where Piper and I are headed. I love her,” Bobby laughed, not able to contain his happiness. He had thought for years that he was in love with Jules, but now, in contrast to how he felt about Piper, he realized his affection for Jules was one of family.
“What? Man, that’s fantastic,” Michael shouted. “Just be careful, Piper is like a bird, you don’t want to spook her. She’s always ready to fly away. I think if anyone can figure out how to love her, it’s you.” Bobby put his hand out expecting Michael’s firm grip but instead Michael pulled him in for a hug. “I’ll meet you at Betty’s.”
Chapter Twenty-five
As Bobby drove his truck up Betty’s long dirt driveway he tried to make this night about the victory they had all achieved. He tried to direct his mind to the joy and relief Jules would feel or the vindication Betty would experience. Instead all he could think about was Piper. She brought him to this place in his life, this crazy moment he never imagined he’d experience. He tried to force himself to think of Stan tonight, but instead the thought of holding Piper superseded everything.
Every lamp in the house was on, like a lighthouse calling the men home. Bobby waited a moment while Michael pulled in, and they exchanged a knowing look as they stepped onto the driveway. They knew they were about to be greeted with a whirlwind of questions and commotion. They both took a deep breath as the porch door swung open and Jules came sprinting out.
Bobby felt a pang of sadness when he saw only Jules running toward them. For the first time, she wasn’t the person he was hoping to hold. Judging by the familiar but quick hug he shared with her, it was clear she was thinking the same thing. He had hoped to be embracing Piper by now, and she couldn't get to Michael fast enough.
Jules moved past Bobby and, staring up into Michaels green eyes, she asked, “It’s good news, isn’t it?” She held her hands over her heart, protecting it.
“It’s great news,” Michael said, laughing as Jules jumped up toward him, throwing her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. Bobby was relieved to see Betty coming toward him, a good distraction from the passionate kissing he could see out of his peripheral vision.
Betty put her warm hands on Bobby’s cold cheeks and smiled. “Well done, son. He’d be so very proud of you.” She patted his cheeks and looked away before the tears gathering in her eyes spilled over. “For the love of Pete, Julie Marie, dismount that man before you hurt him. Act like you got raised right.” Jules rolled her eyes and slid her way down Michael. “Plus I want to hug him,” Betty said opening her arms wide to Michael.
Bobby could do nothing but stare at the screen door as Piper’s shadow appeared behind it. He wondered why she wasn’t racing down to him. Was she angry? Hurt?
“That girl is crazy about you, Bobby,” Jules whispered from behind him. “She’s a hard nut to crack, but she’s got eyes for you something fierce. Whatever you do, don’t blow it.”
“I’m wondering if I already have,” he said quietly, his heart aching for her to join them. Feeling out of options, he waved at her awkwardly, and could see the brightness of her smile against the darkness of the night. The weight on his chest finally floated away.
“Let’s all get up in the house and have something warm to drink. I’m sure you’ve got lots to tell us, and it’s colder than a cast iron commode out here.” Betty shooed them all toward the porch as Piper opened the door. She patted Michael on the shoulder as he passed by and attempted to do the same to Bobby. He caught her hand before she could, and pulled her out onto the porch, letting the door shut noisily behind her. He didn’t care if that drew the attention of everyone who was now inside—he wanted this moment.
“I’ve got a lot to say to you, Piper.” He pushed the loose hair off her face, tucking it behind her ear, and lowered himself slightly to meet her eyes.
Piper was trying desperately to play it cool. “You’ve got an anxious crowd in there waiting for details. I’ll be here when it’s all over. We’ll get a chance to talk.” She hadn’t expected how overwhelmed she’d be at the