by Kat Brookes
“A match made in Heaven,” Hannah said with a dramatic sigh.
“Not too many good ones left out there,” Autumn agreed. “Especially since Hannah and I managed to snag two of the best around.”
“There is one Wade brother left, however,” Hannah hinted, her gaze shifting in Lainie’s direction.
Lainie’s heart was telling her to grab on to Jackson before some other woman did. But it had led her astray once before where he was concerned. Lainie was torn between listening to her heart or her head when it came to her feelings for Jackson. “Jackson’s my brother’s best friend,” she countered, as if that fact automatically placed him out of the running for her affection.
Hannah and Autumn exchanged knowing glances, before Autumn said, “Okay, we’ll stop pushing. Just know that we wouldn’t have any objection to having you and Lucas join our ever-growing family.”
Oh, how she longed for that to be what her future held. “It would be nice to have sisters,” she replied. “But,” she added, “I’m going to have to settle for dear friends instead, Jessica included.”
“Unless she marries Justin,” Autumn said in a singsong voice that had Jessica blushing.
“You girls have marriage on the brain,” Jessica replied with a smile and a shake of her head.
Jackson is a loving man, Lainie thought. To his family, to his horses, to the Lord. It was her he hadn’t been able to love. At least, not in the way she’d wanted him to.
The women chattered on about anything and everything, from jobs to babies, to the town’s upcoming Christmas social and dance that was fast approaching. While Lainie sat in contemplative silence, her thoughts playing over the conversation she’d had with Tucker in the barn. What was it that Jackson hadn’t been completely open with her about?
“Here we are,” Hannah announced as she pulled into a parking space in front of Abby’s, the local doughnut and coffee shop.
Lainie got out and grabbed her purse. Tucked inside was the folded sheet of holly-trimmed stationery containing divvied-up lists of the businesses that had agreed to donate.
“I’ll leave the van unlocked,” Hannah announced as she shoved her car keys into the pocket of her coat. “That way you will be able to drop off baskets as needed. Some might be heavier than others. We can meet back here in...let’s say forty-five minutes. If there are any baskets left at that point to be collected, we can finish those up together.”
“Sounds like a good plan to me,” Hannah said, unfolding her list.
“Aren’t you worried someone might take the baskets we’ll be leaving in the van?” Jessica asked worriedly.
“That’s not really an issue here in Bent Creek,” Lainie told her, happy that she once again lived in a place where people didn’t fear leaving doors unlocked. Then she caught sight of her brother watching them from the front window of his office and added with a grin, “Besides, I don’t think anyone would have the nerve to make off with our baskets with the town sheriff looking on.”
Jessica turned, her gaze moving to the old redbrick building across the street.
Lainie’s brother raised his coffee cup in acknowledgment of their presence there in town and offered up a wide grin. One of those lovesick puppy kind of grins. Then he lifted his other hand to reveal a large, bow-topped basket of goodies.
Justin was beyond smitten, Lainie thought as she watched the widening smiles he exchanged with Jessica. A part of her wished Jackson would woo her that way. A very big part of her, if she were being honest with herself.
Lainie stopped by the hardware store, where Mr. Randall handed over an open toolbox filled with various tools. A hammer, a set of screwdrivers, a tape measure and a flashlight to name a few of the items Lainie could make out through the cellophane wrapping that covered the sturdy metal box.
“It’s not much,” he said, eyeing the ribbon-adorned package.
“Oh no, it’s perfect,” she told him. “And so very useful. I especially like the red and green ribbons hanging down from this beautiful bow.”
Her words brought a smile to his weathered face. “My wife took a bow-making class in preparation for Christmas and she’s been itching to put her newfound skill to use, as we haven’t done our own holiday shopping for each other yet.”
“Well, please tell her that her bow and ribbons are beyond perfect. And thank you for contributing.”
“It was my pleasure. And I have to say it’s good to have you back home where you belong.”
“It’s good to be home,” she said, meaning it with all her heart. This town was where she belonged.
Lainie carried the wrapped toolbox to the van and then made her way to Sandy’s Candies, the next business on her list. The sweet aroma of all the confections made in the back room swarmed her senses the moment she stepped into the store. Warm chocolate with a hint of peppermint drew her over to one of the glass display cabinets where the seasonal Christmas treats were kept.
“Can I help you?”
Turning, Lainie caught sight of Sandy Belmont standing in the back doorway, a tray of just-made confections in her plastic-glove-covered hands. “Hello.”
The woman’s welcoming smile faltered for just a brief moment, but it was long enough for Lainie to wonder at the cause. “Hello, Lainie,” she said, moving to stand behind the cabinet of sweets Lainie had been admiring. “I heard through the local grapevine that you had moved home.”
She nodded. “I did. That is, we did. My son, Lucas, and I.”
The other woman busied herself with placing the peppermint-candy-sprinkled chocolate squares, one by one, from the tray to one of the holiday platters inside the display case. “Rumor has it you and Jackson have been spending a lot of time together.”
Lainie’s gaze lifted from the selection of candies in front of her to settle on the other woman’s pinched mouth as she busied herself with refilling the display case. “He’s been giving my son riding lessons,” she said, feeling the need to leave it at that. Sandy, who had graduated with Jackson and Justin, had once been head over heels for Jackson. But that had been back in their sophomore or junior year, and they’d only gone out a few times. Surely, she didn’t still have a thing for Jackson after all these years. The thought had no sooner formed in her mind when Lainie realized she still had feelings for Jackson after all these years. Why couldn’t Sandy still harbor some as well? The possibility didn’t sit well with her. Not at all. It killed her to think about Jackson with Sandy, or any other woman. But she had no claim to his heart. “He’s been a good friend,” Lainie explained simply.
“I wouldn’t set my cap for him if I were you,” the other woman muttered as she straightened, the now-empty tray in her hands. “Or you’ll learn the hard way that Jackson Wade is not the marrying type.”
Apparently, her suspicions about Sandy’s lingering feelings for Jackson were on target. Had there been more between them than what Lainie knew about from high school? Justin had never mentioned Jackson and Sandy rekindling their old high school relationship. But then Lainie had cut Jackson out of her life when she’d gone off to college. It was possible her brother hadn’t said anything, because he assumed Lainie wouldn’t care what Jackson Wade was up to.
“Thank you for the advice,” Lainie answered with what she hoped was a pleasant smile. She knew what it felt like to be rejected by Jackson and how hard it was to get over him. “My main focus is on my son right now and rebuilding our lives here in Bent Creek. I’m sure you’ve heard through the ‘local grapevine’ that I’m a widow now.”
Sandy looked shamed by the reminder. “I did. And I’m sorry if I came across as insensitive. I’m not even sure why I felt the need to warn you off Jackson. It’s not as if he and I are an item. I just find myself thinking about how things used to be sometimes when he stops by to buy candy for his niece. Only he hasn’t been around since you’ve come home, so I thought...” She shook her head.
“Never mind my foolish thoughts. What can I get for you today? The milk chocolate sea salt caramels are really good. So are the assorted holiday truffles.”
“They both sound wonderful,” Lainie told her. She knew all too well about recalling how things used to be. “How about a half dozen of the sea salt caramels? And can I get two of the chocolate-covered pretzel rods with the red and green sprinkles?”
“Sure thing.” Sandy hurried to bag up the order and then carried it over to the cash register to ring it up. “Is there anything else I can get for you?”
How had she almost forgotten her reason for being there? “I’m supposed to be picking up a basket for the church’s holiday basket drive.”
“Oh, of course,” Sandy replied in a fluster. “I have it right here.” She turned to a counter and lifted a large red, cellophane-wrapped wicker basket, which she handed over to Lainie. Inside was an assortment of sugary treats, as well as a plush red throw sporting a tiny white snowflake design, four coffee mugs, a tin of hot chocolate and a book of inspirational short stories.
“Thank you for donating,” Lainie said. “I know this basket of goodies will mean a lot to some family.”
“You’re welcome,” Sandy said as she checked Lainie out. “I hope they make this an annual event. It felt good putting this basket together, knowing that it would help make some family’s Christmas a little more special.”
“I hope so, too.” Basket and purchases in hand, Lainie left the store and headed back down the sidewalk to drop off her basket and her bag of sweets. Her thoughts went back to her conversation with Sandy, and then to the one she’d had in the car with Autumn, Hannah and Jessica. It would be so easy to give in and allow her heart to have its way where Jackson Wade was concerned. Everyone else already had it in their minds that there was something going on between them anyway. If only life were that simple.
* * *
“He’s so good,” a familiar female voice exclaimed from behind Jackson.
He glanced back over his shoulder, grinning at the sight of Lainie watching her son ride Tumbleweed around the arena in awe. Perfectly understandable, considering the control Lucas had over his mount as it trotted in wide circles around Jackson. “Yep. He’s a natural. Must be genetic.”
Lainie let herself into the small indoor ring, closing the gate behind her. Then she moved to join Jackson, who stood watching over on the horse. “I’d say it’s more due to the fact that my son is being taught by one of the best.”
Jackson snorted. “You trying to sweeten me up for some reason?”
“Nope,” she said with a smile. “Just giving credit where credit is due. Now, if I were trying to sweeten you up...” Lainie held a chocolate-covered pretzel rod out to him.
“What’s this?” he said with a chuckle.
“I know you Wade boys have a thing for sugary treats. This is my way of saying thank you for all you’ve done. Even if it’s not nearly enough to express the gratitude I feel.”
“It’s more than enough,” he countered with a grin as he accepted the thoughtful gift. Bringing it to his mouth, he took a bite and then moaned. “Mmm...this is good. You make them?”
“I’d like to take credit for them, but no,” she answered. “I bought them at Sandy’s Candies when I stopped by to pick up the basket today that she made for the basket drive. I brought one for Lucas, too, but I can see he’s a little too busy for a snack right now.”
“We were just finishing up,” he told her and then looked toward her son, who was trotting around the far side of the ring. “Lucas,” he called out, drawing her son’s attention. “A few more rounds and we’ll call it a day. Your mom’s here.”
The second Lucas spotted Lainie, his easygoing smile faded and a tension that hadn’t been there before worked its way into the boy’s shoulders. Jackson had no doubt Lainie had noticed as well, but she hadn’t let the less-than-enthusiastic greeting put her off. Instead, she smiled even brighter.
“You’re doing so well,” she called out to her son. “Your father would have been so proud of you.”
Lucas rode over to the mounting block and brought the horse to a stop. “I’m done,” he muttered.
Jackson exchanged a quick glance with Lainie before walking over to place the block next to the horse. Lucas wasted no time in dismounting and then, leaving the horse to Jackson, made his way out of the arena.
“Lucas,” Jackson called after him, bringing the boy’s steps to a halt.
Her son glanced back over his shoulder.
“Next week we’re going to work on your tending to your mount after you’re done with your ride, something every cowboy knows how to do.”
“Yes, sir,” he replied, and then started on his way again.
“I brought you a treat,” Lainie said as her son swept past her.
“I don’t want anything from you,” he called back before breaking into a run.
The stricken look on Lainie’s face tugged at Jackson’s heart. “Lainie...”
She held up a hand. “Don’t say it, Jackson. I don’t want your pity,” she told him, her bottom lip quivering slightly as if she were fighting to keep control of her emotions.
“His behaving that way is not all right, Lainie,” he told her. “He needs to know that.”
“He’s hurting,” she replied, her gaze fixed in the direction her son had run off. “Lucas is already having a hard time where the holiday is concerned without my having brought up his father.”
He secured the horse and walked over to where she stood, looking so broken despite her attempt to appear otherwise, and drew her into his comforting arms. “It will get better,” he told her. “I promise you.” And he would do everything in his power to make it be so.
Chapter Eight
“Jackson?” Lainie said in surprise when she opened the door to her brother’s house to find the handsome cowboy standing there.
“Morning,” he greeted with his usual warm smile. “Or maybe I should say afternoon, since it’s nearly that.”
“What are you doing here?”
One lone brow lifted. “Same thing I’m always doing when I stop by. Checking on you and Lucas.”
“But I thought Justin called you yesterday to let you off the hook.”
“He did, and for the record, I didn’t consider myself on the hook.”
Lainie lifted a brow in a challenging gesture.
“Okay,” he said with a grin, “maybe in the very beginning.”
She returned his smile. “Well, you don’t have to check up on us anymore,” she said, trying not to let her true emotions show at the prospect of his stepping away from the obligation he’d been honor bound to fulfill to her brother. “Now that Sam is sharing shifts with my brother and Deputy Vance, Justin says he’ll have more time to spend with us.”
“Maybe I don’t want to stop watching over you and Lucas,” Jackson said, meeting her gaze. “As a matter of fact, work shifts won’t be the only thing your brother is going to be sharing.”
“No?” she replied, her heartbeat quickening.
“No,” he said determinedly. “I intend to be a part of your and your son’s lives. Not because of some promise I made, but because I want to be. That is if you want me to be a part of it.”
Joy filled her. “Of course I do.”
“I know there was a time when you felt differently...” he began.
“I was wrong to shut you out the way I did,” she told him. “If I could change the past, I would.” She thought of her precious son, and added, “Maybe not all of it. Lucas is my biggest blessing.”
“Speaking of Lucas,” he said. “How are things between the two of you?”
“Not as good as I’d like them to be, but we’re working on it. We had a talk after we got home from his riding lessons yesterday. I made it clear that I love him and know that he’s hurting, but that his
behavior in the barn was unacceptable. He apologized, so that’s something.”
“Glad to hear it,” he said with a nod. His gaze moved past her. “Speaking of Lucas, I seem to recall it’s his birthday today.”
“It is.” She stepped aside, motioning him into the house.
“You two have plans?” he asked as he joined her in the entryway.
She nodded. “We’re having a birthday dinner here tonight. My parents are coming over. So is Hannah and Dustin. You, too, I hope, if you’re free. I know this is last minute, but Justin just suggested it this morning and Lucas wanted to be the one to invite you.”
“I’d be honored to be a part of your son’s big day,” he told her. “Do you have a lot to do to prepare for Lucas’s party tonight or do you think you and Lucas could spare an hour or so to take a ride with me?”
She glanced back at the clock on the entry wall and then to Jackson. “Justin is bringing home pizza and chips, so I won’t have to cook, and I baked Lucas’s cake this morning.”
“So your answer is yes?”
“Lucas!” Lainie called out with a smile. “Get your coat. Jackson is taking us for a drive.”
His lone-dimpled grin widened.
Her son came running down the stairs. “Mr. Wade!”
“Birthday boy!” he greeted in response.
If only her son’s face lit up that way when he saw her. But he was happy on this very special day and that was all that mattered. Grabbing her coat from the hall tree, she hurried to slip it on. “Where are we going?” she asked as she turned to face Jackson.
“To my place,” he answered as he opened the door. “So I can give Lucas his birthday present.”
“You got me a present?” her son said as he stepped past Jackson and out onto the porch.