Page 66 of Time for Change

Suddenly, he moves, hoisting me into the air and tossing me over his shoulder. I squeal as he takes off for the stairs, the sound of our combined laughter leading the way.

***

I knock on the door and only have to wait a second before the front door opens. BJ is smiling widely as she steps back to grant us entrance to her home. “Hello,” she says, pulling me into an unexpected hug.

“Hi,” I state, glancing around at her bright living space filled with toys and comfortable furniture. “Thanks for letting me borrow your stuff. We’ll bring it back as soon as we’re done.”

She waves off my comment. “I’m not worried about it. If we take the kids out to play in the snow, it won’t be until the weekend.”

“Okay.” Glancing back, I spot Jack standing behind me. “Oh, I’m sorry for being rude. BJ, do you know Jack?”

My sister smiles, extending her hand. “We’ve met, but on a professional level.”

Jack nods, shaking my sister’s offered hand. “I remember. How is everything working at the shop?”

“Perfect,” she replies, looking my way. “Jack and Caden installed a new furnace at the tattoo shop last winter when ours died.”

“Ahh,” I respond, not really knowing what else to say. “Well, again, thanks for helping me out. I suppose winter snow gear is something I should look into in the near future.”

“Definitely. A good pair of snow boots and pants go a long way,” BJ states. “I also threw a pair of my insulated, thick socksin the bag for you. Since it’s not super cold, you probably won’t need too many layers. Maybe one or two.”

“Okay. Thanks for the suggestions,” I say as she grabs a large shopping bag and a pair of winter snow boots. Jack takes both, leaving me twiddling my thumbs. “Umm, I’ll probably return it all tomorrow on my way to work, if that’s okay. This way, I can make sure to hang it all up and dry overnight.”

She waves her hand. “Seriously, whenever, and you can borrow it anytime you’d like. Actually, just take it to work with you Thursday or Friday and throw it in Isaac’s office. He can bring it home.”

I nod.

“Oh, are you going to Estelle’s on Sunday? Jameson told me he was going to stop by and ask you.” She glances over my shoulder and smiles coyly at Jack. “I bet big brother was shocked when he got to your apartment, and you weren’t there.”

I sigh. “Yeah, he wasn’t too thrilled with that part, but to answer your question, yes, I’ll be there.”

“Good. We’re all going too. And Garreth and Reagan will be there.”

“Yeah?” I ask, confused as to why they’d be attending.

As if catching my confusion, she quickly adds, “Reagan and Madelyn are cousins. They usually attend Sunday luncheons, so we’re added guests. You’ll get to officially meet my kids.”

“Okay.” A wave of excitement sweeps through me.

“All right, I’ve chatted with you enough. I need to head up to the shop and I’m sure you two are anxious to get to the rest of your day. I assume you’re going to the cemetery?”

When I pull a skeptical face, both Jack and BJ laugh. “She’s a little weirded out by sledding at the cemetery,” Jack says as we walk to the door.

“Don’t be. The graves are behind you. It’s not that bad,” BJ says.

“If you say so,” I mumble, pushing open the door and stepping out into the cold January day. “Thanks again.”

BJ gives me a quick hug. “Anything for you. Have fun, and I’ll see you Sunday.”

“We will. Thanks,” Jack replies, waving goodbye as he takes the boots and the bag and places them in the back seat of his truck.

When we’re both settled in the truck and have our seat belts on, he turns to me and asks, “Ready?”

I reach for his hand and slip my fingers along his before entwining them. I can’t get over how right we justfittogether. The ten-year age difference means nothing. I click with this particular older man better than I have any other I’ve dated my own age. Being with him feels good.

Right.

“Ready to go sledding with you at a cemetery? You bet I am.”

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