AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It's also a pain in the ass to get rid of and would prevent them from working the ranch for a good year. So, they reluctantly passed on that ranch. I know it was hard for them because ranches in this area don't go up for sale often, especially not at the lower price point they are looking at.
After dinner, Evan and I go for a walk along the edge of the lake. They bought a beautiful house right on the lake when they moved here, and one of our favorite things to do is talk and enjoy the beauty.
I'm drawn to the way the moonlight bounces off the water and the way the cool breeze feels on my skin. When I glance over at Evan, he appears content and relaxed. He's found his happiness, and I immediately squash my envy at his happiness. I want that, too.
"Are you okay, Josh?" Evan asks, breaking me out of my thoughts.
Shaking my head, I force a smile.
"Yeah, just a lot going on. I have a new horse being delivered tomorrow and was making sure I have everything in order." It's not a complete lie. I do have a horse being delivered. Only it is just the furthest thing from my mind. As always, Jenna was front and center. What would she look like in the moonlight? What would it be like to be walking with her along the lake instead of Evan?
Pushing those thoughts aside, I focus on my friend. He deserves my full attention.
"Janet and I have a favor to ask of you, and we know it's a big one," Evan says after we are away from the house.
"What's that?" I ask since he now has my attention, and my curiosity spiked.
"While you are talking to Jenna and going on the rides, will you see if you can encourage her to submit her books to publishers? We know she is done or almost finished with it. We've heard her talking about it with her friends. Why she seems so hesitant to submit it, we’re not aren't sure why."
Ever since she graduated from college, Jenna has been writing a book. It's been her dream, and her parents have supported it, which is why she's been living with them while she learns and writes. At the same time, she's been working at the diner to meet people and get ideas on character building. At least, that’s what she tells us.
Personally, I think she took the job because she wanted to get out of the house and earn some money herself. Not that she needs it. Evan was really good at what he did and investing in the stock market. They don't ever have to worry about money, and they've been taking care of Jenna.
I know they're really proud of their boys too, who are insistent on saving the money and buying the ranch without their parents' help. Of course, that means it's going to take them longer to get going and up on their feet.
"Yeah, I'll talk to her. My guess is there's something holding her back," I say.
I don't like the idea that fear could be stopping her from achieving something that she's been working so hard for. This is something she really wants, and I will do anything and move oceans to make it happen for her.
"I don't know if she's just scared to submit the book or if it's the fear of the unknown. But maybe she'll open up to you, as you two always seem to have a special bond," Evan says.
At his words, instantly guilt hits me. I was always Uncle Josh growing up, but as she hit those adult years, she stopped calling me Uncle Josh, and it became just Josh. Our relationship has definitely changed. What we discuss is much more adult, and I definitely don't see her as the little girl she used to be.
When we talk, the conversation flows better than any date I've ever been on in my life. Even though we have known each other for so long, there isn't ever a lack of things to discuss.
"I'll feel her out. It will come up anyway because we haven't talked in a while. I’ve been busy with the ranch, and we haven’t seen each other much this summer." Though in reality, I've just been avoiding her.
It's easier to spend time with her when it's cold out, and she's all bundled up. However, on the chance of running into her in another bikini, I stay away in the summer. With the exception of events like the July 4th festival and Sunday night dinners where I make it a point that we aren't alone together.
"Well, I should head home and get ready for tomorrow," I say. In reality, if I go back inside, I'll be drawn to Jenna, and who knows where that could lead.
We say goodbye, and I leave. My best friend was none the wiser about the completely inappropriate thoughts I'd been having of his daughter all night.
Chapter 2
Jenna
I'mgoingtotheJuly 4th festival from my friend Sky's house. She and her husband Dash are coming later to get a taste of some of the food offerings. We had breakfast together so we could catch up since it had been a few weeks. Summer is a busy time of year for any cowboy, and it's no different for their ranch. Any time we can fit it in, we get together. Today, it was brunch.
I'm halfway into town when my mom calls.
"Hey, Mom, what's up?" I expect her to tell me that she's going to be delayed since I'm supposed to be meeting her, Dad, and Josh there in about thirty minutes.
"Remember that ranch Asher was telling us about the other night at dinner?" Mom asks.
"Yeah, the one that's kind of run-down?"
"Yes, well, he finally got them to agree to a ranch tour, but only if we go now. So, your dad and I are going to meet them out there, and we won't be back until later this evening. We want you to still go to the July 4th festival with Josh so that he gets out of the house. You know he doesn't get out much, and your dad worries about him," Mom says.
