Page 24 of When We Are Complete

She slides out, backpack slung over one shoulder, jacket zipped closed, guarded against the world again. “You too, Dad.”

And just like that, she’s gone, swallowed up by the rush of students. I sit there for a moment, that invisible thread stretching between us, wondering if it’s strong enough to keep her tethered to me.

Shaking off the thought, I head to work, pushing the truck past the familiar sights of Harbor’s Edge, where every turn holds a memory, some sweet, others bitter enough to still taste at the back of my throat. I park in my usual spot and shiver when I step outside, the wind bracing. Winter’s on its way and it’s going to be a cold one.

“Morning,” I say to the crew as I walk into the office.

Joan looks up from her desk, then shuffles through the notes in front of her before passing me one. “Morning, boss. You missed a call from the mayor.”

“Damn.” The weight of what that could mean settles on my shoulders. We both know what that call represents—a real chance to take the business to the next level. “Thanks, Joan. I’ll call her back and let you know what she says.”

“Good luck.”

Dropping into the chair behind my desk, the leather groaning under the sudden weight, I snatch up the phone. My fingers stab the buttons, punching in the number Joan scrawled on the yellow post-it that’s now sticking to the corner of my monitor.

“This is Jake Tanner from Tanner Construction returning a call,” I say, trying to sound more business-like and polished than I really am, even though the mayor has known me for years.

“I’ll put you straight through.”

A moment later, I hear Mayor Elaine Roberts’ voice.

“Jake! Good morning. Thanks for getting back to me so fast. Look, I won’t beat around the bush. I’m happy to inform you that Tanner Construction has been awarded the contract for the Founder’s Day Festival installations.”

The words are a shot of top-shelf bourbon—heating me from the inside out. I lean back, allowing a grin to spread across my face. “That’s fantastic news, Mayor. Thank you.”

It’s a major win—not just for the company, but for me personally. A chance to show the whole town what we’re capable of.

“Your proposal was thorough, price competitive, and your commitment to the town is always appreciated. We believe you’re the best fit for the project.”

“I appreciate the faith. We won’t let you down.” I’m already picturing the crew’s faces when I tell them we’ve got such high-profile work lined up.

“Is there any chance you can get into the office for a kick-off meeting at eleven? I want you to meet our new event planner and sign the contracts.”

“Sounds good. Thank you, Mayor.”

“You’ll love the new event planner. She’s a firecracker. Full of energy with a real focus on sustainability. Kelly Charleston.”

The room spins a little, and suddenly it’s hard to swallow. I close my eyes, the memory of her voice echoing back, soft and breathy, the way she fit so perfectly against me.

“Kelly, huh?”

“You know her? Makes sense. Everyone knows everyone around here—she used to live here with her family. She’s got a lot of fresh ideas, and I’m confident the two of you will make this year’s festival one to remember.”

“Right. One for the books.”

“Great. So we’ll see you at eleven?” The mayor sounds chipper, unaware she’s effectively dropped a grenade in my lap, and skipped off.

“Looking forward to it.”

The phone clicks as she hangs up, a hot coal in my hand as I stare at it. My head’s reeling from the double-whammy—winning the contract is incredible. But Kelly and me being forced to work together after that night at the wedding?

“Damn it,” I mutter under my breath, slamming the phone down on my desk.

I push back my chair and stand, pacing the small confines of my office, the taste of worry sharp in my mouth. Everything’s changed since the last time we were together, since the last time I reallyknewher. And after she ran out on me after that drunken hook up, there’s no way this can go smoothly. Not a chance.

There’s so much I want to say, to make her see I never stopped caring, never stopped loving her. I wanted a chance to fix this with time and patience. But there’s no going slow this way. No chance to show her how I’ve changed.

Being thrown together? It’s asking for trouble.

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