a long day. Her thigh hurt from all the walking and the high heels she had bought to go with the new dress.
Jack and Caleb stood in the driveway, the cars’ engines revving, and talked about their new toys. The lights from the porch spilled down to them. Jenna stood, leaning against the post, watching, enjoying seeing their bond and appreciation of the cars.
“Boys with toys.” She smiled from the top step. “You guys look happy.”
“What’s not to be happy about? These are the coolest cars ever,” Caleb said with the exuberance of a teen with his very own custom hot rod.
“You owe me a ride, Jack.”
“Honey, I aim to give you the ride of your life as soon as this one goes home to his wife.” Jack gave her a wicked grin and closed the hood of his car.
Jenna laughed and smiled. “You have a one-track mind.” When was the last time she felt this light?
“Honey, my mind hasn’t been off you since I saw you in the diner.”
“I got the hint. I’m going.” Caleb closed the hood of his car, still purring like a really big kitten. He walked over to Jenna as she came down the porch steps to the gravel drive. He wrapped his arms around her, careful of her healing back, and she wrapped hers around him. So easy to do now that she’d opened herself to him, the whole family.
He bent and whispered into her ear, “Thank you. Thank you for what you gave to my wife, my children, and me. I’ll never be able to repay you. If you ever need me, I’ll be there for you, no matter what. You can count on me. You’re an angel, an absolute angel.”
“Get your hands off my woman. You have one of your own at home.”
Jack watched his brother-in-law with Jenna. They’d created a close bond, the same as with his sister. She didn’t shy away from him when he embraced her; instead she held him and drew on his strength. Caleb would be like a big brother to her. He would protect her.
Caleb drew Jenna away just enough to look into her eyes. He put his hand to her cheek, his other arm still wrapped around her. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Caleb. You’re a good man.”
“You make me want to be a better one.”
“I just want you and your family to have a happy life.”
“We will, thanks in part to you and Jack. You’re part of that family now, too. Don’t ever forget that.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me. You’re a wonderful person. The best I’ve ever met.” He kissed her cheek and released her, turning back toward Jack.
“I already punched you for kissing my sister. I guess I have to punch you for kissing her now, too,” Jack teased. Caleb didn’t rise to the bait.
“You hurt her, and I’ll be the one throwing the punches.” He smiled back at Jack, then walked over and gave him a big bear hug. “Thanks for what you did for me, Summer, and the kids. It means everything to us. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He smacked Jack on the back before getting into his car. Caleb revved the engine, beamed them an excited smile, and took off like a rocket toward home.
“You going to hurt me, Jack?”
“Not if I can help it. I’ll spend the rest of my life and yours trying to make you happy. How’s that sound?”
“Like heaven. Take me for a ride.”
He raised his eyebrow and grinned, but decided to give her a break. He’d hold off on trying to get her into his bed. She knew that’s where he wanted her. Besides, she looked tired and rough around the edges.
“Hop in. I’ll show you one of my favorite spots.”
Jack took her five miles down the main road, taking a right down a dirt road through the lush trees. They came to a meadow, and beyond, a lake. Jack pulled the Camaro through the meadow and backed up to the shore. He helped Jenna out of the car and they sat on the back of the trunk with their backs to the window. Jack had his arm under Jenna’s head, her body pressed against his side. They stared up at the stars and the full moon. A beautiful clear night, crickets chirped in the distance and an owl hooted from the nearby trees.
“It’s so peaceful here. This is beautiful. Where are we? Your own personal make-out spot?”
He smiled down at her and kissed her softly. “Not exactly.