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Shock played on his mom’s face. “Jo Stewart?”
“That’s me.”
“Are you the writer?” Jack’s mom asked.
Nodding, Jo smiled. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Do you know each other?” asked Serenity.
A sheepish grin played on Jo’s lips. “Uh, actually, I grew up here. This is my hometown.”
“Oh, my goodness. That’s so serendipitous.”
Ralph motioned to the chair across from Serenity. “Have a seat, Jo.”
Jack pulled the chair out and held it for her. Suddenly, he was excited someone was doing a write-up about his brother’s impending nuptials. “You didn’t know Ethan was engaged to Serenity?” he asked as he waited for her to sit.
Shaking her head, she sat and replied, “Actually, I like to go into interviews blind, and I’ve been so busy I don’t really keep up with what’s going on in Hollywood.” She grimaced and looked at Serenity. “I’m sorry.”
“Oh, no, that’s okay. I’m just glad you were available.” She hugged Ethan’s arm. “Jo is the best writer at Eternal Vows. I’ve read everything she’s written. Her stories are always so full of heart and depth. It’s like she’s the bride’s best friend.”
Their mom looked at Jo. “Wow, that’s a ringing endorsement if I’ve ever heard one.”
Soft pink blanketed Jo’s cheeks. Jack took note of the humility. A trait he’d found lacking in most of his dates. “I should have put it together before now that you were the writer Serenity was talking about.”
Jo laughed it off. “It’s okay. It’s not like I broadcasted it.”
“I bet your grandma was tickled pink to see you. It’s been how many years since you’ve been back?” asked his mom.
“About six years.”
“You were dating Craig Martin, if I recall.” Jack’s mom smiled as she offered Jo a roll.
It was slight, but Jack caught the downturn of Jo’s lips. Her gaze dipped to the table. “Yeah, I was. We broke up a few months ago.”
His mom sighed. “Oh, I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. We wanted different things.” She cleared her throat and murmured under her breath, “He wanted a different woman, apparently.”
“What?” Jack asked.
“Oh, nothing.” She glanced at him and then looked at Serenity. “So, I thought I’d go over my process if that’s okay.”
“That’s perfect.” Serenity grinned.
Until now, Jack hadn’t been interested in anything wedding-related, but now, he was all ears. Maybe Jo would slip a few details about herself in there. It was certainly worth hanging around to see if she did.
CHAPTER 3
Jo
Warm Texas nights. An infinite dark sky glittering with stars. With the soft breeze, crickets chirping in the background, and a little sweet tea, there was no better way to spend an evening.
New York was bright and alive and bustling. There was always something to do. When she’d arrived some ten years ago right out of high school, she’d instantly fallen in love.
Sitting on the Turner’s front porch, she was reminded of what she left behind and it suddenly hit her that she’d missed her home. Her mom had tainted her memories of the place, but there really was nothing else like it anywhere in the world.
The swing Ethan and Serenity occupied gave a small groan as they took a seat, and he pushed it into motion with his foot.
