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“Yes.” I spoon a generous bite into my mouth, setting the swing into motion with my feet. “He came because his father was in a serious car collision a month ago and it made him realize he wanted to see his kids.”
“Frequently?”
“No. He said he’ll send cards for birthdays and holidays but he’s not going to come around here.” I narrow my eyes as I watch a boat speed across the lake in the distance, turning my next words over in my mind a few times before saying them. “Sierra’s pregnant.”
My sister looks at me, but I only know because I can feel her gaze. “How does that make you feel?”
I shrug even though she’ll see through my façade. “She and I barely said more than a couple words to each other. What we had is in the past, and it’s going to stay there. Like Pete said, Jenna’s building a new life and so is he. His is with Sierra and their unborn child, and Jenna’s is with…” I trail off, because even though the feelings I have for Jenna are deep and fierce, it feels so sudden. So out of character for me to fall so hard and so fast after my track record.
And yes, I know it’s not, because this has been slowly building up over the past three years. I established that earlier. But sometimes my mind takes a little while to allow a concept to take root. Especially one I know will change my life forever, albeit for the better.
“Jenna’s is with…?” Jess prods.
I blow out a breath. “Hopefully it’s with me.”
“But you’re scared, because the last time you rushed into things with a woman, she tore your heart out, stomped on it, basically said eff you, and then left you there to die.”
“That’s a little harsh, but yeah.” I glance at her. “You’re starting to sound like Ember.”
Jess grins. “Yeah, well, I’m a Bryant now. And that means I inherited Ember as a sister. I’m trying to teach her how to cook in exchange for her helping us get the nursery ready.”
“Ah. So, I shouldn’t be alarmed if the fire department gets dispatched to the inn or your kitchen, then?”
“Nope. You can stay in your office with your feet on your desk and eat your cinnamon roll.”
I shift to pull my phone from the pocket of my shorts, then hold it out to her. “Would you put that in writing, please? It’ll be nice to have the written consent when the mayor asks why there wasn’t a police presence at a fire scene.”
“Uh, you could just send one of your guys.”
“They have better things to do with their time. Also, I have a few females on my team.”
“Oh, yes, of course. How terribly sexist of me.”
“I want to marry Jenna.”
The abrupt change in topics startles my sister as much as it does me, because Jess literally drops her ice cream. My first reaction is to laugh. My second is to get up, set my bowl on the table, and go inside to get some paper towels. I dampen a couple of them, then take them outside so she can clean up her shirt. My lips twitch with laughter the whole time, but I’m a very kind older brother, so I don’t let the laughter out.
If Marshall were here—he and Wynn had a late meeting at the office to prepare for a house reveal tomorrow—he’d no doubt wipe the ice cream up for his wife. But he would be laughing as he did. And my sister, because she loves her husband too much, would only manage to give him the stink eye for approximately three seconds before bursting out laughing herself. It would probably end with them kissing, because they’re one of those couples where the honeymoon will never be over.
Until the past couple weeks, I wouldn’t have thought I wanted that kind of relationship with someone. I wouldn’t have wanted it, period. I don’t think I can say I was fully content because I know I wasn’t, but that’s what I told myself.
But now… Now I know what it’s like to have what Marshall and Jess have. To have that person who you can laugh with. To be so consumed by the love you feel for someone that they’re your last thought before you fall asleep and your first thought upon waking. To know someone so well you can feel the emotions they’re feeling even if it’s unclear why they’re feeling them. To sneak kisses whenever you get the chance and try your hardest to make your person smile as often as you can because you love their smile. To load the silverware in the dishwasher a certain way or to wear ridiculous T-shirts that make no sense if you don’t see them together.
I want that.
And I want it with Jenna.
“So,” Jess says after she’s cleaned up her shirt and set the towels on the table, “you want to marry Jenna. Have you guys even established that you’re in a relationship?
“If sayingI love youcounts, then yes.”
She lets out a low whistle. “Holy crap. You’relegitin love with Jenna. Aren’t you?”
The nod I give is one of the scariest nods I’ve ever given in my life.
“Have you discussed marriage?”
I can’t help but laugh. “We’ve been together for a week.” I lean forward and set my empty ice cream bowl on the table beside the paper towels. “No. We haven’t discussed marriage. A week ago, I wouldn’t kiss her because I wanted to take things slow.”
