Who is Jesse Wade Thompson from My Louisiana Sky and what is their importance?

Jesse Wade is Tiger's best friend. His father owns Thompson Nursery, one of the major town businesses, and is very wealthy. Tiger thinks Jesse is spoiled because he doesn't have to do chores and spends most of his time playing baseball. In the end, we see that the two friends share a close bond, Jesse even leaves Abby Lynn's pool party after realizing that Tiger was not invited. As the two grow up, Jesse begins to develop romantic feelings for Tiger..... she isn't interested, but they do remain the best of friends.