Page 10 of Wishes on Wildflowers
Drat. Why had he forgotten all the kissing they’d done out by the berry bushes? But they’d managed to bring back full buckets anyway. Jasmine had always been dedicated to whatever task she was doing.
“Still do. Hiking in the wild country makes me feel closer to God.” She shoved the squared ends of two boards together. “And gets me away from people.”
Nathan took the hint and zinged in another screw. “People aren’t so bad.”
“I beg to differ. People let me down all the time. So far, God hasn’t.”
He was definitely one of those who’d let her down. But, seriously, they’d been kids. They’d have been divorced by now. See? He’d spared her that painful end. Everyone in his family who’d ever been married had at least one divorce to show for it. Pops led the way with three. That was all Nathan knew, so how could he do differently?
Jasmine’s family? Not so much. They were stuck together with superglue. Maybe Marietta put the fear of her disapproval in them all. Or maybe it was their faith that did it.
“About God,” he said at last.
She shot him a glance, eyebrows raised. “Yeah?”
“I’ve made some stupid mistakes, but He’s given me a fresh start. That’s partly why I’m back in Spokane.”
“That’s great. Really. But don’t think you can come back into my life and pick up where we left off, because that’s not happening.”
A bark of laughter erupted before he could choke it back. “Are you kidding? That wasn’t in my mind at all.”
Jasmine straightened, and her hands went to her hips. “Then why have you been following me around like a lost puppy?” Her narrowed eyes pierced his.
He hadn’t beenthatbad, had he? “Because you’re mad at me, and I can’t stand it.” He’d always sought approval. Rarely gotten it until he landed in marketing and swung some terrific proposals to his boss, making for some ecstatic clients, but it had never stopped him from striving for it.
“So it’s all about you? I should have figured.”
Nathan eyed her. “Sounds bad, I guess. But doesn’t the Bible say we’re supposed to forgive each other in love?” He held up both hands. “And it’s not talking about romantic love there, from what I can figure out. Just Christian love.”
“I accepted your apology two weeks ago.”
“But you haven’t forgiven me.”
Her shoulders flinched as her mouth drew into a tight line. “Look, it’s not like I can flip a switch, okay? I never expected you to barge into Bridgeview, move in with my brothers, and expect to be part of my life. It’s been a bit much to take in.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Juststopalready. I’ll get over it. Let me do it in my own way, at my own speed.”
Both his hands were still in the air. He lowered them slowly. “Fine.”
“Peter convinced me that you have what it takes to help us launch Bridgeview Backyards. So how about we pretend the past never happened and carry on from there? I’m a business partner. Your client. That’s it.”
Nathan shrugged. “Sure. That’s what I’ve been trying todo all along. Leave the past where it belongs.” He had a whole lot of regrets parked there, more than he’d ever want to dump on someone like Jasmine. He didn’t need to hear her scathing disapproval to know he’d blown it a thousand times over. Now, it was between him and God.Hope You’re listening, Big Guy.
“Good. Now pass me that drill. This screw is sticking out a little.”
5
Jasmine oughtto be used to testosterone, what with four brothers and a pack of male cousins. Rob and Peter, especially, had practically lived at their house. Hard to believe Rob was married and expecting his first child, but Peter was still single.
She eyed him across the table. She had no problem seeing why Basil was unmarried, although it wasn’t too much to hope he’d grow up and settle down one day, but why not Peter? If he’d dated in the last year or two, Jasmine hadn’t heard about it. He was sweet, funny, and way too cute, if a cousin could think that and get away with it. And Alex. Now that he’d settled into his career and bought a house — and was over his crush on Jasmine’s roommate, Linnea — he’d probably start looking. He’d marry some woman just as intense as he was and raise a pack of perfect kids.
Jasmine would still be single. An old maid. But that was okay, especially if the alternative was a guy like Nathan Hamelin.
Speaking of. He settled into a chair at the head of the table in the guys’ house and pulled a portfolio from his briefcase like some kind of businessman. The black pants and gray button-up shirt — again with the gray? — solidified the persona.
Still rankled that he’d laughed at her for thinking he was trying to get back together with her. How else was she supposed to read his intense gaze and constant proximity?
