“What are you saying, Jack?”
“The farm is highly successful, and I was just named the wealthiest person in five counties.”
“Seriously?” Danna said with a laugh. “Wow. That is so great, Jack. Congratulations.”
“Ironic, huh?”
“Very ironic,” she said smiling at him. “No matter what has happened between us today, I want you to know how much I’ve missed you.”
“You have?”
“Of course. Every time something good or bad has happened in my life, I’ve wished I could pick up the phone and call you. You were my other half for all those years. I wish we had a chance to get back to being friends at least.”
“I don’t think we can, Danna.”
“You don’t?” she asked, shattered at his response.
“I can’t just be your friend, Danna. Not possible.”
“Oh.”
“Let’s get you home,” he said as he started the truck and drove Danna home.
Chapter 5
Danna laid in her bed that night, staring at the ceiling. She couldn’t sleep, and thoughts of Jack fluttered through her mind repetitively. How had this happened? She’d been just fine in Atlanta, and now she was pining after the love of her life all over again… and he didn’t want her.
Sure, he had lots of money now, but Danna no longer cared. She would have loved him again even if he’d been homeless. It was Jack, and she just wanted him.
She turned on her side and stared at the light reflecting off her wall from the full moon outside. As soon as she started to drift off, listening to the cooing of an owl outside her open window, she felt something behind her.
“Shhh…” Jack’s voice soothed as he slid into bed behind her and slipped his arms around her waist.
“Jack? What are you doing here?” she asked as he pulled her closer.
“Remember how I used to climb up the trellis into your bedroom all the time?” he whispered. “And we always worried that we’d get caught?”
“But my mom is such a heavy sleeper…” Danna recounted the memory. “Are you just trying to tease me now, Jack?” Danna asked as she turned to face him.
“Maybe a little.”
“Not funny,” Danna said pushing her bottom lip out in a pout.
“Here’s the thing. I love you, Danna. And I can’t stop. We’ve wasted years of life that were meant to be ours together, and I don’t want to lose anymore.”
“But, I thought you weren’t willing to take the risk on me…”
“Well, I changed my mind. I can’t live without you all over again. And this time, if you try to leave Dallas Springs, I’m going with you.”
“Jack, you could never leave this place. Your farm…”
“I’d leave it all behind for you, Danna. I’d sell it before I’d watch you leave me again,” he said pressing a delicate kiss on her forehead.
“You won’t have to do that because I’ve already decided that Dallas Springs is my home. Whatever I do with my life will be right here.”
“Will you allow me to be a part of that life, Danna?” Jack asked.
“You are my life, Jack,” she said. “No one knows me like you do, and I promise that I will be here for as long as you’ll have me.”
“Then we’re looking at forever,” he whispered as he covered her mouth with his. And in that moment, Jack and Danna reconnected in more ways than one as he explored her body for the first time in years.
Jack's Home
http://jenniferketchum.com/go/jackshome
The Home Again series of stories continues with Jack's Home.
Jack's always been a quiet kind of guy. Sure he was the standout star on the high school football team and he certainly had the looks that went with his athletic prowess.
Underneath it all, he is a down to earth kind of guy that enjoys working hard. Whether it was getting up early every morning to milk the cows or bucking bales of hay. Salt of the earth type of guy.
So what was the attraction between Danna and Jack that brought them together in the first place?
Can you say “bromance”?
No, no, no ... get your mind off that thought, it is not what you think. I promise.
Find out more about Jack and the continuing Home Again series by visiting http://jenniferketchum.com/go/jackshome
Home Again Page 3
