Page 14 of One Hundred Merry Memories

Jackson had always been the gentlemanly type, a trait that earned him his fair share of teasing back in high school. The boys would nudge him, chuckling, "With a last name like Knight, you were destined to play the chivalrous role, weren't you?" But today, as he held his sturdy old Ford door open for Amanda, his manners transcended mere habit. It was an act that bore an undercurrent of something deeper, something that made his heart race a touch faster and his palms damp.

Each time his hand met hers, even in the briefest of touches, it was as though he could feel an energy passing between them, a silent communication that made his skin tingle.

His senses heightened when she was around. He could detect a faint flower fragrance that made him think of springtime and fresh beginnings. Her appreciative smile, and the way her eyes lit up, added an unspoken layer of connection that Jackson found himself unexpectedly responsive to. It was as if these small moments of contact were quietly weaving a bond between them, drawing him into her orbit.

His last name, Knight, had always carried a mantle of old-world courtesy and chivalry that he wore with pride, but in the presence of Amanda, it took on a higher calling. Unbeknownst to him, when Doc asked him to check on her, a newfound sense of protectiveness, the desire to make her smile, and the need to ensure her comfort surged within him. These unfamiliar yet not unwelcome feelings tugged at his heart, forging a connection that went beyond the bounds of duty.

"Your chariot awaits," he said as she approached.

She laughed. "Thank you, kind sir."

She moved to climb into the truck, her delicate hand reaching for the handle. Jackson reached out to assist her. Her hand was soft against his calloused one, but that same energy bypassed his toughened skin.

She looked up, and her warm brown eyes met his. In that fleeting moment, the world around them faded into insignificance, leaving only the magnetic pull between them. Yet, the pull of reality nudged him back to the present. He blinked, reluctantly releasing her hand, and took a step back with a sheepish smile. "Just channeling my inner 'Knight,’" he joked, attempting to dissipate the tingling sensation that coursed through his entire being, from his toes to the tips of his hair. "Chivalry seems to come bundled with the name."

Rounding the truck and climbing into the driver's seat, he put the key in the ignition and turned it, the familiar rumble of the engine offering a sense of normalcy to the unusual fluttering in his stomach. He stole a glance at her as they pulled out of the driveway.

She looked at the passing scenery, a soft smile gracing her lips. "It's so pretty."

He nodded. "It certainly is." But he wasn't talking about the forest.

Jackson refocused on the road ahead, but the memory of the spark between them lingered. They were just friends, he reminded himself. Friends and nothing more. As they drove down the road to town, he decided he would keep it that way. After all, he was there to help her settle down, not unsettle his emotions.

Jackson pulled his truck into an empty parking spot on Main Street. The small-town diner was a familiar spot, its comfort food and warm atmosphere providing a sense of homeyness he hoped Amanda would appreciate.

They stepped out of the truck, the cool air differing from the truck's heated interior. Amanda pulled her coat tighter as she followed him toward the diner's entrance. The comforting smell of burgers and brewing coffee wafted out as he held the door open for her.

"Maisey's Diner," he announced, gesturing grandly toward the bustling eatery. "Best grub in all of Aspen Cove."

She laughed. "It’s the only grub, right?"

"Not true. B's Bakery and The Corner Store are here. And Dalton has a take-and-bake place in The Guild Creative Center."

"Wow, that almost compares to the offering of downtown Chicago."

“What Aspen Cove doesn’t offer in amenities it makes up for in charm.”

“I think you’re right.”

Inside, the diner was alive with chatter and the clinking of cutlery against plates. The checkered floor, vintage photos, and the warm glow from the jukebox in the corner added to the nostalgia and comfort. Jackson's favorite part was the motorcycle on display. It hung from the ceiling like it was waiting for someone to jump on and take it for a ride.

He pointed ahead. "That's Maisey."

Maisey, the diner's owner, was a woman whose personality was as vibrant as the colorful cherry-adorned apron she wore. Her eyes lit up as she spotted them, and she hurried over, her warm smile matching the twinkle in her eyes.

"Jackson! And you must be Amanda," Maisey greeted, wrapping Amanda in a friendly hug as if they'd known each other for years. "Welcome to Aspen Cove!"

Amanda looked taken aback for a moment but then relaxed into the hug, returning it with a laugh. "Thank you, Maisey. It's lovely to meet you," she replied. "Jackson has told me so much about your famous pies."

Maisey led them to an empty booth, and they took a seat. "Speaking of pies, do you want to hear a pie joke?"

"I love a good joke,” Amanda said.

Maisey laughed. "Can't guarantee it's good, but here goes." She cleared her throat. "Why did the pie go to a dentist?"

Amanda shook her head. "I don't know. Why?"

"Because it needed a filling." Maisey delivered the punchline, laughing heartily at her joke. Her laugh was infectious, causing Amanda and Jackson to chuckle along.

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