Poor excuse, and he knew it. But the truth was he needed time, time to come up with an overwhelmingly sound argument to convince her that his getting this job was all good for both of them.
He sighed. He was lying to himself. She was going to be mad as hell, and also hurt that he hadn’t discussed it with her immediately.
Oh, come on, the cowardly side of him countered. He wasn’t talking about postponing the conversation indefinitely. It was a couple of days. He’d have all the facts then. And maybe by then his powers of persuasion would kick into high gear and he’d find all the words he needed to win her over.
* * *
Jeanette was a nervous wreck as she watched out the window for the arrival of her parents. That they’d agreed to come was as much of a Christmas miracle as she’d dared to hope for. That she couldn’t share this moment with Tom was a disappointment, but it only cast a slight pall over her anticipation. He would be here later for dinner, for the open house tomorrow night and for Christmas dinner at Sullivan’s.
She glanced around her house one more time to reassure herself that there wasn’t a speck of dust on anything, that every light on the tree was sparkling brightly, that the stray cat she’d taken in a few days ago hadn’t knocked any more ornaments to the floor. The orange tabby—she’d named him Marmalade—glanced up at her as if to reproach her for even thinking he’d do something so uncivilized. In fact, his meow radiated indignation.
“Okay, okay, you’re on your best behavior,” Jeanette said. “I’m just nervous.”
This time the meow was more sympathetic. Limping on his injured paw, the cat rubbed up against Jeanette, then gave her hand a scratchy lick. After that, Marmalade settled down on the bright green Christmas pillow on the sofa as if it had been meant for him. His contented purr made Jeanette smile. For years she’d wanted a pet, but her lifestyle hadn’t permitted it. Marmalade’s arrival a few days before Christmas seemed like yet another sign that her life was coming together exactly as she’d always wanted it to.
Still anxious, she went into the kitchen to check on the coffee she was brewing for her dad and the kettle she’d filled with water to make tea for herself and her mom. She filled a plate with Christmas cookies she’d baked using her mother’s favorite recipe. Though she’d done most of her baking a few days ago, she’d made one last batch this morning just to fill the house with the scent of warm cookies.
Back in the living room, she peered out the window just in time to see her parents turn into the driveway. Opening the door, she ran out to greet them.
“Mom, Dad, I’m so glad you came,” she said, hugging them both. “Let’s get your things inside so you can rest a bit.”
Her father shook his head. “We haven’t been traveling for days, you know. It’s only a two-hour drive, at least the way your mother insisted we go. Could have made it in ninety minutes if we’d taken the interstate.” Even as he spoke, though, he gave her mom’s hand an affectionate squeeze.
“I’m surprised you let Mom get behind the wheel,” Jeanette said.
“My leg’s still bothering me some,” he admitted. “I’m starting to like being chauffeured around.”
“Well, don’t get too used to it, old man,” her mother teased. “The service ends as soon as you get back on your feet a hundred percent.”
“Seems like a good incentive to take my time,” he said, chuckling.
Jeanette listened to the exchange with amazement. It sounded exactly like the kind of cheerful banter that had gone on in their house years ago. It was wonderful to see.
Inside, they made a fuss over the house, even the navy blue guest room.
“Now, this is the kind of room a man can feel comfortable in,” her father said. “Doesn’t have all that frilly stuff your mama likes.”
“Tom picked the color,” Jeanette admitted. “I had my doubts, but it does look good.”
Her father eyed her curiously. “Just how serious is this thing between you two? If you’re letting him decide on paint colors in your house, it sounds as if he’s fairly important. Do I need to ask his intentions?”
“Heavens, no!” Jeanette said. “But things are good between us right now. He’ll be here later for dinner. I’m glad you’re going to get to spend some time with him.”
She showed them where they could find extra towels, then left them to unpack. “Come on into the kitchen whenever you’re ready. I have tea, coffee and cookies.”
“Your mama’s sugar cookies, smells like,” her dad said.
“That’s right.”
Her mother gave him a resigned look. “I imagine that means I’ll be unpacking on my own. Your daddy never could resist my sugar cookies, especially when they’re fresh out of the oven.”
He chuckled again. “I’ll be with Jeanette in the kitchen if you need me.”
As soon as they were alone and Jeanette had poured his coffee, she met his gaze. “Dad, I can’t tell you how glad I am that you came.”
“We should have done this a long time ago,” he said, regarding her with real regret. “We’ve let too much time pass without taking an interest in your life.”
She pressed a kiss to his cheek. “You’re here now. That’s all that matters.”
He took a bite of a cookie, then smiled. “You might have gotten your brains from me, but you got your mama’s knack for baking.”
Jeanette laughed. “Don’t let her hear you say that. She’s every bit as smart as you.”
“So she is,” he agreed, sobering. “And I thank my lucky stars every day that she’s stuck by me all these years. It can’t have been easy for her, or for you.”
“We both love
