Blessed Vows by Jillian Hart

to swallow her panic before Jake’s confident voice rang in her ear.
    â€œI’m as safe as can be. We’re about to go up, but I wanted to give you time to think about this.” Jake’s words dipped low and serious.
    Rachel felt the impact deep in her soul. See how he affected her? No man had ever done this to her. How was she going to act normally, now? “What exactly are you going to ask?”
    â€œBen said he could use help moving on Wednesday, and since that’s two days away, I can switch our flights, no problem, and stick around to help. But seeing as I don’t make the big bucks, Ben suggested Sal and I could stay in the apartment. I wanted to make sure that was okay with you first. Say no if you’re uncomfortable with a single old bachelor like me hanging around your house.”
    â€œThe apartment’s over the diner. Did Ben tell you that?”
    â€œAh, no, he didn’t. Then I guess I ought to be calling your oldest sister. Isn’t she in charge of the diner?’
    â€œI’m taking over, and trust me, she won’t mind if you stay. Ben could use the help, I know, it’ll make this easier on him. And this way I get to spend more time with Sally.”
    Jake didn’t miss the genuine affection in Rachel’s words. He could just imagine her in that house of hers meant for a family, she was probably in the kitchen. Yep, he could hear the clink of dishes. The refrigerator door opened and his mind flashed back to the evening spent in her home in her company, and his world stopped spinning. Everything within him stilled. The back of his neck tingling like it did right before things got hot on a mission.
    Except there was no danger, no enemies, no imminent ambush, no unseen threat. Just the pulse of his heartbeat and a strange stillness in the deepest part of him. It was as if God was letting him know that this woman was significant.
    It was probably because Sally needed so much right now. Rachel, who’d known the same loss, maybe had the kindness to help Sally a little. Sure, his conscience scolded him, but Sally would be the only reason, right?
    Right, he wanted to say. But he knew that was wrong. Sally wasn’t the only reason. Jake didn’t want to think about what that meant as Ben called out to him. The pilot and plane were ready and waiting. He said goodbye,hung up and took off down the tarmac, determined to keep nothing but blue skies on his mind.
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    Rachel heard the kitchen door open. The sound of boots hitting the floor told her two people were coming her way. She slid the dice across the coffee table to Westin as she rose from the floor. Ignoring the snap in her knee and the creak in her lower back, she ambled around the sectional, expecting to see Jake.
    It wasn’t Jake who strode into sight, but Amy and her handsome new husband. Heath did not look happy, and Amy appeared flushed either from upset or from a disagreement, Rachel couldn’t tell which. But it couldn’t bode well.
    â€œWhat’s up, guys?” Rachel left the excitement of the board game behind, knowing the kids were well occupied, and headed for the cupboards. “You look like you need chocolate.”
    â€œChocolate’s a start.” Amy collapsed on the nearest chair. “No, please tell me these aren’t your secret-recipe cupcakes because I can’t eat just one. Heath, world wars could start over these, they’re so good.”
    â€œThe secret’s in the filling.” Rachel handed down two dessert plates. “Go ahead. Take as many as you want. They’re only good when they’re fresh. Want soda or chocolate milk to go with?”
    â€œYou shouldn’t be waiting on us.” Amy had dropped her purse, shrugged out of her coat and was unwrappingthe paper from a cupcake. Chocolate crumbs tumbled everywhere. “But I love ya for it. We just looked at another house we couldn’t afford.”
    â€œIt