LITMIR.BIZ

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surprise at the wedding. She’d been at her lowest in the moment Rhys had uttered those words. To her it hadn’t felt like she was the last woman he wanted to be with—it had felt like she was the last woman anyone would want. That she had absolutely nothing to offer.

      Jack had changed that. Oddly enough it hadn’t been his attention that had affected her so deeply. Or the way he’d kissed her and held her close—though that had been very memorable. It was how he’d brought her in, included her in his evening with his parents. As if she belonged. As if she were their equal. She’d never had that before.

      He looked over and his face broke out in a smile when he recognized her. She gave a little wave and watched as he excused himself from the group he was in and came over.

      “Hey,” he said, and to her surprise he gave her a quick hug. He smelled scrumptious, some sort of expensive cologne she didn’t recognize. “I wasn’t expecting to see you tonight.”

      “Just about the whole town goes out for the local services,” she replied. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

      “You’re here alone?”

      She shrugged, trying to look nonchalant. “My mom’s the exception to the rule. Long story.”

      “You’ll sit with us, then.” He said it as if it were a done deal.

      “Jack, you don’t have to do that. I’m a big girl.” She batted her eyelashes. “See? No tears. No rescuing of damsels in distress required tonight.”

      Once again that strange expression washed over his face, but then he smiled brightly at her. “Well, that’s good news. But you can sit with us anyway.” He leaned in. “I’m the only one not paired up. I hate being a third wheel.”

      She doubted that but it was also nice to know she didn’t have to sit alone. “Okay, then.”

      “Let me hang up your coat.”

      She grinned at him. “Are you trying to start more rumors?”

      He laughed. “My mom taught me good manners, remember?”

      “I’ll remember to thank her for it later.”

      He took the coat from her hands and hooked it on a hanger. “So...how’ve you been?”

      “Good,” she answered. “Busy.” It was true. The flower shop had been steady all week long. “Doing some thinking.”

      “Oh, that sounds interesting.” He raised an eyebrow.

      “I came to a rather radical decision, actually. I need to get out of here, Jack. What am I going to do, work at the flower shop for the rest of my life?”

      “You’re getting itchy feet?”

      She nodded. “I want to do something. I want to see places. So I’m taking the next eight months to build up my savings so I can move to the city and take classes when the fall term starts.”

      They made their way slowly to the sanctuary door. “That’s great, Amy. Any idea what you’re going to study?”

      She nodded. “Hospitality management. I like working with people. And I have good organizational skills. I think I could be good at it.”

      “I can see that. You’re very good at the flower shop.” He stared at her for a few moments more and she wondered what he was thinking. She also noticed shadows beneath his eyes. Jack, for all his charming smiles, was exhausted. What was causing him to lose sleep?

      “You don’t think I can do it?” she asked.

      “On the contrary. Didn’t I just say so?”

      The words were glib but there was an edge to his voice that confirmed her suspicion. “Hey, is everything okay with you? You look tired. A little stressed.”

      “Funny you should mention that...”

      At that moment his family made their way over and suggested they find their seats, so their conversation was halted until they found themselves packed into a rather full pew. She didn’t mind being close to Jack. In fact she’d thought about it perhaps a little too often over the past several days.

      “Where’s Taylor?” Amy asked, opening the bulletin and scanning the order of service.

      “We had dinner at the diner. I think she stayed to help Rhys and Martha clean up.”

      “They’re still an item, then?”

      He nudged her with his elbow. “You’ve been here all week. You’d know better than I would.”

      She turned her head and met his gaze. “I’ve been avoiding the gossip mill. And from the look on your face, I’d say you know more than you’re letting on. Anyway, I was just making conversation.”

      Jack sighed. “Sorry. You were right before. I’m touchy.”

      “Any reason in particular?” She put down the bulletin and gave him her full attention.

      “Labor issues. Or rather, lack of. One of my staff was in a bad accident this week.”

      Amy put her hand on his arm. “Oh, no! Are they okay?”

      He nodded. “Yes, thank goodness. Or she will be—in time. But it was serious. She’s got a broken pelvis, and the doctors say that she’ll be off at least three months.”

      “Surely someone can fill in for her? A temp?”

      Jack shook his head. “She basically runs the corporate retreat business at the ranch. I did what I could this week while I was there, but on Boxing Day I’m going back there again to get things settled. Once the holidays are over, we’ve got groups starting up again. Groups that have been booked for months. Finding a temp this week, with all the statutory holidays? Just about impossible.”

      The service started and the lights dimmed. After several carols to set the mood, there was a brief message and then came Amy’s favorite part—“Silent Night.” Everyone was given a single candle in a holder, and as the choir started the first verse, the minister made his way down the aisle and lit the candles on the end. Wick was touched to wick until all the candles were lit and the congregation joined in for the second and third verses. Beside her, Jack relaxed, his warm, tenor voice joining in with the others.

      And then it was over, the candles extinguished, and the lights came up. Chatter erupted as good wishes for the holiday were exchanged. Little children bounced with excitement, because now that church was over they were one step closer to Santa Claus. Jack chuckled as one particularly cute boy with little round glasses tugged on his father’s hand, claiming they had to hurry and get the cookies out so he could go to bed.

      “Amy, good to see you again.” Susan came over and gave her a brief hug. “Do you have plans for the holiday?”

      Once she got over the surprise of the affectionate gesture, Amy smiled. “Oh, just spending tomorrow with my mom. Keeping things quiet.”

      “That sounds lovely.”

      Callum and Avery joined them briefly, Callum carrying a sleeping Nell. “Merry Christmas, Amy.”

      “You, too. Baby’s first Christmas. Pretty exciting at your house.”

      “Yeah.” Avery smiled. “And it’s nice to have all of Callum’s family here. I see Taylor and Rhys made it.” She nodded toward the back of the church, where the couple was standing with Rhys’s mother, Martha.

      To Amy’s mind, the way Avery paired their names together pretty much answered any question Jack might have had.

      Jack turned to Amy. “How’d you get here?”

      She smiled. “I walked. Got some fresh air.”

      “I’ll drive you home.”

      “Are you sure?”

      He smiled back. “Of course I am. I

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