Page 13 of Letters From Home
“You’ll be on the payroll soon enough,” Nick said, holding his hand out for the hammer. “Besides, we’re not ready to knock out that wall yet. You remember how messy demolition can be? We’re keeping the dust down until the family moves out next week.”
Jack grinned and handed his dad the hammer. “I’ll be here the day after high school graduation,” he promised. “It’s only a few years away. But since I’m not working today, can I take the girls out for ice cream? We’re close to Scoops and Cones.”
Nick pulled out his wallet and nodded. “One scoop each. Don’t ruin your appetite for supper.” He handed Jack some money and patted the boy on his back. “You’re a good brother. Watch out for brain freeze.”
Jessica laughed as their kids raced down the stairs. Once they reached the sidewalks, Jack called to his sisters and held out his hands. They walked hand-in-hand down the street, Jack turning to each girl as they talked animatedly.
Their parents stood on the porch of the O’Neill house, arms wrapped around each other. Jessica leaned in to rest her head on Nick’s shoulder. “What a life,” she sighed. “They’re all great kids.”
“They really are,” Nick agreed. “I can’t claim too much credit for Jack, though. He had an awesome mom for the first few years.”
“He’s had an awesome dad for the last decade,” Jessica responded, twisting around to kiss him gently. “Thanks for treating him like one of your own.”
Nick’s heart felt like it grew two sizes as he watched his kids continue down the sidewalk. Jack was like a son to him now, and he couldn’t wait for the boy to work with him. He thanked God every night for bringing Jessica and Jack into his life—and for blessing them with two more girls.
He leaned down to return the kiss, then rested his chin on the top of Jessica’s head. “Do you want ice cream, too? We could meet them there. Or you could hang out with me while I take measurements.”
“I’ll stay with you.” Jessica pulled away, gesturing toward the front door. “You'll get done faster with help.”
The couple worked in tandem, with Nick calling out measurements while Jessica jotted down each number. They finished the job quickly and were soon locking up the house and walking to their cars.
“I’ll pick up the kids at Scoops and Cones,” Jessica said, squeezing his hand. “Meet you at home?”
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be,” he promised his wife, thinking fondly of the house that had brought them together.They were still living in the farmhouse Jessica had bought when she first moved to Sunset Cove. Over the years, they’d given it a complete facelift, adding new siding and the porch swing Nick had always wanted.
Jack had gotten his tire swing too, although the tree was trimmed well away from the house’s windows now. The girls loved that tire swing as much as their older brother once had.
Nick climbed into his truck, then rolled down the window when he heard his wife’s voice.
“Hey Nick? Halloween’s next week. Don’t let Grant forget to buy candy again.” She gave him a stern look. “We almost ran out last year, and you left me at the trick-or-treat table with a horde of tiny zombies.”
He laughed, leaning out the window to give Jessica one last kiss. “Those zombies were preschoolers. Totally innocent. But I won’t leave you alone this year, I promise. Grant and I will be there the whole night. And I’ll remind him about the candy.”
“Sounds like a plan. And maybe you should use your matchmaking skills on Grant.” Jessica smiled at her husband, drumming her fingers on the side of his truck. “He’s been lonely for too long.”
Nick grinned back and nodded. “I’m waiting for the right girl,” he promised. “I’ve got a good feeling about Grant. Something positive is headed his way.”
Jessica reached for Nick’s hand. “You’ll always be my perfect match. I just needed a few love letters to realize it.”
