Jenna trudged through the front door of the apartment. “Shawna, I’m home.”
Her roommate peeked over the counter from the kitchen. “You’re not dining at the Jacobsen’s residence tonight?” She grinned.
“Nope. I’m not sure I’ll ever be invited back there. I’m not even sure I’m staying here even though my job is safe.”
Shawna’s brow knitted and she stepped into the living room. “Please rewind and catch me up.”
“I found out today that none of us staff will lose our jobs. The pastoral candidate didn’t pan out.”
“That’s great news. Isn’t it?”
“It should be, except for the disagreement I had with Ben last night.”
A firm knock on the door jolted her. She flipped around and peered through the peep-hole. “It’s Ben,” she whispered.
“Well, open the door.” Shawna disappeared back into the kitchen.
Jenna breathed in deep and let it out then she tugged the door open. Ben stood on the threshold, clutching a large bouquet of roses. “I’m sorry. Can we talk?”
She couldn’t resist his puppy-dog eyes. “Come on in.”
He thrust the flowers at her. “These are for you.”
“Thanks. They’re beautiful.”
“Jenna, I’m so sorry for the way I spoke to you. I had a little talk with my dad and realized that I hadn’t dealt with my grief. But I’m back on track.”
“We don’t have to do this.” Tears threatened, but she blinked them back.
He took the flowers from her and laid them on the end table, then he grasped both her hands. “Yes, we do have to do this. I have to tell you how I feel.” He stepped closer. “I can honestly say I’ve only loved two women. I loved Alyssa, but death parted us. And, Jenna Campbell, I love you. Please stick with me.”
She mashed her lips together to stop their quivering. “I love you, too. I’m sorry. I never meant to step over the line.”
He pressed a finger to her lips. “You didn’t step over any line. You were right. If I really want to make a life for my children, I have to have those traditions.” He squeezed her hands. “Will you help me? Come for Thanksgiving and decorate with us?”
“Are you sure?”
“Very.” His arms encircled her waist. “And let’s do Christmas. Your parents, my parents. How about it?”
“Yes. She says yes,” Shawna’s voice called from the kitchen.
Ben chuckled and glanced toward the kitchen. “And that roommate of yours can come too, if she wants.”
“I accept,” she called out. “Tell him your good news.”
Ben looked her in the eyes. “You have good news?”
“I won’t be losing my job.”
“That’s fantastic. No way could they get rid of Miss Jenna.” He cupped her cheeks between his hands. “I don’t want to lose you either. If we’re sharing good news, I should tell you that the Andersons have dropped their pursuit of custody of the kids.”
“That’s great news. What happened? I thought they were so determined.”
“I’m not completely sure. I got a letter informing me they had come to their senses and please to not block them from seeing the kids after their mistake.”
“I’m glad that worked out.”
“Yes, well, I don’t want to make a mistake either by driving you away.” His lips brushed hers.
The familiar tingle rushed through her. He eased her head onto his chest and she snuggled up.
“Have you eaten?” He massaged her back.
She shook her head and then raised it to look at him.
“Do you mind chicken nuggets with me and the kids?”
She giggled. “Sounds divine.”
“Bring me a milkshake?” Shawna called again from the kitchen.
“Just come on with us,” Ben said.
Shawna stepped into the living room. “You don’t mind?”
Ben motioned her over. “The more, the merrier.”