“We’re taking it slowly. Seeing how things develop. We’re not telling anyone about the pregnancy yet, so please don’t say anything.”
“Our lips are sealed.” Maggie smiled with understanding.
“If you’re not telling them about the baby, what’s with the family meeting after the party?” Jake pulled into his parents’ driveway.
“He’s telling everyone about the contact from his father.”
“About time.” He parked. “I hope the guys are mellow by then, so they aren’t too pissed at him for keeping quiet.”
Jenny unbuckled her seat belt. “Ike especially. He heard Tru went to Boston and gave him a hard time about even thinking of playing in the same city their dad lived in. Luckily, Tru sidetracked him. Told him he’d met with an equipment rep about new skates.”
“I’ll keep Ike in check.” Jake got out of the car. “You know Aunt Karina’s invited her new man? That’ll make things interesting.”
Jenny nodded. “She texted Tru, warning him to be on best behavior. He’s happy for her, but doesn’t want to think of her with a boyfriend.”
Jake grimaced. “Some things about your parents, you don’t want to imagine.”
“Thanks.” Maggie hit Jake on the arm. “Now I need a brain-wipe.”
As they walked around to the backyard, Jenny could see the festivities were well under way. Picnic tables piled high with food took up one side of the lawn. The delicious aroma of grilling meat filled the air. People milled across the large backyard—the usual mix of family, friends, neighbors and hockey players.
Maggie’s sister, Tracy, waved at them from the deck, where she chatted with Juergen and Vlad. Gio manned the grill, assisted by Emily. Some of the younger Ice Cats players—J.B., Mad Dog and Blake—were filling coolers with beers. Ike was supervising Kenny and Linc as they erected a volleyball net.
As always, Tru’s older brother had half an eye on Tracy. He frowned when Juergen slung an arm over her shoulders and she didn’t shrug the Swede off.
The two mothers, in matching stars-and-stripes tops, sat in lawn chairs shaded by a giant beach umbrella.
Jenny and Maggie put their dishes with the rest of the food, then went to say hello.
Karina grinned. “It’s good to see you, Jenny.”
“You’re both looking great. Lizzie was so disappointed she couldn’t make the party. They’re short-staffed where she works,” Jenny said.
“No need to worry,” Tina said. “She sent us a lovely card to apologize.”
Karina nodded. “So thoughtful. You did a wonderful job with her.”
“Thank you.” Jenny blushed.
“Remind me later to talk to you about my project. We’re short of volunteers and you’d be perfect.”
Jenny stiffened. She forced herself to speak calmly, when she really wanted to scream. “I’m very busy right now with my new job.”
Thankfully, before Karina could respond she was diverted by a neighbor’s arrival.
Jenny made a quick escape, joining Maggie and Emily by the barbecue. She had no idea what they talked about, but she hoped her responses were suitable.
J.B. offered her a beer. She almost took it until she remembered she shouldn’t drink alcohol. She shook her head and asked for a soda. By the time he returned, she felt more in control and was able to chat comfortably with them. Karina’s attention had shifted to her two youngest sons, so Jenny began to relax.
She knew the moment Tru arrived. The air felt different. She felt different. Anticipation bubbled up inside her.
He looked tired, with dark shadows under his eyes. His drooping shoulders and slow walk suggested he was forcing himself to stay upright.
Her heart skipped as he caught sight of her, then skipped again as his eyes lit up and his body language changed. His head lifted, his shoulders went back and there was a bounce in his step.
Her mouth went dry as he made a beeline for her.
Then, in front of his mom and everyone, he planted a hot, heavy kiss on her lips. “I missed you.”
* * *
EXHAUSTION TUGGED AT TRU.
His eyes were gritty, his head ached. The past few days had been nonstop and his mind was spinning. The red-eye from Vancouver, with the delay in Chicago, had wiped him out.
But Jenny in his arms was the best tonic. Her softness pressed against him, her sun-kissed scent surrounding him, her sweet taste on his lips—suddenly the weariness began to ease.
“I missed you, too.” Her words were like a shot of caffeine. He felt rejuvenated.
His gaze met hers. The truth of her feelings sparkled in the blue depths, along with a message that sent his blood racing through his veins.
Man, he wished the party was over already. He lowered his head, seeking out those delicious lips.
“Are you going to say hello to your mama or spend all your time canoodling?”
Tru and Jenny shared a heated look of mutual understanding. “Later,” he said softly.
“Definitely.” She smiled.
He released Jenny reluctantly before sweeping his mom into a hug that had her giggling like a schoolgirl. “Hey, Ma. Looking beautiful as ever.”
“Who’s this making time with my best girl?”
Tru stiffened at the deep voice with the Irish lilt.
His mom’s blush told him who had spoken. “You must be Mr. Fitzpatrick.”
“Call me Rory.”
They shook hands. The guy’s callused grip was firm. A good sign.
Tru hadn’t thought about what the man who’d broken through the protective wall around his mother’s heart would look like. If he had, the guy before him would have fit the bill.
As different from Radek Jelinek as night from day.
Rory Fitzpatrick was around five foot ten and barrel-chested, with weathered skin that hadn’t come from a sun bed. The laugh lines bracketing his eyes and mouth matched the twinkle in his eyes. He looked as solid as his build. Dependable. Honest. And from the way he looked at Karina Jelinek, he’d take care of her as if she were made of Waterford Crystal.
Meanwhile, the affection in his mom’s green eyes as she looked at Fitzpatrick told Tru all he needed to know. He was glad; she deserved this happiness.
Thank God he’d put his father off coming to the barbecue.
“Good to meet you, Rory. I’m relieved that Ma will be in good hands while I’m gone.”
“I’ll do my best.” Fitzpatrick put his arm around Tru’s mom.
Ike came across to join them. He nodded at Rory before clapping Tru on the back and handing him a cold brew. “Welcome back, bro. How was your trip?”
“Tiring, but good.” Weariness washed over him. He reached for Jenny’s hand and entwined his fingers with hers.
“Have you chosen where you’re going?” His mom’s brow creased with concern.
“Not yet.” He bit back a yawn. “I hope to have a decision by the weekend.”
“You said you liked Chicago and were impressed by the ’Hawks. How was Vancouver?” Jenny asked.
“I loved the city and the Canucks organization is sound, but I didn’t connect well with their new coach.”
“You’re not alone.” Ike grimaced. “He totally lost the room with his last team.”
Jenny nodded. “You don’t have to like your coach, but you should respect him.”
“Vancouver has a strong team, with solid play-off intentions, so it was worth a shot. I reckon it’ll come down to Denver and Chicago.”
“It’s a tough call.” His brother shrugged. “But a nice problem to have, taking your pick of the best teams in the NHL.”
“It’s nice to be wanted, for sure.”
“So you’re all right?” His mom searched his face anxiously.
“I’ll be fine, Ma. Don’t worry.”
“Mother hens are allowed to worry about their babies.”
“Chicks,” he said with a fond smile. “Hens have chicks.”
“Babies, chicks. It’s the same, no?”
“Yeah,” Ike drawled. “But it’s hard to see this big lug as either.”
The gathered crowd laughed.
“Time to eat.” His mom ushered them toward the picnic tables.
As they were getting plates, Jenny turned ashen and rubbed her lower belly.
His heart jolted. “Are you okay?”
“It’s just a twinge. It’ll go away after a few seconds.”
“You’ve had one before?”
“I had one earlier and a couple yesterday. It’s nothing.” Her wobbly half smile belied her confident words.
“Did you call Sally?”
“Yesterday. She said mild cramps and a bit of blood were common.”
“You’ve been bleeding, too?” His concern spiked.
“Only a few spots. I figured I’d been on my feet too much, so I spent yesterday afternoon on the couch.”
“We don’t have to stay if you don’t feel right. I’ll take you home.”
“I’ll be fine. Besides, I want to be with you when you talk to your family.”
He was grateful for her support, but his first priority was her health. “I can reschedule.”
“But your brothers are leaving tomorrow. So are you.”
“I’ll find a way.” He led her across to some empty lawn chairs in the shade. “Sit here and I’ll get us both some food.”
“All right. Thanks.” Her easy acceptance told him she wasn’t as calm as she made out.
As he was walking back, loaded plates in hand, his mom joined him.
She settled next to Jenny, smiling. “I wanted to talk to you both.”
Tru swallowed his mouthful before asking, “What’s up?”
“I need someone to take your place on the committee, Tru.”
His stomach rolled. Jenny went pale. Her blue eyes begged him to help her.
“The Ice Cats will get another player involved, Ma.”
“But he won’t be as supportive as you.”
Little did she know. “Whoever they assign will do a good job.”
“I asked Ike and Jake, but they won’t do it.”
They knew better than to get involved in a project with his überdetermined mother. “Perhaps they think it’s a conflict of interest.”
“You didn’t.”
“I didn’t get a choice, Ma.”
Karina huffed. “I need an ally. Especially with Ron Sherman fighting me.”
“What about Aunt Tina?”
“She says it’s better for our friendship if she stays off my committee.”
Smart woman. “It’ll be fine. These things always work out for the best.” Like if the damn project got canned.
“I have a great idea. Jenny can take your place.” His mom smiled encouragingly. “She’s Pastor Boult’s niece and, now you’re together, she’s practically family. A perfect solution.”
Crap. He should have seen this coming.
Jenny looked nauseous.
“I don’t think...”
“That’s not a good...”
He and Jenny both spoke at once, then stopped. His look said to trust him. “Now’s not a good time, Ma. The doctors think Harry will regain consciousness any day, then Jenny will be busy with him.”
His mom frowned at Jenny. “I thought you didn’t work for him anymore.”
“I don’t, but it’s only temporary.” Jenny’s smile was brittle. “Once he’s out of the hospital, I’ll go back to my old job. In the meantime, The Journal is keeping me very busy.”
“The committee won’t take much time.” His mom waved her hand dismissively.
Tru groaned inwardly. He was so tired he could hardly think straight and he was worried about Jenny. He loved his mother, but she was like a dog with a bone. He needed her to back off.
“I really can’t take on anything else right now,” Jenny said politely.
His mom’s color rose. “I’d have thought you’d be keen to be involved, as it’s honoring all the fine things your uncle did.”
“You can find someone else for your committee, Ma.”
Karina turned on him. “What message does it give when the man’s own family won’t help arrange for his memorial? After everything he did for Jenny and Lizzie, it’s a shame.”
“Enough,” he barked. His mom was so blinkered about that damn project, she couldn’t see the effect her words were having on Jenny.
“Is everything all right, love?” Rory Fitzpatrick appeared beside Karina flanked with Jake and Maggie. “Things look a little heated over here.”
“Jenny refuses to get involved with Pastor Boult’s memorial.”
Fitzpatrick frowned. “I’m sure there’s a good explanation.”
“Jenny has other commitments.” Tru caught Jenny’s eye. Please let me tell them.
She shook her head. “I’m sorry, Kar...” She broke off, wincing. “I’m not feeling very well. Tru, could you take me home?”
“Sure.” Torn between worry for Jenny and frustration with his mom, he said, “Please, Ma, let it go.”
Karina huffed. “All I’m saying is I’m disappointed she can’t spare time for the man who gave her a loving home after she and Lizzie were orphaned.”
Tru gritted his teeth and tried to hold on to his temper.
Jenny rose unsteadily. Tears filled her eyes as she grabbed his arm. “I need to go now.”
He panicked. Forget taking her home, he was taking her to the hospital.
Maggie glared at him, then put an arm around Jenny’s shoulders. “Come on, sweetie. I’ll walk you to the car.”
“I’ve said my piece.” His mom huffed again. “Pastor Boult was practically a saint and his own family doesn’t appreciate him.”
“Stop!” Tru slashed the air with his hand. “Douglas Boult was far from a damn saint.”
“Tru...please don’t.” Jenny’s fingers dug into his arm.
“I’m sorry, Jenny, but I can’t let Mom, or anyone else, blame you. They need to know what a monster your uncle was.”
“Let’s discuss this some other time, Tru,” Jake said urgently.
“How dare you?” his mom snapped.
“I dare because the saintly Douglas Boult abused his niece,” he snapped back.
Jenny gasped, betrayal filling her expression.
In the shocked silence that followed, Tru realized he’d made a terrible mistake.
“Is this true, Jenny?” The pleading edge to his mom’s question begged her to deny it.
“Ye-es.” Jenny’s voice broke. She turned and hurried toward the house.
Maggie shot him a dirty look and rushed after her friend.
He started after Jenny, but Jake grabbed his arm. “Maggie will look after her.”
“Oh, my God.” His mom crossed herself as she sank into the lawn chair. Rory put his hand on her shoulder.
The happy sounds of the party continued around them as people enjoyed themselves, oblivious to the saga playing out in the small group.
Tru shrugged off his friend’s hold and ran after Jenny.
He’d barely taken a few steps when Ike’s angry voice rang out. “What the hell are you doing here?”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CONVERSATIONS PAUSED, ACTIVITIES halted. Heads swiveled, seeking the source of Ike’s wrath. Tru saw Jenny and Maggie pause at the steps to the deck.
Bile rose up his throat. Damn it. His father had promised he wouldn’t come to the barbecue. How could he have gone back on his word?
How could Tru have been stupid enough to trust his word?
Radek Jelinek hadn’t changed. All he cared about was his own self-interest.
“I was invited,” his father said cheerfully.
“No one wants you here.” Ike’s voice shook with rage.
A hint of annoyance crossed his father’s face. “My son asked me.”
“You don’t have sons. You dumped us, remember?”
Radek sought Tru out. Those faded blue eyes locked with his. There was no apology.
Tru wished the ground would open and swallow him. Don’t say it. Please.
His father puffed himself up. “Truman asked me to come.”
Shock rippled through the crowd. Like a comic farce, every head turned to look at Tru.
For several moments no one spoke.
Then the murmurs began. Accusatory glares sliced through Tru—from his brothers, Rory, Aunt Tina. Jake and Uncle Gio looked sad.
His mother wouldn’t meet his gaze.
From the corner of his eye, he saw Jenny move. She was leaving.
Pain speared his chest.
Radek Jelinek stood cockily, untouched by the maelstrom of anger and hurt swirling around him. Unconcerned that he’d destroyed his family, again. A smile played on his lips.
The bastard was enjoying it.
That painful realization helped clear the sentimental mist that had clouded Tru’s judgment for too long. His father didn’t want to reconnect with his sons. He was here because he wanted something. He’d used Tru.
Mistake. Radek Jelinek had just blown his best shot.
Tru found his voice. “I didn’t.” He repeated it louder, for all to hear. “I did not invite you.”
“Sure you did,” his father said jovially. “When you came to Boston to see me.”
Another wave of antagonism washed over Tru, but he didn’t let that bow him. His family needed to know the truth. He’d tried to protect them. To prevent exactly this from happening, damn it. They might never talk to him again, but they’d know Tru had tried his best.
The gloves came off. “I went to Boston to see why you were hounding me with letters.”
His father’s smile was a little less confident. “I asked to see you and you came running.”
A Perfect Trade (Harlequin Superromance) Page 26