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“Good deal.”
“How’s work going?” Rhenn asks Jensen.
“Busier than shit,” Jensen comments with the shake of his head. “I was considering adding another employee for summer help, but after the call I had Friday, I’m thinking I might need some permanent help quickly.”
“What does that mean?”
“Someone bought the Elliott house,” he says, his posture suddenly ramrod straight, his body radiating tension. If memory serves me correctly, I think I know why.
“They did?” Marissa asks, watching her brother’s reaction closely.
Jensen shrugs. “It’s a job.”
“Do you know who?”
He shakes his head.
“It’s sat empty for several years. I don’t think they kept up with the landscaping, right? That’s going to be a big job,” Marissa says, not telling her brother what he doesn’t already know.
“It is, but I’m ready. If I get it, I’ll have to take on another employee. I’ve been doing too much lately because I haven’t wanted to take someone on this late in the season. I might have to now,” he says. “I meet with the lawyer of the new owner next month. If I get the job, I’ll start right away. It’s going to take a lot of work to get it ready for whoever bought a million dollar home.”
Rhenn whistles. “That’s a pretty big chunk of change. Are you talking about that big house across town by the waterfall?”
“Yeah,” Marissa says, keeping one eye on her brother.
If memory serves me correctly, Jensen dated the Elliotts’ only daughter, Kathryn. She came from money – a lot of it – and he, well, didn’t. When I left for the military, they were dating and planning a future, even though they were both in high school. I remember hearing the Elliotts left town, but I don’t recall the circumstances. Considering Jensen married someone else from school and had a son, I’d say the forever Jensen and Kathryn had planned didn’t work out so well.
“Well, I’m updating some electrical wiring and installing all new kitchen lighting first of August. I’m happy to not have to drive too far for a bit,” Rhenn says, pulling Marissa into his arms.
“Aren’t you coming from Harriston?” Jensen asks.
Rhenn and Marissa share a look. “Actually, Rhenn is moving in with me.”
Jensen watches his baby sister for a few long, tense seconds before pulling her into a hug. “I’m happy for you two.” Jensen kisses his sister’s forehead and reaches for Rhenn’s hand.
“What am I missing?” Harper asks her siblings, clearly noticing the exchange from across the yard. She slides in beside me, standing nice and close. I can smell her sexy perfume and a hint of jasmine from her shampoo.
“I’m shacking up with your sister,” Rhenn says, throwing his arm over Marissa’s shoulder. They both wear matching smiles.
Harper rolls her eyes. “Duh, Cowboy. You’ve been shacking up unofficially for weeks. ‘Bout time you made it official,” she says, giving a pointed look to her sister’s boyfriend.
“Yeah, yeah,” he teases, goodheartedly, throwing her a smile.
“Hey, guys!” Freedom says as she comes around the corner, carrying a bundle of balloons and a wrapped package.
“Hey!” everyone replies as Harper’s best friend comes over to our group.
“What’s that?” Harper asks, trying hard not to smile.
“Something special for the birthday boy!” Free hollers, loud enough to draw attention from most of the party.
“Oh, he’s going to kill you,” Jensen says with a chuckle.
“He loves me,” Free says with an evil grin and a wink.
“Who’s birthday?” Aunt Emma shouts from across the yard.
“Sammy’s!” Free yells, making a beeline toward the oldest Grayson. Samuel, of course, turns and tries to bolt for the kitchen.
