Chapter Three
Jesse’s floorplan was identical to my childhood beach home, as were all thirteen houses on this final stretch of road, however his spare room was more lavish than some hotel rooms I’d stayed in. There was a gorgeous four-poster bed against the outside wall, a beautiful antique dresser, and a large wardrobe. The only thing throwing off the relaxing vibe of the space was a playpen, folded and tucked off to the side.
“Everything is empty, so please make yourself at home.” Jesse leaned against the doorframe. “Unfortunately, it’s a shared bathroom, but give me a few minutes to tidy it up, and it’ll be fit for a lady.”
Beforehe left with a wink and a spring in his step, I cleared my throat. “Thank you. For putting me up and all.”
“Nah, don’t worry about it.” He eyed the crib in the corner. “It’s for when my sister visits. My niece is only a few months old, and boy-oh-boy, can she howl.”
Something I’d love to experience. After seven years of trying to have a baby, it looked more and more like my reality was a childless future. Rather than dump that on Jesse, I focused on the suitcases at his feet. “Is she coming for Christmas?”
“Not this year. My brother-in-law got agreat job offer in Texas, so they are already down there house hunting.”
“Wow. At least it’s warm there.”
He shrugged, but his expression remained impassive. “It is what it is.” He backed away from the door. “I’ll let you settle in.”
“Lily wants me to come over for a drink. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind if you joined us?” It was rude of me to invite him without asking, but mysister loved entertaining, and I was sure another person wouldn’t bother her in the least. Especially not a neighbour they hung out with previously.
“After the day I’ve had, that would be nice. Let me go clean the bathroom first.”
“Sure, thanks.”
My gaze lingered on him a little longer than it should’ve as he walked away, but it was impossible to tear my eyes away. Once he removed his ball cap and jean jacket, there was no denying the strong body stretching out the white cotton tee, and a firm ass moving perfectly under his jeans. A full head of sandy blond hair sat squished down and in dire need of a solid fluffing, but yet, it gave him an unexpected charm. He was completely different than my husband.
My soon to be ex-husband.
With a nip in the air,Jesse wore his jean jacket, and I huddled into my thick wool coat. I’d forgotten just how much cooler Cheshire Bay was in winter, and how different the ocean air was here than back home in Vancouver. Here it had a fresh crisp scent, the kind to relax your soul and not have you hold your breath.
We dashed past thedarkened windows of the Martin residence, the elderly couple who rented out the home to a variety of guests – all family from their children through the generations to their great-grandchildren. Jesse laughed and stated how hard it was to keep them all straight, because there was always someone there. Except over the holidays, apparently.
We walked up the short sidewalk to Eric’s and knocked on the door. Prior to catching up with himwhen they’d visit me in Vancouver, it had been years since I’d talked with Eric and his brother, Landon, and both had grown from my memory’s recollection of awkward and gangly, into strong and handsome men. At least Eric had. I hadn’t yet run into Landon, although I expected to see him before the wedding.
I stood on the landing and knockedagain, while Jesse hung back a step below.
Lily opened the door with a giant smile on her face. “Come on in, guys.”
I wasn’t two steps in when she embraced me. It still caught me off guard as there’d been so many years when she had avoided me, but regardless, I hugged my little sister back until she broke away.
“Come in, come in.”
The short strip of hallway led into a decent sized open floorplan of a living room and kitchen. It wasalso the mirror image to our beach house – well, Lily’s now – and it flipped me around. Still, it was homey and inviting in muted shades of greens and taupes, high bar stools, and couches soft and comfortable for sleeping on.
Eric came down the stairs, coming up behind us. “Hey, guys. What can I get you to drink?”
“SomethingChristmasy,” Jesse answered before I had a chance to think.
Eric rubbed his chin and walked into the kitchen while Lily led me over to the couch.
“I’m really thrilled you came. Bummer you had to come alone.”
I swallowed. “Yeah. Charlie went toDebbie and Doug’s.” His parents.
They were probably celebrating quite merrily, especially since I wasn’t there. Debbie always hated me, and I could never figure out why, but I assumed it wasbecause I couldn’t give her only son a child.
“Over Christmas?”
“That wasthe plan.”