Chapter 16 #2
It was a cool early spring Texas morning, the wind still damp from last night’s rain.
We hopped on Jess’s bike and cut through town, weaving through the side streets to avoid the rush at the middle school.
Dairyville was smaller than any place I’d ever lived, the kind of town where there was a gas station when you entered the city limits and one when you left.
Most of the houses were squat, white brick, with blue tin roofs and chain-link fences out front, the yards a mix of winter-brown and wildflowers already trying to take over the cracks in the sidewalk.
Others were ranches with land and cattle or crops.
The downtown area was something out of a Hallmark movie.
Cute businesses lined the town square with colorful awnings and park benches.
The center of town even had a white gazebo that just needed a little band playing to complete the scene.
We parked outside Aspen’s bakery—Buttercream sometimes he forgets.”
I blinked, surprised by how much I needed to hear that. “He’s so stubborn.”
“Well, you sure must be strong to have endured everything you have and still kept your mind strong. I admire you. You’re good for him. I know he’s not perfect. I had to prove myself to him. But he had my back when it counted.”
We sat in silence for a while, watching Oscar march between the tables, stopping every few steps to fuss at a crumb or reorganize a stack of napkins.
“He really loves you,” Aspen said. “I knew it from the second I saw the way he looked when we pulled you from that awful place.”
I blushed, unable to help it. “I love him, too. I just hope I don’t bring any shame to him.”
“You won’t,” she said. “Because you haven’t done anything to be ashamed of Harper. Don’t forget that. Don’t let anyone talk you into believing things about yourself that just are not true.”
At the end of the counter, Papa and Jess clasped hands, then embraced. Papa pulled back, slapped Jess on the shoulder, and said something that made him laugh for the first time all morning.
When they walked back to the table, I saw the difference in Jess. He looked lighter, easier. He dropped into the chair beside me and pulled me close, his arm around my waist.
Papa stood over us, hands on his hips. “You two look good together. And your mate mark is a nice look.”
“Thank you,” I said, trying not to squirm.
He nodded and then turned to Jess. “You take care of her.”
“Always,” Jess said, voice steady as stone.
Papa grinned, then bent down and kissed Aspen on the head. “You coming to the pack run tonight?”
Aspen glanced at me, then smiled. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
Oscar piped up from under the table. “May I attend as well? I will be most discreet.”
Aspen laughed. “You’re part of the pack, Oscar. You have to come.”
He puffed up, proud. “Excellent. I shall prepare accordingly.”
Papa left, the bell chiming as he went. Aspen started clearing our plates, but not before sneaking a second scone onto my napkin.
Jess leaned in, lips at my ear. “You okay?”
I nodded. “I’m happy,” I whispered, surprised by how true it felt.
“Good,” he said. “I’m happy too.”
We sat there for a while, just watching the sun work its way across the table, turning the coffee brown and the scones gold. Jess traced little circles on my wrist with his thumb, and I let myself hope that maybe, just maybe, this could be the start of something right.
I closed my eyes and offered a silent thanks to the creator.
Thank you for saving me.
Thank you for keeping him safe.
Thank you for today, and every day after.
When I opened my eyes again, the world was still there, waiting.
And I was finally ready to meet it.