Ann filled Adam in on the weather and travel nightmare that had become Sam’s parent’s reality.
“That’s too bad, Sam. I’m sure they’re disappointed, too.” Adam rubbed a hand over the back of his hair.
“Oh, yeah, my mom was crying on the phone.” Sam bit back more tears as her eyes filled. “But, I have all of you and Spencer. Tonight’s going to be wonderful.”
Everyone added their two cents of agreement trying desperately to lessen Sam’s sadness. Jenny didn’t blame her for the tears. If it were her rehearsal, she’d want her parents there front and center. Without them, it’d be like a piece of her was missing.
“Well, I’ll unload the truck and then I’ve got to run, but I’ll be back later.” Adam said. “Is there anything else you guys need?” His eyes did flicker over her this time, but not long enough to make out even a hint of what he was thinking.
Jenny was sure he was thinking about something. Anytime he worked hard to avoid someone, there was something on his mind. And, after the kiss they’d shared, she was sure she was that something. She hadn’t stopped thinking about him either, but as of yet, she hadn’t had a chance to talk to James.
Although even if she had, she wasn’t sure what difference it would’ve made. It wasn’t like Adam was going to take her in his arms in front of their friends for a little instant-replay of the barn. She wiped her sweaty palms on her shorts.
“I’d better go, too.” Jenny blurted. “I need to get to work in the kitchen.”
“I’m on my way,” Ann said. “Adam, follow me and I’ll show you where to unload.”
For the second time in one day, Adam turned onto the road leading to the Malloy’s. As he fell in line with several other cars on the road, he figured they were all headed to the same place based on the direction. Few people lived out past the Malloy’s. Jake always wanted to have land of his own and he’d gotten it.
Adam turned into the driveway and parked in the grass beside an old Lincoln where one of the town ladies he vaguely remembered climbed out. Before doing the same, he glanced at his phone. There was a text from a friend indicating it would be another two hours before they arrived. Adam texted back with the exact address and left his car to join the party.
When he stepped into the backyard, he saw a slew of familiar faces, and in the center of it all, Spencer and Sam stood with their arms around each other’s waists. Adam made his way over to the happy couple and waited while they finished talking with the lady he’d seen earlier.
Sam seemed exceptionally warm toward the older woman and any trace of sadness from earlier in the day was gone. The green dress she wore stopped over her knees and made her green eyes practically glow like the sea in moonlight. It was no wonder Spencer was holding onto her.
Of course, his old buddy looked good, too. For once, he was without his baseball cap, and wore a white button down shirt, which looked as though it’d been ironed. There was a first time for everything.
“Adam,” Spencer stuck out his hand. “Glad you could make it.”
“Wouldn’t have missed it.” Adam accepted Spencer’s greeting, then returned his attention to Sam. “You look beautiful.”
Sam blushed and lowered her eyes. “If you think I look nice, you ought to see Jenny.” She smirked at him from under her long lashes, making him laugh. There was clearly more to Sam than met the eye.
“Grab yourself a beer and hang tight,” Spencer said, oblivious to what was happening around him. “We’ll eat after a while. Barbeque is on the way.”
“Sounds good.” Adam spotted the drink buckets full of ice and took a step when a hand tapped him on the shoulder.
“She’s in the kitchen,” Sam whispered. “Should be out soon.”
Adam met her eyes and smiled, wondering if he’d found an ally. As he grabbed a bottle and tucked it into a color coordinated koozie, he also started to wonder what Jenny said to Sam. How much had she shared with her friends about what had passed between them?
“Adam,” Betsy’s familiar voice cut in, “we sure miss seeing you every day.”
He turned and saw Earl and Betsy decked out in their Sunday best. He leaned down and hugged Betsy, then shook Earl’s hand.
“How’s yer house comin’ along, son?” Earl asked.
“Slow and steady. I’ve got the outside looking good, but the inside still needs some attention. I just started remodeling the kitchen.”
Earl whistled. “Kitchens are tough.”
“That they are, but Spencer said he’d give me a hand if I needed help so that’s . . .” The screen door swung open and Jenny stepped out. The dark orange dress she’d chosen was strapless and form fitting. His blood began to hum at the sight of her.
Earl and Betsy turned to see what had his attention and then exchanged a look. “We’ll talk to you later on, Adam.” Betsy patted his arm, he said something unintelligible and then started toward Jenny. He moved as if a magnet pulled him. She was the sun and he was completely in her orbit.
“Hi,” he said. “You look . . . good.” He cursed himself in his mind. Good? Really Hamilton, that’s all you could come up with?
Her eyes cut to the side. “Thanks, but you should stop looking at me like that.”
“Like what, exactly?” He smirked at her and saw the corner of her mouth twitch. He knew he should stay away, but he couldn’t.
“Like you’re trying to picture me naked.”
He cocked his head to the side. “I don’t have to try.”
Her eyes widened.
“So, is what’s his name here?” Adam didn’t want to deal with the boyfriend, but he did want to know what was going on between him and Jenny.
“No, James isn’t here.” She pushed past him and continued across the patio, waving and nodding hello to other guests as she went.
No boyfriend. The night was looking up.
“He’ll be here tomorrow for the wedding,” Jenny said over her shoulder.
“Great.” Adam put as much sarcasm into the word as he could. “It wouldn’t be a wedding without him.”
Jenny shot daggers at him with her eyes. “Listen,” she spoke quiet enough that only he could hear, “I get that you don’t like him, but he’s been there for me and he deserves better than to have his girlfriend going off on some lust crazed make out session with an old boyfriend.”
Her eyes narrowed as she continued. “Every time I look at you I’m eaten alive with guilt. You want me to admit that I liked it when you kissed me? Well, fine. I admit it. I liked it.” She exhaled and her features softened. “Maybe you were right and I showed up at your house because a part of me was curious what would happen. Maybe it wasn’t as premeditated as you suggested and it did just happen. Regardless, it shouldn’t have.”
“Then, why did it?” Adam asked a little louder than he meant to. A couple of heads turned in their direction. He cleared his throat and lowered his voice. “Just because you were curious? And, now what? You got what you wanted? Or, maybe you were serving me with a little revenge. Here’s what you can’t have?”
“Of course not,” Jenny cut in, her face red with temper. “I wouldn’t do that and I can’t believe you think I would. Did it ever occur to you that maybe I’m confused and scared about the future?”
He stood up straight and crossed his arms over his chest. No, it hadn’t occurred to him. “What do you have to be afraid of, Jenny?”
“Nothing. Never mind.” She started to walk away.
He reached for her.
“Everyone, if you wouldn’t mind gathering around,” Ann said at the top of her voice.
Adam let his hand drop back to his side. The conversation died down around him and everyone turned their faces toward the porch.
“We’re thrilled you could all make it out to Sam and Spencer’s rehea
rsal dinner.” Cheers and clapping rang out. “Y’all just grab plates on this end and work your way down. But, please allow our honorary couple to go first. Now let’s eat.”
More hoots and hollers erupted from the guests and when Adam tried to find Jenny in the crowd, he couldn’t. His phone buzzed on his hip. He pulled it back and read the text:
An hour out.
At least something positive in what was turning into a crappy night might happen. He made his way through the line, filling his plate as he went, but Jenny’s words kept distracting him. What was she scared of? The unknown? Her feelings? What she wanted? He wanted desperately to find her. To tell her she didn’t need to worry, but now wasn’t the right time. It was Spencer and Sam’s night.
He spotted Nick sitting alone at a table and joined him. It was the safest option as far as he could tell. Besides, he liked Nick and wouldn’t have to worry about staring at him all night the way he undoubtedly would if he were near Jenny. Pissed at him or not, it didn’t take away from her beauty or the way her body put his on edge.
The evening continued as the sun sank lower into the sky. Friends and family ate, chatted and enjoyed the time together. The white lights which were hung especially for the occasion twinkled to life lending a nice touch of mystic charm to the party. Jenny, Ann, and Jake deserved to be congratulated on an event well done.
Spencer’s laughter could be heard from the main table where he sat with his mother, Sam, Ann, Jake, and the kids. Adam realized he’d never seen him look happier. Someone nearby clinked a glass, vying for everyone’s attention. The first speech began and set off a wave of others. It seemed all in attendance wanted to offer a few special words to the couple.
Nick took a turn and then offered Adam the microphone. He started to shake his head, but then his eyes caught a glimpse of Jenny and before he’d thought it through he was getting to his feet.
The silence around the yard made the collar on his shirt feel tight. He let out a nervous laugh. “I hadn’t really thought about speaking and I’m not very good at it.”
“We know,” Spencer called, “we’ve all seen your interviews on ESPN.”
Laughter rippled through the crowd. “As I was saying,” with the tension released, the flush at Adam’s neckline settled and he continued, “I’ve known Spencer for most of my life. And, in all that time he’s always been the guy who sticks by you.” His gaze flitted across the crowd.
“Sure, Spencer was a bit of a troublemaker back in the day, but who wasn’t?” He paused for more laughs and then took a serious tone. “The truth is, when I came back to town, Spencer was the one who made me feel truly welcome. To him, it was like nothing had changed, like I hadn’t been gone, because he’s that kind of guy. Sam, you’re getting a good one here. And Spencer, let me say I never thought I’d see the day you were getting married, but now that I’ve gotten to know Sam, I can see that she’s your match.”
His eyes stopped on Jenny, who was listening to him with her cheek resting on her hands. He kept his focus on her as he continued. “You are the center he needs and the woman he wants. When he’s next to you, he’s at his best.” He and Jenny held each other’s gaze a beat, then he turned his regard back to the main table where Sam and Spencer were sitting. “I wish you both all the best and thank you for including me.”
Applause broke out, he sat down, and then Sam let out a squeal.
Chapter 15
Silence fell over the crowd and all heads turned in Sam’s direction. Jenny half stood and watched as Sam took off running. She sought out Ann, but she, too, was staring in bewilderment after their friend.
Jenny craned her neck. There was someone, no, two people arriving and then as Sam slammed into them with her arms open, it occurred to Jenny who they were. Her heart lifted at the sight of her friend’s happiness. Sam’s parents embraced their daughter and then Spencer who’d joined them.
Jenny made her way over to Ann. “Did you?”
Ann shook her head and then turned to face her. “No. I have no idea how they got here. It must be some kind of miracle.”
Jenny spotted Adam in the crowd. He was nursing a beer and speaking quietly with Nick. Of all the guests, he seemed the least surprised by what was happening. He’d also been there that afternoon when Sam told them about her parents’ dilemma.
“Everyone,” Spencer said over the noise. “These are Sam’s parents and we’re thrilled they made it. If you’d like to stay on and visit some more, please do. We’re going to have music so if you’d like to dance, feel free. And, thank you again for joining us.”
The crowd broke out in cheers and then several people got to their feet and began milling about. No one seemed eager to leave. Sam waved at her and Ann and signaled them over.
“Guys, these are my parents.” Everyone exchanged handshakes and pleasantries. It was obvious where Sam got her looks and her petite frame. Her mother was a tiny woman with kind green eyes and curly hair. It was like seeing a picture of what Sam would look like in thirty years; still beautiful and demure.
“We’re so glad you made it,” Ann said, “but if you don’t mind me asking, how’d you get here? Last we heard, your flight had been canceled.”
Sam’s mother raised a hand to her forehead. “It’s quite a story.”
“Why don’t I get you both a drink and you can tell us all about it while you eat,” Spencer said. “Y’all must be starved.”
“It has been a long day,” Sam’s dad clapped a hand on Spencer’s shoulder. “Lead the way.”
Once the latecomers were taken care of, they settled around the head table where Sam and Spencer were before the welcome interruption.
“I’ll tell you,” Sam’s father began, “when we were escorted to the private plane area, I’ve never felt so out of place.”
Sam rested her head on his shoulder and smiled. “So, a man who said he was a friend of Spencer’s called you on your cell, then told you to go with a man by the name of Joseph who would meet you at the entrance and then drive you over to his private plane?”
“Well, not his plane,” her father corrected. “Joseph works for the pilot whose boss owns the plane. And, he wouldn’t say who his boss was.”
Sam’s mom edged forward on her seat and nodded. “I’ve seen the inside of one of those planes on television and it didn’t do it justice. It was the sort of luxury you expect to be laid out for Oprah and there we were with the whole thing to ourselves.” Her mom laughed. “It was quite an adventure.”
Ann took a sip of her tea, glanced at Jenny with an unreadable expression and then turned to Spencer. “Any idea who this mystery friend is?”
“Not exactly,” Spencer leaned back in his seat, “but I have a guess as to who may’ve arranged it all.”
Sam sat up with a start. “Who?”
Spencer’s eyes cut to Jenny’s and they both found Adam in the crowd. He was smiling and talking with Sam’s employer, Mary, oblivious he was being watched.
“Oh.” Sam’s eyes went wide and she stood. “I’ll be right back.”
“Babe,” Spencer sat up, “you don’t have to say anything.”
Sam barely slowed as she wove her way through the guests. She tapped Adam on the shoulder and then, when he turned around, she hugged him. Adam stumbled and Jenny saw the color rise in his cheeks from where she was sitting. The scene made her heart smile. He’d always been a caring friend. It was part of him. If he was able to help, he did it whether family or someone he barely knew. To Adam, everyone was a friend.
When Sam finally released him, he looked over to where they were all sitting and staring. Clearly embarrassed, he ran a hand through his hair and turned away. Sam rejoined their group a minute later and beamed.
“He might be my hero.”
“Hey, I thought I was your hero?” Spencer did his best to look offende
d, but failed miserably as Sam leaned over and gave him a peck on the lips. His fake pout was no match for her and the affect she had on him.
Ann and Jenny excused themselves a few minutes later and began clearing the food. In the kitchen, after what felt like their hundredth trip inside, Ann leaned on the counter and crossed her arms. “He’s something.”
“Who?” Jenny asked too distracted to catch Ann’s meaning. When Ann didn’t answer, Jenny stopped straightening serving trays to look at her. Their wordless exchange didn’t need explaining. Uneasiness seeped in around Jenny’s heart. The same kind which filled her every time she tried to convince herself she wasn’t falling back in love with Adam.
“It meant a lot to Sam and Spencer.” Jenny turned back to the counter, seized with a new energy. “Adam’s always been one to help when he can.”
“Jenny, he’s a good man.”
She stopped wiping down the counter and hung her head. “I know.”
“If he’s who you want . . .”
“He is.” There it was. She’d said it out loud. There was no going back.
Ann moved to stand beside her and took the dish towel from her hands. “When are you going to talk to James?”
“After we get through the wedding tomorrow, I guess. There won’t be a good time during the day with all the preparation and I can’t do it over the phone.”
“Makes sense.” Ann rested a comforting hand on Jenny’s shoulder. “Are you going to tell Adam what’s in your heart?”
“I don’t know if I’m ready.” She put the counter to her back and leaned against it. She’d always found comfort in Ann’s home. The sense of family and warmth flowed from the people who lived there into the space. She wanted the same for herself. Unsure whether or not she and Adam could make it work scared her, but fear or not, she had to try.
Running Home (Warm Springs Trilogy Book 2) Page 14