"We're back," Prett said, leaning against the sitting room doorway. His eyes twinkled. "Bought you something."

Jane put another stripe of paint under the window sill. "Primer?"

"Besides that."

"More rollers?"

"Think larger."

Jane stood and stretched her back, scrunching her face. "A taller ladder?"

"Think appliance."

Appliance?

"You didn't get me a bigger fridge, did you?"

Prett had found a mini refrigerator in one of Genevieve's storage sheds the week prior and had placed it in Jane's room. It now held a couple yogurts and an apple. She didn't understand why he'd insisted she have it.

In case I get hungry at three in the morning. Right.

"No, I got you something you won't argue about. A washer and dryer. The Vals are bringing them up now."

"Yay!" Jane jumped up and down, clapping her hands. Paint spattered her sweatshirt. "Will you get them installed today?"

"That's the plan."

"Double yay!" She lifted her hands and twirled in a happy dance.

"So this is how you get more paint on yourself than the walls," Prett said.

Jane smiled and flicked her brush at him. He sidestepped the splatter, holding up his hands.

"I'm unarmed!"

She dropped the paintbrush onto a tray. "Now so am I."

"You're still covered in paint. And are you planning to fight me or thank me?"

"Thank you, of course. How do you want it?"

Half-smiling, Prett tapped his cheek.

Jane laughed.

He inclined his head, but she still had to stand on tiptoe to reach him. She planted a quick kiss just above his beard before dropping to her heels.

That seems so inadequate for all he's done.

Lifting herself again, she placed her hands on his chest, and pressed her lips onto his. She breathed in his scent, a mixture of Old Spice, soap, and sawdust. She parted her lips, moving them across his. Just when she realized he wasn't reciprocating, a thump reverberated through the floorboards followed by a pained shout.

Jane jumped back, her eyes wide. What have I done?

Prett also looked startled, whether from her kiss or his brothers' inadvertent intrusion, Jane couldn't tell. They assessed each other a long moment.

Prett's mouth turned up in a lazy smile. He leaned forward.

He's going to kiss me. Do I want him to? Well, you kissed him, stupid.

Before Jane could throw herself into his arms, a series of urgent whistles rang down the hallway. Prett's smile disappeared and his eyes lost their twinkle.

"Some days," he said in a flat tone, "I like having brothers." He turned and walked out.

Jane stood rooted to her spot. What does that mean?

***

"I was thinking of getting re-certified so I can teach again," Holly said, flipping through a clothes rack.

She and Cadence had invited Jane shopping, and the latter had jumped at the chance. Holly needed clothes because she had fled her husband with only a couple packed suitcases. Jane needed the distance from Prett after her humiliating overture.

Holly pulled out a paisley orange blouse. "You think it's me?"

"If you're Celia Turney," Cadence said.

Holly rehung it with a giggle. "You're so mean."

"You're a teacher?" Jane asked.

Holly nodded. "I only taught a couple years before... Lee didn't want me to work." Her face clouded a moment before she brightened again. "I could work as a para in the meantime. I've already talked to the principal at Prairie Creek School. They don't have any openings now, but he said they might in the fall."

"I thought you'd help your folks at the B&B," Cadence said. "When the guys get it finished."

"I don't know. That would be fun, meeting new people and all, but..." Holly grimaced. "I don't think I could handle Dad's disappointed sighs. He's still not..." She shrugged. "Oh, look!" She pulled a forest-green blouse from the rack. "This color is perfect for you, Jane." She held it up to the latter's torso. "Try it on!"

"It's too big. I need a petite."

"Then we'll find a petite!" Holly replaced the blouse and whipped through the rest of the rack.

"I really can't spend the money, anyway."

"It's so unfair," Holly replied. "P.J. gave me all my gift money two weeks ago. Why he doesn't just do the same for you is beyond me. Then you could buy this whole store!"

Jane fiddled with the tag hanging from a black skirt. "It's not like I'm entitled to any money. I'm not family."

"But Nana wants you to have it."

"After she dies."

"Pshaw!" Holly waved her hand. "P.J. could write the check if he wanted to." She gave Jane a sly wink. "I think he just wants to keep you around longer. He likes you, you know."

Jane's face grew hot. I'm not so sure about that.

"Here's a petite," Cadence said.

"I'll try it on!" Jane grabbed the green blouse and ducked into the dressing room.

Some days I like having brothers.

What does that even mean? He's glad they interrupted so he didn't have to kiss me back? But he looked like he wanted to kiss me. So did he mean it sarcastically?

"Oh, it's so cute!" Holly said when Jane emerged from the dressing room. "You have to get it. I insist."

"I like it, too. But forty dollars. Way too much."

"Let me buy it for you."

"I couldn't let you do that."

"Of course you can. As payment for me dragging you shopping."

Jane laughed. "Dragging me shopping? Hardly. I would've begged to come. Even though I can't actually buy anything this time."

She returned to the dressing room.

Some days I like having brothers.

So did he really want to kiss me and was annoyed he got interrupted? He's just impossible to read!

A couple hours and several stores later, the women sat in Panera Bread for a late lunch. Holly insisted on treating them. "I hope Val isn't bored, sitting with Nana," she said.

"He's used to it," Cadence said. "The guys always took turns when I was at class. Or needed time to study."

"They do the same for Dona," Jane said. "They check on her a lot, when that girl they hired can't be there."

"Poor Aunt Dona," Holly said. "She doesn't remember my name anymore."

"Prett has her on a waiting list to get her in an Alzheimer's care home," Jane said.

"Does Celia know that?" Cadence asked.

"He'll tell her once Dona gets moved."

"I'd like to be a fly on that wall," Cadence said. "Celia's going to hit the roof."

"She's under a lot of stress, being solely responsible for her grandmother," Holly said.

Cadence scoffed. "Responsible? The brothers do all the work. She doesn't—"

Brothers.

Some days I like having brothers.

Whatever he meant, the point is, he didn't kiss me. And that's a good thing. Because what was I thinking? He is totally not my type. I shouldn't lead him on. Maybe that's what he meant. His brothers stopped him from making a fool of himself. And me. I wish I had brothers to—

A hand waved in front of her. "Earth to Jane."

"What? Sorry. Did you say something to me?"

Cadence laughed. "You've been distracted all day. What gives? You worried you left the lid off a can of paint or something?"

Jane blushed. "No, I, ah..."

Cadence and Holly stared at her with amused sympathy.

Don't tell them. Don't tell them.

"I kinda kissed Prett." Her face felt on fire.

Cadence's scars deepened when she broke into a huge surprised grin. "You're kidding! When? How was it?"

"He didn't seem to like it. He didn't kiss me back, and then he walked out. He wasn't mad or anything, he just..." Jane studied her broccoli cheddar soup.

Some days I like having brothers...

"He just didn't seem interested."

"Maybe he was shocked," Cadence said. "Or awkward. It's been a while for him, you know."

Jane looked up. "You think?"

"Absolutely. Right, Holly?"

Holly picked at her baguette with a troubled expression. She shifted in her seat. "If he's interested, he'll tell you straight out."

"You told me he was interested," Jane said.

"I don't—" Holly gave a wan smile. "He hasn't said anything. I just see the way he looks at you."

"How does he look at me?"

"Uh..."

Cadence broke into another grin and leaned forward towards Jane. "Like he wants to kiss you."

***

Cadence lifted out a couple bags of groceries and headed into the house. Jane reached in the trunk to do the same.

"Wait," Holly said, rummaging through her bags of new clothing. "Hang on. Yeah. Here it is." She pulled out the green blouse and held it up. "For you."

"Holly! You shouldn't—I can't take this!"

"Sure you can. I know you didn't want to spend the money, but it's so cute on you. Consider it a belated Christmas gift."

"But it's too much—"

"You have to take it. It's a petite. Won't fit me. We Gingerys are too broad-shouldered." She threw back her shoulders and stuck out her ample chest in demonstration. She beamed and placed the blouse on the front of Jane's coat.

Who can say no to her? Miss Sunshine and Flowers.

"All right then. Thank you. It really is cute...on..." Jane trailed off as Holly's happy countenance dissolved into wariness.

The latter seemed to shrink into herself as she watched a car come up the driveway. Jane divided her attention between Holly and the car until it pulled up beside them. The driver stepped out: a stocky dark-haired man. He pulled off his sunglasses and smiled. Although he wasn't as gorgeous as Danny, he was a close second. Jane returned his smile, but his focus remained on the woman next to her.

"Holly," he said.

Holly had a deer-in-the-headlights expression and said nothing.

"It's time to come home."

Jane looked back at the man. A chill ran down her spine. Not a Gingery. It's Lee. Her husband.

He came around the car towards them.

Jane grabbed Holly's coat sleeve, tugging to move her towards the house. Holly didn't budge. Jane pulled harder, and Holly took a couple steps. But now Lee stood in front of them, blocking their path.

"The holidays are over, honey," he said in a soothing tone. "Everyone's been asking when you're coming back. Decided I'd have to come get you myself."

Holly replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm staying here."

Jane maneuvered around Lee, still pulling Holly.

"Now, honey. I've talked to your parents. Your dad is so disappointed. He raised you better than to run off whenever you get in a snit."

"Leave her alone!" Jane snapped.

They had reached the porch steps, but once again Lee blocked them.

He acknowledged her. "You must be P.J.'s newest tramp."

Jane puffed in anger. With a surge of adrenalin, she pushed past him. She walked up two steps, but Lee grabbed Holly's other arm. Jane was now engaged in a tug-of-war over the woman.

"Let go!" Jane shouted as she descended the steps. "Let go!"

She attempted to pry off Lee's grip, her efforts hampered by the blouse she still held. Lee encircled her wrist, wresting her hand away.

Jane jerked her hand out of his clasp. She clamped it onto his other hand.

"Stay out of this, bitch." Lee released Holly to shove Jane away.

Jane's foot slipped off the bottom step. She tumbled to the ground, landing hard on her ankle.

Holly rushed up the steps. Lee ran after. He yanked her arm and Holly cried out, falling over a porch chair.

Jane struggled to stand. Her ankle protested in pain.

Then she saw Val.

In two long strides he covered the space from the front door to Lee. He swiveled Lee around and slammed his hand into the latter's chest. He used the momentum to shove and lift the shorter man against the wall. Lee's feet dangled just above the porch floor.

Val pressed his face in close.

"You'll never touch her again." His voice was raspy, hard. Musical.

Val wrenched Lee off the wall. With little effort, he threw him off the porch as if tossing a bag of mulch.

Lee rolled down the steps and landed inches from Jane, who lay frozen in place.

He scrambled to his feet, wiping blood from his mouth. "I'll have you arrested for this!"

Val slow-walked to the steps. He had never looked so large and menacing: a giant with cold, glittering eyes.

Jane's breathing increased. Sharp pains of fear shot through her gut.

Val spoke again, his voice a husky sing-song. "I'll gladly go to prison."

He unbuttoned his flannel cuff and took a step down.

Lee took a step back.

"I've waited years for this chance." Val unbuttoned his other cuff and took another step down.

Lee backed up again.

Val's lips turned up in a calm smile.

A shiver went down Jane's spine.

"P.J. ain't here to stop me this time," Val sang as he reached the bottom stair.

Lee ran to his car.

Val ambled forward. He rolled up one sleeve. Then the other.

Lee threw the car into reverse. He backed up several yards, coming dangerously close to the icy pond before changing gears and peeling down the driveway.

Only when Lee's car disappeared from view did Val stop walking.

He stood, flexing his hands.

Then he rolled down his sleeves and buttoned them. And turned.

He spotted Jane.

Her eyes widened.

He strode her way while she renewed her efforts to stand.

Within seconds he crossed the distance and plucked her from the ground.

She was forced to throw her arms around his neck as she'd done before. Her heart pounded and her breath came in fast gasps.

His hazel eyes betrayed a flicker of disappointment before settling into a detached amusement.

She waited for him to speak again, but he focused his eyes ahead and carried her up the steps.

Cadence had been watching from the doorway. She ushered them in. Holly sat on the staircase with Genevieve, sobbing into the older woman's thin shoulder. The latter patted Holly's back and stroked her blonde hair, murmuring comforting words.

At the sound of Val's heavy boots on the floor, Holly looked up. But instead of relief or gratefulness, her expression registered an added level of pain. She pulled away from Genevieve and disappeared up the stairs.

Val's grip on Jane tightened.

"Dear, oh dear!" Genevieve said. "That black-hearted scoundrel! Daring to show his face here!"

Val turned back to the door, and Cadence rushed to open it.

"Valentine!" Genevieve called. "Where are you taking that poor girl? Is she injured?"

But Val had already carried Jane out. He stopped at the bottom of the stairs so Jane could retrieve her abandoned blouse, then carried her to the truck, opened the door, and planted her on the seat.

Jane took several deep breaths as Val walked around to the driver's side. He got in, backed the truck out, and headed down the driveway.

She waited for him to speak.

To explain.

Anything.

But he didn't.

Jane crossed her arms. "You don't stutter."

With a slow smile, Val turned his head towards her before pulling out onto the road.

Jane stared at him all the way to Prairie Creek, silently pressuring him to speak again. He remained stoic. When he parked, she attempted to get out and walk on her own, but cried out in pain when she put weight on her foot. Once again he lifted her into his arms.

"So are you going to explain what happened?" she asked through gritted teeth as he carried her up to the apartment. "Are you going to talk? Because I heard you, you know. You can't deny it."

He only smiled.

Prett and Danny came at Val's whistle.

"What happened?" Prett asked as Val set Jane in the recliner.

Val started signing.

Jane interrupted, trying to ignore her throbbing ankle. "Holly's husband showed up. He tried to take her away, but I fought him off and twisted my ankle when he pushed me down. And then Val came out and ran him off." She gestured her hand at Val. "Tell them."

Val gave a nod of agreement with her version.

Jane let out an exasperated breath. "He spoke! Val spoke! He told him never to touch Holly again, and that he'd gladly go to jail for beating him up." She looked at Prett. "And that you weren't there to stop him."

Danny guffawed, his expression incredulous.

"Did you hurt him?" Prett asked Val.

A little, he signed.

Prett's face registered worry and sadness.

Jane waved her hand. "I was hurt worse than Lee! Val just mostly scared him! Scared me, too. Talking out of the blue like that! He doesn't stutter, by the way."

Now Danny stared at Val. He signed, You spoke?

Val gave a nod.

Why?

Val smiled. Then he opened his mouth. "I fi-fi-finally had s-s-something to s-s-say."

Once more Danny guffawed as he looked from Val to Jane and back again. He faltered backwards, collapsing into the opposite recliner, choking with laughter.

He ran his hand over his mouth and beard. Then he leaned forward, elbows on his knees, his face in his hands.

And wept.

Author's Note: Thanks for reading! Please help me improve my writing by pointing out problems. And if you like what you read, please click the Vote button below. And comment! I love comments! 😊

Fun Fact: Of the three brothers, Val is the most mysterious to me. He lives on the edge of a knife, hovering between good and evil. He would make the most terrifying bad guy! And he knows this. He knows his sheer physicality is intimidating. He uses it to his advantage when warranted. 😁

I've often thought a great scene would be Jane in a bar. Some guy comes up to make his move and Val decides to just stand there and glare him down. He wouldn't even have to say a word. 😂😂😂 Jane would think him a great bodyguard...until she realizes he chases off everyone but his brothers...and sometimes even them...

Fun Fact 2: I almost chose a different song for this chapter's theme. I have a great one from Jane's perspective, but she isn't ready to admit it yet. 😉 So I picked one of my favorite songs, I'm Not In Love, by 10cc. This can be from either Jane or Prett's perspectives. The lyrics:

I'm not in love
So don't forget it
It's just a silly phase I'm going through
And just because
I call you up
Don't get me wrong, don't think you've got it made
I'm not in love, no no, it's because

I like to see you
But then again
That doesn't mean you mean that much to me
So if I call you
Don't make a fuss
Don't tell your friends about the two of us
I'm not in love, no no, it's because

Be quiet, big boys don't cry
Big boys don't cry  
Big boys don't cry 
Big boys don't cry
Big boys don't cry
Big boys don't cry      

I keep your picture
Upon the wall
It hides a nasty stain that's lying there
So don't you ask me
To give it back
I know you know it doesn't mean that much to me
I'm not in love, no no, it's because

Ooh you'll wait a long time for me
Ooh you'll wait a long time
Ooh you'll wait a long time for me
Ooh you'll wait a long time

I'm not in love
So don't forget it
It's just a silly phase I'm going through
Just because I call you up
Don't get me wrong, don't think you've got it made
I'm not in love
I'm not in love  

Be sure to vote and comment! ⤵