Epilogue
JACE
Two Months Later
Brad scans the side of the newly constructed building, nodding in approval. “This looks awesome. Why do you look so fuckin’ nervous? She’ll love it.”
“Or she’ll hate it.”
It’s a worry that’s been plaguing me since getting this idea. I’ve pushed construction on this project ahead of some of our contracts when time worked in my favour. Often, I’d return after hours, with Brad’s assistance, to work as long as the sun cooperated. Thankfully, being mid-June, daylight has been on our side.
“Why would she?”
“She’ll see it as me manipulating her to stay in town? Bennett took her choices away by forcing her to live in Toronto, then fucking her over. I don’t want to be another guy who takes away her free will.”
“Dude, she’s still here, isn’t she?”
“Yeah…”
It’s been two months since Bennett’s arrest and Payton getting the money. Every morning for the days following, I woke convinced I’d find her house packed and her gone.
But she never left, or mentioned the possibility. In case it’s eventually coming, I’ve wasted no time, spending every waking second by her side. Just like our friendship never was titled as such, our relationship hasn’t really been defined either. In my heart, though, I know she has the same kinds of feelings for me as I do her.
Brad slaps me on my shoulder, pulling me from my wandering thoughts. “She’s off work soon, right? Pick her up and show her. She’ll love it, I swear. And she won’t run screaming. Now, speaking of screaming, Claire’s been extra horny. Pregnancy hormones are nuts. So, gotta go.”
“An image I didn’t need, thanks.” I wave him off, then turn back to the building that’ll hopefully be the final piece to making Payton’s dreams come true.
Payton
Five o’clock can’t come fast enough. Jace messaged to tell me he has something important to show me, and while I can’t imagine what it is, I’m excited to find out.
I wave goodbye to Jim and Fawn, then head out to where Jace’s truck is idling by the curb, climbing in before giving him a kiss.
“Work went well?”
“Not bad.” It’s better now that I’m working to maintain an income, rather than chipping away at endless debt. Waitressing isn’t my endgame career, but it’s suitable for now.
Turns out, it was entirely Aaron and his actions keeping me from moving on. Since he’s been taken care of, I’ve come to appreciate the small cabin turned home. After years in Toronto, I realized I adore this town. It’s less stressful, there’s no feeling of being rushed, and there’s a fraction of the number of residents.
Then there’s Jace. If I’m honest with myself, he’s the entire reason I haven’t left. I…like him. Maybe even more than like him, though sometimes it feels too soon to be thinking that way. But it’s true, and going another eight years without him isn’t possible.
Jace shifts in his seat four different times as he drives through town. He passes the bookstore and pizza joint, heading to the very end of a side street before parking in front of an empty building, its large windows overlooking a small field on the opposite side.
Jace slips out of the truck, then comes around the front to help me out. His hand is large around mine, and he positions me in front of the building before procuring a key from his pocket.
“What’s this?”
“Yours, if you want it to be.”
The single-storey building is mine? It’s difficult to see through the slightly tinted windows, but what’s clear is it’s an empty space.
“Over the past month and a half, I’ve been building this from the ground up. The land was up for rent, so I got it. Those late nights I was working with Brad? This was it.”
I still don’t understand…
“I’m giving it to you, Payton, so you can open your vet practice.” He lifts his hat and replaces it on his head: his nervous twitch. “The building’s a done deal. I know starting up a business costs a lot, but I figure now that your debt is all paid, including your student loans with the extra money from the Bennetts, it won’t be hard to get a business loan. Plus, the construction company’s doing really well for itself, so I’d like to invest. Silent partner, of course. Really, I want nothing back.” The ground between his feet apparently becomes very interesting since that’s all he can look at, and he readjusts his hat once more. “I know you, so I know you won’t take a freebie, even though that’s what I’m asking you to do with the building.” Again with the hat. “Maybe consider it a welcome home gift, if it makes it easier. It’s not finished, in case you don’t want it. I built the layout based on researching what other vets have, but we’ll get all the rooms set up, counters built, front desk…everything else you’ll need once you approve it.”
He reaches for his hat, but I step in front of him to stop his hands before he manages to lift it off. As I nudge it back onto his head, his large body decompresses, a load of stress literally rolling off his shoulders.
“You done?”
“Yeah,” he breathes, his hand twitching toward his hat again, so I grasp it between mine. “You don’t have to accept it. It’s a lot, and we never talked about the future or what you’re doing next. I don’t want you to feel like you have no choices, or like I’m pushing you into this. Don’t get me wrong, I want you here, but only if you want to be. And?—”
I clap my hand over his mouth, ending his nervous rambling, even if it’s probably the sweetest thing.
“We haven’t talked about my future plans because they include you. You have your business here, and I didn’t think too far past that.”
He rolls his lips together, dark eyes flicking to the proposed vet office. I won’t be able to look at it again without bursting into tears over the fact this man built me my business.
He’s right; it’s a lot. It’ll be a huge undertaking, but it’s the same way every business in town got built. We all have to start somewhere, and based on what I’ve been hearing from the residents who come into the diner, many people are desperate for a local vet instead of driving to another town, especially the elderly ones.
“I want to be selfish with you, little rabbit.” His hands slide around my waist, keeping me flush against him. “But I also can’t be selfish when it comes to your happiness. You owned me in high school, and you own me now. It’s entirely up to you to decide what to do with me.”
My heart bursts with the simple proclamation. With it, I better comprehend the feelings that exist in his presence.
They’re not like. They’re more.
A non-love for a non-friend, except I’m kidding myself on both fronts.
I cup his neck, angling his face down. “Can I keep you?”
“Fuck yes,” he breathes, lightning sparking within his stormy eyes.
“Can I love you?”
His hand tangles with my hair, and he tips my head back. “Fuck yes. As long as I can love you, too. Pretty sure I’ve loved you since I was seventeen-years-old, Payton.”
I lift onto my toes, and he takes the invitation, crushing his mouth to mine. It’s a kiss of old mistakes and new loves, of past mistakes and future hopes.
Of teenage teasing turned into a profound emotion.
When the kiss ends, I don’t go far. “This is the nicest thing anyone’s done for me, and the fact you built it yourself makes it even more special. In case it’s not obvious, yes, I accept. I love it. Thank you. I can’t wait to start this new adventure.” My dream, this time not held back by a narcissist.
“You’re special, Payton, and I plan on reminding you of that for a long time to come. You and Baker.”
“Baker?”
“The bulldog I’ll be adopting from the shelter a few towns over. Now that this place will have a vet, I figured it’s time to get a pet. After all, I once said I’d bring my dog to you if I had one, and I’ll be damned if I’m not your first customer. But first…” He tugs me toward the door, slipping the key into my hand. “Before we get the guys back in here to continue construction, it’s only right we christen every wall first.”
Key in the lock, excitement thrums through me that this is happening. It’s real. Jace comes up behind me, his chest warm against my back, making me shiver. He dips his face into my hair, dragging his nose along my neck.
“I’m happy it was you in the mask.”
“Always.” His promise rolls down my spine. “No other man will hurt you again. Not while I’m here. As long as you make one vow in return.”
My breath catches. “Which is?”
“To always sin with me, little rabbit.”