He scooted closer to her. “What’s going on? What’s wrong?”
A deep breath helped regain control of her voice. “I’m sorry, Jack. It’s hard, you know.” Livy looked down at their hands.
“I know.”
A tear rolled down her cheek, despite her attempt to keep it at bay. “You’ve been so kind. You’ve been a great friend, welcoming me to town and helping me at the house. And I like you so much.” She looked into his soft eyes. “So very much. But I’m scared. You are so, completely, wonderfully different from my ex. But what if I’m not able to forget what’s happened, what’s been said to me, the doubt, and the insecurity? You’ve been through enough, Jack. You don’t need a fixer-upper in your life.” The words and tears spilled in tandem.
“Livy.” Jack wrapped his arm around her shoulders as her face fell into her hands. “Aren’t we all fixer-uppers? And just like Gram’s house, maybe you can’t do it alone. Listen, I’m overwhelmed, too. Meeting you was unexpected not to mention starting to...” He tipped her chin up so their eyes met. “Well, let’s just say this is all unexpected.” Through sniffles and watery eyes, Livy managed a smile.
“Being a we doesn’t have to mean anything right now, other than enjoying each other’s company. There’s no hurry. But please be sure of one very important thing.” Jack paused, his chest rising with a full breath. “You are worth so much more than any man can determine. Certainly not Sam—not even me. You have to believe your worth is established by God, more precious than anything here on Earth. I do hope I can make you feel special and important with my words and my time. But that won’t matter unless you first trust in the grace God offers you.”
Livy let Jack’s words soak into her tired soul. It was naïve to think that after just a few short weeks she’d be able to separate from Sam and the disappointment of the last decade of her life. It was going to take time. “Thank you, Jack, for listening and not judging me. I guess I’ve got more of a wall built up than I realized. But I don’t want to shut you out, I promise.” She blew her nose into a handkerchief he offered.
“I know you don’t. We’ve been spending an awful lot of time together since you’ve been here. I’m available whenever you want to get together, but don’t be afraid to tell me when you need time to yourself. I know you came here to figure some things out. I’d love to be here to help you do that. As your friend, as a we, or whatever.” Jack shot her a playful smile.
“I love spending time with you more than I can even say, Jack.” She leaned in and placed a soft kiss against his cheek, then held her hand against it. “Just be patient. I’ll get there.”
“I’ve got nothing but time.” He leaned into her hand, eyes closing.
I could love this man. The thought filled her mind as quickly as the we had escaped her mouth. It warmed her. With Sam, Livy would have been embarrassed over such a display of emotions. That wasn’t the case with Jack. Instead, she had a renewed sense of hope for the future—whatever that held.
“Ready to go?” Jack asked. Livy nodded and Jack steered onto the road.
The Barnetts’ home was just a few quiet streets off Main. Tall trees and pink budding bushes surrounding the backyard offered privacy and the illusion that they were farther out in the country. Livy sipped an iced tea on the deck and watched Jack with Owen and Jen’s children—Beth, who was three, and Noah, who was almost five. Crouched with his hands reaching high, his shirtsleeves rolled up and tie thrown over his shoulder, Jack let out a fearsome, bear-like snarl. Shrieks sounded and children scattered in pretend panic. Livy’s laugh matched Beth and Noah’s as Jack sprung from his position and lunged at them. They ascended the deck and took cover behind Livy, Jack following close behind. Little hands pushed Livy toward Jack like a sacrifice. With hands still up, fingers curled like claws, Jack’s eyes grew wide and flickered with a frisky playfulness.
“Jack.” Amused, Livy drew out his name, warning him not to attack. Louder giggles sounded from behind, and the kids pushed her closer, until only inches from her predator.
“Y’all, don’t wear out our new friend.” The sharp clap of the screen door followed Jen’s rescue. Beth and Noah scurried to their chairs at the patio table where their parents had placed lunch dishes. But Jack wasn’t so easily distracted. He lunged the last step toward Livy, stopping just an inch from her face. His eyes were mischievous, forehead beaded with sweat. She almost kissed him, and probably would have had it not been for the audience. Instead, she tussled his hair and teased, “Aw, who’s a big bad bear?”
“Grr.” Then a quick peck on her cheek. Livy’s hand touched the place his lips had briefly met her skin as they took seats at the table, side by side. What a turnaround from this morning. She started the day convinced her baggage was too heavy for her to carry. Too cumbersome and too scarring. Yet, opening up to Jack transformed her vulnerability into something that resembled hope. And it fueled a fire kindling deep inside her. Things were going to change. No longer did Sam have permission to sabotage her future.
***
“That was just great. It reminded me of the roasts my gram used to make every Sunday.” Livy followed Jen into the kitchen with a few dirty dishes. The chain of the unbalanced fan overhead clicked in rhythm against the milk glass light cover. The kitchen had grown several degrees warmer than the sunny spring day thanks to the oven. Livy looked around and spotted a window air-conditioner unit, but the blue ribbon tied to the front grate wasn’t blowing.
“It’s the same for me.” Jen rinsed dishes at the deep sink and placed them in the dishwasher. “But don’t let today’s meal fool you. We often have sandwiches or soup. We only invited you because we happened to have a presentable meal ready to go.” Jen’s honesty was refreshing where many southern women would have reveled in the appearance of perfect domesticity.
Jen dried her hands on a linen towel, and they retired to the porch overlooking the backyard where Owen and Jack played with the kids. From her Adirondack chair, the cool spring breeze offered Livy a respite from the kitchen’s heat.
“Jack is so relaxed.” Jen turned to face Livy. “We’ve all been concerned about him these last several months. Don’t get me wrong—he’s a fairly positive guy. But those who know him as well as we do have seen the spark gone from his eyes. They used to almost twinkle—mischievously, like a little boy.” Her gaze fixed again on the yard.
Livy chuckled. “Yeah, I know that look.” Her eyes darted to Jen. Had she just given away some feelings for Jack? And was it really a bad thing if she did?
“That’s just what I’m getting at.” Jen smiled. “This past week since you’ve been in town, Jack’s, well…back. Owen saw him when he stopped by the shop earlier in the week. When he came home, he told me that he’d just seen the old Jack. He said Jack had met a new girl and seemed pretty smitten.”
A heat rushed Livy’s face. “I think Jack is wonderful, too, Jen. It’s so quick, though. I’m a little scared. But we’ve talked about that some, Jack and I. We’re just enjoying the time.”
Jen nodded silently, as if she understood Livy’s reservations. Had Jack told his friends of her past?
“Timing is funny, isn’t it?” Jen’s voice was far off, her eyes fixed directly on Owen across the yard.
“Yes, it is.” Livy wasn’t even sure if Jen had heard her.
“Well,” Jen said. “God has a way of surprising us around every corner. But I can vouch for Jack. He’s the sweetest, sincerest guy you’ll find. Besides Owen, of course.”
For the next half hour or so, the women chatted and got to know each other more. Livy couldn’t remember the last time she had a close girlfriend—probably not since high school.
Jack, Owen, and the kids joined the women on the wide, open porch. Jack sat next to Livy on the gliding swing, giving her a quick peck on the cheek and naturally sliding his arm around her shoulders. She soaked up the slow pace of the afternoon.
The kids asked Jen for water, and Noah rubbed his eyes, obviously sleepy to eve
ryone but him.
“Naptime for you two.” Jen scooped her littlest into her arms.
Livy joined Jack when he stood. “We’d better get going and let y’all enjoy a quiet afternoon.” He turned to Owen. “Hey, any chance you’re free one of the next few Saturdays? There are some big projects up at Livy’s that I’d love some help with.”
Livy fought the impulse to refuse the help. The last thing she wanted to do was take advantage of Jack’s friends. But she trusted that Jack wouldn’t ask if he knew his friends—her friends, too, really—weren’t more than willing to help.
“Let me talk to Jen.” Owen’s eyes followed his wife and two chatty children. “We’ve got a birthday party for my brother next weekend in Johnson City, but I think we’re free the next Saturday. I’ll let you know.”
Jack and Owen shook hands. “Sounds great. I’ll mention it to Hank, Greg, and Jasper, too. If the girls want to come and help Livy with some of the lighter work that remains, I’m sure she’d appreciate it. Maybe we can do a barbeque afterwards.”
“You guys are too nice,” Livy chimed in. “I don’t know what I was thinking, assuming I could do it all on my own.”
Jack nudged her with his elbow. “Don’t let her fool you, man. She knows her way with every tool I’ve seen her pick up.”
“Yeah, right!” Livy chuckled. “I’m going to say goodbye to Jen and the kids.” But as she followed the sounds of the children back into the house, she walked on air. Jack’s compliments collected inside her likes shells in her pocket during a walk on the beach.
She and Jen agreed to meet up soon for coffee before the children were ushered back to their rooms for naps. On her way back to the deck Livy stopped short at the family room. It was clearly well lived in, with toys cluttered about, a half-done puzzle covering the square coffee table in front of an overstuffed couch. It was a true “family room.” The sight pricked at a longing inside of her. A hope for what her future could one day look like?
“She seems just great.” Livy overheard Owen from the kitchen table where she stood to collect her purse.
“But…?” Jack’s chuckle trailed off with a questioning tone.
“No but. She’s great. I’m just remembering when we talked after the divorce about the fear that kept you from dating for so long—of being able to trust again.” She shouldn’t be eavesdropping. But her feet were planted firm.
“I appreciate it, man.” Jack paused long enough that Livy pulled her purse over her shoulder and took a step toward the screen door. She stopped with a hand on the door when Jack continued. “I’ve got to tell you, though, we’ve talked about taking things slow, mostly physically—because, well, we’ve already had to.” Livy’s cheeks warmed with the memory of the other night. “But, as I’ve said before, there’s something about this woman. We’ll see where things go. I’m in no big rush, but I can’t imagine feeling more secure with anyone else.”
Livy’s mood soared, unencumbered by the weight of the doubt she’d harbored that morning. It dissolved into faint wisps like the sun-devoured fog over the Blue Ridge hills. His words were more than encouraging. More than comforting. They were confirming. Hearing Jack profess his confidence in them—in her—confirmed God’s assurance that what seemed good and true might in fact be good and true. Livy stepped out on to the porch with a smile and a prayer. Lord, let me cling to your assurance.
CHAPTER
Thirteen
J ack’s truck wove slowly through town matching the pace of the day—his favorite kind—church, lunch with friends, and a lazy drive. Livy had scooted next to him for the short drive back to the inn from Jen and Owen’s, head resting on his chest. She smelled of lavender and sugar. Jack steered with one hand on the wheel and one around her shoulder, as if they were high school sweethearts without a care in the world.
If this morning had been any indication, Jack would not have guessed this is how the day would have turned out. Livy’s eyes had given her away as soon as she’d met him and Jen in front of the church. They were cloudy, overcast with the burden of her worries. He was so grateful she’d shared her concerns. Now, her eyes sparkled again like the sun reflecting off a lake.
“Anything on your mind?” Livy pulled him back to the moment, those dancing eyes looking up into his.
“Just thinking about how much fun today was.” Her eyes trapped him as the truck idled at the town’s stoplight. A horn sounded behind them. He waved an apologetic hand to the driver and proceeded under the green traffic light, continuing up the hill toward the inn.
“Your friends are great. I think Jen’s going to be a good friend for me here,” said Livy.
“I can’t tell you how glad it makes me to hear you say that.” Jack adjusted his hands on the wheel, and Livy straightened as they arrived at the inn. “I adore her, and you know I adore you. My mom once told me that a woman’s best asset is her best friend. So, she can be your best friend while I keep you company.” He still couldn’t believe they both had prayed the same prayer asking God for someone to keep them company. And though he delivered the phrase with a wink, he meant it with his whole being.
“Why, I believe you’re flirting with me, Mr. Bowdon.” Livy raised one eyebrow and looked at him sideways.
“Oh, man.” In a dramatic fashion, he placed a hand over his heart, head falling against the seat.
Her laughter filled the truck’s cab with a sweet melody. “What?”
He rolled his head against the headrest to look at her. “That’s the second time you’ve called me Mr. Bowdon when you’re flirting with me. No idea why, but let’s just say coming from you, it’s pretty darn effective.”
“I’ll keep that in mind…Mr. Bowdon.”
“Oh, you are trouble.” Their lips met softly, her cheek velvety against his hand. Jack’s cell phone interrupted. He glanced at the number and every muscle in his body stiffened. Claire. He silenced the call without answering. The playfulness disappeared as if someone stabbed a pin to a balloon with no warning. What did she want? All this time and now she calls?
Keys jingled. Livy. “Oh, I’m sorry. It always catches me off guard to see her number.” There was still so much Livy didn’t know about Claire.
“Claire? Do you talk often? Does she live close by still?” All questions that she deserved to have answered—and questions he wished he didn’t have to. If only Claire was truly and completely out of his life. “Oh my gosh, that’s none of my business, Jack. I’m sorry.” Livy waved her hands back and forth in front of her face as if trying to erase the question, an adorable gesture. The tension gripping and twisting his insides let go as he laughed loudly. He took both her hands, inhaling a deep breath.
“You’re so sweet, Livy. Of course it’s your business.” He brushed a kiss against her hand. The brief contact with her skin threatened to distract him, as it always did. Focus, Jack. He leaned against the driver’s side door to put a little distance between them. “Last I heard, she was living on the outskirts of town, but nearby. I haven’t heard from her in quite some time, so it did surprise me to see her calling. But I’m sure it’s nothing. Let me walk you up?” He wanted to believe it was nothing.
He left the phone in the console as they got out of the truck. Jack walked Livy around to the kitchen entrance at the back of the inn, which had a little more privacy than the public front porch. The building’s siding was cool in the shade of the large magnolia as Jack leaned against it. Livy’s dress blew in the gentle breeze, matching the hue of the clear afternoon sky. She took his outstretched hand and stepped forward to stand in between his legs. Her waist was small in his arms.
“You make me a little crazy, you know?” Her hair enveloped him like a curtain from the outside world as he whispered into her ear. Livy stood to increase the distance between them. Her lips turned up as she reached to straighten his tie, which had come loose during the afternoon.
“Do I?” She teased him, and he liked it.
“Kiss me, please.” Jack‘s hands held
tight to Livy’s hips. She obliged, their lips locking in a deep kiss. The sound of a singing bird, motion of the breeze, and warmth of the afternoon sun swirled around them into a faded reality. Jack only heard his own heart beating, echoed by what might have been hers in perfect rhythm.
The back door flew open with a racket as Aunt Bea shooed an orange tabby cat out onto the steps.
“Oh, dear me!” The older woman let out a jovial shout. Livy buried her head in Jack’s shoulder as he looked over to his aunt with a sheepish grin.
“Sure is a nice day for smoochin’.” She shaded her eyes toward the sun as if surveying the weather. “Been years since that tree has hidden little lovebirds. Oh, Jack, that running toilet upstairs seems to have fixed itself, so no worries about coming by tomorrow evening.” Just as quickly as she had burst of the inn, she was back inside.
Jack and Livy shared a deep belly laugh.
“You have no idea how giddy that woman is to see me with someone good and sweet like you. No need to be embarrassed,” Jack reassured her. He lifted her chin upward with a finger and looked into her emerald eyes. “Plus, even if she turned a hose on us, I doubt I’d care.”
Their kisses lingered as sweet as the scent of new blooms hanging from the magnolia. When the breeze stilled and sun grew hotter, they retreated into the cooler kitchen.
“I may take a day off from working at the house tomorrow, sleep in and drive over to Asheville to do some exploring and shopping.” Livy handed him a glass of ice water she’d poured from the pitcher on the small butcher-block island that sat between the stove and sink. They took seats next to each other at the small table.
Watching Livy move so comfortably in the inn made it seem as if she’d been here for years. “That sounds fun. I think it’s supposed to rain, though. Be careful going down the mountain. Sometimes the runoff makes slick spots around the curves.” Jack gave in to his protective instincts. He also wished he could go with her. “I’ll be covering the store for two days. Jasper’s got a meeting with one of our suppliers in Johnson City. Otherwise, I’d see about coming with you.”
Someplace Familiar (Laurel Cove Romance Book 1) Page 13
