“Yeah, I just…they’re pretty…the pink roses.”
“They’re Mom’s favorite,” Clara said. “We alternate who sends her a bunch each month.”
“Because I have wonderful children.” Pam beamed.
Those flowers on that receipt…theyhadbeen for his mother.
“What are you thinking about?” Jesse asked.
She grinned at him. “Just how much I like you.”
“Why don’t I believe you?”
“All right, I’ve had enough of you guys, I’m going back to the grill,” Becket said as he moved to the back door.
Jesse looked at Aspen. “Are you okay if I…”
“Go.”
He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Be back soon.”
She was still watching Jesse as he stepped onto the deck when Clara sighed. “You make him happy. I like that.”
She turned back to Jesse’s sister. “No. He makesmehappy.”
Pam handed her some plates with cutlery on top. “Thank you, Aspen.” But before she could turn, Pam touched her wrist. “Thank you for coming. Not just here tonight, but to Amber Ridge. I haven’t seen Jesse smile like this in a long time.”
Her heart gave a little kick. “He has the same effect on me.”
Pam smiled softly.
When Aspen was done setting the table, she turned to see Clara frowning as she sipped a glass of wine. “I think Mom gave you one too many. There are only five of us.”
Pam shook her head. “No, darling, Holden’s coming.”
Clara choked on the liquid before spinning toward her mother. “Holden’s coming?”
At that exact moment, the front door opened and Holden stepped in, a wide smile on his face. “Hey, everyone. I was going to knock but—”
Pam shook her head as she rounded the island. “You don’t need to knock. You’re family.” She pulled him into her arms. “It’s so good to see you!”
Holden hugged her back. “You too, Pam.”
When they separated, he moved over to Aspen and kissed her cheek. “It’s good to see you again so soon.”
“Same.”
Holden turned to Clara.
Aspen frowned, noticing Jesse’s sister was standing ramrod straight. And she almost looked…nervous?
“Hey, Clara,” Holden said, his tone lower as he stepped toward her. He embraced her, and when he pulled back, Clara’s mouth opened and closed a few times before she spoke.
“Hi. When…um, when did you get here?”
Aspen’s lips twitched. Shewasnervous.
“A few days ago.” He cocked his head. “I missed you.”
