Page 88 of A Thistle Beyond Time
“No. You don’t have to go back, Jenna. You and I both know it. Dylan and Chester will be fine. And there are plenty of people to look after your parents’ foundation and the charitable work. You need to think about Jenna right now. Don’t do something you’ll regret for the rest of your life.”
Jenna shook her head in denial. “Ashley, I don’t want to argue with you about this. I’m only here a short time and I don’t want to spend it with the two of us being pissed off at each other. So, enough about me staying. Okay?”
Jenna could tell Ashley didn’t want to cave so easily, but after a minute or two, Ashley nodded her head in concession. “Okay. Let’s hug it out,” Ashley said, pulling Jenna into a bear hug and giggling the whole time.
“You know, for a tiny little pregnant woman, you’re pretty strong,” Jenna teased.
“I can still kick some ass if the need arises, so don’t you forget it.” Ashley flexed her arm muscles for Jenna.
“Very impressive, my friend.”
“Hey, we’re having a big to do around here tomorrow night. There’s going to be music and dancing. It’ll be lots of fun.”
“Am I invited?”
“Don’t be silly; of course, you’re the guest of honor. I should give you one of my pretty gowns to wear. That one’s starting to look a bit tired,” Ashley chuckled.
“Guest of honor? You’re kidding, right?” Jenna thought it would be highly unlikely that anyone here would be celebrating her visit.
“Nope. I’m not kidding.” Ashley stated.
Jenna continued to appear skeptical, but decided to go with it. “Okay, then. I’ll definitely need a gown. Should we go see what you have in your closet?” Jenna linked arms with her friend, they headed for the stairs, and up to the chambers Ashley shared with Cailin.
“I miss shopping with you,” Jenna admitted. “I guess this is the next best thing.” They had pulled every gown out of Ashley’s armoire and thrown them on the bed. Jenna was trying on a lovely green dress, when her eyes lit on a pale aquamarine gown, not unlike the color of the dress she’d worn to the gala she attended with Cormac in San Francisco. “Oooh… I like that one.” She pulled the gown from the pile and held it up against her body.
“Oh, me, too,” Ashley agreed. “Try it on. I’ll bet that’s the one.”
Jenna stepped out of the green gown and into the blue one. Ashley did up the back for her and tipped her head from side to side to get a better look.
“What do you think?” Jenna questioned breathlessly.
“You look stunning,” Ashley said. “You have to wear that one.”
“Okay. It’s settled.” Jenna took the gown off and got dressed again. “Let’s take this one to my room and then go downstairs for some tea.”
“You know, you’re beginning to sound like you live here,” Ashley teased.
“Well, you know me. I’m pretty good at making myself at home, wherever I am.”
As they left Ashley’s room, Jenna noticed Irene coming down the passageway towards them.
“What are ye two ladies about?” Irene asked.
“We were just picking out a gown for Jenna to wear tomorrow night.”
“Is that the one ye’ve chosen? Let me see,” Irene said. Jenna held it up and Irene nodded her approval. “Ye’ll look lovely in that color,” she said. “It suits ye.”
Jenna was stupefied. Irene had not said much to her since the talk they’d had the other day. Jenna was surprised that Irene was actually trying to be nice to her. “Thank you. We’re going to go downstairs to have some tea. Please come with us,” Jenna offered.
“I think I will. I’m going to check on the children and then I’ll be down,” Irene said and she headed down the passageway to the nursery.
Jenna was puzzled and it must have shown on her face because Ashley patted her arm. “She’s one of the most giving and loving women you’ll ever meet. Give her a chance and you’ll see,” Ashley explained.
“I’m trying. That’s why I suggested she join us for tea. It might be a good opportunity for us to get to know each other better. You can be the referee,” Jenna giggled at her own joke.
They continued on their way to Jenna’s chambers to deposit the gown, eventually making it downstairs, where they found tea and sweet cakes waiting for them. Irene had beaten them by a few minutes and got everything prepared and set out by the fire. They all sat down and Jenna took a sip of her tea.
“I’m excited about tomorrow night, Irene. What are you celebrating?” Jenna asked.
