Who I Am with You by Robin Lee Hatcher

Author:Robin Lee Hatcher
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2018-12-04T16:00:00+00:00

“And you.” Jessica’s mom shook his hand, questions in her eyes. He couldn’t tell if it was because she’d recognized his name from the news or because she was simply curious about the man staying next door to her daughter. Funny thing was he didn’t really care anymore, and that was unexpected.

Jessica said, “We were having a glass of iced tea. Would you like to join us?”

“Sure.” He grinned. After all, he’d hoped for that kind of invitation. “If I wouldn’t be intruding.”

Jessica tipped her head toward the kitchen. “Come on inside.”

It had been a long twelve days, making himself stay out of her way. He’d seen her on Sundays, of course. In fact, she’d ridden with him in his car to church. But they’d come straight back after the services so she could get in a few hours of work in the afternoons.

“Sugar or lemon or both?” Jessica poured tea into a glass.

“Lemon would be good.”

Jessica turned from the counter, the glass in one hand. His heart hiccupped in his chest. She looked adorable in her coral-colored leggings, loose-flowing cotton top, and bare feet. And the sight of her made him realize he’d missed her even more than he’d thought.

Pat said, “Let’s take our drinks into the living room where we’ll be more comfortable.” The older woman reached for the two glasses on the table, but he intercepted her.

“Allow me.”

It wasn’t long before they were all settled in the living room, each with their own beverage.

“When did you move in next door, Mr. Chesterfield?”

“Call me Ridley. Please. And the answer is about a month ago.” Pat sent her daughter a glance. “That long.” Looking at him again, she added, “I’m relieved to know Jessica has a neighbor at last. I hated her being out here alone all of these months.”

“Mom,” Jessica said softly.

“Well, I can’t help it. I like knowing there is someone nearby, in case there’s an emergency.”

“Anything she needs, Mrs. Alexander, all she has to do is ask.”

“Mom, Ridley didn’t buy the house next door. It belongs to his parents. He’s only there for the summer.” Jessica glanced at him.

Funny, how tempted he was to say that it wasn’t true he was only there for the summer. Only it was true. Eventually he would have to go looking for a job. Eventually he would have to leave the peace and anonymity he enjoyed in this remote mountain community. He had a house of his own in Boise. He had a life there too. Or at least he used to. In fact, he’d spent the last week giving serious thought to what he wanted to do next in terms of a career. His gut told him that what he’d been through in recent months would influence his decision. He just didn’t know what that meant yet.

Pat set her glass on a coaster on the coffee table, drawing him from his thoughts. “When do you expect your parents to move in?”

“Not for a number of years. They plan to vacation here in the summers until they retire.

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