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  "Well?" said Sawyer, holding out her hand to him.

  One of these days he was going to sit down and confide in Sawyer. Sawyer was modern, a woman of the eighties, as she was fond of telling everyone. Often over the years when things were bad for her or himself, they'd talked things out.

  Sawyer had this thing about family, though. As far as she was concerned, the sun rose and set on the Colemans. Sawyer could be tough as rawhide and soft as marshmallow. Cole's stomach lurched when he remembered the family vigil at the hospital and how Sawyer almost died of a brain tumor.

  You needed guts to be a Coleman, and he didn't have the requisite amount. Thank God his name was Tanner. In the end, that and that alone might make it easier for him to make the break.

  Cole drained the last of his drink, which was more water than alcohol. He wished he had another.

  "Come on, little brother, what say we boogie?" Sawyer said, finally getting up and throwing her arms about him.

  "So you can torture me by stepping all over my feet! Everyone knows you have two left feet. How the hell you ever got to be the head of Coleman Aviation is beyond me," Cole grumbled good-naturedly.

  {41}

  "I am the head of Coleman Aviation because I am the best goddamn aeronautical engineer ever to come down the pike. An M.B.A. and a Ph.D. in aerodynamics ain't nothing to sneeze at, little brother. You could say my instincts for business rival only our great-grandfather and grandfather's. And," she said loftily, "I and I alone, with only legal advice, managed to license Grandpa Moss's plane and keep the copyrights intact for you, you little shit. Does that answer your question?"

  "Yeah, it does. Can I ask you something, Sawyer? And if I do, will you tell me the truth?"

  Sawyer sat down; the dancing would have to wait. It was coming; she could feel it. She'd sensed Cole's tension as soon as she sat down next to him. "You bet," she said lightly.

  "Have you ever thought about getting out? Moving on, doing something . .. unrelated to the family."

  So that was it. The old identity thing that plagued them all from time to time. "At times. You know what a coward I am. I know what I have and I don't know what I'd step into out there. The unknown frightens me."

  "Come off it," Cole growled.

  "Seriously," Sawyer said gently. "Even when I knew I'd die if I didn't have the brain operation, I couldn't make myself agree to have it. I was so afraid. ... I didn't know. ... If it wasn't for you and Adam and Riley, and of course all the family, I never would have. . . You know what I'm trying to say."

  "You're saying you'll run Coleman Aviation until you drop because you're a Coleman and it's expected. That sucks, Sawyer!"

  Sawyer snorted. "When you put it like that, I guess it does. Look, if a white knight named Adam Jarvis showed up on my doorstep and offered me the proverbial vine-covered, picket-fenced cottage, I'd snap him up so fast both our heads would spin. Until that happens I am committed to this family and this company. But I could leave, as long as it was for my own happiness and survival. Did I help?" she asked anxiously.

  Cole grinned. "Yeah, you always help." She hadn't asked him any pointed questions; Sawyer never did.

  "On your feet, woman! Let's show these people the two Coleman illegitimate bastard children know how to dance!" Cole quipped.

  "I'm with you, little brother," Sawyer laughed. Her hand

  {42}

  was on Cole's shoulder as he fought his way to the crowded dance floor.

  As brother and sister edged their way off the dance floor, Cole grabbed Ivy Buckalew and dragged her back among the dancers just as the band started to play "The Shadow of Your Smile."

  "You having a good time?" Cole asked. Hmmmnn, Ivy looked good. She smelled sweet and clean. He drew her closer, but not until she answered him.

  "No. I wish I was home."

  "You and me both. Unfortunately, this is one of those things that are a must."

  "Maybe for you, but not for me. This isn't my ... I don't fit... you know..."

  "Yeah, I do know," Cole said softly. Gently he edged her away from him. He looked into her eyes and was stunned at how pretty Ivy was. Christ, she'd grown up and he hadn't even noticed. "Ivy, sometimes wanting something isn't enough. Sometimes you have to go out there and slug your way through the crap to get what you want."

  "If you're talking about what I think you're talking about, I'm the first one to admit I'm no match for..." Ivy jerked her head in her sister's direction.

  "Look at me, Ivy. Do you want to be like that?"

  "A little," Ivy admitted miserably.

  "Trust me, you don't. You're real, kid. You hang in there and before you know it, Sir Galahad over there is going to wake up and start paying attention. Time will do it, Ivy. The white knight over there," Cole said, inclining his head in Riley's direction, "still thinks of you as one of the guys. We've all been friends for so long, it takes us a little while to notice the changes in one another." He chuckled when he said, "Remember how you could always climb the trees fastest, get the worm on the hook quicker, hit the softball a real whack for a girl, not to mention how you outbreaststroked him in the swim meet? If I remember correctly, your backhand was a smidgen better than his, and how many times did you get a hole in one? On top of that, each time you bested him, you clapped him on the back so hard he almost fell over. I'm the first one to admit I know nothing about women, but I do know about guys. You didn't let him win, ever, Ivy. If you want the truth, I think you intimidate him."

  {43}

  "But ... I just did it to ... so he would notice me. . .. Jeez, he writes such great letters,you know, real buddy-buddy stuff. He never gave a hint of. . . how he felt," Ivy said miserably.

  "Oh, he noticed, all right," Cole drawled. "He'd rather have a stick in the eye than let you know how he feels about your prowess."

  Ivy stepped back from Cole a little. "I don't know how to be a limp doll, and I'm not a clinging vine. I am what I am. So what if I'm better at something than he is?" She laughed, a sound of pure mirth. "God, how I hated those slimy little worms. I'll tell you what, I won't clap him on the back anymore. That's the only concession I'll make, not that it matters anyway: He's so tight with Lacey, he doesn't know I'm alive."

  "Ivy, trust me when I tell you he knows. He knows," Cole said soothingly as he swept her across the dance floor.

  When the dance was over, Ivy slipped away. Cole watched her till she was out of sight. When he turned, he was staring directly at Lacey. He nodded curtly and headed back to the family table.

  Lacey Buckalew was history.

  "I thought you always said you were graceful," Cole complained to Sawyer as he joined her at the table. "All you did was step on my toes."

  "That wasn't me, and I am graceful. Ask Riley. He just got sandwiched into a corner over there with Lacey and can't get out. By the way," she said, "I saw Lacey give you a look that means she'd like to get you onto the dance floor. It isn't any of my business, but I don't think Riley—"

  "You didn't see me dance with her, did you?"

  "Touchy, aren't we?" Sawyer kidded. At the look on Cole's face, she drew back. "I'm sorry, Cole. It's just that Riley is so ... so sensitive. You and Lacey had a thing going for several years. I thought... we all thought you were going to make it permanent. I am out of line. Forget I said anything."

  "She wanted to get married, I didn't," Cole growled. It was almost a relief to talk about it even though he was giving Sawyer, out of habit, a hard time.

  Sawyer sipped at her wine. "If I drink any more of this stuff, I'll have a good buzz on." She tried for a light tone. "Who's driving?"

  "I am, and I'll get you home in one piece. And it won't be the first time I've had to sober you up."

  {44}

  "That's unkind, little brother. Circumstances ..." she let her voice trail off.

  "I think she's stringing Riley along. I also think she talked him into picking up her father's oil leases."

  Sawyer's face set into hard lines. "If he did, that's
his problem now, isn't it? Riley's all grown up and has to take responsibility for his actions. He's not as fast track as you, but he's got to learn how not to be taken. If that's what's happen-ing.

  "Aren't you being kind of hard on him?"

  "Ah, to your cousin's defense. I like that, Cole. I can't get used to the idea that Riley would pick up your leftovers. I'm sure he was flattered when she came on to him, but engaged .. .Come on!"

  "It's none of our business," Cole said flatly.

  "Was it your business when she came on to you this evening? I wasn't spying, but I couldn't help overhearing."

  "Then you know my response. It's over. I'd never do anything to offend Riley. We trust each other."

  "Then somebody should tell Lacey before Riley gets downwind of his intended's intentions."

  "I already did."

  "Let's change the subject. Did you see the look on Thad's face when that Saudi sheik asked Grand to dance?"

  Cole hooted."Yeah, but the look on Grandmam's face was what got me. It was the first time I've ever seen her at a loss. Dancing with a guy in a dress!"

  "Robe. He was doing some serious talking to Mr. Hase-gawa. Thad said he ordered thirty million microchips. Just like that. We're in the wrong business, little brother."

  Cole wanted to tell her she was right, in regard to himself, but he kept quiet. He wished he had more of Sawyer's blase attitude toward life.

  "Well, I'm off to the ladies' room to powder my nose, providing I can find it. Hold down the table," Sawyer said.

  "Don't fall in," Cole cracked.

  "I'm not drunk, not even close to it. I feel good. Any time you want to talk some more, I'll listen. I've known for a long time that something's bothering you, and it isn't the Lacey thing, either."

  Cole's face was serious. "I'll keep it in mind. Go on, before you wet your pants."

  Sawyer squawked. "How—"

  {45}

  "Because you're hopping from one foot to the other. If you don't think you can find the ladies' room, I can show you where it is."

  Cole laughed when Sawyer wobbled off. When she came back her hair would be combed, she'd have on fresh lipstick, and there would be a serious expression on her face, and she'd look every inch the professional aeronautical engineer that she was. His sister. And he loved her.

  Tess Buckalew fought her way across the crowded room, jabbing and poking with her bony elbows. She had to find Lacey. She'd just heard one of the photographers say they wanted pictures of the family. Lacey was soon to be family, and if Lacey was family, so was she. She could already see her picture on the front page of the Crystal City Times, standing or sitting next to the Coleman family. When she'd told Coots to head toward the Coleman table, he'd disappeared. Maybe it was just as well. He looked like he'd been rode hard and put up wet. Drink did that to Coots.

  "Lacey honey, there you are." Tess made her way to Lacey and Riley a few steps away, champagne goblet in hand. "The photographers sent me to fetch you two. They want to take some pictures of the family," she said. Riley groaned as she grabbed their glasses and set them on the nearest table.

  "Come on, Riley. Mama wants to have her picture taken. Don't you want to see yourself on the front page tomorrow?"

  "Not really. I must have posed a hundred times today."

  "That many?" Tess cried in dismay. That meant they'd sift through the best for the front page. Her spirits drooped, then brightened. Surely, though, the last picture of the evening would be the one they'd choose.

  "Stay behind me and I'll plow through," Riley grumbled.

  "Mama, where's Ivy? I haven't seen her all night."

  "She went home," Tess said curtly.

  Riley stopped and turned. "Why? Why did Ivy go home?"

  "For heaven's sake, Riley, I don't know," Tess shrilled. "I suppose because no one paid attention to her. You know Ivy; she has two hundred reasons why she does things."

  "How did she get home?" Lacey demanded.

  Riley stood rooted to the floor. "I promised to dance with her."

  "Riley Coleman, you can dance with her at your wedding.

  {46}

  Move along, now. I can see the photographers from here and they look impatient."

  "You don't suppose she walked home, do you, Lacey?"

  "It would be just like her. Or else she hitched a ride. Ivy is very self-sufficient. Don't worry about her."

  "Someone should—it's freezing outside," Riley said curtly.

  As soon as he reached the table, Riley stepped over to Thad. "Thad, have you seen Ivy?"

  "Not for a long time. Why? Is something wrong?"

  "Probably not."

  "I saw her talking to your grandfather," Cole volunteered. "I think he arranged for one of the Saudis to take her home. Check with him—but first, smile pretty, we're news tonight."

  Riley fixed his face into a grimace. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Tess Buckalew push Lacey next to Sawyer. It annoyed him, but what annoyed him more was the look on Lacey's face as she stared across at Cole.

  The moment the photographers departed, Riley sought out his grandfather. "Did you arrange for Ivy to get home, Grandfather?"

  The old man nodded. "I offered to go with her, but she declined. She's a remarkable young woman. She says what she thinks. Very down-to-earth. A pity there is no one to show approval."

  "She is outspoken," Riley agreed. "What did she say?"

  "She said"—the old man pursed his lips into a round O—"that this affair... sucked." Riley burst out laughing. "It was obvious to me that you hurt her feelings by promising to dance with her and then ..."

  So he was to be charged with neglect on top of everything else. "I'll make it up to her. Ivy and I have been friends for a long time."

  "No, my grandson, this you cannot make up for. The slight was too real to Miss Ivy."

  Riley swallowed past the lump in his throat. "I'll still try. Tell me, Grandfather, how do you like Lacey? Doesn't she look beautiful?"

  The old Japanese was quiet for so long, Riley thought he'd dozed off. "My preference," he said quietly, "runs to ugly ducklings."

  Riley winced. Then anger shot through him. "You barely know Lacey."

  {47}

  "I was going to say the same thing to you, my grandson. What looks beautiful on the outside isn't always beautiful on the inside. One doesn't have to live many years to know this simple truth." The old man rose with difficulty. "Thad is trying to gain my attention," he said. "I must leave with them."

  "I'll see you back at the house, Grandfather. I have to take Lacey home."

  "Say good night for me," the old man said softly.

  Riley watched his grandfather make his way around the table. He didn't approve. Somehow he'd known he wouldn't. None of the family approved. Jesus, what had he gotten himself into?

  Cary and Amelia walked around the empty ballroom. "What do you think, babe? Was this a party to end all parties?"

  "That about sums it up. All I want to do is go upstairs and take off my shoes."

  "Everyone had a good time. I don't know about you, but I think those Saudis made the night. When they came trooping in, all eyes were on them. And when Billie danced with one of them, I couldn't believe it. That's the picture that's going on the front page. You wait and see."

  Amelia yawned. "I wouldn't be surprised. I'm just grateful we don't have to clean up this mess." She looked at her watch. "It's two minutes after twelve. It's history now. Don't look so forlorn, darling. There will be other projects for you to work on. You deserve a rest."

  Cary swept his wife into his arms. "Tonight, my darling, you get a free ride, and I'm going to carry you over the threshold. Hang on!"

  Amelia squealed with delight. A perfect ending to a perfect evening.

  {48}

  UiUiiU CHAPTER THREE ))»))}»

  The overpowering stretch limo pulled into the long drive of Buckalew Big Wells. Ivy didn't wait for the turbaned driver to step out and open her door. She scrambled out
and muttered a breathless "Thanks." The driver frowned. The young lady was supposed to wait. These Americans, they were all so impatient. He bowed low and offered his arm to escort her to the door. Ivy giggled and then sobered when she saw a look of horror spread across the man's face at the sight of the reindeer on top of the roof.

  Ivy was mortified. "It's... it's an advertisement. This is fine; you don't have to walk me any further. I can manage from here on. Listen, would you mind... What I mean is, oh hell, what do you guys wear under all those white sheets?"

  The driver grinned, his teeth as white as the turban on his head. "As little as possible."

  "Uh huh, that's kind of what I thought. Thank you for driving me home. I really appreciate it. I know you must want to get back to the party and all...."

  "Yes, the party. I will sit in the car and wait. You are the wise one to leave so early. It sounded like a... rousing party."

  "It was rousing all right. Thanks again."

  Ivy grinned in the darkness when she saw the driver glance back over his shoulder at the garish Christmas display on the roof. She laughed aloud when she saw him shake his head in disbelief.

  Ivy closed her bedroom door and stripped off the ugly brown dress, a defiant purchase made years ago to annoy her mother. It had backfired, though, when Tess said, "It suits you."

  Snug in a beautifully tailored mauve robe with satin piping down the front, a Christmas gift last year from Lacey, she settled herself in a chair by her bedroom window. She stared into the black, cold night waiting for the first sight of Riley and Lacey's return.

  {49}

  She'd been so sure Riley would ask her to dance. She'd boned up on the latest steps so she wouldn't appear awkward and nervous in his arms. Not only didn't he dance with her, he didn't come near her all evening. Three times she'd fought her way to the banquet table, and then to the bar when she saw Riley heading that way, but she'd been stonewalled by the crowds. The highlight of the evening was her dance with Cole, and their serious conversation, and her meeting with Riley's grandfather. She loved the old Japanese on sight.