“My family is dying to see you. No pun intended.” Luke smiled as they pulled out of the building, heading to Tahoe for Christmas.
Jessica hadn’t seen any of his family except Lake. Luke told them about her year as Jillian Knight, but he asked them to wait until Christmas to see her. Once again, to give her time to grieve and acclimate back into her life.
The trip to Tahoe was bittersweet because he asked if she’d like to come for Christmas with his family. Jessica remembered a time when they considered her part of that family.
“Well, I’m living to see them,” she replied to his dying comment.
“I’m surprised you didn’t decide to go to Omaha for Christmas. Don’t get me wrong … I’m glad you’re here.”
“Thought I’d give them some privacy on their first Christmas together. Apparently he’s working round the clock to knock her up. His words not mine. But I’m glad that you’re glad I’m here. It would be even more awkward if you weren’t.”
“More awkward?”
Staring out her window, she felt his sideways glance, but chose to ignore it. “I didn’t mean ‘more.’” She lied. Then she acquiesced to his attempt to engage her in more small talk for the rest of the way to Tahoe.
“I’ll let Jones do his thing and then bring our bags.”
“K.” Jessica found her best smile when his family tackled her at the door.
Hugs, kisses, smiles, and even a few tears. For a moment she felt like family.
“I have you guys in the same two rooms as your first visit.”
Two rooms.
“Thanks, Mom.” Luke gave Felicity a kiss on the cheek.
“I’ll take our bags upstairs.”
“I’ve got mine. I might need to reapply some makeup to my skeleton face.” She gave his family a toothy grin as she took her bag from Luke.
“You look lovely. Don’t even think twice about us,” Felicity said.
Luke told them everything—almost—and truthfully she didn’t feel an ounce of judgment.
“That’s why I love you.” She winked. “I won’t be long.”
Fleeing for her room, she shut the door and leaned back against it. Before she could let her emotions settle, a knock came at her back.
“Yeah?”
“It’s me.”
Jessica opened the door. “Hey, Lake.”
She stepped inside and took a seat on the bed. “Luke told me to check on you.”
“I’ve been up here like … five seconds.”
Lake shrugged. “I know … and hello…” she pointed to her leg “…girl with the fake leg doesn’t love going up the stairs. He’s been so weird lately.”
Jessica shut the door. “How so?”
“Since your kidnapping he’s just been on edge and paranoid.”
“Really?” Jessica had yet to see that side of Luke, which meant he’d put on an act with her.
“Yes. I’m not trying to compare it to what you went through, which was just … horrifically unimaginable. But I think the whole ordeal messed with his head. Do you have any idea how hard it is to mess with the head of a shrink?”
She did, at one time. Since their year apart she wasn’t sure if she knew anything for certain about Luke.
“Has he said anything to you?”
“Probably nothing he hasn’t said to you.”
Luke hadn’t said anything to Jessica.
“Like?”
Lake twisted her lips. “Like how hard it is to be with you when you’re not ‘together.’”
“He said that?”
“Yeah, I’m sure it’s the same for you too.”
Jessica nodded.
“Come downstairs.” Lake stood. “You don’t need any makeup. You should have seen me after three months in a coma. Besides you already look better than when I saw you last week. Food looks good on your bones.”
*
“Dibs on licking the beaters,” Lake said when she and Jessica walked into the kitchen.
Felicity rolled her eyes as Lake snatched it from the bowl of whipped cream. “Some things never change.”
Lake moaned. Her eyes rolled back in her head as she licked the whipped cream. “So good. Where’s Luke?”
“He took Caleb upstairs to rock him to sleep.” Lara smiled. “He thinks he’s the baby whisperer.” She shook her head.
“He’s going to be an amazing dad,” Anne added. Her heartfelt smile faded to a nervous one when she looked at Jessica. “I didn’t necessarily mean your kids.” The smile was a full on grimace. “God … I didn’t mean that either … I just meant if he has kids with …”
“How’s your foot taste?” Lake laughed.
Jessica welcomed Lake’s attempt to lighten yet another awkward situation.
“It’s fine, Anne.” Jessica smiled. “I agree. Luke will be a great father someday.” Her nightmare replayed in her mind of Luke, Jones, the baby, and the woman who was not her.
“Gather the troops. Everything is ready,” Felicity announced, carrying the Martha Stewart-worthy turkey to the table.
They took their seats. The baby whisperer slid into his chair next to Jessica as Tom said the blessing. After murmurings of Amen, Lane stood, holding his glass in the air.
“To Jessica. I think we can all agree you are the greatest gift this Christmas.”