“Shh …” I cut her off. “Relax. I know I don’t have to do anything, and neither do you. Let’s just play this by ear, okay? We don’t have any roles to fill. I don’t expect anything from you but one thing, Kayla.”
“What’s that?”
“Your only requirement is to love me.” I stared intently at her. “I mean it. That’s all I need from you.”
Her face softened, a pensive half-smile forming. “Jesse, I love you more than anything, but I also want to be your wife. I want to take care of you. I’m not going to feel held back or trapped. I want this. I know you’re thinking about your mother, but please understand, we’re different. I swear this is all I’ve ever wanted.”
I studied her face, and it was clear that she believed what she said. She did want this. But still, I was going to do dishes. I stared down at her. So much fire in a petite package. “I let you bag leaves. If you can bag leaves, I can wash dishes.” I smiled wryly. She couldn’t argue with my logic.
“You got me there,” she said, pursing her lips. “Don’t you have someplace to be?”
“Yep, right where I am.” I grinned. “Dad said he’d be down in a few minutes.”
A huge smile flashed across her face.
“What happened?” I asked, confused.
“I didn’t think you’d feel comfortable. He’ll be happy with you calling him Dad.”
“Wow, I didn’t even think about it; it felt so natural. He’s a good man, Kayla. I’m honored to call him Dad,” I said without hesitation.
John walked into the room while I still had my hands on Kayla’s hips. I dropped my arms and took a step backward. “Umm … ready to go?”
“Yep, are you? Or should I give you two a couple minutes?” John glowered at me for a second, then turned his gaze on Kayla and winked.
“Dad, stop scaring Jesse. He doesn’t know you’re playing.” Kayla stepped forward, backing me against the counter. Taking my hands, she returned them to her waist. She then gave me a soft kiss that only lasted a second, but I was still shocked. “Now, go to work. You men need to be back here and pick me up before it gets dark.”
I dropped my hands again, knowing I was definitely red in the face.
Kayla leaned forward and whispered in my ear, “Who’s blushing now?” She turned and walked toward the front door. “I’ll unpack your suitcase and put everything in the spare bedroom while you’re out, Jesse.”
She was making a point. I got it and understood. “Thank you, Kayla.” I brushed my hand along her cheek as I walked by. She wanted me to let her be what she wanted as much as I wanted to be who I was: the people we fell in love with. I needed to stop pushing her, assuming she wanted anything different from what I did; we were two of a kind.
John clapped me on the back. “Come on, Jess, we don’t have much time. Bye, sweetheart. We’ll be back around six.”
I followed John across the yard to his truck and jumped up into the passenger side.
“I’m going to head straight to the office first. It’s not far and, realistically, I don’t even need an office, but it’s always a good idea in real estate to never get too personal with the tenants. I run an honest, clean business. I make sure everything is in proper working order and that the tenants’ homes are clean and safe, and in return I expect rent on time. I understand times are hard, but I adjusted my rents accordingly. When you have an office and a business name, not just an individual, you’re more likely to receive payments. Also, never, ever let a tenant miss rent without sending a notice, no matter what they say or claim. I was burned badly on my first venture … because I was nice.”
I realized I was getting a crash course on business.
John continued, “I had an attorney move in. Nice people, wife played piano in the church, blah, blah, blah. Never rent without a credit app, no matter who they claim they are or how nice they seem. He took me for seven months of rent before we could evict him. Brooke and I almost lost everything, but we got up, wiped the dirt from our backsides, and tried again.” John pulled out of the driveway and headed north. “Of course, it’s not just about renting. There’s a lot of maintenance to schedule and follow up with, and that’s where you’ll start. You’re familiar with all matters of construction, right?”
“Mostly, yes.”
“Don’t be shy, son. No time to be timid. Tell me what you can do.”
“As far as general maintenance, pretty much whatever you need. My father taught me how to work with plumbing, of course, but I know electrical work as well. I’ve installed water heaters, ovens, ceiling fans, and even electrical boxes. He taught me to drywall, and we replaced our roof. We even closed in our carport to a garage. If I don’t know how to do something, I study how to do it online. I’ve painted, ripped out carpet, and installed tile. Gram can attest to how many things I’ve done just at her house alone.” I finished my résumé, hoping I didn’t sound like I was bragging.
John nodded. “That’s more like it, and she already did. I heard nothing but Jesse-this, Jesse-that for a month before Kayla even went to Florida for spring break. Corinne was certain you and Kayla would hit it off immediately, and then of course when Kayla returned home from spring break, it was every night at dinner Jesse, Jesse, Jesse.” He sighed. “It’ll be good to have you here so I can have a conversation with you instead of about you every night.”
“Wow, I had no idea. I’m a little embarrassed.”
“Don’t be. Kayla loves you. I know it seems strange for a father to be okay with the step y’all are about to take at such a young age, but I am. Just like her mother, Kayla commits herself fully to whatever she does. There’ll be no problem with her making a marriage work. As young as she is, she understands the hardships of running a house while going to school and taking care of her horses. I never asked her to take care of everything in the house the way her mother did while I ran the company, but she stepped right in.”
John paused only for a second, then tipped his head to me. “And you, Jesse, well, honestly, you remind me a lot of myself at your age. Although I think you have more self-control than I did. I don’t think I could’ve put myself in the same situations as you have. Brooke and I were never alone overnight or had a house to ourselves all day. You two’ve had so much alone time together, and yet, my daughter swears you’ve committed to waiting until you’re married.”
“Uh…yes, sir. We have … I mean … we haven’t …” I stammered, shocked that Kayla would have mentioned that to her father.
“I know. Kayla never could lie well.” He paused, thoughtful for a minute, then continued, “Jesse, I know you don’t need a man-talk. You’re plenty old enough, and they don’t leave much to the imagination in movies anymore, but I know you and your dad haven’t been close, so I assume he’s never talked to you about personal issues like sex, has he?”
Yikes. I definitely wasn’t expecting this conversation. Evidently we had made it to the office, because John parked in front of a building and turned off the ignition. Again, as before, it was clear that Kayla inherited her bluntness from him.
I swallowed, not sure what to say. “Um, no, he didn’t, but like you said, it’s fairly prevalent everywhere you look, and as I mentioned before, I like to read. If there’s something I’m not sure about, I research it. Does that sound strange?”
“No, it sounds smart. So you’re comfortable … with it being the first time?”
“I’m not really comfortable discussing this with you, sir, being Kayla’s father and all. Won’t that be difficult?” I asked honestly. I did have a few concerns, and I really didn’t have anyone to talk to. But John was the last person I thought I could approach with the subject.
“Well,” he shrugged, “I already discussed the birds and the bees with Kayla. Had to. No mother and all. It wasn’t easy, of course. The last thing you want to talk about with your baby girl, but it was important that she didn’t learn about the facts of life from the world. And I’m glad she waited for marriage. From what I underst
and, her cousin didn’t, nor did several of her friends from high school, who ended up pregnant.” He continued swiftly, “Kayla said you planned to wait until after the wedding and reception in December, as you mentioned at the beginning of summer, is that correct?”
“Yes,” I said hesitantly.
“Again, I know it’s an unusual question coming from a father, but … why?”
I inhaled deeply and then shook my head, as if I didn’t understand my logic myself. My eyes slipped from John’s face down to my hands clenched at my sides. It really didn’t make any sense now; it had when I’d originally asked to marry Kayla, and then there was my other reason …
“When I asked to marry Kayla, we’d only spent roughly ten days together. I didn’t want her or you to think that I was interested in her physically as much as I was mentally. I wanted her to be mine, forever, and the only way I could think to ensure that was to ask her to marry me. And because I can’t wait for her to be mine, I wanted to do it at the first possible chance, when she turns eighteen. I assumed you, she, and even I would think I rushed into a proposal because I hadn’t made love yet and was in a hurry. Now, of course, I know myself better. As you’ve pointed out, we’ve spent plenty of time alone. The other reason is twofold. Yes, I’m a little afraid of what to expect, but also, she made me promise my father I’d work for him until December. I’m afraid if we enter into a physical relationship now, I won’t be able to leave her. Already, just knowing I have to leave in a week, the pain is overwhelming. I can’t even begin to explain how much it hurts.”
“You don’t have to explain, Jess. I understand, believe me.” John sounded so certain and composed. “Maybe I can help with, as you said, ‘afraid of what to expect.’ What are you afraid of?” he asked, jumping right in, clearly trying to make me feel comfortable.
Not comfortable looking at John while I asked an intimate question, though, I stared at the floorboard of the truck and tugged on my bottom lip. “I’m afraid I’ll hurt her. I heard the first time can be painful for a woman.”
John took a deep breath and looked me in the eyes. “You’re right, and again, a smart young man. Most men aren’t thinking about what a woman will feel, only what they want to feel. My father had the birds-and-the-bees talk with me when I was twelve, then right before Brook and I got married, we had what he called a man-to-man talk. If you feel comfortable enough, I’ll be happy to discuss this with you.”
I simply nodded.
John actually appeared nervous, but then he inhaled a deep breath and started right in, “When a woman is still a virgin, it means her hymen, a thin ring of tissue, is still intact. No matter what happens, it’s always possible that it will hurt, even bleed.” John exhaled again, as though he might not be able to continue, but then started speaking again, “However, if you’re not in a rush, as most young people are the first time, if you use a lubricant and —” He stopped again. “Sorry. Let me think how to say this.” He composed his expression and took a second to reword his thoughts.
I wanted to tell him it was okay, but instead, I just waited patiently.
John gulped and continued, “One of the reasons you don’t hear too many girls complain about their first time anymore is because they’ve been sexually active in other ways for an extended period before actually having intercourse.” He glanced toward me, as if pleased that he’d been able to get his words out. “So … if that makes sense, and in the simplest vernacular I can think of, take your time. There’re plenty of products on the market that will make the first time easier too.”
I pulled on my lip, but then nodded, letting him know I understood. “Thank you, sir. That definitely helps, and I know that couldn’t have been easy, but I want you to know I appreciate you. You’ve been very kind. I’m not used to being treated so well.”
John chuckled. “You have to be one of the politest young men I’ve ever met, Jess. I’ll be proud to have you as my son-in-law. But if you don’t stop fidgeting, the business world is gonna eat you alive.” He smacked me on the leg. “Now, we better get a move on. I only have a few hours to show you around before Kayla calls looking for us. And then I have to leave tomorrow morning early and won’t be back till Tuesday afternoon. I have an issue with my apartment building in Georgia.”
I darted my eyes to John’s face. “You’re leaving? You won’t be here tomorrow for the wedding?”
“Nope!” John popped his answer. “It’ll just be you and Kayla. Good luck with that, Jess. She’s stubborn. I can attest to that.” And with that, John swung open the door and hopped out of the truck.
I jumped out of the passenger side, and within seconds caught up alongside of him. “Does Kayla know, sir?” Realizing I was fidgeting again, chewing on my fingernail now, I shoved my hands in my pockets.
“You look as scared as a long-tailed cat in a roomful of rocking chairs.” He laughed. “No, I didn’t tell Kayla, since I knew she’d give me a hard time about it.” He winked at me, and I was pretty sure my face had turned bright red. “Figured you could tell ’er for me,” John continued. “It’ll be your first act as the head of my business,” he said through another chuckle.
Chapter 26 - Kayla
A soft sound woke me up. I glanced at my clock. I hadn’t overslept. It was just after four.
Another knock, and then I heard my father’s voice. “Kayla?”
“Yeah?” I asked sleepily. “Come in.”
My father entered my room and walked to my bedside, kneeling down beside me. “Happy birthday, honey. I have to leave for work early. We’ll celebrate when I return.”
“Where are you going, Daddy? It’s Sunday,” I said, my eyes squinting at the light from the hallway.
My father smiled, the way he’d smile when I was seven years old, and would beg him to come home and play.
He rested his hand against my cheek. “I have some work. I told Jesse about it. He’ll explain. Enjoy your day. Today is private between the two of you. I’ll be looking forward to walking you down the aisle in December. Jesse’s a good man, baby. I’m proud of you both.” He kissed me on the forehead and stood.
“Thank you. I love you.”
“Love you too, sweetheart.” And he walked out and pulled the door closed behind him.
Still sleepy, but too anxious to fall back to sleep, I rolled out of bed. It was early, but not much earlier than usual. Where was my father going so early on a Sunday morning? Sunday was the one day of the week he always stayed home. He still worked from the house, but at least I got to spend time with him.
Careful not to wake up Jesse, so he could catch up on sleep, I tiptoed downstairs and set out to get my work done for the day. Wedding day or not, I still had to tend to my horses.
“Wedding day,” I said on a sigh. Not much chance of Jesse not seeing his bride before marrying me when we’re eloping. Luckily, I wasn’t superstitious. My other grandmother, who had been gone for years now, would’ve been appalled. She was extremely superstitious.
After I’d finished taking care of my three horses, I made my way back to the house. Truly, only one was mine, the other two had belonged to my parents, but my father hadn’t ridden since my mother died.
Lost in thoughts about my mother’s horse, my father refusing to ride, and now his running off today, I jumped when I heard a clearing of a throat. The sight of my husband-to-be brought a smile to my face, though.
His shoulder propped against a porch pylon, one foot casually crossed over the other while he held a cup of coffee in each hand, Jesse was a vision indeed. He looked like the surfer boy who decided to become a cowboy.
“Mornin’, Jesse James!” I said as I climbed the steps. “What are you doing up so early?”
He cocked his head and smiled. “Remember, I started getting up at five this summer so I could finish work and be with my fiancée, and I just kept to the schedule. I’m glad I didn’t hit snooze on my alarm today ’cause I sure enjoyed watching you cross that lawn, cowgirl.”
Was there any
thing he said that didn’t cause gooseflesh to rise on my arms? I gratefully accepted the coffee he held out for me. “You really know your way around the kitchen, don’t you? Just made yourself at home, I see.”
“I feel like I’m at home, Kayla.”
He reached for me, but I pulled back. An unusual occurrence. I never missed a chance for him to hold me. His eyes widened in a look of pure confusion, so I quickly explained, “I smell, Jesse. I’ve been out with the horses.”
He rolled his eyes, then opened his arms. “Silly girl, I wouldn’t care if you’d rolled in their stable. Come here and give me a good-morning kiss!”
Jesse wrapped his arms around me then pulled me to the porch swing. We sat together quietly, watching the sun make its approach over the eastern trees. I finally relaxed and rested my head on his shoulder.
“So, you have everything ready for today?” he asked. “I can’t believe today’s the day. I still agree with your father that it’ll be good to have a wedding for the family, but this is all I really cared about, making you mine for all eternity.”
I lifted my head, beckoning a kiss, then nuzzled my head back on his shoulder. “Yep! All the papers are signed, and we’re scheduled for eleven.”
“Are you nervous?”
“Not at all. A little discouraged, though,” I confessed.
“Of what?” He cocked his head as though wracking his brain, trying to think what would cause me to be disheartened. Thankfully, though, he didn’t look scared, as if I didn’t want him. We’d finally extinguished all the earlier apprehensions in our relationship.
I shrugged. “My dad. I thought he’d be here. I know you and I are eloping, but I thought he’d want to be there. He left for the day.”
Jesse ran his hand down the back of my head. “It’s not that he doesn’t want to be here; he said he felt that it should be private between us. And, to tell you the truth, I think the leaving for three days is a ruse.”
I reared back. “Three days? He didn’t tell me he was gonna be gone for three days. Where on earth is he going for three days?”
Love Like Crazy (Crazy Love Book 1) Page 16
