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He tipped his head back and laughed. “I thought you were happy to see me.”
I enjoyed his unbridled show of joy. It wasn’t usual, but I wanted to see it more often. “I was.”
“It’s almost like we were made for each other,” Jake said, his expression soft.
We did seem to be attracted to what made us different from each other. “Like opposites attract for a reason.”
Jake nodded. “You make me see life differently, and hopefully, I do the same for you.”
He’d taught me not to be so closed off, to deal with my grief and business head-on, which was ironic, considering how shut down he could be at times.
“You want help with putting these up?” Jake asked.
“That would be amazing. I’m not too handy with a hammer.”
“I got you.” He gathered them in a pile and stood to leave. “You want to tell me where these go?”
“Sure.” I followed him to the barn, pausing for him to grab tools from his truck.
I loved having the help of my friends today, but it was even better having Jake here. The crazy part was, I could see him coming home to me every night, clearing out the house and making it ours. Possibly even raising kids here. Maybe even getting some animals for our kids to take care of. A couple of goats. Growing old. Rocking on the porch and watching the sunset. I was getting ahead of myself, though.
Placing the frames on the floor, I told him exactly where I wanted each picture. I’d discussed it with Gia first, and she’d drawn a diagram for where things could go so that if a bride wanted them to be removed, we could easily replace it with alternate decorations.
Watching him work, holding the nail between two fingers with his eyes narrowed in concentration, I knew Jake was good for me now. I just wasn’t sure if he had staying power. Would he run at the first sign of trouble, or would he stick by my side? Only time would tell.
We finished hanging the pictures, ate cold pizza on the kitchen counter, and then went upstairs to start a fire in the master’s hearth. Even though I spent most of the day directing people, I was exhausted, and my muscles were sore.
Jake rested his back against the pillows. “We didn’t get through many boxes.”
I climbed in next to him, curling my knees underneath me. “That’s okay. We cleared out the garage, got the photographs hung, and cleared the property for the landscapers to do their job.”
He wrapped an arm around my shoulder. “We did get a lot done today.”
“Thank you for helping. You closed the shop for the day.” It was a big deal for Jake to do something like that.
“You needed the help. And you heard everyone, we help each other. Our businesses support each other. If they fail, then we won’t survive either.”
“I suppose that’s true, but it’s more than that.”
“I wanted to be there for you. I want you to be able to count on me. I know you don’t have many close friends, and your family isn’t supportive. But I’ve got you.”
I nestled into his chest, breathing in his scent and savoring his strong arm around me. “I have your back too, you know.”
“Do you, now?” he asked, his lips twitching.
“Yeah, if you need some help with moving furniture, or some bouquets of flowers, I’m your girl.”
“Mmm. I might take you up on the flowers, but I can handle the furniture.”
“Good. That’s not really my area of expertise.” It didn’t escape my notice that Jake was more relaxed than when we first met. I had mellowed him.
He clicked on the TV, which was mounted above the mantel, and we settled in to watch a movie. It was the perfect end to a productive day. I felt more content and happier than I had in ages. I had people who supported me, friends, and Jake. I wanted him to be my future. I just hoped he could see it and didn’t run away from it.
He pulled a throw from the end of the bed over us, and we snuggled in to watch the action movie. With my cheek resting on his shoulder, I didn’t care what we watched. I was content to rest on his hard body, reveling in his warmth. His fingers played with the strands of my hair, and, as usual, it lulled me to sleep.
Seventeen
LILY
