Jane's Gift (Lone Pine Lake 1)

“I know, I know. Make me feel guilty, why dontcha? The boys have been harassing me daily. Mac is going to help me get one later. Maybe if they’re lucky we’ll decorate it, too. Are you seeing Chris tonight?”

Jane marveled at her sister’s smooth subject changing. “No, he’s working. I think I’m going to stop by the station on my way home, though. Bring him lunch.”

“Aw, you two are cute. Don’t worry about everything so much, Jane. The children will come around, especially when they see how happy Chris makes you.”

Easy for her sister to say. “You want to run down into Sacramento later this week? Maybe in the afternoon so we can have Mom watch the kids? The stores are only getting more and more crowded.”

“Pushy girl.” Mindy shook her head. “Yeah, let’s do it. Throw the kids at Mom and make our escape. You sure I won’t cut into your time with Chris?”

Jane rolled her eyes. “Family comes first, Mind. You know this.”

“Uh huh. And you’re crazy.”

Jane completely agreed.

…

“What are you looking at?”

Chris immediately shut down the jewelry store’s website window he’d been checking out, embarrassment making him move fast. “Nothing. Just doing a little Christmas shopping.”

Eric, Chris’s second in command, had stopped by the station to pick up his paycheck. “Who the hell are you Christmas shopping for? Not like you ever mention any family.”

Chris smarted at that remark, but Eric was speaking the truth. “A friend, not like it’s any of your business. I do happen to have friends.”

“Ah, right, I’m an idiot. You looking for something for Jane Clark?” Eric wagged his brows at him.

Chris rolled his eyes, trying to brush this one off. “Yeah, well, maybe. I don’t really know what to get her.” That was the truth. But he knew this much—it was definitely going to be a piece of jewelry. And he wasn’t talking about a cheap pair of earrings, either.

Something special, something significant showing how he felt, since he couldn’t spit out the words and tell her. He was too nervous to admit hi

s feelings, so he kept quiet instead.

It was slowly eating him up inside.

“Chicks dig jewelry.” It was as if Eric could read his mind. “That’s what I’m getting my girlfriend, though I think she wants an engagement ring.”

They both mock shuddered at that statement, but secretly, Chris had contemplated it. Shot his idea right down, too, considering they’d only been seeing each other…what? A month? And he was ready to declare his love and ask her to marry him?

The thought terrified and excited him all at once. He’d never been one to do anything that spontaneous, but his feelings for Jane were so strong, he couldn’t deny them. Spending so much time with her and her family, staying the night…they were turning into a little family unit.

But he was afraid if he moved too fast, she’d run away. She’d only been widowed for two years, and there were so many things for her to consider. Like her children.

“I’m not getting her an engagement ring.” They both shuddered again, Chris putting on a big man show for his friend and coworker. “But I’d like to find her something nice.”

“There’s a jewelry store down in Oakwood that has unique stuff for a decent price. You should check them out,” Eric suggested.

“Thanks. I think I will.” Chris pulled the desk drawer open and plucked the envelope containing Eric’s overtime check from it, handing it to him. “Don’t spend it all in one place.”

Eric opened the envelope and glanced at the total, wincing. “I just might. I gotta impress my girl, since I’m not giving her what she really wants.”

“Will she flip if she doesn’t get the ring?”

“Nah, if I give her an expensive necklace or something, she’ll be cool. But my time is coming, man. I need to figure out what to do.” Eric sounded vaguely freaked out. Chris knew he should feel vaguely freaked out, too, contemplating spending a lifetime with Jane.

But he didn’t. He actually liked the idea of being with her and the kids, spending all of their time together. Coming home to them after being away for three days. Greeted enthusiastically by the kids and beautiful, sweet Jane the moment he walked through the door. Wrapping her in his arms and holding her close, like he never wanted to let her go and planting a sweet, welcoming kiss to her lips.

Yeah, that sounded good. Way too good.