The Wager

Chapter Sixty-three

Jake watched Char as she grabbed a glass of wine and met him on the back porch. Beth and Jace had gone for a walk by the river. Grandma’s idea, not theirs. But they humored her as most people did and said they’d be back later to make plans for breakfast the next morning.

“So.” Jake clinked his glass with hers. “Where to for the honeymoon? I mean technically you were fired, so we could go for a whole month if you want.”

Char giggled. “Just like that? We just leave tomorrow on the first plane anywhere?”

“Yeah.” Jake leaned in to kiss her. “Just like that.”

“But I don’t have a passport.”

Jake shrugged. “So we can wait to go grab it and fly out of Seattle, or stay in the States.”

“Hawaii.” Char seemed nervous as she looked away and took a sip of wine.

“Can I ask why Hawaii?”

She leaned back on her hands, the moonlight reflecting off her tan skin as she closed her eyes and exhaled. “My parents always promised they’d take me. First it was after high school graduation, but something came up, and then college, and, well… you can imagine. It was always an empty promise. And I’ve always wanted to go.”

Damn, he loved her. He’d buy her Hawaii if it was possible. “Then Hawaii it is.” He kissed her cheek.

“Kids?” Grandma opened the door to the back and came outside. “There you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

She pulled out a chair and sat. “Now, I know my methods aren’t always sound.”

“Well, there’s the understatement of the century,” Jake said.

“Ass.” She narrowed her eyes. “At any rate, I would like to apologize.”

“Really?” Jake leaned forward on his haunches and grinned. “For what?”

“Everything.”

“Which would be…” Jake prompted. “What exactly?”

Grandma looked away and said in an irritated voice, “The fertility dance, but in my defense I had to be sure that you felt the tension.”

“Oh, we felt it.” Char laughed and then noticing Jake’s irritated glance regained her composure.

“And?” Jake eyed his grandmother.

“The drugstore wedding gift.” She sniffed.

“Right.” Jake swore. “Thanks for that.”

“Oh posh. You needed to be taken down a few, or a lot. Tell me, did they use the sound system to bring the condoms forward? I was so hoping they would!”

Jake ignored her and shook his head. “And what else, Grandma? What are you really apologizing for?”

“Tricking you into getting a marriage license. But do you even understand the laws I had to break in order to get that done! The money that exchanged hands, the favors that were given!” She stood and began to pace. “Why, I had to donate to the damn Chamber of Commerce!”

“My heart bleeds,” Jake said dryly.

“And all because I was doing you two a favor.”

After a few seconds Jake finally said, “You’re right.”

“I am?” Grandma’s head popped up. “I mean, yes, yes I am, and don’t you forget it! Now, where’s that lovely sister of yours, Char?”

“Oh no.” Jake grabbed his grandmother’s hand and directed her back toward the house. “Your days of meddling are over.”

“But—”

“Bed, now. And be sure to be alone or I’m grabbing the whistle.”

“You wouldn’t dare disturb my sanctum!”

“I would, and I will. It’s what you deserve and more.”

Head held high, she stomped back into the house, her heels clicking across the wood floor the entire way down the hall.

“Would you take it back?” Char asked from behind him.

He turned and pulled her into a hug. “No. Never, not even a question. Would you?”

“I’ve waited since eighth grade to be your girlfriend; may as well be your wife.” She winked and then kissed him soundly.