CHAPTER THIRTY #2
“I know you say I’m not, but I still feel responsible for what’s happened with Kiara. For how she’s been struggling here. If it weren’t for me, she wouldn’t be here.”
“Was she happier in Briar Hollow?”
Angela’s expression saddened. “It kind of seems like she was. She liked her job at the library, but she was always working and planning toward our getting out of Briar Hollow. It was our goal. Our purpose.”
Jude leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. The concern in Angela's eyes made his chest tighten.
“I know a purpose is important,” Jude said. “And I think she just needs to be patient. You haven’t been here all that long.”
"I found my place here more easily than she did," Angela said, tugging the blanket tighter around her shoulders. "I had you."
The simple statement warmed something in Jude. He reached for her hands again, threading his fingers through hers. "You would have found your way, regardless. You're stronger than you give yourself credit for."
Angela shook her head slightly. "I don't know about that."
"I do," Jude said firmly. “You’ve proven time and again that you’re willing to tackle the tough things.”
“I just never imagined that having money would make life more difficult.”
“Money makes certain things easier in life, but it can’t solve all problems.”
Angela’s head bobbed in agreement. “I should probably go back. I didn’t mean to barge in on your morning.”
“You think I’m bothered by that?” Jude asked.
She lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “It wasn’t the plan.”
“Where we’re concerned, there never needs to be a plan in order for you to come to me. If you need me, you let me know.”
Angela gave him a soft smile. “All I could think of was getting to you. I couldn’t figure out what to do.”
“I’m sorry if I haven’t helped you with that.”
“You have though,” Angela said, her expression earnest. “You’re right that Kiara and Julian made the decision that led to this situation, and it’s their responsibility to deal with it. I appreciate you just being here to listen to me as I had a meltdown.”
Angela's eyes locked with his, and something shifted in the air between them.
Jude felt his heart rate quicken as she leaned toward him, her hands still clasped in his.
The blanket slipped from one shoulder, and without thinking, he reached to adjust it over her sweater, his fingers brushing against her neck.
"Jude?" Her voice was barely above a whisper.
"Yeah?" His own voice sounded rough to his ears.
"Thank you for always being there for me."
“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
The morning light filtered through the windows, catching in her hair, illuminating her face despite the redness around her eyes.
He lifted his hand to her cheek, his thumb gently wiping away a lingering tear track. Her skin was soft beneath his calloused fingers, and she leaned into his touch.
“I really should go,” she murmured.
“Stay for breakfast with me,” he urged. “I have bacon.”
A smile brightened her face. “Do you think that will entice me?”
“I sure hope so,” Jude said with a wink. “It would me.”
“So the way to your heart is with bacon?”
“Or cinnamon buns.”
“Oh, I’ve already given you those. Does that mean I’ve made it to your heart?”
Jude lifted his brows. “Yes, it certainly does.”
Angela’s cheeks pinked as she gave him a shy smile. “Well, I wish I’d brought some for you this morning.”
“That’s okay. Let me make you some breakfast this time.”
“Okay. You’ve convinced me.”
Jude got to his feet, pulling her up with him. He wrapped his arms around her, cocooning her in the blanket.
For a moment, he just held her, then he placed a kiss on the top of her head. Releasing her, he said, “You can come sit at the counter and watch me cook, if you’d like.”
“I would like that,” Angela said. She took the blanket off her shoulders and laid it on the arm of the couch before following him to the kitchen area in the large open design.
“I was going to make some scrambled eggs for myself,” Jude said as he removed the container of eggs from the fridge. “Would you like some or do you prefer your eggs done another way?”
“Scrambled is fine,” she said. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
Jude started to decline her offer, but then he realized she might need the distraction. “Sure. Would you like to make some toast for us?”
“Definitely.” Angela came around the island to join him.
He showed her where the bread and toaster were.
For the next several minutes, they worked together to prepare the food. When it was all ready, Jude carried their plates to the table, and Angela followed with mugs of coffee.
As they sat down, Angela let out a sigh. “I know this wasn’t planned, but I really needed it. Thank you.”
Jude smiled at her as he laid his hand on the table, palm up. “It may have been unexpected, but it’s most welcome.”
When Angela placed her hand in his, Jude said a brief prayer of thanks for the food and also prayed for wisdom for Kiara and Julian.
It was nice to have her there to share a meal with him, and it reinforced the growing desire within him to share a future with her.
How soon was too soon to broach that discussion?