood scraping against wood. A fresh surge of fear skittered over him, and his mouth went dry. He couldn�t ever remember being this afraid for someone else. A chilling desperation spread through him as he sensed the need to hurry. If he didn�t, Becci would be lost to him forever.
He crossed to the open door. Becci faced the dresser holding the trinket box. His missing journal lay on the bedside table, a small piece of paper protruding from the side as if to mark someone�s place.
Movement in the black void behind Becci caught his attention. Caleb saw the flicker of something shiny. It went higher and higher and inched toward Becci. Wind roared, and a flash of lightning illuminated the room enough to see Jacobs holding a knife.
No! Not my Becci, too.
Panic surged through him as he realized he hadn�t been wrong. The drunk had killed Rebecca. But he wouldn�t fail Becci the way he�d failed Rebecca. He couldn�t. He loved Becci with his heart and his soul.
He leaped toward Jacobs as the knife started its downward thrust.
Becci screamed and threw up her arms to deflect the blow.
She felt the sting of the blade cut the heel of her palm before it hit the medallion, sending out a shower of sparks.
Hypnotized by the dark red stream flowing in a thin crooked line down her arm, it took her a second to react to the pain. She brought her injured hand to her chest while dodging her attacker�s second slashing blow. Relief swamped her as Caleb sprang from the doorway to tackle her assailant.
Metal clanked against metal. The two men rolled across the room, brutal punches finding their targets. They crashed into the dresser, sending the two gold nuggets flying.
Caleb pressed his forearm into Jacobs�s throat, pinning him to the floor. Becci could see the fury in Caleb�s eyes as he lifted Jacobs up by the collar and landed a well-placed fist to his chin. Jacobs slumped to the floor unconscious.
Shoving her attacker aside, Caleb hurried to her and scooped her into his arms. Without saying a word he sat on the edge of the bed and flicked on the table lamp. While holding her close to his chest, he jerked open the drawers of the bedside table until he found a box of tissues.
He took her hand in his and slowly unrolled her fingers with a tenderness she wouldn�t have believed possible. Then he folded the tissue, and pressed it to the cut. He caught her other hand and placed it over the wound. Then, Using one of her socks, he tied his makeshift bandage securely in place.
�I need to get you to a doctor. Where is he? How do I get there so I can bring him back here to take care of you?� Panic edged his voice as he raked his hand through his hair.
�I�m all right,� she assured him. It didn�t hit an artery. I think it will need stitches, though, but we�ll have to go to the emergency room for them. Doctors don�t make house calls anymore.�
She could see the concern in his eyes, and it warmed her.
His eyes and his actions told her how much he loved her. How could she have ever doubted him?
�How do we get to this emergency room? I don�t know how to drive.�
The helplessness in his voice tore at her heart. �We�ll get Aunt Lilly to drive us.�
Jacobs moaned and began to shift. Caleb glanced at the man. He couldn�t let Jacobs and Ascott get away with the medallions.
�The medallion. Where is it?�
�He has it,� Becci said, nodding toward Jacobs.
Caleb eased her off his lap and hurried to where Jacobs lay. Leaning down, he untangled the chain from the knife. He held it up and looked at it intently, and then he clutched it to his chest and closed his eyes as if in thankful prayer.
As Becci watched him, she felt her heart sinking. She�d thought he�d come up here to save her. Had she been wrong?
Was the medallion all he wanted? A moment ago he�d been talking about getting her to a doctor, and now it was as if she no longer existed.
Tears fell onto her crude bandage. This time the pain had nothing to do with the cut. It came from deep in her heart.
She�d thought he loved her, but he�d only come up here for the medallion. He hadn�t come up here to save her.
�Mary Rebecca,� Caleb said.
�I�m not Mary Rebecca,� she yelled. �I�m Becci.�
Silence lingered between them, hollow and empty. Caleb wanted to tell her he loved her, but the words wouldn�t come.
Rebecca had said he would find happiness, and he supposed he had. For one day he�d experienced a love deeper than anything he�d ever dreamed existed. He believed Becci loved him, too, but he had to go back to his time and try to save Rebecca. He had to make sure she and Luke were safe from Obadiah.
�I know you�re not Rebecca,� Caleb whispered as he brushed his knuckles down her cheek. �You�re a good woman.
You�ll make some man a fine wife.� He held up the medallion and caught her hand. �I believe my purpose for being here is to warn you against selling the house and to deliver this to you.
There�s a voice inside telling me that I�m not the keeper of this coin, you are.�
Before she could respond, he said, �Ascott has another coin downstairs. It belonged to my mother, and I�m its keeper.
I�m going downstairs to get it, but until you see the colors disappear from around the door, don�t take this coin out of this room.�
�But...�
�Guard the medallion with your life, Becci,� he interrupted.
�It has the power to give you what you desire most.�
He lowered his head and brushed his lips against hers.
When he pulled away from her, he said, �This is truly goodbye, my love.�
Her heart pounded against her ribs as she gazed up at him.
She loved him, and he loved her. So why was he leaving her?
And why was he giving her the medallion? And what was a keeper? More importantly, if the coin had the power to truly give her what she wanted, why was he leaving? He was what she wanted most, and he always would be.
As he turned and walked toward the door, she stared at the gold piece he�d placed on her palm, willing it to keep him here with her.
A sudden movement caught her attention, and she screamed when Jacobs leaped to his feet and snatched the medallion from her hand. Caleb spun around at her scream, and Jacobs charged him, burying the knife blade into Caleb�s shoulder. Jacobs jerked it out and stabbed at Caleb again, but Caleb caught the man�s wrist with both hands before the knife reached him.
Caleb cursed as he struggled with Jacobs. The necklace swayed between them, as if taunting Caleb for trying to leave it behind. Had he been wrong? Was the medallion supposed to stay with him?
He didn�t have time to search for the answers. Even if it cost him his life, he couldn�t let Jacobs harm Becci. And he knew that Jacobs would turn on her if he won this battle.
Jacobs lowered his shoulder and plowed into Caleb. They rolled across the room, and Jacobs pinned him to the floor.
Then he raised the knife and brought it down again. Caleb dodged the sharp blade, and it hit the medallion, which had fallen to the floor. Jacobs grabbed the medallion�s chain, scrambled to his feet, and started for the door. Caleb lunged after him and together they plummeted through the door into the hall.
Lightning seared the air and flamed through Caleb. A white light blinded him to everything but its existence. Thunder shook the house, and the wind howled with a freight train�s roar.
Through the doorway, he saw the curtain rod on Becci�s bedroom window snap free of its mount and topple to the floor.
Caleb cried out. Pain ripped at him as he crashed into the railing that lined the upper hall, giving a view of the entry hall below. And just as quickly as the commotion began, it ended.
***
Disbelief swamped Becci. She glanced down at the curtain rod and then at the door. An eerie, ghostlike silence hovered about the room as the dim outline of two men struggling in the hall misted over and vanished.
Becci tried to draw in a breath. Every nerve in her body shuddered. Her hand tingled. She lowered her gaze to the blooddrenched sock-bandage only to find it was snow-white. The hairs on her nape stood on end.
Signs of the struggle remained in the room, but Caleb and Jacobs had disappeared as if they�d never been.
Had all of this been a dream?
She turned and looked around her room, and her gaze came to rest on the beautiful hand-carved box on the dresser. Then her gaze moved to the leather-bound journal resting on the nightstand, and she frowned. The book had not been there the night before.
Becci picked up the journal and it fell open to the last page. Caleb�s neat bold script leaped out at her in fresh, black ink.
My Dearest Becci, By the time you read this I will be back where I belong. You have taught me to love and to trust, and I will always love you no matter what happens after tonight. Remember that whether I live one hundred and sixty-five years before your time or am here to spend my life with you, you possess my heart. Touch the wind and feel me. Smell the fragrant dampness of a spring storm and remember me. Hear the thunder and know that it is my heart beating for you. The gold you need to save your home and go to school and start your nursery is there if you know where to look. With the instructions in my journal you should have no problem finding it. If I can, I will put the medallion somewhere in the house so you will find it, too. Once I return to my own time I will need nothing but my memories of you. The medallion is not gold. It is orichalc�a metal that is as pure as newly fallen snow and as bright as the sun after the rain�and if you find it, know I give it to you along with my heart. I am forever yours, Caleb Harrison.
Closing the journal, Becci wiped at the tears running down her cheeks. She looked at the empty hall. Caleb did love her, but he�d vanished into the past. She stood at the threshold of time without hope of ever seeing him again or sharing with him the love they felt for each other Becci laid the journal on the dresser and crossed the room to the window. She picked up the curtain rod and tried to force it back onto its brackets, only to toss it down in frustration.
Then she dropped to her knees and let the agony in her heart take over.
�Why?� she yelled at no one in particular as tears drenched her face. �Why did you give him to me only to take him away?
I don�t want to lose him. I love him.�
As she continued to cry, a million questions whirled through her mind. Would Caleb remember her when he arrived back in his own time? Would he know how much she loved him? Had he met his death on his journey back?
The answers would be in the journals, but she didn�t want to learn them. She wanted him to pop up in front of her, pick her up and hold her to his chest. She wanted to melt into his arms and beg him to make love to her. Never had she felt such despair, and she didn�t think she�d ever get over it.
Finally her tears eased, and her sobs slowed to hiccups.
Slowly, she pulled herself to her feet. In a few hours a new day would begin, offering a new beginning. She picked up the curtain rod, and this time it easily slipped back over its hooks.
Staring down at the backyard, she watched the shadows dance around the old oak.
Suddenly, hope bloomed in her chest. She could see Caleb standing under the tree letting the water slosh over his body.
She had to go to him! She had to tell him that she loved him!
But before she could turn away, the image misted and vanished.
�This is truly good-bye,� she whispered, new tears falling as she repeated the words he�d said to her. �I love you, Caleb.
I love you more than anything, and I would have gone back with you if you�d asked. Why didn�t you ask?�
But she knew the answer even as she asked the question.
He�d left her behind so he could be with her namesake. No, she corrected, he�d gone to be with his godson, and Rebecca was just part of the package.
�Mary Rebecca Berclair,� Becci said, talking to herself.
�This is no way to behave. Caleb gave you what he could�the means to keep Berclair Manor.�
She picked up one of the gold nuggets and put it back in the trinket box. She bent to pick up another and froze. The sound of foot steps downstairs reminded her that she still had Michael to contend with, and he was more dangerous than Caleb ever had been.
Caleb lay on his back and tried to readjust to his trip through time. He had just started to regain his equilibrium when Jacobs raised up and brought the knife down towards him.
With a curse, he knocked Jacobs backward. The knife and medallion crashed to the floor and lay between them. For a moment both of them stared at the two glistening pieces of metal, one just as dangerous as the other. Fresh blood pooled around the blade and stained the wood flooring.
Caleb knew it was his blood. The thick crimson soaked his shirtsleeve and dripped from his fingertips. His arm hung limply at his side.
�The medallion isn�t of any real value. It will only bring about your death if you try to keep it,� Caleb cautioned as Jacobs snatched it up by the chain.
�Yore lyin�. You jist want it fer yoreself.�
�It�s not mine. It belongs to Rebecca,� Caleb said softly.
�Not no more. She�s dead. So I guess that makes it mine for the takin�.�
�No. It goes in the dresser for Rebecca�s namesake.�
Rebecca�s namesake. My Becci.
A different type of pain ripped through him. He would never see Becci again. At least his sweet memories of her hadn�t been lost in time.
Jacobs reached for the knife. Caleb caught him by the wrist, but his mind wasn�t on the fight. He didn�t want to live without Becci. Would she remember him? Would she read his journal and know he loved her?
Jacobs threw his elbow into Caleb, knocking him to his back. Then he swept the knife off the floor and swung it toward Caleb. Instinctively, Caleb caught the drunk�s wrist in both hands, stopping the downward trail of the blade.
His arms shook with the tension of holding the point away.
He could feel the blood oozing from the wound in his shoulder, whittling at his strength.
Jacobs was going to win.
He would never see Becci again.
The point came closer, aiming straight for his neck.
Once the blade pierced the vein at his neck the end would come quickly. He would never again be able to tell Becci he loved her. Never get the chance to hold her. He only hoped that she would find someone to love and the happiness she and he were destined to never share.
The knife crept closer, its tip only a fraction away from piercing his neck. �I love you, Becci,� he whispered as the last of his strength faded, and he surrendered to fate.
***
A raw primitive grief squeezed at Becci�s heart. Tears trickled down her cheeks. Why hadn�t she told Caleb she loved him with all her heart?
As hard as she tried to remain calm, she couldn�t. A tremor shook her hands as she brushed a kink from the ruffled edge of the curtains and straightened the small dish on the nightstand.
Clenching her fists together, she brought them to her chest as deep, shuddering sobs racked her insides.
What would she do without him?
Michael waited downstairs with pen and paper in hand. If she signed she wouldn�t have the burdens connected with the family home. She had the means to keep the house now, but without Caleb it meant nothing.
She picked up both the tiny cube Caleb had carved for her and his journal. She sat on the edge of the bed and stared out the window, recalling what he�d said when he�d given her the box.
I don�t have much, but I love you, Becci. I love you with all my heart.
She traced the letters that formed her name. The spoken words had been hard for him to express, but at that moment she�d felt more loved than at any other time in her life. He�d been with her for almost five weeks. He�d held her, kissed her, and loved her, but he�d never promised her more than the moment. He�d told her he had a promise to keep�a child to raise and a woman to support.
A shudder rippled through her, and she clutched the two items Caleb had left behind to her chest.
Caleb was gone. Gone.
Don�t panic. Remain calm and be patient, Becci.
The thoughts floated through her mind with a soft sternness that made the air vibrate with a fierce intensity.
Becci drew in a deep breath. How could she relax when all she could do was relive the incidents of the last few minutes?
One moment Caleb and Jacobs had been struggling over the knife, and the next they�d plummeted through the door.
Their image had frozen for an instant, and then they�d disappeared.
Becci flipped on the lamp, set the journal and the trinket box down and ran her fingertip over the hand-carved �B� that adorned each piece of furniture. The journals said Caleb had made the furniture for her namesake. Did Rebecca really hide gold in the secret compartments of the other furniture?
Her heart raced. Apprehension gripped her. She didn�t dare look, not with Michael in the house.
�Becci?�
Oh Lord, Michael! She couldn�t let him find the journal or the medallion. She had to hide them, but where?
She jerked open the bottom drawer, shoved the trinket box to the far back corner and slipped the journal under a stack of shorts. It was the best she could do for now.
�Where�s Jacobs?� Michael called up from the foot of the stairs, a note of anger lacing his voice.
�Jacobs?� Why would he ask for Jacobs? He hadn�t even met the man, had he?
�He vanished.� Her words sounded so final. �Caleb, too.�
Disappeared, as if they�d never been. Again her chest tightened and tears filled her eyes, blurring everything before her.
She could feel Caleb�s presence in the hall. The caress of his eyes fanned the flames of desire just as they had when they�d shared his supper down by the lake. She sensed the excitement and fear, the hope and the regret. But most of all she felt the love that had flourished between them. In one night he had shown her what it meant to be cherished.
�I love you, Caleb Harrison,� Becci declared. �I�ll keep the door open for you for as long as it takes. Please come back.
Please.�
She repeated the words like a mantra, wishing with all her heart that he would return, and knowing that she had no control over the time portal.
Nothing would bring him back if he didn�t want to return.
***
Caleb waited for the knife to deliver the final wound.
Instead, he heard a loud crack echo through the hall. Jacobs�
eyes widened as a cry of pain hissed from between his clenched teeth, and he went stiff-backed. His body jerked convulsively, and his hand opened. For a fraction of a second the knife teetered on his palm before clattering to the floor. He stared down at Caleb with shock, and then he fell forward.
�Rebecca?� Caleb whispered. Had she come to his rescue?
�Rebecca,� he called again, drawing in a shaky breath. The acrid smell of gunpowder mixed with the soft scent of lavender.
Luke�s hoarse cry echoed from downstairs.
�Caleb.� Rebecca�s pain-riddled voice beckoned him.
�Caleb...�
�I�m here, Rebecca. I�m here,� Caleb muttered, pushing himself to a sitting position. Pain slashed through his shoulder when he moved. But he ignored it as he dragged himself to where Rebecca lay on the floor, the dueling pistol she�d used on Jacobs on the floor beside her.
�Luke...get Luke,� she gasped, grabbing his sleeve with one hand while pressing the other to her chest. Blood covered her slender fingers and trickled down her arm to drip onto her dress.
�Please, take him with you.�
�I�m not leaving you, Rebecca.� Caleb took her hand and brought it to his lips before laying it on his knee. He slipped off his shirt, gently lifted the hand from her chest and covered the wound with the soft material.
�Please.� Rebecca�s words poured out between deep gasps of breath. �Get Luke. Take care of him.�
�I will, Rebecca. I will.�
�Oh, dear Lord, I�m so sorry.� Tears rolled down her cheeks.
�Shh. Save your strength, Mary Rebecca.�
Rebecca clutched at his shirt and drew in a sharp gasp.
Whether for courage or from pain, he didn�t know. Her voice was barely a whisper, and Caleb leaned forward to hear her.
�This is all yours now,� she whispered. �Now you have everything you�ve ever wanted.�
�No,� Caleb whispered back.
�No,� she agreed. Her eyelids fluttered open. She rolled her head in a weak gesture toward the bedroom. �She can be yours, too. If that�s what you choose.�
Caleb glanced at the muted image of the future. His future if he wanted it, and he nodded in understanding. Becci�s transparent form hovered so close yet so far away.
He loved her. He didn�t want to lose her, but he�d made a promise to Saul.
�You must choose. Make your choice from here,� she said resting her hand against his chest. �Do it quickly. If she leaves the room, the door will close forever. But remember, nothing is for certain.�
�I can�t go to her. I promised to look after Luke. He needs me here.�
Rebecca expelled a pain-riddled gasp. �Take him with you.�
�Oh, Rebecca, I can�t. The pain would kill him.�
Rebecca coughed and swallowed hard. �No, it was Jacobs who caused the disruption. Go to her. Take Luke with you.�
Caleb watched Becci. She was clutching the small trinket box to her chest. Did she love him? How could he even consider burdening her with a ready-made family?
Rebecca expelled an anguished cry. �Hold me, Caleb. Hold me. I don�t want to die alone. I�m so alone.�
�I�m here. I�ll stay with you,� Caleb said, gently lifting her to his chest. He ignored the pain that sliced through his shoulder and rocked her gently.
�Kiss Luke for me,� she murmured, then she drew in one sharp breath, and her arm slid down Caleb�s chest to hang limply at her side.
Tears slid down Caleb�s cheeks. He held her tightly for a moment then said, �I will, Mary Rebecca. I�ll kiss him for you.�
He eased her to the floor. Wind howled through the house, and Caleb looked down the long flight of steps to the entry hall. Eli�s and Saul�s portraits were the only two lining the walls, but in the future six ancestral portraits would be displayed in the stairwell gallery.
Luke�s should have been next, but he�d seen the future.
Obadiah had stolen Luke�s inheritance. The only way he would have what was rightfully his would be to take him to the future.
To Becci.
He caught the handrail and pulled himself up. The movement caused a wave of dizziness to sweep over him. He�d lost too much blood, and his vision blurred. He fought to clear his head. If he didn�t get Luke to Becci, Ascott would win. He wouldn�t let Jacobs or Ascott take away Luke�s future or his.
He glanced toward the bedroom. Becci stood a few feet from the threshold and his heart skipped a beat. She was leaving the room. He had to get to her, but he couldn�t leave Luke behind.
�No. Becci, please. Wait for me,� he pleaded knowing his words were several lifetimes too far away for her to hear.
He hurried down the steps. Luke�s cry came from the parlor.
He found the boy, scooped him up, and stumbled back up the stairs. Each step took its toll on his waning energy.
As they reached the top landing, Luke screamed and reached for Rebecca.
�I�m sorry,� Caleb whispered and turned away. He could only hope Luke would love Becci as much as he�d loved his mother.
Caleb moved toward the threshold. Luke snuggled against his chest. One more step. His hand touched the frame. Oh, Lord. Where was the key? Without it he couldn�t reach Becci.
�Noooo!� he cried as she inched closer to the door.
He tightened his hold on Luke and shoved himself toward Jacobs. �Where is it?� he yelled as he shifted Luke into his injured arm, grabbed Jacobs by the shoulder and rolled him over. The coin wasn�t there. He quickly glanced at the door.
Becci�s hand rested on the shimmering edge of the portal, and panic wrapped its fingers around his throat.
He was losing her. Only two steps separated her from the doorway. Without realizing what she was doing, she would lock him in the past and seal his fate. The thin thread of love he�d tried to grasp was slowly slipping away from him. Even if he had the medallion in his hand there would not be enough time for Luke and him to cross over before she passed through the doorway.
Lightning flashed. Caleb caught the flicker of something at the edge of the balcony. Another flash illuminated the hall, sending a glittering beam off the thin, bright chain. Hope gathered inside him, but as he reached for the medallion, it fell over the edge of the balcony.
He lunged for it as the last inch rolled over the edge.
Becci wiped the moisture from her cheeks and stared at the rainbow reflection around the door. It glowed in an eerie rippling circle, and she recalled that Caleb had told her she wasn�t supposed to go through the door as long as there were lights around it. But Michael was calling her, and if she didn�t go downstairs, he�d come up here. She didn�t want him near her bedroom With hesitant steps, she moved across the room to the door.
A noise stopped her. It sounded like Caleb�s voice, calling out for her to wait. Turning to make a quick sweeping glance around the room, she turned back to the door.
�Caleb?� she called. �Caleb, are you there?�
Silence greeted her.
She hadn�t really expected an answer. It was just wishful thinking that made her believe she�d heard him. She took another step toward the entry. New tears rolled down her cheeks.
He was really gone.
Her hand touched the door frame just as a gust of wind whipped through the room and sent the curtains flapping. If it was going to rain, she needed to close the window and check the other rooms before heading downstairs.
To keep Michael from coming upstairs, she yelled, �I�ll be down in a minute, Michael.�
She crossed to the window and leaned her forehead against the cool pane. She�d been about to close the window the first time she saw Caleb. Dropping to her knees, she clutched her waist and bent forward. Caleb was gone, and he wasn�t coming back.
Life would go on.
Time would go on.
The hall floor creaked under the weight of cautious footsteps. Becci cringed. She wouldn�t be alone much longer.
Michael was coming despite her effort to keep him away.
She pushed herself to her feet just as she heard shoe leather brush the hardwood flooring behind her. Knowing she had to be strong, she wiped at her tears, determined not to let Michael see her crying. She didn�t want to confront him yet, but how could she avoid him?
�Go away,� Becci ordered without looking back.
A warm, masculine hand closed around her shoulders. The gentle caress sent a ripple of longing to her heart. Only Caleb could create the hunger she felt radiating from the fingers gently feathering over her skin. Only he created this longing for love and the protection she�d never experienced except with him.
But Caleb was gone, and it was Michael�s touch she felt.
With a slight squeeze, a warm hand reached around, turned her head and lifted her chin with one finger and Becci gasped.
�Caleb? Oh, Caleb! Is it really you?�
He circled her with his free arm and pressed a kiss to her temple. �Darling, I would like for you to meet my godson, Luke. I promised Rebecca I would keep him safe. He�s an orphan now. I�m all he has, and I�ll understand if you don�t want...If you...� Caleb swallowed around the lump in his throat.
Luke took a shuddering breath, and Becci reached up and wiped away a single tear that trickled down his cheek.
�Oh, Caleb, he�s beautiful. I...� Tears flooded her eyes.
She wanted to tell him she would gladly be Luke�s godmother if Caleb would stay here and marry her. But was he here to stay? She had to be sure before she made a fool of herself.
She rose up on her tiptoes and kissed Caleb on the cheek.
He tightened his hold around her waist and returned her kiss.
Lightning, followed by the crack of thunder, jarred them apart. Rain pelted the glass and without taking his eyes off Becci, Caleb reached behind her and forced the window down.
Becci pulled his head down until their lips met. �Oh, Caleb, I thought I�d lost you forever.�
Caleb held her close for a few moments. Then he stared down at her. Her dark emerald eyes told him what he wanted to know. She loved him. He brushed a kiss to each corner of her mouth.
�If you�d walked through that door I wouldn�t have been able to come back. But you didn�t, and I�m here. We�re here, and I love you, Becci. I can�t believe I found you, and now that I have, I am not going to lose you.�
Had she heard him correctly? Had he said he loved her?
Was he here to stay?
For the first time she noticed he was bare-chested, and she ran her fingers over the scar he�d received in his fight with Jacobs. The wound had become a scar that would be an everpresent reminder of how close she�d come to losing him.
�If it weren�t for this scar, I wouldn�t have thought any of this had really happened. But it did,� Caleb said as he placed his hand over Becci�s.
�Yeah. It did,� Michael said from the doorway. �You know, when Becci said you and Jacobs disappeared, I thought you were gone for good. I�m really glad you decided to come back.�
Caleb handed Luke to Becci and moved them both behind him. He had no problem recognizing the gun for what it was.
He would forfeit his own life before he let Ascott take Becci or Luke�s life the way he�d taken Elizabeth�s.
�What do you want?� Becci demanded, scooting around Caleb.
�The medallion. Hand it over.�
�The medallion belongs to Becci,� Caleb said, stalling. If he gave Ascott the medallion, would the man kill them?
�Stop delaying the inevitable,� Ascott ordered. �Give me the medallion.�
Caleb turned to Luke and Becci. He ran his finger down Luke�s soft cheek then faced Becci. The decision would be hers. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the medallion, letting it swing between them.
�I don�t need the medallion, Becci. The power it represents isn�t worth losing you, but think about what I�m asking of you.
Luke and I come as a pair. Do you want the responsibility of a child and the extra burden of a man who isn�t trained to earn a living in this time?�
She ran her hand down the chain and let the brilliant circle rest against her fingertips. He knew what she would do before she spoke. It was written in the sparkling depths of her green eyes.
�All the power in the world can�t buy me the happiness you�ve given me. Give it to him. If he really wants it.�
�You know I do,� Ascott snapped, taking a step toward them.
Caleb held out the medallion. �The coins are a perfect match, Ascott. Together they offer you the chance to earn your heart�s desire, if you use them properly. But use them improperly, and they�ll destroy you.�
�Yeah, yeah.� Ascott tugged the leather pouch out of his pocket and carefully removed the other coin by its chain. He snatched the one from Caleb and held them up together, letting the gold medallions twirl. Multicolored beams bounced like a dancing rainbow over the walls.
Caleb watched Ascott�s eyes brighten as greed enveloped him.
�Lovely,� he whispered. He slid the chains over his hand and let the coins graze his fingers. The moment the medallions touched his skin he jerked his hand away as if he�d just touched red-hot coals. He caught Caleb by the shirt collar.
�Why are the coins too hot to touch? What did you do to them?� He shook them in front of Caleb.
�I did nothing. They are special, individually, and as a pair.�
�What�s the secret, Harrison? Obadiah told Elizabeth that it took both of them to make a man powerful.�
�I guess that�s right,� Caleb said. �The bearer does get his just reward if he possesses both coins. But I�m not sure how it works.�
Caleb circled his hand around the medallions, letting Ascott see that he held them without pain. �Mary Rebecca told me to find the key by looking into my heart. I found it. Hopefully, you will too.�
�In your heart? That�s foolhardy,� Ascott scoffed. �You are definitely a fool if you think I�m giving these back.�
He yanked them out of Caleb�s hand and shoved him away.
Becci reached out to steady him, and he saw the fear spark in her eyes. He circled her waist with his arm and gave her a reassuring squeeze.
�You have what you wanted, so leave, Michael,� Becci said tipping her head toward the door.
�You think I�ll disappear if I go through there? Well, think again, the portal�s closed, otherwise he wouldn�t be here. And who�s this?� Ascott asked, nodding in Luke�s direction. �Here I thought you�d never been with a man, but I can tell he�s your son. He has your eyes. I guess she is your type, Harrison.�
Caleb took a step forward, but Becci caught his arm. �He�s not worth it, Caleb.�
Ascott laughed, and, with greed clouding his expression, he turned away with an arrogant, lofty stride. Suddenly, he glanced back at them, his eyes wide with terror, and he began to fade from sight.
�Noooo!� he yelled, his voice slowly fading in the echo of time.
Sunlight peeked through the clouds and brightened the room. Caleb gasped as some force suddenly latched onto him and dragged him toward the door. He caught the door frame with one hand and clutched his chest. He was being pulled back to the past, but the invisible force wasn�t touching Becci or Luke.
Becci rushed toward him before he could tell her to stay away from the door. She clung to him, one arm around his neck and the other clutching Luke. �Hold me, Caleb. Hold us, and don�t let go.�
It wasn�t working.
�Take Luke,� Becci ordered, shoving the boy into Caleb�s arms before he could answer. He held Luke against his chest, while Becci searched for something that might close the portal.
She grabbed the trinket box and threw it into the whirling vortex.
The winds caught the box, spinning it in circles then spit it back into the room and strengthened its pull on Caleb and Luke, drawing them closer to the entry.
�No!� Caleb cried out to the forces trying to drag him back to his era. �This is my life. I belong here�we belong here.�
Gradually, the glittering aura began to spiral in the center of the doorway, drawing the colored edges into nothingness.
The winds stopped howling, the thunder ended, and the lightning vanished.
Becci rested her hand on Caleb�s arm then took Luke from him. When he looked at her, he saw a myriad of emotions in her eyes�concern and more. He saw love. Slowly, he wrapped his arms around them and rested his chin on the top of Becci�s head. His heart pounded wildly. Becci loved him.
The clatter of metal hitting the floor echoed through the bedroom as if stamping approval to what they had together.
They turned in unison to stare at the two shining medallions.
�The coins!� Caleb exclaimed. �Ascott couldn�t keep them in the past.�
�No!� Becci shouted as he started toward the door. �You can�t go through there. I don�t want to lose you again.�
He felt the fear in the tight curl of her fingers, and he turned and caught her hand in his. �You won�t lose me, Becci. The gate is closed. I�ve found what destiny had in store for me. I love you with all my heart. I think I have from the moment I saw your sparkling green eyes full of life and love.� He brought her hand to his lips.
�Now we�re keepers,� he explained. �The coins come with a world of responsibility, and neither of us can even begin to guess the extent of it. But I know we can handle whatever happens as long as we�re together. The door will only open when someone needs our help.�
�How do you know that?� she asked, looking bewildered.
He dropped a kiss to her lips and rested his forehead against hers. �I don�t know how. I just know. When we�re called upon we will be expected to serve. Until that time, we must guard the coins with our lives. This is Berclair Manor�s inheritance that will some day belong to Luke. You and I have been chosen to teach him right from wrong.�
He led her into the hall and picked up both medallions. He looked from the tiny circular pieces in his palm to Becci. �I would rather lose everything I�ve fought so hard to gain than lose you.�
Dodging Luke�s attempt to snatch the shiny medallions, Caleb slipped one around Becci�s neck then brushed his knuckles down her cheek.
Heat from Caleb�s touch sent a wave of desire, hot and deep, to Becci�s most feminine areas. Yes, this man was her destiny, and she�d never let him leave her again.
Caleb slipped the other medallion over his head, noticing the scratch that marred its beauty. He now had his mother�s medallion. As the chain settled into place around his neck an iridescent cloud swirled around them. Within the mist a couple walked together, their arms entwined in a gesture that spoke of their love.
�Mother?� Caleb whispered, reaching his hand out toward the distant figures in disbelief.
�Yes, son, I�m here. I�ve always been with you and you with me in my heart. Caleb, this is Abraham, your father. He would have been a wonderful father if he�d been allowed to live, but Obadiah�s greed stole our lives from us. The spirits of Atlantis granted us this meeting as our last wish.�
Abraham stepped forward. �You�ve dealt wisely with adversity. I�m proud to have you as my son. Take care of Luke.
He is the future of our heritage, as will be yours and Becci�s children.�
�We must go now,� his mother said. �Remember you are always in our hearts. Enjoy your new life, Caleb. You have found the most important ingredient. You�ve found your true love.�
The image vanished, and so did the cloud. Becci stared in awe at the spot where they�d been. �They were beautiful people, and they have a wonderful son.�
As he turned to face Becci, his heart was pounding with the rhythm of a runaway horse at full gallop. He traced the curves of her hips with his palms and slowly returned them to her waist. He�d been given a glimpse of his past to cherish.
But his future, Becci and Luke, stood in front of him. He could hardly wait to create more memories, like the ones she�d already given him. Waking up with her tucked into the curve of his body had been one of the best experiences he�d ever undergone.
He would follow his father�s instructions and love Becci with all his heart.
�I love you, Becci, and Luke and I need you. Will you marry us, Mary Rebecca Berclair?�
�I thought you�d never ask her,� Lilly said from the landing.
�Now at least I can get some rest�before I start making wedding plans, that is.�
Caleb watched the emotions play across Becci�s face. Lilly had interrupted them before she�d given her answer, and he worried that she would refuse. But then she said, �Of course I�ll marry you. After all, I might be carrying your child, and you�re going to do right by him�or her. Besides, you need someone to help you learn about your new world and who else better than the woman who loves you with all her heart.�
Caleb saw the teasing glint in her eyes, and he looped his arms around her, pulling her close.
�According to my parents, destiny wouldn�t have it any other way.�
He had thought he would never find love. Now he knew that anything was possible if you lived your life right and let your heart guide you.
Caleb rested his chin on the top of Becci�s head until he finished reading the last paragraph in the journal. �I can�t believe Obadiah never even tried to find out what happened to Luke.�
Becci shook her head. �It was greed. My great-great-great-
grandfather killed both your parents to get their medallion, then lost it and hired Michael to help him get it back. He wanted everything for himself, just like Michael did. Oh, Caleb, I�m so sorry for what my family did to you. Can you ever forgive them?�
�I already have. Ascott and Obadiah both paid their debt to me, and while they lost, I won because I found something far more valuable than anything they ever sought. I found true love.�
Caleb caught the edge of the journal and laid it on the bedside table. He would be forever grateful to Catherine for hiding the books in the beside table. Without them, Becci might have sold the manor before he managed to travel through time and all would have been lost for him.
He slid down in the bed, drawing Becci with him. After he�d shown her all the secret compartments that stored the gold and jewelry that Rebecca had hoarded, they�d pulled out Rebecca�s journal to see who Obadiah had listed on the last page as Rebecca�s murderer. Caleb had felt the tension ease when he saw that only Jacobs and Michael were listed as partners in the crime. According to what Obadiah wrote, Michael was thrown from a horse while trying to escape.
�Michael must have tried to ride Patches.�
�Patches?�
�My horse. He was a real temperamental gelding. Wouldn�t let anyone on his back but me. And he really didn�t even like me to ride him. He preferred to pull the wagon. I left him out front when I delivered the dresser.�
�Your horse. Hmm. There�s one other thing I�d like to know about.� Becci combed her fingers through Caleb�s tousled hair, then slipped her arms around him and snuggled closer. �You wrote the instructions for the secret compartments in your journal. Why didn�t Obadiah find the medallion?�
Caleb sucked in a ragged breath, cupped his hand to her cheek and kissed Becci before he answered. �Because, by sheer luck, I managed to keep my journal with me when I went through the portal. Now we have everything we need to survive.�
�More than enough to survive, Caleb. We have enough to help anyone who proves themselves worthy to use the services of the keepers of the keys.�
I have always dreamed of being a writer. As a child, when the family went on trips, I would catch glimpses of the people in their yards or on their porches and wonder, �What if...�, and create stories about these strangers. As an adult I put my dreams on hold until 1990 when I discovered the River City Romance Writers Chapter. Although writing is my first love, I sing in the church choir, direct the children�s choir, am an active member of the Bartlett Historical Society, am secretary of the bowling league in which I bowl, am a Red belt in Taekwondo, and work two days a week doing the bookkeeping for a photography studio. People ask me when I find time to write. My answer is:
�It�s my first love, there is always time to write.� I also enjoy reading and writing letters. Here is my address if you would like to contact me.
Barbara Christopher P. O. Box 41856Bartlett, TN 8184-1856
Or e-mail me at barbchris49@hotmail.com