The site tugged at Jessa’s heart, made her long for what had been, but those days were long gone. Only by God’s grace could they return.
She welcomed the family, saying a silent prayer their lives would never be jolted like her family’s had been. She knew those chances were unlikely—life happened and brought with it trials—but she couldn’t help but want the best for this family who reminded her of better times.
The dad picked up a brochure and flipped through it. “Our children will be attending summer camp this year across the lake, and my wife and I would like to stay nearby.”
“Dad.” The daughter who appeared to be the eldest groaned. “I’m too old for you to hover over me.”
“I know, sweetheart.” He winked at his daughter. “That’s why I said nearby.”
The girl, who couldn’t be older than ten, hung on her father’s arm, a stark contradiction to her claim of seconds ago. Jessa related. She’d been eager for independence while still clinging to the familiar safety of her own dad. For as long as she could, she kept the family’s attention while she relayed why Jasper Lake would be a great place to stay while their children enjoyed camp.
After they walked away, Jessa snuck a peek at her phone. Landon would be there any minute. Where was AJ Jefferson, owner of Jefferson Insurance and her replacement at the table? She couldn’t leave the booth without a representative. She stood on her tiptoes, craning her neck for any sign of AJ. At six feet four inches, he would be hard to miss.
Getting annoyed—anxious—she grabbed her phone with the intention to call him. In the nick of time, she realized she’d gotten confused. Flustered in anticipation of Landon’s arrival, she’d forgotten she was manning the table until noon, two hours from now. Thank goodness she hadn’t called AJ and embarrassed herself.
However, where was Landon? She had thought he’d come straight to find her once he arrived. Now that she admitted the thought, she realized how arrogant it sounded. Why would he immediately seek her out when she’d told him she’d be busy?
But not even a text to let me know he made it safely?
For her own sake, she hoped he showed up soon. Her brain didn’t have the self-control to stop questioning and second-guessing every little action or lack of. She hadn’t been interested in anyone since she broke up with Chris, and she hadn’t missed the random bouts of insecurities that accompanied a new, potential love interest.
The crowds increased and brought more people her way. During a quick downtime, she pulled her compact from her purse and examined her reflection. No lipstick on teeth, no clumps of mascara smeared, no shiny forehead or nose. She returned the compact to her purse and ran a brush through her hair.
She looked up, straight into Landon’s eyes.
Their sparkle said it all—he’d been there long enough to see her primping.
Embarrassed to be caught, she told a white lie. “I had an everything bagel earlier and felt a poppy seed stuck between my teeth.”
She stifled a groan. That sounded worse than the truth.
“Sorry, I’m late. I got stuck in accident traffic thirty miles before the interstate detour.” He gave an apologetic smile. “And of course, my phone slid and got lost under the seat so I couldn’t call to tell you.”
“It’s okay. I didn’t realize it was after ten until a few minutes ago, and then figured you were touring the vendors.”Stop the little white lies.
“No, I came straight here after finding a parking spot.”
That added knowledge made her heart smile. Recovered from her embarrassment, she took a good look at him. Funny how she had his features memorized like she’d known him all her life. His eyes were asymmetrical, the left smaller by only a bit, but it didn’t detract from his features. If anything, it made his expressions more pronounced, whether he was frustrated, pensive, or comical.
He’d taken her advice to heart regarding layers. Underneath an unbuttoned wool coat, he wore a charcoal infantry sweater and a grey t-shirt peeked out front under that. He’d need all three layers outside, especially after the sun went down.
“You’re free at noon, right?” He looked at his watch. “Another hour?”
“As long as my relief shows up.”
“I smelled coffee on my way in. Would you like a cup?”
“That would be great. Thanks.” Despite the room filled with people, a chill remained in the air. She reached for her purse and grabbed a dollar.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ve got it.” He sniffed. “I smell donuts, too.”
“Scottie’s is selling those. Try their maple cream filled. It’s the best you’ll ever have.”
He disappeared into the throngs of people, and she returned to her job. Fifteen minutes passed before Landon came back, and another ten before her table cleared, and she had a chance to talk to him.
She gladly accepted the coffee and took a sip. “Mmm, peppermint creamer. How’d you know I liked it?”
“Took a wild guess. I remember how excited you were about the seasonal flavors at Addy’s, so I figured you’d enjoy the peppermint during Christmas.”
