Page 59 of Jordan
"Speaking of your sisters, they are coming over later to go over some of the details of the winter gala." Handing him the cup, she started to push herself out of the chair when he offered a hand. "So we should head into town and get the tree shopping out of the way." She gave him a pleading look. "I promise that we'll just select the appropriate one and have Mr. Jenkins deliver it."
He really should tell her no, but had discovered to his dismay that he could never deny her anything. It was frustrating the way she managed to twist him around her little finger.
"One hour," he stated reluctantly. "I'll go get our jackets." Tucking the strand of hair behind her ear, he kissed her on the forehead before heading out.
She waited until he had left the room to indulge in the thankful task of rubbing her hand up and down her back.
Using her other hand to press against the bulge of her stomach, she felt the familiar shock and awe as the baby moved inside her. "Now you listen to your mama honey. Your daddy and I are going to look at trees to put up for the holidays and I want you to behave. No making my stomach feel like I swallowed a bunch of sandpaper. Is that clear? You're going to start giving your poor old lady a break." Satisfied that she had laid down the rule, she went to meet her husband.
*****
He knew he should have put his foot down earlier. The hour had turned into two, with her changing her mind every few minutes. They had finally agreed on a towering Fraser Fir and of course there was the subject of decorations as his wife decided that the ones they currently had were not enough.
Mr. Jenkins also had to tell her about the new shipments of herbs that came in just a few days ago.
"You know I'm planning a vegetable garden," she reminded Jordan. "Just a few more minutes, I promise."
"You have ten and if you're not finished by then, I'm dragging you out by your hair. I meant it."
Pressing a moist kiss on his lips, she hurried away and had him sighing wearily.
It was so easy to indulge her because she asked so little of him. Deciding to pick up some flowers as well, he strolled over to that section where the beaming Mrs. Jenkins was happy to assist.
*****
"Your wife sure knows how to host a party," Harry murmured as he sipped his spiked eggnog.
"I am about to march over there and demand that she takes a load off. The woman just won't listen."
Harry gave his son a measuring look, a hint of wonder in his gaze. It was unbelievable how far they had come as a family, and it was Jordan's refusal to follow the dictates handed down by them that had forced the change. His eyes wandered over to his wife who was seated in a comfortable armchair and chatting animatedly with two of her friends. Henrietta and Jenniferlooked relaxed and beautiful as they wandered around the living room. Every now and again, they would go over to whisper something in Julesa's ear that had her laughing.
The three women had become fast friends. His eyes sharpened as he took in the arm Caleb had wrapped around Henrietta's waist. He was not certain how he felt about that side of things.
But over the past few months, his daughter and Julesa's brother had fallen into a relationship and it looked serious.
His wife had mentioned it, but only briefly. And she had declared that she was no longer going to be interfering in her children's lives. "I have done too much of that already."
So, he was leaving it alone. And the man seemed to be stupid in love with his daughter. With a sigh, he took another sip of the eggnog and met his son's gaze.
"Julesa is not sure how she feels about it either. If it's any consolation," his voice was amused. He had seen his father's gaze settling on the couple and knew what he was thinking.
"Why is she concerned?"
"Her brother is a cop and an undercover one. She's not certain how Henrietta is going to deal with him going away when the time comes."
"I hadn't thought about that. Julesa's brother might not always be around, given his line of work," Harry's brow furrowed in contemplation. "Well, the heart wants what it wants, right? We'll just have to see how they manage."
A burst of laughter erupted from across the room, drawing their attention. Henrietta was now animatedly recounting an amusing tale, with Caleb hanging on her every word. Despite the uncertainties, there was no denying the joy that radiated from Henrietta's face. Harry sighed, his gaze softening as he observed his daughter's happiness.
"It's taken me a hell of a long time to sort my own life out." His gaze flickered to his wife, expression softening.
"I'm happy you two have discovered the value of each other." Jordan lifted his glass in a toast.
"So am I."
"Now it's time to go and wrestle my wife into a chair."
"Be gentle," his father advised with a chuckle. He decided to go rescue his own wife from her friends and offer her something to eat.
