for five whole minutes when I told her we’d be coming. I thought for sure she would pass out from lack of oxygen.”
Kat’s hands relaxed in her lap, comforted by the thought of finally meeting Jack’s sister. The woman sounded as warm and kindhearted as Jack, and she had a feeling they’d be fast friends. At least, she hoped they would be.
“Jack…” She hesitated, wanting to tread carefully. “Do you think it would be helpful if I knew what happened between you and your father? I wonder if having some context or background would help me interpret the dynamics between the two of you.”
He shifted his grip on the steering wheel, contemplating her question. When they reached the end of State Street, he turned right onto a wide, scenic road. The large, luxurious homes on either side seemed to increase in grandeur as they rumbled past.
“I want to tell you everything,” Jack said, sounding sincere. “But we’re almost there. For now, let’s just say my father used his wealth and connections to influence my life in a less than positive way. And he knew exactly what he was doing.”
Kat nodded, her chest aching on his behalf. While her emotions toward her mother were complicated—and Helena had caused her enough pain to last two lifetimes—her wounds were indirect consequences of her mother’s vices, not intentionally inflicted as Jack’s had been. Not that the knowledge made it any easier to forgive her.
“I’m sorry,” she murmured, subconsciously resting her hand on the bench seat between them.
She hadn’t realized she’d done so until he reached for her, entwining their fingers as he steered with one hand. He paired a gentle squeeze with another smile that made her heart flutter. “I know I’ve said this before, but I really appreciate you being here.” He looked like he was about to say more, but they’d arrived at their destination. Releasing her hand, he put his truck in park.
A pang of disappointment rippled through her, but when she glanced up, her shock took over.
The palatial Georgian-style mansion seemed to stretch on forever, ending in a carriage house that had been modified into a massive garage that could easily fit a fleet of fancy cars.
A department-store-worthy tree stood in the center of the circular driveway and a coordinating wreath hung on each window and door, of which there were several. Every light in the home appeared to be switched on, and coupled with the lampposts lining the drive, the entire house glowed against the backdrop of the wintry night sky.
No sooner than he’d flicked off the headlights, the front door swung open and a young woman emerged in full Victorian garb. Her pristine updo—glossy, period-appropriate ringlets that framed her pretty face—threatened to come loose as she skipped down the stone steps and raced across the gravel drive.
“That’s Lucy,” Jack chuckled as he hopped out of the driver’s seat. “Get ready to be hugged.”
Kat watched, unable to hide a smile as Lucy tackled Jack in a bone-crushing hug, rumpling her elegant dress in the process.
“Easy,” Jack gasped. “I won’t be able to sing if you collapse my lungs.”
“Good,” she giggled. “Then Liam will owe me one. He’s always complaining you sing over him, since you’re the only two baritones in the family.” Noticing Kat, Lucy beamed in her direction. “You must be Kat, who I’ve heard so much about.”
Without hesitation, Lucy gathered Kat in a welcoming hug, thankfully using less force than she had on her brother. “I’m so glad you could come. Mom and I are sorely outnumbered by the boys. And Jack said you have the voice of an angel.”
Kat flushed, stealing a glance at Jack. His complexion appeared particularly rosy, but she reasoned it could be from the cold.
He cleared his throat. “Are you going to invite us inside? Or should we freeze out here in the driveway?”
Rolling her eyes, Lucy tucked her arm through Kat’s, leading her toward the house. “I don’t know how you put up with my brother.”
“I think it’s his cooking,” Kat teased. “He makes the best flapjacks.”
Jack caught her eye and the look that passed between them set her cheeks ablaze.
And in that moment, she had a feeling the night would be nothing short of perfect.
When Lucy whisked Kat away after introductions to change into her caroling costume, Jack felt oddly exposed. Her presence had provided a buffer, and now, standing in the middle of the opulent sitting room, his collar dug into his throat. He tugged, but it hardly budged.
“She’s