Sometimes When We Kiss by Linda Goodnight

Author:Linda Goodnight
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

The weeks following the clinic were a wonderful, anxiety-ridden time for Shannon. Every time Jackson looked at her or touched her, she let herself believe their marriage was real. Even knowing the danger of that game, she was amazed at her capacity for self-delusion. Jackson may not ever be a real husband, but loving him had brought out a domestic side she hadn’t known existed.

Jackson’s aunt Bonnie, her narrow face flushed, handed a bowl of steaming vegetables to Shannon. “I sure hope you don’t mind me takin’ over your kitchen this way.”

“Mind? I’m grateful.” Shannon slid the creamed peas onto a table already laden with homemade biscuits, roasted potatoes and a succulent pot roast. “Do you know how many years Granddad and I have tried to cook for each other? And now poor Jackson has to eat our cooking, too? Having a real cook in here is a treat. I’m sure your nephew will agree.”

From the adjacent living room came Gus’s laughter and the rumble of Jackson’s voice. Shannon ached with love for the two most important men in her life.

“Well,” Bonnie said, oblivious to Shannon’s thoughts. “I’ve been promising to make Gus my special chocolate turtle cake for a month, and he finally insisted I get on with it before one of us died.” With a cheery laugh, the spry little woman bustled around the kitchen like a twenty-year-old. “Isn’t that just like him to say something so silly?”

Shannon turned from setting out the plates, affection for her grandfather’s lady friend strong. “You’ve been good for him, Bonnie.”

“I was so worried you’d be upset about us seeing each other, me being so much older than him and all.”

Shannon stifled a laugh. At seventy-four Bonnie had more energy than Gus had ever had. “You’ve put a spring back in his step.”

“Oh, go on with you.” Bending over the stove, Bonnie slid a dark cake from the oven. The rich scent of chocolate filled the air. “I think we’re ready. Tell those two to wash up.”

After they’d gathered around the table and Gus had offered grace, dinner conversation flowed.

“Bonnie,” Gus said. “This is the finest meal I’ve had since the last time I ate at your house.”

Bonnie flushed a becoming pink. “That was yesterday, you goose.”

Grinning, Gus winked at Jackson. “I like it when she blushes. Cute as a button, ain’t she?”

Jackson and Shannon exchanged knowing glances. Sparks were definitely flying between the older couple. Shannon had to admit she was glad. Gus was happier and seemed to feel better ever since that first dinner Bonnie had prepared for all of them shortly after Jackson had returned to Rattlesnake.

Who would have thought that a jar of sweet pickles and a single meal would lead to this? She, Shannon the commitment shy, head over heels in love with a man she would have run over with a truck a few months ago. Now, just looking at his darkly handsome face and snapping black eyes made her insides go wild.

Dimples dancing mischievously, Jackson leaned over to murmur in her ear.

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