Chapter 29 – Jael
It's only my second day back in Whitewood Creek, but I still haven't worked up the nerve to try calling Rhett again. I finished my shift training the new nurses at the hospital and slipped out quietly, dodging any familiar faces in the parking lot.
Thank God the hospital's tucked away, far enough from the main street to keep me out of sight and away from the gossip mill. Small towns are notorious for their chatter, and I definitely don’t need my return becoming the latest topic.
Being back in town has me second-guessing everything.
Is it weird that I missed it after only being gone for a month?
Ten years away and I never once cared to come back, but now I’m smiling at the small coffee shop in the town square that uses way too much sugar, and driving with my window down, the warm breeze full of fresh peaches and cornstalks filling the air.
I made it clear to Christopher that we were done, and I’ve opened the door to whatever might be between me and Rhett. But the fear of facing him again? It eats at me. Does he feel the same, or has too much time passed? Can he forgive the past, or will my heart take another hit?
My phone buzzes in my pocket, Lainey’s name lighting up the screen. My eyes dart around the full parking lot, panicking that someone’s spotted me and already told her I’m in town.
“Hey Lainey, how are you?” I answer, trying to keep my voice level and calm.
“Why does your voice sound like that?”
“Like what?”
“Like you’re running from someone.”
I laugh. “I just got off work. I’m not sure.”
“That’s it. You were probably yelling all shift.”
I laugh. “Something like that.”
“Okay, well I have something to tell you, and I wanted you to be one of the first to know…” she says, her voice softening.
“What’s going on? Are the kids okay?”
“Yes, they’re fine but I’m not. I’m pregnant.”
“Oh my gosh, that’s amazing! Congratulations!”
“I don’t know what we’re going to do. The vasectomy was supposed to prevent this. Four kids, Jael! Who has four kids anymore? It’s expensive enough to feed one.”
“I’m sorry,” I chuckle. “I know that must be tough, but you and Lark are solid.”
She huffs out a breath. “Yeah.”
“Didn’t Rhett mention he’s trying to expand his business, with Lark stepping into a management role? Hopefully, that means a pay increase for him too?”
“Yeah, but it’s still overwhelming. These kids drive me up the wall. I need a break. Hey, speaking of needing a break, what are you doing tonight? Want to come over for dinner and drinks? Non-alcoholic for me now, sadly. We have a sitter.”
“I’d love to. Wait,” I freeze next to my car in the middle of the lot. “How do you know that I’m back in town?”
“You can try to stay away, but Whitewood Creek always pulls you back in, Jael. Well, that and old man Clarence saw you at the hospital today.”
Of course, it was Clarence, the hospital’s security guard and our old high school’s police officer.
He’d always had a soft spot toward me. Said I reminded him of his daughter who passed away in a car accident as a teenager.
I’d been happy to get to know him too during that time when any father figure for me was nonexistent and I was desperate for approval.
“What time should I come over?”
“Come by as soon as you can. I’ll be here, wallowing in self-pity.”
I rush back to the motel, stripping down for a quick shower before slipping into a loose green dress and sandals. September's here now, still warm during the day but cooling off at night, making the evening air feel just right.
Driving to Lainey and Lark’s, I tap my hand on the steering wheel, oddly calm, even though the ticking clock in the back of my mind reminds me that Rhett’s bound to realize I’m back in town soon now that Lainey knows.
I could call him again, maybe shoot off another text and hope for a reply, but I’m done with that.
I want to see him face-to-face, look him in the eyes, and finally tell him how much he means to me, how much he always has.
I’m ready to lay it all out on the line, even if it means getting hurt all over again.
But my moment of ease is short-lived. Because as soon as I pull up to their house, I spot something that makes my heart freeze: Rhett’s truck parked right in the driveway.
What the hell? Is this some kind of set-up?
I take a deep breath in and let it out slowly, killing the engine of my car before slowly making my way to their front door.
The last time I was here was the night that Rhett and I fought and I ran. I want to be brave. I don’t want to run again. I want to be strong the way that Rhett thinks I am. I want to tell him how I feel and hope like hell he feels the same way.
Each step feels heavier, like my chance to come up with something to say is slipping through my fingers. I’ve replayed this moment in my mind for four weeks straight, but now that I’m being faced with it, I’m not sure I’m ready.
Before I can even knock, Lainey swings the door open and pulls me into a hug.
As I return it, my eyes catch sight of Rhett behind her, walking through the living room with a bottle of wine in one hand and whiskey in the other.
When our gazes lock, his brow furrows, and his lips press into a thin line.
“What the hell is she doing here?” he growls.