Chapter one hundred and ninety six:

Early the next morning, Jenna had to practically beg Luke to make a five second stop at the nearest convenience store on their way to the church where Isaac and Christy were getting married. He hadn’t wanted to stop, but she continued to press the issue until he agreed.
Christy had asked her to pick up something for her so Isaac wouldn’t know, but now that she actually was going to buy said object, she was somewhat mortified.

She wandered up and down the aisles in the convenience store, unable to find the item she needed.

When she was just about to give up, she finally found what she was looking for, in the far corner of the store.

She bought the item, unable to keep herself from blushing at the dirty looks she was receiving from the older woman behind the counter.
She immediately tucked the product into her purse determined to give it to Christy as soon as possible, in order to get rid of it.
She then decided that if Luke saw her come out of the store empty handed, he would be suspicious and generally pissed that he had to stop for her to seemingly buy nothing.
She got herself the only thing that didn’t make her want to throw up, a bottle of water, and got Luke his favorite chocolate bar. She shyly went to the counter again and purchased the other items, avoiding eye contact with the woman behind the counter, who was still giving her odd looks.

Finally, she quickly exited the store and got into Luke’s jeep.
”Did you get what you wanted?” He asked, somewhat bitterly.

She nodded and held up a bottle of water.

“We had water back at the house, you know.” He said, navigating his way back onto the main street.
”I know… but then I wouldn’t have been able to get you this.” She held up the chocolate bar for him.

He smiled finally. “Thanks. That’s sweet. My favorite kind.” He took the candy bar and opened it, offering her a bite.

“No thanks.” She shook her head, a little too eagerly.

“Okay.”

The car fell silent for a few moments.

“Jen, I’m sorry. I’ve been a jerk today.”

“That’s okay.” She said quickly, even though it wasn’t. She was very glad he was apologizing.
”There’s no excuse for my attitude.  I was just in a rush to get to the church to help out wherever I could…”

“That’s okay.”

“And I’m tired, we both had a late night last night-“

“I know.”

“No, Jen it’s not okay.”

“Luke…” She gently placed her hand on his thigh. “It’s okay.”

Luke smiled. “Alright.”

The car was once again silent.

“Luke?”

“Yeah?” He reached across the front seat and took her hand warmly in his, giving it a gently squeeze.

“Can I let you in on a little secret?”

“Of course.”

“You promise not to tell anyone?”

“I promise.” He lips twitched into a smile.

Jen drew in a deep breath and began to confess the entire story.

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