Page 388 of The Parkers' Handsome Holiday
"You know Kade isn't going to make it home this Christmas." Jake's father's voice was deep, commanding.
Kari wasn't sure what to think of him yet, but Jake's mother had a sweet disposition. She was a cute woman with dark hair and a big smile. She looked southern and seemed to still be smitten with Jake's dad by the way she watched him.
"I'm so disappointed that he couldn't get off for the week of Christmas at least, but I guess duty calls." She sighed and glanced down at her hands.
Jake moved over to grab their bags as Kari turned to face her. "How long has he been in the military?"
"Since he was eighteen." She looked up, pride on her pretty face. "He's going to be a lifer I'm sure."
"He's a Navy SEAL," Jake's father spoke up. "He'll be twenty-eight this spring, so he's been in for ten years. We actually thought Jake was going to join the service too."
"I'm glad he didn't." Jake's mother put her hands on her hips. "That's too much to ask of a southern woman."
"It's their duty, baby." Jake's father moved around Kari, smiling like a tomcat.
"Hush," his mother responded. "He's just looking for something to get into trouble over. You gotta watch out for these Isaac boys, Kari. They're too good to be true, so every once in a while they'll act up just to have a bit of fun."
"Trouble isn't fun." Jake moved up behind Kari and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Isn't she beautiful, Mom?"
"She is, but you just told us to stop embarrassing her." His mother gave him a look that had Kari laughing.
"Anyway..." Jake kissed Kari's cheek and released her. "Where are Clint and Landon? They home yet?"
"Yep. They both came in earlier this week. I already put them both to work." Jake's father reached out and took one of the bags.
"Sounds fun." Jake grabbed Kari's hand and they walked toward the exit.
Jake's mother moved up on the other side of her and slipped her arm into Kari's. "You guys go have fun with Jake's old friends tonight, but then you and I are going shopping tomorrow. I need to get some last minute things. Sound good?"
"I'd love to." Kari smiled, grateful for the invitation. Some alone time with Jake's mom was the best way to see if she were going to have an opportunity to build a solid relationship with her.
"You haven't finished your shopping?" Jake chuckled. "Mom. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. Since when do you not have everything bought and wrapped three weeks in advance."
"Oh, she does," Jake's father mumbled over his shoulder. "She wants to do some baking."
Jake snorted, and Kari glanced up at him, not getting the joke.
"What? I love baking. You know that." Kari watched him closely.
"Mom can't bake." He smiled like a boy caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
"He said it, baby, not me." Jake's dad lifted his hand in the air and shook his head, as if Jake were a complete scoundrel.
Jake's mom tightened her grasp on Kari and lifted her eyebrows. "Ignore them. They're just being cheeky. I can bake just fine. Well, sort of."
"Lies," Jake whispered and released Kari to hold the door for everyone.
"What did you say, Jake Martin Isaac?" His mother's eyebrow shot up.
"Martin?" Kari laughed and walked out in the chilly, but comfortable, Texas afternoon. "I like that."
"He hates it," Jake's mother whispered. "Use it sparingly."
"Or don't use it at all." Jake gave her a warning look that was meant to be comical. Too bad it was far more than that. Her hormones woke up and stretched, ready for attention.
* * *
"Where are your brothers? They don’t come to these things?" Kari sat beside Jake in an old Ford pick-up truck as they drove toward the next town over. The hayride sounded fun, but she wanted a chance to meet the rest of Jake's family before they left for the evening.
