Page 78 of Beyond Montana's Sky
The closer he came to Edith’s home, the more his stomach squeezed into a hard knot. He tugged on his collar, wishing he hadn’t tied his tie so tightly. After arriving in town, he’d gone straight to his hotel close to where the Graysons lived. He remained only long enough to bathe and eat while a maid pressed his clothing, before donning his suit and heading out to see his beloved.
Cai knew his arrival was too late for a polite visit, but he hoped the holiday was enough of an excuse to call. If denied entrance, he’d return in the morning. But he dearly wanted to give Edith a New Year’s kiss. More than one, actually.
The cab dropped Cai off in front of the Grayson row house, and he craned his neck to look up. The buildings were as tall as Livingston’s hotel. He moved toward the door. Snow had recently fallen, but the walkway bisecting the miniature yard was shoveled clear.
His heart stampeding in his chest, he approached the door and dropped the knocker several times, his breath making a cloud in the air.Please may Edith be home.In her last letter, she hadn’t mentioned plans for New Year’s Eve, but she attended so many darn parties, he couldn’t predict whether or not she’d be out.
After a long wait and another round of knocking, a thin, old man in black livery opened the door, wearing an expression like a prune. He looked Cai up and down.
Cai recognized the Grayson butler from Edith’s description. “Deak, I’m here to see Mrs. Grayson.”
The old man stared, wide-eyed. “The hour is late, sir. However, I’ll take your card.”
“It’s New Year’s Eve,” Cai pointed out. “Are you going to leave me out here shivering and letting in the cold air into the house?” He pantomimed stamping his feet and slapping his arms, as if he were freezing.This weather is nothing compared to Montana.
With reserve and apparent reluctance, the old man moved aside to usher him in. “Mr. and Mrs. Grayson have retired for the night.”
Cai stepped into light and warmth. “I should have been more clear. I’m here to seeEdithGrayson.” The entry was large and darkly paneled. Red carpet covered the floor. From upstairs came the sound of the piano. He didn’t recognize the piece.
Please, let that be Edith playing.Lest he appear a gapeseed, Cai kept his gaze on Deak.
“I believe Mrs.NathanielGrayson is still in the drawing room.”
Cai heard the news with a whoosh of relief, but his stomach remained tight.
“I will ask if she’s willing to receive you at this time of night. Whom shall I say is calling?”
Cai wasn’t about to give Edith a chance to deny him, not after he’d come all this way. He unwound his scarf, stripped off his gloves, and shrugged out of his coat. “No need.” He clapped the butler on the shoulder—not too hard because he didn’t want to knock the poor man over—and shoved the outerwear into Deak’s arms. “I know your knees are bad, and I can find my way. Upstairs one flight and to the right.” He didn’t wait for the butler to protest, bypassing him and taking the stairs two at a time.
On another occasion,ifthere were another occasion, he’d stop and admire the décor, which he only glimpsed from the corners of his eyes. Now that he knew Edith was home, all he cared about was reaching her. Too much gazing around would probably make him feel insecure, anyway.
In another minute, I’ll know if Edith’s glad to see me, or if I’ll leave this house with my hopes dashed.
* * *
Edith spent New Year’s Eve alone in the drawing room, entertaining herself with her favorite piano tunes. Henry and Mildred had gone to bed early, and Ben was spending the holiday at Julia’s. All the children were determined to wait up to see in the New Year. She doubted any of them would make their goal.
Yawning, she stopped playing to cover her mouth.I won’t stay awake that long either.
On the verge of closing the piano cover and head up to bed, through the open doorway, Edith heard the sound of unfamiliar footsteps—vigorousmalefootsteps—on the stairs. Curious, she stood.
Cai strode into the room, wearing the same suit as for Caleb’s wedding, and looking more handsome than she remembered.
At first, Edith thought she was imagining him, and her pulse beat faster.Cai couldn’t be here in Boston.
But then he flashed his cocky grin, and his blue eyes danced with mirth. “Just in time for a New Year’s kiss.”
With a cry of joy, she threw herself into his arms. “I can’t believe you’re here!” Edith half-said, half-sobbed the words.
He picked Edith up and spun her around before setting her down and greedily pressing his mouth to hers.
Her response was equally fervent.
Through their embrace, they gave expression to the longing and desire building between them over the last months apart. His kisses slowed from wild and unrestrained to gentle and sweet.
“I can’t believe you’re here,” Edith murmured, grasping his shoulders. “This is like a dream—asweetdream.”
“Believe.” He held her close, trailing light kisses over her face.
