Chapter 10
Tyler sat on the worn but well-kept sofa, cradling a single tumbler of whiskey in his palm.
The amber liquid caught the fading light from the window, casting golden hues across his fingers.
He hadn’t poured the drink to forget. He wasn’t drowning anything tonight.
It was a quiet toast, a solemn gesture in honor of the grandparents who had shaped his life and now, both gone, had left him with a house full of memories and silence.
His gaze drifted over the living room, taking in the familiar furniture that bore the evidence of time. The kind of pieces chosen not for style but for comfort and endurance. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he let the weight of everything settle.
He was a homeowner now. A property owner. And with that came choices he didn’t have to make right away, but ones that loomed like quiet shadows in the corners of the room.
And he’d never been the kind of man to shy away from decisions.
If I sold this place, would I stay in the area? The thought of LSIMT had stuck with him ever since meeting Cory. A new path, maybe. A shift in course he hadn’t expected but hadn’t dismissed, either.
Some folks said there were no coincidences, only fate. Tyler wasn’t sure where he landed on that argument. Life had a way of throwing things at you, but whether you saw them for what they were… that was on you.
He took another sip of whiskey, the warmth sliding down his throat, then let his thoughts drift to the other reason he might want to stay. Justice. His neighbor.
He’d only spoken to her twice, yet she’d settled into his mind with quiet certainty. There was something about her that didn’t feel rushed or forced. She didn’t interrupt the rhythm of his circumstances but had somehow become a part of it already. And we’ve only been in each other’s presence twice.
At thirty-eight, Tyler had accepted that he might always walk alone. He’d dated, but nothing had ever stuck. And the idea of feeling anything this soon for someone he’d barely spoken to should’ve been laughable.
But it wasn’t. Her touch had lit something in him. Her smile had nestled into places inside him that he hadn’t realized were still hollow.
A light, hesitant knock sounded at the front door. Tyler sat up straight, brows furrowed. He hadn’t heard a car. Rising from the couch, he moved to the window and looked out onto the front porch. There she was.
Justice stood on his porch, hands wrapped around a glass pie dish, her silhouette outlined by the glow of the porch light. He opened the door. She stood on the other side of the screen, a shy smile tugging at her lips. His breath hitched.
“I debated on whether I should come.” She shrugged slightly. “But I thought… you might like some pie.”
He chuckled softly, and it struck him that Justice didn’t seem like the kind of woman who second-guessed herself often. She led with heart and acted with intent. But still, he saw the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.
Without a word, he unlatched the screen and pushed it open, stepping aside so she could pass. The scent of warm apples and cinnamon drifted in with her, curling around the subtle vanilla that seemed to come from her. It was an oddly comforting mix.
He closed the door behind them, and for a moment, they just stood there, caught in the stillness between arrival and everything that might follow. “Come on back.” He gestured.
She followed him into the kitchen, the soft padding of her steps a quiet rhythm behind him. She placed the pie on the counter, then turned. They stood just a few feet apart, the air between them humming with something unspoken.
Her hands were clasped in front of her, her head tilted gently. “I also thought…” Her eyes searched his. “Considering what you had to do today… you might need another hug.”
He hadn’t realized he was holding his breath until it slipped from his lungs in a rush.
The corners of his mouth lifted slowly, and for a man who didn’t open up easily, it surprised him how natural it felt to step forward, arms wide.
Just like the first time, he didn’t hesitate.
And this time, he wasn’t afraid to admit just how much he needed what she offered.
She moved before either of them could speak, surging forward like she couldn’t stop herself.
Her arms wrapped tightly around his waist, and once again, her cheek found its place just over his heart.
Tyler exhaled, his arms closing around her with steady purpose.
He dropped his chin to the crown of her head, his stubble brushing against her hair.
By any standard, it should’ve felt awkward. But it didn’t. Not even close. For Tyler, it felt like something he hadn’t realized he’d been missing—an ease, a comfort, a warmth that settled into his bones and stayed.
The embrace tugged a memory from the quiet corners of his mind.
After his parents’ funeral, when the world had felt unbearably heavy, his grandmother had held him in a hug that didn’t rush or offer empty words.
She simply held him until the worst ache dulled.
He’d been a grown man, yet that hug had cracked something open in him and had reminded him that presence alone could heal.
And now… Justice was doing the same. No words. No explanations. Just holding him like he mattered.
She didn’t let go, but she leaned back slightly, her arms still around him. Tilting her head, she looked up with a smile so warm it melted through him. “It’s nice to meet you, neighbor.”
Tyler huffed a quiet laugh, his gaze sweeping over the softness of her face, the spark in her eyes. “What are the odds?” he murmured.
Her smile widened. “I hope it’s okay that I stopped by.”
“It’s more than okay,” he said. “It’s perfect.”
Their arms loosened slowly, and when she finally stepped back, he felt her absence like a chill. Wanting to tether her to the moment, he gestured toward the pie dish on the counter.
“Is that some of your apple pie?”
She smirked, hands settling on her hips in a playful stance. “Well, technically, now it’s your apple pie. And yes… that’s your grandma Cecile’s recipe.”
A soft ache tugged at his chest at the mention of his grandmother, but it was laced with gratitude now. “I thought I recognized it when you served it earlier. I’d love a slice,” he said. “But only if you stay and have one with me.”
Her eyes lit up, joy blooming in them like a sunrise. “I’d be honored.”
Tyler reached for the small plates, setting them down just as she cut into the pie. The scent of cinnamon, baked apples, and buttery crust filled the air, blending with something else he couldn’t name… something new and quietly hopeful.
He led her to the small kitchen table, pulling out a chair before sitting at the corner angle across from her.
From there, both had a perfect view of the sliding glass door and the long stretch of mountains beyond.
The peaks were dusted in twilight shadows, a silhouette against the fading sky.
It was quiet except for the soft clinking of forks on plates.
But somehow, it wasn’t silence. It was the beginning of something that didn’t need words. Just feelings.
As they pushed their now scraped-clean plates away from them, he smiled. “I always loved my grandma’s apple pie. I can’t tell you how good it feels to know she passed it on to someone who baked it for me.”
She grinned in return. “I’m equally glad to be able to bring that memory back for you.” Her smile eased into a heavy sigh. “I know I’ve said it before, but I truly am sorry about your grandfather.”
Tyler’s chest tightened, and he exhaled slowly, nodding thoughtfully. “Gramps lived a long and good life. I’ll miss him like hell, and even though I regret not being around much during my Army years, I always tried to spend whatever time I could spare with him.”
Justice leaned forward, her delicate fingers gently touching his arm.
The warmth of her touch seeped through the fabric of his shirt, comforting and reassuring.
Her eyes, sincere and soft, held his steadily.
“Tyler, I can promise you one thing—Charlie was incredibly proud of you. And he wasn’t lonely.
He had friends, neighbors, and many people who genuinely cared about him.
He never would have wanted you to do anything other than what you were already doing. ”
A lump formed in Tyler’s throat, and he swallowed deeply, nodding once again. “Thank you for saying that. It means more to me than I can put into words.”
Justice slowly leaned back in her chair, her eyes drifting away from his and wandering curiously around the cozy room. He watched her silently, wondering what memories she had gathered in the old family home. Her gaze eventually returned, meeting his with gentle curiosity.
“Do you know what you’re going to do yet?
” Immediately realizing the sensitivity of her question, she grimaced and quickly shook her head.
“Oh gosh, I’m sorry. That was way too soon.
You’ve barely had a moment to catch your breath, and now you’re dealing with everything surrounding Charlie’s passing. ”
Tyler smiled softly, appreciating her empathy.
“No, don’t apologize. It’s a fair question.
And honestly, I don’t have a clear plan yet.
” He let his gaze wander over the familiar walls, noting the subtle signs of age ingrained in each corner.
“Gramps updated the kitchen for Grandma, but unfortunately, she died not too long afterward.”
He shrugged and continued. “But otherwise, the house needs some attention. It’s solid, though, sturdy and well-built. Gramps always kept up with repairs, and whenever I visited, we tackled little projects together.”
Justice gave a thoughtful nod, remaining quiet but attentive. Tyler hesitated, debating internally whether to bring up the uncomfortable topic of the condominium developer, but then decided honesty was the best path forward.
“Gramp’s attorney visited me yesterday. He informed me that the Will hadn’t changed in years, so I’m still the sole heir.
The house and land come to me.” He chuckled as he inclined his head out the back.
“And the goats and chickens. I assume I have you to thank for making sure they were fed and watered?”
“It was no hardship.”
He nodded, and she drew her lips inward, pressing them together briefly before releasing a quiet sigh.
Her expression softened with empathy and concern.
“I’m not surprised to hear Charlie left everything to you.
I should warn you, though. You’ll likely receive a visit from a developer eager to build condos here.
If you decide to sell, I’m sure he’ll make it worth your while. ”
He studied her face closely, trying to discern whether she hoped to sway his decision one way or the other. When she remained quiet, offering him space for his own thoughts, he nodded slowly. “The attorney mentioned that possibility. And that you and your dad have also been approached?”
Justice’s face twisted briefly, as though recalling something distasteful. “Oh yes, we’ve had our encounter with him. Honestly, he’s fortunate he didn’t end up with buckshot in his backside.”
Tyler’s surprised laugh was genuine and unrestrained. “I’m guessing your dad wasn’t exactly thrilled?”
Her eyebrows rose, a mischievous gleam entering her eyes. “Actually, the threat of buckshot came directly from me.”
His laughter deepened, echoing warmly through the room, and Justice’s smile widened, her posture relaxing noticeably. As their shared laughter quieted, she drew in a steady breath, letting it out slowly and deliberately.
“Tyler, I’d love to urge you not to sell to the developer, but that’s not my decision to make. You have your life, your dreams, your path to follow.”
“Your honesty means a lot, Justice,” Tyler replied, holding her gaze meaningfully. “And your discretion. I appreciate that more than you know.”
She snorted, a slight grin appearing. “As much as I’d love for everything to stay the same, I know life doesn’t stand still.
However, to be completely honest, my father and I won’t sell.
Neither will any others on this road. Behind us is land owned by a…
um… company that’ll keep it the same as it is now.
Charlie owned the largest piece of land fronting the road and wasn’t interested in selling. I’m sure the attorney mentioned that.”
“Yes, he did. Sorry, I should’ve led with that reassurance.”
“You don’t owe me anything.” Justice shook her head lightly.
“I’d love it if you didn’t sell, because Anthony Milton has a reputation for destroying land and building poorly constructed condos to make quick money.
I’d rather not live next door to something like that.
But ultimately, you have to do what’s best for you. ”
Wanting to ease the moment, Tyler shifted to safer ground. “How’s the town these days? I know the area well from visits, but living here will be different.”
“There are new restaurants and shops,” she said, warming to the topic.
“The bar is still popular, and we now have a shopping center nearby for groceries and home essentials.” Her gaze softened again, curiosity lighting her eyes.
“Now that you’re out of the Army, do you have another career or job lined up? ”
He shrugged, unsure of how much she knew about Lighthouse Security Investigations. “I have a few options I’m considering.”
Justice stood and gathered the dishes, and he quickly followed. Nudging her gently aside, he took over rinsing. “You brought pie. I’ll wash up.”
She chuckled softly and covered the pie before returning it to the refrigerator. When she turned, he was drying his hands and neatly hanging the towel. They faced each other, leaning casually against the counter, the silence between them both comfortable and charged.
Eventually, Justice’s smile broke through, brightening her face. “It’s getting late. I should head home.”
Tyler walked her to the door, surprised when he saw no vehicle outside. “You walked?”
“Your house is just across the field. It’s hardly far.”
“Then I’ll walk you home.”
She started to protest, but he shook his head firmly. “Gramps would kick my ass if I didn’t. Besides, I want to.”
As they walked side by side for the ten minutes it took to get to her house, their conversation dwindled comfortably. At her back door, she faced him, her eyes soft. “Tyler, despite the circumstances, I’m truly glad we met.”
His arms gently wrapped around her, his chin resting on her head. “Sometimes everyone needs a hug.”
She laughed softly against his chest. “You’re absolutely right.”
As she stepped inside, she turned back with a whisper, “See you soon.”
“Count on it,” he promised, feeling more peace than he’d felt in years as he walked home beneath the vast Montana sky.