She hated asking for favors or causing an inconvenience. She wanted to be brave and strong, and endure the pain without complaint, but the idea of leaving the warm truck and heated seats for frigid air held no appeal. Not to mention, leaving the truck put her one step closer to meeting Jared’s family. “If you don’t mind, can we stay in here?”
“Fine with me.”
They drove down the back roads, had a speculative conversation about a house that still had Thanksgiving directions displayed—but no signs of Christmas ones despite the fact it had come and gone. Jared held the opinion the family had gone away for Christmas so hadn’t bothered redecorating or even taking down the harvest décor. She thought, based on the Marine Corps flag visible hanging in a window, that a single, female, Marine had lived there and been deployed.
The conversation had no point, but it distracted her from worrying. She suspected Jared knew and that’s why he’d initiated the debate.
“How’s your back?”
“Better.” A relative word, in that her back still ached, but she smiled anyway. “Time for the plane to land?”
“Soon. By the time we circle back, park, and go inside, the plane will have just landed.”
“At least it’s a small airport that makes getting in and out easier.” Though in this case, she wouldn’t have minded more delays.
“Much better than driving all the way to Raleigh.” He switched hands on the steering wheel and reach for her hand. “Don’t be nervous. I promise they don’t bite.”
“I’m trying.” She couldn’t help her fear that Cara would harbor resentment toward her. Jared had told her about his sister’s miscarriage and desire to have a child.I don’t know why life unfolds like it does, Lord, but please let Cara and I get along. Please give her peace and don’t let my pregnancy cause her any hard feelings or further pain.
The airport came into view, and she winced.I can do this.
Jared parked and came to open her door. “Ready?”
“No.”
He took her hand to assist her down. “I’m sure you’ll feel better once the initial meeting is over. Then you’ll see what I mean.”
“I hope so.”
His smile relayed nothing but assurance. “I know so.”
Once inside, they stood in the waiting area, peering through the large glass window. They watched the plane fly in, land, and then glide to the gate.
Her heart worked overtime, pumping double the blood through her body. She breathed in deeply until her lungs couldn’t take more air. Held it in before slowly releasing it. She repeated the process, breathing away her nervous energy.
“I see them.” Jared pointed to a middle-aged woman, a tall man with a cowboy hat, and a girl with dark hair.
She saw a mild resemblance to Jared in his mom, but none in his sister except their smile. The cowboy had to be Jase, Cara’s husband. She stood still while they approached. If she could have, she would have retreated into the shadows, but that wasn’t an option.
Jared threw his arms around his mom, his love for her evident in his welcome embrace. He greeted his sister with the same enthusiasm, then shook hands and slapped shoulders with Jase. Once he’d finished welcoming them, he stepped back to her, slid an arm around her waist.
The pride radiating from his face eased another layer of anxiousness. Jared loved her, and he wouldn’t leave her.
He pulled her closer to his family and made the introductions.
Mrs. Scott came to her first, engulfing her in a hug. “I’m so happy to meet you after all the wonderful things I’ve heard about you. And you must call me Nora, or Mom if you’re comfortable with that.” She released her and glanced at Sybil’s stomach with a joyous smile. “I never looked as beautiful as you when I was pregnant. You’re absolutely glowing.”
Is this how a mom was supposed to act? In a two-minute span, Nora had shown her more affection than her own mom ever had.
“Thank you.” Her hand fluttered to her stomach when Brilyn kicked. “I’m glad to meet you, too. Thanks for coming on short notice.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it for anything.” Nora glanced at Cara then back and winked. “I better back away and let my daughter greet you before she loses her patience.”
“Hey now,” Cara cried in mock protest. She stepped forward and hugged Sybil. “I couldn’t believe it when Jared said he was getting married. Then when he told me you all were moving to Weatherton, I squealed in his ear. He told me later he couldn’t hear for a day.” She leaned in to whisper, “I think he stretched the truth on that part.”
Sybil laughed, immediately liking Jared’s family. “Likely so.”
“But don’t let his tendency to exaggerate sway you.” Cara glanced at her brother and winked, returned her attention to Sybil. “You’re a part of this family now, and we’re not letting you go. Especially when my prayers for a sister have finally been answered. I started praying for one when I was six.”
