She furrowed her brows, and he couldn’t blame her for her confusion. “I love you, too.”
One day he’d probably look back and regret telling her he loved her for the first time in such a way, but he had to tell her then. After what they’d experienced moments before, he couldn’t wait another minute.
Chapter Seventeen
An unfamiliar beeping woke Janie. She opened her eyes and didn’t recognize her surroundings. It took her a few seconds to remember she’d spent the night in Evan’s apartment. She sat up and rubbed the knots from her neck. His sofa was comfortable, but not for sleeping. Although he’d offered his bed in his absence, it seemed too intimate, so she’d opted for the couch.
Last night’s events rushed to her memory. As long as she lived, she’d never forget the sheer terror that had gripped her as she listened to the tornado pass. She wasn’t sure she’d ever hear a train again and not associate it with a tornado.
By God’s grace alone, there had been no fatalities that she’d heard of. She’d checked in with the neighbors whom she personally knew. Mr. Ford had suffered a broken leg, but his was the only injury. The Gadbys, whose home had been leveled, had been at a sports banquet when the twister hit. The Laughlins, whose house had also been destroyed as well, had sheltered in place at their church after choir practice when they’d heard the warnings.
One good thing had come from the disaster—reconciliation with Jared. After Ava’s mom had picked up her daughter, Jared had driven them to Evan’s apartment where the three friends had a long conversation. He’d apologized and admitted his words and actions had been driven by his own guilt regarding Mike’s death.
Today she had to face Evan and discuss whatever had prompted his breakup yesterday evening. She hadn’t had time to absorb what he’d said before the warnings blared, and then he’d come back. He’d shielded her and little Ava with his body, and later he’d said he loved her—not the actions of a man who wanted to end a relationship.
But what did he mean by blurting out that she was a natural mother and deserved that opportunity?
Nothing in her life ever came simply. Instead of lamenting that fact, she’d decided to embrace it and accept it as an opportunity to build her character.
Her phone vibrated, and she read the text message from Evan.
—Are you awake?
—Yes. Barely, but I am.
—Jared’s taking me to get a rental, and then I’ll be over.
—I’ll be here. She added a winking emoji followed by a laughing one. Even if she’d wanted to leave, she had no vehicle here to take her anywhere.
—See you in a bit. Help yourself to anything in the fridge. The coffee pot is pretty standard to operate.
—Thanks.
She dragged herself to her feet, unconvinced she hadn’t been hit by a train.Nope. Just listened to one roar by.Whether a result of the tension or sleeping on the sofa, she didn’t know. A hot shower sounded incredible. She carried her overnight bag to the bathroom.
While she waited for the water to turn hot, she set out her outfit and brushed her teeth. Steam formed on the windows, and she stepped into the shower stall, sighing happily at the hot droplets easing the strain from her body.
She stayed in until the water ran cold, then stepped out a new person. The aching muscles disappeared and the fog lifted from her brain. Ready to face the day, she dressed and headed for the kitchen.
Rummaging in the kitchen, she found the coffee, a brand he had shipped in from home, and a half-eaten box of cereal. While the coffee brewed, she poured the honey-flavored oats into a bowl and added milk.
By the time she’d eaten and cleaned the dishes, Evan still hadn’t shown up. Knowing car rentals could be a hassle, she didn’t worry. She turned on her tablet and scanned the news and social media for stories on the tornado. The headlines readNational Weather Service confirms an EF-3 tornado touched down in Jacksonville.
Shivers shot down her spine. After witnessing the damage firsthand, and then viewing the posted pictures from friends and news agencies, she thanked God again for His protection, not only for her, but for her friends and neighbors, too.
A half hour after she sat down with her tablet, the doorbell rang.
“It’s me,” Evan called.
It struck her as funny that he rang his own doorbell instead of coming straight inside. She stood up and opened the door. “You didn’t have to ring the doorbell. This isyourplace.”
He shrugged. “But you’re the one who spent the night here. Seemed the respectful thing to do.”
“In that case, thanks.” She pointed toward the kitchen. “There’s plenty of coffee left.”
“I could use a cup.” He kissed her cheek before heading to the coffee. “The good news is, I got the last car on the lot. The bad news is, they charged an exorbitant rate because of the demand.”
“That’s terrible of them.”
