Her touch sent warmth cascading through his brittle limbs, and he lifted his arm from his brow and wrapped it around her. He nuzzled his nose into her hair and breathed in her comforting scent.
“Yes, sweetheart. Everything is fine.”
Itwouldbe fine, because he was going to undo everything he’d agreed to do, and then was going to tell her the truth.
He just hoped he was convincing.
* * *
A couple hours later,Mack was fastening the white picket fence behind him and Winnie when he was enveloped in a hug.
“If it isn’t my long-lost nephew,” his aunt said against his shoulder.
Mack twisted in his aunt’s embrace and hugged her back. “It’s only been six months, Aunt Jenny.”
“My point, exactly.” Jenny let go and gave Winnie a curious smile. “Who do we have here?”
“This is Mrs. Winnifred West, thePost’sfirst female reporter.” He had to pause, as Winnie’s glowing smile took his breath away. Gathering his wits, he continued, “She’s here to report on the suffrage convention. Unfortunately, we had some trouble arriving and the hotel gave away her room. I assumed you wouldn’t mind if I offered your guest room—”
“Of course not,” Jenny interrupted. “I’m honored to host the first person my nephew has brought to town.” Heat creeped up his neck, but his aunt ignored him. “Pleased to meet you, dear. I’m Jenny Donnelly. Will your husband be staying with us as well?”
Winnie’s mouth opened and closed. “No, ma’am. I was widowed two years past.”
“Jesus, Aunt Jenny,” Mack muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.
She shrugged. “Just checking. Where are you off to?”
“I was invited to the Bartlett home for a suffrage dinner,” Winnie said. “Your nephew offered to show me the way.”
“Wonderful, I’m expected there as well. Now I don’t have to learn your life story on the sidewalk.”
Winnie laughed weakly and Mack mouthedI’m sorrybehind his aunt’s back.
“Mack, honey, will you run inside and switch out my shawls? I want to wear my purple and gold one tonight, for obvious reasons.”
“Of course.” He took the shawl and gave his aunt a warning look. “Be gentle on her, Aunt Jenny.”
She shooed him toward the house. By the time he found the indicated shawl and returned outside, she and Winnie were talking like they’d known each other for years.
“Winnie just gave me the abbreviated version of your journey here,” his aunt told him. “You poor things! I’ll have to pamper you both to make up for all that bad luck.”
“It has been more than I bargained for,” Winnie said. “But as I told Mack, I can’t complain when it’s just the type of adventure I’ve always longed for.”
“She’s being modest,” Mack said. “Did she tell you how she single-handedly got me through a terrible bout of seasickness?”
Aunt Jenny’s gaze moved back and forth between the two of them. “Now I understand why you sent the telegram. What am I sick with this time? Gout?”
“What telegram? Are you ill?” Winnie asked.
Mack’s face hadn’t been this hot since his school days. “I have no idea what she’s talking about.”
Aunt Jenny looked gleeful, but she gave Winnie an apologetic shrug. “I’m fine, dear, but I’m afraid I’ve embarrassed my nephew. I shall do my auntly duty and not push him beyond his limits.”
“Oh, please do.”
“Alas, we’ve got a dinner party to attend.” She winked at Mack and led the way down the street.
Soon they arrived at the Bartlett house. Mack waited for the hostess to open the door before intending to take his leave.
