Parker Read online

  Hazel and Jen both chuckled, and Jen rolled her eyes. “You two are sickening.”

  Emily laughed. “I remember saying that about Hazel and Dalton. And now it’s my turn. How strange – I would never have thought …” She went silent, and the three women went back to decorating as the fire snapped and sparked in the hearth.

  “You missed the big announcement,” Hazel finally murmured as she fixed a Nutcracker ornament to a low branch.

  “What’s that?” asked Emily, adjusting a glass angel that faced the wrong direction where it hung.

  “Jen just told me she and Parker are officially an item. And she’s moving to Tifton.”

  Emily’s eyes and smile widened. “Wow, that’s great. I’m so happy for you, Jen.”

  Jen nodded, feeling suddenly shy. “I’m going to live in your apartment complex. Already signed a lease – I’ll be moving in after the Christmas break.”

  Emily chuckled. “Oh, so that’s why you were asking so many questions about the place. I wondered what the sudden interest in rental rates, rental contracts and carpet cleaning signified.”

  Jen shrugged. “Uh-huh. Thanks for your help. And Will’s happy I’m staying – he’s got more work than he can handle on his own, and apparently some of his oldest clients are asking for me now.”

  “What about your folks?” asked Hazel cautiously.

  “I haven’t told them yet.” Jen chewed the inside of one cheek. “I figured I’d do it after Christmas – let them have a little bit of joy before I destroy all their hopes and dreams.” Her heart sank at the thought. She loved her parents, hated to disappoint them, but she’d never really wanted to move back to Birmingham and had no intention of taking over the family business the way they wanted her to. She’d seen how Barsby Enterprises had eaten her parents alive. They’d never done anything they’d dreamed of doing because work consumed their every waking moment, and likely invaded their sleep as well.

  She forced a smile. “But I refuse to be unhappy. My best friend is well. My other best friend helped her get better. You’re both happy and healthy, you have wonderful men in your lives who love you. And now I have Parker.” She paused to grin wider. “Life is good.” She squatted beside Hazel, who was seated on the floor, and leaned over to hug her. “I’m glad you’re here and you’re well.”

  Hazel’s eyes glistened. “I am too. And thank you for being here for me and helping me through it. You and Emily are the best friends a girl could ask for – I don’t know what I would’ve done without you both.” She waved Emily over and welcomed her into their embrace.

  Emily joined them, and the three women swayed as one, then overbalanced and crashed, with Emily on the bottom. But she just giggled. “My goodness, what is in that eggnog? You’re crushing me.” They all laughed as they tried to find their feet and extricate themselves from the tangle of arms and legs on the floor.

  Emily got free first, then all of a sudden made a mad dash for the bathroom. Hazel and Jen watched her go, Hazel in confusion. She covered her mouth and grimaced when she heard Emily throwing up. “Oh no.”

  Jen frowned – she knew what was wrong with Emily, and that Hazel didn’t. “I hope she’s okay –”

  Hazel jumped to her feet, ran to the bathroom and started hurling herself.

  Jen stood slowly and waited until both women emerged, their faces pale. “What’s going on?” she asked with a grimace. “Either you’ve both gotten food poisoning or you’re both pregnant …” Then she realized what she’d said, and hoped Hazel hadn’t been paying too much attention, or else she’d just given Emily’s secret away.

  Emily’s cheeks flushed. Hazel looked between her two friends. Finally, Hazel grinned. “I am pregnant.”

  Emily broke into a joyous smile. “So am I!” They embraced, then reached for Jen, and all three laughed as they held each other and danced in a circle in the middle of the den. “I can’t believe it!” cried Emily. “When …?”

  “Well, it happened faster than we thought it would,” replied Hazel shyly. “Pretty much as soon as I found out my results were clear. It’s still very early and I’ve only started feeling unwell, but when you threw up it triggered me.” She laughed. “And how about you? How far along?”

  “Um … I think I’m at about eight weeks now. Though, it’s hard to keep track, as busy as we’ve been.”

  “Well how about that? Talk about a honeymoon baby!” exclaimed Hazel.

  Jen burst out laughing all over again and Emily soon joined her.

  A cool breeze at her back made her turn around, and she almost collided with Parker, who’d just come in the front door. He grabbed her with both hands and drew her close to kiss her. “I was ready for you that time,” he whispered in her ear.

  “You’re here!” cried Hazel, running past them to embrace Dalton. Eamon swept Emily up into his arms as well and all three couples enjoyed a romantic reunion.

  Just then the buzzer sounded in the kitchen. “Oh, that’s the yams!” cried Hazel, hurrying to pull them from the oven. “Dinner’s ready!” she called over her shoulder.

  The others followed her into the kitchen, talking excitedly about all they’d done since they last saw each other. Parker threaded his fingers through Jen’s and gazed lovingly at her while she recounted a story about work from that day. They all sat at the table, now laden with ham, yams, potato salad, ambrosia, green bean casserole, squash casserole, maple-glazed carrots, golden biscuits and corn muffins.

  “I’d like to get us started by saying a blessing,” Dalton declared. He bowed his head and Jen watched the rest of the table follow his example. Then she did too.

  “Thank you, Lord, for this food. Thank you for the hands that prepared it and for all of your protection and blessings this year. We are so grateful, God, for Hazel’s health, for good friends and neighbors who helped us repair the ranch house and who’ve been here for us and with us as we went through the most difficult time of our lives. Thank you for this day and for your son who was born so many years ago to save us. In his holy name, amen.”

  “Amen,” came the chorus from around the table.

  Jen’s throat burned as everyone began handing food around. Her chest tightened and her eyes filled with tears. She wasn’t used to this kind of family, where they shared life together, talked about everything, and helped each other through the hard times. Her parents weren’t on speaking terms with most of their extended family, and their lives were so consumed by work that they’d barely had time for holidays and celebrations.

  But this – this was the kind of family she’d always longed for. Maybe one day it would be hers as well. The thought made a single tear overflow and wind down her cheek. She wiped it away and stared down at her plate.

  “Yams?” asked Parker beside her, a baking dish in one hand.

  “Yes, please.” She smiled and took the dish from him.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  She nodded, unable to speak.

  “We have an announcement to make!” called Eamon, breaking through the buzz of conversation. He glanced at Emily and smiled. “Em and I are expecting a baby!”

  Emily laughed. “Yes, it’s true. Though I’m sorry, honey – I already told Hazel and Jen.”

  He pouted. “What? I thought we were going to wait and tell everyone together?”

  “Well, I didn’t have much choice once I vomited in front of them.”

  Everyone laughed and Eamon grimaced. “Okay, that makes sense. I guess it’s all out in the open … wait, let me rephrase that!” he clarified as the men laughed even harder.

  “Literally all,” interrupted Hazel. “Since I threw up as well.”

  Eamon and Parker stopped dead and stared at her.

  Dalton smirked proudly, laying an arm around Hazel’s shoulders and kissing the top of her head. “Yep. We’re expecting too.”

  The men cheered. Jen couldn’t help grinning widely at it all.

  Then Parker cleared his throat and slid his arm around Jen. “A
nd that’s not all …,” he began.

  “What?!” shouted Dalton, his brow furrowing.

  Parker laughed and waved him off. “I’m just kidding, big brother, relax. We’re not expecting.”

  “Darn right we’re not,” Jen said with a laugh.

  “But,” Parker continued, “we are dating now.” He turned to look Jen in the eye. “And I’m in love with her.”

  Dalton and Eamon hooted and hollered as Jen’s cheeks burned crimson. When they calmed down, she said, “And I’m in love with you too.”

  He bent toward her and kissed her full on the mouth as the rest of the room erupted in approval. He tasted like salt and cinnamon, and as his arms wrapped around her she knew there was nowhere else in the world she’d ever feel as safe, loved or happy as she did there.

  Chapter 15

  Jen leaned on the top rail of the fence and watched the fillies frolicking in the pasture beyond the yard. They were almost six months old now and had lost their gangly awkwardness. They moved with grace and ease, strong legs and arched necks.

  She smiled. The first hint of sunshine glimmered on the horizon, lighting up the sky in a golden glow. She didn’t usually rise this early, but it was Christmas morning – ever since she was young she’d always watched the sun rise on Christmas day. It was one of the few traditions she’d shared with her father, and even when she moved out of home she’d carried it on.

  The phone in her pocket buzzed, and she pulled it out and held it to her ear. “Merry Christmas, Dad,” she croaked hoarsely, as it was the first word she’d spoken since crawling out of bed. She shivered and tugged her coat tighter around her.

  “Morning, princess, and Merry Christmas to you as well.” His deep voice was soothing.

  “What are you looking at?” she asked. It was what they always did whenever they didn’t share a Christmas sunrise in person.

  “I’m staring out across the lake. I can see the sun rising over the water and lighting up the boat house.”

  She closed her eyes and pictured the image. She loved the lake house where her folks went on the rare occasions they took time off from work. Some of her fondest childhood memories had been formed there. “Sounds divine, Dad. I’ll be there later today, okay?”

  He murmured approval. “What about you – what do you see?”

  Her eyes flicked open and she glanced around. “There’s a barn still in shadow. Across the pasture in front of me the sun is rising and I can see a herd of horses basking in the golden light, grazing silently. Some of the foals are dashing around the place, chasing each other, kicking their heels up and flicking their tails.”

  He chuckled. “That sounds pretty good too, Princess. Drive safe when you head this way. There’ll be a ton of traffic.”

  She nodded. “I will, Dad. Actually, I hope you don’t mind, but I’m bringing someone with me.”

  There was a long pause on the other end of the line. “Someone?” he finally asked.

  “Yeah, his name’s Parker Williams.”

  “Oh, that kind of someone.”

  She chuckled. “Yes, Dad. I would’ve asked earlier if it was okay, but it was kind of a last-minute decision.”

  “He’s welcome to join us. If he’s important to you, he’s important to us.”

  She sighed and blinked rapidly. “He is important to me.”

  “Well, then I’m happy you’re bringing him. I guess this means you won’t be staying too long, though. Am I right?”

  Jen’s lips pursed. “Sorry, Dad. I know you and Mom want me to move back to Birmingham. But Parker lives here, and he co-owns a ranch with his brothers, so he can’t leave. I’ve got a job here and I’ve really grown to love the place.”

  He sighed. “I understand, Princess. We’re just looking forward to having you home again.”

  “I promise to come see you whenever I can.”

  “We’ll hold you to that.”

  When the call was done, Jen shoved the phone back in her pocket and continued to look out over the ranch. It was growing lighter by the minute and soon every vestige of the night would be gone, chased away by the light.

  She sighed again and headed back toward the house. There was no telling how long it would be until the rest of the group woke. Likely they wanted to sleep in, but she hadn’t been able to – she was too excited. Perhaps she should go for a run … or better yet, make everyone a big breakfast. That would surprise them all. She hurried into the kitchen, flicked on the overhead light, tied on an apron and opened the refrigerator door to assess its contents. Hmmm, what could she make?

  She pulled eggs, bacon and butter from the fridge, then stood staring at them. Bacon and eggs were always a hit, but not very exciting. What else could she do with them? She pulled out her phone again, searched recipes and found a Paula Dean breakfast casserole that sounded perfect. She foraged for everything else she needed to make the casserole, and found it all except for horseradish. Come to think of it, she wasn’t sure she’d ever used horseradish in anything. What was it, some kind of vegetable?

  Well, maybe carrot would do in its place. The recipe only called for a teaspoon, so it wouldn’t make much difference. Only, it didn’t make sense to waste part of a carrot. She might as well throw the whole carrot into the mixture. It couldn’t hurt. She grated the carrot and tossed it in with the eggs, milk, buttered bread and diced bacon, mixed in some mustard and surveyed the results. It looked good to her, if a little strange with the orange flakes in it. She grated cheese over the top then pushed the baking dish into the oven. She put her hands on her hips and smiled, proud of herself. And still no one else was awake.

  She spun around, ready to clean up, and gasped. She couldn’t believe how much of a mess she’d made just preparing one breakfast casserole! Flour coated the countertop and drifted down to the floor below. There were egg shells scattered around and egg mixture and carrot peelings had landed everywhere. She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear and rubbed her face. Oh well – best start on the clean up now while the casserole was cooking. She picked up a handful of egg shells, then dropped them when the kitchen door opened.

  Parker walked in, and his eyes widened and eyebrows arched when he saw her. “Merry Christmas,” he said, scanning the room and obviously trying not to smile. “What’s going on in here?”

  “Um, making breakfast.” She grinned.

  “Oh? Well, if the mess is anything to go by, it’s bound to be delicious.” He grabbed her and wrapped her in his arms, pulling her into his chest.

  She gazed up into his deep brown eyes which crinkled around the edges as he smiled. “Hi,” she whispered.

  “Hi,” he replied, then kissed the tip of her nose. “You’ve got flour everywhere.”

  She nodded and glanced at the soiled floor. “I know. I’m just cleaning up now.”

  “No, I mean everywhere.” He turned her until she could see her own reflection in the window of the microwave. Flour coated her nose and cheek and ran through one side of her hair making it look as though she had a thick gray streak.

  She set her hands on her hips. “Wow. I look dazzling!”

  He spun her back toward him and kissed her. “You sure do.”

  She chuckled and nestled into his chest, enjoying the warmth that enveloped her. That space was reserved just for her, or at least it felt that way. It made her heart race and her knees tremble.

  “So did you tell your folks you’re not moving back to Birmingham?” he asked.

  She nodded. “I did. Dad wasn’t very happy about it, but I think he’ll understand once he meets you.” She stepped back and searched his face. “Are you still okay coming home with me for Christmas? I know it’s a bit early to meet the parents, so I’ll completely understand if you want to back out.”

  He laughed. “You’d understand? Hmmm … maybe I should rethink this whole thing.”

  She slapped his chest playfully. “Don’t you dare! I already told them you’re coming.”

  He squeezed her tight and kiss
ed the top of her head. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

  * * *

  Jen tucked her feet beneath her on the floor and leaned back against Parker’s legs. He sat behind her on the couch, his hand on her shoulder, teasing her hair occasionally. A fire crackled in the hearth, and lights lit up the Christmas tree against the wall. A small stack of gifts lay beneath it, and everyone was seated around the tree, sipping coffee and listening to soft Christmas carols.

  She smiled as Harley trotted to her side, turned in a circle, then laid down against her leg. He sported a set of reindeer antlers on his head and his doleful eyes begged her to remove them. “Sorry, bud – Hazel wants you to wear them, and I haven’t got a say in it,” she whispered into his floppy ear. His tail thumped the floor in response, then he picked up a new dried pigs ear between his paws and gnawed on it.

  Susan, having arrived late on Christmas Eve after a long drive south, hurried out of the kitchen with a plate of breakfast casserole in her hands and sat on the love seat. “Wow, Jen, this looks delicious. What are the orange flecks?”

  “Carrot,” replied Jen.

  Susan’s smile grew. “Oh, yum.” She took a bite and chewed, her eyes widening. “It’s different, that’s for sure. But I like it.”

  Jen grinned. “Thanks.”

  Dalton and Hazel were squeezed into the armchair across from Jen and Parker. Dalton handed Hazel a gift and she unwrapped it carefully, setting the paper aside. Jen knew she liked to use the paper for gift cards the following year. It was just like Hazel to do something so thoughtful. She wished she was more organized, but at the same time she knew wishing was futile. She was herself, and she’d learned in the past couple of years that she’d better accept herself the way she was or she’d never be content.

  Hazel cried out at her gift – a necklace with a pendant that had been carved to resemble a mother holding a child – and threw her arms around Dalton. “Thank you, it’s beautiful.” She held it in the air to admire it, then let Dalton clasp it around her neck.

  Just then, there was a loud knock on the front door. Susan hurried to open it, then stepped back, revealing Hazel’s parents in the dull morning light. Hazel gasped and stood. “Mom? Dad? What are you doing here?” She ran over and threw her arms around each of them.