Chapter 3
The next day Jenna settled back in the deep soaker tub with a contented sigh, exhausted after the week at the cabin.
She loved their bedroom on the upper floor.
The vista of the mountains outside the tall windows was spectacular.
Chet had built the house and had told her he’d strategically placed the stone fireplace to catch the sun through the windows to heat the stones so that they retained the warmth well into the night.
It was smart. He’d also done the same with the great room on the main level.
The stone wall of the chimney rose from the first floor and up through the bedroom.
They’d ridden down the mountain with the geologists and she was glad they handled all their own gear themselves.
She hadn’t minded keeping them fed and watered while they were up at the cabin.
Even if they were being paid for their expertise, Jenna had felt an obligation to be the good hostess, which was a challenge with the limited facilities at the cabin.
Chet had done his best to update the cabin to be more comfortable, and he’d done an excellent job.
She lowered herself into the hot water with a sigh. As much as she loved the cabin, coming home to this bath was heavenly.
He was out doing something or other and letting her enjoy her bath.
He knew how she loved them and oftentimes would join her.
Which usually led to more intimate shenanigans.
She closed her eyes when memories rose of them together, her in the tub with her leg in a cast and Chet washing her.
She ran her hands over her body, imagining it was Chet.
She was to leave at the end of the month, but she did she really want to go? It hurt her heart to think about it, so she didn’t.
There was a whine at the bedroom door and gentle scratching. Belle pushed the door open and trotted in. She jumped on the bed and lay down with a contented groan. Her soft liquid brown eyes watched her until her lids closed and she fell asleep.
Oh, to be able to snooze like that!
Jenna reached out with her toe to turn on the tap for more hot water. Steam drifted from the refreshed bubbles.
She was antsy. The bath should be calming her down, but it wasn’t really. With the samples being sent off, hopefully today to the processing plant, then they’d have to wait for the results.
Jenna sank under the water and held her breath; her hair floated around her and she looked up through the bubbles liking the way the sun played a rainbow through them.
There was no way she’d have the patience to wait.
She’d have to do something to keep herself occupied and her mind on something else.
Then she remembered they’d be taking a trip to Texas.
That should do it. Going to Wild Vista Ranch for a few days would be exactly what she needed.
The last few weeks had been a whirlwind of excitement.
Once they had the sampling results, they could make a decision to see if extracting the gold was viable or if they should just leave it all alone.
Since it was his family heritage, it was totally up to Chet how he wanted to proceed, but it didn’t stop Jenna from bubbling with excitement.
She knew he was pretty thrilled himself.
Needing air, she surfaced and smiled at Belle when she popped her head up with surprise.
“It’s okay, sweetie, just me.” Jenna assured her and the pup relaxed and closed her eyes
She couldn’t shut off her brain and a million thoughts raced around. He’d asked her what she thought of the name if they established a gold mining company, Chester Gold. She loved it and thought it a very fitting way to honor Chet’s many-great uncle.
She sat up and reached for the towel and opened the drain. For now, they would enjoy the glow of knowing, after all these years, Chester had been proven right.
Tonight, Chet’s kids were coming for a barbeque. She was thrilled they all got along so well after meeting when she first arrived. The last thing she wanted was for them to think she was replacing their mom. So, she’d been very respectful of them, and hoped their relationship would grow naturally.
She genuinely liked them. That was the toughest part when kids, no matter what their ages, were involved.
Blending families is not an easy task, and the fact she didn’t have kids was actually a plus in this situation.
Her heart tightened. It wasn’t that she didn’t want kids, there just hadn’t been the right man or the right time.
Her biological clock was ticking and the desire for kids was growing.
They hadn’t talked about anything long term, but it almost seemed like a given they were committed to each other. It’s just the distance they had to sort out. Would she – could she – stay here and leave her home? She had nothing holding her there except her job.
Jenna dried herself and lost herself in thought. After meeting his parents tonight, who were also coming for dinner, perhaps she’d have a better feel about her situation. If his parents liked her, then maybe they would be able to work out a future.
Jenna was looking forward to a full-fledged family reunion.
She didn’t know a whole lot about his ex, and unless he wanted to tell her, she wouldn’t ask, but she sensed there’d been contention before and after the divorce.
Chet was so mild mannered, she wondered what had happened. Anyway, it was none of her business.
Jenna didn’t have family and was eager to know his better.