“So how was it?” Amelia eyed Ellie over the brim of her cup.
“Fine.”
“Did you get what you wanted?”
Ellie recalled the kiss, regretting her decision to leave. “Not entirely, but one thing’s for certain—Jack is still in love with me.”
“Is that what he said?”
“Let’s put it this way: if I hadn’t taken your advice, I’d still be there, and Sara would be nothing but a memory.”
* * *
By the time they reached the cemetery, the rain had faded to a fine mist. When everyone had gathered, the preacher began the service. While he spoke, Ellie did her best not to look Jack’s way, knowing Sara would be watching. But after what had happened the night before, it was difficult to keep her eyes off him.
The rain held off just long enough, and when the service was over, everyone hurried to their cars as the skies opened again. Ellie and her family stayed behind to say their final goodbyes. So did Jack.
“Where did Sara run off to?” Ellie asked as they sheltered beneath the tent.
“She went to take Mama home. I drove separately so I could go straight to Clara’s and start preparing the food. Are you going there now?”
“I have to meet Mr. Randolph at his office. He says it’s important. But I’ll be along shortly.” She waited for Marie to pass before going on. “Listen, about last night—”
“I was out of line,” said Jack. “I’d had too much to drink, and—”
“I was going to say I rather enjoyed myself. The kiss wasn’t bad either.” She nudged him playfully with her elbow, which drew a smile.
“It was nice, wasn’t it? It reminded me of old times.”
“It might be nice to do it again,” she whispered, then watched as the smile ran away from his face.
“Look, Ellie, as much as I want to, and God knows I want to, I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to do that again. We were dangerously close to making a huge mistake last night.”
“A mistake for who?” she asked, thinking of what he’d told her the night before.
“For us both.”
“Speak for yourself,” she said in defiance. “You know, I woke up this morning with a feeling of regret; not for having kissed you, but for not having done more. I meant what I said about loving you, Jack, and whether you believe me or not, it doesn’t change the way I feel.”
He regraded her with skepticism. “If you loved me so much, why wait this long to see me? You could have made an effort at any time over the past nine years, but you didn’t. Now I’m supposed to believe that after a boat ride and supper, you’re in love with me again?”
“You’re right,” she said, feeling the sting of his words. “I know it doesn’t make sense. And yes, I could have come to see you, but I didn’t.” She stopped and looked him in the eye. “But I’m here now, and that has to count for something.”
* * *
That afternoon, everyone gathered at Clara’s for lunch. Fortunately, the rain was over, and the sun appeared as the low cloud deck pushed east into the mountains. When everyone had been served, Ellie asked if Jack would like to get some fresh air.
Jack dried his hands and followed her out into the backyard. “Everything okay?”
She nodded, facing the lake. “I just needed to get out of the house for a few minutes. Being around that many huggers makes me claustrophobic.”
Jack chuckled. “They mean well, but it can be a little overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to it.”
Ellie ventured a glance in his direction. “Listen, I wanted to thank you for today. It’s very kind of you to come here and feed everyone.”
“It’s my pleasure, and it’s the least I could do. You know,” he said, “after you left last night, I got to thinking. Most people don’t realize how much Clara meant to me. Outside of Mama, George, and you, she was the only other person who ever made me feel like I was worth something. She saw my potential before I did, and that’s something I’ll never forget.”
“Speaking of last night, I hope I didn’t cause trouble for you with Sara.”
