“Open it and see.”
I should have known she would unwind the ribbon, slowly placing it to the side, while I wanted to jerk it out of her hands and rip it open.
“Ugghh, woman, open it already! This is torture and I can’t imagine you opening presents at Christmas, half the year would be over before you got to it.”
“I wouldn’t know, never got a present for Christmas.”
I hear her say that lowly as she pulls the lace shawl out of the paper wrapping, and I force that information deep into my brain so that I know she needs to be spoiled, especially on that day.
“Oh, Reggie, it’s the shawl from Violet’s. Ohh, thank you so very much! It’s so beautiful. I had no idea you bought this. I was scared to touch it because the lace was so intricate.”
I watch as she runs her fingers carefully down the seams. “The gloves are in there too, but I understand if you don’t want to wear them with us going out to eat. Stand up, and I’ll put it on you so you can see it in the mirror.”
She hands the weightless piece of material to me with tears in her eyes as she stands up. I motion for her to turn around so she can face the small mirror. It takes me a minute to figure out how it lies as my rough hands catch on the delicate fibers before I lay it over her small, but strong shoulders. Standing behind her, I can see completely over her head, and I will say we make a pretty couple with my hands draped possessively on her arms. Kissing the top of her head, she smiles up at me through the mirror as she gathers the ends of the shawl together, tying them gently, only for me to hear her belly growl.
“We’d better feed you before that little demon eats us both.”
“I have no idea why, but I have been hungry all day, and I ate breakfast.”
“No, you didn’t, you ate a couple of pieces of bacon, and that was it. I saw you give your portion to Henry.”
“Well, he is a growing boy, so he needs more fuel to keep all that energy alive. I’ve been hungry plenty of times in my lifetime, and if I am able to keep another from experiencing that, then I will.”
“You have become quite attached to him.”
“He’s a good kid, his heart has not been hardened by the world yet, and his innocence is a pleasure to be around.”
“Then you will be happy to know that I hired Marcus, and so both of them will be living with or nearuson the farm … ranch, I’m not sure what to call it.”
“Us?”
“Us! Let’s go before that little bugger eats all our dinners too.”
I tuck Jessica’s hand into my arm as we walk down the walkway toward the diner. We pass several men along the way. They each nod at me, but their eyes immediately wander to Jess. I can’t hate them for noticing her beauty, as that pale green dress really sets off her eyes and dark hair, but I don’t have to like it either.
Opening the door, I put my hand on her lower back as we walk through, looking for the others, only for Jacob to wave from the back of the room, where a couple of tables have been pushed together to make room for all of us. Henry is instantly on his feet, pulling out the chair right next to him.
“Miss Jess … I got all cleaned up for you, and I would like it if you would sit next to me for dinner.”
“I would be honored, kind sir. You sure look handsome in your button-up shirt. I’ve never seen that one on you before.”
“Momma made it for me, so I only wear it on special occasions.”
Marcus looks away, and I can tell the words have torn at a fresh wound he has tried to hide from us all, as you can instantly see the sadness in his eyes. Henry, on the other hand, is still standing straight, doing his best to get the girl.
Jessica loosens her shawl, then leans down, kissing Henry on the cheek before taking the seat he was holding out for her, and I bite my lip to keep from laughing when little Henry’s cheeks turn bright red. Jacob moves down a seat so that I can sit on Jessica’s other side. I’ve barely gotten settled when a young woman comes out holding a tray.
“Got you gentlemen some coffee and the lady some tea, as per the young man’s instructions.”
She winks at Henry, and the entire table laughs as Jessica grabs his little hand in hers. “Thank you for thinking of me, Henry. It means everything.”
“You are most welcome, Jess. I just thought you took such good care of us that we should think of you as well, and you always make a face at that first sip in the mornings, so I knew you didn’t like coffee.”
“You’re right, I can barely tolerate it.”
I wait until she has handed out all the cups and finished topping them off before saying, “Ma’am, you can bring out our dinners at any time.”
“They are plating them now; it will only be a moment. I am sure you are all famished after such a long trip.”
