Page 9 of Letters From Home

He pulled the card out of the mailbox and handed it to her, making her heart flutter. She shouldn’t find simple gestures like this attractive, but Jessica couldn’t help herself. No one had tried to make her feel special in a long time.

Jessica opened the envelope. She had promised herself to take things slow with Nick, but couldn’t stop the smile that grew on her face. Nick hadn’t just dropped off a cute note this time—he’d delivered an invitation to join him for ice cream after dinner tonight.

Tears threatened to fall from Jessica’s eyes as she re-read the message. His sweet letters made her feel like Sunset Cove was really her home again—not just a soft landing place to live with Jack, but a place to build a real future.

Would that future include Nick? She hoped so.

Jessica looked at the card again, then waved it thoughtfully in the air. It was time to figure out how serious Nick was about his commitment. Was he looking for one date, or committing to both her and Jack?

She said a silent prayer that Nick wanted something more long-term. “You’re persistent. But maybe I don’t want ice cream. Maybe I want dinner, and dessert, and a family game night afterward.” She raised her chin, daring him to argue with her.“Are you looking for two scoops of ice cream, or something more? I’ve got a little boy upstairs to think about.”

Nick stepped forward and reached for her hand, sending a thrill of excitement through Jessica. “The ice cream’s only a start,” he promised. “I would never hurt Jack by walking away. I don’t want to push you too hard, but I’m all in.”

Jessica squeezed his hand, closing her eyes for a moment as she pictured the two of them together. Days spent by the tidepools, and nights in the home they’d built together.

There was plenty of time to make plans for the future, though. No reason to rush so far ahead. “You know, this old house still needs work after the windows are done. I’m thinking of remodeling Jack’s room. Fresh paint, maybe re-finish his floors. If you’re willing to help.”

Nick looked at the house thoughtfully and nodded. “I think he’d like light blue walls. A wide windowsill to put shells on. That’s the kind of room I had when I was a little boy.”

Jessica wrapped her arms around herself, chewing on her lower lip. “I loved growing up here. I’m glad we came back, even though it was a big change.”

“Where did you go in high school?” Nick asked, then backtracked. “If you don’t mind talking about it. It’s none of my business.”

But Jessica smiled and shook her head. “It’s not a secret. I lived with my aunt for a few years, on a Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania. My parents were supportive, but they couldn’t help as much as they wanted to. My aunt showed me how to take care of Jack and got me back on my feet. I worked on the farm. Over the years, I saved enough money for a small down payment on a house.”

Nick’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “What was it like, living on a farm?”

“It was fun. The mountains are beautiful. And Jack could always find a new adventure on the farm.” Jessica’s smile stretched from ear to ear. “It was a great place to find myself. But as I got more comfortable as a parent and had some financial independence, I knew it was time to leave.”

“To come home,” Nick said.

“Home,” she echoed softly. “My home is wherever Jack is. But I think this will be a good place for Jack.”

Nick nodded and squeezed her hand again. “It’s a great place for Jack. I hope you’ll stay. And I hope you’ll give me a chance. Like I said, I’m not leaving. Not unless you tell me to go away.”

Jessica waved the card in her free hand and smiled. “Let’s start with ice cream tonight. I'm glad you’re ready for more, though. I’m sorry I took so long to trust you.”

Nick let out a shaky laugh. “You’ve only been home a few weeks, but it feels like we’ve spent a lifetime together. You can set the pace. I’ll be waiting for you.”

“It feels like forever, doesn’t it? Hold that thought, though.” Jessica took a step backward, toward the house. “I’ve got to check on Jack. He might wake up soon, and I don’t like leaving him alone while your tools are here.” She leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Nick’s cheek. “You can give him the invitation for ice cream.”

Chapter six

Nick

Nick stuck his handsinside his coat pockets and grinned. He stared at the house as Jessica walked inside, wondering how he had gotten so lucky. He’d fallen head over heals for Jessica. Her boy had captured his heart in just a few days, too.

Sometimes it took years to see the wisdom of God’s timing. If Nick had dated Jessica in high school, they wouldn't be here now. And they certainly wouldn’t have Jack.

Nick glanced around the yard again, seeing it with fresh eyes. It was the perfect place to raise a family. Would he get to watch Jack grow up? To help Jack pick out paint colors for his room, and design a nursery for another baby?

He hoped so. He could move slowly if that’s what Jessica wanted, but Nick planned to be here for it all.

He vowed again to find a tire swing for the largest tree. They’d need to wait until spring to hang it, but Jack would love having a swing in his yard. That wasn’t rushing things, was it? The boy needed a place to burn off energy.

He squinted at the house again. A flash of orange drew his attention to the window by the tree. Something didn't seem right.

Nick’s heart beat in double-time as he heard Jessica’s scream. The orange splash of color was Jack’s sweater—the four-year-old had climbed out the upstairs window, and was now inching his way across the largest tree branch.

---