I smile. Yeah. It was.
Outside, I finally let go of the breath I’d been holding.
Jack glances over. “You okay?”
“Yeah,” I say. “I think I am.”
He studies me for a beat, then nods.
We reach the truck as Lori catches up.
“That was badass,” she says, breathless.
I laugh. “Thanks.”
Instead of heading straight home, we detour to lunch. Lori meets us at a cozy café, coffee already in hand.
“So,” she says, “work’s been quiet without you.”
I smile. “I miss it sometimes. But I’m happy with what I’m doing now. Being my own boss just feels right.”
She nods. “I’m still planning on coming to visit. I just don’t know when yet.”
Jack puts his hand on my knee. “The spare room will always be ready for you.”
“Thanks.”
We breeze through lunch with easy conversation. Lori is inquisitive, playful, protective, and utterly approving. As we hug goodbye, she winks.
“He’s a keeper. Don’t screw this up.”
I laugh, heart lighter than it’s been in ages. “Not planning to.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
JACK
The drive back to Kansas is quiet. Beth leans against the window, her fingers tapping a nervous rhythm on her leg. I know she’s stuck replaying everything from the baby shower—Stephanie’s barbed remarks, the forced smiles, the endless polite small talk.
I keep my eyes on the road, but I can’t take it anymore after a while. “You holding up?”
She hesitates, then glances over with a tired smile. “Yeah. I mean, mostly. Honestly, I figured I’d be a wreck. But now? I just feel…finished. Like I finally let go.”
“Good.” I flex my grip on the steering wheel. “You deserve to.”
Her gaze softens. “Thanks for coming with me.”
I snort. “Like I’d let you face that circus alone.”
She rolls her eyes. “I should’ve known.”
We lapse into silence again, and I thread my fingers through hers. She squeezes back, and the world finally feels right again.
About an hour from home, my phone buzzes. Mom’s name flashes on the dash. I hit the call button.
“Hey, Ma.”
“Jack!” she exclaims. “Where are you? Your dad and I just got back from our trip, and we want to see you.”
