Loving Kate

by Lara Van Hulzen

  Somehow she’d led him to the car where they climbed in and got going, but Jack’s brain stayed back there on her street where she’d said she loved him.

  She loved him.

  Kate’s mind was still spinning from Jack’s kisses out in front of her house, not to mention telling him she loved him. She hadn’t known him all that long. Or had she? They weren’t strangers. Their families had mingled over the past year. He was Josh’s brother, for heaven’s sake. Not someone no one knew anything about. More and more she was seeing how he and his family were somewhat pillars in the community. He’d grown up in Silver Bay and he was the loyal, solid man everyone claimed him to be.

  The sock hop was held at the town hall. Kate had never been inside before. It was one large room with history adorning the walls. Benches had been pushed against the walls so the entire room was open for dancing. A table at the end of the room held a punch bowl and snacks. Decorations hung from the walls, 1950s memorabilia everywhere. A DJ sat on a small stage at one end of the room playing top hits from that era. It was as if she’d walked back in time as they came through the doors. Her arm was linked through Jack’s as he led her off to the side to take it all in.

  “This is fantastic!”

  “Isn’t it? The city sponsors it each year to raise money for the fire department. It’s a family event, but the rumored joke is that it’s just another way for the ladies to come and dance with good looking firemen.”

  Kate laughed. “That’s such a stereotype.”

  “So, you don’t think firemen are good looking. Bonus. One less thing for me to worry about.”

  She slapped his arm. “No, silly. I have a friend in Boston whose husband is a firefighter. It’s a tough life.”

  “So you’re saying her husband is ugly.”

  “Good Lord, you are too much.” And yet, she couldn’t stop laughing. Of course he’d understood the point she was making, but in true Jack form, wanted nothing more than to make her smile. She loved him for that, among many other reasons.

  Loved him. Yep. She’d said it. And meant it. The words didn’t scare her anymore. Could things go wrong? Sure. But not like before. Jack wouldn’t give up on her. On them. That she could count on.

  “Wait. What did you mean, ‘One less thing for me to worry about’?”

  “Well, I am with the most gorgeous woman in the room, in town for that matter. What kind of man would I be if I didn’t worry about wandering eyes?”

  “You’re worried about my eyes wandering?”

  He looked down at her, those deep brown depths moving from her lips then back to her eyes. “No. I think it’s safe to say that those, along with the rest of you, are definitely mine.” He leaned in to whisper in her ear. “But I have every intention of keeping it that way, so I’ll be looking out for any men thinking they can wander their eyes towards you.”

  “Ah, the jealous type, I see.” She couldn’t help it. Teasing him was too much fun.

  He pulled back to look at her. “Maybe. But I would never treat you in any way than what you deserve.”

  All teasing had left his voice. She entwined her fingers with his and stepped in close to his side. “I know that. You would never treat me the way Barry did. And I owe you an apology.”

  “For what?”

  “I did compare you two in the beginning and that isn’t fair to you. I deemed you pretentious because of your car and I worried your charm would fade and the real you would emerge.” She reached up and kissed his cheek. “But the real you is right there for everyone to see. No games. No façade. Just you. And that’s who I love.”

  “I love you too, princess.” He wrapped his arms around her and right there in front of the whole town lifted her up and spun her around. A few of the couples nearby clapped, smiles on everyone’s faces.

  He set her back down. “I love that lipstick on you, but man, it is really cramping my style.”

  Mid-laugh, she placed his face in her hands and kissed him. A deep, full, all out kiss with all the meaning behind it she could muster. Jack held her close, his hands around her waist, hers toying with the back of his hair.

  A loud whistle and clapping brought them back to their surroundings. They pulled apart, but not away from each other.

  “You sure know how to party, brother.”

  Josh and Maggie stood next to Hannah and Paul. Maggie had on rolled up jeans with white Keds and a white t-shirt. Her hair was pulled up in a ponytail with a long scarf that floated down her back. Hannah had on red, tight Capri pants and black flats with a tight black top. Her hair was down, her auburn waves more like bouncy curls. Josh and Paul were dressed almost identical to Jack. It looked as if the men didn’t have as much to choose from in terms of 1950’s get-ups.

  “You’ve got a date of your own,” Jack answered. “Why aren’t you making out with her in a dark corner?”

  Josh laughed.

  “That’s a good question.” At Maggie’s comment Josh’s laughter stilled.

  “You serious? Because you know I will, Mrs. Harden.” He grabbed his wife and carried her by the waist off towards the corner, her laughter floating behind them.

  “You kids. Such troublemakers.” Paul shook his head.

  “We’re the same age. You could drag me to a corner too, ya know?” Hannah teased, but Kate saw a twinge of something else in the woman’s eyes. Sadness? Whatever it was, it disappeared when Paul pulled her to him and said, “You don’t have to ask me twice.” Then proceeded to find another part of the room to call their own.

  Jack laughed. “Like a bunch of horny teenagers.”

  “Married, horny teenagers.”

  “True.”

  Could she and Jack be as happily married as their friends at some point in the future? Everything in her hoped so. Her inner cynic mocked her. Married again. That thought hadn’t dared enter her mind until Jack swept into her life. She’d sworn off men and she by all means had given up on ever marrying again. But now, it was a welcomed thought. One she did want. Fear of being hurt had tried to keep her from something new and exciting. That new and exciting stood beside her encased in a sexy, adventure-filled package. She saw now she’d be an idiot to turn that down.

  “You’re thinking way too hard there, sweets.”

  “Sorry. I’m just...happy.”

  His grin was downright naughty. “I’d be happy too if you’d lay another one of those kisses on me.” One eyebrow lifted as he leaned in. “I’m sure I’ve got hot pink lipstick all over my face after that last one, but I don’t mind. Lets people know you’re the one that put it there.”

  “Hello, son.”

  Jack stood tall again at the sound of the deep voice behind him. He turned.

  “Hey, Dad. Mom.” He hugged his parents and kissed his mom on the cheek. With pink stained lips.

  Oh dear. Oh dear. Oh dear. Kate was aware she’d probably see Jack’s parents tonight, but the fact slipped her mind, as many things did lately with Jack consuming her thoughts and his kisses turning her brain to mush. She’d met them before, but as Maggie’s sister, not Jack’s...

  Had they just seen her grab their son and make out with him in front of the whole town? Unfortunately, there wasn’t a closet nearby for her to duck into.

  Although she was mortified, Jack was unfazed by his parents’ presence. Did he always make out with women in public places in front of them? For the love, now her thoughts were going down a rabbit trail. Hide behind Jack. That was a good plan, right? They’d never see her if...

  “Hello, Kate. It’s so good to see you again.”

  Jack stepped to the side. Traitor. “Dad. Mom. You remember Kate. Kate, these are my parents, Roy and Talia Harden.”

  She shook hands with them both, she may have even said it was good to see them, but it was hard to be sure when all her brain could register was, the hot pink from my lips is all over his. Embarrassed? Nope. Downright horrified? That was more like it.

  However, the two came across as laid back as their son. The
re were no weird looks from his mother or strange winks between father and son. Talia Harding was a beautiful woman, her blonde hair coiffed in a wavy, sprayed style of the 1950s. Her dress looked vintage as well. Like a living, breathing Grace Kelly. Her husband was an older version of Jack. About an inch taller with kind eyes the same chocolate brown as his sons.

  “Your outfit is just breathtaking!” Talia was saying. “Where did you find it?”

  Kate mustered enough brainpower to answer. Within minutes the four of them were chatting like old friends. Jack slipped his arm around Kate’s waist, holding her close to his side as he talked. His parents just smiled and conversed. It was all so...normal.

  Kate looked at Jack and then at his parents. Why would she expect anything different? These two people raised him to be the kind, generous man that stood beside her. She looked around the room. People were laughing and talking, dancing the night away. This town was like a cozy embrace.

  This was it. She was home.

  Chapter Eighteen

  After talking to Jack’s parents, which ended with a coffee date set up between Kate and Talia the following week, the two of them made their way around the room, visiting. Mostly Jack introduced Kate to people. Sure, she’d gotten to know folks in the past year she’d been there, but Jack had lived there almost his whole life. Everyone from the mayor to the lady who owned the bookstore shook his hand or gave him a big hug. She joked about his crazy teen years, but Kate could see respect in the woman’s eyes. There was a big difference between being fun and being out of control. Jack was the definition of fun.

  Kate spotted Baylee sitting alone on one of the benches along the wall. She tapped Jack’s arm. “I’m going to go talk to Baylee, okay?”

  “Of course.” Jack kissed her on the cheek then returned to a conversation he’d been having with Josh. They were discussing a current work project. Maggie was on the dance floor with Paul and Hannah was chatting with Pastor Jake’s wife, Anne.

  Kate made her way across the room and plopped down next to her friend. “Hey, you.”

  “Hey.”

  “What are you doing sitting here all by your lonesome?”

  “I was supposed to come with Meg but she got sick.”

  “Meg, who owns the diner?” Kate brushed silver confetti off her sock. It littered the ground, lighting the room from the bottom up.

  “Yes. We’re good friends. We started chatting when I went in the diner one morning for breakfast and just clicked. Like you, she understands what it’s like to run your own business. And as a woman.” She sighed. “It’s a lot.”

  “I hear ya.” Although Kate heard more from her friend than what she was saying. Along with the sigh, Baylee had dark circles under her eyes. “You okay? You look tired.”

  “I have a child. Who is a boy. I’m always tired.”

  Baylee smiled, tried to sound lighthearted about things, but Kate wasn’t buying it. Baylee didn’t talk about her son much and Kate hadn’t seen him around the bakery.

  “How old is your son?”

  “He’s five. His name is Casey.”

  She didn’t offer any more information and Kate got the vibe Baylee didn’t want to share more. At least not at the moment. Time for a subject change.

  “You could always go ask firefighter Chet over there to dance.” She nudged Baylee with her shoulder and winked.

  “You do know that’s not his entire name right?”

  Kate laughed. “Yes. I know that. But it’s fun to say. And you’re changing the subject. Come on! He’s super cute. And single from what I hear.”

  “What are you doing checking out the single guys here? You are one hundred percent taken, my friend. That kiss you planted on Jack earlier certainly said so.”

  Good Lord. She sensed she’d be hearing about that one for a while. Oh, well. It was her fault. And in truth, she didn’t care. She was with Jack. Let the world know.

  “Yes. That’s true. But taken doesn’t equal blind. And dancing with Chet doesn’t mean you’re betrothed or anything. It’s just a dance.”

  Baylee sighed again. “I don’t know. I’m not sure I’m up for it.”

  “Dancing or liking a cute guy?”

  “Either.”

  Both women laughed. “I’ve already got a guy in my life and he exhausts me. Don’t get me wrong, I love my son. But I’m...”

  “Exhausted.” Kate could only imagine.

  Most days she was wiped just from running Atmosphere. Baylee ran her own business and was raising her son on her own. Being somewhat private about her life, Baylee hadn’t said where Casey’s father was either, but no one understood more than Kate the need to keep her personal life private. If Baylee wanted a new start away from whatever had happened to her, Kate would be the last one to pry.

  “Chet’s a nice guy,” Baylee continued. “And yes, he’s easy on the eyes. But there’s no spark.” She tilted her head and looked across the dance floor as she talked. “He’s been by the bakery a few times to give me updates on the arson investigation. But I’m not getting any ‘I would love to go out with you’ vibes.”

  Kate nodded. “Well, if not Chet, I’m sure there’s someone on the horizon for you.”

  Baylee was adorable. Well, a cross between adorable and Jessica Rabbit. She dressed in cute flowered dresses or jeans and a simple top with flats or boots. But with her curves, the right outfit would have every guy in the room wide-eyed and tongue-wagging.

  “I don’t know. I’m happy. And I have Casey to focus on. The guy for me has to be willing to take the whole package. Not many men are up for that.”

  Hannah sat down on Baylee’s other side, her curls bouncing as she did so. “Hey, you two. Why aren’t you dancing?”

  “Too busy people watching and solving the world’s problems.”

  Baylee smiled at her, the look in her eye a simple thank-you for not continuing the line of conversation with Hannah there. Hannah and Baylee knew each other, but again, Baylee was private and Kate wasn’t going to share without permission.

  “Well, tonight is for fun and not problems. We need to find ourselves some dance partners.”

  Kate laughed as Hannah shimmied onto the dance floor up next to Paul and Maggie. Josh had joined them. Across the room, Kate eyed Jack, who was now talking to Chet. The conversation didn’t look lighthearted. Her gut clenched. He had to be asking about the arson investigation. She’d meant to say something to him, but each time she thought of it, they were having fun or she simply didn’t want to focus on it. But now she worried he’d think she kept the information from him on purpose.

  He caught her eye and smiled. Okay. So. He wasn’t mad.

  “I meant to tell you, Chet came by today.”

  Baylee’s voice cut into her thoughts.

  “He said they have a lead on who might have started the fire.”

  “Seriously?” Kate’s heart rate sped up. Why, she had no clue. Well, she had somewhat of a clue. She couldn’t shake the bad vibes every time the topic was brought up.

  She’d been watching people dance as she and Baylee talked. A man coming through the doorway caught her eye. It was hard to see his face from the twinkling lights overhead and people moving back in front of the door. It didn’t matter. She could tell from the shoes to the suit he was wearing exactly who it was. Her breathing turned shallow and she froze.

  Barry.

  Jack had moved through the room all night. He’d danced with Kate and friends throughout the evening but wanted to make sure he made the rounds talking with people. There were quite a few he hadn’t connected with since moving back and the evening was the perfect time to do it. Silver Bay was home. These people important to him. Especially the brunette in black and hot pink.

  She’d left his side to go talk to Baylee. The friendship between the two women had grown since the fire and he was glad. Not only for Kate’s sake. She wanted to make Silver Bay her home and having good friends would help seal that deal. But on a selfish note, he wanted her to m
ake friends, feel connected, so she’d be more apt to stay for good. With him.

  He’d made a point to find Chet, get an update on the fire, ask if they had any leads on who could have started it and why. Even though he moved through the room and now listened as Chet filled in him on new details, his radar was always on Kate. She’d been laughing with Baylee then turned serious when she looked towards the front door.

  In tune to her in a way he’d never been with anyone before, her body stiffened and the hair on the back of his neck stood on end. Even from across the room he could tell her pulse had picked up. She was afraid. But of what?

  Or who?

  He turned his head towards the door. Although he’d never seen the man, his gut had no doubt who was standing there. Barry. For one, the guy was in a suit. A nice one. Clearly not here for the sock hop. And two, the guy was too damn slick. All perfect hair with an air that shouted money. Based on Kate’s reaction alone, her ex-husband stood in the doorway, and Jack could guaran-damn-tee it wasn’t for a friendly visit.

  Recognizing Jack had stopped listening, Chet nudged Jack’s arm and said, “Hey. Is everything okay, man?”

  “I’m not sure yet.”

  Jack watched as Kate excused herself with Baylee then made a beeline for the door. Oh, hell no. She wasn’t about to face Barry alone. He followed her as she grabbed Barry by the arm, led him outside and down the front steps out of earshot of anyone outside.

  “Hey, babe. What’s the problem? We could have easily talked inside. You could show me around introduce me to your new friends.”

  Barry’s voice was like nails on a chalkboard to Jack.

  “What do you want, Barry?” Kate asked.

  “Is that any way to greet your husband who came all the way across the country to see you?” His smug grin and hands out like he wanted a hug didn’t fool anyone. The guy was here for something, but what?

  Jack came and stood behind her. He’d rather step between them and knock the guy cold, but Kate wouldn’t appreciate that, and besides, guys like Barry would sue for assault or some asinine thing. No. This was her fight. For now. But he damn well was going to support her.