In the kitchen, Jesse rinsed the dishes while Andie loaded the dishwasher. “I forgot to tell you. Holly wants you to call her. She said she gave you her card the other night.”
“She was very nice to me. I noticed that she’s a doctor.”
“Pediatrician. And, yes, before you ask, her full name is Holliday. She shortened it to Holly in elementary school.”
Andie laughed. “How did your uncle get her to go to med school?”
“He honestly had nothing to do with it. She always wanted to be a doctor. She’s great with kids. They seem to trust her.”
“I’m not surprised. I trusted her right away too. Do you mind if I tell her what we’re doing? She said I felt like a friend and I don’t want to start out hiding things from her.”
“Andie.” Jesse caught her around the waist. “You don’t need my permission for anything. I can tell you have great instincts. If you think you want to talk to her, go ahead. I know she’ll keep this confidential.”
“Thanks.” She looked up at him. “For everything. You’re a truly good person, Jesse Monroe. A romantic at heart under that tough, mysterious guy exterior.”
“I think the romantic streak runs more in your family. I’m just helping out where there seemed to be something I could do. There’s nothing remarkable in that.”
“Don’t be so modest. You’re one of the most remarkable men I’ve ever met.” She leaned forward and kissed him.
“Oh.” Brett grunted as he walked in on them. “Damn, I’m sorry. I should have made more noise.”
“It’s all right, Brett,” Jesse assured him as he tucked Andie in against his side. “We were just finishing up.”
“Ah, sure. I wanted to say goodbye. I have to get some things done this afternoon and I was going to head home.”
“I’m so glad you came.” Andie smiled at him. “Make sure you let us know what Tish says about next weekend.”
“You’ll need to call Andie with the plans,” Jesse spoke up. “I need to be out of town for a few days. I should be back Thursday but I’ll call you.”
“Okay,” Brett agreed. “Take it easy,” he said quickly and rushed from the room.
Jesse chuckled. “Your timing is impeccable. Did you see the look on his face? That was priceless.”
“He did seem a little uncomfortable.” She giggled with him. “You will be careful next week?”
“Always am, my dear,” Jesse promised, touched by her concern. “This week is harmless though. I’m turning in some reports and making additional plans for the future.”
“Oh, okay. Good.”
“I’m sorry I can’t tell you more.”
“I won’t ask you to. I understand that you do some things that you can’t always talk about. I know you can take care of yourself but I can’t help worrying about you anyway.”
“Wow.” Jesse looked awed. “I don’t think anyone has ever said that to me before. It’s kind of nice, having a pretty girl care enough to be concerned for my welfare.”
“That’s what friends are for.” She hugged him. “I am your friend, Jesse. I plan on staying your friend too, no matter what happens with Brett. I hope you didn’t think this was all one-sided and I would take advantage of your generosity.”
“Never crossed my mind. You are truly a special woman, Andrea Sloan. We might have to tone down the affection at some point but I’m glad you plan on keeping me. I know Brett won’t object to our friendship but he’s not likely to put up with me pawing you after you hook up.”
“You have never pawed me. This is the way I am. He’ll just have to deal with it.”
“I can’t wait.” He could read the determination on her face. “He probably won’t let you get more than a foot away from him so you won’t have the opportunity to kiss anyone but him.”
“Let’s not jump the gun here.” She seemed to suddenly realize what they were saying. “I think we’re getting way ahead of ourselves. As much as I hope you’re right, I have to remember that this could blow up in my face and he might never speak to me again. Or he might marry Tish.”
“No way. That’s not happening. Ever. So put that thought right out of your mind. I give her another week, a month at most. Then we can go onto phase two.”
“Phase two?”
“Yeah, phase two. The stage where I have to desert you at the last minute and ask Brett to fill in for me. It’s also when we both admit we’ll never be anything more than good friends. He’s already interested. Since he’ll be taking you out anyway, for me, it’ll only be natural that he continues to spend time with you. It’s only a matter of time before he accepts that he can’t live without you.”
“That sounds too good to be true, but we’ll have to wait and see. I’m not letting myself dream too big so I don’t get crushed if this doesn’t work out. Oh, I’m not being negative here. I’m willing to do whatever you suggest, even if it means I get destroyed in the process. I want him more than anything but I have to keep in mind that he really might not want me. You can’t force a heart to love someone if it’s not right. Most of all, I want Brett to be happy, even if it’s not with me.”
“Let me say again what a rare treasure you are. But I believe Brett’s happiness and yours are tied together. You’ll see.”
“You are so good for me.” She hugged him again. “I can’t wait to meet whoever fate gives you. I bet she’ll be incredible.”
“I’m sure she will be,” he agreed. “I hate to do this to you but I should take off too. I have a plane to catch this afternoon.”
“You really will call me?”
“Of course. I want to know if we’re going to have to endure Tish for two days. I can’t imagine she’ll have much left to talk about by the time we get out of the car. She may act interested in the rest of us but I suspect she’s really pretty self-centered. If she can’t make it, I think we should go anyway.”
“I’d like that. They all went out of their ways to make me feel comfortable when I first got here.”
“Good.” He noticed that Sadie had disappeared as they walked to the door. “Tell Sadie that I enjoyed her company and look forward to sparring with her again soon. See ya, dearest.”
“Take care of yourself, dearest,” Andie replied with a grin, mimicking his tone.
Chapter Six
“What a quaint little place,” Tish commented as they drove through town to Brett’s house. “It almost seems like we’ve gone back in time.”
“I think that’s one of the reasons why Brett and Jordan chose it,” Jesse replied. “We’ll go to Brett’s first. You can get settled in the gatehouse later, after Andie’s done with Alyssa.”
“Is this portrait for something special?” Tish tried to act interested.
“No. My Aunt Sadie just wants a newer one. The last one was from when I graduated from college and it’s hardly the best.”
“Don’t worry, Andie,” Jesse said. “Alyssa will do something spectacular that brings out your true self.”
“Oh my, what confidence,” Tish exclaimed, hiding the sarcasm she felt.
“Just stating the truth. Have you ever seen anything of Alyssa’s?”
“Not that I recall. I haven’t been to that many photography exhibits though. I don’t remember seeing anything by an Alyssa McKade though there was an Alyssa Campini.”
“That’s her,” Andie stated. “She started her career before she was married and keeps her maiden name for exhibits. She and Shane don’t really want a lot of people showing up on their doorstep.”
“Really?” Tish was impressed. Perhaps this little excursion wouldn’t be a total waste. “I had no idea.”
“That’s how they want it,” Jesse added. “You’d never guess she’s the same person who did the gang series. You’ll see what I mean when you meet her. I’m sure she and her family will be joining us for dinner tonight. We’d usually wind up together when I visited in the past.”
They arrived at Brett’s house. He met them in the driveway, clearly w
aiting for them. After saying hello and agreeing to meet up at Jordan’s later, Andie and Jesse walked down the street to Alyssa’s studio.
“This is great.” Kiley ushered them inside. “I was so pleased when Jordan told me you were coming. We don’t see nearly enough of either of you. I also have a very selfish thing to discuss with you, Andie.” She swept the other woman with her, leaving the rest in the kitchen with Jordan.
“She seems more comfortable with her pregnancy,” Jesse observed.
“Well.” Jordan shrugged, “It’s still a bit of an emotional roller coaster at times.”
“Ha!” Alyssa interrupted. “She’s a raving lunatic. Give her a minute. She’ll be blubbering all over us for some whacked out reason before you know what hit you.”
“Campini,” Shane growled. “What did you promise Jordan just last weekend?”
“Ooh, Daddy’s pissed,” Charlie announced.
“Cherlene McKade! Who taught you that expression?” Alyssa scowled.
“Oops.” Charlie hid behind her brother. “I’m not s’posed to say that when you’re here.”
“Charlie, let’s go see Aunt Kiley and Andie.” Flynn grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the kitchen with him.
“Shut up, McKade.” Alyssa turned on Shane. “That’s not funny. If she says that at school, I’m making you go see her teacher this time.”
“I’ll talk to them again.” Shane controlled his laughter. “I know Flynn didn’t mean to say it in front of her.”
“So do I but she picks up everything.”
“Gee, what other expressions does she use?” Jesse asked.
“You don’t want to know,” Jordan answered first. “My niece absolutely adores her big brother. She hangs on every word he says.”
“And Flynn still forgets himself when he gets excited,” Shane added. “It’s hard to correct him when he gets animated over something.”
“How’s he doing in school?” Jesse wondered.
“Great.” Alyssa glowed with pride. “He’s made some friends and has been doing kid-guy stuff the past few weeks. He never ceases to amaze me.”
“Exactly what I expected,” Jesse stated. “I knew he was a rare find the first time I met him. All he needed was you to give him a chance.”
“You should hear some of his views on things,” Jordan said. “He certainly has a way of making you think.” They heard laughter from the other room. “Now that’s a very good sign. Hey, Brett,” he greeted his other friend when he walked in. “You must be Tish. It’s nice to have you with us.”
Brett completed the introductions. “Where’s Kiley?”
“Can’t you tell? I think she’s getting her first piano lesson.” Jordan brought attention to the hesitant notes they could all hear.
“So she got her piano. Not that I ever doubted she would. Jordan tends to be a little indulgent when it comes to his wife,” Brett explained to Tish.
“What he means is that I’m trying to spoil her every way I can,” Jordan admitted. “She’s the most kindhearted woman and rarely wants anything for herself. When she mentioned that she always wished she had taken piano lessons as a kid I couldn’t help myself. There’s no reason she can’t have them now and the look on her face when the piano was delivered is one I’ll never forget.”
“You’re a glutton for punishment, Jordan.” Alyssa rolled her eyes. “Listen to that. It’s not going to get much better for months.”
“So what? If Kiley’s happy, I’m willing to listen to anything,” Jordan responded. “And I don’t think you are exactly in a position to criticize us. I seem to recall a certain brother of mine ripping out a perfectly good bathroom so he could install the whirlpool tub his wife noticed at a display in the middle of the mall. Shall I continue with the fancy shower that was added too?”
“All right. That’s enough.” Alyssa held up her hands. “What’s Tish going to think of us if we keep sniping at each other like this?”
“What I think is that you’re just teasing because you’re all so comfortable with each other,” Tish rephrased what Brett had told her of the people they’d be visiting. “Don’t let me affect the way you act. It’s refreshing to see couples who get along with their extended families so well.”
“Now what are they doing?” Shane asked when he heard Charlie giggling.
“She’d better not be learning any new obscenities,” Alyssa declared.
“I don’t think that’s the case.” Shane headed for the family room. “I’m sure Flynn’s still cringing over her last one.”
“When I was just a little older than you are,” Andie told Charlie as she held her on her lap in front of the piano, “My Uncle Hank would sit with me like this for as long as I wanted. I loved to visit him and my Aunt Sadie because he made the piano fun. My regular teacher was nice enough but she wasn’t like my uncle. He always asked me to play for him so he could see the progress I was making. He’s the one that got me interested in the first place.”
Brett grabbed the nearest sketchpad. Since he was always doodling, as he called it, Jordan made sure there was a tablet handy. He sat down in the chair near the piano and whispered for Andie to keep talking to Charlie. The expression on the child’s face was one of pure joy. It was mirrored on the faces of Kiley and Andie. All three were clearly having fun with their impromptu lesson.
“What’s he doing?” Tish asked quietly.
“Capturing a very special event,” Jordan supplied. “Haven’t you seen this before?”
“Um, no,” Tish admitted.
“Brett’s done this for as long as I’ve known him,” Jordan told her. “He sees something being shared and puts it on paper. Look at them. I bet they each get a sketch of this. They’ll all be from a slightly different perspective but each will show the happiness they’re feeling right now. I’m sure I’ll frame Kiley’s for her and hang it right there, above the piano.”
“Oh,” Tish murmured as she glanced around the room, surely realizing that the other drawings must have been done by Brett as well.
“Don’t you wish you had your camera?” Tish asked Alyssa.
“I’d never get what Brett is getting. Cameras can be very distracting. If I were moving around them, I’d ruin it, even though Charlie and Kiley are used to me,” Alyssa explained.
Charlie suddenly hopped off Andie’s lap and flung herself at Shane, who was closer than Alyssa. “Did you hear, Daddy? I played the piano. Andie’s gonna come and Aunt Kiley’s gonna do lessons. Can I too? Please, Daddy. I like the piano. Aunt Kiley telled me I can do it here but I wanna do it at home too.”
“You play beautifully.” Shane swung her onto his arm. “We’ll have to talk it over with Mom but we can probably convince her to let us have a piano at home.”
“I heard both of you and agree that you did very well for your first lesson,” Alyssa complimented them. “I’ll make a deal with you, Charlie. If you promise to try as hard as you possibly can not to say any more of the words you hear your brother say even though he knows better, we’ll get a piano so you can play at home. That is, if Andie will agree to teach you too.”
“I’d love to,” Andie agreed. “I don’t have that many students so I have plenty of time to come visit.”
“You can ride with me sometimes,” Brett volunteered instantly. “That is, if you don’t mind staying over. I have plenty of room too, if the gatehouse is taken.”
“Thanks, Brett.” She reached out and put her hand on his arm. “I’d like that.” They seemed suspended in time.
“Hey, that’s great,” Jordan spoke up, breaking the spell when he noticed Tish staring at the pair. “I told Kiley that all she had to do is ask you, Andie. From listening to you in the past, I knew you wouldn’t mind that she’s older than most of your students.”
“You’re never too old to learn anything if you want to.” Andie turned around on the piano bench and moved slightly away from Brett. “It’ll be fun teaching both of you.”
“Charlie hasn’t p
romised yet,” Alyssa pointed out.
“Oh, Momma, I promises,” she declared seriously. “I’ll be good and not say any bad words. Flynn’ll stop it too.” She looked expectantly at her brother.
When everyone else turned toward him, he shrugged. “This is your thing, Princess. You don’t need me for this one. I already do try hard to watch my mouth. You all know that.”
“Yes, we do, son.” Shane ruffled his hair. “And your mom and I both appreciate it.”
“Yeah, well.” He looked uncomfortable being the center of attention. “Can I go over to Joey’s? He’s working on the tree house and I said I’d try to get there to help.”
“I wanna go too,” Charlie insisted.
“Go ahead, Flynn,” Alyssa responded. “Be home before dinner so you can get cleaned up. You, Princess Charlie, are staying here with us. You’re too little to be climbing around in trees when your brother is busy building. He won’t have time to watch you today and I don’t want you to fall. You remember Daddy’s shoulder? That’s what happens when you fall out of trees.”
“But Momma!”
“But nothing. Not this time, Charlie.”
“Aw.”
“Charlie, you know you can’t always go with Flynn.” Shane caught her attention. “Just like he can’t always go along with you when you play with your friends.”
“I’ll show you when it’s done,” Flynn offered.
“You promise?” She peeked at him.
“I promise,” he said seriously, before he turned to leave. “Later.”
“Can I ask something?” Tish spoke up. “I don’t mean to be rude but he seems a bit older…”
“We’re ’dopted,” Charlie announced, squirming to be put down so she could go to the newest person.
“Oh.” Tish didn’t know how to respond.
“Yes, we’ve only been married three months but they’ve been with us from the start,” Alyssa supplied. “We knew Flynn from the city and I met Charlie in a small town in Nebraska. Both were too precious to ignore.”
“Um, how nice,” Tish said weakly, clearly wishing she hadn’t asked.
Condemned Page 4
