She relaxed when he slung his arm around her shoulders and said, "Well, can we save family hugs for later?I was wondering if you want to come over to the garage with me?"
"Yeah!I..."She was always eager to go in there, but...She glanced at his dad."Do you need to go now?"She felt bad leaving when everyone was gathered here for lunch like this.
His dad chuckled."Go on, get out of here.We're not planning to eat until later."
She felt like there was definitely something going on between them when he held Jake's gaze and said, "Go do your thing.We'll see you later."
~ ~ ~
"Are you going to head to the garage soon?"
Jake nodded, his gaze never leaving Savvie and his dad, who were standing at the edge of the yard looking out at the lake as they talked.
Uncle Dom pushed his shoulder and smiled."Go and ask her then.You’re killing us here.We can't wait!And in case I haven't told you yet, I think Savannah's perfect for you.She's a good girl.She reminds me of Polly in a way."
Jake turned to him at that.His wife Polly had died long before Jake even knew he had an Uncle Dom."I wish I could have met her."
"Yeah, me too.She would have loved you – and Savannah.But …" He shrugged."We had a good life, but I have a good life now as well."He glanced over at Sadie, who was laughing with Harvey, and smiled."You never know how things will turn out.You just have to stay open to them turning out better than you ever expected.That's how it worked for me.I never wanted to fall in love again after Polly, but life has its own plans.And from where I'm standing, I'd say it's best to roll with them because life knows best."
He cleared his throat and stood a little straighter."But that's not advice or anything.You have your dad for that..."
Jake punched his shoulder."I do, but I'm lucky enough to have an uncle who I love and respect too.I'll take all the advice I can get from either of you."
Uncle Dom nodded."Yeah, love you, too.Now go get your girl.Oh, it looks like Jo might want a word before you go.We'll see you in a little while."
Jake went over to where Jo was standing just outside the kitchen door and leaned in to peck her cheek.
"Are you okay?"
"I am.I wanted to check when you're planning to take Savannah to the garage."
He jerked his chin toward where she and his dad were still talking."Just as soon as they get done."
Jo's expression softened as she followed his gaze."I'm glad he has the chance to talk to her.He's been wanting to, but wasn't sure if he should."
"Yeah, I'm glad too.I know Savvie feels comfortable with you now, but she and Dad haven't had much of a chance to talk before."
As they watched them laugh, Jo smiled."By the way that looks, I don't think we need to worry about them getting along."
"Is it weird to say that I'm not worried about anything?"Jake asked."I hope I'm not riding for a fall, but everything feels so...right."
He was a little disappointed when Jo didn't agree immediately.Instead, she looked thoughtful.
"Do you think thereissomething I need to worry about?"he asked after a few moments when she didn't say anything.
"No, not exactly.It's just...well, there is somethingI'ma little concerned about."
"What?"
"Nothing about you and Savannah.It's...your mom."
Jake frowned, wondering what she'd done now."What about her?"
"I feel bad that she isn't here today."She gestured around the yard.Savannah and his dad were still down by the water.Harvey was talking to Uncle Dom at the grill.Sadie was laughing with Josh while Tiffany gestured wildly with her hands on an invisible steering wheel, clearly regaling them with tales of her driving adventures.She'd surprised everyone by getting out of the driver's side of Josh's SUV when they arrived—apparently she'd quietly passed her written test and Josh had been helping her practice.
He loved seeing them all here together, all the people he cared about enjoying each other's company.He shook his head slowly—they wouldn't be able to enjoy themselves like this if his mom were here.
"We all get to share today with you,” Jo continued.“And I love that, but I feel bad for your mom."
