Yeah, I was definitely going to dinner with him.
Even though I might regret it later.
Chapter 2
Clay
At half-past six, I left my hotel room wearing my best white dress shirt, a pair of blue Wrangler jeans, and a camel-colored cowboy hat. I was on my way to pick up Jazmin for dinner, and despite my relief that she’d agreed to go out with me, I couldn’t help but feel a little worried. From the start, there’d been this inexplainable chemistry between us, but she’d also been reluctant to deepen our relationship.
I got in my rental car and followed the directions to her house. The whole ride over, all I could think about was how I had to make this work. When we’d first met in Alaska five months ago, I’d fallen for her. She was drop-dead gorgeous for one thing. And headstrong. And sweet. And she loved the Lord tremendously. She’d been wary of me right off the bat, but I never let it get to me. I was used to working hard for what I wanted.
But I hadn’t expected her to shut me down completely. That was exactly what she’d done when we’d spoken on the phone three weeks ago. Ever since then, I couldn’t think straight. Couldn’t even function, to be honest. Maybe it was crazy, but I already knew she was the one for me. The woman I wanted to marry.
For the last couple of years, I’d had a one-track mind. Settle down. Get married. Have lots of kids. Cure the aching loneliness that drove a man like me crazy. My parents and I were never close, and I missed out on a lot growing up, but once I had a family of my own all of that would change.
No one knew that I felt this way. Even at church, I was quiet for the most part and didn’t speak a word of the sadness I felt when I saw a man kiss his wife. Ruffle his son’s hair. Tug on his daughter’s ponytail. When I was younger, I joined the military to see the world, and I wasn’t ready to settle down. Now, it was all I could think about.
Jazmin was special and I could picture a future with her, but she was slipping through my fingers. Lord, if it’s your will, change her heart. Help her to realize how good we are together.
I parked at the curb next to her house and got out of my vehicle. I just stood there for a few seconds, staring at her home like a love-sick dog. Alaska was my home, but I was willing to uproot myself and live in California if it came down to it. I let out a breath and walked to her porch. Knocked on the door. Took off my hat.
The door flew open, and she stood in black jeans and a blue sweater that matched the blue of her eyes. My pulse sped up at the sight of her. “Jazmin.” It came out like a whisper.
She smiled, her long red hair flowing over her shoulders. It was the first thing that caught my eye the day we met, and her smile was the second. She clasped her hands in front of her. “You look awful spiffy. I like the hat. Nice touch.”
I put it back on my head. “You know me. I’m a cowboy at heart.” I offered her my arm. “Shall we?”
She took my arm, and we headed to my car. I opened the door for her and she slid into the passenger seat. I jogged around the vehicle and got in at the driver’s side, and then we were off. She liked Chinese food and had talked about a place nearby a few times, so I figured that was a good place to take her. We parked and made our way inside. A man showed us to a table immediately, and after looking at the menu, we agreed to share several dishes.
“Hunter and Sabrina’s wedding is coming up soon,” I said with a wry smile. “You ready to come to Alaska next month?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” She laughed. “Sabrina has planned every detail. I’m sure it will go off without a hitch.”
“When Hunter asked me to be one of his groomsmen, I was honored.” I leaned forward and took her hand in mine. “But, honestly, I think I’m more excited about the opportunity to walk with you down the aisle.” I looked straight into her eyes and winked, and a pretty blush splashed across her face.
She glanced away, but not before I caught her smile. “We don’t know if we’ll be paired up. There are five bridesmaids and five groomsmen. There’s a good chance you’ll escort one of her sisters.”
I relaxed against the seat and crossed my arms over my chest. “Hunter’s got my back.”
She giggled. “We’ll see.”
“Yes, we will.”
She smoothed a lock of hair behind her ear. “The only thing left to do is to book our hotel. Frankly, I’m surprised everyone waited this long. If it were up to me, I would’ve taken care of that months ago. I’m concerned we won’t be able to find a hotel that can take all of us if we don’t act soon.”
“Oh, didn’t Sabrina tell you?” I lifted an eyebrow. “You’re staying at my place.”
At the look of shock on her face, I amended my statement. “All of you… The whole family.”
“How is that possible? I’ve seen your cabin. It’s barely big enough for two people.”
“You won’t be at the cabin. You’re staying at my house.”
She frowned and leaned forward. “You have another house?”
