“Nana and Granddad planted that tree the first year they moved to the farm.”
He turned to see Jennie approaching from the house. As with so many other occasions, the sight of her took his breath away. She wore a loose denim shirt over cutoff denim shorts that gave him an enviable view of her toned legs. Well-worn sneakers covered her feet and he wondered how many different countries she’d walked through in those shoes. He wished he could have been at her side for some of it, to experience the world with her the way they’d once planned.
“It’s beautiful,” he said softly, massaging a hand against the back of his neck.
Color bloomed on Jennie’s cheeks and he wondered if she understood he spoke as much about her as the mighty tree.
“Thanks for picking up the supplies.” She moved past him toward the boxes.
“I’ll get them,” he said automatically then held up a hand when she glared at him. “Sorry. Force of habit. I know you’re fully capable of carrying any of those boxes. Or all of them at once.”
She laughed. “That’s going too far.”
“One of my favorite pastimes.”
“I remember,” she said, shaking her head.
Just like that, his worries and doubts disappeared. Being with Jennie had that effect on him. She eased his soul like a favorite blanket, warm and comforting.
They loaded the boxes into the barn, which had transformed into a festive mix of color and light. The center of the riding ring was currently lined with tables covered with red-checked cloths, which would be moved into the open space behind the barn for the evening of the celebration.
The bright-hued paper lanterns gave the open space a cozy feel. His heart pinched as he took in the initial grouping of photos Jennie’d clipped to the wide-plank wall.
“I still can’t believe you’ve accomplished so much in such a short time.”
“We’re not finished yet.” She spun in a slow circle, pride evident on her face. He could imagine her working with communities in cities and villages around the world. In the year he’d been regularly visiting Anna, the older woman had told him about Jennie’s accomplishments and the initiatives she’d spearheaded for her agency. He hadn’t volunteered to check in with Anna to keep tabs on Jennie, but he wouldn’t deny that it felt good knowing she was happy and successful in her life.
“I want to hear more about your work.”
“Really?”
“Sure.” Lucas rolled his shoulders and tried not to fidget under her scrutiny. “Anna talked about you often, but I’d like you to tell me what you like about it and some details of the work you’ve done.”
“Okay.” She smiled as a bell sounded in the distance. “But first, Nana wants you to join us for dinner. My mom has a date tonight, so I’m spending the night out here.”
“Selena has a boyfriend?”
“Don’t sound so shocked. People date.”
“What about you?” he asked as they started for the house. The words felt like chalk dust in his throat, but he had to know. “Are you dating anyone?”
“No time with work,” she answered immediately.
“Come on. We watched too many seasons of ER back in the day. Not to mention Grey’s Anatomy. I know what happens when medical people get together.”
That earned him a quick elbow to the ribs. “Don’t be ridiculous. That’s Hollywood and we both know it.”
“But you’re truly telling me you don’t date?” he prompted.
“Do you?”
“My job keeps me busy too.”
“Ever heard of the show Chicago Fire?”
He chuckled. “Point taken.”
“What made you join the department?” she asked as they neared the stairs. “When I left you seemed happy to work construction during the day and drink beer at night.”
“Not my finest period.” He sighed. “We both know I was in a bad place. With you gone, it only got worse.”
“Lucas, I’m sorr—”
“Don’t say it.” He stopped, turning so he faced her. “I’m happy for you, Jen. You worked hard for the success you’ve achieved. It’s no secret I held you back.” He put a finger to her soft lips when she would have protested. “It took me a while to pull my head out of my...” He blew out a breath. “You know what I mean. Finally, Gray couldn’t stand to hear any more of my bellyaching. He gave me the tough love I needed and signed me up for the academy. Maybe it was a fluke, but I knew from the first day I was meant to be a firefighter. I cleaned things up quickly after that.”
“Gray’s a good friend,” she murmured.
“Yeah. He’s going through a rough spot now. It’s my turn to be there for him.”
“I heard about the divorce.”
“He’s torn up, but he’ll survive. I’ll make sure of it.”
“I’m proud of you.”
Lucas blinked at her words then shook his head. “You don’t owe me—”
This time she pressed the tips of her fingers to his mouth, and the gentle touch just about undid him.
“You’ve become the man I always knew you could be,” she continued, her gaze warm on his. The air between them turned electric as she swayed closer, only inches from him. “Since I’ve been back, some things have become clear to me. One of them—”
She broke off when a loud crash split the air. It came from the house. Her grandmother had left the front door open, with only the screen door as a barrier, and Gray followed Jennie as she raced through.
“Nana,” she called then let out a yelp of alarm as they rushed into the kitchen.
Anna lay on the scuffed wood floor, eyes closed, with shards of broken dishes surrounding her and blood pooling beneath her head.
CHAPTER SEVEN
TWO DAYS LATER, Jennie sat beside her grandmother’s hospital bed, her head resting in her hands as she tried to sleep.
“You need to go home.”
She glanced up at the sound of Nana’s frail voice. “I’m not leaving,” she said for probably the tenth time that day. “If I’d come to the house as soon as you sounded the bell, maybe—”
“Stop, Jennifer.”
Jennie straightened, force of habit when Nana used her full name. As a kid, it had meant Jennie was in trouble for something.
“My fall isn’t your fault,” Nana told her, her tone stronger than it had been moments earlier. “There’s no lasting damage other than the matching bruises on my hip and ego. I’m going to be fine.”
“I know, but I hate seeing you in the hospital.”
“I’m ninety. Get used to it.”
Jennie laughed. “Do you need anything?”
“I need you to stop worrying.”
“Good luck with that,” Jennie’s mother said as she entered the hospital room.
Jennie glanced over her shoulder then did a double take as Lucas appeared behind Selena. “You can’t tell a nurse to turn off the caregiving instinct.”
“A handsome firefighter is just what I need,” Nana said, smiling at Lucas. “Take off your shirt, boy.”
Jennie gasped, but Lucas only chuckled.
“It’s the pain medication,” Selena explained. “She has no filter.”
“I’m glad to see you in good spirits, Ms. Anna.” Lucas came to the opposite side of the bed, bent and kissed her grandmother’s crepey cheek.
“Best medicine ever,” the old woman cooed. She pointed a finger toward Jennie. “This one has the lips of an angel, my dear.”
“Nana.” Jennie rolled her eyes, feeling color rise to her cheeks. Glancing over at Lucas, she burst out laughing.
“You’re blushing,” she told him.
He grinned at her. “No doubt.” Turning his attention back to her grandmother, he took Anna’s hand. “Is there anything you need?” One thick brow lifted. “Other than me shirtless.”<
br />
“Take Jennie to lunch,” she answered without hesitation.
“Not necessary,” Jennie protested.
Her grandmother tsked. “She needs to get out of the hospital.”
“I’m fine.” Jennie didn’t actually mind being in the hospital, although she wished it wasn’t to keep her grandma company. Although unsure if she wanted to renew her contract with Nursing Globally, she already missed the daily interactions with individual patients and the community. She wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. Magnolia Community Hospital had expanded quite a bit since Jennie’d volunteered there in high school. They boasted leading-edge cancer, trauma, women’s health, and spine and neurological care, and she’d heard that their ratings for patient safety and satisfaction were some of the best in the region.
“I agree,” Selena said, nudging Jennie up and out of her chair. “You need a break. Go get some fresh air. It’s a perfect day.”
Nerves winging along her spine, Jennie wagged a hand in Lucas’s direction. “Lucas is in uniform, which means work. He probably doesn’t have time—”
“I have time,” Lucas interrupted. “I’m not due at the station until later this afternoon.”
Jennie darted a look at her grandmother, who winked. “Take a break, dear. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Fine,” Jennie breathed. She didn’t understand why both her grandma and mom were suddenly pushing her to spend time with Lucas. When they’d dated in high school, Selena had constantly worried that Jennie was limiting her prospects by committing to a boy so young. Now she’d come to town for a short visit, and it felt like everything had changed.
Certainly Lucas had.
She followed him into the hall, trying and failing to tear her eyes away from his perfect backside.
“You’re checking me out,” he said with a laugh when the door closed behind her.
Another wave of heat coursed through her, but she didn’t bother to deny the teasing accusation. “You wear the uniform well.”
His grin widened. “You look beautiful today, Jen.”
“Liar.” She tugged on the hem of the old college sweatshirt she’d thrown on during her quick trip back to her mom’s to shower. The past forty-eight hours had been a whirlwind of emotion, from terror at finding her grandma on the floor to relief that her injuries weren’t more serious. That and exhaustion had to account for the relief she felt at hearing Lucas call her Jen again.
“I don’t lie.”
“I know,” she whispered.
They left the hospital together, the day indeed glorious. Azalea bushes bloomed with bright pink flowers in the landscaped beds at the building’s entrance and the blue sky reminded her of the Mediterranean Sea. Spring had arrived in North Carolina with full force, the world bursting forth in renewal and rebirth. Would she be a fool to take that as an omen in her own life?
“How about a burrito?” Lucas asked.
Jennie had been about to tell him she’d get lunch on her own, but the idea of spending more time with him was too appealing. These might be her final moments of reveling in the connection they’d once had. Although her grandmother was due to be released from the hospital on Saturday, it was doubtful she’d be up for any sort of big party. Jennie would leave Magnolia on Sunday as she had a meeting scheduled with the directors at the agency in DC Monday morning to discuss her contract and a potential next assignment. As much as she loved her work, the thought of getting on a plane that would take her from this town—her true home—held little appeal.
She bit down on her lower lip. “At The Burrito Buggy?”
Lucas gave her a playful nudge. “Of course.”
The Burrito Buggy, along with the bagel and pizza carts, was a culinary staple in Magnolia. The food wasn’t fancy, but it didn’t need to be. The owner of the food cart used simple, local ingredients to offer a twist on Mexican that had remained popular throughout the years. They climbed into his Bronco, the same vintage truck he’d driven since high school.
“Are you ever going to get rid of this thing?” she asked as the engine rumbled to life.
He gave an affronted snort. “I love Bronco Betty.”
Jennie smiled. “I forgot you’d named the car.”
“She’s more than a car. She’s my girl.” He unclipped a pair of sunglasses from the visor and pushed them onto his face, effectively blocking his gaze from view. “I’m nothing if not loyal, Jen. Once I give my heart, it’s gone.”
She felt a slow smile build, warmth spreading through her. “And Betty has your heart?”
“Forever.” He said the word quietly but there was no mistaking the intensity in his tone.
It took a few minutes for her to gather her wits enough to speak, and then she turned the subject to lighter things. Town news, updates on mutual friends and his family. She couldn’t allow herself to garner hope that Lucas might want a second chance. Not when the alternative was having her heart broken again.
But she also couldn’t deny that her feelings for him were as strong as ever. Less than a week, and suddenly the dreams she’d once had for her future, anchored by Lucas, had made their way to the forefront of her mind and heart.
As they took their food to a bench that sat in the shade of trees sporting Magnolia’s namesake blossoms, Jennie’s whole body thrummed with anticipation. Just as she had years ago, she could see her life with Lucas. They laughed and talked easily, neither willing to break the spell between them by bringing up her imminent departure.
Finally, driving back to the hospital and feeling more carefree than she had in ages, Jennie forced herself to broach the subject of staying. “I met the head of nursing at the hospital,” she announced. “She said they’re hiring full-time staff for several different departments.”
Lucas’s knuckles tightened on the steering wheel almost imperceptibly. “What about Nursing Globally?”
“I’m supposed to give them an answer about renewing my contract. If I don’t renew—”
“You should renew,” he said, slamming on the brakes in front of the hospital’s entrance with enough force that the seat belt snapped hard against Jennie’s chest.
“You think so?” Disappointment lanced through her as she stared at him, but his expression remained almost carefully blank. “I’ve stayed with them longer than I’d planned. It might be time to stop traveling and put down roots.”
“I need to get to work,” he said suddenly, and the dismissal felt like a blow to the chest. “Call me if your grandmother needs anything.”
She felt her mouth drop open in shock but quickly shut it again. They’d spent a few effortless hours together. What had she really expected?
More.
She’d expected more.
“Thanks for lunch,” she said as she got out of the vehicle.
“Sure.” He waited for her to shut the door then pulled away from the curb with a wave.
What the heck had just happened? Jennie knew she hadn’t imagined the connection between them. And no way had the passion in the kiss they’d shared been one-sided.
Unfortunately for her dreams of the future, there was also no denying that Lucas had just told her with his actions that he didn’t want to try again. Hope shriveled inside her, and her fool heart ached anew. So much for second chances.
CHAPTER EIGHT
“SHE GAVE YOU that much of an opening and you pissed it away?”
Gray shook his head as he hefted a speaker onto the makeshift stage at the corner of the Copley barn Saturday afternoon.
“That’s not how I’d put it,” Lucas grumbled, wishing he hadn’t confided in his friend.
“Don’t get me wrong.” Gray clapped him on the back. “Misery loves company and all that, but I’m miserable because Stacy cheated on me. The woman you’ve loved more than half your life basically told you she wants to stay and try agai
n. I never took your for a masochist.”
“Shut up, Gray.”
“Not this time, buddy. This is your chance.” Gray waved a hand at the crowded barn, filled with Anna’s friends and neighbors. “Don’t waste it.”
Lucas laughed. “You want me to hijack Anna Copley’s birthday celebration?”
“I want you to claim your future.”
Erik Dumont, the town’s most popular florist, called for help unloading flower arrangements from his truck. Gray left Lucas standing slack-jawed next to the stage, uncertainty and excitement battling inside him.
He’d been an idiot when he’d told Jennie she should sign the traveling nurse contract. He didn’t want her to go, but at that moment the thought of having her stay made panic override his good sense. Could he be the man she wanted him to—the kind of man she deserved?
Yes, he’d turned his life around. It might not be the path he’d expected to take, but he loved his job and living in Magnolia. Would it be enough for Jennie?
Was he brave enough to risk his heart to find out?
* * *
JENNIE’S CHEEKS HURT from smiling as she reached across her car’s console and patted her grandmother’s arm. “You doing okay, Nana?”
“You’re making me nervous with that too-bright grin,” Anna replied. “I love you, dear, but quit smiling at me like that.”
“Still working on the return of her filter,” Selena said by way of explanation from the backseat.
Jennie shook her head, amazed as always by her grandmother’s acute perception and the fact that she normally said exactly what was on her mind, pain meds or not. As promised, Anna had been released from the hospital Saturday afternoon. They’d canceled the party but still planned to have a small birthday celebration at the farm.
“I’m happy you were well enough to come home instead of being released to rehab,” Jennie said. “Although I don’t think you should stay at the farm by yourself.”
“You’ll be with me tonight,” Nana told her.
Jennie had moved her things from her mother’s small rancher in town to the farmhouse early this morning.
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