Free Blessed Vows by Jillian Hart Page A

the kids.”
    â€œI’m glad she could help out. You look tired.”
    â€œOh, thanks. Next you’ll be commenting on the bags under my eyes.”
    â€œThey’re not too bad.” Amy winked, so light-hearted these days. “You’ve been here since six getting all of this ready. Why don’t you let me take over? Take a load off. You can put up your feet. Maybe grab a bite under the umbrella. Talk to a cute guy.”
    Oh, she knew exactly what Amy was thinking. And there was no way she was up to dealing with any of her sister’s well-meaning matchmaking. It was best to ignore the amazing Jake Hathaway in the corner and play innocent. “What cute guy?”
    â€œThe best man. Did you know that Ben thinks he’s great?”
    â€œLike that’s a secret. They’re best friends.”
    â€œHe’s hard-working. Brave. A fine soldier. And he’s totally available.”
    â€œAvailable for what? Have you forgotten that he lives in Florida?”
    â€œSo does Ben. And Cadence will, too, as soon as the two of them get her moved. The Florida thing isn’t a major obstacle.”
    â€œThen what would be? It’s clear across the country.”
    â€œSure, but you’ve heard of airplanes, right? You could get on one and go down and visit. That way you could get to know Jake a little better. Let him fall in love with you a little more?”
    â€œWhat?” Had she been so transparent? Did everyone know how she felt? Denial was always a reliable way to cope. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ve got this diner. I have bookkeeping to learn. Paige is counting on me.”
    â€œYou can study bookkeeping from a book. They have books in Florida. And what’s one little visit? You work hard. You haven’t had a vacation in forever.”
    â€œVacation? That’s the last thing I need.” Rachel wasn’t fooled one bit. Amy glowed with happiness; it was clear she loved being a wife and that Heath cherished her. That made all the difference in a woman’s life. It made sense that Amy wanted that to happen for her.
    But Jake wasn’t for her. Couldn’t everyone else see that? She wasn’t going to open up her heart to the possibility. He was too good to be true, she was in serious like with him, and he kept avoiding her gaze. Probably because somewhere he’d overheard her sisters yakking on about how he was available and the poor man wasn’t thrilled with the idea. “And it’s the last thing Jake needs. He has his little niece to look after.”
    â€œAnd doesn’t that just melt your heart? A big tough guy like him, he’s so sweet with her. Don’t you think?”
    â€œStop!” Laughing, Rachel held up her hands. “I give up. Just change the subject.” She could never win when it came to her sisters. “I’m gonna set up a board game in case there are kids that don’t feel like running around outside.”
    â€œSo, you’re taking me up on my offer?”
    â€œYep.” Rachel spied a familiar little boy circling around the table to get to her. “How’s my favorite astronaut today?”
    â€œAn astronomer, Aunt Rachel.” Westin rolled his eyes in good humor, as if he’d given up trying to expect her to keep things straight. “Not an astronaut.”
    â€œWell, they both do space stuff. Are you ready to go run?”
    â€œYep.” Fidgeting with boyish energy, Westin shot her a dimpled grin, designed to melt all of her resistance. “And then I can get a really big piece of cake? With lots of frosting?”
    â€œNo frosting for you. And only the smallest piece of cake. Go on, tell Kelly we’re going across the street.” Rachel grinned and ruffled the wild tufts of his cowlick.
    She couldn’t help the love filling her up for this little nephew of hers. She knew just how Jake felt. She could see Jake in her