Page 27 of Forever Home

“Well… two different stations want you. But—I know you want World of Foods.”

“You’re shitting me?” I gasp, listening to him chuckle on the other end of the line. “They said yes?”

“They said yes, Jaxson. Actually, both did. However, there’s a catch… one final thing you have to do before they are willing to talk numbers with you.”

Of course, there’s a catch. But, if it means I have a chance at landing World of Foods, I couldn’t care less. “What’s that?”

“Well, they both would like to interview you, meet-the-artist-in-person kind of thing. Watch you create your masterpieces.”

I’ve cooked for people in person for years, and to cook for these producers—well, the answer is a no-brainer honestly. “Let’s do it. I can fly back tonight… shall we set them up for tomorrow evening?”

The moment that I’m off the call with my agent, I’m scouring the internet. My fingers work over my phone as I navigate the airline site booking my ticket home. Regardless of what’s going on here in Willowcreek with Mrs. Kendall’s house… I can’t and won’t miss this opportunity.

Not for anything.

Though the idea of leaving Madison makes my mind wander. The dream she starred in slowly fades from my mind, but the image of her face staring up at me from the bed is forever imprinted.

Part of me wants to see her. To run into her once more before I leave, to tempt fate and find out whether or not what had happened between us could lead to something.

Reaching for my phone, I lift it checking the time. Half past seven in the morning. The bakery is definitely open right now, and the thought of seeing her again is tempting. Though part of me can’t help but wonder if it’s a good idea. When I came here, it wasn’t to reconnect and form new relationships. It was simply to pay my respects to a woman who had once been a big part of my life.

And yet, one moment in a room with Madison alone was enough to make me reconsider what I’m doing here. Whether or not, maybe things can be different. With Madison, that is.

Contemplating over my next move I decide to call Knox and tell him what’s going on first. But the moment I move to dial his number, my phone begins to ring and Madison’s name flashes across the screen.Shit.

“Hello?” I answer, trying to keep myself together as my mind continues to replay the dream.

“Hey… Sorry if I woke you, but I need you to come to Mrs. Kendall’s.”

Furrowing my brows, I glance around the room at the items I have stacked to pack back into my suitcase. As much as I want to tell her I can’t because I have to get ready for my flight in a few hours, I don’t.

“Yeah, sure. Give me a bit and I’ll head over.”

“Sounds good. I’ll see you soon.”

As the line goes dead I’m left standing in my hotel room, Madison’s voice running through my mind as well as everything that’s happened since I came back home. How is it that one woman can capture my attention as much as she has, and in so little time?

***

Two hours later, I sit in Mrs. Kendall’s living room with the rest of my friends. Knox and Madi, standing by the fireplace, are busy talking in hushed tones about a book that lays within her hands. While Sam and Asher seem to be in a better mood, the two of them seemingly more comfortable around each other as Knox takes a seat between them.

“Madison, come on, the suspense is killing us all. What did you find?” Kylie pipes up, sitting on the end of the sofa.

It’s clear that whatever it is that Madison has found, she’s nervous about it. Which isn’t typically her sort of behavior, but the way she seems to fiddle with the book in her hands makes me ponder how important what she found is. Moving to stand by the entertainment cabinet, she takes a deep breath and opens the book.

“Okay guys, this is Mrs. Kendall’s diary, and in it, I found a letter addressed to her late husband. I just have to read it to you all. I think this will impact any decision we make,” she tells us.

My ears instantly perk to attention as she begins to read.

“My Dear Pete,

It was extra quiet here this morning. I don’t enjoy the quiet because I always end up thinking about you, and it makes me miss you so dearly.

But then, something wonderful happened, all the kids came over after school to play in the treehouse. And the quiet ceased to exist.

I know I’ve told you this hundreds of times before, but thank you, my love. Thank you for bringing me the children of the neighborhood when we couldn’t have any of our own. Thank you for building a sanctuary where they can play and have fun while allowing me to get a small glimpse into the joys of childhood.

Oh, how I miss you, even now.

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