One Day in Apple Grove(76)

“That’s how you know it will work, dear.”

Bending down, she nabbed the water bottle she always had on the job and drank down the rest of it. At least it cut the taste lingering in her mouth. “What’s in there?”

“Herbs and things.”

“Yuck.”

“Oh, but you should see the fire in your eyes right now, dear. Old Doc Gannon’s tonic always did work quickly.”

Cait shook her head and cleaned up her tools. Saying good-bye to Miss Trudi, she loaded up the truck and headed off to the next job on her list.

It was hard realizing that she didn’t have to stop off at Jack’s to take care of Jamie. Wondering how the little guy was doing, she decided she’d shoot off a text to Rhonda when she stopped at the shop to pick up supplies.

Rhonda didn’t have anything concrete, but she did uncover the fact that Ms. Blackwell came from a prominent Columbus family.

“Guess she didn’t earn that car she drove…probably a gift from Daddy.”

Gathering the tools and supplies she’d need for the afternoon, she was surprised, then pleased to see a text from Jack: Dinner at my place? I’m buying.

She sent off her acceptance and focused on the next few jobs, so she could finish up on time and head on over to the place that was rapidly beginning to feel like home. If only she could find something wrong with Ms. Blackwell, she could tell the sheriff and have him go after her, so she could bring Jamie home where he belonged.

Exhausted, dirty, and beyond hungry, Cait called Jack to tell him she’d be later than expected. When he answered, she found herself smiling. “Hey, it’s me. I’m on my way home to get cleaned up…I am icky dirty.”

“What’s wrong with my shower?”

“I didn’t want to you to think I was taking advantage—”

“Cait,” he interrupted. “Don’t go home, come here…I need to see you here in the middle of my stuff. I want you in my shower. I’ve got something to tell you when you get here. OK?”

She blew out a breath and pulled a careful K-turn on Cherry Valley so she could get back on Eden Church Road. “I just turned around. I’m headed your way.”

“Good,” he said softly before saying good-bye.

Lighter in heart, she pulled into Jack’s driveway. She felt a hitch when she didn’t see Jamie’s little black fuzzy face at the window, but the welcome on Jack’s face when he opened the door and pulled her into his arms more than made up for it.

He kissed her soundly and then pushed her through the kitchen. “Hurry back.”

She put on the brakes. “But I just got here!”

He kissed her cheek and grinned. “You’re right, you are icky dirty.”

“Why you—”

“Save it for when you’re clean. I plan on getting you dirty all over again.”

With that promise held close to her heart, she dashed upstairs, stripped, and turned the spigot to scalding. As she scrubbed away the dirt and stress of the day, she realized there was no point in holding back what was in her heart—she had to tell him how she felt.

All problems—Jamie and PTSD aside—she needed Jack, wanted to be with Jack. Loved Jack. She had to tell him.

Squeaky clean, hair loose—since it was too wet to braid—Caitlin paused in the doorway to the kitchen. Jack was standing there looking down at the dog toy in his hand. She went to him and wrapped her arms around him, holding tight.

“I miss him so much it hurts.”

“I know you do,” she said. “I do too.”

“I didn’t even know how badly I needed a dog…”

“Not just any dog,” she told him. “Jamie.”

“Yeah.” He turned around, so that they were face to face. “I almost blew it last night and pushed you out of my life.”

She nodded. “I almost let you.”

“I can’t lose you too, Cait. I love you.”

“Thank God I’m not in this alone,” she said.

His lips found hers and kissed her softly, sweetly, reverently. “Say it, Cait.”

“It,” she teased.

He growled—actually growled—at her.

Knowing he needed to hear the words, she gave them to him. “I love you, Jack Gannon.” Letting her hands roam his shoulders and his upper back, she reveled in the strength there. Contentment filled her. As long as they could talk to one another and took the time, they could work anything out.

When he pulled back, she lifted up on her toes and pressed a swift kiss to his mouth. “Are you going to feed me soon?”

His laughter was music to her soul.

“I’ve got this really great recipe for marinated steak.”