This dinner is a big fucking disaster.
Bree had tried to remain optimistic as the group made small talk in the sitting room. Tried to keep smiling as their housekeeper Marta herded everyone into the grand dining room the Lockharts only used when entertaining. Tried not to cringe when her mother shot her a look loaded with sheer disapproval. Tried not to scream when her father kept referring to Jake as “Bishop”.
But she was beginning to realize that no amount of smiling and peacekeeping attempts would make this night any better.
Her parents hated Jake. No, they loathed him. When she’d informed them earlier that Jake would be joining them, the only reason they hadn’t cancelled the whole damn shindig was because they hadn’t wanted to look bad in front of the Prices. They’d agreed to let Jake come, but apparently they were determined to make her pay for it.
By thoroughly humiliating Jake.
She had to give him credit. He’d held his ground when her dad inquired as to why Jake hadn’t gone to college. Smiled politely when Barbara mentioned how fortunate Jake’s brother Nate and his wife Charlotte were to have found a mate that came from a similar background—translation: the son of the town carouser and the daughter of the town whore were made for each other. Jake even laughed it off when the mayor commented that the military ought to pay soldiers more considering they were getting shot at all the time.
By the time dessert was served, she’d actually begun to believe that she and Jake might get out of this unscathed. She couldn’t help but feel proud of the way he handled himself as he sat through uncomfortable questions and veiled attacks, but it wasn’t until her father made yet another jab at Jake’s lack of higher education that Bree realized she was feeling more than pride.
You love him.
Her wine glass stopped halfway to her mouth.
No. She couldn’t have fallen for Jake again.
She studied him from across the table—her mother had purposely seated them far apart to punish Bree—and took in the proud line of his jaw, the handsome face that for once remained free of stubble. He’d shaved before coming here. And he’d donned a suit, which she knew must have annoyed him to no end. But he’d worn it for her. He was here for her.
Warmth circled her heart, and she suddenly couldn’t deny that her feelings for Jake had deepened over this past week. She felt so much closer to him than she had twelve years ago. He’d opened up to her, taken an interest in her life, agreed to have dinner with her family.
So yeah, would it be so bad, loving Jake Bishop? They had great chemistry. She felt so incredibly at ease with him. He made her laugh. He made her heart soar from one crooked grin or rough caress.
“So, Jake, how is your mother doing these days?”
Barbara Lockhart’s question jolted Bree from her thoughts. When she noticed the way Jake’s fork froze over his peach cobbler, she silently pleaded with him to stick to the polite and controlled manner he’d displayed until now.
Jake waited until he’d swallowed the cobbler before replying. “She’s doing well, Barbara.”
“Della was a big help during the planning for the charity benefit,” Lexie spoke up. “She organized the silent auction and headed up the decorating committee.” She shot Jake a surprisingly warm smile. “Your mom is such an asset to this community.”
Bree was as surprised to hear Lexie step up to Della’s defense as she was by the sincerity ringing from Lexie’s voice, but then she remembered that the blonde was good friends with Nate Bishop. And come to think of it, Lexie had seemed incredibly annoyed when Bree’s mother had made those barbs about Nate and Charlotte.
“My mother is big on helping the community,” Jake responded stiffly.
“Della could have helped the community by keeping a tighter leash on her husband,” Barbara said in a sugary-sweet voice.
“Mom,” Bree chided.
“Your mother’s right,” Tanner spoke up, curling his fingers over his brandy glass. “Henry Bishop was an embarrassment to this town.”
A muscle tic’d in Jake’s jaw. “Trust me, sir, you’re not the only one who disapproved of my father’s behavior.”
Across the table, Mayor Price displayed a startling bout of tact by changing the subject. “What are your plans after you leave the military, Jake?”
To Bree’s shock, Jake didn’t deflect the question. “I’ve already left it,” he replied. “I was discharged from the service two months ago.”
“Oh. I wasn’t aware of that,” Bree’s father said with a frown. “Please, tell us, what are your plans?”
“Jake was offered a position on the base in Colorado Springs,” Bree said, pasting on another broad smile. “It’s a combat instructor job—only highly skilled servicemen are being considered, and Jake is their first choice.”
Jake shot her a funny look, but Bree couldn’t figure out the reason for it.
“I see lack of ambition runs in the family,” Tanner said with a chuckle.