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“You talking about me?” Coop said. “No way. I have a job.”
“You also have a family.”
“I could see what my schedule is like,” Peter said. “Assuming you’d like to have an Aussie pointing out American stars.”
“Really?”
“I admire your initiative, and think it’d be fun to be with other star buffs. I find I sometimes need an excuse to get out of the Bible school bubble and mix with real people.”
“Happy to oblige, sir. Of course, this is all dependent on how things go at the bank.”
“Well, you have my number. If I can help at all, let me know. And I meant what I said before. If you need some willing workers to get those bunkhouses painted, I’ll have students looking to volunteer for those kinds of jobs as part of the community component of their course. If you’re interested, let me know as soon as possible so I can set that up.”
“I’ll say yes, then. Thank you, sir.”
They set a time, then Lexi’s parents rose, thanked them for the evening, and moved back to the house just as Lexi came out.
“Oh, I’m glad I didn’t miss saying goodbye.”
“Is Mom okay?” he asked.
“She’s fine. Just took a little while to settle, probably because she’s not used to all this excitement.”
“None of us are,” Jackson said.
Her gaze slid to her parents, and the next minute was spent in hugs and goodbyes and thanks, things that made him long for such open affection.
Peter Franklin held out his hand and Jackson shook it. “Thanks again, sir. You’ve really been generous.”
“You reap what you sow, Jackson.” He tilted his head to his daughter. “Just take care there, okay?”
“Absolutely, sir. Always.”
Peter eyed him a long moment then nodded, and Jackson’s heart expanded like a hot air balloon.
He stood on the porch, lifting a hand in farewell as Lexi waved goodbye.
“Thanks so much,” she said, her eyes shining. “It was great to be able to show them where I live.” She seemed to catch herself saying that. “I mean, where you live, and—”
“I know what you mean.” The fact she thought of his place as hers strummed a joyful banjo sound in his heart more powerful than anything in a famous country song.
He reached down, grasped her hand in his. “Want to watch the stars with me?”
He heard her breath catch, and she glanced at their hands, before her gaze slowly trickled back up to his again. “I’m not sure.”
“They’re really beautiful tonight.”
“But your mum—”
“Is asleep, right?”
She nodded, and wet her bottom lip, and he once again felt that urge to press his mouth to hers. Good thing the others had been witnessing their dance before, otherwise he would’ve tried it then.
“Come on.”
He locked the front door and led her through the quiet house, and back outside. They found his younger brother and sister near the remains from dessert, their words quiet as the flames crackled in a steel drum Jackson had repurposed as a fire pit. Not fancy, not finished, like him.
Lexi let go of his fingers and settled into a deckchair next to Ellie. He dragged one to Lexi’s other side, close enough to hold her hand if she got over being shy. Because after their dance, it was obvious to all that their attraction was mutual. And yeah, maybe he didn’t have all the answers, but the night felt full of possibilities.
