Page 89 of If Tomorrow Never Comes

“Hank, get over here.” His dog did as asked, and Jamie clipped a leash to his collar. “We need to make a good first impression, bud.”

“He’s gonna love Dodger,” Elliott said. “They’ll run each other out in the first hour, I bet.”

“I can’t wait,” Jamie said. He’d been thrilled when Elliott suggested they bring Hank along to play with her parents’ German shepherd.

They crossed the grass and Jamie kept his free hand loose by his side. Should he hold her hand? Were public displays of affection frowned upon during the first meeting?

Man, he hadn’t done this in forever.

Thankfully, Elliott made the choice for him and grabbed his hand as they approached the modest, two-story house. Purely out of habit, he glanced around the yard, which was simple but well maintained. He couldn’t fault her parents’ choice of potted plants on the porch, where several varieties of chrysanthemums bloomed, thriving in the cool September air.

Elliott rapped on the door just before she opened it, immediately setting off a string of loud barks from within.

Hank puffed up and perked his ears, his tail trembling, as if he wasn’t sure if this was a threat or a friend to be excited about. Elliott patted his head. “He’s a sweet boy, just like you. You’ll see,” she said. Then she called out, “We’re here.”

A tall woman with long, dark-brown hair came around a corner as they stepped inside, and for several minutes everyone was distracted by the commotion of introducing the dogs. Jamie kept Hank leashed for the first few minutes while the massive dogs sniffed and circled each other.

When Dodger went down on his front legs in a playful crouch and Hank rolled onto his back, Jamie grinned. “I think they’re good.”

He unclipped Hank’s leash, and the canines were off like a shot. Elliott’s dad appeared, average height with salt-and-pepper hair and an easy smile, and opened the back door. “Get outside, both of you. I won’t have you knocking anything over.”

The dogs disappeared, he closed the door, and everyone sort of paused, looking at each other in the sudden silence.

“Mom, Dad, this is Jamie. Jamie, these are my parents.”

Jamie stepped forward with his hand extended. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Holland.”

“It’s Mary and I’m a hugger,” her mom warned, brushing his hand away and pulling him in for a tight hug.

“Even better,” he wheezed.

“Call me Jim,” Elliott’s dad said with a laugh.

Jamie made a point of meeting the man’s gaze as he gave a firm handshake.

Elliott squeaked and he glanced over to see her mom hugging the shit out of her, too.

“We’ve missed you,” she said. “Tell me you’ve decided you hate Omaha and you’re moving back?”

“Tomorrow,” her dad added.

Jamie held up a hand. “Whoa, she just got there. There’s still so much to see and do, I couldn’t possibly let her leave yet. Not until she experiences everything.”

Mary gave him the side-eye. “How long will that take?”

Jamie’s gaze rested on Elliott’s happy, beautiful face. “Just might take forever.”

Elliott’s cheeks turned pink—he was becoming dangerously addicted to making her blush—and she smiled. “I’ve missed you both so much. But you know Omaha is a better town for what I’m working on.”

“Fine.” Jim gestured into the house. “Let’s get out of the entryway. Either of you want anything to drink? What time is it?” He checked his watch. “Two thirty. That’s acceptable to have a beer on a Saturday, right?”

Jamie liked this guy already. “Definitely.”

“What can I get you?”

“What have you got?”

Mary just shook her head. “Here we go.”

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