Summer’s insult earlier about Jesse not making as much money as her soon-to-be husband, Adam Fairbanks, really bothered him. It was bad enough that he didn’t think he was good enough for Rosie, but to have Summer mention it as well?
When he saw her sitting in her childhood swing, staring up into the tall elm tree, he slowed his hurried steps. As he studied her attire, he shook his head in disbelief. The rose-colored dress made her look prettier than a flower, and the sunlight gave her hair a reddish tint. He scratched his chin. Why was he noticing things like that, especially when he couldn’t recall what Rosie had been wearing today?
But it didn’t matter what Summer looked like, she would always be the same disagreeable pain-in-the-rear he’d known for years.
Although, she did look lovely against the sunset’s backdrop. She’d left her long hair hanging down with the sides pulled away from her face, and suddenly his fingers itched to feel the texture against his skin. Would it be as silky as it appeared?
Then he caught the drift of his inappropriate thinking. This was Summer, and he was engaged to her sister....and she was engaged to a man who wanted a mail-order bride. Unbelievable!
A small wind rustled through the canopied branches as chirping insects interrupted the evening’s stillness. When he neared, she swung her head around and met his gaze. She lifted her hazel eyes filled with unshed tears on him, and he came to a halt. The look of anguish on her face pierced straight through him.
As a sign of truce, he gave her a smile. “Thought I might find you out here.”
“Why? Is supper ready?” she snapped.
He sighed heavily, knowing whatever he did or said, he always brought out the worst in her. “Not yet. Figured you might want some company.”
A frown touched her mouth. “Well, you’re wrong.” She turned away.
Jesse stopped near the swing and shoved his hands in his pockets, waiting while she battled with her emotions. He leaned against the trunk of the tree. Within a few minutes, her ragged breathing eased.
“What are we going to do?” she whispered. “Do you know how hard it is to see Pa like this? He can’t even move from one chair to the other.”
“Your pa’s a stubborn man. He’s never had to ask for help before, and it’s hard for him to do it now.”
“I cannot stand seeing him so helpless.” Her voice cracked.
Jesse wasn’t used to comforting a woman, not even Rosie, so he didn’t know what to do with Summer. He reached out and gently touched her shoulder. Immediately, she stood and launched herself into his arms. Although surprised, he slid his arms around her, bringing her closer as if his limbs had a mind of their own.
He held his breath, wondering what to do now. Why had she wantedhimto hold her? Although, he admitted it was rather nice when she wasn’t kicking and screaming.
“Why did God do this to him?” she asked.
“God didn’t do anythin’, darlin’. Sickness comes to all of us eventually.”
“But I want him back the way he was.”
“So do I, darlin’. So do I.”
Jesse tightened his hold and caressed her hair, silky as he had imagined it would be. A lump formed in his throat as he shared Summer’s agony. The more he stroked her hair, the more her body relaxed. Finally, she lifted her head and gazed into his face.
“Thank you, Jesse.”
“For what?”
“For loving Pa.”
He smiled. “I can’t help it. He’s been a father-figure to me for some time now.”
Her forehead furrowed. “I know I’ve never asked this, but where are your folks?”
He wiped away a tear from her cheek with the pad of his thumb. “My ma died when I was a baby, and since I never knew my pa, my older brother watched over me.”
The warmth of her skin blended into his hand and set shivers down his spine. Her eyes widened, and she stepped away.Had she felt it, too?
She straightened and wiped her eyes before looking at him again. “Are you talking about Cal?” she asked.
“Yes, my brother, Cal. We’ve been through a lot, but I’ll never forget when I met your pa and admired him.”
