32. Chapter 32
Chapter 32
James
T he next day, I was making my way through town towards Jesse’s place, unable to wipe the smile from my face. Lizzie had come over the night before after her friends dispersed, and I’d had a whole night under the stars waiting for her—dinner by a roaring bonfire and a game of glow-in-the-dark frisbee target shooting out on the lawn. Watching her do her dorky little victory dance as she creamed me on the second round, face lit up in a huge smile, was everything —I could stand back and watch her like that all day, every day.
I had no idea how the hell we ever got so lucky to cross paths like we did—with everything afterwards leading us here. I’d stopped trying to pinpoint why things felt easier with her, because the answer was complicated—it was a million little reasons and steps that had brought us here, and not one of them made sense on its own. But now that I’d made it, falling with her seemed inevitable. I never wanted to let her go.
I’d never wanted to not let go before. I’d never wanted to belong to anyone before. To give up that kind of control.
But I was starting to realize, I already had with Lizzie—practically from the start.
I’d also decided to set up my two-man tent, with the best air mattress I’d ever slept on. I figured if things got late, she deserved a more comfortable and romantic re-do of sleeping outdoors than we’d had the night before.
But I couldn’t deny I’d had other ideas in my head beyond sleeping. Something about the way she’d looked at me after we’d woken up on her lawn made me think she might be as ready as I was—it was all I’d been able to think about all day.
It became clear not long after Lizzie arrived, though, that our night wouldn’t be playing out exactly as I’d hoped. She’d read another letter from M.H. before coming over, further proof that there’d been an intimate relationship between Cora and this mystery man in the early days of her marriage. Seeing the pain of it in Lizzie’s eyes had been enough—and I knew I’d do whatever I could to be there as she needed me to be.
Because, God, she deserved it and far more. I’d shared more dark pieces of myself with this woman over the past months than I ever had with anyone. And not only had she truly listened and given me grace, she’d stuck around—challenging me to work through the areas where I’d become stuck. I was far from perfect, yet she’d convinced me, somehow, that this mess of a man was still worth caring about. And she’d done this even while starting her life over and dealing with the weight of her own losses.
I didn’t know how I could ever be worthy of someone like her. But I wanted to be. And I was damn well going to do everything in my power to try.
So instead of making love to her under the stars, I simply listened as she worked through everything with the letters, keeping her plate and glass filled—and offering playful distractions—as we relaxed together. Seeing her start to relax, I knew I’d made the right call.
And holding her in my arms inside the tent as we fell asleep together for the second night in a row—our legs intertwined beneath the blanket as she snuggled in—it felt like home.
After a little kissing and cuddling after coffee this morning, we’d parted ways. She had plans with Brooke before she headed back to the cities, and I had something to take care of that I should have a week ago already.
Pulling into Jesse’s driveway, I grabbed the couple of bags I had sitting in the front seat, making my way to their front door and ringing the bell. I had texted to let him know I was coming, and he’d responded with a simple “Ok”, which was Jesse’s way of saying he was still kind of upset about everything, but not mad enough to deny me access. I was sure Tara had probably nudged him a bit, too, knowing how stubborn we both could be.
I was grateful, at least, that he wasn’t the type to get outright pissed, like me. Even angry, Jesse had always had the coolest head of the three of us. But his complacency had almost felt harder to take. I just hoped he’d be willing to hear what I had to say.
Jesse appeared at the door, acknowledging me with a slight nod of his head. “Hey, man.”
“Hey.”
“Well, come in, then.” He held open the screen door as I passed through into their living room, immediately hit by the smell of pancakes and bacon coming from the kitchen.
I turned back to look at him. “Sorry, am I interrupting brunch?”
“Naw, it’s fine. I told Tara you were coming over, and she insisted on cooking something. That nesting urge is running deep right now.”
I chuckled. “Somehow, I’m not even a little surprised.”
We found Tara parked on a bar stool at the counter, flipping a batch of pancakes on their electric griddle. “Hey, bro, hope you’re hungry.”
My eyes widened as I saw the tower of twenty or so pancakes already heaped on a platter next to her. “Who are you planning to feed, all of Dearing Creek?”
“She would if I let her,” Jesse said, coming up behind her to plant a tender kiss on her cheek, his hands resting on her swollen belly. Seeing them together made me happy Jesse had found someone so perfect for him. It made me wish Lizzie was here, too.
But this was something I needed to take care of on my own.
Thirty minutes later, we sat around their table, plates still half full with pancakes, bacon and fruit. We’d been making small talk as we ate about random shit, both Jesse and I looking to avoid the elephant in the room. But it was time to face it.
Taking a deep breath, I began, “So, listen. I’m really sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable when I offered you that money last week.”
“Yeah, I was.” I saw him wince as I heard a kick under the table, and I had to bite back a smile as I saw Tara give him a threatening look. “But then my darling wife here reminded me you were coming from a good place.” He sighed. “And I’m sorry for getting so mad at you. I guess… our whole money situation must’ve been bothering me more than I realized. It’s my job to take care of my family, you know? All I seem to be doing is failing at it.”
Tara reached across the table, squeezing his hand. “And I told my exceptionally stubborn husband that we aren’t living in the year nineteen fifty-two. We’re both responsible for providing and caring for our family.” She turned back to me with a small smile. “Just because things are a little tight right now doesn’t mean we won’t figure it out. We always do.”
I nodded. “Of course, I know that. If anyone can, it’s the two of you. And you know I’d never intentionally upset either of you, right?”
“Yeah, we know. I just… can’t have you throwing a bunch of money at us that I haven’t earned,” Jesse said, setting down his fork. “It doesn’t feel right.”
“I get it. You know that’s exactly how it was for me when I found out about the inheritance in the first place. It felt like this… burden , something I didn’t want or deserve.” I took a breath. “But I’ve realized something lately. Money has been a negative thing in my life for as long as I can remember. It’s made me resentful, angry… I don’t want to feel that way anymore. And I’m definitely not going to let it hurt the people I love, either.”
“I know. And for what it’s worth, I’m really proud of you. I mean that.”
“Good. Remember that feeling, because I have a proposition for you.”
Jesse raised an eyebrow. “I told you, man… I’m not into you like that… geez, stop asking …” Tara slapped him on the arm, rolling her eyes as he started laughing.
I couldn’t help laughing as well, feeling the tension finally lift a bit. “Thanks for the heads-up. I’ll try to lower my expectations.” Taking a quick sip of coffee, I continued. “My proposition is actually business -related. Because… I want you to be my partner.”
Smirking as I watched the look of shock spread across Jesse’s face, I took another sip of coffee.
I’d been thinking about this idea for a while, well before our argument. As much as I loved being my own boss and choosing the direction of the business, I also knew there were areas that weren’t my strong suit—coordinating crews, scheduling. Even bringing in potential clients. But these were areas where Jesse, with his naturally outgoing personality and people skills, excelled.
Not only was this about getting to work alongside someone I loved and respected—it also made good business sense, if I wanted the business to grow.
And watching this potentially change the financial livelihood of my best friend and his family was worth way more than my bottom line.
“Um, what’s that now?”
Grinning at my friend, I continued. “My part-ner . But only in business, so you can relax.”
“Are you serious, man?”
“Yup.”
“But… why? I have nothing to contribute.”
“Is this about money again? Trust me… you have plenty to contribute. And you already have. You’re a damn hard worker, and you’re a natural leader with the contractors we’ve brought on. Plus, you know your skills have expanded way beyond plumbing over the last several years. You just didn’t get enough of a chance to show it off with Aaronson’s.”
Jesse shrugged. “I’m just doing the job that’s needed. And you’re my brother. I want your business to succeed, so of course I’ll work hard for you.”
“Honey, stop it.” We both glanced over at Tara, who had tears streaming down her face.
“Stop what?”
“Being so fucking modest all the time. You know James is right. You’re fully capable of so much more.”
“I don’t know…”
“Well, I do . This is an incredible opportunity he’s offering. We both know you can do this.” Tara nudged him again under the table until he looked up. “And you better say yes, or you’ll cause me undue stress. The doctor said I need life to be calm while I’m on bedrest, remember?”
I smirked. “Well played, Mrs. Sundgaard.”
She shrugged, her smug smile spreading ear-to-ear. “I have my moments.”
“Jesus Christ, I never stand a chance against you two.”
“Is that a yes, then?” I held my breath, waiting for his answer.
His face broke out into his signature Jesse smile. “Fuck, yes. And I’m grateful, James. I won’t let you down.”
“Never have, never could.” I grinned at him, starting to feel choked up. Clearing my throat, I continued. “I’ll have the paperwork drawn up next week, and we can go over specifics. But just so you know, I have one small caveat.”
He cocked his head to the side. “What’s that?”
I reached for the envelope I’d set beside me on the open chair, sliding it across the table to my friend. “You’ve been working way above your pay grade all summer. And right now, since I’m still technically your boss, I need to make this right. So I’m giving you back pay.”
Jesse gave me a look as he slowly opened the envelope, pulling out the check for twenty-five thousand dollars I’d had issued a few days ago, in the hopes this conversation would go well. Eyes wide, he slid it over to Tara, who promptly started sobbing.
“Damn it, James… don’t you know it’s rude to make a pregnant woman cry?”
“Yeah, sorry about that…”
But Jesse was looking at me, shaking his head in amazement. “I can’t believe you.”
“So, I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow morning… ok, partner?” I stuck out a hand.
Jesse started chuckling as he grabbed it. “Watch your bossy attitude, or I’ll have to write you up.”
I joined him in laughter, even Tara—in between staccato’d hiccups as her tears subsided.
I was so glad I’d made this decision and only wished now that I’d done it sooner. Finally, it felt like all the parts of my life were exactly where I wanted them to be—and I’d never felt so unbelievably happy, at peace.
Now I just needed to help Lizzie find her peace as well.
That evening, I was back in my shop, hard at work on the final stages of the project I’d been working on for her off and on all summer. I’d kept it hidden, intending for it to be a surprise—but I couldn’t wait to show her.
I heard the crunching of tires on gravel before I could see the car. Wiping the sawdust from my hands, I brushed off my clothes and stepped outside to see GiGi getting out of her car.
“Did I forget about dinner or something?”
Smirking, she pulled me into a quick hug. “Not this time, Tater. Luckily, I think you’ve learned by now not to stand up your dear ol’ granny.”
“Oh, believe me… I know the consequences that would be awaiting me if I screwed up like that again.” Grinning, I pulled back. “So, this is just a social call, then? Or have you come to harass me about something?”
“No… I needed to talk to you about Lizzie.”
Noting her serious face, I felt myself tense. “What about Lizzie? Is she ok?”
She waved away my words in annoyance. “Relax, Lizzie’s fine. And I want to keep it that way.”
“Um… that kinda sounds like a threat, Don GiGi. ”
She sighed impatiently. “Are you gonna take this seriously?”
“I am. But it would be easier if you’d just skip ahead to the point.”
“Which I will … if you’d stop interrupting me, boy.” GiGi paused, looking anxious. “It’s about those letters, James. I need you to ask her not to read any more of them.”
I crossed my arms. “Too late, she’s already made her way through most of them… and she’s pretty upset about it. So anything you can do to help clear things up would be great, like… who’s M.H.?”
Her face was stoney as she looked off to the side, wringing her hands and muttering under her breath. “God, why didn’t that girl just listen and leave well enough alone?”
“GiGi… what is this about?”
She met my eyes, now looking as if the fight had gone out of her. “No point in avoiding it now, I guess. We’d better go and talk to her before this whole thing blows up any further.”
I stared at her, my head swirling with thoughts of what the mystery might be. All I knew was it took something pretty big for GiGi to get worked up like this. Giving her a quick nod, I felt the happiness I’d been sitting in for most of the weekend start to evaporate.
“Alright, then… let me grab my keys.”
I wasn’t usually the praying type—but as I followed my grandmother’s silver sedan in my truck a few minutes later, I couldn’t help repeating the words anyway:
Please God… don’t let this hurt her.