29
Noah
Today is the day.
Our entire friend group is here to help Jett make sure everything is in place. Kelsey’s color selection was spot on with Jett’s dream layout. The dark-stained wood bookshelves are lined with a small selection of romance novels by some of the authors Jett has worked with.
Everyone she reached out to was thrilled to be a part of this. And almost all of them have asked to work with Jett in an editorial capacity again now that whatever projects they’d been working on previously are complete. She broke down in tears when she realized she’d have to put people on a waitlist.
Even now, as I step into her back and wrap my arms around her, she seems at a loss for words. Like she can’t believe this is really happening.
“You did it, chaos. In less than thirty minutes, you get to cut the ribbon and open the doors to this amazing creation of yours.”
Her head swishes back and forth. “Not mine. We did this. You. Kelsey. Our friends.”
“Our family did this,” I say as she leans up to kiss along my jaw.
“Our family. Still gives me chills, but it’s true. Isn’t it?”
It is. Our little band of misfit siblings would do anything for one another, much like this town. We take care of our own, and a product of that philosophy is about to open its doors to the community.
As we bask in each other and the reality that Jett is finally doing what she’s always wanted, Kelsey walks up and joins our embrace. I think she’s more excited than Jett at this point.
“Jett? It’s time,” she squeals.
Jett smiles, but I can see the edge of worry. Squeezing her one more time, I try to sooth some of those fears. “You’ve got this, gorgeous. This town is one hundred percent behind you. They are just as excited for this rebranding as we are.”
Glancing out the front window, she winces. “Don’t think I expected literally everyone to show up for this, though.”
Kelsey hears her and hollers across the room. “We got this, babe!”
Tilting her chin up with my thumb, I wait until she makes eye contact. “She’s right, you know? We are all here, ready to celebrate. And I’m pretty sure I saw some important individuals out in the crowd earlier.”
Her eyes widen at that. She knew her mom was coming, but we also managed to get her dad down from Kentucky without her knowing. He’s supported her in this since she was a kid. It’s only right that he can be here for the grand opening.
After a few more deep breaths, Jett finally walks to the door and steps outside with our entire crew following her. She glances around, taking in the crowded sidewalk and street, and I can see the moment she almost bolts. Her entire body tenses, and she takes a step backward.
Instead, she looks to me. And man, if that isn’t the biggest boost to my ego. I silence this girl’s chaos for her when she needs it. Doing my best to exude confidence, I guess it works, because Jett takes a steadying breath before smiling and looking back at our community.
“This is so beyond my comfort zone, so just bear with me for a minute.” The crowd quiets as Jett settles into the role of business owner. “I know most people in this town have figured out that I’m Reece’s little sister. You’ve probably realized that I’m a little odd, talk to myself, shy away from the crowds and conversation. And yet, none of you have shied away from me. No one has called me out or picked at me for being myself. This town truly lives up to its name of being a haven to anyone looking for a fresh start, and I couldn’t be prouder to call this place home.”
She motions behind her at the new logo on the window. “This dream of mine became a reality thanks to the relationships I’ve built since January. From a grumpy mechanic who refused to give up on me, to a friendship with the town baker that turned into an unexpected business relationship. I couldn’t be more excited to introduce you guys to The Write Brew, co-owned by Kelsey Riley.”
Cheers erupt from the crowd, and the energy is infectious. Jett and Kelsey are both nearly bouncing in their shoes.
Kelsey addresses the crowd one more time. “We are so excited you’re here! Now, please. Come inside, browse, and enjoy some of the delicious pastries that we concocted specifically for today.”
As everyone begins to make their way inside, I catch Reece’s eye from the other side of the crowd. A man who I know from pictures is their dad is with him. Reece nods in acknowledgment and steers them—and their mom, I realize—toward the entrance where Jett and Kelsey are greeting everyone.
Quickly slipping inside, I wrap my arms around Jett and lean down to her ear.
“There are a few special guests here to see you.”
She looks up at me in confusion, but I let my eyes wander to where her family is walking through the door. I keep my hands on her hips as she follows my line of sight. When she realizes who it is, she looks back and forth between them and me in disbelief. Gently kissing her forehead, I nudge her in their direction.
“Go see your dad, chaos. He may be more excited than the rest of us.”
Tears begin to gather in her eyes as her emotions war within. “How?” she asks, stepping back into me. “I talked to him last week, and he didn’t think he’d be able to get away.”
I swipe the pad of my thumb across her cheekbone, gathering the lone tear that escapes.
“Your brother made some calls when I told him.”
“You and Reece working together?”
“Anything for you.”
Her kiss is quick and sweet before she’s rushing toward her family.
“Daddy!” As she slings herself into her arms, I make the rounds, ensuring everything is still running smoothly.
As I’m replenishing the first of many empty cookie plates, Kristen walks over.
“You guys finally did it, yeah?” She smiles. While she is the town therapist, she’s also a really good friend. Talking to her has helped both me and Jett work through some of our past struggles.
“She’s worked her butt off for this, Kris. It’s thanks to you, you know.”
Kristen shakes her head in denial, but we all know it’s true. If she hadn’t had an opening that first day that Jett called, she’d have never moved down here.
“Well, I’m not here on official business. I’m here strictly as a friend. I feel like I don’t ever get to chat with the outside world anymore, and Jett only comes in once a month.”
“We’re both glad you could be here. Seriously, Kristen. Maybe you and Declan should join us some when we all get together at Riley’s. Like old times.”
“I’d like that. Not sure I can get the two stubborn Flynn boys to agree, but I’ll do my best.”
“All I can ask,” I say before she walks off. As I turn to grab another empty tray, I nearly bump into Jett. She grabs my hand and pulls me behind her, walking toward the back office. When I open my mouth to ask what is going on, she shushes me. As she closes the door behind us, I expect her to talk.
Instead, she pushes my back into the door, jumps, and wraps her legs around my waist. My hands settle under her thighs as her lips find mine easily, and I let her control the kiss.
It’s her usual close-mouthed sweet kiss but with so much passion, I’m worried she may light us on fire.
As she backs off and rests her forehead against mine, I watch as a jumble of emotions rush across her face before settling on one: pure joy.
“Not that I’m complaining. Far from it. But what was that for?” I ask against her lips. I swear then and there that I’ll do anything to keep this happiness alive.
She shakes her head but smiles, that lip of hers nipped between her teeth. “Elevator mechanic. Caretaker extraordinaire. Chaos coordinator in every sense of the word. I’m never giving you up, Noah Slater.” She kisses me again before dropping to her feet.
“Mmm. Never get tired of kissing you, chaos.” I find her lips once more before moving away from the door and opening it. “But we should probably get back out to your grand opening, yeah?”
She nods, the grin still plastered to her face as she slips her fingers back into mine.
I don’t think life can get any better than this.