“I was worried. I never know if you’ll up and leave town too.”
Jessa’s heart split in half. She hated this shell of the strong, confident woman her mom had once been. “I’m not going anywhere. I love Jasper Lake and could never leave my family.”
“Trixie said the same thing.” Her mom’s mouth trembled.
“She also has an independent streak from here to the sun. I’m not Trixie, don’t worry. Neither is Phoebe.”
“You are my good girls.”
Uncomfortable, Jessa tried redirecting the conversation. “Did you find any good buys today?”
“I bought a present for your dad.” A hint of a smile came to her mom’s eyes. “It’s a wooden rod holder with his name engraved. They’ll add the personalization this week, and I can pick it up next Saturday.”
“He’ll love that.”
“Did you see anything special?” For the time being, her mom had returned tonormal—a word Jessa had learned to be completely subjective.
“No. We spent a lot of time at the outdoor demonstrations since Landon had never seen them.” From the corner of her eye, she saw him still deep in conversation with her dad.
“I like him. He’s respectful, considerate, and has honest eyes.” Mom nodded as she spoke. “I didn’t realize you were dating anyone.”
“We’re not dating. He’s passed through a few times, and we’ve become friends.”
“Please don’t hide information from me. I’ve had enough of that with Hunter and Trixie to last a lifetime.”
Before the sullenness could return, Jessa rushed to console her. “I wouldn’t be opposed to something more with him, but as it stands, we’re only friends. If it progresses to more, I promise you’ll be the first to know.”
Mom circled Jessa’s arm with hers. “It’s not easy watching my babies grow, but you’re the one I’ve worried about least. Even when you dated Chris, and I had a bad feeling about him, I knew you’d see through him soon enough. When I saw you with Landon, I thought, he’s the one.”
Jessa’s heart leaped and did a somersault. Was Mom overly sentimental tonight or had she really sensed that? “We’ll see.”
The flotilla began and voices around the lake hushed. Christmas music played from the boats—a mix of traditional hymns, classic carols, and contemporary remixes. An upbeat atmosphere fell over the area, and with a joyful heart, Jessa watched her mom smiling with genuine happiness.
Too soon it ended, and her spirits fell. She delayed leaving the dock as long as possible, not wanting to face Landon leaving.
Her dad laid a hand on Landon’s shoulder. “Why don’t you come to our house for a little while. We’d love to talk more.”
Please say yes.
Landon frowned. “I’d love to, but I need to get on the road. My niece has a Christmas program tomorrow, and I promised I’d be there. I don’t want to risk missing it.”
She didn’t like his answer, but she had to respect it. His commitment to keeping a promise said a lot about his character. From the gleam in Dad’s eyes, she knew he saw it as well.
“Maybe next time,” Mom suggested with an air of hope.
“Definitely.” He shook both of her parents’ hands. “Thanks for inviting us to watch the flotilla with you. I enjoyed it.”
Her parents left, the crowd dissipated, the temperature dropped again, and there was no reason to remain on the dock.Except for not wanting to leave.
Landon reached for her hands and took them both in his. “I wish I didn’t have to head home.”
“Me too.”
“I’ll put in a request for all the runs that will bring me this way.”
“You don’t have to do that.” She choked on unexpected emotions. “I wouldn’t object though.”
He chuckled softly. “Maybe I can book a room with Mrs. Addy for a weekend or two in January, as well.”
