Hers for a While Read Online Free PDF Page A

mother’s face.
    “He’s cute, Alice! You didn’t tell me he was that handsome!”
    “He is, isn’t he?” Alice basked in her mother’s approval, watching him interact with her dad through the patio door. “And by the looks of it, he’s hitting it off with Dad too.”
    “That’s good. So, should we get our hope’s up about this one?” Her mom’s eyes lit up as she prepared the gravy. “You seem happy, Hon.”
    “I do love him, yes. He’s been really good to me. At first I was scared to think I loved him so fast. I was scared that maybe it was lust, but it’s just different.”
    Nodding, her mom placed some rolls on a cookie sheet and popped them in the oven. “When you know, you know. I went through the same thing with your father.”
    “Yeah, and used to, I’d get annoyed when people would say that. Now I know exactly what they mean. When you know, you know,” Alice repeated, taking another glance toward the backyard. Jack was hanging out with her father. Her mother liked him too. Again, she wondered what she did to deserve this.
    “Darlin’ the food smells delicious. When is it ready?” Her dad walked into the kitchen, picking at the roast. Jack flashed Alice a quick glance, a small smile creeping on his lips. That could be them. She’d always wanted a love like her parents had.
    “Jack here is a firefighter. Did you know that?” Her father asked, dodging her mom’s spatula as she waved him away from the food.
    “Yes, dear, Alice has told us before. Very admirable of you, Jack.”
    His cheeks reddened and he ducked his head. “Thank you, ma’am.”
    As her parents joked around and playfully bickered, Alice whispered, “I told you so. They love you, Jack. How could they not?”
    “I’m glad you were right. They’re great people. Thanks for introducing me.”’
    “It only took you four months to work up the courage. Guess I can’t talk. I still have to meet your mother.”
    Glancing at her from the corner of his eye, he didn’t respond. Alice wasn’t sure if that was a good sign or not, but if it meant having a future with him, she’d be willing to do anything. As long as her parents approved, she could get through anything else that might cause a bump in the road.
    “Supper is ready. Y’all join us at the table.”
    Jack’s nerves must have worn off, because he devoured her mother’s roast like he hadn’t eaten in days. He scarfed down the meat and potatoes all while chatting with his parents about the job, about his family, and about how he and Alice had met. She sat back and watched, enjoying the interaction. It was important that whoever she fell in love with have chemistry with her family, and Jack had no problem fitting right in.
    “Alice, Hon, you’re so quiet. Something wrong?” Her mother sipped on her tea and Alice felt her cheeks heat up with the sudden attention on her.
    “Everything’s good. I’m enjoying this dinner.” She didn’t want to say that she was falling deeper in love with Jack, if that were even possible. Her quick answer seemed to pacify her mom’s curiosity, and they went back to talking like they had known each other for years.
    In the midst of Jack meeting her parents, Alice hadn’t had time to really think about his mother, other than the quick banter about how Jack was probably a mama’s boy. When the day came to meet her, she felt even more unsettled than he had, and she was failing miserably at hiding it.
    “Dang, you’re as pale a sheet, Alice. I survived your parents. You’ve only gotta deal with my mom.” Jack smirked at her.
    “You are getting a kick out of this, aren’t you? I was supportive when you were about to puke. The least you can do is tell me it’s all gonna be okay, even if it’s not gonna be.” Alice walked to his truck, keeping in mind that she’d do anything for Jack.
    “It’ll be fine, Babe. She’s rough around the edges but her intentions are good. Just like you told me a few days ago – be yourself.