Chapter 5
Kennedy
I woke up early and took a shower before Elijah and Jasper woke up. Elijah was fast asleep on the couch, a blanket thrown over half his body. The house was silent except for the birds chirping outside and the rustle of trees.
I felt this bittersweet pull as I got dressed. After last night, I didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay here with them.
I knew it was a big ask, so I wouldn't ask. If this was meant to be, it'd happen naturally, and I wouldn't force it. I definitely didn't want to put them in an awkward position.
But I wanted to ask. The words were right there, ready to spill out. I bit them back.
I went to my car to pack up the rest of my things. Elijah stepped out on the porch while I did. He rubbed the back of his neck and stretched a little before looking my way.
I smiled, and he smiled too. "You're up early."
"Yeah, I figured I'd get an early start since I have a long way to go."
The lie tasted wrong. I didn't want to go anywhere.
"Where are you headed?"
"I... I'm not sure yet. I'll figure it out."
He walked toward me. "You know the offer still stands, right? You can stay here with us. The more the merrier."
My heart fluttered. "I don't want to inconvenience you guys. I mean, I already have you sleeping on the couch. It's definitely not what you signed up for."
He met my gaze, his charming blue eyes enough to make me melt. "I don't mind the couch, Kennedy."
"But you paid for this place. You should get to enjoy it properly."
"I am enjoying it." He leaned against my car. "Having you here makes it better, actually."
My cheeks warmed. "Really?"
"Really."
I bit my lip. "Why do you want me to stay anyway?"
The question came out more vulnerable than I'd intended. Like I was asking why anyone would want me around.
He shrugged. "Because you wanted this getaway as much as me and Jasper. I hate that you'll miss out on the experience. Plus, I also think you'd be better off with a little company here. I know you'd have a good time."
"A good time with two strangers?"
"Are we still strangers?" His mouth lifted slightly. "After last night?"
He had a point. I'd told them things I'd never told anyone.
"I guess not."
"What about Jasper? Does he want me to stay?"
"Of course he does. Did you forget he was the one who suggested it yesterday?"
I nodded. "I just... I don't want you guys to feel obligated."
What I really meant was: I don't want to be a burden. I don't want to be tolerated. I don't want pity.
"Kennedy." He stepped closer. "What kind of men would we be if we found a beautiful woman's presence uncomfortable?"
I blushed. "Okay, I'll stay."
He grinned. "Great. I promise you won't regret it."
"And if I do?"
"Then I'll personally drive you anywhere you want to go."
The warmth in his voice made me believe him.
"Kennedy is staying with us," Elijah announced to Jasper as soon as he entered the living area with my suitcase.
Jasper was coming out of the bedroom, pulling on a crumpled T-shirt.
"Sweet!" he said, clapping his hands.
I couldn't stop grinning, happy that they were genuinely excited to have me here.
Not tolerating. Not pitying. Genuinely excited.
"Told you he'd be happy," Elijah said.
"I knew it was a good idea," Jasper said, flashing me a grin. "Now we have someone to laugh at Elijah's terrible jokes with me."
"My jokes aren't terrible."
"They're pretty bad, man."
I laughed, and Jasper pointed at me triumphantly. "See? She agrees."
"I haven't even heard your jokes yet," I protested.
"Just wait," Jasper said. "You'll see."
"I hope you brought your hiking boots. We're going hiking in a few."
I nodded. "I did."
"Awesome. How does scrambled eggs sound for breakfast?"
"Great," I laughed.
"Perfect."
I felt lighter than I had in days as I followed Elijah into the bedroom. He set my suitcase by the side of the bed and sighed as he turned to look at me.
"You good?"
"Yeah. Thank you. For... for letting me stay."
"You don't have to keep thanking us, Kennedy."
His gaze steadied into mine. "We're glad you're here."
Jasper made breakfast, which was toast, scrambled eggs, and sausages. We ate quickly, and while they got ready, I went to the kitchen to wash the dishes. Before long, we were outside, ready to take on the trail.
"Ever done this before, Kennedy?" Jasper asked as we started to walk.
"Er, it's been a while, but I have."
He gave me a quick once-over. "You look fit enough for this."
I looked down at my shorts and T-shirt. "I hope so. I haven't been very active over the years."
Too busy being perfect. Too busy studying. Too busy becoming someone else's version of success.
"What do you usually do for fun?" Jasper asked.
"Um..." I thought about it. "Read, mostly. Watch shows."
"Indoor activities," Elijah noted.
"Yeah. I guess I'm more of an inside person."
"Don't worry, we'll be here with you every step of the way," Elijah assured me.
"I appreciate that."
We continued up the trail with light chatter, Jasper stopping occasionally to take pictures of animals and plants. I fell behind a few times, but they waited for me to catch up, and that meant a lot more than they even knew.
They noticed. They slowed down. They didn't make me feel bad for struggling.
As we climbed higher, I got more tired. I stopped for a second to drink some water, watching as both men walked ahead. It wasn't long before they realized I'd stopped. Elijah was the first to notice, looking around and seeing me standing there.
"We're almost at the top. You'll love the view," he said, and I managed a smile.
Jasper went ahead to take pictures. Elijah came back to stand beside me, looking at me intently.
"I might have bitten off more than I can chew," I said, letting out a nervous laugh.
"Give me your bag," he said, and I frowned.
"What?"
"You're tired. A load on your back doesn't help."
I stared at him. "I'm okay. I don't have much in there anyway."
"A little is a lot when you're already worn out."
"Elijah, I can carry my own bag."
"I know you can. But you don't have to."
He stretched his hand out, insisting that I give him my bag.
I shook my head. "I promise, I can do this."
I didn't want him to think I was weak. Didn't want to need help. I'd spent my whole life proving I could handle things on my own.
"It's not about what you can do, Kennedy. It's about making it easier."
"I don't want you to think I'm weak."
The words slipped out before I could stop them.
He raised a brow. "Asking for help doesn't make you weak."
"I know that."
"Do you?"
I hesitated for a moment before dropping my hand and nodding. "Okay. I'll take your word for it."
I sighed before continuing up the trail. Elijah walked beside me. Jasper was still leading the way, so into taking photos he didn't even realize what was happening behind him.
Elijah didn't push. Didn't insist. Just stayed close, ready to catch me if I fell.
"We're here!" Jasper called after a few minutes, turning toward the sun, a look of awe on his face.
Curious to see what he saw, I quickened my pace a little to meet him at the top. When I got there, my breath caught.
It was breathtaking.
I took a long breath, pulling in the fresh, crisp air, pine and wildflowers mixed together. The trees that had towered above us now spread out below, a massive blanket of green stretching toward the horizon in waves of ridges and valleys.
"Holy shit," I breathed.
Jasper laughed. "Right?"
"You were right. Totally worth the climb."
Jasper looked thrilled, his camera already turned toward the view.
"Get over here, both of you," he said, waving us toward him. "I want a picture."
"Of the view?" Elijah asked.
"Of us. With the view."
"He's like a kid in a candy store now," Elijah chuckled, setting his backpack on the ground.
I walked toward them as Jasper set up his camera on a rock, adjusting the angle.
"Say cheese!"
"We're not five," Elijah said.
"Just smile, grandpa."
The camera clicked, and Jasper jogged over to check it.
"Beautiful," he said, showing us the screen.
It really was. The three of us together, the mountains behind us, the sun catching the edges of everything.
I walked toward Elijah and grabbed the snacks from my bag. He laid out a towel and then pulled out a few sandwiches.
"You'll need something more than a few chips to keep your energy up," he said, handing me a sandwich.
My stomach fluttered. "Okay, Doc."
"Doc?" Jasper said, flopping down beside us. "That's cute."
"It's practical," Elijah said.
"It's adorable."
We ate quietly for a moment. The more I stared at the view and glanced at Jasper and Elijah, only one thing came to mind.
This was what I'd been missing. Not just the mountains or the escape, but being with people who didn't expect me to be anything other than myself.
"I'm glad I decided to stay with you guys."
Elijah nodded, biting into his sandwich. "Me too."
"Same," Jasper said. "This is way more fun with you here."
"You mean it?"
"Absolutely," they said in unison.
Warmth settled in my chest, and I smiled.