A Love Redeemed by Lisa Jordan

Author:Lisa Jordan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2020-06-12T13:41:40+00:00

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Tucker could get used to evenings spent around a crackling campfire with his family and listening to his kids’ laughter as they raced under a black sky scraped with stars.

Not to mention having a beautiful woman sitting next to him, tucked in one of his sweatshirts.

Bella, Tori and Claudia chatted about menus for the upcoming wedding. Tucker glanced at his brother to find Jake watching his fiancée with a grin, bringing joy to his face.

Long overdue joy.

Tucker gave Jake’s foot a little kick. “Hey, man. I wish it was bright enough to take a picture of that cheeseball grin on your face.”

“You’re just jealous of my good looks.”

“Yeah, that must be it.” Dad stood slowly and jerked his head toward the farmhouse. “You boys mind giving me a hand with the s’mores stuff?”

“Not at all, Pops.” Tucker pushed to his feet, but before he followed his dad and his brother, he turned to Bella. “I’m heading into the house. Need another drink? You warm enough?”

She pulled her attention away from Tori and Claudia and, nodding, she reached for his hand, giving it a quick squeeze. “I’m fine, thanks.”

Tucker pulled his hand away from hers reluctantly and hurried to the back deck, taking the steps two at a time.

In the kitchen, Dad and Jake leaned against the counter, arms folded and grins creasing their faces.

“What’s going on?”

“You tell us.”

“Tell you what?”

“You and Isabella seem to be hitting it off.”

“We’ve known each other since kindergarten. Of course we’re hitting it off.”

“But it’s more than that, isn’t it?”

“I don’t know, Jake. Maybe once I sort out my feelings and jot them down at my journal, I can let you read it.”

Jake held up both hands. “Whoa, man. I was just bustin’ on ya. No need to be a jerk.”

Tucker scraped a hand over his face. “Sorry.”

Dad clapped a hand on his shoulder. “You like her.”

It wasn’t a question but a statement spoken by a man who understood what it meant to lose his first love and be offered a second chance at happiness.

He nodded.

“Have you told her?”

“Not yet.”

“Why not?”

Tucker shrugged. “Timing just doesn’t feel right.”

“Maybe she thinks you see her only as a friend.”

“Well, that’s partially true—she is my friend. When you started dating Claudia, did you feel like you were cheating on Mom?”

Dad pulled out a chair, the wood scraping against the ceramic tile, and straddled it.

“No. Your mother is gone, and nothing is going to bring her back. She was the light of my life, and I’ll always cherish the memories we made together, but I can’t live in the past. Neither can you. You’ll know when it’s time to pocket the memories you’ve made and move forward.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“You’re welcome.” Dad handed the boxes of graham crackers to Jake and tossed the marshmallows to Tucker. He grabbed the basket with chocolate bars and peanut butter cups and headed out the door.

“How many men does it take to carry out stuff for s’mores?” Claudia teased as she took the basket from Dad.

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