Page 72 of Sweet Trouble
“Thebrother?” Tag scoffed.
“One of the brothers,” Jillian amended. “The one closest in age.”
“That’s me,” Zane said. “I’ve got two boys of my own now, Nick and Cal. I think they’re upstairs playing hide and seek.”
“These are my girls,” Jillian said. “Posey and Marigold.”
The girls looked up and politely said hello, making their mother very proud.
Zane sat beside his brother, and they allgot to work stringing popcorn and cutting out felt ornaments, but mostly catching up with each other, everyone laughing and enjoying a cozy moment at the big table while the snow began to fall outside.
Christmas songs were playing softly on an old radio that sat on the counter, and now that she was in the kitchen, Jillian definitely smelled something nice in the oven.
This is the life I dreamed of while we were living in the city,Jillian thought to herself.
It wasn’t just the snow outside or the nostalgic activity. It was the sense of peace, the slower pace, and the appreciation of each other’s company. There seemed to be a kind of magic in this little farmhouse, allowing people to step inside and feel good just being themselves.
“So you’re a senior this year, Olivia?” Jillian asked the older girl who was quietly making felt ornaments without using a pattern.
“Yes,” Olivia said.
“That must be exciting,” Jillian said. “Are you happy to be graduating, or sad to go?”
“Both, I guess,” Olivia said, shrugging. “I’m excited about the Winter Formal.”
“Me too,” Tripp piped up.
Jillian laughed as Olivia got a confused look on her face.
“I’m going to be chaperoning,” Jillian explained. “And Tripp is going with me.”
“Great,” Olivia said sarcastically. “Just what I need—an overprotective uncle at the dance.” But she was smiling, and Jillian could tell she didn’t really mind.
“I won’t interrupt your funky flow,” Tripp told her. “But I will be on high alert in case any guys try to get cute with you.”
Olivia laughed as her father growled.
“Olivia’s date is that nice Levi Andrews,” Charlotte put in. “He’ll behave.”
“He sure will,” Tripp said, cracking his knuckles.
“Levi and I are just friends,” Olivia said, smiling and rolling her eyes again.
“Not when he sees you in that dress you won’t be,” Charlotte teased.
“Jillian’s dress is beautiful too,” Tripp said.
“Oh, goodness, I need to feed the calves,” Maggie said, hopping up from the table. “Would anyone like to help?”
Of course Posey and Mari were happy to volunteer. Jillian quietly reminded them to be very careful and do exactly as Mrs. Lawrence said, while Olivia ran upstairs to gather the other children.
A few minutes later, Maggie headed out the back door like the Pied Piper, with the children all trailing behind her, smiling and laughing. One of the older girls brought a very small boy over to Charlotte before heading out after the others.
“Alonso,” Charlotte said, sweeping him up in her arms and placing him in the seat beside her. “Did you have fun with the big kids?”
He nodded his little head up and down, his expression as serious as his father’s.
“This must have been such a wonderful way to grow up,” Jillian said, turning to the othersat the table.
