“I doubt it,” he said gently. “It’s a big commitment for people my parents’ age. Especially now that they’ve taken in my sister and her kids.”
“I know.” Jane’s features crumpled.
“Hey, don’t give up yet.” He clasped her hand in his. “We’ll find the right home for him. I’ve made it my mission to see that it happens.”
“I made it my mission years ago, and I’m still searching.” Her lids fluttered closed, and she dabbed a napkin to her lashes.
At that moment, he wished he could adopt the boy himself, if only to ease her burden and see the relieved gratitude in her eyes. He squeezed her fingers. “Really, Jane, we’ll do everything we can.”
“You feel as strongly about this as I do, don’t you?” she asked softly.
He felt strongly all right—and not just about Martin. But he couldn’t admit that, not with the director’s job standing between them, among other things.
“I do. Martin has captured my heart as completely as he’s captured yours.”
“That’s the best news I could hear.” Her lips trembled as she leaned across the small table. “Now I can trust you’ll do what’s best for him.”
It took every bit of self-control not to kiss her. But he couldn’t repeat the same mistake twice. So, he released her hand and sank farther back on his seat.
“Speaking of Martin,” Garrett said, “he’s very excited about Thanksgiving next weekend. I guess he’s never had a true family celebration before.” He smiled and shook his head. “He’s been hounding my mother about helping her bake the pumpkin pies.”
“I’m glad he’ll get to experience Thanksgiving on the farm. I’m sure it will be special.” Jane lifted a spoon of soup to her lips.
“What are your plans for the holiday?”
A hint of dejection returned to her features. “Nothing too grand. I’ll roast a small chicken and make a pie. Apple is Mama’s favorite.”
“Just the two of you?”
She nodded. “It’s been just us since Brandon enlisted.”
“You and your mother should join us at the farm,” he blurted out before his brain had fully processed the idea. “We’ll have more than enough food, and my parents would love to have you both.”
She frowned. “You don’t know that.”
“Yes, I do. Mom is always inviting extra people. She hates to think of anyone spending the holiday alone. And she adores you and Hildie.”
Her gaze flicked to his and then away. “I-I’ll talk to Mama about it and get back to you.”
“Fair enough. But I really hope you’ll come.”
And he did. No matter how hard it would be to keep his feelings in check.
22
Why did I ever agree to this?
Jane gripped the car’s armrest as her mother’s laughter drifted to the back seat of Garrett’s Ford. She must have been overcome with temporary insanity. A full day with Garrett and his family could prove more than her resistance was capable of withstanding.
“Are you flirting with me, young man?” Mama’s cheery tone was almost unrecognizable.
“I can’t help myself when I’m around a beautiful woman.”
At his teasing tone, Mama’s laugh became a girlish giggle.
The knots of tension in Jane’s neck loosened at the sound. If Garrett’s silliness distracted Mama from missing Brandon and kept her from thinking they might never share a Thanksgiving with him again, then it would be worth the trip. Besides, Jane would get to share the holiday with Martin.
The only real drawback would be spending so much time around Garrett in a such a personal setting. Her unrelenting attraction to him was proving most annoying. Hopefully with so many people around, she would find it easy to keep her distance.
Sarah welcomed them into her kitchen, wearing an enthusiastic smile and a blue apron with huge sunflowers. “Hildie, Jane. So wonderful to see you again.” She came forward and gave them both hugs.
The kitchen smelled of turkey, onion, and celery, with a hint of pumpkin.
Jane handed her a covered pan. “I brought some candied yams. I would have brought pie, but Garrett assured me you would have more than enough of those.”
Sarah laughed out loud. “Yes, indeed. But I will gratefully add this to our table.”
“Where’s Dad?” Garrett set his offering of bakery rolls on the kitchen counter.
Cassie walked in, carrying Mandy on her hip. “He’s with the boys outside. Kevin is teaching Martin how to play football.”
Jane smiled. October was such a nice time of year for Thanksgiving, since the weather was often nice enough to spend time outdoors, and the leaves were usually at their peak of color.
“They won’t let me play, Unca Garrett.” Mandy’s lower lip jutted out.
“That’s my cue.” Garrett laughed as he swept the girl from her mother’s grip. “Let’s go, sweetie. If they won’t let you play, we’ll start our own game.”
A smile broke free, and the little girl’s brow cleared. “Or we could have a tea party.”
Garrett stared at her in mock horror. “And ruin our appetite for turkey? Never.”
Mandy chortled, her pigtails bobbing.
“I’ll leave you ladies to your work.” Garrett gave his mother a kiss and disappeared out the back door.
Jane dragged her attention from Garrett back to the kitchen. “She certainly is a charmer, isn’t she?”
Cassie snorted. “That’s one way to put it.” She opened the icebox and took out a covered bowl. “It’s good to see you two again. I’m glad you could join us.”
Sarah steered Mama over to the table. “Have a seat, Hildie. The craziness is about to begin.”
“What can I do to help?” Jane stood somewhat awkwardly in the middle of the room. It seemed every space on the counter and kitchen table was filled with bowls and chopping boards.
“How are you at mashing potatoes?”
“I’m a pro.”
“Terrific.” Sarah handed her a masher. “Cassie will drain them, and then you can take over. Excuse me while I stir the gravy.”
They worked in unison with Sarah providing cheerful banter. In no time at all, she called in the men and children to wash up, and everyone gathered around the long dining room table.
Jane found herself seated between Garrett and Martin. Across from her, Cassie settled Mandy into her chair, giving Dale a glare as he stole a slurp of milk. Mama sat near Sarah’s end of the table, across from Kevin, who was making faces at Martin.
Ben took his place at the head and proceeded to carve the impressive bird. A host of delicious smells wafted around as they passed the steaming bowls and platters. Once their plates had been filled, Ben held out both hands. “Shall we say grace?”
Garrett instantly took his father’s hand, then extended his other to Jane.
With a tentative smile, she placed her hand in his, attempting to ignore the way nerves fluttered in her stomach. She reached for Martin’s hand on her other side and motioned for him to bow his head.
Ben closed his eyes and began. “Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day, for the family and friends we have gathered here with us. We thank you for the bounty of food you have provided and the rich harvest of crops we’ve had this year. We ask that you watch over the soldiers fighting in this war. In particular, we ask your protection for Jack and for Brandon. Keep them safe and bring them back to us, Lord.”
The slight pressure from Garrett’s fingers filled Jane with emotion. Tears pushed at her lids, but she squeezed her eyes tight, refusing to let them fall.
“Thank you,” Ben continued, “for Garrett’s healing from his injuries and for allowing him to return to us. Bless the leaders across the globe. Guide their decisions toward bringing an end to this war and bringing peace to our world. We give you praise and thanks for our many blessings. Amen.”
Slowly Jane opened her eyes as Garrett released her hand. She glanced at her mother, who was dabbing a napkin to her eyes.
�
��That was beautiful, Ben,” Mama said. “Thank you for including my boy. He’s been on my mind all day.”
Ben nodded. “Sarah told me about Brandon’s situation. He’s been in our daily prayers ever since. I remember when we were notified that Garrett had been injured. We had no idea how serious his condition was, or if we’d ever see him again.” His throat muscles worked up and down. “Our prayers were answered, and our son came back to us. I pray yours will too.”
Sarah gave a loud sniff. “Enough of such maudlin talk. Let’s start eating before the food gets cold.”
From then on, the meal passed in wonderful camaraderie. Jane found Ben and Sarah’s relationship so heartwarming. Their obvious affection for each other, as well as for their children and grandchildren, filled the room with an aura of love.
After Jane finished a slice of the best pumpkin pie she’d ever tasted, she pushed back her chair with a sigh. “That was delicious, although I think my stomach is protesting the amount of food I ate.” She picked up her plate as well as Martin’s. “Sarah, please let me do the dishes. I need to burn off this meal somehow.”
“Great idea.” Garrett jumped into action beside her, gathering the other dessert plates. “Mom, you and Cassie go and relax with Dad, Hildie, and the kids. Jane and I will handle the cleanup.”
Sarah just blinked. “Well, if you insist.”
“We do,” Jane said firmly. “Keeping Mama company would be a big favor.” She winked at her mother.
“That will be no hardship at all.” Sarah laughed as she passed Jane her plate.
“I wish I had the strength of my youth,” Mama said. “Sometimes I feel downright useless.”
“Nonsense.” Sarah helped Mama from her chair. “At our age, we deserve to let the younger ones do their share.”
Jane carried the dishes through the swinging door into the kitchen and began to fill the sink with hot water and soap. She looked around, noting that Sarah and Cassie had already tidied up a good part of the kitchen as they’d cooked. Some of the bigger pots sat drying upside down on the dish rack.
Garrett entered and placed his stack of dishes on the counter.
Jane’s pulse began to dance through her system. Being alone in the kitchen with Garrett was probably not the best idea. Standing here, close enough to feel the warmth of his arm as they worked side by side, did nothing to lessen the attraction she felt for him. Best to focus on the job at hand as much as possible. She lowered as many dishes into the water as she could and searched for a dishrag.
“We use a sponge. It’s right here.” Garrett reached over her shoulder, his arm brushing hers. He grabbed the yellow sponge and tossed it in the water, causing a few suds to splash out.
His warm chuckle vibrated down her neck.
She pinned him with a mock glare. “If you’re going to help, you’d better behave yourself.”
“You’re no fun.” He grinned at her.
“How old are you? Twelve?” She huffed, but she had to force her lips not to twitch as she scrubbed the plates and set them in the tub of rinse water.
Garrett reached in and extracted a dish to dry. “Everything is more enjoyable when you add a little fun. You should try it sometime.”
She shot him a look. “Maybe I will when I’m not in someone else’s kitchen.”
They worked in harmonious silence for several minutes. Jane added a second load to the water and glanced over at Garrett. He’d rolled his shirtsleeves up past his elbows, and his well-sculpted arms strained against the material as he reached into the cupboard above to put away the dried dishes.
“You’re lucky, you know,” she said quietly, “to have such an amazing family.” She scoured one of the casserole dishes, exceedingly aware of his attention on her. “This was the type of Thanksgiving I’ve always dreamed of—a big noisy family, laughing and teasing each other.” She paused to steady her voice. “Thank you for sharing them with us today.” She dared to glance over at him.
His intense blue eyes were trained on her, filled with some emotion she couldn’t quite define. “You’re welcome.” He reached over to push a lock of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering on her jaw with a mere whisper of a touch.
A parade of goosebumps traveled down her arms. As he moved a step closer, the breath tangled in her lungs. Would he kiss her again? Her lips parted almost of their own volition as she stared into his eyes. Memories of their last embrace burned brightly in her mind, scrambling her pulse.
“Need any help in here?” The door swung open and Cassie stopped short. “Oh, sorry.” She grinned mischievously. “I’ll come back later.”
Warmth blasted up Jane’s neck to her ears. Good grief. Where was her self-control when she needed it?
Garrett resisted the urge to groan out loud. He’d almost broken his vow not to act on his feelings for Jane. That he would keep their relationship strictly friendly . . . and nothing more.
Something about the lure of this woman wore down his defenses faster than hot butter on mashed potatoes. He seemed to lose all sense of reason around her, yet he couldn’t make himself stay away.
Jane moved to the kitchen table, where she began to scour the surface with frantic strokes of the sponge. “I can’t imagine what Cassie must think of me. Does your family even know I’m divorced?”
“They do. I hope you don’t mind that I told them.”
She kept scrubbing the already-clean table.
“I’m sorry,” he said quietly. “I promised myself I wouldn’t kiss you again, but I got carried away. Something that happens far too often around you.”
Her head flew up, her mouth falling open.
“You’re just too appealing to resist.” He waggled his brows at her, hoping for a laugh or at least a smile.
Instead, her nostrils flared, annoyance blooming in her eyes. “If I was so appealing, my husband wouldn’t have traded me in for another wife.” She lowered her head and continued her attack on the table.
Garrett studied her. Was she mad at him or embarrassed at being caught in a compromising position by his sister?
He laid a hand over hers to still her fingers, then gently removed the sponge from her grip. “Donald was a fool.”
She stood still, her hands trembling.
Garrett took a step back. Perhaps they could both use a change of scenery. “Why don’t we get some air? You can help me feed the animals.” When she hesitated, he added, “We could take the kids along as chaperones.”
A huge breath rushed out of her. “That’s a good idea.”
“Great. Meet me at the front door in five minutes.”
While Jane finished wiping down the other surfaces in the kitchen, Garrett rounded up the kids, avoiding Cassie’s smug gaze. “Put on your jackets,” he told them. “It’s cool outside now.”
“Can I feed the goats, Mr. Wilder?” Martin’s voice rose over the crackle of the parlor radio. “Mr. Ben lets me do it sometimes.”
Garrett shared an amused glance with his father, then laid a hand on Martin’s shoulder. “Sure. As long as you take turns with the others. Mandy loves feeding the baby goats too, don’t you, princess?”
The girl bobbed her head up and down. “Petunia is my favorite. But you can feed Ramsey. He bites.”
Martin only scoffed. “I already figured out how to get my fingers out of the way in time.”
Kevin, Dale, and Martin raced out the front door. Cassie finished buttoning Mandy’s coat just as Jane appeared. An immediate flush colored Jane’s cheeks. She ducked her head, pulled her coat from the hook, and they all stepped out onto the front porch. Mandy immediately sped across the lawn after the boys.
Cassie put a hand on Jane’s arm. “You’re smart to bring the kids along. Hopefully it will force my brother to behave himself.” With a light laugh, she gave Jane a one-armed hug.
The tension in Jane’s expression eased. “I’m not sure that’s possible.”
Cassie laughed again. “And don’t worry about your mother. She’s having a
wonderful time. She even seems enthralled by Dad’s farm stories.”
Garrett snorted. “Hildie’s being polite. No one could be enthralled by those.” Dad was notorious for his long-winded tales about the crops and the animals, not realizing that some people weren’t as interested in such topics.
“Oh, no. Mama loves hearing about farms. It reminds her of her childhood.” Jane smiled at Cassie. “It means so much that Mama is having a nice Thanksgiving.”
“We’re happy to have her.”
Garrett’s gaze swung between the two women. If he didn’t do something, Cassie would stay here talking all night.
“See you later, sis.” Garrett took Jane’s hand and led her down the steps, relishing the feel of her hand in his, not even caring what his sister might think.
They strolled across the lawn to the barn. The kids were already in the far pen with the goats.
Garrett led Jane to the stalls where the two horses were housed. “You remember Elias and Elliott from the hayride?”
“Not really.”
“These two are the workhorses. They do everything from ploughing the fields to pulling the wagons. They’re very gentle.” He grabbed the pitchfork to loosen some hay from the bale and topped up the horses’ troughs, then made sure they had enough clean water.
Jane leaned against one of the posts, watching him work. She seemed a little nervous about getting too close to them. Or maybe she was afraid of getting too close to him.
“Does your back give you much pain?” A hint of concern laced her words.
Garrett set the empty pail on the ground. Dad’s mention of his healing had probably reminded her of his injury. “It’s intermittent. Most times it’s bearable.” A measure of guilt wound through him. Given how close they’d become, it felt dishonest to withhold the truth about his condition.
He wiped the dust from his hands and looked her in the eye. “The worst part about my injury isn’t the residual pain.” He inhaled slowly. His next words could change everything between them. “It’s the shrapnel that’s lodged near my spine.”
She frowned, tiny ridges forming above her brows. “That doesn’t sound good.”
To Find Her Place Page 17