Of course, it was only natural that a woman as pretty as Kenzie Forsberg would have men flocking around her. And she did look beautiful tonight, with a great figure and that long, gorgeous hair. She was nearly angelic—all she needed was a halo. Then Jared caught himself. Only angels had halos, and Kenzie did not qualify.
When someone moved, blocking his view, Jared moved sideways a few steps so he could watch her.
Tom came over, munching on a cookie. He nodded toward a table set up near the kitchen. “There’s plenty of cookies over there. Mom put name tags on the trays, and I recommend this one. It’s called the Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie.7 I ask you, who in their right mind could refuse a cookie with a name like that?”
“Not me. I’ll have to try one. Haven’t had time to sample any yet.”
“I saw you come in—and noticed where your eyes have been since then.” Tom glanced toward Kenzie. “I’m going to have to ask you to put your eyeballs back in your head—that’s my sister you’re gawping at.” Jared jerked his eyes away, but Tom grinned. “I was joking,” Tom said with a wry smile, “but from your reaction, apparently I wasn’t too far off.” He bit at his chocolate chip cookie. “Why don’t you go talk with her?”
“I don’t think so.” Jared crawled into his shell.
“She likes you.”
Jared bristled inside. “Yeah, that’s why she made sure I couldn’t buy your house.”
“I have a little news flash for you. Actually, both of us kind of jumped the gun on that.” When Jared eyed him curiously, he went on. “I talked to Kenzie, and she explained all of it. I misjudged her motives. Her visit with Tracy wasn’t planned and was a lot more innocent than I thought.”
“Wait a minute, you were practically yelling at Kenzie for talking the Perezes out of seeing my house.”
“Turns out I misjudged her. And, yes, I apologized for being a hothead.”
Anger and confusion mixed together, nearly choking him. “Why should you apologize? Kenzie was the one who tried to tank the sale of my house.”
“That’s what I thought, but it turns out I didn’t have the full story. Kenzie came to my office yesterday, and we had a good talk. Let me explain—”
Jared listened carefully, his mouth hanging open slightly as he took it in. It took Tom a few minutes. When he was done, Tom said, “So you see, Kenzie’s actions weren’t nearly as reprehensible as I thought. Sure, Kenzie could have handled things better, but she’s felt really bad about the whole thing. And she did apologize.”
Jared didn’t know what to say. It took a bit of doing to readjust his mind-set and realize he’d misjudged her. Kenzie hadn’t sought out Tracy and persuaded her not to buy his home. She had played up newer homes, but who could blame her when her friend had had such a bad experience and when she wanted so desperately to buy her childhood home? He would probably have done the same thing. But the part that bothered him the most was that Kenzie had tried, more than once, to explain, and he’d brushed her off.
Jared was so lost in thought that he was barely aware that Tom had gone on to talk about something else. He only caught the last part of Tom’s sentence.
“. . . so you’ve got it.”
“Got what?”
“My house. Someone made an offer on your house yesterday afternoon.”
The announcement rocked Jared back on his heels. “Are you kidding?” His face lit up at the unbelievable news. “So that last couple who saw it decided they wanted it after all?”
“It was somebody else—someone who had seen it before.”
“Who?”
“Some single lady—I forget her last name right now, but her first name is Izabelle. She spelled it kind of strange—with a z instead of an s—but all the paperwork’s been taken care of, so it’s a bona fide offer.” Tom held out his hand. “Congratulations.”
Grabbing Tom’s big hand, Jared shook it firmly. “That’s great news!” It was a bona fide miracle is what it was. Then Jared threw an uneasy glance toward Kenzie. “Your sister’s not going to be too happy.”
“Well, Kenzie knew I was working overtime trying to sell your house.”
“I guess—” Jared looked at Kenzie, and just then she looked in his direction. Catching his eye, she gave him a radiant smile. Was he dreaming? Why would Kenzie be smiling at him so big and friendly-like? Jared glanced over his shoulder to see if she was smiling at someone else.
No one there. His gaze went back to Kenzie, but she was talking to someone. How pretty she was. It had taken a lot of courage for her to come to his house and invite him to the party. And he hadn’t been very nice in return.
“Kenzie’s going to take this hard,” he muttered to Tom. “She told me how badly she wanted your house. It means a lot to her. Maybe I could find another one.”
“You’d walk away from my house for Kenzie?” Tom’s eyebrows quirked upward. “You must like her more than I thought.”
Jared looked at the Christmas tree, the front door, then his shoes.
“Well, well. What do you know?” Tom’s deep voice was filled with awe. “I know I’m repeating myself, but you really ought to go over and talk with Kenzie.” He leaned closer and in a conspiratorial whisper, said, “I saw her smiling at you.”
“Maybe later.” Jared shuffled his feet.
“Go on over. Ask her out, even. I bet she’d say yes.”
Hope rose as Jared looked at Tom. “Do you think so?”
“Of course. What is it with you? You’re not Quasimodo, and you’re semiliterate. Besides, it’s only a date.”
“There’s no such thing as ‘just’ a date.”
“Come on, you’ve dated before. There’s nothing to it.”
“Yes, well . . . the thing is . . . ,” Jared glanced around to make sure no one was in listening distance. “I’ve always been a little shy around women—even girls when I was little. There was only one girl I could talk to—the rest made me nervous.”
“All boys are scared of girls. You’re supposed to cover it up and do things to make them notice you. Didn’t you ever pull a girl’s hair?”
Jared shook his head.
“How about tripping someone you liked? Swiping a girl’s notebook? Gluing a valentine to her porch?”
More negative shakes.
Mystified, Tom stared at Jared. “Geez, how’d you wind up with anyone?”
* * *
7 The recipe for Dawnelle’s Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies is found at the end of the book.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Trying not to be obvious, Kenzie kept darting looks at the two men. Her brother had been talking to Jared for what seemed an exceptionally long time. Jared had a very readable face, and it was interesting to see the play of emotions that crossed it: first irritation then embarrassment. As Tom talked on, there was shock, followed closely by joy, then another emotion that was more difficult to read. At the end, Jared was practically scuffing his toes in the carpet.
Kenzie would have loved to sidle closer and hear what was being said, but she didn’t dare. One time, Jared glanced in her direction at the exact moment she looked his way. A fizzy feeling like ginger ale bubbled up into a huge smile, and she’d almost giggled when he turned to see if she was smiling at someone behind him. And the friendly, slightly-in-awe smile Jared gave her in return was so cute. What was it about Jared that had struck her fancy all over again? Well, other than he was friendly and kind. And by what a wonderful father he was. Perhaps it was his innate goodness that ran deep and showed itself in so many ways.
When Tom finally walked away, Kenzie got two mugs of hot chocolate and carried them over. “You haven’t made it to the refreshment table, so I thought I’d bring this over.”
As Jared took one of the red mugs, his fingers brushed hers. “Thanks.”
“Tom was over here quite a while. What were you two talking about?”
“I’m not sure,” Jared mumbled, looking bemused. “Something about tripping girls.” He took a sip. “Tom
also gave me some big news. Someone made an offer on my house.”
Earlier—standing in front of the mirror—Kenzie had practiced looking surprised. She displayed the final version—big eyes, round mouth, and raised eyebrows. “Really? I didn’t know anyone was serious about it. Well, that’s bad news for me, but you must be very happy.”
She was glad Jared had the grace to appear divided. “Well, uh, yes,” he said. “I’d reduced the price, so I’m sure that helped.” He took a drink then said kindly, “I’m sorry. I know you really wanted Tom’s house.”
Kenzie arranged her features to look sorrowful. “I did, but there isn’t much I can do about it. After all, you did put an offer on it before I did. Did Tom say who bought it?”
“Someone named Izabelle—spells her name with a z.”
“That is an unusual spelling.” A flicker crossed Jared’s face, and Kenzie asked, “What?”
“It just hit me—Izabelle. I used to know someone called Izzy. She lived here in Lake Forest.”
“Do you think it could be the same person?”
Jared considered. “I doubt it. That was a long time ago. But still—Izabelle and Izzy?”
“That’s pretty close,” Kenzie admitted. “So you knew a girl named Izzy. That’s a different name.”
“Yeah. She was a lot of fun. I’ve always been shy with girls, but I could talk to Izzy for hours. We were best friends.”
The corners of Kenzie’s mouth turned up. “So you liked her.”
“I did. But you know how things are when you’re a kid—it didn’t really mean anything.”
Kenzie’s smile faded ever so slightly. “But you said you were best friends. You had to have liked her—”
“Well, sure. Izzy and I liked doing the same things. We spent a couple of summers together in the woods. She was the first girl I could really talk to.” Jared appeared to grow uneasy under Kenzie’s intense scrutiny, and his face reddened. “But we were just kids, it was nothing.”
“Nothing?” Kenzie’s fingers tightened around her mug until her knuckles went white. She fought to keep her voice calm. “You must have been best friends if you spent two summers together.” Her voice caught as she added, “It had to have been something special if she gave you ice skates.”
Jared blinked. “How did you know about that?”
Oops. “I, uh, saw some skates in your display window. And—and they looked old, so I asked Corey about them.”
Jared accepted the explanation with a nod and took a drink.
A stinging sprang up behind her eyes even as Kenzie studied his face. She was pushing it, but she had to know. “So it wasn’t important, then, your friendship with Izzy?”
The shrug Jared gave made Kenzie feel hot and then cold. Her mouth had gone dry, and he added, “We were kids. Kids make friends with everyone.”
It was as if the world had exploded in her face and the pieces were still falling to earth. Feeling off-kilter, Kenzie fought to keep a neutral expression on her face. “I guess that means you weren’t best friends after all.” Before he could reply, she raised her mug. “I think I’ll take this to the kitchen.” She had to get out of there—fast.
In the kitchen, Kenzie set her mug down hard, then put her hands on the counter and leaned forward, fighting the pain by taking deep breaths.
Mandy came into the kitchen and said brightly, “I saw you talking with Jared—” When Kenzie didn’t turn around, Mandy came closer, and her brows drew together in puzzlement. “It looked like things were going good. What happened?”
“Jared told me about Izzy and—and said they were best friends.”
“But that’s good. Isn’t it?”
“No, it is not good.” Kenzie’s throat ached. “When I asked him if his friendship with Izzy was important, Jared sounded as if he couldn’t care less. He—he said they were only kids. He made our friendship sound so trivial!”
“Oh, Kenzie.” Mandy’s voice was compassionate.
“I pressed him and said if they were best friends, it had to be something, but he made it sound as if it was nothing.” Kenzie gulped. “Apparently, Jared and I remember things very differently. Sort of like me and Dad,” she said, making a weak joke. She’d told Mandy about the talk with her father.
When Kenzie went on, there was real anguish in her voice. “All these years, I really, truly believed Tyrone and I had been best friends. I thought our friendship meant as much to him as it did to me.” She shook her head as if to clear it. “So much for thinking Jared and I might have something special.” Kenzie plowed on. “And the worst was when Jared said our friendship didn’t really mean anything. He—he said it was nothing!” Kenzie’s voice broke.
“Oh, Kenzie, I’m so sorry.” Mandy gave her a hug. “But you have to remember that Jared doesn’t know who you are. You’ve got to tell him.”
“Why?” Kenzie said furiously. “Tell me why I should tell him—when he just said our friendship was nothing.” Repeating his words made her stomach hurt.
“Maybe he’s being macho.” Mandy put a hand on her arm. “Why don’t you tell him. See what he says.”
Kenzie’s lips began trembling. She didn’t dare speak, so she simply shook her head and slipped away.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Puzzled, Jared watched Kenzie walk away, her back very straight. What had just happened? Somehow, he’d blown it but didn’t have a clue as to how or why. Kenzie had seemed so warm and happy when she came over, but at the end, hurt had been stamped all over her face. Jared went over the conversation, trying to figure out what could have upset her, but he couldn’t come up with a single thing.
Maybe he should have tripped her.
Jared looked toward the kitchen, but Kenzie had gone around the corner. He couldn’t let it end like this. He had to talk to her—find out what had gone wrong. More than anything, he wanted to bring back that bright, joyful expression she’d had when she had brought over the mug. Something was obviously bothering her; perhaps he ought to give her a couple of minutes.
A weird, uneasy feeling had taken up residence in his gut, and he moved slightly—just to keep an eye on her. He could see her now, although her back was to him. Mandy was there, talking to her. Then Mandy gave her a hug. Whoa, what was that about? Their faces were still turned away. Mindlessly he grabbed a cookie, watching Kenzie’s every move. After eating, Jared couldn’t even think what kind it was—it could have been made of sawdust for all the attention he’d paid.
Elaine came over, forcing Jared to turn and face her. They talked for a few minutes—painfully long minutes since he couldn’t keep his eye on Kenzie. When Elaine left, he turned back, but the kitchen was empty.
Kenzie was gone. Mandy too.
Hurrying through the family room, Jared searched for Kenzie. Nothing. He peeked into the small front room, but she wasn’t there either. Once or twice, people stopped him to chat, but he made some excuse and moved on. His eyes never stopped hunting for Kenzie as he made his way through the guests. He went back to the kitchen, which was still empty. Disconsolate, he turned away, and his eyes lit on the narrow table that stood against the wall. Jared didn’t remember moving his feet, but suddenly he was standing in front of it.
It couldn’t be.
The table was strewn with greenery, and amidst three glittery candles stood a small wooden reindeer. There was no way it could be the same one. He picked it up, a jolt running through him as he gazed at the blue eyes and the spots that he had painted so painstakingly. He ran a thumb over the wood. It was smooth and cool to his touch, and for a moment he was transported back in time, watching Tony Manzano cut out the reindeer and show Jared how to use different grits of sandpaper. When Jared had glued the reindeer to its oval base, he’d used too much, and the glue had oozed out, all thick and yellow. Tony had handed him a rag, telling him to wet it and wipe away every trace because stain wouldn’t adhere to glue. Jared still remembered the thrill of satisfaction when he finished. He’d taken the reindeer home and
, sitting on the floor of his bedroom, used a black pen to write on the bottom, “Best friends are forever.” It was the same thing Izzy had etched into one of his ice skates.
Slowly Jared turned the reindeer over. The words were there. A little faded—but still there. Best friends are forever.
Realization scorched his mind like heat lightning. Turning with a jerk, Jared combed the room again. Kenzie was nowhere in sight. When he saw Elaine, he practically ran to her. After apologizing for interrupting her conversation, he held up the reindeer.
“Where did you get this?”
“Oh that’s Kenzie’s,” Elaine said. “It’s always been special to her. Why, she even brought it with her from Chicago—couldn’t stand to be parted from it.”
It was too much to take in. Jared had a thousand questions but couldn’t voice a single one. He forced himself to marshal his thoughts. “Where did she get it?”
“A boy gave it to her. They were special friends. Very special.” Elaine seemed to be watching him carefully, but he didn’t know what to make of that.
“Do you know where Kenzie is?”
Looking around, Elaine said, “Last time I saw her, she was talking to Mandy.”
With quick strides, Jared crossed the room to Tom’s wife. “Have you seen Kenzie?”
Mandy’s eyes locked onto his. Again, there were undercurrents he didn’t understand but had no time for. “I talked to her a little while ago in the kitchen. She seemed upset.”
Agitated, Jared ran a hand through his hair. Of course she was upset. Hadn’t he been the greatest fool in the world? All those stupid comments. Saying they’d just been kids, that being best friends didn’t mean anything—and worse—that their friendship was nothing. No wonder the light in her eyes had vanished.
When Allen walked by, Jared caught his arm. “Do you know where Kenzie went?”
“I think she went down the hall toward the utility room.”
Jared hurried off, but Kenzie wasn’t there. On the wall across from the washer and dryer was a bench with boots underneath. Above the bench, coats, scarves, and hats dangled from a long row of hooks. One hook was empty, and under the bench lay a pair of gold high heels.
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