“What do you mean you’re giving us the land that is ours? The ranch belongs to you, Jack. You bought it from Mom and Dad when they decided to go off and see the world. You run the ranch, with Caleb’s help, of course, but the ranch is yours.”
“The ranch is mine, free and clear now, it appears. So I can do with it as I please. I’m giving you the house and the land it’s on. You and your children for generations will have your home. Caleb will bring home every cent of his salary. No more payments. Jenna gave me a gift, now I’m giving you a gift.”
“Oh my God, Jack.” Summer’s tears streamed down her cheeks.
“That’s more than generous. We’d be happy to continue paying for the house. You don’t have to do this,” Caleb said, stunned.
“You’re my best friend, and she’s my sister. Thanks to Jenna, I can give you something I would have liked to give you in the first place. She’s right, you know. What would you do if you had that much money? I’d make sure the ones I love had the things they needed and wanted. That’s the gift she’s given us.”
He reached out and touched Jenna’s cheek, brushing his fingers over her smooth skin. “You are the most amazing person I’ll ever know. I can see it isn’t the money for you. You did this because you love us. Without the money, you’d have shown us in another way.”
Uncomfortable talking about love when their relationship was so new, she went around the subject. “The money is just a bonus. It only provided the means for me to make sure you had the things you needed and wanted. You made that love grow even more when you transferred that kindness to your sister and Caleb. You didn’t have to give them their home, but you did. Kindness, Jack. You have it in spades.”
“I’m overwhelmed. You did all of this in a couple days. Amazing,” Summer said, wiping tears from her cheeks.
“Ben is an outstanding lawyer. I’ve also made him a rich man over the years. Time for him to really earn it. He worked like a dog getting this ready for me. Summer, I know you’re overwhelmed right now. I want you to take care of yourself. You said earlier that this was life changing, and it is, for all of you. There’s one other thing Jack just gave you, which you haven’t considered. Caleb’s salary will more than double now that you don’t have a mortgage payment. You can work only if you want to. You can stay home with Lily and . . .” She nodded to Summer’s belly. Lily still didn’t know about the baby. She didn’t want to spoil the surprise.
Summer glanced at Jack, who nodded at her, then she turned to her husband. He smiled, then kissed her softly. “It’s all we’ve ever dreamed.”
“How can we ever thank you, Jenna, Jack? You’ve truly changed our lives for the better. Summer and I won’t have to pinch pennies, she can stay home if she wants, and the kids will have all the money they need to go to college. It’s hard to believe all our worries are gone. Thanks just doesn’t seem enough.”
“Your friendship is thanks enough for me.” Jenna stood and hugged the two of them. Lily continued to play on the floor with her dolls, oblivious her life had changed, her bundle of flowers next to her.
“Jenna’s right, you’re my family. The six of us are a family, and hopefully,” he locked eyes with Jenna, “we’ll add to our family very soon.”
Jenna firmed her resolve to finish her business with her ex-husband. She’d never risk the lives of any of her and Jack’s children. Despite the fact things with Jack were so new, she thought of nothing but having Jack’s baby. Nothing would make her happier. She wanted to start that future, so ready to have a real life, a normal life. One free of David for good.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
* * *
THEY FINISHED THE evening off with cherry pie and vanilla bean ice cream. Jack opened a bottle of champagne to celebrate the good fortune Jenna had bestowed on them. Such a magical day, Jenna was feeling much better now that everything was out in the open.
Summer took Lily home to bed, but not before she cried and hugged Jenna, thanking her profusely for changing their lives. A little after eight, Jenna was already tired after such