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“I HEAR THE PLANE.” Carly moved efficiently around the kitchen, checking that everything was ready. She and Lexie had decided on a buffet-style meal served on the new deck.
“Here, you do the honours.” Lexie handed the candles to Carly, who placed them strategically in the large cake they’d decorated that morning.
“Do you think there’ll be enough cake?” Carly looked out at the crowded deck. “It looks like some of the regulars brought gifts as well, and they’re mixing in nicely with Larry’s crew and their children, and Brandon’s friends.” She turned back to Lexie. “Even Sean is here. I didn’t recognize him at first. I guess I’ve never seen him sober.”
“I hope he makes it this time,” said Lexie. “I have a feeling those kids at the Youth Centre will keep him on the straight and narrow.”
Carly was silent for a few moments, then turned to Lexie. “Are you nervous? I mean about seeing Jesse after all this time?”
“No, I...” Lexie grinned. “Yes, a bit. But you know, somehow it seems right that we’ve had these few days without talking. It’s given me time to realize what’s important.” She checked her reflection in the mirror. “You’re sure he doesn’t know I’m here?”
“As far as I know, and trust me, you look fine... same as last time you looked.”
* * *
“HOLD ON, BUD. I HAVE to tie her off.” Luc stood on the dock, bouncing up and down and looking up at the diner. Jesse secured the ropes to the mooring cleats, then followed his son up the path. Male laughter floated down from the outside deck. Today would be a double celebration of sorts – Luc’s birthday and the completion of the deck. Just a few finishing touches, such as stain, and some planters, plus of course the hummingbird feeders that Lexie had mentioned. His heart clenched at the thought of her, but he pushed ahead, determined to enjoy himself.
“It’s about time.” Larry came forward to greet them as they stepped onto the deck. “Happy Birthday, Luc.” The youngster grinned up at his Dad’s friend and ran over to where Brandon was manning the barbecue. Several tables had been shoved together to make an informal buffet, and the diner’s specialties competed for space with a stack of gifts for Luc.
Drink in hand, Jesse relaxed with Larry’s crew and watched while Luc tore the wrapping from his gifts. The guests who wanted to bring gifts had been told to make it something small, but Luc exclaimed over each and every one, and set it aside carefully. Jesse didn’t want to think about what the boy’s previous birthdays had been like; starting with today, they would be spent with people who loved him.
As the last of the gift wrapping was cleared up, Carly invited the guests to help themselves to food. There was much good-natured bantering as they lined up, and Brandon produced hamburgers at an impressive rate.
Jesse called Carly over. “I don’t see a cake,” he murmured. “Weren’t you able to get one in time?”
“Oh, yes, Sir.” She glanced toward the kitchen. “If you’d like to check it out, it’s in the kitchen.”
Lexie was loading the dishwasher when he entered the kitchen. He’d thought of her so many times over the past week he was afraid that he might be imagining her.
“Lexie?” He looked around the kitchen. “What are you doing here?”
She gave him a crooked grin. “Loading the dishwasher.” She closed the door and leaned back, her arms crossed. “How are you, Jesse?”
His eyes searched hers. “Surprised... delighted... actually, I’m afraid to open my mouth in case I say the wrong thing.”
She came toward him slowly, and just before she reached him, she chewed on her bottom lip. “Do you remember what you said to me the last time you were here?” She was so close to him now he could reach out and touch her. But he held back, assessing her mood.
“I said quite a few things,” he murmured. “Some of them even made sense. At least to me.”
Eyes glittering, she reached up and brushed the side of his face with her fingertips. Her touch was feather-light, and he thought he might die from wanting her.
“I remember one thing you said,” she whispered, sliding her fingers into his already tousled hair.
“What was that?” The words came out as a husky croak.
“You said you loved me.” She stilled. “Did you mean that, Jesse Cooper?”
He pulled her into his arms and gazed into her eyes. “I meant it then and I mean it now. I love you, Lexie Swinton. I think I always have, from the first moment I saw you.” He lowered his head, his lips hovering above hers. “There’s one complication, though. I come with a son. It’s a package deal.”
“I was hoping you’d say that,” she said. “How do you think I knew to come here?” She pulled him closer. “Now please kiss me. I think I’ve waited long enough.”
Several minutes later, they broke apart, and Larry called from the doorway. “Okay you guys, get a room.”
Lexie ignored him and looked into Jesse’s eyes. “That sounds like an excellent idea, but this is Luc’s birthday party.” She picked up the cake.
Jesse turned to the guests, an arm still around Lexie’s waist. “Okay. We’ll behave... at least for now.”
Wild applause greeted them as they rejoined the party.
Luc forked cake into his mouth. “Did you like the surprise, Dad?”
“I did,” he said. “Very much. I think we’ll take her home with us tonight.”
Luc grinned and ate another mouthful of cake.
