Page 67 of Reclaimed Roots

NATALIE

I'd been backin the city for twenty-four hours, and I was already suffocating. The constant noise—car horns blaring, chatter in the hallway, the rumble of the train tracks—had me lying face down on the bed with a pillow shoved over my head.

I missed the quiet of Sable Point. The peace. Walking out of my father's office and seeing Jasper leaning against a lamp post. Instead, I walked out of the apartment building that morning to a homeless man taking a shit on the sidewalk.

You couldn't make this stuff up.

Was I glad I still had a few months left on my lease and somewhere to flee to? Yes. But the more I thought about it, the more I thought I shouldn't have fled to begin with.

I had run away from my fears once before, and look where that got me. I'd spent seven years distracting myself from missing the one person who knew me better than anyone.My person.

Maybe if I had just talked to Jasper when he'd asked me to marry him—if I'd told him my fears, and hopes and dreams—I would've known he shared them all. We could've taken on the world together. But I didn't. I left him in Sable Point.

I'd thought seven years in the city had changed me so much. I thought I'd grown. But here I was, making the same damn mistakes all over again. As soon as things got tough, I regressed to terrified teenage Natalie and ran for the hills. What happened to being a grown-ass woman who owned her mistakes and took responsibility?

What the hell am I doing?

My phone buzzed on the coffee table. Another text from Mom. I ignored it, just like I'd ignored the dozen others she'd sent since I fled town. I couldn't face her disappointment right then. Couldn't bear to hear her say "I told you so" about keeping secrets from Jasper.

Just thinking his name triggered a bittersweet ache behind my breastbone. The look on his face when I admitted to knowing about the orchard's finances... God, I'd give anything to take that moment back.

I grabbed my laptop. There had to be a way to fix this mess, to save Ever Eden. If I'd destroyed my relationship with Jasper, maybe I could at least save the orchard. But as I stared at the screen, the numbers blurred and swam. Misery and guilt settled over my brain like a blanket of fog. I couldn't think straight.

A sharp knock at the door startled me from my idleness. I froze, heart pounding. It was probably Mrs. Kapoor fromnext door, checking to see why I was back. I debated ignoring it. Mrs. Kapoor meant well, but she was a solid contender for nosiest woman on the planet. I couldn't deal with her right now. I turned back to my screen, but the knocking persisted, more insistent this time.

"Coming!" I called, smoothing my hair and praying I didn't look as wrecked as I felt.

I swung the door open, prepared to paste on a fake smile. Instead, I found myself staring into a pair of familiar amber eyes.

Jasper.

He was here.

He had come for me.

He looked rumpled and road weary. After a few moments of stunned staring, I registered the piece of paper clutched in his hand. At first, neither of us spoke. The air between us buzzed with barely contained emotions.

"Hey, Nat," he said, his voice tired and hoarse. Before I could respond, he thrust the paper toward me. "This is for you."

I took the letter with shaking hands, instantly recognizing my father's handwriting. "How did you?—"

"Your mom gave it to me. Just... read it, okay?"

I nodded and unfolded the paper. As I read, tears blurred my vision.

My dearest Natalie,

If you're reading this, it means I'm nolonger with you. I hope you'll forgive me for imposing my thoughts upon you one last time, but there are things I need to share.

First, I want you to know how incredibly proud I am of the woman you have become. Your strength, intelligence, and compassion shine brightly, illuminating everything you touch. But I worry that sometimes, my dear, that same strength becomes a barrier, pushing away the very people who love you the most.

I've seen you run from your challenges, thinking that distance will somehow lessen their weight. But running away does not mean the problems disappear. It only delays the inevitable reckoning.

Your heart has been intertwined with Jasper's for years, yet both of you stood stubbornly on the sidelines, too afraid to admit what you felt. That man loves you, Natalie. I've seen it. I've felt it. He is the kind of partner who will stand by you through life's storms. But for that to happen, you both need to drop your walls and confront your feelings honestly.

When you're ready—and I hope it's soon—allow yourself to reconnect with the past youshare. Life in a small town like Sable Point doesn't mean your hopes and dreams need to shrink. You can achieve great things right here if only you dare to face your fears head-on. Life is too short for regrets and "what-ifs."

Oh, and tell Jasper that Elliot saved a piece of the old oak tree you two carved your initials into. The poor boy may speak in grunts half the time, but he's got a good heart. I imagine he never found the words to tell you or Jasper what he did. But he knew how important this was. It's a reminder of the love that has thrived amidst the years and could blossom again.

---