Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 62783 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62783 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
Jim nodded. “It’s important to rest for your recovery,” he said. “Not doing anything strenuous is a crucial part of the process and I’m pretty sure cooking Thanksgiving dinner is the definition of strenuous.”
Mom laughed along with the rest of the table. Everyone expect my father, who seemed content to glare at Jim like we were teenagers again.
“What would you know about her recovery,” my father asked as he started to carve the turkey.
“The Sweet Water police department ensures we train all the way up to EMT levels,” he said. “So I know my way around medical situations. Plus, after I heard the news about Mrs. VanDoren, I looked it up.”
He said it so matter-of-factly, as if everyone would do their research regarding a non-relative’s situation.
“You’re about three weeks out from being able to resume your normal activities, right Mrs. VanDoren?” he asked as if my father hadn’t just tried to test him.
“That’s right,” Mom said, practically beaming. “I can’t wait to get in my garden again.”
“I’m sure it’s missed you,” Jim said, taking the platter of green beans Brad passed to him. “You’ve always had the best flower-gardens in Sweet Water.”
We all filled our plates, Sephie and Cannon shooting me worried looks bordering on awkward as their eyes danced from me to Brad to Jim. It certainly would be a hilarious predicament if it was happening to anyone else. Seeing as I was sitting smack dab in the middle of two perfectly handsome, respectable males who were vying for my attention in different ways, I found it a bit less funny.
It was like the universe was showing me two paths. The one my family would prefer me to be on—a luxurious life with Brad—and the one my heart desired, which was any sort of life where I got to see and spend time with Jim every single day.
“I’m so happy you decided to join us today, Jim,” Sephie said after the silence at the table had gone one second past comfortable.
“Thanks for having me,” he said.
“Must be hard,” Father said, stabbing at his turkey. “Not having any family of your own to spend the holiday with.”
Mom gasped, and from the look of the movement in her seat, she might’ve kicked Father under the table.
“I have some extended family,” Jim responded calmly. “But they live in Florida.”
“And you didn’t want to visit them there?” Father asked.
“I love Florida,” Brad interjected. “Fantastic golf courses. Which reminds me, Harold, we need to book a tee time soon.”
I flashed Brad a grateful look. He was trying to take my father’s focus off of Jim, and I kind of loved him for it.
Father nodded at Brad, but kept his focus on Jim while we ate.
“If the Sweet Water police department ever needs any help with fundraisers or events,” Sephie offered, a bite of turkey poised before her lips. “I’d be more than happy to assist. I’ve been meaning to reach out, but my schedule has been full for some time.”
“I have no doubt,” Jim said. “Heading up the Carolina Reapers charitable fund sounds like an exciting job. And thank you, I’ll be sure to reach out when the next one comes up.”
“You’re not the sheriff,” Father said.
“No, sir, I’m not.”
“Do you have any aspirations to be?”
“Not right now,” Jim answered, and I shot my father a death glare.
Jim wasn’t here as my date but my father was treating him like he was about to ask for my hand in marriage or something. Sweet heavens, could I ever have one normal dinner with my family?
I took a deep breath, remembering that most of the uncomfortableness around family gatherings were my fault, or had been from quite some time. But I was trying really hard to fix that, to make amends. My father seemed to be trying really hard to make my hate for him grow.
Cannon cocked a brow at my father, then me, a silent offer of help flickering across his features. My heart warmed at the silent offer, at the way he supported me even after the terrible way we started. He’d accepted my apology as easily as Sephie had, and he left it at that. I couldn’t ask for a better brother-in-law, and I flashed him a small smile and shook my head. He nodded, then picked up the pitcher of iced tea, refilling Sephie’s glass without her having to ask.
The smallest, most annoying stab of jealousy hit me watching the way he took care of her. The way he loved her without conditions or judgment. The way he’d fallen for her naturally without having to be set up by the family. The way they both acted around each other, like two halves of the same whole.
She deserved nothing less, and I was beyond happy for her. I just couldn’t help but want that kind of companionship for myself. And I know I shouldn’t, because I was in no position to ask anything of the universe. I made my bed and now I was dealing with the consequences. But, someday, maybe I’d be worthy of that kind of love.