Chapter 17

Chapter Seventeen

Jake

T he early morning light filters through the windows of Coffee Loft when I wipe down the counter for what feels like the hundredth time. I've been here since four, unable to sleep, my mind a constant whirl of thoughts and plans.

"Jake," Kathryn's voice cuts through my reverie. "When was the last time you actually slept?"

I shrug, not meeting her concerned gaze. "I got a few hours last night. There's just so much to do with the Fall Festival coming up."

Kathryn sighs, gently prying the cleaning cloth from my hands. "You can't keep going like this. You're running yourself into the ground."

Before I can protest, the bell above the door chimes. Elena walks in, her arms laden with books for our latest Reading Oasis expansion. "Morning, you two! Jake, you look terrible."

"Thanks," I mutter, running a hand through my disheveled hair. "Just what every guy wants to hear."

Elena exchanges a look with Kathryn. "Seriously, Jake. We're worried about you. You're here all hours, you barely eat... This isn't healthy."

I force a smile, trying to ease their concerns. "I'm fine, really. Just busy."

"And it has nothing to do with Sophia being in New York?" Kathryn asks pointedly.

The name sends a sharp pang through my chest. "Sophia's happy," I say, my voice sounding hollow even to my own ears. "She's living her dream. That's what matters."

Elena places a gentle hand on my arm. "Your happiness matters, too, Jake."

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. Thankfully, the morning rush begins, giving me an excuse to lose myself in the familiar routine of brewing coffee and chatting with regulars.

As the day wears on, I find myself gravitating towards the Wishing Wall during quiet moments. New wishes have appeared, each one a reminder of why I started this project in the first place. A single mother wishing for help with school supplies. An elderly man hoping to reconnect with an old friend. A teenager dreaming of music lessons.

These are the things that keep me going, I remind myself. The chance to make a difference, to bring a little light into people's lives. To show them they are not in this alone.

But as I read each wish, I wonder how Sophia would approach them. The stories she would weave, the connections she would make. Her absence is a constant ache, a void I can't seem to fill no matter how hard I work.

That evening, as I'm closing up the shop, Matthew stops by. "Jake," he says, his brow furrowed with concern. "We need to talk."

I brace myself for another lecture about taking care of myself, but Matthew surprises me.

"I saw Sophia on the news today," he says. "She did a piece on community initiatives in New York. Reminded me a bit of what you two built here."

My heart races. "She did?"

Matthew nods, pulling out his phone. "Here, take a look."

I watch, transfixed, as Sophia's face fills the screen. She's standing in front of a community garden in Brooklyn, her eyes alight with that passion I know so well. She's beautiful, confident, every inch the successful reporter she's always dreamed of being.

"She looks happy," I manage to say, handing the phone back to Matthew.

He studies me for a moment. "Maybe. Or maybe she's putting on a good show. Like what you're doing."

I don't know how to respond to that. The hope it stirs in my chest is almost painful.

"Take care of yourself, Jake," Matthew says, clapping me on the shoulder. "The festival's coming up, and we need you at your best."

After he leaves, I find myself standing in front of the Wishing Wall, my own wishes echoing silently in my heart. For the festival to be a success. For the strength to keep going. And… I stop the thought that wells up in my heart. It's too selfish.

The Fall Festival is in full swing, a kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, and smells filling the air. Laughter mingles with music, the scent of kettle corn and apple cider wafting on the breeze. It's everything we hoped for.

I stand on a small rise, overlooking the festivities. The Wishing Wall booth is bustling with activity, children and adults alike pinning their hopes and dreams to our community board. The mobile library booth, decked out in autumn colors, is surrounded by eager readers. Even from here, I can see the smiles on their faces as they explore new worlds through the pages of a book.

"We did it, Sophia," I whisper to myself, wishing she could see this.

"Jake!" Kathryn's voice carries over the crowd. "The mayor wants to speak with you about the mobile library bus!"

I nod, taking one last look at the festival before turning to make my way down. But before I can take a step, everything goes dark. Two hands cover my eyes, soft and warm against my skin.

A familiar voice, one that's haunted my dreams for weeks, whispers close to my ear, "Guess who?"

My heart stops. It can't be. I know that voice, that scent, the feel of those fingers on my face. But it's impossible...

I spin around, hardly daring to believe, and there she is. Sophia, more beautiful than ever, her eyes shining with unshed tears and a smile that could light up the darkest night.

"Sophia?" I breathe, afraid that if I blink, she'll disappear. "What... how..."

She laughs, the sound washing over me like a warm wave. "Turns out, the Big Apple isn't all it's cracked up to be. Especially when your heart is still in a small town in North Carolina."

I can hardly process her words. "But your job... your dream..."

Sophia steps closer, taking my hands in hers. "I realized something, Jake. The work we do here, with the Wishing Wall, with our community... it's more important than any big-time reporting job. This is where I belong. Where we belong."

"But," I start, still struggling to believe this is real.

"I quit," she says simply. "I'm currently jobless, homeless, and staying at a hotel. Any chance you could get me a job at Coffee Loft?"

A laugh bubbles up from deep in my chest, weeks of tension and loneliness melting away. "I think we can do better than that," I say, pulling her close.

Sophia's arms wrap around my neck, and suddenly, everything feels right in the world again. "I love you, Jake Harrison," she whispers. "I'm sorry it took me so long to figure it out, but this is where I want to be. With you, making wishes come true."

I can't hold back any longer. I cup her face in my hands and kiss her, pouring weeks of longing and love into it. She responds with equal fervor, and for a moment, the festival, the crowd, the whole world fades away. It's just us, finally together again.

When we part, both breathless, I rest my forehead against hers. "I love you, too, Sophia. More than I can say. Welcome home."

She smiles that radiant smile I've missed so much. "So, partner, ready to grant some more wishes?"

I laugh, taking her hand and leading her towards the festival. "With you by my side? Always."