Toby nodded. “Thought Rob might offer to do the fall himself, but Jenna’s group never had any doubt.”
“Neither did I.” Ash hadn’t, even if she’d hesitated. Nothing wrong with taking her time. Made sense, given he and Amber had broken her trust and would be catching her. He understood her reservations.
“Next time someone else can take the fall,” Jenna teased.
Next time.
The thought appealed to Ash. Getting outside, surrounded by trees and fresh air, was good for him. The course had challenged his muscles and his mind. Spending time with Jenna had been the best part, filling him with contentment and making him want more.
“I’d do this again. Today has to be one of my most fun days in . . .” Ash did a quick calculation. The date was over two years ago, back when he was engaged to Jenna. “A while.”
“Sam always needs volunteers.” She leaned back against the booth. Her eyelids looked heavy, as if she needed a nap. “If you have time to help out, give him a call.”
“Is that what you do?” Toby asked.
Jenna nodded. “There aren’t many Saturday events. We’ve had the ropes course planned for months, so I kept the date open. But the group meets every Tuesday and has an optional Bible study on Thursday.”
“Sam keeps the kids busy,” Toby said.
“That’s the best way to keep them out of trouble.” Jenna rubbed the back of her neck, making Ash wish he could do that for her—then she could return the favor. “Life is rougher on the east side of town. Many kids are from single-parent homes. Most need someone who’ll listen. Sam hopes to start a mentoring program.”
“I’ll touch base with him.” If Ash happened to see Jenna while volunteering, that would be a bonus. Like dinner tonight.
“This was fun. But I prefer an activity where I don’t break any fingernails.” Amber held up her right hand. “Good thing I’m having a gel manicure done for the wedding.”
Toby kissed Amber’s hand. “Broken nails or not, I appreciate the way you stepped out of your comfort zone for those kids. You were great.”
Amber beamed. “I guess a couple broken nails was a small price to pay.”
Toby stared into her eyes and nodded.
Ash realized this was likely his sister’s first service opportunity beyond buying gifts off giving trees at Christmastime or donating money and canned food. He would talk to Amber about getting involved in the youth group too.
“A good day all around,” Jenna said.
“I know who to thank.” Ash raised his glass. “Here’s to Jenna for inviting us, trusting us to catch her when she fell, and not screaming once gravity took over.”
She tapped her glass against his, then Amber’s and Toby’s. “I was too busy praying to scream.”
Ash believed that. The urge to put his arm around her the way he’d always done was strong, but he didn’t want to ruin dinner. Controlling his growing attraction wasn’t easy.
Jenna glowed with her newfound confidence, contentment, and faith. Not only visible, but appealing. Getting involved at Sweetwater Community Church had been good for her. He wanted to attend a service and see what she’d found there. Maybe that would help him.
Amber shivered. “I’m glad they didn’t pick me.”
Toby gave her a one-arm hug. “You would have fallen off backwards.”
“Maybe.” Amber sounded doubtful. “But I wouldn’t have wanted to go first.”
“The kids did well.” Jenna toyed with her cloth napkin. She didn’t look nervous, but her fingers hadn’t stopped moving for the past five minutes.
“They were successful because they saw you do the Trust Fall even though you weren’t sure.” Ash smiled, easy to do when he was around her. If only things could be different between them. He didn’t want to go back to where they’d been two years ago. He wanted to start fresh. Maybe today would be a new beginning. His gaze locked on hers. “Excellent job.”
She smiled at him.
He smiled back.
Ash could sit with her the rest of the night and be happy. A strand of hair fell forward across her face. He tucked the piece behind her ear. So beautiful.
“Oh, no!” Amber’s voice resembled a shriek. She tugged on Toby’s arm. “I forgot we had plans tonight. This has been great, but we have to go. Now.”
Toby’s brow drew together. “I don’t have anything in my calendar.”
“I must have forgotten to tell you.” She placed the strap of her purse over her shoulder. “Come on, sweetie.”
Two twenty-dollar bills dropped onto the table, courtesy of Toby. “This will cover our portion. See you later.”
“I’ll be in touch about your wedding,” Jenna said.
“Sounds good.” Amber scooted out of the booth. She practically sprinted to the door with Toby at her heels.
Jenna stared after them. “Must be important plans.”
“With Amber you never know.”