When Nick pulled out his wallet to pay for the tree, Emma tried to stop him.
“Let him pay for it, Em,” Jack said, with definite humor in his voice. “He can afford it.”
“I…alright,” she answered, grinning.
* * *
Jack knew that Nick was in for life. He and Emma were definitely perfect together, and what he liked about their relationship was that he never felt like he was in their way.
Jack tried not to laugh when Emma introduced Nick to some of her ex boyfriends. He’d never seen his friend so jealous.
It was funny how Jack had never realized how great Nick was with kids. Many of Em’s friends were married couples, so they brought their kids along to the cabin. Em had craft supplies and plastic ornaments laid on a table covered with plastic, and everyone who stopped by was expected to come up with some kind of ornament for the tree and sign their name for Em. It kept the kids who were visiting busy, while Emma introduced Nick and Jack to her friends.
Nick had handed over the car keys to Jack at the end of the night, and Emma would be driving Nick home in the morning.
After arriving back at the apartment, Jack thought about having a few beers at the bar across the street where he and Matt had been last night. But he really wasn’t in the mood. There was a movie he wanted to see, and just because Nick wasn’t there to see it with him, didn’t mean he couldn’t stream it in and watch it himself.
He wasn’t sure why he was feeling lonelier than usual this Christmas. Their family hadn’t spent a Christmas together in years, so it was nothing unusual for him. Sam and Sean were both overseas, and Mom and her husband, John, were staying with John’s family for the holidays. Tomorrow, he would give everyone a call, and then email them if they couldn’t be reached.
Even in the past when Nick had invited him over to celebrate Christmas with his family, Jack had avoided celebrating Christmas.
But today had been different, going to the tree farm and meeting Emma’s friends, which Jack was sure would eventually be his and Nick’s as well. In fact, he’d met a few of them last night at the bar.
Maybe he needed a pet, he decided suddenly, smiling. In fact, that would be his Christmas gift to himself.
It was strange, but he felt a lot better after making that decision.
Chapter Fifteen
After the new year, Northwest Property Management surprisingly became busy right away. Jack wasn’t sure if it was Rand’s influence, or maybe Jake Loughlin’s, whom they’d finally met, but now they were handling some impressive properties for sale in the area along with the numerous land acquisitions that Rand had already acquired.
They both had their licenses, after taking their realtor’s tests in January, and Nick was already doing some traveling for the company.
Jack had been excited to see the truck with a topper that Rand had provided for him to drive. It was the kind of vehicle that Jack had always dreamed of driving, and he realized he’d probably mentioned it a time or two to Rand.
Jack still hadn’t gotten around to visiting the local shelter yet and adopting a pet but planned on doing it fairly soon.
Nick was getting a little grumpy because Emma was living at home, so they had to make their time together short but sweet, but they were going to be looking at available real estate in the area soon.
Jack constantly teased Nick. “I really like that woman. You’re changing Nick. You used to always be so serious. Now, you’re smiling even when you’re working on something to do with Hanover Industries.”
Nick stared at Jack in amazement. “You know?”
“I do,” Jack answered. “You’ve been so preoccupied with thoughts of Emma, I’ve managed to glance over your shoulder a time or two. You’ve been the driving force of the company all along. Haven’t you?”
Nick became sheepish.
“I’ve had to keep it quiet, because of the risk of anyone else finding out. It appears on the surface that I’ve made a clean cut from the company, and Dad’s no longer associated in the paperwork, except as an employee. Dad signed everything over to me at eighteen, but no one knows that. Every bit of paperwork shows Hanover’s was purchased by another company. Some suspicious things have been happening with Dad, and he wanted to make sure that I was ready to take over someday. We’ve never been able to figure who’s behind the trouble, although I do have my suspicions, I’ve never been able to understand why.”
“That sounds like a smart decision. But if it’s serious between you and Emma, you’re probably going to have to tell her. It’s not good starting a life together with secrets.”
Nick grimaced. “You’re right. You can tell how serious it’s getting already?”
“I can,” Jack answered. “It will be difficult, but another thing you should do is introduce her to your family.”
Nick sighed. “You’re right. But not yet. I’m afraid of how they’ll react.”
Jack became thoughtful. “You think it was someone from your family responsible for kidnapping you when you were young, and making the recent attempts on your dad’s life?”
“How do you do that, Jack?” Nick stood and began pacing through the office.
The decorator had already done her magic inside, and it was set up invitingly for clients with comfortable furniture and calming blue wall colors and carpet. Old black and white framed prints of scenic properties lined the walls, and despite the modern flair, it was the perfect professional touch. She would be working on the individual offices soon, so Jack and Nick had opted to move their computers into the lobby on desks for the time being for work, since the office itself wouldn’t be opening for another couple weeks and calls were already filtering in.
Nick continued, “I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but I think my Grandfather Ramsey is somehow involved. But as far as I know, he’s loaded, so there’s no real reason for any of it.”
Jack shrugged. “Have you thought about a gambling problem, or some other vice?”
Nick looked at Jack sharply. “You know what? It’s odd that the detective I have on it has never been able to dig up any dirt. It’s a guy that Dad supposedly trusts, but maybe I should hire someone else?”
Jack nodded his agreement. “Don’t forget, your grandfather grew up in Richmond too, didn’t he? He probably has all the same connections your dad has.”
“I’d better get on that right away,” Nick said. “Thanks, Jack.”
“Anytime,” Jack answered, turning his eyes back on his computer.
* * *
A few weeks later, even though his offer for his dream house he and Emma had found had been accepted, Nick was sitting in his new office, looking glum.
Knocking quickly, Jack walked into the office, settling in the comfortable chair near Nick’s desk.
“Okay. No more of this stupid silence. You’re acting like you did when you broke up with Marissa, and I want to know what’s going on.”
Nick growled, “Alright, already. Emma found out that I have money, and she said she needed some time.”
Jack was surprised. “You finally told her?”
“No. I did something better. I bought us a house.”
Jack shook his head, looking dazed. “So, let me get this straight. You took her house hunting, found that house you both loved, and without mentioning the fact that you’re loaded, you put an offer in on it without even talking about it first and letting her have time to adjust?”
“That about sums it up,” Nick murmured. “The fact that I have money has never been a problem with the women I’ve dated in the past.”
“But Emma isn’t just any woman. You two were made for each other, Nick, but you can’t just reveal a secret like that, without giving her some time to think about it. She probably feels inferior, like maybe she’s not good enough for you now. Remember her reaction on Bali?”
Nick groaned. “I wasn’t insulting the fact that she was a hairdresser. I told her that and apologized.”
“I think she mentioned h
er original plans had been to go to college, before her dad became ill and he had to retire early? She might still be sensitive about it.”
“That didn’t even occur to me Jack. I haven’t even been back to the house since I closed on it.”
“Find a way to get Emma out there, and finish what you started. Make it romantic. Propose to her, you idiot.”
Nick looked at Jack in astonishment. “It’s too soon, isn’t it?”
“You’ve been planning on marrying her from the start. Get her to realize that the money doesn’t matter.”
Nick became thoughtful.
Nick’s phone suddenly rang, and glancing at his caller ID, he switched it on.
“Amy? How’s everything going? Are you and Angel enjoying Mike’s leave?”
Mike was Nick’s half-brother, married to Amy, and Angel was his niece.
Jack sat up in his seat, as Nick appeared to be in shock after listening to whatever Amy had to say.
“I’m on my way home, Amy. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
Amy sounded so frantic that Jack could hear her over the phone.
“Okay. Try and stay calm.”
“What’s happening?” Jack asked.
“Mike’s been shot. I’m going to call Jake Loughlin and see if his private plane’s available so I can fly directly to Richmond.”
“I can handle it Nick. Go pack a few things. Make sure you leave a message for Emma, so she doesn’t think you’ve abandoned her.”
Nick nodded firmly. “Good idea. I’ll do that on the plane.”
* * *
Luckily, Jake Loughlin’s plane and pilot had been available when Jack had given Jake a call and explained the situation. Nick could have hired a plane, but it still would have taken hours.
The situation seemed pretty serious, but Mike would live, even though he might never walk again. Jack told Nick to take all the time he needed, because it was busy, but nothing Jack couldn’t handle on his own.
Plus, he liked having work to do, because he felt a lot less lonely when he didn’t have time to think.
He was starting to get worried about Janelle, since he hadn’t heard from her since Christmas. Jack was still sending pictures whenever he got the chance, but he was growing increasingly depressed about the fact that she never replied to his emails.
Chapter Sixteen
Quantico, Virginia
Sitting in the chair in front of the Colonel’s desk, Janelle’s mouth gaped open as she tried to understand his orders.
“You’d like me to do what, Sir?”
“You’ve been shot, Lieutenant, although luckily you’re going to be fine, and it was just a flesh wound. I’ve heard you have friends in Crystal Rock, and there’s been intel coming in about both the wounded warrior home and the retraining center.”
“Terrorists? In Wisconsin?”
“You’d have the perfect cover. And no one would think twice if you kept an eye on the sites while you did some rehab. If it goes on indefinitely, you could even take on one of the positions for a while.”
“What about covering the Syrian border?”
Colonel Pierce heaved a sigh. “Unfortunately, we’re going to be pulling a lot of troops, which would mean reassignment, most likely keeping you here in the states for a while. Would you rather be training at one of the airbases, Lieutenant?”
“No, Sir. I like the idea of going to Crystal Rock much better.”
“You’ve got good instincts, so that’s why I thought of you. It may lead to nothing, but the intel came from a trusted source.” The Colonel suddenly smiled. “My niece, Sam Caldwell, is the medical consultant at the retraining center. Make sure you tell her I said hi. She and Josh Loughlin will be the only two officers who will know why you’re there.”
The Colonel stood and so did Janelle. “You’re dismissed, Lieutenant. We’ve made some temporary living arrangements for you, but feel free to find somewhere comfortable to live, maybe close to one of the facilities. You’re most likely going to be there for at least three months.”
Janelle saluted, spinning on her heels and leaving the office.
She wasn’t sure how she felt about going to Crystal Rock, but maybe it was a sign. When she’d been in the hospital, the only person on her mind had been Jack.
Chapter Seventeen
It was already March, and Jack had been surprised to discover that Emma had left town and had taken a job to improve the efficiency of some of the other salons run by Jake Loughlin’s company. But she would be coming back to Crystal Rock soon, according to Nick, and somehow, they’d managed to settle their differences, despite the fact that Nick was still in Richmond.
Nick had asked Emma to remodel their house, so that Nick’s brother and his family could move to Crystal Rock during Mike’s rehab. The situation didn’t look good, and Mike would probably never walk again, but in the short time Jack had been living in town, he’d heard about some miracles that had happened here in Crystal Rock. Mike would be living at the wounded warrior home, but his family would be staying with Nick and Emma, who’d finally agreed to move into the home as well.
Jack had taken care of several details for Emma, including arranging for credit and delivery service for furnishings at stores in the area.
Nick wanted her to approve plans for remodeling the kitchen and bathrooms, and Jack knew that Emma would be thrilled that Nick trusted her with the responsibility.
Plus, she had style, whether she was confident about it or not.
* * *
When Emma had gone to pick up the keys and credit card from Jack, she’d sat down with him for an hour, asking about each member of Nick’s family, because instead of just partially furnishing it, she was going to get a room ready for every member of his family, whether they ever came to visit or not.
Jack had definitely approved of the idea, and he revealed several details about everyone, including Nick’s mom, who was definitely hard to please.
“That credit card is loaded Em, so don’t worry about maxing it out.”
“Well, still. Maybe I’ll open up an account for him at the furniture store if they’ll allow me.”
“They probably will,” Jack answered. “Take a look at the name on that card.”
Emma’s eyes went wide. “He put my name on it?”
Jack started laughing loudly. “You two are a hoot. I hope you’ll be married soon. I’ve never met two people who obviously belong together as much as you two.”
“Ciara and Rand got really close, fast, too,” Emma observed.
Jack became serious. “You know about Rand having to lay low because of what’s happening with the terrorist threats, I guess?”
“I do,” Emma answered, frowning. “I hope with a little time Rand will be safer.”
“Me too. This is his company, you know.”
She blinked. “I didn’t. I suppose you have your own deep dark secrets too, like Rand and Nick?”
“Nah. I’m an open book,” Jack murmured.
“Hah. I’ll bet.” Emma sighed, standing. “I’d better get moving. I need to go into work for a while tonight.”
“If you need anything, let me know.”
“Thanks, Jack.”
“Three weeks. That’s not much time to get it done, and you’re welcome, Emma. I’m really glad Nick found you.”
She wrinkled her nose, before standing and exiting the office through the doorway.
* * *
When Matt came into the office asking Jack if he’d like to go out on a blind date with a woman here in town, Jack decided, to hell with it. Why not?
After not hearing from Janelle for months, Jack was feeling a little lost since Nick had been in Richmond for nearly a month. He’d avoided entanglements too, but he was starting to think how much he missed companionship. Even Matt had a girlfriend now, and Jack didn’t feel close enough to anyone else to give them a call and ask them to go out.
“I can’t believe you said yes,” Matt said, sitting in the chai
r near Jack’s desk. “What about the Air Force pilot?”
“Truthfully? I haven’t heard from her since Christmas. And even though I’m worried, I can’t sit around and wait for her to get in touch with me for the rest of my life. She told me she didn’t want entanglements.” Jack sighed. “It’s not like I’m going to hop right in the sack with whoever you’re setting me up with.”
Matt stood, looking at his watch. “I don’t know about that. Heather’s pretty hot.”
“Heather?” Jack looked puzzled. “Have I met her?”
“I don’t think so. But she’s noticed you.”
Oh, great, Jack thought to himself. He must be desperate, going out with the kind of woman he usually avoided.
“Where and when?” Jack asked.
“I’ll give you a call later tonight after I’ve talked with her.”
“A blind date,” Jack growled. “How desperate am I?”
Jack could hear Matt’s laugher long after he left the office.
Chapter Eighteen
Not even Em knew that Janelle had arrived in town this afternoon, but she decided to splurge tonight and have dinner at the Dragonfly Pointe Inn. She remembered how much she’d loved the place the one and only time she’d come here to eat.
She’d unpacked in the cute little one-bedroom cabin near the wounded warrior home where she would be staying. But if she was going to be living here at least three months, she wanted to find a place where she’d have privacy and could possibly work out and even swim in the lake when she was finished with rehab.
Janelle had thought about letting Jack know that she would be arriving in town, but truthfully, she felt guilty for not having the nerve to contact him since Christmas. After she’d been hurt, she’d lost her courage for a while, because even though her injury was a flesh wound, it’d had her feeling temporarily insecure.
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