Heart of Love

by Shanna Hatfield

  “Right on, sport.” Jake helped Jace out of his side of the pickup while Anna helped Jaret. After walking around to Anna’s side of the truck with Jace’s hand firmly in his, Jake hunkered down and looked both of the boys in the eye.

  “You two know the rules, right? No running away from me, no wandering, no talking to strangers, no screaming, and no fussing.” Jake’s voice rang with authority. “What else?”

  “We have to hold on to your hand or Aunt Anna’s and we have to stay where we can see you,” Jaret said, squishing up his face in thought.

  “And say please and thank you,” Jace added, looking at Anna. “Mama said we have to or she won’t let us come again.”

  Anna bit her cheek to keep from laughing. With Jake’s dark head bent near the ebony heads of the twins, they looked like they could be father and sons. They were even dressed alike. The boys wore shorts and T-shirts with tennis shoes and little ball caps on their heads.

  Jake surprised her when he picked her up wearing a pair of cargo shorts and running shoes. She didn’t know he owned anything besides Wranglers and boots, but he must wear shorts on a regular basis since his legs were tan.

  Unsuccessful in her attempts to ignore how entirely attractive they appeared, she knew she’d be sorely tested to keep her focus on the little boys and not the big handsome one that unknowingly demanded her attention.

  After pushing her sunglasses into place, she glanced down to discover Jaret and Jace looking up at her expectantly.

  “Are you ready to take on the dinosaurs?” she asked with a silly grin, making them giggle.

  “Yeah!” The boys cheered, grabbing her hands and starting toward the zoo entrance. Anna looked back over her shoulder at Jake, shrugged and smiled.

  Rooted to the spot, Jake watched Anna saunter away with the boys holding her hands. Thrilled she agreed to come, he was grateful to have another adult along to share the responsibility of keeping tabs on the boys. He enjoyed taking the twins for fun outings, but they were sometimes almost more than he could manage. It was an added bonus that he could spend time with Anna and watch how she interacted with Jace and Jaret.

  He’d have to remember today was about the twins or he could easily lose his focus in Anna. Her khaki skirt with cargo pockets, canvas sneakers, and soft blouse made her look both down-to-earth and extremely appealing.

  “Focus, man, focus.” Jake gave himself a mental lecture as he followed the boys and Anna to the gate.

  Later that evening, Jake and Anna carried two sleepy boys into Josh and Jenna’s house. They explored the zoo, visited every dinosaur, and rode the train that went on a tour through the trees around the outer edges of the park. On the way home, they took the boys out for pizza at a popular kid-themed restaurant.

  “Thanks for wearing them out for us.” Josh took a sleeping Jaret from Jake while Jenna took Jace from Anna. “We hope they were good.”

  “They were very well behaved,” Anna said with a tired grin. “Just energetic.”

  “That’s our boys.” Jenna smiled as she walked toward the stairs. “If you two want to wait while we put them to bed, we can have some iced tea and dessert.”

  “I’m beat, Jen, but thanks for the offer. Maybe we can take a rain check?” Jake settled his hand on Anna’s back as he turned them both toward the door.

  “You’ve got it. We owe you dinner for giving us a peaceful afternoon.” Josh started up the stairs. “Drive safely back to town and thanks again.”

  “Anytime,” Jake said as they walked out the back door.

  As he held Anna’s door for her, he could tell she was as exhausted, too. It seemed to take all her effort just to climb into the pickup. He shut her door and trudged around to the driver’s side.

  Wearily, he smiled as they drove back to the highway and town. “The boys can be kind of tiring, especially when they get excited.”

  “I think it’s safe to say today was extremely exciting for them.” Anna removed her sunglasses and set them on top of her head.

  Jake chuckled and grasped Anna’s hand in his, liking the way their fingers entwined. “Thanks for being a good sport and going along. I know the three of us can be overwhelming.”

  “Despite their exuberance, I don’t know when I’ve encountered kids their age with such nice manners. The boys are so cute and lovable. I really did have a good time.”

  “I’m glad you enjoyed the twins.” Jake flashed a cocky grin her direction. “What about the third boy? Did you find him to be cute and lovable, too?”

  “Well…” Anna pretended to give her response some thought. Exhaustion had knocked her guard down and made her flirtatious. In her best stern librarian imitation, she lifted her chin and peered down her nose at him. “He’s kind of cute in an obnoxious sort of way, but he’s terribly conceited and somewhat obtuse. Truthfully, he’s not all that appealing.”

  Jake’s grin slid into a frown, taken aback by her answer. Anna kept a straight face, leading him to believe she might be serious. When she finally cracked a smile, he let out the breath he didn’t know he’d held.

  “Is that so?” He stretched his arm across the seat to tickle her.

  She giggled and squirmed away from him. “Jake, stop that. You need to pay attention where you’re driving.”

  “Just wait until we stop. You are in for it, Sugar.”

  Anna batted her eyelashes at him coyly as she grabbed his hand in hers. “Promises, promises.”

  “You should have seen her, Davey. She just leaned over and popped that ol’ rattler on the head with the hammer like nobody’s business. I couldn’t believe it.” Jake relayed the snake story to Dave as they walked into the office Monday morning.

  “You’re kidding me, right?” Dave sat down at his desk and stared at Jake. “I can’t take much more of your joking, man. I still haven’t come to terms with the fact that the babe with the cool car is Anna and now you’re telling me she spends her weekends like some Amazon warrior queen killing venomous reptiles. And she went with you and the twins to the zoo and is still speaking to you?” Dave leaned back in his chair with a dejected look and placed a hand over his heart. “Please, dude, I just can’t take it. Don’t tell me anymore!”

  Jake shook his head at his friend, smiling.

  He was so enraptured with Anna, he didn’t care who knew it. She might appear to be quiet and timid, but he’d discovered Anna was nothing short of amazing.

  Chapter Ten

  Like many rural communities, the Fourth of July celebration in Tenacity was a highly anticipated event.

  Vendor booths selling everything from elephant ears to hand-crocheted doilies filled the park. A stage set in the center of it all offered a variety of talent throughout the day.

  At six that evening, a parade with horses, kids, bikes, dogs, antique cars, and loads of candy would roll down Main Street. Half the town would be in the parade, the other half lining the street, cheering and waving.

  After that, the rodeo would burst into action followed by a firework display that was generally big, loud, and impressive.

  Ready to take it all in, Anna studied her reflection in the mirror one last time to make sure she appeared presentable. She cringed as she thought about her wardrobe selections of just a few short weeks ago. Dressed in her frumpy attire, it was a wonder Jake ever spoke to her a second time after seeing her in the too-big, ugly clothes. Anna knew appearances weren’t all that mattered, but her confidence had taken a huge leap forward when she began wearing her new clothes.

  She hoped Jake would like the outfit she’d chosen to wear. A knee-length dark blue denim skirt and a sleeveless red blouse with her white canvas sneakers made her look like any other all-American girl. Quickly grabbing her sunglasses and purse, along with a duffle bag containing clothes for the rodeo, she strolled into the kitchen where her mom added ice to a cooler and carefully set in the layered coconut cake Anna made the night before.

  “Are you sure Jake’s aunt and uncle are expecting us, Anna?” Sue asked
for the tenth time. Anna didn’t know what had her usually unflappable mother so distressed. Typically, she and her dad enjoyed meeting new people, but they both seemed nervous.

  “Yes, Mom, they are expecting us. You spoke with Bobbi yesterday and confirmed what we’re bringing to the barbecue. I know everyone will love your salad and I’m hoping they’ll like my cake.”

  “You’re right.” Sue took a deep breath then smiled at her daughter. “And you know they’ll gobble up that cake. It’s always delicious. You’re lucky your brother didn’t eat it for breakfast this morning.”

  The back door opened and Ken stepped inside, ready to carry the cooler out to the car. The plan was for Anna to ride with her folks to the barbecue then Jake would bring her home after the fireworks. She’d been looking forward to spending the day with him all week.

  “Let’s go, ladies. Food and time wait for no man,” Ken joked as he shooed them out the door, heading for Sue’s car.

  “Daddy, let’s take my car. That way, you and Mom can take it for a spin on the drive home.”

  “Are you sure, Sugar?” Ken asked, keyed up at the prospect of driving his wife home in the Camaro. Despite what their kids thought, they were still young enough to enjoy riding around in a sporty car.

  “You bet, Dad.”

  Anna followed Jake’s detailed directions to Steve and Bobbi’s ranch. When he spoke of it, he always referred to it as “The Ranch.” It made Anna wonder what it looked like. As she turned off the road onto the Matthews’ tree lined drive, Sue leaned between the front seats and stared, sharing Anna’s sense of awe.

  “Why didn’t you tell me we were coming to the Matthews’ ranch, Sugar? I know this place well. Steve and his son, Clay, are two of my best customers.” Ken stared at his daughter. “How are they related to Jake?”

  “His aunt and uncle. Bobbi and his mom, Maggie, are sisters.” Anna’s old feelings of fear around strangers settled over her. She began to panic as she took note of the large crowd. “There are a lot of people here.”

  “You’re going to be just fine, sweetie. You’ve met Jake’s family before, so just be yourself,” Sue encouraged, giving Anna’s shoulder a squeeze.

  Anna parked in the pasture below the house in a long row of other vehicles. After unbuckling her seatbelt, she didn’t have time to open the door before Jake was there, giving her a hand out and a kiss on her cheek. He placed his mouth next to her good ear and whispered. “How’s my little firecracker?” Anna relaxed.

  Ken helped Sue out of the back seat of the car and smiled as he watched Jake put Anna at ease.

  Jake picked up their cooler and escorted them to a huge backyard with a picturesque view of the pond, rolling hills of pastureland, and fields of hay and grain.

  “I always thought this ranch is one of the prettiest places in the country,” Ken said, looking around the manicured lawn.

  Jake made introductions. Sue went off to chat with Maggie and Bobbi while Steve and Ken walked off discussing farm equipment, cars, and their children.

  Anna glanced around with wide-eyed wonder when she felt a tug around her waist and looked down into Emma’s bright blue eyes.

  “Hi, Anna. I hoped you’d come today. Jake kept teasing me and wouldn’t say for sure if you were.”

  Anna returned Emma’s hug and settled an arm around her shoulders. “I can’t believe Jake would ever be a tease.”

  Emma laughed. “Now you’re teasing me, too.”

  Jake joined in the laughter and tweaked Emma’s pert little nose. “Sweet Pea, where are your folks? They seem to have disappeared.”

  “They ran into town to pick up more ice, but they should be back soon. Gramps said they better hurry because he didn’t want Daddy to lose his place at the grill.”

  The meal was fun and Jake was right – it seemed like half the county was there, celebrating, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company as well as the variety of delicious food.

  Anna noticed Jake enjoyed a second slice of the coconut cake she’d made. When she raised an eyebrow his direction, he sauntered over and leaned near her ear.

  “I can’t believe my tractor-operating, snake-killing, racecar-driving librarian is such an incredible cook. This is delicious, Anna.”

  Heat filled her cheeks as she blushed under his praise. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it. I like to bake and cook.”

  Jake took another bite and swallowed before he leaned close to her ear again. “That’s great to hear because I have an insatiable sweet tooth, especially for my Sugar.”

  She dropped her gaze to her feet, flustered by Jake’s comment.

  Everyone started leaving to give those taking part in the parade time to get their entries lined up before it started.

  As she helped clear tables, Anna felt like she’d been welcomed into a big, happy family. Although her folks had already left, Anna knew Jake wanted to stick around to help clean up.

  Anna turned to Callan as she wiped down tables, offering her a shy smile. “What a nice bunch of people. I’m so glad Jake invited us to come today. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

  “We were thrilled when Jake said you and your folks could join us.” Callan hugged her shoulders before returning to her work. “We enjoy spending time with you and it was lovely to meet your mom and dad. I’m especially glad to see you and Jake together. You’re so good for him.”

  Anna didn’t know what to say to that and ducked her head.

  While the women finished cleaning up the food and kitchen, the men put away tables and chairs, setting things outside back to rights.

  Jake stepped into the kitchen, followed by Audrey and Emma. He looked around and spied Anna drying dishes.

  “Anna, are you about ready to go? If you want to go to the park before the parade, we need to get moving.” He lingered at the door, not brave enough to venture too far into the room full of women.

  All eyes turned to stare at him. He suddenly knew what a lamb must feel like faced by a pack of ravenous wolves.

  “Sure, Jake.” Anna finished drying the dish in her hand and set it on the counter. She picked up the duffle bag she’d placed inside earlier and Bobbi directed her to a room down the hall where she could change clothes. Canvas sneakers and rodeos didn’t mix, at least in Anna’s opinion, so she’d brought along jeans and her boots.

  While Anna changed, Jake stood ready to make an escape. His mom took a step toward him. By the look in her eye, he decided it was safer to wait outside. He hustled out the door and wandered over to where Clay scrubbed one of the grills.

  “Hey, Clay, can I ask you a question?”

  “Sure, Jake. What’s on your mind, other than the usual and the obvious,” Clay teased.

  “When you met Callan, how did you know?”

  “Know what?” Clay stopped scrubbing and eyed him speculatively.

  “That she was, you know… that she was the one?” Jake swept his gaze across the backyard, unable to make eye contact with his cousin and friend.

  Clay studied Jake for a moment before breaking into a broad grin. “I was right. You do have it bad, don’t you?” After slapping Jake on the back, he returned to scrubbing the grill. “I knew Callan was the one for me the first time I saw her. Every time I was with her, I felt like I was going to die but the thought of not being with her nearly drove me insane. I was a mess, I tell you. A certifiable mess.”

  Clay cast a sly glance at Jake. “I’d guess I was probably in about as bad a shape as you are right now.”

  Jake turned to glare at his cousin and let out a long sigh. “That apparent, is it?”

  Clay laughed aloud, a deep, hearty laugh that made a group of men hanging out by the corral fence turn to look at them before resuming their conversation.

  “Jake, ol’ boy, since you’ve met Anna your dear, sweet mother has not heard one report of you running amuck with girls of questionable reputation. You’re polite beyond reason and seem to have found a gentler, kinder side of your personality. You’re calmer and
more settled. Your personal grooming has reached a new pinnacle. My friend, you have the look of someone who has finally fallen in love. Welcome to the club.”

  Before Jake could form a response, Anna walked outside and looked for him. He thought she appeared cute and wholesome when he first saw her that afternoon, dressed in a simple skirt and blouse with her hair pulled back in swingy ponytail.

  Nothing prepared him for her ten-minute transformation into a full-fledged temptress.

  A white peasant blouse topped her dark blue jeans and freshly polished boots while a silver belt buckle refracted the sun at her waist. Her golden-brown hair fell in waves around her shoulders and down her back, catching the sunlight in the gleaming strands.

  Jake thought he might pass out from pure bliss.

  Clay watched Jake as he gaped at Anna and chuckled. “Bad, Jake. You’ve got it bad.”

  Anna saw Jake and Clay and started their direction, trailed by Audrey and Emma. The girls immediately ran up to Jake, tugging on his hands.

  “Jake, may we please go with you and Anna to the park? Please? We won’t be any trouble and we’ll meet up with Mama and Daddy at the parade. Please? Pretty please?”

  “Girls, the last thing Jake needs is you two tagging along, so the answer is no,” Clay said, looking at them firmly but kindly. The girls let go of Jake’s hands and nodded, knowing when their father laid down the law there was no arguing.

  Jake glanced at Audrey and Emma before turning his attention to the beautiful girl who made his heart pound in a frantic rhythm. “What do you think, Anna?”

  “It would be fun to take them.” Anna would have the rest of the evening after the parade to spend with Jake. The girls were lively and full of energy. It would be an adventure to spend some time with them. “May we return them to you at the parade, Clay?”

  “Are you sure you want them along, in the middle of everything?” Clay stared pointedly at his cousin.

  Jake thought a little distraction from his all-consuming attraction to Anna might not be a bad thing. Audrey and Emma were sure to keep him occupied for an hour or two.