6

 

Amanda squeezed her eyes against the onslaught of bright sun peeking through the upstairs bedroom window as her brother opened the blinds.

“Morning, sleepyhead. Time to let your light shine.”

She groaned and rolled over. “It was annoying enough when Mom did that, Jake. Not to mention your voice is a lot deeper, which makes it ten times as irritating. Promise me you won’t subject your future offspring to this kind of behavior,” she muttered, moving one arm over her eyes. “Close those blinds. I’m on vacation, so show me some respect, please. It’s a conscious choice not to get up at the crack of dawn, you know.”

Jake’s chuckle was morning raspy but familiar and comforting. She’d missed him more than she’d admit. They’d had a lot of fun and shared great memories of growing up in this big, old house built by their great-grandfather. Since their parents moved to Florida, her brother had poured his heart and soul—not to mention every spare penny—into maintaining and updating the century-plus home. From the polished hardwood floors, high ceilings with intricate crown moldings, carved banisters, and the hand painted mural and fireplace in the master bedroom, it appeared the results of his efforts were well worth it.

“It’s already past eight o’clock.” Jake glanced at his watch. “Julia’s meeting with Angie and wants you to go with her. She’s driving over from Cedar Rapids and said she’ll swing by to pick you up in about an hour. Angie’s doing a final fitting for her dress and wants to check your gown, too.” He scrunched his face into a frown. “Something like that.”

Amanda sat up in her bed. “The dress? As in Julia’s wedding gown? Why didn’t you say so in the first place? I can’t wait to see it.” The competitive part of her was secretly thrilled she’d finally have an edge over Jake in something, although seeing her brother’s bride in her wedding gown before the groom probably didn’t count. She’d take what she could get. Amanda swung her flannel-covered legs over the side of the bed, stretched her arms high, and yawned again. “I still can’t believe my big brother’s getting married. There’s hope for you yet, you big, old closet romantic.”

Standing in the middle of the room, dressed in his firefighter uniform, he’d never looked more in control and confident.

She lowered her arms and gave Jake a smile. “Seriously, it’s wonderful to see how happy you are. You and Julia are great together. Being able to help with all the preparations for your big day makes me feel needed”—she swallowed—“and more a part of everything.”

“You’re always needed, sis.”

She’d lifted off the bed and stopped in the middle of pushing her arms through the sleeves of her robe. “Excuse me? Did I hear that sentiment coming from you?” She smiled as Jake’s golden retriever bounded around the corner of the bedroom. “Good morning to you, too,” she said, laughing. “Bailey! How’s my precious girl today?” She scratched behind the dog’s ears. “You’re such a love bug. Good thing, since you softened up this big guy over here.” She grinned at Jake as Bailey licked her cheek.

“What’s up, Amanda? Something’s different about you.” Jake pulled out the desk chair and straddled it. Leaning his chin on his crossed arms, he gave her his full attention.

“Don’t you have to be at the station in a half hour?” She moved back to the bed and Bailey settled at her feet.

Jake’s brown eyes, so much like hers, softened. “I’ve got time. Everything all right?” He could always tell—a mixed blessing at times.

“I’m feeling a bit restless.”

“About what?”

She blew out a breath. “Not sure I want to be in Florida, not sure where I should be.” She lifted her shoulders. “I’m asking God where He wants me, but the answer hasn’t been all that clear.”

“So, you’re talking geography and not questioning the whole teaching thing?”

“Exactly. You know I love the kids, Jake. Granted, it’s equal parts frustration and a test of patience, but most of the time, I can’t imagine doing anything else. My students teach me more than I can possibly ever teach them. But kids and teaching positions are everywhere. Well, make that everywhere but Starlight. Therein lies the problem. More and more, I’m feeling the urge to move back home. I mean, it’s a real need, not a want or some silly wish. This town is my heritage. It’s me, you know?” She waved her hand and laughed. “Silly me. Look who I’m talking to. You’ve never wanted to leave Starlight, much less move out of this house.”

“True,” he said, “but it’s about a lot more than a house. It’s tradition and heritage, like you said. Kids in today’s world need stability and the family dynamic.” His gaze slid to Bailey resting on the floor beside her. “Complete with a spoiled dog.”

“And who’s going to show you how to properly care for a wife?”

Jake grabbed one of her pillows, which had somehow ended up on the floor, and tossed it at her. “Don’t you worry about that.” His smile sobered. “You know as well as I do you won’t find any better people than here in Starlight. People who believe in God and trust Him to guide them through life’s trials. People who help and support each other.”

“That’s beautiful, Jake. Really.” She gave him a weak smile and tears filled her eyes.

“If you’re going to cry about it…”

“Be quiet. I had something in my eye.” She shivered. “Have to get used to the cold again, too, but I love it. Doesn’t seem like Christmas without snow, warm fires, and all that goes along with it.”

Her brother unfolded his six-foot-plus solid frame from the chair. “There’s plenty of food downstairs. The fridge and freezer are well-stocked. Help yourself to whatever you want.”

Leave it to a man to think about the food. “Thanks. And Jake?”

He stopped and turned.

“It’s really nice to be home again.”

He saluted with his trademark grin. “If my opinion counts for anything, it’s where you belong. Although,” he said, “if you’re still in Starlight when Julia and I get back from our honeymoon, it’d be better if you find another place to live.”

She tossed the pillow across the room at him, laughing as he ducked.

“I’ll catch up with you later, sis.” He paused in the doorway. “Julia thought we’d invite some friends over for dinner tonight to celebrate your homecoming, but only if you’re up to it. Hannah and Dylan have other plans, but we thought we’d invite a few folks.”

“Sounds like a plan. As long as no former boyfriends are involved, I’m game.”

He slapped the side of the doorframe, a hint of the smile she adored creasing his lips. “I’ll see what I can do.”