Page 24 of Home Run Fiancé
“Friends,” I confirm.
He holds my hand for a few beats longer, just enough to make me question the boundaries of this tentative friendship, but then he drops it and I search for a safe topic.
“So, tell me about your mom and brother. What should I expect?”
His entire face softens, the frown lines easing entirely. “They’re great, honestly. My mama is fighting a cancer diagnosis that they caught early. My brother is in his final year of college. He’s the one taking care of her most of the time and that’s why I need this trade to happen as soon as possible. Mama needs us both here. For little things, but also just for the encouragement.”
I nod, a part of me melting at this giant of a man wanting to be there for his mama. “I’ll do what I can to make that happen for you.” I clear my throat. “Is she on bed rest?”
He looks away and I can tell it hurts him to think about her being sick. “She sits on the couch most of the time. She can move around on her own, but her energy is pretty low. Damon says he keeps trying to force food down her throat, but she doesn’t have much of an appetite. The doctor warned the chemo drugs would do that.”
Placing my hand on his on the cracked leather seat, I clutch it tight. “Have I ever told you I’m a really good baker?”
He looks down at our hands, then up to my face. “No…”
I smile deviously. “Oh yes. I’ve been making delicious desserts since I was a little girl. What’s your mama’s favorite dessert?”
His smile broadens and I know I’ll do everything I can this trip to make things easier for both him and his family. “I believe it’s anything with chocolate and peanut butter.”
“Just you wait. I’m gonna get her eating in no time. Challenge accepted.” I pull my hand back and look out the window at the passing scenery. If I’m only going to be in Texas this one time, I want to see everything I possibly can. Being Jake’s friend feels so much better than the silence from before. This can work, I just know it.
When we arrive at Jake’s mom’s house, I ooh and ahh over all the gorgeous brick that makes up the walls of the house. No stucco to be found here. Jake tells me the brick is to reinforce in a tornado, but assures me it’s not the right season for that so not to worry.
The front door flies open while Jake’s getting my suitcase out of the back of the taxi. A slightly smaller, younger version of Jake runs out and pulls him into a bear hug. They slap each other on the back and finally let go.
“Damon, meet my fiancée, Rhys.” Jake pulls me closer to his side. “Rhys, this is my little brother, Damon.”
“So nice to meet you!” I reach out and shake hands with Damon, who pulls me forward and surprises me by wrapping me in a big hug. I giggle, realizing he and Jake are pretty similar, though Damon seems to frown a lot less. I wonder if Jake used to be like that when he was younger.
“Yeah, yeah, that’s enough. Let go of my girl.” Jake literally pulls me away from Damon and tucks me into his side.
“Good to meet you, Rhys.” Damon laughs at his brother and trails us as we walk into the house.
“Mama?” Jake calls as soon as we cross the doorway. He drops the suitcase by the door and then pulls me with him into the living room.
His mother is sitting on the couch, struggling to stand up. She’s thin and tall, wearing a bright blue Dangers ball cap. Jake lunges forward and helps her up, sweeping her up into a gentle bear hug. She pats his back and tells him how happy she is to see him.
“Let me go already. I want to meet my new daughter.” She pokes him in the ribs and he finally lets go enough to allow her to see me standing there watching the reunion.
“Hello, Mrs. Kersh. Lovely to meet you.” I step forward, ready to shake her hand, but she bypasses that and pulls me into a hug.
“Oh, it’s Susan or Mama. Not Mrs. Kersh. We’re family now,” she says, still hugging me.
I hug her back, but glance up at Jake over her shoulder, both of us feeling a strong wave of guilt for lying to her. When she pulls back, she keeps her hands on my shoulders, giving me the once-over.
“You look so young, sweetheart!”
I laugh. “That’s because I am. I’m twenty.”
“You know you’re closer in age to me, Rhys. Why don’t you dump my oaf of a brother and go on a date with me instead?” Damon interjects, stepping up beside me, waggling his eyebrows.
Jake glares at him and “accidentally” bumps him out of the way.
“Oh, you boys. Stop your fighting. Jake’s only here for a day and I only have twenty-four hours to get to know my new daughter.” Susan beams at me and then pulls me down next to her on the couch.
“Actually, Mama, I have to go to a meeting right now, but I’ll be home before you know it. Rhys, you going to be okay here?” Jake looks concerned.
Susan swipes her hand through the air. “She’ll be fine right here with me. Go to your meeting and then I want you to tell me everything. I want to know all about how you two kids met.”
