“We figured you can ride home with us today, and then my car is yours for as long as you’re here.” Dad tried to carry the bags for him.
“I’ve got them, but thanks.” He smiled his appreciation for the offer, but there was no reason he couldn’t get them. Even though he knew his dad didn’t offer out of concern for his leg, but out of kindness and the loving service of a father, Evan—regardless—determined to show them he could function fine.
Kate and Luke had parked directly by his parents.
His sister squeezed his arm. “I’ll meet you at Mom and Dad’s. I told Mom I’d bring the bread, but forgot it at the house. It won’t take long to swing by and pick it up.”
“See you soon.”
She turned to Janie and smiled. “Don’t let my family overwhelm you. We love Christmas and do it big.”
“Our yard is proof of that.” Luke rolled his eyes. “Not a square foot of free space left.”
“He’s exaggerating.” Kate pecked her husband’s cheek then turned back to Janie. “There are two feet left, and it was his idea to expand the nativity this year.”
Janie smiled in response. “Evan showed me the pictures. It’s a lovely display.”
“You’ll have to stop by at night to see it in its glory.” Clasping her hands, Kate’s excitement visibly grew. “We can show you tomorrow night after the candlelight service. You’re coming with us to look at lights, right?”
Evan slid a protective arm around Janie. “Give her a chance to get settled before you barrage her.”
“It’s okay. I’d love to look at Christmas lights.” Janie blinked once. “Last Christmas is a blur because of everything that happened, so I intend to make up for it this year.”
That’s my girl.
Wait, when had he started to think of her as his girl? No, no, no. He had no romantic inclinations toward her, and that’s how it would stay. If—and that was a big if—either of them wanted love in their lives, it wouldn’t be with each other. He couldn’t betray Mike like that, and he couldn’t offer Janie all that she deserved.
“You kids ready?” Dad asked after closing the trunk.
“Yes, sir.” Evan opened the rear passenger door for Janie then sat in the seat behind his Dad.
“Do you mind if I turn the heat up, dear?” His mom pushed a button on the dash after Dad said, “Go ahead.”
“I thought it was warm here.” A shiver passed through Janie, shaking her shoulders.
“This is rare.” He watched her rub her arms. “Would you like my sweatshirt?”
“Thanks, but I’ll be fine once the heat kicks in.” She adjusted the rear vent. “I guess that’s what I get for teasing you earlier.”
Mom craned her necked to see them. “This is abnormally cold weather for us. Our local meteorologist said there’s even a chance for snow in the next few days.”
“No way.” What would be the chances? Hadn’t he told Janie only hours ago how unlikely it would be to get snow in Louisiana? “If anything, it will probably turn to ice. Every time they called for snow when I was a kid, I’d get my hopes up, then it would turn to ice.”
“Who knows?” Janie tapped his knee. “You might get your white Christmas after all.”
If that could happen, anything could. Why did that thought pop into his mind with images of Janie? His mind was playing tricks on him this trip, and something had to give. He and Janie were too good of friends to allow interference of any kind to disrupt their status quo.
Chapter Seven
“Thank you for a wonderful breakfast.” Janie carried her plate to the sink and added it to the soapy water.
“You’re welcome.” Mrs. Jergens—Maria as she insisted on being called—scraped the remaining eggs in the trash. “I hate wasting food, but reheated eggs are a bad idea.”
“Should I put away the food that can be saved?”
“No. This breakfast is one of my gifts to everyone, and I do the cleanup as well.” Maria pulled the platter of pancakes from the table and placed them in a plastic freezer bag. “I heard you cooked a delicious Thanksgiving dinner for your family this year.”
“Evan did most of the cooking. He won’t claim it, but he saved the meal from being a tasteless, burnt disaster.” Disobeying Maria, she grabbed another freezer bag and placed the muffins inside.
