He shook his head. “You’re probably right. I guess I just didn’t want to see how splintered our family has become. I bet that sounds really corny coming from me. After all, it’s not like I’m their parent or anything.”
“You’ve sacrificed a lot for them and they both love you so much.”
It was more than he could process right now. He glanced quickly around the kitchen. It was coming together nicely, but it wasn’t his style. He’d thought it was something Beth would enjoy. However, if Beth was never coming back, it was all for naught. But then again, it wouldn’t be right to sell the only home they’d ever known. So what did he do now?
He shoved the quandary to the back of his mind. “We can talk in the living room.”
Jillian shook her head. “I don’t want to take up any more of your time when you’re so busy. I can just grab Romeo and leave.”
“I’m done for today.” For some reason that he wasn’t prepared to explore, he didn’t want her to go. “And if you stay, it’ll give me an excuse to sit down and put my leg up.”
“Now how can I resist such a heartfelt offer?” She sent him a teasing grin.
He couldn’t help but smile back at her. She had one of those smiles that was contagious. It was the first thing he’d noticed about her, way back in elementary school. She’d been a tomboy and adventurous. And now, she was definitely no longer a tomboy. He swallowed hard.
“How about some hot chocolate to warm you up.” He had no idea where that offer came from. “And if you’re lucky, there might still be some of those little marshmallows around here that Beth always has to have in her hot chocolate.”
“Now, you’ve totally sold me. It’s been a long time since I had little marshmallows.”
“And here I thought it was the chocolate that women wanted.”
“It is, but those marshmallows are the extra treats that make each cup perfect.”
“Okay.” He moved to the outlet to unplug the saw. “Glad you filled me in on the details or I never would have known.”
“That’s because you don’t like marshmallows.”
He could feel her gaze following him around the room as he gathered his tools. The truth was he wanted her to stay because he was lonely in this house. He wasn’t used to it being so quiet.
“Would you like me to make the hot chocolate while you finish cleaning up?” she asked.
“Sure. If you don’t mind.”
In no time, his tools were picked up and the hot chocolate was made. They carried the cups into the living room where both cats sent them such innocent stares.
Marshmallow was seated on the cushion of the hunter green armchair, while Romeo looked quite comfortable on the arm of the chair. They were close, but not too close.
Avery glanced over at Jillian. A huge smile lit up her whole face. In that moment, he was certain she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever known. How had he missed it all of this time?
And then he realized he hadn’t noticed because he hadn’t been looking. He hadn’t had a normal life. He hadn’t dated like other men his age. Instead, he’d been busy raising a family. He’d been doing the science projects and mowing the grass when he wasn’t working at the Crooked S or out on the rodeo circuit. His life had been one constant motion. And now he was standing perfectly still with no place for him to rush off to. And suddenly he was seeing all of the things he’d missed in the past.
And what he’d missed was how Jillian had grown into a beautiful woman. No wonder she had a boyfriend. It was surprising she wasn’t married with a family of her own. But then again, she was focused on her career. Maybe they weren’t as different as he’d thought.
“Aww…aren’t they cute together?” Jillian said, jarring him from his thoughts. She rushed over and started to fuss over both cats.
Romeo murred as though in response to her question.
“It would appear he agrees with you.” Avery smiled.
Jillian laughed as she moved back to Romeo. She scratched under his chin. “You’re a sweetie.”
Avery just shook his head. “I think he has you wrapped around his tail.”
“Oh no. Not me.” She moved to the couch and sat down. “He’s my mother’s cat.”
“And yet you’re the one who ends up chasing him around Marietta.”
Jillian took a sip of her hot chocolate and moaned in approval. “It’s funny how that works, isn’t it?”