Chapter 23
“So… you and Justice?”
Tyler jerked his head toward Jack, surprised by the bluntness of the older man’s question.
Quickly refocusing on the road as he drove toward the American Legion meeting, Tyler hesitated, unsure of exactly how to respond.
He’d barely picked Jack up, the SUV hadn’t even fully warmed up yet, and already the conversation had taken a deeply personal turn.
“Um… I’m not sure exactly what you’re asking,” he admitted carefully.
Jack chuckled softly, a sound layered with warmth and understanding.
“I don’t need to ask about your plans regarding your property or your job.
Justice already told me you’re sticking around and joining Lighthouse Security.
And she mentioned you’re turning down Anthony Milton’s offer, deciding to hold on to your grandparents’ place. ”
Nodding slowly, Tyler relaxed slightly, though his fingers remained tense on the steering wheel. “Yeah, that’s exactly right.”
Jack turned his gaze toward the road ahead, but Tyler could sense his eyes assessing him.
“What I’m really asking, Tyler, is what your intentions are toward Justice.
It hasn’t escaped my attention that the two of you seem to spend a fair amount of time together…
more than just neighbors normally would. ”
Tyler took a deep breath, carefully weighing his words. “I respect Justice a great deal,” he began slowly, feeling a strange mixture of caution and sincerity. “She’s become a good friend. Someone I value and admire, both as a neighbor and as a person.”
Jack’s response was a slow, thoughtful nod.
Silence filled the cab for a moment before the older man sighed deeply, shifting slightly in his seat as though gathering himself.
“My Justice is strong… hell, she’s tough as nails.
Had to be. From a young age, she decided she wanted to follow in my footsteps, and I won’t pretend I wasn’t proud as hell when she told me that.
But it’s not easy for a woman in her chosen career, especially as a mechanic. ”
Tyler glanced over briefly, noting the pride mingled with sadness etched deeply into Jack’s weathered features.
“She fought through every step of her education and certifications,” Jack continued, a touch of bitter pride coloring his voice, “proving herself again and again to a bunch of misogynistic fools who thought she couldn’t handle the work.
Sure, some folks might whisper that Justice got it easy, being my daughter.
But let me tell you something—I made her my partner because she earned it, pure and simple.
She’s the equal of any mechanic I’ve ever known, myself included. ”
“Jack, there’s no doubt in my mind about her skills or her strength,” Tyler assured softly, feeling admiration rise sharply within him. “She’s impressive.”
Jack’s voice softened, thickening with emotion.
“And when her mama got sick… well, Justice somehow managed it all. She kept our business running smoothly, took care of Patty, and even managed me when I wasn’t much good to anybody.
I don’t mind admitting I was broken by my wife’s illness and her passing.
I tried to be strong for Justice, but the truth is, she was the glue holding us together. ”
Tyler absorbed Jack’s words, his respect deepening even further as he recognized the raw honesty of a man who’d endured profound loss.
Jack cleared his throat roughly, pushing through the emotions that tightened his voice.
“Then, when I had my heart attack, Justice stepped up again. She ran the business, shuttled back and forth to the hospital, dealt with Anthony Milton’s incessant nonsense, and even managed my good-for-nothing brother and his scheming wife.
And on top of all that, she had to handle finding out about Charlie’s heart attack, too.
Honestly, I don’t know where that girl gets her strength, except, maybe, from her mama. ”
Tyler let the silence linger a moment, feeling the weight of Jack’s revelation.
Finally, he spoke quietly, meaning every word.
“Jack, I’ve spent enough time around you to know that Justice isn’t just like her mom.
She’s got an awful lot of you in her, too.
And I’m not just talking about her skill as a mechanic. ”
“She’s dated men…”
Tyler didn’t know what to say to that incomplete thought, so he remained silent, gripping the steering wheel just a bit tighter.
“But Justice is picky. She knows exactly what she wants.” Jack’s voice was firm but warm with affection.
“She won’t waste her time on a man she senses isn’t right for her.
She’s not the type to play games or lead anyone on.
But I see the way she looks at you, Tyler, and I’ve seen the way you look at her.
” Jack paused briefly, letting the weight of his words settle.
“I guess what I’m really asking is… do I have any reason to be concerned? ”
Tyler swallowed hard, carefully choosing his words. It had been a long time since he’d navigated these waters. He hadn’t met a woman’s family since high school, and certainly never dealt with such direct questioning from a concerned father.
“Jack,” Tyler began respectfully, sincerity clear in his voice, “my feelings for Justice are honorable. They’re new, and we’re still getting to know each other and figuring things out.
But anything deeper than that would be for her ears first, out of respect.
What I can assure you, though, is that I’m definitely not playing games.
I’m genuinely interested in her and would very much like the opportunity to get to know her better. ”
For a tense, silent moment, Tyler’s pulse quickened. He wondered how Jack would interpret his answer—if he’d be offended, think Tyler was avoiding commitment, or perhaps not good enough for his cherished daughter.
Unexpectedly, Jack erupted into hearty laughter, slapping his thigh loudly.
“Good! Tyler, I don’t mind admitting I like you.
You’re straightforward. No bullshit, no blowing smoke up my ass.
And I believe you when you say you’re serious about Justice.
I was prepared to warn you to treat her right, but hell, I can see clear as day that’s already your intention. ”
Tyler exhaled slowly, feeling relief wash over him as they pulled into the parking lot.
The conversation had ended on a far better note than he’d dared hope.
Smiling, he got out and accompanied Jack into the American Legion building, goodwill spreading through him as he watched other legionnaires greet Jack warmly, clapping him on the back and offering cheerful words of continued good health.
Jack waved off their concerns casually, insisting he felt stronger each day.
He proudly gestured toward Tyler, openly declaring that between his daughter and their new neighbor, he had all the support he needed.
Tyler felt an unexpected swell of pride at Jack’s words, realizing just how much Jack’s approval would bolster his place in this close-knit community.
As Jack settled comfortably among his friends, Tyler made his way toward Cory and a few other Keepers, feeling a genuine sense of belonging wash over him. Deep in his heart, he sensed Gramps looking down on him with a smile. For the first time in a very long time, Tyler truly felt at home.
The bathtub was filled with hot water, and the scent of the bath oil filled the room.
Justice had used a face mask, then washed and moisturized her face before sinking down into the water that was warming every inch.
Her eyes fluttered closed, and with each soft breath, she consciously released the anxiety that had relentlessly crowded her mind since the terrifying day she’d found her father collapsed on the floor, his heart fighting for survival.
She’d managed to balance her home life, the garage, and the employees looking to her for direction, while also caring for her dad.
Despite her exhaustion, she never forgot that countless women faced even heavier burdens daily.
That realization humbled her deeply. She admired their strength, their ability to hold together their worlds with such grace, and aspired to that kind of quiet resilience.
Relaxation slowly opened space in her mind, and thoughts of her family in better times gradually eclipsed her earlier worries.
Justice yearned deeply for the love, trust, and endless laughter that her parents shared.
She dreamed of children, of growing old alongside a partner whose presence would fill each day with warmth and whose passion would never fade, no matter how many years passed.
She wasn’t impulsive in love, nor one to chase fleeting connections.
Yet she’d been open and willing to risk her heart.
Over time, she learned quickly how to sense a man’s potential.
She sometimes wondered if she was being overly particular, but she silenced that doubt swiftly.
Choosing a partner for life wasn’t trivial. It deserved care and thoughtfulness.
Her dating history wasn’t lengthy, but it had been revealing.
She’d met men who recoiled at her being a mechanic, uneasy with the oil stains on her hands and her expertise beneath a car hood.
Others saw her as a novelty, intrigued primarily by the prospect of discounted car repairs.
And then some admired her looks but seemed startled to discover she also possessed intelligence and ambition.
“You have a college degree in business, and you still work on cars?” Yeah, she’d heard that more than once.
She’d come close once or twice, believing a deep bond could grow. One man she’d met in college had sparked genuine feelings. But the constant separation wore them both thin, gently revealing that friendship suited them best.