“I’ll let you all get settled. See you tomorrow.” Claire gave Jake a long, lingering look, and silence drifted over the kitchen.
Jake lifted his ball cap, pushed his hand through his hair, and readjusted the cap. “’Night,” he finally said.
Claire studied him, and Emily was certain she felt tension expand between them. After a few moments, Claire said, “I guess I’ll walk myself out.” She waited a beat and then huffed out a breath. “Good night,” she said before marching out through the garage.
Diane sagged against the counter. “What a day.”
Leon shook his head but remained silent.
Emily got the feeling that the family wanted to be alone, and she pointed toward the hallway. “I’ll get up early and make breakfast. Good night.”
“Hang on a sec, Em,” Jake said quickly. “I’m going to help my dad to his room, and then I’ll be right back.”
She waited while Jake helped his father up to his feet and then through the doorway that led to their first-floor bedroom.
“Thanks for your help tonight,” Diane told Emily. “I’m going to make some chamomile tea. Would you like some?”
“No, thank you.”
Diane filled the kettle and turned on the burner. “You have a gift when it comes to Jake.”
“What do you mean?” Emily asked as surprise zipped through her.
Diane gave her a knowing smile. “You may not realize it, but your presence always seems to calm him down. I noticed it when you were kids, and it’s still true today.”
Emily was so stunned by the compliment that she couldn’t speak for a moment.
Footsteps sounded in the hallway, and Jake reappeared. “You need anything?” he asked his mother.
“No, thank you.” She sighed. “But it would be helpful if you could call your sister tomorrow. I don’t want to get her all upset tonight.”
“Good idea.” He hugged her. “It’s going to be okay.”
She touched his cheek. “Good night.”
As he walked toward Emily, Diane winked at her.
Well, that was unexpected.
Emily played it cool and waved. “See you in the morning.”
Jake took Emily’s arm and led her to the stairs, where he drooped against the wall. “What a day.”
She agreed but longed to rewind time back to his garage andexplore that almost kiss. But that was selfish. She should focus on Jake and his family, but sheneededto know where she stood in his heart. Her fingers fluttered to her mother’s rings on her necklace.
Jake’s blue eyes filled with concern. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” She considered their unfinished conversation while they sat on the bench at the ER. “You’re not really going to give up on the orchard celebration, are you?” she asked. “We’ve already wallpapered downtown with flyers, and the barn is done.”
He scrubbed his hands over his face.
“We’ve done the hard part. We can’t give up now.”
“You’re right.” He folded his arms over his wide chest. “I’m just worried about my folks.”
“You can check on them throughout the day. I’ll make sure everything is coming together.”
“Okay.” His expression softened. “I’m sorry about what happened at the ER.”
