On Saturday, frustrated at not having snagged even a few minutes with him, she called his cell phone.
“Where are you?”
“In my office.”
“Obviously not with a patient, right?”
“No, I’m busy playing matchmaker.”
“Maybe you should be worrying more about your own love life,” she teased.
“For a woman who wasn’t sure she even wanted to date me, you sure are getting to be demanding,” he replied, his voice laced with humor.
“I’ve never had a real boyfriend before, at least not the kind who’s declared himself, not one I could take home to my parents. I’m thinking maybe it’s time for you and me to make this official, in front of all the O’Briens at once.”
Will fell silent at the suggestion. “Official?” he said eventually.
Jess laughed at the startled note in his voice. “I’m not suggesting we hit them with an engagement, Will. Just that we show up together for dinner tomorrow. Most of them have guessed about us, anyway. Let’s just get this public announcement thing over with.”
“You know that’s likely to unleash even more pressure,” he said.
“I’ve thought about that. Meddling is just what they do. I can take it. The only thing that really matters is how we feel, right?”
“Right,” he agreed readily. “And if you’re feeling that comfortable with the way things are, then tomorrow works for me.”
“Really?” Now she was the one surprised. She’d half expected more resistance, more caution.
“Of course. If you’re ready for the questions, I certainly am.”
She laughed. “Actually, there’s a reason I picked tomorrow for our debut. Fewer questions.”
“Why’s that?”
“Connie and Thomas are making their first appearance as a couple. I figure we’ll just be a background footnote.”
“You’re a far more devious woman than I’d realized. I like your plan. Shall I pick you up at noon?”
“How about eleven-thirty? I don’t want to miss their arrival, just in case people faint.”
“Do you really think anyone’s going to be that shocked?” he asked. “I’ve heard the word on the street. Of course, maybe that’s just because Jake came to lunch reeling when he found out. And Kevin and Connor have known for a while. Who do you think hasn’t figured it out?”
“Well, the way I hear it, Dad knows. That means Mom knows. Shanna and Heather are in on it and have been almost from the beginning, even before Thomas and Connie were admitting it to each other. I’m not sure about Abby and Trace. I doubt they’re in on the secret. And Uncle Jeff’s family’s probably in the dark, unless Mack said something to Susie. I suppose the real question mark is Gram.”
“Seems to me she’s used to having surprises thrown her way,” Will said.
“But she’s always had strong opinions about divorce. Not only has Thomas divorced twice, but Connie’s divorced, too. Gram’s liable to head straight off to church to pray for their souls. It’s going to upset her, Will.” She hesitated. “Maybe I should warn her, so she’s not caught off guard.”
“Sweetie, it’s not your secret to share,” Will reminded her. “I’ve watched your grandmother take a lot of hits over the years and bounce right back. I think she’ll surprise us all and give them her blessing.”
“What makes you say that?” she asked, curious to understand his rationale.
“Your grandmother’s lived a long time. She’s seen just about everything, and she’s far more tolerant than judgmental, even when it comes to the things she believes in deeply, like her religion.”
“You could be right,” Jess conceded. “But bring some smelling salts, just in case.”
Will chuckled. “Will do. And if I dig my way out from under all these Lunch by the Bay applications, I’ll give you a call later tonight or stop by. Otherwise, I’ll see you tomorrow at eleven-thirty.”
“I’m counting on it,” she said.
And as she hung up the phone, she realized it was one of the few times she’d counted on anything without holding back a part of herself in anticipation of someone letting her down.
Mick’s gaze narrowed when he saw Will walking up the path with Jess, her hand held securely in his.
“You two are getting mighty brave,” Mick said.
Jess gave him a surprisingly contented look. “We’re working on things. Stay out of it.”
Mick laughed. “I got that message the other night, and if it hadn’t sunk in then, your mother’s been repeating it just about daily.”
“I guess Mom is a better influence on you than I realized. I’ll have to thank her.”
Mick held out his hand to Will. “Good to see you again.”
Will chuckled. “You, too, sir. Since you’re waiting out here on the porch, I gather the main attraction hasn’t arrived yet.”
“If you’re talking about my brother, you’re right,” Mick said. “Wouldn’t put it past him to take the coward’s way out and stay away, or try to sneak past me and go in the kitchen door.”
Jess frowned. “He’ll be here, Dad, with Connie. And I don’t think they’re going to be sneaking around. I hope you’re not going to create problems for them.”
“Hey, I’m the one who pushed him to get things out in the open. No reason to make that girl feel they need to hide their relationship.”
“Does Gram know what’s going on?” Jess asked worriedly.
Mick shook his head. “I thought about saying something, but your mother told me to stay out of that, too. Dang woman won’t let me meddle anymore, leastways not half as much as I’d like to.”
Jess’s expression brightened. “Now I really do have to thank her. Where is she?”
“In the kitchen trying to help your grandmother. As usual, though, Ma has her own way of doing things. I don’t know what happened to that plan they had
