Love is Thicker Than Blood (Country Romance Series) Read online

  The two of them walked out the back door and onto the back patio. Jen was astonished. The yard displayed before them was immaculate. Flower beds lined the white fence all the way around the yard. A stone pathway, the same as the one in front, went straight through the yard to the end of the lot where an arch covered in yellow flowers led to what Jen assumed was the garden. Jen followed Annie down the path and through the archway, down three stone steps and stopped in front of many rows of perfectly mounded dirt. Jen could tell the garden had just been planted, but much like the rest of the property, it was perfect. Not a weed in sight! Jen hadn’t seen many gardens in her lifetime but she ventured a guess that her aunt’s would be the most pristine one she would ever see. Clearly Aunt Gabby had an immense amount of help from the community in keeping up her place.

  “Aunt Gabby!” Annie called. A woman stood up and turned to look. She waved slightly and began walking toward them. She wasn’t hunched over; she walked briskly and with purpose. She wore a large sun hat, a bright pink T-shirt and khaki shorts to the knee. She stopped in front of them and Jen was surprised how much she resembled her father, the same piercing blue eyes.

  “My goodness, Jennifer, you have grown into quite a beautiful young lady!” Aunt Gabby was gracious and charming.

  “It’s so good to see you again Aunt Gabby,” said Jen, smiling politely.

  “No need to be so formal my dear, I’m just family,” Aunt Gabby said waving one of her garden gloves in a dismissive manner. “Let’s all go in and have some iced tea. You can tell me all about yourself.” Her smile was beautiful and her eyes twinkled. Jen liked her already.

  A few minutes later, they were seated around the table in Aunt Gabby’s kitchen. “So,” she started as she poured homemade iced tea into Jen’s glass, “it looks like New York is treating you well.”

  “Thank you,” Jen replied, “I work –”

  “However, we’re going to have to do something about your figure,” Aunt Gabby interrupted.

  Jen was taken aback. “My… um, I beg your par…”

  “No need to beg my pardon my dear. I meant what I said. Your figure; you’re far too thin.” Aunt Gabby walked into the kitchen, talking as she went. “I know all you girls think you have to be nigh unto death before you look good but I’m here to tell you, it’s not so!”

  Jen felt warmness wash over her cheeks. Never in her life had she been told she was too thin. She didn’t think there was such a thing in New York. She suddenly felt the need to justify herself. “I walk a lot; it is New York after all. And I work so I don’t always have time to eat…”

  Before she could finish her sentence Aunt Gabby had returned, placing a plate with an enormous piece of apple pie and a large scoop of vanilla ice cream in front of her.

  “Eat up!” she demanded.

  Jen stared at the mass of calories before her. She couldn’t think of the last time she had eaten a piece of pie. “Aunt Gabby, I’m appreciative but I can’t eat this.”

  “Why ever not?”

  Jen looked at Annie for help but she was already enjoying her own piece of pie and seemed completely oblivious to the conversation.

  “Because, I rarely eat dessert and I don’t eat carbs.”

  Aunt Gabby blinked at her, “Well heavens child, what joy does your life have if not a good piece of apple pie?”

  Jen didn’t answer, nor did she pick up her fork.

  “Just try one bite,” Aunt Gabby insisted.

  Not knowing what else to do, Jen picked up her fork and scooped a bite of pie onto it. It oozed on the sides and smelled delicious. I’m going to have to run five miles to burn off this one bite! Jen thought to herself. Feeling Aunt Gabby’s eyes on her, she lifted the fork to her mouth. Jen had eaten at some of the top restaurants in the entire nation, but never, had she tasted something as good as that apple pie. Her eyes shot to Aunt Gabby, and her eyes twinkled with triumph. “Good, isn’t it?” she said as she took a bite of her own piece.

  The rest of the afternoon was unlike anything Jen had ever experienced. For the first time in years time seemed to not matter as Jen visited her Aunt. They laughed; talked of times when Aunt Gabby was young; of Jen’s father and the struggles the family went through; how Roger was considered the “successful” one of the family. Jen was surprised how much Aunt Gabby reminded her of her father. She had the same charm; however, she was much more fun and outgoing. She was also incredibly OCD about cleanliness. Through the course of their conversation, Jen ate her entire piece of pie and all the ice cream!

  By the time evening came and Aunt Gabby showed Jen to her room, the room she would occupy for the next eleven weeks, she already felt a connection with her aunt. They were going to get along, she knew it. Maybe this summer wouldn’t be so bad after all. As she drifted off to sleep, she felt happiness swell deep within her. She dreamt of pie, gardens, and her Aunt Gabby.

  Chapter 3

  Jen stayed close to Aunt Gabby for the next couple weeks. They had many wonderful conversations about life in New York, the challenges of law school, how to bake pies, and the correct way to grow roses. Jen couldn’t remember when she’d enjoyed herself more. She truly appreciated her aunt’s “don’t give a shit” attitude. She did what she wanted, when she wanted. If she wanted pie, she made a pie. If she wanted to sleep in, she did. If she felt like getting up early, she was up at the crack of dawn. Despite her fiery personality and sharp ability to say what was on her mind, she was still respectful and courteous to those around her. The neighbors seemed to enjoy her, and Annie, who stopped by a couple times, seemed to worship the ground she walked on.

  Jen woke up on Friday morning, her third week in Ohio. Aunt Gabby must have chosen to sleep in today otherwise she would have woken Jen up. The clock said 7:34; perfect time to be up. Jen made her way downstairs, planning on making some yummy coffee and sitting on the back porch swing with Aunt Gabby. It was interesting to her how easily she had become comfortable with this place. She turned the corner into the kitchen and let out a shriek. A man was standing in the kitchen! As she screamed he whirled around, dropping his mug of coffee. Hot liquid splashed across the kitchen floor and the cup broke into pieces. Jen ran to a drawer and pulled out a large knife, pointing it at the stranger as he reached for a towel to wipe up the coffee.

  “Who are you?!” Jen demanded.

  “Whoa, lady calm down!” the stranger said; his hands up like she was holding a gun. “I’m just a friend with no particular desire to be stabbed by a crazy woman.”

  Jen stared as he slowly bent down and began sopping up coffee. “What do you want?!” Jen was poised, ready to strike.

  “Two things,” the man said without looking up at her. “First, I want you to put down the knife. Seriously, you are worrying me. And second, I want a cup of coffee; hence the coffee.” He gestured to the floor where the coffee mug lay broken and little puddles of coffee still spotted the floor.

  “Do you make a habit of walking into people’s houses and drinking their coffee like you own the place?” Jen tried to sound threatening; she still hadn’t put the knife down.

  “Not usually, but I didn’t know Aunt Gabby had company. I apologize for scaring you.” He finished wiping the floor and carried the pieces of broken mug to the trash and dropped them in. “I really liked that mug,” he mumbled to himself and then looked up at her. “Will you please put the knife down?”

  Jen looked him up and down before slowly lowering the knife. “You know Aunt Gabby?” she asked hesitantly.

  The man smiled and Jen noticed a dimple in one cheek. It was barely visible through his dark facial hair. He didn’t have a beard, but he clearly hadn’t shaved in a couple days.

  “I do know Aunt Gabby; I help her out when she needs it,” he said. She met his gaze to see if he was being honest; his brown eyes and dark hair combined with a handsome, tan face made Jen forget her question altogether.

  Just then Aunt Gabby came in through the back door. “Zachery!” she said adoringly as he
rounded the counter to give her a hug. “Oh I’m so glad you’re back!”

  “It’s good to be back,” he said smiling as he pulled back. “And I see you’ve acquired a house guest since I’ve been gone. I’d be careful with this one Aunt G,” he whispered loud enough for Jen to hear, “she seems a little jumpy.” He smiled at Jen jokingly but she didn’t think it was funny.

  “Zack, this is my niece, Jennifer Berkley from New York,” Aunt Gabby introduced her. “Jen, this is Zack LaFaye, he helps me out a lot around here.”

  Zack shrugged his shoulders, “I do what I can.” His modesty gave him away. It was clear to Jen that he was a big reason this place looked the way it did. Judging from his physique, he was a hard and strong worker. She tried not to look at his tan muscles as they peaked out from under his white T-shirt.

  Jen suddenly remembered something, “Wait, LaFaye? Are you related to Annie?” She silently and against her will hoped he didn’t say he was her husband.

  Zack nodded, “She’s my little sister. You’ve met her?”

  “She picked me up from the airport.”

  “Ahh, I see,” he said suppressing a smile that made his dimple more prominent, “what do you think of her?”

  “She is very friendly,” Jen said smiling.

  “That’s a good way to describe her. Talkative, is another term I use quite often.” He looked at her from the corner of his eye to see if she caught the humor in his tone; she did and laughed out loud.

  “Talkative is a very good term. But she’s adorable and has been very kind. I appreciated having someone that wasn’t afraid of the big bad New Yorker.” Jen emphasized ‘New Yorker’.

  Zack laughed, “Oh Annie isn’t afraid of many people. Her fears tend toward hungry kittens and puppies that don’t get the love they deserve.”

  Jen giggled at that, Annie did seem the humanitarian type.

  Just then Aunt Gabby walked to Zack and patted him playfully on the back, “Would you like some breakfast honey?”

  Zack put his hand on his heart, “Oh Aunt G,” he said dramatically, “I would love some if your kind hands are willing to feed me.”

  She chuckled and began pulling out the ingredients for a pancake and egg breakfast. Zack turned to Jen and smiled.

  “So, Jen, how long have you been in town?”

  “Three weeks,” she replied.

  “How do you like it so far?” he inquired, taking a sip of a newly poured cup of coffee.

  “It is much…” she paused, looking for the right words, “slower pace, than New York.”

  Zack laughed, “That’s the truth! More quiet and peaceful as well.”

  Jen looked at him in surprise, “Have you been to New York?”

  “I have,” he winked at her.

  Oh my, Jen thought. He is good! Oozing charm from every pore! Jen had dealt with his kind before – arrogant, cocky; completely aware of their good looks and how to use them. No doubt he had a girlfriend in every city he had ever been in. Well, she wasn’t going to fall for that small town, farm boy crap. She was here to spend time with her dying aunt. She hoped he understood that was why she was there. She would hate to have to tell him to back off and give her and her aunt some space. She didn’t want to be that person, but she would if she had to.

  “How long are you planning on staying?” Zack’s question brought Jen out of her thoughts.

  “My plans extend through the summer. I’ll have to get back to New York before September; set up my new office.”

  “Are you getting a new job?” Zack asked.

  Jen froze, she had slipped. She couldn’t tell Aunt Gabby that she was going to become partner at the end of the summer. She would definitely wonder why she was getting promoted after being gone for three months. Her mind whirled and she had a hard time finding words. You’re a lawyer for hell sakes, think! she scolded herself inwardly. She remembered reading somewhere that the brain can process thousands of thoughts per minute. So, come up with something! she thought. While it seemed to her that she stalled for an unnatural amount of time, she was able to pull it together before either of her companions noticed her mistake.

  “We are in the process of moving some of the offices around. The firm is growing and it’s time to do some rearranging.” She smiled and nodded, trying to look confident in her lie.

  “I’m glad things are going so well for you and Roger,” Aunt Gabby offered.

  “Thank you, we’ve worked hard to make it so.”

  Zack said nothing but seemed to be listening intently. When Jen looked at him he simply smiled and went back to his pancakes. Crises averted. But she was feeling strangely guilty. What was going on? Why was she feeling guilty about telling Aunt Gabby about her father’s plans to promote her to partner? In reality it was going to happen. So, why had she lied? As a lawyer you have to be willing to twist the truth; not lie necessarily, but “twist” the truth so the jury can see things your way. That’s all she had done. They didn’t need to know the truth so she didn’t tell them the truth. That’s all… that was all.

  That night Jen had a hard time sleeping. She realized she didn’t want Aunt Gabby to feel hurt about the reason she was there. She didn’t want her to know that her Dad had to bribe her with a fancy new office, major pay raise and a new title as partner to get her to come here. You’re going soft Jen, she said to herself. One month ago you couldn’t care less what anyone thought or felt. She rolled onto her side and slipped one hand under her pillow. She tucked her legs in and curled up tight, pulling the blanket to her chin. She had gone soft. In less than a month she had learned to love her little old aunt. She felt a pain in her chest as she thought of her father’s words that day at the hotel, “She is unwell…. cancer for some time… wants to see us before she goes.” Jen had never met a spryer, upbeat woman. Aunt Gabby was more fit than some woman half her age. She didn’t act like she was sick. Jen hadn’t seen any pills or medical things around the house. Aunt Gabby did go to bed fairly early every night, but older people did that. There was really nothing to indicate that she was close to death. Strange. Very strange.

  As she started to drift into sleep, the events of the last few weeks played in her head. Pie, gardens, air plane, Annie; she smiled to herself, remembering Zack’s description of his sister. The thoughts continued: Aunt Gabby, cancer, the firm, partner, coffee; another smile escaped her lips as she remembered Zack mopping up spilled coffee as she threatened to stab him with a kitchen knife – poor man. He had to understand, she was a New Yorker after all. It’s weird to wake up with people in your house. But this wasn’t her house. In a way, she supposed it was as strange for Zack to see her there as it was the other way around. Jen’s mind started to slow and sleep began to creep in, the last thing she remembered was Zack’s smile and the dimple in his cheek.

  Chapter 4

  Jen slowly came out of a deep sleep and realized someone was gently shaking her. “Jenny, Jenny, wake up darling.”

  “Wha… what’s wrong?” she asked, still half asleep. “Do you need something?”

  “Sure do, I need you to get up and come with me.” Aunt Gabby turned and started to walk away. Jen raised herself up onto her elbow and looked at the clock on the white nightstand next to her twin bed; 4:45. She cringed. “Lord have mercy Aunt Gabby! It’s not even 5 A.M.!” she whispered harshly.

  “Child, I don’t know why you are whispering; it’s just me and you in this house. You don’t need to worry about waking anyone. Now get up, get dressed and meet me downstairs in ten minutes.”

  Jen sat up, her blond hair a tangled mess. “What are we going to do?” she asked through a yawn.

  Aunt Gabby turned when she reached the door, mischief in her eyes, “You will see, you will see, you will see.” She made a little song out of the phrase that Jen could hear her singing all the way down the stairs. This couldn’t be happening. Jen could not remember the last time she was up before five o’clock in the morning. It wasn’t natural. Wasn’t right. She dragged herself out
of bed and began to get dressed.

  As soon as she was ready, she made her way down the steps and into the kitchen. She wore a white sun dress with a yellow short sleeved jacket, and yellow high heeled shoes. Her golden hair hung loosely around her face and touched her shoulders.

  “My, don’t you look like a ray of sunshine!” Aunt Gabby complimented.

  Jen smiled. She knew she looked good, “Thank you,” she said graciously, “I just bought the shoes before I came.”

  Aunt Gabby nodded, “They are very fashionable. However, I’m not sure they’ll be appropriate for what we’re doing today.”

  Jen looked down at her shoes, “What are we doing today?”

  Aunt Gabby smiled. “It’s a surprise!” she winked.

  “I’ll need to know what we are doing so that I can dress appropriately.”