Chapter 18
Chapter Eighteen
KANE
The familiar creak of the front door announces our return. Stepping inside, the scent of home wraps around me—wood, sea salt, and a hint of vanilla from Hailey’s favorite lotion. Relief washes over me, soothing the raw edges of exhaustion. I made it. I’m safe.
Hailey skips ahead, her laughter filling the space as she recounts her day, oblivious to the fear that gripped us all. Her resilience is a marvel, and her joy lifts my weary soul. I smile, despite the weight of fatigue pulling at me.
“Daddy, look!” She waves a drawing above her head, her stick figures dancing on the paper. “This is us!” She points out each figure with pride, her eyes shining with innocence and love.
“That’s beautiful, Noodle.” My voice is thick with emotion. I reach out, ruffling her hair. “You’re quite the artist.”
She runs off to her room, her energy boundless. I exchange a weary yet grateful glance with Timber, the woman who’s become my anchor. Her eyes meet mine, and the air between us crackles. The kiss we shared still lingers in my mind.
“Come here,” I murmur, my voice barely above a whisper. “Please.”
She steps closer, her eyes searching mine. I pull her into my arms. “Thank you for everything.” The world narrows to this—her body against me, the steady beat of her heart, reassuring and grounding.
“Are you okay?” she asks, her voice laced with concern.
“Better now,” I reply. “Better because you’re here. Better because I finally kissed you.”
“About that,” she says.
I’m afraid she’s going to say something that might ruin the moment, like the kiss didn’t mean anything when it meant everything to me.
“It was amazing.”
A smile spreads across my face. “It was that good? No room for improvement?”
“Well,” she continues, a playful glint in her eye, “you could kiss me again, and then I can compare the two.”
I don’t need any more encouragement. I lean in, capturing her lips with mine. This kiss is different—still full of the relief and desire from before, but now there's a layer of playfulness, an exploration. Our lips move together, and I can feel the heat of her breath, and the soft sighs that escape her mouth.
Just as the kiss deepens, promising more, a small voice interrupts. “Daddy? Can I have a bubble bath? ”
We break apart, breathless and flushed.
“Of course, Noodle. Let’s have a bite to eat and then I’ll run your bath.” I turn back to Timber, seeing the same mixture of amusement and longing in her eyes. “To be continued,” I whisper, earning a soft laugh.
In the kitchen, Timber quickly whips up some sandwiches and heats up a jar of Eliza’s chicken noodle soup. It’s quick and easy, but perfect for the moment.
After dinner, we settle on the couch to watch a short show with Hailey. Timber sits close, her shoulder brushing against mine. I can't focus on the show. My mind replays the kiss, craving more. The anticipation is almost unbearable.
Finally, I can’t wait any longer. I get up and say, “Hailey, let’s get that bath started.”
Together, we head upstairs. Hailey beats us to the bathroom, turning on the water and dumping in far too many bubbles, but I don’t care tonight.
“Alright, Noodle, let’s wash your hair,” I say, rolling up my sleeves, but Timber looks at my bandaged hands. They are probably in far better shape than I would imagine they’d be, but May’s medicine is always a miracle worker.
“I’ll get the hair, you just relax,” Timber says.
Watching the routine is comforting. Timber washes her hair, rinses off the suds, and wraps her in a fluffy towel. The simple scene seems like a small victory—a return to the life I was so afraid I’d lost.
Once Hailey has brushed her teeth and is in pajamas, she picks out a book for her bedtime story. Timber leans against the door and watches while I sit on the edge of her bed and read. Hailey’s eyes are heavy with sleep, but she fights it.
“And then the princess said…” I read, my voice soft and steady. Hailey’s eyelids droop, and she snuggles deeper into her blankets.
By the time I finish the story, she’s fast asleep. I lean down, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Goodnight, Noodle,” I whisper.
Timber and I quietly step out of Hailey’s room, closing the door behind us.
We head downstairs, the weight of the day finally catching up with me.
"I'll clean up the dinner dishes," Timber offers. "You go take a shower."
Reluctantly, I agree, needing to wash away the day's grime and clear my head. I have to keep my hands out of the water because of the bandages, but the sensation of hot water flowing over my body feels amazing. It's a small respite from the day's troubles.
By the time I come back down, Timber has tidied up, and the house is calm and cozy. We head to the couch. As my body sinks into the cushions, she settles beside me. Her presence is comforting, and thoughts of wanting this to last fill my mind.
"Snuggle with me?" I ask, my voice vulnerable. "I don't want to be alone."
"I'm here." She curls into me, her body fitting against mine as if we were made for this. Holding her close, my fingers trace lazy patterns on her back, letting all remaining tension drain away.
Her breath evens out, matching mine, and the world outside these walls ceases to matter. In this quiet, in this moment, I find peace. Tomorrow will bring its own challenges, its own uncertainties, but tonight, I rest in the comfort of Timber’s presence, holding onto the hope that this, whatever it is, can be the start of something beautiful.
I wake with a start, the sound of footsteps thudding upstairs. Timber, nestled against me, stirs, eyes snapping open. Without a word, she hops off the couch and races to the kitchen, starting breakfast.
I heave myself up, my body protesting with every move. My arms tremble and my legs wobble, sending sharp pangs through my muscles. A low, involuntary sound escapes my lips as I finally stand upright.
“Morning,” I mumble, making my way to the kitchen. Timber pulls out the eggs and cracks them into a bowl. I lean in, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek. “Thanks for that.”
“I liked being next to you.”
I look over my shoulder, hearing Hailey’s footsteps approaching. “Me too. More than you can imagine, but we need to be careful to not confuse Hailey.”
She nods. “I completely agree.”
Hailey bursts into the kitchen, her face lighting up when she sees us. “Good morning, Daddy! Good morning, Timber!”
“Morning, Noodle,” I say, scooping her up into a hug. “Ready for breakfast?”
“Yes!” she giggles, her arms wrapping around my neck.
As Timber continues cooking, I set Hailey down and start setting the table, our movements in sync as we prepare for another day. In my head, I’m plotting the next moment I can pull Timber aside and kiss her.
That moment doesn't happen for a while. That evening, right after we get home from Timber's day at the community center, Eliza shows up unannounced with a batch of homemade cookies. Another day, it's Rhys dropping by to help with some house repairs. Finn insists on taking me for a drink, claiming I need a break after everything that's happened. Then, Reid stops by with a new book he thinks I'd enjoy. And finally, Nash shows up unexpectedly, wanting to drink a beer and stare at the pond.
In between these visits, it’s Hailey’s uncanny knack for bad timing that keeps interrupting any chance Timber and I have for a moment alone. It’s as if she can sense our longing and chooses those exact moments to need my attention or ask for one more story before bed. It’s frustrating, maddening even, how my whole family seems to be a collective cockblocker.
Despite the constant interruptions, every moment with Timber is cherished. Driving her to the community center in the mornings and picking her up in the afternoons becomes a routine. We cook together, clean up, and enjoy games and shows with Hailey until her bedtime. By then, exhaustion takes over, and we retreat to our rooms. Yes, there are kisses, but they aren’t the passionate ones that lead to breathless nights lying naked beside each other. The desire for more is strong. Hope remains that soon, time will be carved out to be together, uninterrupted and without distractions.
Gravel crunches under my boots as I step from the ATV and head toward the community center. Inside, there’s a flurry of activity. Hailey, Lucas, and Tommy are busy drawing, while Timber hangs up their art. She nods to the corner where two of my brothers stand with an older man. When the man turns, I freeze. It’s Dad. Shock mixes with relief, and a bit of hurt.
He’s been gone three months—since Mom passed. Each day without him seemed to stretch out endlessly.
“Dad?” The word is half-choked, revealing more than I intend. He looks rested and not so sad. His once-tired eyes now seem brighter, and the lines on his face less pronounced, as if the time away has eased his burdens. He’s quick to embrace me, a rarity in him that speaks volumes. As we stand there, holding on, the familiar scent of pine and motor oil fills my senses.
His hair is grayer, but his posture is straighter, less burdened by grief. The dark circles under his eyes have faded, and he’s even wearing a faint smile—a stark contrast to the man who left shattered and withdrawn.
“When did you get here?” I ask, pulling back slightly. I’m torn—glad he’s back, frustrated he left. We all missed her, but we stayed and faced our pain together. He went away, needing space, perhaps to find his own way to cope. Now, seeing him here, I realize how much I needed him, how much we all did. Guess we handle grief differently. He’s back, and that’s all that counts.
“Just a few minutes ago,” he replies, his voice steady but soft. “I wanted to see everyone, to be here with you all.”
I turn to Nash and Finn. “Why didn’t you tell me Dad was coming home?”
Nash exchanges a glance with Finn before speaking up. “We didn’t know. We just got here a few minutes ago for a delivery,” he says. “Hank dumped him off on the dock along with our packages. We saw an Amazon order for Timber and delivered it personally.”
I look back at my father. “I’m happy you’re here, Dad.”
“I’m glad I’m back too. Old Danny called.” He rubs his beard. “Now what’s this about you burning down my cabin and getting lost at sea?”
At that moment, Timber drops something, causing a clatter.
“Whoops!” Her voice cuts through the chatter as she lunges for a fallen stapler. She rights herself and meets my father’s eyes. “About being stranded on the open water— that was all Kane. But the cabin, we ... kind of teamed up on that one.”
“Not true.” I’m not willing to let her take the blame. “I shook the cap free.”
“I built the fire, and without fire, there would still be a cabin. So, if we use that logic, then I burned down the cabin.” She looks at my father. “I’m very sorry.”
I glance at Timber, seeing the guilt still etched on her face. The memory of the fire flashes in my mind—panic, the crackling flames, and the acrid smell of smoke. It was a reckless mistake, but it was mine. Seeing Timber shoulder some of the blame twists something inside me.
Dad studies us both for a moment, then sighs. “It sounds like an adventure gone wrong,” he says finally. “But I’m just glad you’re both safe. We can rebuild a cabin. Lives are harder to replace.” Dad’s smile returns, and everything seems normal.
Hailey rushes over with another stick figure drawing. This one shows all the Hollisters, Matt, and baby Cody. Timber stands next to me, and in the sky is a stick figure with wings representing Mom.
Seeing the drawing, my throat tightens. Mom with her angel wings, watching over us—it’s a comforting yet bittersweet image. The constant sadness turns into something more bearable—it’s replaced by a warm, nostalgic ache.
I glance at Timber, who catches my eye and gives me a reassuring smile. She has been our rock. I squeeze her hand, the familiar firmness a reminder of all we've endured together.
I expect to see sadness in Dad’s eyes, but instead, I see joy.
“You know exactly where your grandma is. She’s up there watching over us all,” Dad says warmly as he takes the picture. He looks at Timber. “Can I hang this one?”
Timber nods, smiling as she hands him the stapler. Dad carefully hangs the drawing high on the wall, a visible reminder of the love and memories that bind us together. When he’s done, he turns to us. “What else needs to be done?”
Timber takes charge, directing the men on where to move the tables for Sunday’s event. Her natural leadership shines through, and I am proud of her. As we finish setting up, I wrap my arms around her shoulders, pull her close, and press a kiss to her temple.
“Great job,” I whisper. Timber smiles up at me, her eyes shining with shared understanding and gratitude. Together, we’ve faced so much, and together, we’ll keep moving forward.
“Who set this up?” Dad asks.
All eyes turn to Timber. “I thought it might be nice to remind everyone of the town’s promise,” she says. “Sure, life gets busy, but it’s important to take moments to belong and enjoy each other’s company.”
My father’s eyes widen at the display of affection, and he clears his throat awkwardly.
“I see I’ve missed quite a bit,” he says.
“I’d say,” Eliza’s voice comes from the entrance. Next to her is Matt, who holds Cody.
Dad’s steps quicken, eyes lighting up as he scoops Cody into his arms. He coos, his rough voice surprisingly gentle.
Just then, Rhys and Reid burst inside, their faces lit up.
“Hey, what’s going on here?” Rhys calls out, his eyes locking onto Dad. Reid is quick on his heels, his expression one of disbelief.
“Dad. You’re back.”
Dad turns to them with a broad smile, stepping forward to pull them into tight hugs. “It’s great to see you guys.”
As Reid hugs Dad, dad pats him on the shoulder. “We had no idea you were coming. You could have called.”
Dad looks at all of us—his gaze lingering on each face, his breath catching slightly. “It was time I came home,” he admits. His voice is thick with regret and relief. “I missed too much. There’s no place else for me but here.”
Rhys, always the one to probe deeper, folds his arms and studies Dad closely. “So, you’re back for good?”
Dad nods. His eyes meet each of ours. “I’m here to stay, help with the grandkids, and make up for the time I lost.”
Relief washes over me. As the oldest, I’ve carried the weight of trying to fill Dad’s shoes. Knowing he’s here to stay means I can finally relax, confident that he can resume his role as the head of the family.
“How about we talk over dinner?” Dad asks. “I could really go for some of May’s famous pie. ”
After Lucas and Tommy are picked up, we leave the community center and head to May’s Café. It’s a place full of our memories, and it’s time to make a few more. May’s pie, with its perfect crust and sweetness, is just what we need to finish off this day right.
Timber walks next to my dad. “What should I call you?”
Dad chuckles. “Peter is fine,” he says, then looks at our intertwined hands and adds, “Actually, call me Pops.”
The word hangs in the air. Dad not only approves of Timber, but he sees her as part of the family. That speaks volumes. Even Dad, with his reserved ways, can see Timber’s here to stay.