One Day in Apple Grove(96)

Pulling into his driveway, he realized that he needed to ask Cait…soon. He didn’t want to wait.





Chapter 19




Honey B. and Mitch renewed their pledge to one another beneath the gazebo in the town square. Wild roses, morning glories, and honeysuckle spilled out of flower pots, surrounding the couple with color and scent. While family, friends, and neighbors watched, Honey B. smiled radiantly at Mitch as if the rest of those gathered were invisible. The couple only had eyes for one another, until little Mitch escaped from his grandmother’s grasp and ran up the steps to the gazebo. His dad lifted him up and held him close.

Caitlin watched the couple and their young son, and knew that was what she wanted with Jack—the love, the family. She had never thought about having a wedding—eloping had always been her plan—but sitting beside Jack, she realized she wanted to stand before family and friends like this, wanted to celebrate the love she had for Jack, wanted everyone to know. He had become her best friend, her lover, everything.

But how could she hint that she was ready to move in that direction when they hadn’t even talked about where their relationship was headed? He’d told his parents Cait was all but living with him but hadn’t spoken about more than that.

When she shifted, Jack’s arm went around her, steadying her. “Are you all right?”

The concern in his voice eased through some of the worry in her heart. “Mmm,” she murmured.

“You may now kiss Honey B.,” Reverend Smith was saying, calling Cait’s attention back to what mattered. This day had been a long time coming.

Amidst the laughter, champagne, and electric blue cake, Cait wondered how soon she could broach the subject with Jack. He’d been through so much the day before, she knew she’d have to wait…not to push too hard, too soon. They had plenty of time. Why rush, just because she’d figured out what she wanted out of life—Jack Gannon.

While Jack was chatting with Mitch, she confided her worry to Peggy in between mingling. “How am I going to get him to ask me?”

“Why can’t you ask him?” Peggy wanted to know.

Before she could answer, Jack walked over. “Dance with me, Cait.” With Jack’s hand warm around her own, she let him lead her onto the wooden platform.

They danced to two slow songs and then a bunch of fast ones. Her head was spinning from the dancing and a bit too much champagne. “I need to sit down.”

Jack led her to a folding chair and told her to relax.

“Could you please get me a glass of water?”

“Sure thing,” he said, jogging off to find some.

“He’s head over heels in love with you, Sis.”

“How do you know, Meg?”

Her sister just smiled. “I’ve known Jack for years. Don’t worry. I have a feeling he’ll ask you soon.”

“It’s hard to be patient.” Cait sighed and Meg patted her hand. “I guess if have to, I will.”

“He’s a good man, Cait. Give him a chance to figure out that you’re the best thing that will ever happen to him and pop the question.”

“How did you know what I was thinking?”

Meg laughed. “Been there, done that. Remember that he loves you when you’re thinking you might want to push ahead when he’s really not ready.”

“Hmm,” Cait said. “I should probably take your advice.”

“For once in your life.” Meg laughed.

“Hey, Meg.” Jack handed Cait a glass of water. “Can I get you a drink?”

“No thanks,” Meg said. “Dan’s getting me one and then he’s promised to dance with me.”

“If you leave before me, Meg,” Cait said, “give Dan a kiss from me.”

Her sister smiled and walked over to where her husband was dancing with his aunt.

“They’re so happy,” Jack said.

“I wasn’t sure it would work at first, but you’re right—they are happy. It shows.”

“Marriage is a big step,” Jack was saying when his cell phone vibrated in his jacket pocket. “Excuse me.” He was looking at Caitlin when he said, “I’ll be right there.”

“What’s wrong?”

“One of the Jenkins boys fell off the ladder to the water tower.”

With a glance around, Cait made a decision that would change her life. “Let me go with you. I might be able to help.”

Jack nodded. “Come on. I’ve got my bag in my Jeep.”

Mitch must have received a call too because he was frowning down at Honey B., who stood with their little one perched on her hip. “Why can’t you just let Deputy Jones handle this without you?”