They went inside the mill, where it was warm and a tub of water waited for them. The snow was coming down more heavily.
“We certainly haven’t seen you in a while,” Wes said, his voice heavy with criticism.
Clay didn’t answer as he removed his shirt and began to wash.
“Janie said Nicole cried herself to sleep every night for weeks,” Wes continued. “Maybe that doesn’t matter to you. After all, you do have that overblown copy of Beth to keep you warm.”
/> Clay stared at him. “You’re making judgments about things you know nothing of.”
“Then maybe you should explain it to me.”
Clay dried himself slowly. “We’ve known each other all our lives. Have I ever done anything to cause this much hostility?”
“Not until now! Damn it, Clay, she’s a beautiful woman. She’s kind, sweet—”
“You don’t have to tell me!” Clay interrupted. “Do you think I want to stay away from her? Has it ever occurred to you that there are circumstances beyond my control?”
Wes stood quietly for a moment. He’d been wrong not to trust his friend. He put his hand on Clay’s shoulder. “Why don’t you come inside? Nicole promised to make doughnuts, and the twins will be glad to see you.”
“You seem rather free with Nicole’s hospitality,” Clay said coldly.
Wes grinned. “That’s the Clay I know. If you don’t take care of her, someone has to.”
Clay turned and left the mill, heading toward the house. He’d not been inside the house since Nicole had moved there. Even as he stood just inside the door, the warmth of the place hit him. It was more than the physical warmth from the enormous fireplace, but something intangible, felt inside rather than against the skin.
The winter sun was coming through the sparkling clear windows. There was very little furniture, and Clay recognized most of it as the castoffs he’d sent some time ago. The dishes in the cabinet next to the fireplace were chipped and mismatched. There were very few cooking utensils.
Yet, in spite of the plainness, at that moment Clay would have traded his beautiful house for this simple dwelling. Janie bent over an iron pot of bubbling oil, turning doughnuts as they rose to the surface. The twins hovered over her, oblivious to the men standing behind them.
“Mandy,” Janie said, “if you try to eat them while they’re so hot, you’re going to get burned, and you know it.”
Mandy giggled as she grabbed a fresh doughnut and bit into it. Her eyes teared when she burned her mouth, but she wouldn’t show Janie that she was in pain.
“You are as stubborn as your uncle,” Janie said in disgust.
Clay chuckled, and Janie whirled to face him. “You’d better be careful when you talk about someone. They just might be listening.”
Before Janie could reply, the twins screeched, “Uncle Clay!” and leaped into his arms. Clay grabbed one child under each arm and swung them around. When he lifted them, they put their arms around his neck. “Why didn’t you come before? Do you want to see my new puppy? You want a doughnut? They’re good but very hot.”
Clay laughed and hugged them to him. “Did you miss me?”
“Yes, very much. Nicole said we had to wait until you came to see us, that we couldn’t go see you.”
“Is that fat lady still there?”
“Alex!” Nicole said from the staircase. “You are to remember your manners.” She walked slowly toward Clay, her heart pounding in her throat. She was appalled that his presence could upset her so much. Since he’d been able to abandon her so lightly, obviously she meant very little to him. She worked at keeping her anger under control. “Won’t you have a seat?” she asked formally.
“Yeah, Clay,” Wes grinned. “Have a seat. Janie, you think those doughnuts are cool enough now?”
“Just about.” She set the plate on the big table. “Where have you been, you ungrateful, wretched—” she hissed under her breath, unable to think of a word strong enough for him. “If you mistreat her again, you’ll answer to me.”
Clay smiled at her, then grabbed her rough, raw hand and kissed it. “You’re magnificent as a protector, Janie. If I didn’t know you, I’d almost be frightened.”
“Maybe you should be,” she snapped, but her eyes were twinkling.
Nicole had her back to them as she calmly poured out noggins of eggnog. With shaking hands, she set a mug before Clay.
His eyes never left hers as he lifted the cup. “Eggnog,” he said. “I’ve never had that except at Christmas.”