Page 65 of Time for Change

“I can drive myself,” I tell him, though, as expected, it falls on deaf ears.

“We’ll be there at quarter till.” He pauses for a moment before asking, “You’ll be at your place, right? Not still at yourfriend’s?”

I snort a giggle. “No, I’ll be at my place, but thanks for asking.”

He sighs. “Fine. See you Sunday, if not before. I’m working Friday night.”

“Me too,” I reply, excited to know I’ll be working at the restaurant at the same time as my brother.

“I know. Later.” He hangs up before I can reply, so I set the phone back down on the counter and reach for my fork.

“Everything all right?” Jack asks.

I glance his way, noticing he’s already finished his breakfast. “Yeah. He stopped by and was concerned when I wasn’t there. He wanted to invite me to a family luncheon on Sunday so I can get to know everyone a little better.”

“Yeah?” he replies, smiling at me, but even though I’m excited, a wave of nervousness hits me hard. Jack must sense it, because he reaches over and squeezes my hand. “Don’t be nervous. They’re all going to love you.”

I exhale. “I hope so. I’ve wanted family for so long, I’m almost afraid to reach out and touch it, just in case it’s not real.”

Jack stands up and spins my stool so I’m facing him. He places his hands on the sides of my head and bends down to kiss me. “They’re going to love you. Promise. They’d be fools not to, Sweets.” His words are so soft, so gentle, so reassuring, and I can’t help but reach out and grab on to the hope they bring. He presses his lips to mine once more before standing up. “Finish eating, and we’ll get ready to go.”

Taking another big bite, I chew and swallow before asking, “What am I going to wear? I don’t have any real snow clothes.”

He collects his dirty dishes and carries them to the sink. “Hmm, nothing? Snow boots? I have an extra pair of bibs I use for work, but they’ll probably be pretty big on you.”

I shake my head. “I’ve never had a reason to need anything besides coat, gloves, and a scarf.” Then an idea hits me. “Wait, I might know where to get some stuff.”

I reach for my phone and start typing. I don’t know BJ too well, but she’s about my size and she seems like the type who would have everything you’d need to play outside in the snow. Not ten seconds after I click send does my phone chime with a reply.

BJ:Of course! I have everything you’d need. What size of shoe do you wear?

Me: 7

BJ:Perfect! I have 8s which will give you extra room for warm socks.

Me:You’re the best, BJ. Thank you.

BJ:What are big sisters for? Are you going to stop by and pick it up? I leave for work at noon.

Me:We’ll be there by eleven thirty.

BJ:We? I take it things are going well with you and that delicious Jack Harper? *insert evil grin emoji*

A blush creeps up my neck as I read her response.

Me:Do I want to know how you’ve heard about me and Jack?

BJ:It’s a small town, sister. You’ll get used to it.

Me:I guess. Anyway, I’ll let you go. See you soon.

BJ:Can’t wait!

I set my phone down and meet Jack’s gaze. “BJ has stuff for me to wear. We just have to pick it up at eleven thirty.”

He glances at his watch. “Not a problem. We have just enough time for a shower.” He grins widely and waggles his eyebrows suggestively. “Together.”

Returning his smile, I take my now-empty plate to the sink and slip my arms around his waist. “I like the way you think.”

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