The sunlight was streaming though my bedroom window. Instead of getting up like I usually did, I rolled over, deeper into Colin's arms and tried to sleep some more. He was still half asleep but he instinctively pulled me closer.
Despite my efforts to sleep, my mind wandered to the events during dinner the night before. I found myself smiling as I remembered the water fight I had started. Although, technically it was Lana's fault. She had thrown the first punch so to speak.
"Colin," I said, nudging his shoulder. "We need to leave in half an hour to pick up Jared and his family."
"Good morning to you too," Colin mumbled.
He tightened his arms around me and nuzzled my neck. I giggled and tried to pull away.
"Come on! I'm being serious," I protested.
"So am I," he replied, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
"All right, Casanova," I smirked. "Go take a shower and get dressed."
"So… no conserving water?" he grinned.
"Get out of here," I laughed, slapping him lightly in the arm.
He kissed me one more time before sliding out of bed and trotting into my bathroom.
"Don't forget to lock the adjoining door," I called after him.
As the door closed behind him, I roused myself from bed and walked over to the closet. I was already mentally planning activities for our group to do to include Jared. I pulled a button-up blouse off its hanger and an accompanying pair of skinny jeans from the dresser. The water in the shower shut off just as I finished buttoning the last button on my shirt. I tip-toed across the hall to Colin's room to grab him some clothes. I picked out a dark blue t-shirt and a pair of stone-washed jeans and then crept back to my room just as Colin emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist.
"Here you go," I offered him the clothes.
"Thank you, love," he said.
"I'm going to go see if Ginny has anything cooked up for breakfast," I said, kissing him on the cheek.
I grabbed my boots as I walked out of my room, leaving Colin to change.
"Oh good, you're up," Lana greeted me in the hall. "Ginny sent me up to see if you're ready for breakfast."
"Yep, sounds good. I could use some food before we have to head over to pick up Jared and his family."
"Everyone's down eating except you and Colin," she added.
"Oh he'll be down in a minute," I replied. "He's just getting dressed."
"So that's how it is," Lana grinned. "I figured something was bound to happen on this vacation."
I actually blushed at her statement. My mouth opened and closed a few times as I tried to come up with a response. Lana just smiled smugly and linked arms with me as she walked me down the stairs.
"It's okay, Jen. We all understand," Lana assured me. "Robert and Emilie aren't exactly hiding their relationship right now."
"Why do I feel like you're mocking me, Lana?"
"Because I am."
"Breakfast is buffet style," Ginny greeted us from the kitchen. "Grab a plate and serve yourself."
"Thanks, Ginny," I said with a smile. "You're amazing!"
I looked around, surveying the people. Robert and Emilie were apart from the group, sitting on a blanket in the sand out back. Josh was settled at the table with little Oliver in his lap. Sean and Georgina were sharing some private joke at the other end of the table. I turned at the sound of Colin coming down the stairs. He winked at me before sliding past me, briefly touching the small of my back as he squeezed past.
"Sleep well, Colin?" Lana asked with a smirk.
Colin seemed amused by her mocking.
"Why yes I did, Lana," he grinned. "This vacation is doing wonders already. How did you sleep?"
"It wasn't the same without my husband," she answered. "Sleeping on your own just isn't the same as having a companion."
I felt like slapping my palm over my eyes. This was just ridiculous. I was surprised that no one else had picked up on what they were mocking each other about. Colin handed me a plate with eggs, bacon, sausage, and country-fried potatoes. I smiled at him as I took it and settled next to Josh at the table.
"Would you like some milk or juice, Jen?" Colin asked.
"Grape juice, please," I replied.
He set down the full glass in front of me before settling himself in the chair by my other side. Our eyes met and I smiled. Then we both looked away and started eating. Our legs were so close that they were slightly touching. I felt Colin's fingers brush my leg as he reached for my hand. I felt like a teenager, sneaking some hand-holding underneath the table.
Now that everyone was eating, Ginny finally dished up her own plate and started eating. Apparently Oliver had already gotten his breakfast.
"What car did you want to take to the airport, Colin?" Josh asked. "I need the other one to go to the store and pick up some things."
"We'll take the Jeep so there's more room for people and luggage," Colin replied. "What did you need at the store?"
"Just some food stuff and baby items that Ginny asked me to get," Josh answered. "Is there anything any of you need?"
"Actually, yes," Georgina piped up. "Could you grab some Tylenol? I've been getting really bad headaches from the bright sunshine all the time."
"Better get some sunscreen for Jared and his sister. Their mom probably forgot," Lana said. "Bless her heart, but she's a forgetful one."
"Teriyaki jerky," I said randomly. "I forgot yesterday when we were at the store."
"Also, get her some more ice cream. I ate it all last night," Lana admitted sheepishly.
"Lana, that was my ice cream!" I protested.
"Josh will replace it today," Lana defended. "And I didn't touch your Dr. Pepper."
"We should be taking off, Jen," Colin pointed out.
He shoved a few more forkfuls in his mouth before jumping up from his chair. Both of our plates were deposited in the sink. I grabbed a couple more pieces of bacon and followed Colin as he exited through the front door.
Colin insisted on driving so I slid into the passenger seat. He handed me his phone.
"Can you text Jared and let him know that we're on our way to the airport?"
I nodded and started typing.
Colin: Hey Jared, its Jen. Colin wanted me to text you and let you know that we're on our way. Has your flight landed yet?
I set the phone aside and turned on the radio. Colin didn't seem to disapprove of my music choice so I left it playing.
"I'm not just your rebound, am I?" I asked suddenly.
Colin glanced over at me with a frown.
"Of course not. Why would you think that?"
"Because you just got a divorce, like yesterday," I explained. "And I shared with you how I feel about relationships. I want them to last. I don't do one night stands."
"Neither do I," Colin replied. "Helen was the first girl I married and I really did love her. But she doesn't feel the same way anymore. To be honest, we've been having trouble for a long time. I never even let myself think about any feelings I might have for you until she filed for a divorce. You are more than a one night stand, Jen. And if you're willing, I would like to see where this goes."
Colin's phone buzzed and I checked it.
Jared: Hi Jen! I can't wait to see you guys! Our flight just landed and we're collecting our luggage. See ya when you get here!
"Jared's at the airport," I shared.
"Good. We'll be there in ten minutes," Colin replied. "Jen, back to what we were talking about. I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't suffering from losing Helen and my son. And you'd be lying if you said that you weren't suffering from losing Lance and your parents getting a divorce. But we are not each other's rebound."
"I want this to be something," I said strongly. "I want there to be an 'us'. But I also want you to know that I want this to mean something. Relationships aren't cavalier or casual to me."
"Jen, I know."
"I guess what I'm saying is..." I took a deep breath. "Don't leave me like Lance left me. Don't leave me like Helen left you."
"We both know what it's like to be abandoned," he answered. "And we both would never do that to someone because we know how it feels."
I nodded, blinking back tears. Colin pulled the car into the parking lot and parked. I hopped out and joined him as we walked quickly to meet Jared. Colin put an arm around my shoulders and pulled me close to kiss the top of my head.
"Thank you, Colin," I whispered. "For being here for me."
Ahead I could see Jared, his sister, and his mom standing on the curb waiting. I waved as we got close enough for them to see us. Jared came running, leaving his suitcase lying on the pavement.
"Jared!" I called.
He threw his arms around me as soon as he reached me.
"It's good to see you, kid," I said warmly. "I'm glad you're here."
"I missed you so much! It's been forever since I saw you!"
"That's a slight exaggeration," I laughed.
Jared reluctantly released me and immediately latched onto Colin.
"It's good to have you here, lad," Colin chuckled. "And Trish and Taylor," he added as Jared's mom and sister joined us.
"Jared, honey, go get your suitcase so we can get going," Trish said calmly.
Jared disentangled himself from Colin and obediently went to fetch his suitcase.
"We're going to have so much fun!" Jared's twin sister, Taylor, was jumping up and down with excitement. "I still can't believe we're actually here."
"We're parked over here," Colin gestured.
"Where are we headed first?" Jared asked brightly.
"Sweetheart, I have a headache so we need to go to the cottage so I can lay down," Trish shared gently.
Jared and Taylor's faces fell. I glanced at Colin and he nodded.
"Well if you'd be okay with it, we can drop you off so you can rest and then take Jared and Taylor somewhere fun," I suggested.
Trish considered the idea as we reached the car. I could tell that Jared and Taylor were holding their breath in anticipation.
"Do you two promise to listen to Colin and Jennifer?" she asked her kids.
"Yes, Mom," they chimed in unison.
"I suppose that's okay then," she answered. "I expect you to check in with me though. And when I text you I want you to answer as soon as possible, all right?"
The two teenagers nodded eagerly. Trish pressed two fingers to her forehead and sighed.
"Let's get this show on the road before I pass out."
I grinned as Jared and Taylor jumped into the Jeep, already chatting excitedly about the activities they wanted to do.