Page 87 of Forever Fickle

Karen’s eyes widened as she laughed in disbelief at Jace’s audible groan and eyeroll. If he hadn’t asked her to marry him already, his sister would have just let the ‘cat out of the bag’.

“Jana!” Jace growled, laughingly.

“What? I’m not blind, you know? I saw the ring… we’re good,” Jana laughed, hugging Karen again. “Besides, Iknowyou, Jace! You never could wait for Christmas morning, which is why the big baby always got his way, opening our gifts on Christmas Eve.”

“Hey!” Jace balked – and Karen laughed at the irritation on his face.

“Enough you two,” Lindsey said, joining them. “Jim, get your son and I’ll get Jana… separate the two of them before they start fighting.”

“Just like old times, eh Linds…”

“Some things never change,” his mother said tenderly, pulling Karen into a loving hug. “And welcome, Karen. Jana was right, we do hug a lot in this family – and we are so happy to finally meet you.”

Jim walked over, patting Karen on the back.

“It’s so nice to meet you – and we’re both glad you are here with our boy.”

Karen felt herself smiling, as she looked up from where Lindsey was hugging her, shaking her around slightly as if to emphasize the hug, and both Jana and Jace were standing there nearby. The two of them looked so similar, yet so different… and that stance.

Yep – very competitive, yet loving.

This was a warm, close family – reminding her of her own in ways. While they weren’t ‘huggers’ as Jana labeled them, they were quietly supportive and questioning, while still being close. Her brother might annoy her to no end and her sister might be a know-it-all… but they were her siblings, her blood, her family… and she wouldn’t trade any of them for the world.

She understood why Jace wanted her to meet his family – because family meant the world to him, too.

“I love you,” Jace said in that moment, meeting her eyes, before she could say anything. His sister made kissy noises and mocked her brother, just before Lindsey or Jim could stop her… causing Karen to smile.

“I love you, too,” she replied, looking over his mother’s shoulder – because she was still hugging her, happily.

“Ma,” Jace chuckled. “Can we get Karen inside? I’m sure she’s cold and tired from her trip.”

“Oh! Oh yes, of course,” Lindsey laughed, backing away sheepishly. “I’m just so glad to meet the woman that won my boy’s heart. C’mon honey, let’s get you some tea or cocoa. Jim has a fire going in the hearth and we’ve got your room ready. Jace, can you put Karen’s things in the guest room at the end of the hallway? She’ll have her own bathroom then and a little privacy.”

“Perfect. Will do.”

“Andyourthings go inyourroom…” Jana taunted, elbowing Jace.

“I know that already, twerp…” Jace frowned at his sister in irritation, causing everyone to smile as they started to move towards the front door. Karen looked over her shoulder towards Jace helplessly as Lindsey and Jim pulled her along.

Jace smiled from the car, getting out their things, and raised a hand in acknowledgement. He looked so happy, so proud in that moment, and she knew he was thrilled that she was being drawn right into the fold.

Karen was ushered into the house, pulled in two different directions as Jana tugged her towards the living room – and Lindsey pulled her towards the kitchen. Jim had disappeared somewhere… and her eyes were taking in everything around her.

It was all a little overwhelming, yet wonderful, at once.

The kitchen was filled with wooden cabinets, a butcher block countertop, and a massive soapstone sink that made Karen do a doubletake, comparing it to her own tiny stainless-steel sink at her condo she rented.

The stove was impressive – and she realized that was why Jace loved to cook. He got that from how he was raised, realizing that making food and putting thought or care into it was one of his ‘love languages’… which is why he’d asked for her to come here during Thanksgiving. He wanted her here, sharing in this, so she understood or could see them in action.

His mother put the kettle on one of the burners as Jana pulled her towards the garden room where a formal table was set up. There was a strange looking chandelier above the table that looked like something you would see in a gothic movie instead of matching the colonial theme of the house. It was long, narrow, and lined with candles… yet breathtaking in its simplicity.

Jana flipped the switch, causing the candles to illuminate at once, making Karen realize they were fake. They also revealed that particular switch was connected to the outdoor lights.

She could see a path illuminated out the window, in the distance, towards a small alcove in the distance. It was all so warm, so romantic, and homey… that she was touched.

“So… my brother, huh?” Jana grinned, taking a seat, and folding her hands together on the table as she peered at Karen. “How’d you meet the dork? Any why even give him a chance? I mean, I like the guy, but seriously he can be annoying.”

“I… uh, picked him up at the airport when he flew in. We have mutual friends and just happened to meet,” Karen said evasively as a box full of different tea bag flavors was put on the table, an arm appearing over her shoulder.

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