Page 105 of Second Time Around

“Anyway, it was empty, and I went into a pew, knelt, and prayed. First, I prayed for my mom’s recovery, and then I prayed about you.”

She felt a lump in her throat, imagining him kneeling there, scared and alone.

“I prayed that you’d forgive me if you hadn’t already and that you’d let me back into your life. I never prayed so hard in my life, even though the priest reminded us about it all the time.”

She laughed, and a tear fell at the same time.

“I’d fooled myself into believing I’d gotten over you. All those years in Chicago, I immersed myself in my job, my friends, and…”

She looked down, not wanting to hear him say Cassie.

Placing a finger under her chin, he gently lifted it. “But I never got over you, Jenna. Nothing and nobody compared, and I was tired of trying to fight it. So, if there was any blessing to my mom getting sick, this was it. It brought me back to you, and I have to say it’s even better the second time around.”

Her tears fell freely then, wetting her cheeks and his chest, but she embraced them as part of the healing process. She’d needed this, and she suspected he had too. Her tears effectively wiped the past clean and allowed her to see everything with amazing clarity. It was like cleaning a window that had been clouded with dirt and fingerprints and made everything hazy. Suddenly the world was brand new, and the possibilities were endless.

She cupped his face, and through her tears, she said, “Thank you for loving me through it all, even when I was being a pain in the you know what.”

He chuckled.

“But you don’t have to do all the work anymore. I’m ready and willing to do my part, and I promise to love you every day from here on out.”

“Sounds almost like a wedding vow,” he teased.

A few months ago, she would have flinched at the word “wedding,” but now she just smiled. “Stacy gets to go first. She’ll kill me if I try to steal her thunder.”

He laughed and pulled her closer. “Let’s not wait too long, okay?”

“I agree. We’ve waited long enough.”

Then she pressed her lips to his chest, right over his heart. That kiss led to more, and soon he was buried deep inside her for the third time that night.

Afterward, she said, “If we would have done this ten days ago, we might be in big trouble!”

“What? You’re not ready for Beck Junior?”

Her eyebrows raised. “Are you ready for Jenna Juniorette?”

“Hell no! I can hardly handle her mama.”

She laughed and nestled against him.

They were quiet for a few minutes, and she thought he might have fallen asleep.

“Someday soon, though, okay?” he whispered.

She’d tipped her head up, looked him straight in the eye, and said, “Yes.”

While she’d been lost in thought, more guests had arrived, mostly friends and co-workers of Stacy’s and Nick’s. Since the women were busy fawning over Stacy’s ring and Annie, the men had taken turns answering the door. The next time the doorbell rang, she waved Beck away and went to get it herself.

She opened the door to Beck’s parents and sister. Soon she was caught up in a flurry of hugs, kisses, and smiles as they greeted each other. She hadn’t seen his family since she and Beck had officially become a couple, but he’d already told them. Since they’d all be together tonight, she’d told her parents too. Both families were thrilled about it, but she hoped they’d keep it quiet since tonight was about Nick and Stacy.

“I’m glad you all could make it,” Jenna said.

“We wouldn’t miss it,” Barb said, looking misty-eyed.

“Mom! You promised not to cry,” Maggie scolded.

“Sorry. I’m just so happy I’m here to see this.”