Page 66 of Family Bonds- Jarrett & Andi

A few minutes later, Mac came in with Sidney, Jace dashing right to the tree.

The introductions were made and they all watched as Jace tore into gifts and played with his toys.

Andi seemed to fit right in and he’d caught his mother’s eyes landing on the two of them more than once.

He knew he’d be getting a call from her later tonight wanting to talk.

Surprisingly, he wasn’t dreading it as much as he had in the past.

21

OPEN AND WARM AND WELCOMING

“Hope your Christmas wasn’t too lonely,” Jack said to her later that night.

“No,” she said. No way she was saying that it was one of the most fun holidays she’d had in her life.

There was nothing uncomfortable about Jarrett’s family.

They were open and warm and welcoming.

They included her in every conversation and never asked much personally. She’d later found out that Jennie’s brother lived on the island too and that he was married to another Bond relation.

That Jennie’s parents had passed also and the only family she had was Griffin. She didn’t ask any questions about that.

One thing she learned was the more you asked of people, the more they asked of you.

It was just easier this way.

“Did you cook anything special?” Jack asked. He always asked about food and she found it funny.

“No,” she said. “Just regular food. I snacked on and off and made a salad for dinner. How about you?”

“That’s sad,” Jack said.

She wasn’t about to say she had eggs and toast with Jarrett for breakfast early and then later at his mother’s had blueberry pancakes and fruit. There were muffins and a few quiches. Lots to choose from and she picked at a few things, but it wasn’t anything really special either in terms of fancy cuisine. No, this was perfect for her.

She was too stuffed for lunch. Jarrett had actually brought her home and they’d hung out for a few hours and then he left. They both had to work tomorrow and neither of them was getting into the habit of staying together every night.

It was too soon for that. Fornowthey were together every Friday and Saturday night. The fact he stayed last night was an extra night and it was nice but nothing she was going to get used to either.

“I’m sure it’s better than what you ate,” she said. “Want to share that?”

“Not really,” Jack said, laughing.

“You picked up food yesterday and then ate it again today leftover?” she asked.

“Isn’t that what I normally do?” Jack said.

“It is. What did you do today? Work?”

“Some,” he said. “It’s just another day for me.”

“At least you didn’t think to come see me,” she said.

“I was tempted, but I know you’re working tomorrow and did yesterday too. You’re not overdoing it, are you?”

“No,” she said. “I’m busy. I’ll cut back a day soon, but right now it’s nice being flexible. The thing I hate the most is the big breaks, but it’s nice to come and go too.”

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