While the men sat in the living room talking, Skye helped Peggy finish the salad and add an extra place at the table.
“I hope you don’t mind my showing up with Jordan unexpectedly like this,” Skye said as she glanced into the living room and saw how well Jordan got along with her brother.
Peggy’s smile was full of warmth.“Of course not,” she denied instantly.“I was dying to meet him anyway.”
“Is Jordan your boyfriend, Aunt Skye?”Janey quizzed as she lopped a fingerful of frosting from the cake.
“Hey, you!”Peggy cried.“Keep your greedy finger off the cake.”
“Is he?”She repeated her question.
Skye wasn’t sure how to answer.A contentment flowed through her, and unconsciously she found herself studying Jordan from the kitchen.Lean and powerful, he sat with his long legs stretched before him, exuding an aura of strength.
“Auntie Skye?”Janey grabbed Skye’s hand as if to pull her attention back to herself.
“I’m sorry, cupcake.”Skye broke her concentration.“Yes, I guess you could say he’s my boyfriend.”But she didn’t want her niece to pursue the subject further.“How do you like the puppy?”
“He’s wonderful...I think I’ll name him Sampson.What do you think?”
“It’s a great idea,” Skye said, hugging her.
The meal was an enjoyable sharing time.Everyone participated in the laughter and teasing.
“I’m stuffed.”Brad leaned back in his chair and patted his stomach.
“You better have room for dessert,” Janey warned, not wanting to delay opening her gifts.
“I think I’ve managed to save a little room for cake.How about you, Jordan?”
“I’ve always got room for birthday cake.”He purposely winked at Janey, who dissolved into delighted giggles.
Skye rose after Peggy, conscious of Jordan’s warm gaze following her.“I’ll help Peggy with the cake,” she said, as if needing an excuse to leave.
They returned a few minutes later carrying in the cake with nine lighted candles and singing the traditional birthday song.
“Make your wish, princess,” Brad prompted.
Janey closed her eyes tightly, then announced excitedly, “I wished for a baby brother.”
Standing behind his wife, Brad laughed.“I don’t know.”His arms slid contentedly around Peggy’s still-flat stomach.“Iwouldn’t object to another girl.It’s not many men who can claim to live in a house full of beautiful women.”Playfully he nuzzled Peggy’s neck, making growling noises.
The gifts were opened, including the necklace Skye had bought with Jordan the first night they’d gone to dinner.Janey also got a new game and a pair of pajamas.
The adults moved into the living room, and when Skye brought Jordan his coffee, his arm circled her waist, bringing her down to sit on the arm of his chair.His grip held her there, his eyes smiling into hers.
“Where’s Brad?”she asked, returning his warm gaze with one of her own.
“He’s gone to phone for a taxi.My flight is leaving soon.”
Skye’s heart floundered at his casual announcement.“Already?”she asked hesitantly, and swallowed down her disappointment.She wanted to look away, afraid he would read her regret, but his gaze held hers.
“Come to the airport with me?”he asked.
“Okay,” she returned lightly, although her smile wavered dangerously.“I...I can drive us.”
A short time later they said their good-byes on the porch.Jordan and Brad grasped hands with the familiarity of good friends.
Skye hugged both Peggy and Janey.“I hope you had a very special birthday, cupcake.”
