Page 49 of The Rules We Broke
Aunt Lu never talked much about dating Mr. Jackson. I didn’t know if she’d ever been welcome in his home, how long they dated—or the details of their engagement.
What I did know? They both grew up here. Just like Brady and me.
“Thank you so much for inviting me,” I said. “I’m sorry I didn’t think to bring anything.”
“Nonsense,” Kendra replied quickly.
Benjamin grinned. “Brady said you weren’t much of a cook anyway.”
He looked like Brady—just older, a little grayer, maybe a little wiser. The resemblance caught me off guard. Not sure why I had never noticed before.
Kendra swatted his arm playfully. “Please excuse my husband.”
I laughed. “Honestly, it’s okay. And it’s all true.”
Kendra smiled, warm and gracious. “Well, we certainly can’t write books, and we’ve heard you’re quite the musician. None of us can carry a tune or play an instrument.”
Clearly, I’d been a topic of conversation.
It made me wonder—whatdidKendra do in the talent portion of her pageants if she didn’t sing or play? Maybe I’d find out later.
My cheeks warmed at the compliment. “We each have our own talents,” I said. “And judging by the smell from the kitchen, I’d say yours definitely lie in there.”
They welcomed me back into the kitchen and dining area. The room was dressed in warm tones—tasteful, cozy, and inviting.
“You have a beautiful home,” I said.
“Thank you,” Kendra replied.
“This may be a dangerous proposition,” I offered, “but is there anything I can help with?”
Both Kendra and Benjamin grinned.
“She can help me set the table,” Caroline chimed in, eager and proud.
I looked down at her sweet little face. “Something I’m actually good at. I’d love to help you.”
As Caroline and I set the table, Kendra asked gently about my aunt.
“She’s scheduled for angioplasty tomorrow morning at ten,” I told them. “If all goes well, she’ll be home by Tuesday.”
Kendra nodded, her expression soft with concern. Then she tilted her head slightly. “So,” she asked, “how long will you be in town?”
I glanced at Kendra. The way she asked—it wasn’t casual. She was fishing.
She was so darn nice, I hated skirting the issue. And flat-out lying wasn’t an option.
“Well,” I said, “my aunt asked me to stay through the holiday season. Well . . . more like she bribed me. So, I guess I’m here until the New Year.”
Kendra and Benjamin laughed, easy and light.
“That sounds like your aunt,” Benjamin said with a fond shake of his head.
I tilted mine. “I feel like I’ve been missing several pieces of the puzzle since I came back. How do you know my aunt? Besides the obvious.”
They both glanced at each other. Okay, this was getting weird. What was the big mystery?
Benjamin ran a hand down his face, thoughtful.
