Chapter Twelve

Okay, Peanut, here we go. Jessie patted her midsection and then rapped on the front door. Your first dose of Aunt Jocelyn and the cousins.

“Mommy! Mommy! Someone’s knocking!”

Taking a quick step to the side, she steadied herself as two little nephews burst through the entrance with an explosion of enthusiasm. The anticipated hearty hugs did not disappoint as the rambunctious boys nearly knocked her to the ground.

“Whoa, guys! Brandon! Connor!” She clutched the porch railing a bit tighter to catch her balance. “Hey, I’m glad to see you, too.” Jessie kissed the crop of blonde hair on top of each little head while a small, black canine bounced around, yipping loudly. “Hello, puppy. What’s your name?”

“That’s Harrington. Granny’s dog. Mom thinks he barks a lot. And eats a lot. And poops a lot, too.”

She laughed. “Dogs do that, don’t they?”

“Yup,” four-year-old Brandon responded. “And then sometimes we throw a ball, and he brings it back. And sometimes he does dancing tricks for treats.”

“That’s great.” Jessie ruffled his curls as a twinge of regret nipped at her. She’d seen so little of these children over the years, and she’d not even met the youngest. Maybe she could make up for lost time somehow? “Wow, I’m hungry. What’s your mom fixing for dinner, guys?”

“Pizza!”

“Pizza?” She took a dramatic whiff. “Smells like ham and green beans.”

“Ugh! No green beans! No green beans!” Brandon started, and then five-year-old Connor joined in the chorus. “No green beans! No green—”

“Okay, boys. That’s enough. Go see what your sister is up to. Right now, guys.” Jocelyn ordered as she appeared in the front entryway, balancing a younger, dark-haired child on one hip. “Hey, how are you, Jess? You finally made it over here.”

“It’s so good to see you.” She reached for her sibling, pulling her into a tight hug, practically squishing the toddler between them. “And this must be little Drew? He’s a cutie.”

“Don’t let that fool you. He’s an absolute terror. Sixteen months old and twice as wild as his brothers at this age. C’mon inside.”

Jessie followed her sister into a smallish kitchen with bright yellow curtains and cluttered countertops. She slid out of her coat and hung it on the nearby rack.

“Have a seat.” Placing her youngest child into his high chair, Jocelyn pulled ice trays from the freezer and dumped cubes into tall glasses. “I hope you’re hungry. I have pepperoni pizzas in the oven, and I’m heating up green beans with chopped ham and onion. These kids have to eat something healthy once in a while even though their father refuses to. I swear, sometimes I don’t think my husband would recognize a vegetable if he tripped over one.”

“He can’t be that bad.” She chuckled softly and ruffled little Drew’s curly hair.

“Oh, yes he can.” Her sister picked up a couple of vanilla wafers and put them with a sippy cup on the high chair tray. “Allie is back there in the playroom somewhere with her grandmother. As you know, Grandpa went into the nursing home for extensive rehab, and my mother-in-law is afraid to stay alone. So, Granny lives with us now. And—as an added bonus—she brought along her delightful little pet, Harrington. You know how much I just love an inside dog.” She rolled her eyes. “Anyway, Granny and the canine are sharing Allie’s room until we figure out what else we can do to make this work.”

“Sure sounds crowded,” Jessie commented. It was the reason she hadn’t asked Jocelyn for a place to stay—there wasn’t a square foot of extra space in that full house. “So, how’s Andrew?”

“Good, but he’s working tons of overtime. We’re trying to stockpile some cash in case his job evaporates. They’re talking lay-offs at the garage.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I hope things work out.”

The loud ding of a kitchen timer made Jessie jump and Drew giggle.

Jocelyn reached to shut it off. “Kids, the pizzas are done!” her sister practically shrieked. “Come and get it!” Then she turned to Jessie. “Sorry, it’s pretty noisy around here.”

“No problem. Life isn’t exactly quiet at the ranch either.” She’d almost surprised herself with how much she enjoyed the commotion of a happy home all full of life.

I can imagine how busy and loud Chase’s house will be as the twins get older. And if Peanut were added into the mix… A wistful sigh escaped. No sense daydreaming.

Then Jessie inhaled the wonderful smell of oven-baked tomato sauce and pepperoni as Jocelyn started cutting the pizzas. Thank goodness, she had no nausea tonight.

“Here, Jess, grab those potato chips and put them on the table. And then fill me in on what’s been happening with you. I need details, you know.”

She moved the bag of chips and began a quick session of catching up with her sibling. But the little detail she suddenly most wanted to share would have to wait for a more private moment than mealtime with her niece and nephews.

Well, Peanut, I’ll tell Aunt Jocelyn about you later. When the time is right…