by Lucinda Race
Softly she said, “We can’t change the past. We have to own it and move forward.”
He bent his head so their lips met. “I want to change our future, Peyton. Give me another chance. I promise I won’t break your heart a second time.”
She looked into his eyes. “We aren’t the same people this time, Jack.”
“I know. I hope you’ll see I’m a better man.” He kissed her tenderly and with her return kiss, he decided to take that as her answer for now.
12
In the early morning hour, Peyton lingered in Owen’s bedroom doorway, watching her little guy sleep. His arm had been flung across his Spider-Man pillowcase, his legs askew on top of the covers. She noticed the room was cool from the open windows, but she suppressed the urge to pull the blankets over him. He was always a hot sleeper.
Talking about the assault with Jack hadn’t brought back the nightmares as she had feared; she actually felt lighter than she could remember. Last night had been good for her in many ways and when he kissed her, the thrill that raced through her veins had only happened once before, when she had loved him so long ago.
She walked into the kitchen and leaned against the pale-blue tile kitchen counter as the intoxicating scent of coffee wafted through the room.
Peyton traced the outline of her lips with her fingers. Should the dormant feelings she had for Jack, which she had done her best to bury, stay that way? It hadn’t been easy when they ended their relationship. Was it wrong for her to let this budding relationship continue? What if she did and it withered on the vine like an under-ripe grape and they hurt each other again—or worse, Owen?
The sputtering sound from the coffeemaker indicated it was time for her first cup of the day. Just as she finished pouring, her mom wandered into the kitchen wearing a pale-lilac bathrobe, her dark curls perfectly arranged.
Peyton handed her a full mug. Mom opened the refrigerator, added a splash of cream, and handed the carton to Peyton. She added cream to her mug, took a sip and then smiled over the rim. Mom’s hazel eyes sparkled as she sat down. Without saying good morning, she said, “Tell me all about last night. Where did Jack take you and what did you do after dinner?”
Peyton sat down. She propped her elbows on the table, mug between her hands, and took her first sip, making her mother wait while she gathered her thoughts. “It was romantic and intense and one of the best nights I’ve had since we dated the first time.” She closed her eyes and sighed.
“Does this mean you’ll be going out with him again?”
“I don’t know. Maybe. I need to really think about what’s best for me and Owen.” Peyton let the words dangle in the air for a moment, knowing Mom would continue to pepper her with questions if she didn’t keep talking. “We went to La Fontaine’s. The food was amazing.”
Mom scooted her chair closer to the table. “Now, that is very romantic and fancy.”
“After dinner, we went for a drive out to the lake, and then he took me to his new house for the grand tour.”
“That sounds very nice.” She laid a hand over her heart. “How was it at the lake? Difficult?”
Peyton tipped her head from side to side. “Not too bad. My therapist and I have talked a lot about it, going out there at night. I think I finally found closure.” She softly slapped her hand on the table. “But his house…man, is it amazing. He bought the Simmons place. I’d love to have a house like that someday. He’s going to fix it up and flip it, but I’m not so sure he’ll be able to. Even though the house needs a ton of work, he bought it with ten acres of land. Everything outside needs attention—the yard, the porch, and back deck.”
“And what happened after the tour?” Mom’s eyes gleamed over the rim of her coffee.
Peyton toyed with her mug and looked out the window. “He has a firepit in the backyard and we sat out there for a while, listening to music and talking about old times. It was relaxing and I would say a very successful first date.”
“Pey, it’s hardly the first date. You have been down this road before with Jack. And I know the last time, he broke your heart.”
“In all fairness, we were too young to be that serious. Besides, I didn’t say I was going to run out and get married tomorrow. It felt awesome to get dressed up and go out to dinner with a very handsome man who I happen to like, a lot.”
“What’s next? If he asks you out again today, will you go?”
“It’s still one tiny step at a time, but if he asks, yes. I’ll definitely accept.” She glanced over her shoulder toward the hallway. She made sure her sweet boy wasn’t coming into the kitchen before saying, “What should I tell Owen? Last night, he asked if Jack was going to be his daddy because the other kids in school all have dads.”
Mom gave her a sympathetic nod. “How did you answer him?”
“I told him Jack and I were very good friends, and it seemed to pacify him for the moment. But it won’t be the last time he brings up the subject.”
“Did you happen to mention that to Jack?”
“You’re kidding, right? That sounds like I’m looking for a father for Owen.”
“Your son’s best friends are Jack’s nephews and they all hang out together, and Owen definitely has a case of hero worship. The last time you came back from Kate and Don’s, all he could talk about was Jack playing catch with him and the boys. It might come up, and out of fairness to everyone, maybe you should tell him.”
Peyton groaned. “I know. I like that he has a man other than Dad to look up to. Maybe he doesn’t think of Jack any differently than he does Don.”
Mom’s eyebrow arched. “Owen knows Don is your boss. They’re brothers but that doesn’t mean Owen sees them in the same way. Owen spends a lot more time with Jack. He’s even talked about going fishing again.”
“I heard them mention something about fishing, but I wasn’t really paying attention and we didn’t talk about it.”
“Owen told us all about it last night. He even asked if we’d come too.”
Peyton set her cup down. “You’re right. I need to talk to Jack.”
“You and I both know he wouldn’t have mentioned anything to Owen about fishing if he didn’t want to spend more time with him.” Mom finished the last of her coffee. “As much as Jack is interested in you, I know he genuinely likes Owen.”
Peyton let the idea roll around her brain. “He does make an effort to talk to Owen. You know, really talk to him, ask questions, and focus on his answers.”
Mom nodded. “He’s a great kid.”
Peyton couldn’t contain her grin. “Of course he is.”
“Mom?”
She got up from her chair as Owen stumbled into the kitchen. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he asked, “Did you and Jack talk about our next date?”
Mom hid a smile behind her hand.
Peyton wasn’t surprised that was his first question and then realized they hadn’t made plans to take Owen on the boat. She fibbed, “Jack wanted to check on the grapes to make sure he didn’t have to work before we firmed things up.”
His face scrunched up as if confused. “What’s wrong with the grapes?”
“You remember Jack is in charge of all the vines at work. And we’ll be harvesting them in the fall. He needs to make sure they’re on schedule.”
She looked between Mom and Owen. Could her explanation get any worse?
Owen opened his mouth to ask another question, but she said, “You must be hungry. How about I whip up some pancakes for us?”
His face brightened. “With blueberries?”
She ruffled his hair and turned him to the door. “Absolutely. Now go wake up Grampy and let him know we’re having panny-cakes for breakfast and we still need to get you to school on time.”
He ran off down the hall and Peyton sank into the chair. “See what I mean? There aren’t any flies landing on that kid.”
“Then I would suggest you make plans with Jack today to alleviate any additional questions over dinner.”
/> “Since I just committed to cooking breakfast, I’d best get started.” She took Mom’s coffee mug from the table. “You’re on bacon duty.”
“The pancake mix is in the pantry.” Mom laughed and pushed her chair back across the tile floor. “And when are you going to suggest to Jack that you go on a family date?”
Peyton grimaced. “I’m not sure. But if we go fishing again, I intend to make it crystal clear to Jack that I am not baiting a hook.”
Jack came up behind Peyton at the wine bar in the tasting room. He hadn’t intended on making her scream and drop two glasses, but that was her reaction. Laughing, she swatted at him. “It’s a good thing we’re closed or the customers would wonder what’s going on.”
Her cheeks flamed bright red as he stepped over the glass and trailed his finger down her cheek.
“Hello.” Her voice was like velvet to his ears.
He wanted his lips to do the talking, but he took a step back. He wasn’t about to pressure her. “I had a great time last night.” He watched as her eyes flickered with something unreadable. “Did you enjoy yourself?”
She looked at the floor. “You need to clean up this mess.”
He wanted to laugh at her serious expression. “I will in a couple of minutes. Did you have fun?”
She nodded. “Dinner was wonderful.” She dropped her eyes to avoid looking directly at him. “Thanks for the house tour too.”
He waited to see if she wanted to talk about how they had spent most of their time by the fire, kissing.
“Mom told me Owen mentioned he’s excited to go on the boat again and fish.”
He easily adapted to her change of topic, but he would have preferred to kiss her. “He’s a great kid and it’ll be fun. Owen can fish and you can either drop a line or just relax, and of course your parents are more than welcome.” He didn’t confess that when he bought the bigger boat, family events were on his mind. That might freak her out.
“Sure, that sounds fun. I know Owen would have a blast. When do you want to go?”
Jack pulled out his phone. “I’ll check to see what the weather forecast is for early next week.” He tapped the screen and then turned it around so she could see it too.
“How’s Monday after Owen gets off the bus? Hopefully we’ll be recovered from a busy weekend.”
He studied the screen again. “Monday’s good.”
“Sounds like a…” She paused. “…plan.” Obviously, she wasn’t ready to say the word date. Not yet.
“Let’s make a deal. I’ll take care of the boat, bait, and beverages, and you can take care of the picnic.”
Her pretty mouth formed a small bow. “Jack?”
He gave her a crooked smile, hoping to make her relax. “Peyton?”
She landed a light punch on his arm. “Be serious for a minute.”
He wiped the smile from his lips but continued to beam inside. “I’m totally serious. What’s going on behind those pretty brown eyes of yours?”
“Well…”
“Yes.”
“I wanted to give you a heads-up about something Owen said in case it comes up. He asked me if you were going to be his daddy. You know kids; they say the darndest things.”
“And what did you tell him?” He took a step closer.
“I told him that you were our very good friend and dodged the rest of the question.” She held up her hands. “But I know my son, and I wouldn’t put it past him to ask you directly.”
“And what should I say if he does?”
“Stay on the friend angle and avoid the rest.”
“Like a boxer who bobs and weaves as a defense mechanism?” He was glad Owen was thinking along those lines. Now to get Peyton headed down the same path.
She pushed her bangs off her face. It was one of her tells whenever she was nervous, and one he knew well.
“Jack.” He could hear the mild exasperation in her voice. “It’s hardly a defense anything—it’s the truth.”
“It is. We are very good friends and I hope someday to be more than friends. But for now, Owen will understand he and I are good buddies too. I enjoy spending time with him.”
“Good.” She wiped the palms of her hands on her slacks. “Now we need to get back to work.” She gave his chest a playful shove. “And I need to clean up this mess.”
“I’ve got it. After all, I’m the reason you dropped the glasses in the first place.” He stepped around her. Before he disappeared into the stockroom, he said, “The next time, I’ll make sure your hands are empty.”
“You should. I could have been holding a couple of bottles of wine.”
Her laughter followed him down the hallway. He jogged back to the tasting room.
She glanced up as he reappeared. “No broom?”
“I’ll get it in a second, but what time do you want to go fishing?”
“Whenever. It is totally up to you.”
“I was thinking—let’s pick Owen up at school. Do a tour of the lake on the boat, maybe a little swimming or tubing, and then in the early evening, the fish will be biting again. We can have dinner on the water and come in around dusk.”
“Owen would sleep like a log when we got home.”
Jack could feel a smile spread across his face. “Now it’s a date!”
“And you still need a broom.” She gestured to the shards of glass.
He tapped two fingers to his brow. “I’m on it.”
“Hey, do you want to come over for s’mores tonight?”
He wanted to do a fist pump but he played it cool. “Sure, and pizza, too? Say, six?”
“Perfect. Owen will be happy to see you.”
“Hopefully he’s not the only one.”
13
After enjoying pizza, Peyton and Jack were sitting in front of the firepit with Owen, who was suspending a long-handled marshmallow stick barely into the flame. It licked at the two white puffs, which suddenly caught fire. “Mommy, help!” He waved it through the air.
Jack hopped up and grabbed the stick from his hand before the small fireball could take flight. “Hey, hold on there.” He blew out the fire and flashed a goofy smile at Owen, who was visibly upset. “Can I eat this one? I love them super toasted.”
Peyton moved to comfort her son, but Jack’s gaze stopped her. She paused, waiting to see what would happen next.
“It’s burned and yucky.” Owen stuck out his lower lip.
Jack’s eyebrow shot up. “So then I can eat it? This is my favorite kind.”
Peyton wondered why he seemed so excited over a burnt marshmallow but given Jack’s enthusiasm, it sure seemed to be his favorite.
Owen eyed him suspiciously. “Yeah.” He watched as Jack gingerly slid it from the stick and popped it in his mouth in one bite.
He licked the sticky bits from his fingers. “That’s so good.”
She hid her smile as Owen’s mouth gaped open and eyes widened at someone actually eating all the char. She handed Jack the bag, and he popped a fresh marshmallow on the stick before handing it back to Owen. “Here you go.”
Owen cocked his head to one side. “Was it really good or are you just foolin’ me?”
Jack sat back down and gave him a sly wink. “It’s the only way I eat them. I like the crunchy sound from the outside, and the inside is super gooey and messy too.” He held up his fingers, showing the little sticky bits left. He licked them off and Owen looked at Peyton.
“Mom, can I try that? But still put it on the graham cracker and chocolate?”
And then it clicked. Jack was pretty sly in getting Owen to step outside his comfort zone. She scooted forward on her chair. “Sure, and I can help you.”
His gaze moved to study Jack. “No, I can do it myself.”
Jack smiled at her, and the way he did was for her eyes only.
“How about Jack helps you blow it out and then you can slide it onto the cracker?”
Owen hesitantly stuck the marshmallow into the fire and quickly pulled it out. H
e frowned again. He repeated this action two more times before it actually began to burn. Without looking up, he asked, “Should I blow it out?”
“Go for it.” Jack leaned in and took the stick just as Owen puffed his cheeks and blew. Only one side was black. He turned the stick and Owen burned it again and then blew it out.
He beamed. “Can I have a big piece of chocolate on this one?”
Peyton held out a cracker with a square of chocolate and, using the other cracker, slid the marshmallow free. Owen stood at her knee, waiting impatiently to wrap his hands around the treat.
“I’ll make you one next.” He put a fresh marshmallow on the stick and Jack took it from him.
“You can eat yours and I’ll toast this one.”
Over his head, she looked at Jack watching them. She wondered what he was thinking, as his expression was unreadable. Was he bored to tears?
“This is nice,” he said softly.
“It is nice out tonight.” Peyton wasn’t sure if he was just commenting on the weather, so she chose to not read into it.
He made a circle with his finger from Peyton and Owen to himself. The look in his eyes was filled with tenderness. She was getting accustomed to the sweet things he said and did.
“It’s a little mundane compared to what you’re probably used to.” She wasn’t fishing for a compliment, but she thought it was nice to be sitting fireside, enjoying a quiet late spring evening with her son and Jack.
“Hanging drywall or being with you.” He shook his head. “But being serious for a moment, I never knew how much fun this could be until I started spending time with you and Owen.”
“We do it pretty regularly. S’mores are one of my weaknesses.”
Jack pulled the marshmallow from the stick and waited for Owen to slide off his mom’s lap. Instead, he looked up at her. “Jack can make it for you, Mom. He’s good at it too.”
Owen looked at the back door.
“Do you want to go inside?”
He nodded. “Can I watch the Lego Batman movie?”
“No, you have school tomorrow, and then I’ll pick you up. We’re going fishing with Jack.”