Chapter 33
It had been Jenna’s idea. She thought it would be enjoyable to surprise their families with the new development in their relationship,
and Ty agreed. The family gathering had already been scheduled, and their families would be thrilled with the match.
The garlicky aroma of Cosa’s pizza hung in the room. Ty’s parents had kept it simple since the B and B was full tonight. One
of their part-time team members was holding down the fort so the families could gather in peace. Mama Dee brought her delicious
brownies, and they’d just taken down the whole pan.
By the time they headed to the patio, the sun was setting, the evening cooling off. There was no need for a fire on this mid-June
night. The white lights shone over the patio and the scent of salt lingered in the air.
“I was hoping you’d bring your new girlfriend, Alex,” Mom said. “We’ve barely even met her.”
“She had plans with her family.”
Mom smiled. “Well, I do like that she’s a family girl.”
“I’ll bring her next time.”
Tyson was the last in the circle to be seated, and as planned, Jenna dropped into his lap, draped her arms around him, and
gave him a big smooch.
The kiss effectively absorbed his attention for a moment. But the resounding quiet around the firepit soon claimed his attention. The startled pause was followed by loud whoops and hollers.
The kiss ended when Jenna laughed, a sound so filled with joy and pleasure, he couldn’t help his own grin.
And then everyone seemed to speak at once.
“When did this happen?”
“Finally!”
“What took you guys so long?”
Seth was beaming like all the rest. “About time, you two!”
Ty sent him a mock scowl. “Maybe now you can stop flirting with her.”
“Who, me?”
Ty scooped up a wood chip and flung it, hitting Seth in the chest.
“Hey! I was just trying to wake you up.”
“Boys!” Mom called. “Behave.”
At the prodding of their families Jenna and Tyson told the story of their trip—leaving out the part about DC. The family pummeled
them with questions. It was enlightening to hear Jenna’s thoughts on the getaway and their separation once they’d returned
home.
“And then last night,” Ty added, “when we were at the carnival grounds with Dream . . .” His gaze fell on Jenna.
“We just couldn’t be apart anymore.”
“Aw . . .” Mama Dee said. “I couldn’t be happier.”
Gordon chuckled. “I was oblivious to the whole thing.”
Mom preened. “Well, I knew it! The way you two have been looking at each other this summer—”
“It was inevitable.” Mama Dee gave Ty’s mother a nod. “Whenever Ty would come around, Jenna’s face would get all flushed.”
“Mom!” Jenna said. “It did not!”
Ty let his gaze rove over her face, noting her heightened color. “Don’t look now,” he teased quietly.
“Hey. You’re supposed to be on my side.”
“Oh, I’m on your side.”
“Well,” Dad said, “can’t say I saw it coming either, but I couldn’t be more thrilled. This happy development deserves a toast.”
He held up his glass. “To new adventures with old friends.”
Everyone joined in. “Hear, hear!”
Much later, after everyone had left, Ty walked Jenna across the street. The house’s windows were darkened, but Mama Dee had
left the porch light on. A warm breeze skated by, carrying the fresh fragrance of Jenna’s shampoo.
He took her hand, twining his fingers through hers. When she cast him a sweet smile, he felt it in his gut. Would he ever
tire of being with her this way? Of having the right to reach out and take her hand? To lean in and claim her lips in a kiss?
He hoped not. It was such a great feeling. He wanted to shout from the rooftops that she was his and he was hers.
“Tonight was fun,” she said as they stepped into the glow of the porch light. “I only wish I could’ve witnessed the looks
on their faces when they saw us kissing.”
He grinned. “You could’ve heard a pin drop.”
“And then we couldn’t get a word in edgewise. They seemed pretty delighted.”
He squeezed her hand. “They’re not the only ones.”
“Aw . . .” She turned to him with affection in her eyes. “I never knew you could be so sweet.”
He slipped his arms around her waist. “That’s because you weren’t my girlfriend.” He realized his mistake as the word left
his mouth. They’d barely begun dating and certainly hadn’t discussed exclusivity. Hadn’t had time to, and now he’d just blurted
it out like it was a foregone conclusion.
“Girlfriend, huh?”
“Did I speak out of turn?”
She gave him a coy look as she snaked her hands up his chest and over his shoulders. “Nope.”
“Whew. I was hoping you’d say that. I shouldn’t have made assumptions about you, but I’m not interested in anyone else.”
“That goes double for me.”
“Glad to hear it.” He laced his hands behind her back. “And while we’re on the subject . . . We haven’t really talked about
what the future might entail—what with your life in Alexandria and a potential job on the horizon.”
“That might be an obstacle, but it’s not an insurmountable one. I have to make a living, and if I get the job, I wouldn’t
be that far away.”
“We’ll figure it out.” Three hours seemed like a lifetime away. And their work schedules wouldn’t help. She’d have weekends
off, but those were his busiest days. But he didn’t want to worry her about the obstacles right now. He was already too deep
into this to back out, and he hoped she was too.
“I know I’ve always said I’d never date a firefighter. But I guess I’ll just have to come to grips with it—because I can’t
seem to stay away from you.”
Touched by her words, he pressed a kiss to her forehead. It wouldn’t be as easy as she’d made it sound. Her father’s death had left its mark. “I know that’ll be a tough one for you. I want you to know I’m always careful. I don’t take anything for granted.”
“I appreciate that. And it’s not like we live in New York or Chicago. My father was the only Chincoteague firefighter to ever
lose his life.”
“It was an extraordinary circumstance.” A warehouse fire had escalated due to the chemicals stored inside. Her father was
killed following an explosion, and several other firefighters were injured. “As you know, most calls on the island are car
accidents, small kitchen fires, pretty routine stuff. My life really isn’t on the line every day.” They only had a couple
fires a year on the island, though they were sometimes called to the mainland to assist with bigger emergencies.
“I’ll try to keep that in mind. I know firefighting’s in your DNA. I’d never want to take that away from you.”
“You know me well.”
She flashed a flirty smile. “I do know you well. I know all your weak spots, Parker, and don’t you forget it.”
“And I know all your ticklish spots, Greene.” Just to prove it he poked at the one in her side.
“Hey!” She tried to squirm away.
But he tightened his arms around her, holding her fast, and she quickly gave up the fight. “This feels so natural. So easy.”
She pressed closer. “It feels right.”
“And you’re sure this isn’t too fast for you? I don’t want to rush you.”
“We’ve known each other since we were twelve, Tyson. I don’t think anyone would call this fast.”
He chuckled. “True, but we did share our first real kiss only five days ago.”
“Hmm . . . why did we wait so long?”
“Why, indeed?”
They didn’t wait even another second for their next one.