30. Jack

30

JACK

I can’t really explain how I feel with Aaron being here. My chest is achy, and I don’t want to let him go. As I cup his jaw, I slide my mouth along his neck and feel his ragged pulse against my lips.

“I haven’t allowed myself to hope for anything since the accident,” I whisper against his hair, and I’m glad he’s not looking at me right now. “But then you materialized, so it manifested after all.”

“Jack,” he sighs, resting his head against my chest. “I didn’t even know I was wishing for someone like you until I almost ran out of gas on the highway.”

My arms tighten around him, my pulse unsteady.

“Your prints are gorgeous. I hope you sell a ton today. I love the different exposures you used. They’re striking yet understated, and at the same time, the whole display feels like it was made just for me.”

I inhale sharply at how close to the truth he comes. I had no idea he would show up this weekend, but surrounding myself with the memories we made was gratifying.

“I needed to come see you,” Aaron says, and I hold my breath as he turns his searching gaze to mine. “My life doesn’t feel the same anymore. I don’t want to go another day without making sure you know how I feel about you.”

I push a stray strand of hair from his forehead. “I suppose Beth would call us a foregone conclusion.”

“What do you mean?”

“That we’re inevitable.” I hitch a shoulder. “That it would be impossible for us to part ways.”

Aaron’s eyes soften. “It’s true. And it’s okay if we’re not always on the same page or if you don’t feel exactly the same…but I can’t hold it in anymore. I’m in love with you.”

My heart vibrates. “Of course I feel the same. Did you happen to see the art I have displayed?”

Aaron quirks a grin. “It is pretty incredible, and not just because I’m in it.”

I huff out a laugh, relief coursing through me. “I don’t know how this works or if it will. I’m fucking scared.”

“I’m scared too, Jack, but all we can do is have faith and keep being honest with each other.”

I nod and cup his cheek. “Apparently, my fear hasn’t stopped me from falling in love with you or wanting to be with you.”

He inhales sharply at my declaration, and it feels so fucking good to finally put it out there. Not only for me but for him. Aaron deserves the world.

“Holy shit, is this real?” His dewy eyes are filled with wonder. “You might have to pinch me, or I’ll think I’m dreaming.”

I peck his lips and grin against his mouth. “I think I was half in love the first time you showed up on the hiking trail wearing those flimsy sneakers.”

His laugh is contagious. “For me, it was you telling me to take my chances on the road if I thought you were scamming me.”

Damn, that feels like a world ago. I pull him into a tight embrace, and we stay that way until we hear someone clear their throat. Shit, I nearly forgot I have art to sell.

“Sorry, don’t want to interrupt.”

When we break apart, I see the resemblance immediately. “You must be Aaron’s mom.”

She smiles. “Call me Isabel. It’s very nice to meet you, Jack.”

Isabel and Aaron share a sweet, secret glance, and I’m curious to know what it means.

Mae steps up beside Isabel. “They certainly make a cute couple.”

“Don’t they?” Isabel muses, and Aaron shifts uncomfortably.

“Where’s Minnie?” he asks, as if to avoid further scrutiny.

“She’s with the other dogs in Mae’s tent,” Isabel replies.

“I’m heading out on a quick run to the motel,” Mae says, motioning toward the street and likely where she parked. “I invited Isabel to see the rescue. Hope that’s okay.”

“That’s great!” Aaron responds, clearly delighted by the idea. “I’ll, um, see you back here in a bit.”

I watch as they walk off together, already deep in conversation.

“Your mom seems great.”

“She is.” Aaron sighs. “That was nice of Mae.”

“She wouldn’t offer if she didn’t enjoy your mom’s company.” Which is true. Likely, they’ve bonded over their love of dogs.

In another couple of minutes, the tent is filled with customers asking about the prints, and Aaron helps me manage it all. It feels gratifying, having him here with me as if we’re partners in more ways than one.

We sell several framed and unframed photos, and Aaron is beaming, caught up in all the energy. He may not think he enjoys the sales part of his business, but he’s good at it. Some of the locals call him by name, and given his expression, he seems surprised by it.

When there’s a lull, I reach for his hand. “Thanks for your help.”

“No problem. That was fun.” He laces our fingers together. “What’s with the cat strapped into the stroller?”

“That’s Ms. Sussan’s cat. If she doesn’t strap him in, he’s up in a tree before you can blink.”

“Only to be brought down by the sardines she produces from her pocket?” Aaron asks, and I laugh. Evidently, he’s seen them in action. “Mom would’ve loved to see that. Seems like he’s having a ball being shuttled around.”

“No doubt. But I have a feeling your mom is having some meaningful time of her own with those needy dogs.”

“I just hope she’s not overdoing it,” Aaron replies, concern in his eyes.

“Mae will look out for her, don’t worry.”

Just as I kiss his cheek and marvel at the fact that Aaron and I are going to try and be together, June is there, offering a tired grin.

“I can handle it from here,” she announces.

“Handle what?” I ask.

“Cain and Uncle Chuck are with Aunt Dina, and now I’m with you.” She makes a shooing motion. “Go take a long break. Enjoy yourselves.”

“No, I can’t?—”

Hand on her hip, June says, “Are you telling me I don’t know how to sell art and make change?”

“No, of course not. But what if someone has a question about?—”

“What if this or that.” June rolls her eyes. “Who knew you were so protective of your art?”

“I knew,” Aaron teases. “But June is right. You need a break.”

I sigh, relenting. “Yeah, okay.”

As soon as we’re away from the tent, making our way through the crowd, I reach for Aaron’s hand under the pretense of not losing him, but really, it’s because I need to make sure this is real. That he is real.

“I want to show you something.” Aaron tugs on my hand, and I feel on top of the world, even though the whole declaring-our-feelings is still surreal. “I promise I’ll have you back in an hour.”

My feet falter a split second before I agree. Mostly because it feels strange to walk away from my tent and photography, no matter how much June encouraged us to leave.

“Good. Where’s your truck parked?”

“Um, on the street.”

Where in the world is he taking me?

“Let’s go. I’ll give you directions.”

In the truck, I can’t help looking over at Aaron as if I’ll be able to read his mind as he instructs me down one street and up another. “It’s right here. Pull in.”

I cut the engine in the driveway of a cottage with peeling paint in a shade of plum, with cream and green accents. This house belonged to Mrs. Martin, who recently passed away. She was a sweet lady who loved her grandkids. “What is this about?”

The For Sale sign is a dead giveaway, so I must sound dense. I can feel my pulse beating in my ears because what’s about to happen is dawning on me, and I’m scared to hear him speak the words. But I’m also scared he won’t.

Hesitantly, he replies, “I’m considering putting in an offer on this place.”

I don’t meet his eye when I ask, “To flip?”

“Nope, to live in.”

My pulse throbs at his response.

He doesn’t say part-time or permanent, but the prospect of Aaron being here for any extended amount of time leaves me winded. “I can’t… I don’t know what to think or say…”

Warily, I gaze at him, and no doubt he can see all the emotions roiling in my irises, from fear to excitement. I reach for his hand, which is trembling as much as mine.

“You said you haven’t allowed yourself to hope,” Aaron begins, and I nod. “What about dream?”

My gaze searches his. “W-what do you mean?”

He swallows roughly. “I realized recently that this has always been my dream. But I let it get away from me. Not only the house and all the work it needs but also the guy. I haven’t been lucky in love, but somehow, you made me believe it’s possible.”

“Fuck, Aaron.” His gaze is so earnest it makes my chest ache. “Of course I have dreams—or used to. Photography, for one. Sharing my life with a man I love, who feels the same about the place where I was born. And…” I force the words from my lips. “No matter where we live, he’d agree to come back here regularly for visits.”

He gasps. “You would do that? Leave here and live elsewhere?”

I nod. “If it feels right for both of us.”

San Jose is an inviting city, even if it feels a bit crowded. And it wouldn’t take long to hop in the car to find the beach or hiking trails. Besides, maybe it would be better for me to leave my hometown. If it all goes to shit, if Aaron changes his mind and decides he doesn’t really love me, I can always come home.

“No, I…I can’t see you living with me in San Jose.”

I scoff. “Why not?” It’s that same sting of disappointment from that night at the club.

“Because I’m not sure if it still feels right for me either,” he says, and I try not to let the shock register on my face. “I want to try…and live here.”

My gut churns as my heart climbs, leaving me breathless. “But there’s no way you can be sure how you’ll feel a year from now. Hell, five years from now.”

“Is anyone ever completely sure, or do they just take a leap of faith based on how right it feels?”

“Yes, of course. That still doesn’t guarantee?—”

“I’m not him,” he replies pointedly. “I’m me.”

“I know that. You’re not him at all.” I shut my eyes briefly as he squeezes my hands. “You’re more, way more.”

And that terrifies me. Because if I lose him, I’m not sure I’ll ever recover.

“At first I thought maybe I’d buy this property and see if that idea sat well with you. But I’ve come to realize that even if it didn’t, I would still want it. I can’t explain it, but this place already feels like home.” He leans forward and whispers, “ You feel like home.”

Tears sting my eyes as a sob catches in my throat. I don’t know what it is about hearing those words, but it makes my chest feel tight and achy.

Christ, get a hold of yourself.

Aaron kisses my cheek. “See? You are a softy.”

I blink away a tear. “Don’t let Johnny find out.”

He presses our foreheads together. “God, I love you, Jack. I don’t want to be away from you again.”

Ah, fuck. “I love you too.” I take his mouth in a slow, deep kiss that makes me feel like I’m floating on clouds. When we finally come up for air, I say, “Now show me the house.”