Chapter 37
Jenna’s thoughts grew heavy as Tyson drove her home. They’d grabbed supper at Steamers and spent the rest of the evening sitting
at a picnic table that overlooked the pasture where Dream foraged near her foal.
Ty was still experiencing nightmares. He’d fallen asleep again during the Braves game last week. It warmed her to know he
felt at peace enough to sleep in her presence. But she wanted to kiss away the dark circles under his eyes. If only it were
that easy. That stupid Marissa at the firehouse wasn’t helping matters. The thought of leaving him this way made Jenna’s heart
shrivel up in her chest.
She’d talked big about finding work on the island, but deep down she knew what a long shot that was. Still, she’d start searching
online tonight.
But housing was so expensive. Of course, her mom’s attic apartment was now available. But she’d refurbished the space for
extra income—not to let her daughter freeload off her. With island wages, no way would Jenna make enough to pay what that
space was worth.
Her trust fund could go a long way toward opening a business of some kind, but it wasn’t nearly enough. On average, start-ups
took two to five years to become profitable. She couldn’t sponge off her mother that long.
But the thought of being away from Tyson made her heart hurt.
Being with him this way was everything she’d been missing with her previous boyfriends.
She was happy and at ease. She wanted to be with him all the time.
When they weren’t together she wanted to tell him everything that happened while they were apart.
She was excited about the present and had a hopeful outlook on the future.
In short, she was beginning to understand that she’d never had a commitment problem at all. She just hadn’t had the right
man. But he’d been right under her nose the whole time. She couldn’t help but smile at the thoughts swirling through her head.
Shells popped under the tires as Tyson pulled into Mom’s drive.
“Want to come inside? Looks like Mom’s still up. She made blueberry scones yesterday and they’re delish.”
He put the truck in Park. “Thanks, but it’s getting late and five o’clock comes early. I’ll walk you to the door.”
They exited the truck and met up around the front, automatically joining hands. “You just know Mom’ll bring them over to you
guys tomorrow anyway.”
“She sure does spoil us.”
At the door he turned toward her, a serious expression falling over his features. “I’ve been thinking . . . Maybe in time
I could move to Alexandria. Mom and Dad can afford to replace me, and . . .”
Jenna shook her head. “I don’t want to take you away from your family, Ty. Not to mention the fire company.”
His eyes twinkled. “Hey, I’ve got an idea. Maybe Alexandria has a fire company.”
“You know it wouldn’t be the same. You’re part of something special here. You love overseeing the ponies, being a saltwater
cowboy. You love this island. Maybe something will turn up for me here.” Though likely nothing as perfect for her as that Parks and Rec position. “I’ll start looking tonight.”
He placed his hands on her hips. “Listen. I think you want this job. I want you to promise that if nothing exciting turns
up, you’ll take it. You deserve to have rewarding work you love.”
“Don’t I also deserve to have the man I love?” Her heart leapt from her chest. Oh, crap. Yes, it was true. But also so, so fast. And she hadn’t wanted to be the first to say it. “Did—did I just say that out loud?”
A smile was already stretching across his lips. He framed her face with his palms. “You did. Say it again. This time on purpose.”
She wasn’t sure exactly when it had happened. But it had. And from the look on his face, he was in the same boat. Nevertheless,
her heart beat up into her throat as she peered up at him. “I love you, Tyson Parker.”
“And I love you, Jenna Greene.” He kissed her then. A slow, luxurious kiss that made her knees go weak.
It was a long while before Jenna watched Tyson’s truck disappear down the street.
She pressed her palm to her chest, unable to calm the silly organ. She felt almost dizzy with all the feelings coursing through
her.
She was in love with Tyson Parker. And even more miraculously—he was in love with her. Life would be perfect except for the
minor little detail of her vocational future.
Ugh. Why did this island have to be so expensive?
Her thoughts came to a halt when she spotted Mom on the sofa.
Mom winked. “That was an awful long good-bye.”
Though her mother tried for a bright smile, Jenna couldn’t miss her bloodshot eyes.
“What’s wrong? Did Gordon call?” Jenna took a seat beside her.
“No, he didn’t. But he did send me this handwritten missive.” She handed Jenna a white envelope.
Jenna pulled out the contents: the itemized list of what he owed her mom—753 dollars, a check in that same amount, and a thank-you
card bearing a watercolor painting of the Assateague Lighthouse.
“He bought those cards the day we visited Assateague.” Her mom’s tone was flat. “Go ahead, read it.”
The small, tidy printing matched that of the itemized list. It didn’t take long to read the four lines of standard thank-you
etiquette. The words were kind and gracious. But after the closeness he and Mom had shared, Jenna could see why this note—and
the accompanying check—might feel like a slap in the face.
“Emily Post would certainly be proud,” Mom said.
“Who?”
“He said he’d call! And instead he sends me this generic thank-you card and the money he owes me. I don’t even want the money.
He’s such a kind, gentle man. How could I have ever thought he was trying to deceive me? No wonder he hates me.” The tears
were back.
“Oh, Mom, I’m sure he doesn’t hate you.” Jenna had been so stupid and stubborn. All that time she’d been trying to prevent
her mother’s heartbreak, and instead she’d actually effectuated it.
Ouch.
She squelched the urge to apologize again. This wasn’t about her. “You did have a viable reason to confront him. His reaction
seems over the top. Maybe you should just call him. Tell him how you feel.”
“I’m afraid of what he’ll say. I don’t want to hear him tell me it’s over. I don’t want it to be over.”
“Maybe he just needs a little more time. It’s only been three days. And he would’ve had to mail this a couple days ago. He might feel differently by now. Surely he can see now why you had some reservations.”
Mom wiped her tears away. “I’ll think about it. I can’t call him tonight, though. I’m a mess.” Her tears evolved into weeping.
“I can’t seem to stop crying. This heartbreak stuff is for the birds.”
Jenna’s gut clenched. “Oh, Mom.” She put her arm around her mother and pulled her close. All she could do was offer comfort—and
it just didn’t seem like enough.