THE BILLIONAIRE'S DANCE(Billionaire Bachelors #2)(37)

It wasn’t like Alex was cruel to her in any way. He was simply honest, saying he couldn’t love her. He wanted her which was obvious. Their passion burned greatly. She was coming to believe he just didn’t want to be in love with anyone and it wasn’t personal.

Jessica snapped back to reality and looked around the crowded yard once again. Her smile was genuine as she spotted her beautiful child and her niece and nephew.

Jasmine and Jacob were in the swings, with grandpa pushing them both. “Higher gampa,” Jasmine yelled and then squealed with delight when grandpa accommodated her.

“How are you doing dear?” Katherine asked, as she walked up to Jessica.

“I’m great, thanks Mom,” she replied. Katherine was such a quiet person, sometimes she got engulfed from her huge force of a husband. All the kids knew grandma was the real source of magic in the family though.

She had an amazing heart and more love to give than any other person Jessica knew. Jessica was glad her family meshed so well with the Anderson family. They’d all become one instead of two.

“I can’t believe Jacob is a year old already. The time simply goes by far too quickly, in my opinion,” Katherine said with some sadness.

“I agree, it seems like just yesterday I was bringing him home from the hospital. He will be off to college before I have a chance to blink,” she said with some panic.

“It doesn’t happen quite that quickly but it sure seems like it. I’m grateful my boys decided to live close to home. When Mark graduated and moved out a piece of my heart broke. Letting go of any of your children is hard but the youngest one is the final piece and it feels like a piece of you leaves with them. I’m also grateful they’re finally marrying and giving me grandkids. It helps ease the heartache a little,” she added.

Jessica looked guiltily down at her feet for a moment. She knew her father and Alex’s parents were hoping to have many more grandkids but Jessica was so afraid to even bring it up with Alex. She was afraid he would say no and she would have to finally accept they couldn’t stay together.

“Three grandkids in just under three years is pretty good,” Jessica said instead.

“Yes, they really are a blessing. Joseph has been mumbling now about Mark settling down. I’ve told him time and again to leave the boy alone. He’ll have kids when he’s ready for it but you know Joseph, he’s stubborn. He thinks he fools me but I’ve been married to the man for far too many years for him to get away with much,” she said with a wink.

“He’s definitely stubborn. His sons and grandsons have inherited that trait,” Jessica said with a fond smile.

“I’m going to steal that new grandson of mine before Joseph gets his hands on him,” Katherine said.

She kissed Jessica’s cheek and then headed over to Amy, who had just walked around the corner.

Amy walked over to Jessica, now that her arms were empty. “I barely get to see my kids when we are around this group,” Amy complained but the twinkle in her eyes took away any bite in the words.

“I know how you feel,” Jessica agreed with her sister-in-law.

“I really couldn’t imagine being a part of one of those families who never speak to one another. It breaks my heart now to think about that,” Amy said with true knowledge.

Jessica knew Amy had grown up with an addicted mother until the day she went into the foster care system. She’d worked her way through college and then met Lucas while working for the Anderson Corporation.

Having a close family was something Jessica had always taken for granted, whereas Amy had never known such a loving group of people. Jessica reached over and gave Amy a big hug. “I’m so glad you are my sister Amy. I’m glad you were able to find the family you were meant to have,” Jessica said.

Amy had to wipe away a few tears, “now look what you made me do,” she said with a sniffle. “I’m so glad to have you, too,” she added.

“What’s wrong Amy,” Lucas came running up, as if he had radar built in. He was gathering Amy in his arms while scoping the yard to make sure his children and the rest of the family were all okay. He couldn’t seem to find any danger and that led to his brow furrowing even more.

“Everything is just perfect, that’s why I’m crying,” she said with a sniffle.

Lucas looked at her like she’d lost her mind for a moment and that set both women off in a round of giggles. “Lucas, you have to understand we cry when we are happy and sad. It’s just one of those mysterious things about women,” Jessica finally managed to get out between giggles.

“Is everything okay,” Alex asked as he looked from his brother to the two laughing women. Lucas gave him a look that seemed to say, you figure them out, which sent the girls off on another round of laughter. They were both holding their stomachs and tears were streaming down their faces they were laughing so hard.

“You’ve got to stop talking or I’m going to get a major cramp,” Amy finally managed to get out between bits of laughter.

“Agreed,” Jessica said.

Both guys threw up their hands and by mutual consent edged away from the girls. “We better go finish the grilling,” Lucas said.

“Yeah, I’ll help you,” Alex eagerly took the cue and they fled.

After a few minutes Jessica and Amy were able to quit laughing. “I love doing that to him,” Amy said mischievously.