Lying on his side, he watched Jenna come slowly awake. She stretched and rolled on her side before opening her big brown eyes, staring at him in surprise for a moment before a smile spread across her face.
“Hi,” she whispered, reaching out a hand and placing it on his cheek.
“Hi, Babe,” Josh said, rubbing his hand on her arm. “Are you feeling better today?”
“I feel great,” Jenna said, rolling over to look at the clock. When she saw the time, she bolted upright in bed. “Good grief, Josh, you let me sleep away half the day. We’ll have to hurry if we’re going to run into the city, find a gift and get back in time for dinner.”
She would have jumped out of bed but Josh pulled her back down.
“Let’s not get in too big of a hurry,” Josh growled, nibbling on Jenna’s neck. “I bet Laken will have something perfect and then we won’t need to rush.”
“But Josh, what if she doesn’t, then we’ll really have to hustle and I…” Jenna’s words and thoughts were cut off when Josh kissed her, long and slow and sweet. Maybe the gift hunting would wait for a little while longer.
<><><>
After they ate a late breakfast, Jenna called On a Lark, a gift shop in Tenacity owned by Callan’s best friend Laken Johnson. The three of them got together on occasion and did fun things like manicures or shopping.
“On a Lark, this is Laken. May I help you?” Laken’s friendly voice answered the phone.
“Laken, this is Jenna. How are you?” Jenna asked.
“Great, Jenna. What can I do for you?” Laken questioned, knowing Jenna wouldn’t call the store unless she needed something.
“I’m looking for a special gift for Audrey and Emma and was wondering if you might have something in your store. I want it personalized with their new names on it, but I didn’t know what you might have available,” Jenna explained.
“Jenna, I’ve got just the thing. I’ve only had it a few weeks, but come in and check it out. I think you’ll really like it,” Laken said, sounding excited.
“Great, Josh and I will be there soon,” Jenna said. “See you in a bit.”
Disconnecting the call, Jenna turned to find Josh smiling at her. “Told you Laken would have something.”
Jenna picked up her purse and car keys, walking toward the garage. “Don’t get your gloat on yet,” Jenna teased as they headed out the door.
Walking into On a Lark, Jenna was always impressed by the work Laken put into her displays and making the store look friendly and welcoming. She immediately spied Laken behind the cash register. Even if she hadn’t, Laken’s infectious laughter gave her away. Seeing Josh and Jenna come in the store, she smiled at them and finished up with her customer. As soon as she was free, she walked over, giving Jenna a hug and Josh a pat on the arm.
“Well, Jenna, how did you manage to get this ol’ farmer out of the field today?” Laken teased.
“He promised to take me to Portland shopping and reneged on his deal, so he gets to tag along with me anyway,” Jenna said, giving Josh a warm look that let him know just exactly how pleased she was at spending the day with him. “So I’m dying to see what you’ve got that you think would work as a gift for the girls.”
Laken showed them a new computerized program with a special printer that allowed her to print custom vinyl lettering in a variety of colors and styles. Jenna liked the idea of making the girls signs with their names on them and selected a background with blue sky, green grass and butterflies for Emma who loved bugs and frogs and all things outdoors. For Audrey she chose a pink background with curlicues and sparkly flourishes. Laken printed the customized designs then carefully placed the artwork on pre-made signs.
Josh was impressed and Jenna was thrilled.
Browsing around the store, Jenna found one more gift she had to buy for Callan. The leather bound scrapbook that said “Our Family” had page after page to record family memories, holidays, birthdays and insert photos. Several of the pages had inspirational quotes that centered on family life. It was perfect for the newly formed Matthews family.
“Can you wrap this up too, Laken?” Jenna asked, setting the book on the counter next to the signs.
“Absolutely,” Laken said with a big smile. “I was toying with the idea of giving Callan one of these so I’m glad you picked it out.”
“She’ll love it, Babe,” Josh said, his eyes glowing with warmth. “Callan will be ecstatic.”
Laken and Jenna both laughed. “I don’t know about that, but I think she will be pleased,” Jenna said as she squeezed Josh’s hand.
“Do you two have any other stores to visit? I can wrap these up and have them waiting for you,” Laken offered.
“Sure, we can go wander,” Josh said, tugging Jenna toward the door. “Thanks, Laken, we really appreciate it.”
“Anytime,” Laken said with a wave as she hurried into her back room to find boxes for the signs and the book.
Josh and Jenna wandered around the Tenacity Mall. Although not huge by any standard, it offered a nice selection of stores for their local shoppers, keeping them from having to drive into Portland anytime they needed to purchase something. Josh wandered into the sporting goods store while Jenna browsed through a boutique clothing store. Meeting in the food court, he bought them both a Dr. Pepper and they sauntered back toward Laken’s store, enjoying being together with nothing pressing they had to do.
Collecting the beautifully wrapped packages from Laken, Jenna suggested they run by the grocery store and pick up a few things to make for the barbecue that night. Josh was all for that. He grabbed a cart and started throwing things in before Jenna could even surmise what it was he was after. She quickly caught on to his game plan and decided she would be making a chocolate bundt cake when they got home along with seven-layer taco dip.
Josh carried in the groceries while she got out everything to make the cake then while she did that, he washed tomatoes and peeled the avocado for the dip. His years of living in the city had taught him how to cook a few things, cake not being one of them. He loved all things chocolate, as did Callan, and never passed up an opportunity for Jenna to make her special chocolate cake. Moist chocolate bundt cake was topped with rich chocolate glaze. His mouth watered just thinking about it.
Jenna only had to slap Josh’s hands five times to keep him out of the cake batter. Once she was done, she gladly gave him the bowl to lick clean.
“You are worse than six little boys all together,” she laughed at Josh as he sat at the counter, contentedly licking every last speck of chocolate out of the bowl.
Josh didn’t even answer, just looked at her and flashed his wicked, you-can’t-refuse-me-a-thing grin.
“Josh, you are positively impossible,” Jenna chided, taking the empty bowl away from him and putting it in the dishwasher. They had a good hour before they needed to leave, so Jenna led Josh into the great room where they sank into the comfy cushions of the couch and talked about their plans for the next few weeks.
“By the way,” Josh said, his head in her lap as he stretched out on the long couch. “Who is Dennis Gillman?”
“Nobody important. Why?” Jenna stiffened and her voice took on an edge Josh hadn’t heard before. Tipping his head back, he looked her full in the face, trying to figure out what exactly her reaction had been. Something was making her uncomfortable, that much was certain.
“Well, he called for you this morning. He said to tell you The Gillman called,” Josh said, still trying to analyze Jenna’s reaction. “I forgot to tell you earlier.”
Jenna took a deep breath and released a sigh. “He’s just someone from work. I’m sure it wasn’t anything important or someone would have called me back.”
“Are you sure there isn’t something you want to tell me?”
“No. He’s a new hire who seems to be having some trouble figuring out how things work at the office.”
Josh decided to let the discussion go for now. But he fully intended to find out all about Den
nis Gillman.
They talked for a few minutes more before deciding they would pack up the food and leave a little early for Clay and Callan’s.
Pulling into the driveway, Jenna smiled to see Callan’s yard full of beautiful flowers. Their dog, Cully, barked from the back yard where Audrey and Emma were no doubt playing with him. Jenna carried the gifts while Josh took care of the cake and dip. With both of their hands full, Josh rang the doorbell with his elbow and waited for someone to answer. It didn’t take long for Callan to open the door, beaming a huge smile.
“Hello, hello, come on in,” she said in welcome, taking the cake out of Josh’s hand and kissing his cheek. “I’m glad you two came over early. I haven’t seen either one of you for a while and we need to catch up on life.”
Only a year apart in age, Callan and Josh were close. They were both tall and sported beautiful smiles that popped dimples out in their left cheek. Where Josh was dark in both coloring and hair, Callan had fair skin with a tendency to freckle, auburn hair and bright emerald green eyes. Despite the differences in their coloring, it was easy to see they were related. Callan tended to be more serious while Josh was something of a jokester, although he had a hard time keeping up with Callan’s husband Clay in that department. He seemed to always have the upper hand when it came to pranks.
Jenna set the presents down in the front room before walking into the kitchen where Josh was placing the taco dip on the counter. Callan came right over and gave her a hug.
“Jenna, you look wonderful. The new job must be agreeing with you,” Callan said with a warm smile.
“So far so good,” Jenna said, returning Callan’s hug, then taking a step back. “We brought a little something for the girls. Would it be okay to give it to them now before all the rest of the company arrives?”
“Oh, you didn’t need to do that, but I’m sure the girls will be thrilled. I think now would be a great time to have them open presents,” Callan said, as she turned toward the family room and walked to the patio door. Sticking her head outside she said something Josh and Jenna couldn’t hear and soon returned to the kitchen with Audrey and Emma.
“Uncle Josh! Auntie Jenna!” the girls both squealed as they ran into the kitchen and gave them hugs and kisses. Jenna never ceased to be amazed at how much alike the two girls looked. Although three years apart in age, the girls looked exactly alike with big china blue eyes, perfect rosebud lips, and heart-shaped faces topped with a mop of curly blond hair that fell in perfect ringlets. Since they’d been living with Clay and Callan, they were always dressed adorably, and today was no exception.
Jenna picked up Emma and gave her an extra warm hug. “How are you today, Miss Sweet Pea?” she asked, tickling the little girl’s side.
“I’m wonderful, Auntie Jenna,” Emma said between giggles. “Did Auntie Callan tell you? We get to belong to her and Uncle Clay forever and ever now. I’m so glad.”
Jenna smiled at Emma and pulled her little head close to her own. “I know, Sweet Pea, and I’m so happy for you. It’s wonderful isn’t it?”
“Yep,” Emma said, hanging onto Jenna’s neck.
While she picked up Emma, Audrey wasted no time in launching herself into Josh’s arms and was now hanging onto his back like a monkey.
“If you two girls think you can behave for a minute or two, we might have brought you a present,” Josh teased.
“For real?” Audrey asked. “Can we open it?”
“You bet,” Josh said, walking into the living room and depositing Audrey on the couch.
Jenna sat down next to her and held Emma on her lap. Josh passed each of the girls their gift and enjoyed watching them tear into the beautiful wrappings.
“Oh look Auntie Callan,” Audrey gasped in pleasure at her sign. “It says ‘Audrey Matthews’ and Emma’s says ‘Emma Matthews.’ They have our new names on them Emma.”
“Yep,” Emma said with a firm shake of her head that set her curls to bouncing. “And our new names are the bestest names of all.”
The adults laughed while the girls ran to their shared bedroom to find somewhere to display their signs. Josh handed Callan the third package.
“We thought you might like this, Callan,” Jenna said as Callan sat down beside her and carefully removed the wrappings to discover the beautiful scrapbook.
“This is lovely, you two,” Callan said quietly, swiping at a tear. “Thank you so much. We will enjoy filling every single page.”
Josh leaned down and gave his sister a hug. “We’re so proud of you and Clay. Not everyone would have wanted the girls let alone fought for so long to keep them. You two have done a wonderful thing.”
“Josh, you’re going to make my mascara run,” Callan tried to tease through her tears. “You both have been so supportive and encouraging. Clay and I have appreciated it so much. Those girls are a blessing to us and I’m grateful every day to have them.”
Jenna was sniffling now, too, so Josh decided it was time to lighten the mood. “And you both are darn lucky to have someone extra special like me,” he said with a huge teasing grin. “And speaking of extra special, where is Clay?”
“He ran to the store to pick up more ice and another tank of propane. Of course, as soon as he decided to fire up the grill, it spluttered and died,” Callan said, regaining her sense of humor. “He should be back any minute, though.”
The three of them walked back into the kitchen where Jenna and Callan worked together getting food ready, making lemonade and iced tea. Josh wandered into the girls’ bedroom to find them both sitting on their beds, admiring their signs.
“What are you two up to?” he asked coming into the room that sported white furniture accented with pink curtains, bedspreads and throw pillows. It was definitely a princess room meant for little girls. Picking up a chair from their little corner table, he turned it around and attempted to straddle it, long legs nearly up to his ears. That caused the girls to break into peals of childish laughter.
“Uncle Josh, you’re going to break our chair,” Emma said, coming over and tugging on his hand. “You can’t sit there. You are oodles too big.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Josh said, attempting to be serious. Pretending to be confused, he looked around the room and asked, “Where can I sit?”
“On the bed, silly,” Emma said, flopping down on her sister’s bed and patting a spot between the two of them. “You can sit right here between me and Audrey.”
“Sit on you and Audrey,” Josh teased, starting to sit down on top of them both.
“No,” they yelled. “Not on top of us.”
Josh stood back up and scratched his head in feigned confusion. “Are you sure I can’t sit on you?”
“Very sure,” Audrey said. “You know better, Uncle Josh.”
“I do?” he asked as he leaned over, grabbed both girls and started tickling them. They wiggled and giggled, gasping for breath. When he finally let go, they jumped on top of him and pulled him down on the bed, then all three of them were laughing.
“What’s going on in here,” Clay’s deep voice filled the room. Although he sounded stern, his big smile gave him away.
“Uncle Clay, you’re home,” Emma said as she launched herself into his arms. “We missed you!”
“Well, Sweet Pea, I was gone less than an hour. You couldn’t have missed me that soon.”
“Oh, but we did,” Emma said seriously, giving Clay a kiss on the cheek. “Did you see what Uncle Josh and Aunt Jenna brought us?”
“What did you get?” Clay asked and offered all the appropriate words of praise when the girls showed him their signs.
“These are great, Josh. Thank you,” Clay said, nodding at his brother-in-law. They struck up a friendship back when Clay and Callan started dating and had been close friends ever since.
“It was Jenna’s idea,” Josh said. “We’re really happy for you all. It’s about time all this was behind you so you can move forward as a family.”
“I agree,” Clay sa
id. He then gave Josh a devilish grin. “You might want to think about starting your own family one of these days in the not so distant future.”
“That is a topic currently not open for discussion,” Josh said, looking at Clay and motioning his head toward the girls. Clay nodded back in understanding.
“Right,” Clay said. “Girls, I bet we are going to have a houseful of company any minute now. Let’s go see what we can do to help your two aunties.”
“Okay,” Audrey said, running toward the kitchen with Emma right behind her.
“So the topic of a family is seriously not open for discussion?” Clay asked, sincerely interested.
“Not by me, by Jenna. The last time I broached the subject of babies, it didn’t go so well,” Josh said, raking a hand through his hair.
Clay gave him a pat on the back as they walked out of the pink bedroom.
“Maybe you just need to turn on the full force of your powers of persuasion.” Clay waggled his eyebrows at Josh and grinned.
“Maybe,” Josh agreed with a laugh. “Maybe I do.”
<><><>
Jenna appreciated spending time with Josh’s family. Once she got over her fear of everything rural, she was able to fully enjoy time with them.
Josh’s dad, Clay’s parents, Clay’s Aunt Maggie, Uncle Tom and cousin Jake, Laken, her husband and kids along with numerous friends and neighbors converged at the Matthews’ home this evening, all bearing plates of food and some bearing gifts for the girls. It seemed like half the Tenacity community dropped by at some point during the evening.
Bobbi and Steve, Clay’s parents, were nearly giddy with joy at officially becoming grandparents. Clay was their only child and since Callan was unable to have children, they had given up hope of ever having grandchildren. They were now insisting the girls call them “Grammy and Gramps.” Jenna loved being around these people who were so genuine, honest and kind.
Country Boy vs. City Girl Page 4
