“When did this happen?”
“Finally!”
“What took you guys so long?”
Seth was beaming like all the rest. “About time, you two!”
Ty sent him a mock scowl. “Maybe now you can stop flirting with her.”
“Who, me?”
Ty scooped up a wood chip and flung it, hitting Seth in the chest.
“Hey! I was just trying to wake you up.”
“Boys!” Mom called. “Behave.”
At the prodding of their families Jenna and Tyson told the story of their trip—leaving out the part about DC. The family pummeled them with questions. It was enlightening to hear Jenna’s thoughts on the getaway and their separation once they’d returned home.
“And then last night,” Ty added, “when we were at the carnival grounds with Dream...” His gaze fell on Jenna.
“We just couldn’t be apart anymore.”
“Aw...” Mama Dee said. “I couldn’t be happier.”
Gordon chuckled. “I was oblivious to the whole thing.”
Mom preened. “Well,Iknew it! The way you two have been looking at each other this summer—”
“It was inevitable.” Mama Dee gave Ty’s mother a nod. “Whenever Ty would come around, Jenna’s face would get all flushed.”
“Mom!” Jenna said. “It did not!”
Ty let his gaze rove over her face, noting her heightened color. “Don’t look now,” he teased quietly.
“Hey. You’re supposed to be on my side.”
“Oh, I’m on your side.”
“Well,” Dad said, “can’t say I saw it coming either, but I couldn’t be more thrilled. This happy development deserves a toast.” He held up his glass. “To new adventures with old friends.”
Everyone joined in. “Hear, hear!”
Much later, after everyone had left, Ty walked Jenna across the street. The house’s windows were darkened, but Mama Dee had left the porch light on. A warm breeze skated by, carrying the fresh fragrance of Jenna’s shampoo.
He took her hand, twining his fingers through hers. When she cast him a sweet smile, he felt it in his gut. Would he ever tire of being with her this way? Of having the right to reach out and take her hand? To lean in and claim her lips in a kiss?
He hoped not. It was such a great feeling. He wanted to shout from the rooftops that she was his and he was hers.
“Tonight was fun,” she said as they stepped into the glow of the porch light. “I only wish I could’ve witnessed the looks on their faces when they saw us kissing.”
He grinned. “You could’ve heard a pin drop.”
“And then we couldn’t get a word in edgewise. They seemed pretty delighted.”
He squeezed her hand. “They’re not the only ones.”
“Aw...” She turned to him with affection in her eyes. “I never knew you could be so sweet.”
