“Yeah, I remember,” Reb replied. “You need me to go pick them up or anything?”
“Marissa said they’d walk over. It’s only five houses away. They may take Trevor over there for a while. They’ll let me know.” Except for his jacket, Trey was already dressed. “You meeting Shelly there?”
“She’s going, but nothing formal. It’s not like we can’t see other people.”
“That so? And are you?” Paul asked.
“You know damn well I’m not. Hell, when would I find the time to meet someone else?” Reb complained.
“Or someone who’s as much fun as Shelly? She must be a handful.” Paul grinned and dashed upstairs.
Trey heard the doorbell and opened the door to see the twins standing outside, holding a large fabric bag full of toys. “Wow, you’ve come prepared.” Trey let the two girls pass and followed them into the living room.
Trevor reached out to Marissa, who set him down beside the bag. He started to pull out brightly colored blocks and balls, giggling as his small hands found more treasure.
“That’s it, Trevor. Have at it,” Miranda said and sat down against the front of the sofa.
“He’s had dinner, but still needs his bath.” Trey slipped into his jacket and adjusted his tie.
“No problem, Mr. MacLaren. Baths are our specialty.” Marissa glanced at her sister, Miranda, who nodded.
“You have my cell?”
“Yes, and Mr. Cantrell’s and Mr. Henshaw’s.”
“Well, that’s good.” Trey hadn’t known that Reb and Paul had provided their numbers also.
“You ready?” Reb called.
Trey picked up Trevor, gave him a kiss and hug, then handed him back to Miranda. “You be good,” he said before leaving.
******
“Turn around one more time,” Shelly instructed, watching as Jesse rotated again. “You look amazing.”
“I look different, that’s for sure.” Jesse wasn’t used to wearing makeup, high heels, or fancy jewelry. She fingered the necklace Shelly had let her borrow. The matching earrings were at least three inches long and glittered in the lamplight of Shelly’s bedroom. Jesse’s short, golden brown hair complemented the beautiful red dress, which fell off her shoulders.
“Different, are you kidding? You’ll knock ‘em dead tonight,” Shelly laughed. “You ready?”
Jesse wrapped the shawl around her shoulders, picked up her small bag, and nodded.
The reception would start at six o’clock, followed by dinner, and dancing. Jesse followed Shelly up the steps of the country club and into the large room set aside for the event. Music was already playing, and the room was full of beautifully dressed women and men in tuxedos. Jesse could feel the butterflies in her stomach ease as she scanned the room and saw no sign of Trey.
“Let’s find a table, then order drinks,” Shelly suggested. She walked toward a table near the stage. “This looks like a good spot.”
Jesse and Shelly set down their handbags before getting into the drink line.
Shelly introduced Jesse to several people she knew from her job as an assistant administrator at the community hospital. When the dinner chime sounded, they returned to their table to find that all the seats had been taken by two other couples and two single men, who were partners in a local construction company. One had a seat next to Shelly, while the other was next to Jesse.
“And what do you do, Jesse?” Alex Parker was an attractive man with dark blond hair, deep green eyes, and a dark tan. He and Miguel “Mike” Flores owned a large commercial building firm, specializing in government projects.
“I’m a pilot at the base.” Jesse was used to stunned responses at her chosen career.
“That right?” Alex took a closer look at her. “I believe I’ve seen you on base. My company does a lot of the construction there. It’s hard to miss a female pilot.” His smile was warm, genuine. She liked Alex right away. “You graduate from the Academy?”
“Yes. Where are you from?” Jesse sipped her wine, then took another bite of sliced tri-tip.
“All over. My dad was in the Air Force, so we moved around a lot. So was Mike’s. Our fathers were at the same base back east when we were in high school, so we ended up running into each other quite a bit. We both attended the University of Texas and finally made our way out here.”
“Sounds like a great friendship.”
“It is. We work well together, split up the operations so that we don’t duplicate efforts. We’ve had the firm for a few years now.” Alex set his wine glass down. “Would you like to dance?”
Jesse hadn’t been prepared for the invitation, yet found herself accepting it. “Yes, I would.” She took Alex’s hand as he led her to the dance floor.
The band played a mix of old and new songs. She hadn’t noticed how tall Alex was until he stood, but Jesse estimated him to be at least six-feet-three or four inches, muscled, with broad shoulders.
“So, tell me why someone who looks like you is here alone,” Alex said as he led them around the floor.
Jesse laughed. “Well, you have to understand that this,” she looked down at her dress, “isn’t the normal me. I work with men, have two male roommates, and dress in flight suits most of the time. I’m not what most men would consider their ideal woman.”
Alex looked down at her. “I hope you’re kidding, because I can’t imagine anyone like you going unnoticed.”
Jesse smiled up at him. “Thank you.” She thought a minute, then decided to forge on. “Actually, the relationship I was in ended a few weeks ago. My friend, Shelly, convinced me to start testing the waters.”
“Well, you’re doing a real fine job, Jesse.”
“And you? How come you’re here with your business partner?”
Alex was quiet for a moment before answering. “My wife and I are separated. She’s a Texas girl and didn’t quite take to California. I’m still hopeful we can work it out.”
The sadness in his eyes tore at Jesse. She understood that sadness. “I’m sorry. How long has she been gone?”
“About six months. My company is in partnership with our original boss in Texas—my wife’s father.” He let out a long breath. “It’s complicated.”
“Children?”
“Thank God, no.”
“I truly hope you can work things out.”
“Yeah, so do I.”
They danced one more song. Alex was good at both dancing and conversation, and Jesse found herself enjoying the evening more than she expected. At one point, she looked across the dance floor to see Shelly dancing with Alex’s partner, Mike, and laughing.
******
Trey, Reb, and Paul had entered the room just as everyone was being seated for dinner and took a table at the back. Trey scanned the room until his gaze landed on Jesse, at a table near the front. He’d watched her talk and laugh with the man next to her, and Trey found himself wondering if he was her date.
“You see that?” Reb nudged him and nodded toward the dance floor.
“You mean Shelly?” Trey asked.
“Shelly and Jesse. Looks like I may have to fight my way to get a dance with Shel. But, Jesse, who would have thought she could clean up like that?”
Trey’s gaze fixed on Jesse. He’d thought the same thing when he’d seen her stand and walk onto the dance floor. His mouth had gone dry and his hands had balled into fists at his sides. She was stunning, to the point he found it hard to breathe. He needed some air.
“Where you headed?” Reb asked, his eyes never leaving Shelly and her partner.
“Outside. I’ll be right back.” Trey made his way around the tables to an exit leading to a large patio with a view of the manicured golf course. He stood near the railing, his hands resting on the top rung, while he scanned the view. Trey heard the door open and close, hoping that whoever it was would leave him alone. He needed space.
“Hey.”
He knew that voice. His stomach tightened, and he turned to see Jesse walk towar
d him.
“Hello, Jesse.”
“I saw you come out here. Let me know if you’d rather be alone, I’ll understand.” Jesse’s heart jolted as she fought an overwhelming need step closer to him.
Alex had been escorting her back to their table, when she saw Trey walk around the room and slip outside. She’d taken a deep breath, excused herself, and followed him.
Trey didn’t respond, finding it hard to take his eyes off her. He tore his gaze away and focused on the long fairway with trees edging both sides, trying to calm his racing heart. “You look beautiful tonight.” His voice was low, thick.
Jesse had stepped up beside him. “Thank you.” She placed her hands on the rail next to his.
Neither said a word for long minutes. Other than the music from inside, it was a quiet night. They could occasionally hear the sound of a dog barking in the distance or a car pulling out of the parking lot.
“Who’s your date?” Trey finally asked.
“My date?”
Trey glanced at her. “The man with blond hair sitting next to you?” His words were clipped, coming out harder than intended.
“Alex? He’s not my date. I came with Shelly. Alex and his business partner, Mike, came together. I guess their firm is doing the construction we see around the base.” Jesse wanted to put her hand on his arm, but fear of him shaking it off stopped her. “He and his wife are separated. It’s pretty obvious he still cares a great deal about her.”
Even though they stood on an expansive outside patio, Trey felt the space closing in on him. He glanced at her, noting again how stunning she looked, her beautiful skin, and her full, red lips. He needed to either pull Jesse to him, wrap his arms around her, and capture her mouth with his, or leave. The decision was made for him.
The door opened. “Trey? You left your phone on the table…” Paul started before he saw Jesse. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but it’s Mr. Egan.” He handed the phone to Trey.
Trey took it and walked a few paces away, turning so his back was to Jesse and Paul.
“Yes, I understand. I’d like to fly back, if you think that would be all right?” Trey paused. “Wednesday. Yes, I have it.” More silence. “Thanks, Mr. Egan.” Trey closed the phone and slid it into his pocket. He didn’t turn back toward them right away.
“You okay, man?” Paul asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine. That was Sydney’s attorney.” He glanced at Jesse. “She is, or was, Trevor’s mother. She passed away a couple of hours ago. He thought I should know.” He took a slow breath. “I need to make arrangements to fly back for the services.”
“Sorry, Trey. I’ll get Reb and we’ll take off.” Paul walked back into the room, closing the door behind him.
Jesse stood rooted in place, seeing the sorrow on Trey’s face, wanting to help, yet not knowing what to say.
“Is there anything I can do?” she finally asked.
He looked up. “No, nothing. I better get going.”
Trey turned toward the door, leaving Jesse to stand there alone, feeling hollow and lost.
If she’d only stayed with him, he’d have turned to her for comfort, wanted her to be with him. Now, he needed nothing—at least, no comfort she could provide.
She waited a few minutes, then returned to the party to look for Shelly. She saw her on the dance floor. When the music stopped, Shelly hurried over, an expectant look on her face.
“Did you find Trey, talk with him?” She’d hoped Jesse and Trey may have been able to start mending things, but the look on Jesse’s face said otherwise.
“No. He got a call from the attorney for Trevor’s mother. She passed away a few hours ago. He needs to fly out for the services.” She took a steadying breath, squared her shoulders, and tried for a smile, which failed miserably. “I offered to help, but of course, he refused. The look on his face, so determined and strong, told me what I needed to know. He doesn’t need me, Shel. I’m not going to hope for a change of heart any longer.” Her voice hardened as she spoke. “I’m a damned good pilot, and have a great career doing something I love. I’m not going to let this get to me any longer.” She stared past her friend, focusing on a blank wall—anything, to regain her composure and not think of Trey.
Shelly didn’t believe a word of it. “All right, I’m ready to take off. You with me?”
Jesse nodded, then walked to their table, thanked Alex for the dances, and grabbed her purse.
“Jesse?” Alex stood next to her. “I’m not looking for anything, but if you ever want to talk, grab lunch or dinner, let me know.” He handed her his card.
She took it and smiled. “Thanks, Alex. I’d like that.” At least the night had offered one positive outcome.
Chapter Twelve
“We’ve got the sisters lined up each morning, the twins after school, and Paul and I at night. Don’t worry. You’re only gone a few days. Piece of cake.” Reb held Trevor while Trey finished packing for the flight to Pensacola.
Trey looked at his son, knowing he’d be safe with his friends, yet feeling something was amiss. He’d gone through a mental checklist and everything had been handled. Still, he felt a sense of unease.
He wasn’t looking forward to the trip, yet his conscience made it mandatory. Besides, it would give him a chance to see Connie, provide some pictures of Trevor he hadn’t sent via email, and perhaps learn more about Sydney.
“Guess I’d better get going.” He leaned down and placed a kiss on Trevor’s forehead, stroked a finger down the toddler’s cheek, and wondered, for the millionth time, how he’d become so attached to his son in so short a time.
“Come on, Cowboy,” Paul yelled from the seat of his truck.
“See you Thursday.” Trey walked outside to his waiting ride.
Reb picked up Trevor’s hand and moved it up and down. “Say, bye-bye Dada,” he prompted Trevor.
“Dada,” Trevor giggled out.
Trey heard and turned back, waving at his young son, before disappearing into the cab of the truck.
He hadn’t contacted his dad about using the company jet, believing this was something he had to handle alone. He loved his family. Even though he relished his job as a pilot, he missed the land, the daily demands of running a ranch, and the familiarity of those he’d known his entire life. Kicking back at the end of the day with fellow pilots was different than doing the same on his dad’s patio, a fire blazing in the large fire pit, his sister running in to give him a kiss and tell him about her latest adventures.
Trey spent the trip doing mental gymnastics, between images of Sydney, Trevor, and Jesse. He’d felt an instant rapport with Sydney and had thought, much like Mr. Egan had stated, it was too bad he and Sydney hadn’t been able to spend more time together. She’d given him a wonderful son, who he adored. So many of the circumstances seemed wrong, yet he knew life didn’t fall into easy boxes that mere humans could figure out.
An image of Jesse surrounded him. Trey remembered the impact she’d had on him when he’d seen her walk onto the dance floor. His breath had caught at how achingly beautiful she looked. He’d always thought of her as pretty, but that night, she’d been stunning to the point of causing his chest to squeeze in pain.
He tried to stretch out his long legs in the tight aisle seat in the coach section. The plane was full, offering little chance for true solitude. He leaned his head back, closed his eyes, and tried to recall the last few times he’d seen Jesse.
The day he’d flown back from the wedding and she’d told him of her decision to move out. He’d been too stunned to discuss her reasons, only comprehending that she was bailing but not much else. She’d then tried to stop by when it was only he and Trevor in the house. Again, he’d shut her out, not wanting to hear excuses or rationalizations.
The last time was at the dance. Trey knew she’d come outside to see him, perhaps to talk. He’d been standing on the patio, chastising himself for pushing her away and not allowing her a chance to explain, then she’d appeared beside him. He
couldn’t take his eyes off her and was about to give in to his need to pull her to him, bury his hands in her soft hair, and kiss her until neither of them could breathe, when Paul had appeared.
The news of Sydney’s death shouldn’t have stunned him, yet it did. He’d hoped for a different outcome, knowing it was beyond his power. When he’d hung up from the call and turned around, he’d seen Jesse standing next to Paul, waiting for him. She’d offered to help, and again, he’d pushed her attempt to extend an olive branch aside. He’d seen her eyes close and her features still, as if she’d finally accepted there was nothing she could do to reach him. His heart constricted at the memory of the look on her face, and Trey knew that if they were ever going to make things work, it was now up to him.
It was evening when the plane touched down in Pensacola. Trey picked up a rental car and drove straight to his hotel, stopping long enough to call Reb and let him know he’d made it.
His room was comfortable, sparse, and only fifteen minutes from the church where Sydney’s services would be held. Trey grabbed a quick dinner, then kicked back, fidgeting. He wasn’t used to having nothing immediate to do. He checked his watch—eight o’clock, not so late. He grabbed his phone and dialed Connie’s number.
“Hello?”
“Connie?”
“Yes, this is Connie.” Her voice sounded tired, strained, and Trey wondered if he’d made a mistake.
“It’s Trey MacLaren. I just got in and thought I’d let you know.”
“Trey, it’s good to hear from you.” She sounded genuinely pleased he’d called. “Where are you staying?”
He gave her the name of the small hotel. “I know it’s a little late, but if you’re not too tired, how about meeting me for a drink?”
She took a moment to answer, and Trey wondered again if he shouldn’t have bothered her. “Give me forty-five minutes, and let me know where.”
He chuckled. “I was hoping you could suggest a place.”
They settled on nine o’clock at a restaurant and bar a few blocks from his hotel. Trey looked forward to seeing her.
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