Page 17 of The Duke's Brother

They were headed to the hospital first, both worried for the Mayor and wanting to do something. After, they would visit the Mayor’s family in town and then the village members who had sustained damage.

The Mayor was in severe condition. He was barely conscious when they went in to talk to him. Jenneca ran to him, clasping his hand in her own and kissing his forehead. Before Tripp could say anything, his voice caught in his throat.

“Be well.” Her whisper carried to Tripp and he decided again, he wanted Jenneca in his life. He wanted her lips on his forehead. He wanted her to yearn for his wellbeing. He shook his head. Today was not about him. But Jenneca did things to his desires and hopes he was not used to.

He quietly reassured the Mayor that they would take care of Grevena and wished him well.

On the drive to the village, Jenneca stared out the window. He couldn’t stand the formality she insisted remain between them. “Jenneca.”

Her eyes flashed to his, and he was struck by their brilliance and by the sadness clouding their depths. He moved to her side immediately. “Oh Jenneca.” He dropped an arm around her back and she didn’t stiffen or resist so he pulled her to him. “I’m so sorry.”

“The mayor is a good friend. All the people of the village are, like family, you know.”

Tripp felt envious of such a close knit relationship, of the community. “We will do all we can. I sit on the board for Grevena, and the palace is committed to support all the efforts to keep it thriving and repaired.”

She nodded and wiped her eyes. “I’m sorry. It’s hard for me to hold it together through all of this.”

“You don’t have to hold it together. Jenneca, lean on me a little. I would love to be of some assistance to you.”

She pulled away. “I appreciate all you are doing. We don’t have any other option than to accept your help. I wish things were different, but thank you. My father would be so pleased.”

“Stefano himself. From a long line of superb Stefanos.” Tripp grinned with pride. “I’ve been reading up. Your bakery served the first donut in all of Torren.”

She grinned and Tripp was so relieved to see her smile he almost laughed out loud. She held up a finger. “Then the rest of the island, the world even, took over the making of donuts and now Stefano’s would never make something as common as a donut.” She shook her head. “The Faluna pride.” Her eyes flit to his, their shyness pulling him even closer.

“Jenneca, let’s talk about the other night.”

Her face clouded and she scooted away. “No, Tripp. That was so embarrassing. I would never, could never…”

“Never?” He tilted his head, trying to show the sincerity of his question.

“Well, no, I mean, Tripp, what do you want from me? Let’s just get this place cleaned up and get back to our lives.” She gestured out the window, and Tripp gasped at the mess surrounding them.

They climbed out of the car to branches everywhere. Many shop windows broken, debris scattered in the streets. They made their way on foot to the bakery.

Tripp breathed out in relief. At least it had been boarded up, the fire out, and the inside protected from the elements. He reached for Jenneca’s hand but she burst ahead. “My brothers are here.”

“What?” He hurried after her.

She burst through the front door. The place smelled of delicious baked goods and Tripp was amazed such a thing could be possible. The shelves were lined with bread.

Alonzo and Stefano stood side by side. The first stepped out from the back, wiping flour down the front of his apron. Tripp smiled. It was the Faluna way. Flour over everything.

“It smells delicious. Alonzo.” Jenneca ran into his arms. Her brother cradled her with tears in his eyes. “I’m sorry sis. I should have been here. Long before now.” Alonzo lifted his eyes and then held out his hand. “Your highness.”

Tripp gripped his hand in his own, liking this brother immediately. “We came upon them right after it happened.”

“I heard Mother is at the palace. We owe you a great debt of gratitude.”

“No thanks necessary. I was happy to help. We will do our best to aid in the rebuild, to help the whole village.”

Alonzo nodded, but Tripp saw the same stubborn streak cross the brother’s features he had seen in Jenneca.

The shop door dinged behind them. In walked Henry and Charlie Baldeez, and behind them several members of Jenneca’s ski team, and behind them, Jorge.

Chapter 10

Jenneca couldn’t believe the support! Everyone had come to help. They all gathered in the front area of the bakery. Alonzo pulled chairs from the back and soon everyone was sitting, talking loudly and eating bread. They had spread word to all the neighbors that whatever they could bake with the supplies they had they’d share with all. So people dropped in and out, eating bread, joking with her friends. Jenneca had never felt such a strong sense of family in her community.

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