Page 72 of Reclaimed Roots

Natalie laughed. "Well, that's not a very high bar to clear, is it?"

"Just for that, I might have to withhold dessert."

Her eyes darkened, a mischievous glint appearing. "Oh? And what exactly did you have in mind for dessert?"

I heftedNatalie's bag into the bed of my truck, the dull thud echoing through the concrete cavern of the parking garage. The air was thick with the smell of exhaust and damp asphalt—a far cry from the crisp orchard air I was used to.

"My car is here, Jasper. I have to drive home," she said reluctantly.

"No. You asked me to take you home, I'm taking you home. Plus, I'm not spending the next five hours away from you. We'll come get it next week. We can make a whole weekend out of it. You can show me all your favorite spots in the city."

I watched her face, searching for a reaction. A mix of emotions played across her features—surprise, uncertainty, excitement.

"Yeah?" she asked, a smile lighting up her face.

My stomach swooped. God, I loved that smile. Loved being responsible for it. "Yeah," I replied. "I'd like to see what you've been up to these past few years."

I climbed into the driver's seat, and Natalie settled in beside me. God, how many times had I imagined this moment? Turning up in Chicago and sweeping her off her feet. Rescuing her from the bustle and grind of the city. Bringing herhome.

As we pulled out of the parking garage, the city skyline unfolded before us. Natalie fidgeted with the radio until a soft melody filled the silence between us.

"So," I ventured. "Five hours, huh? Got any road trip games up your sleeve?"

Natalie laughed. "I spy with my little eye, a man who's terrible at small talk."

I grinned. "Ouch. Direct hit, Choi."

As we hit the highway, leaving Chicago behind, Natalie's hand brushed against mine on the center console. I glanced over, catching her eye. The hope and uncertainty in her expression mirrored my own feelings.

"Jasper," she said softly. "I know I've made mistakes, but I want you to know?—"

A loud pop interrupted her, and the truck lurched violently to the right. I gripped the wheel tightly, guiding ussafely to the shoulder as the distinctive flap-flap-flap of a blown tire filled the air.

"Shit," I muttered, putting the truck in Park and flicking on the hazards. I turned to Natalie. "You okay?"

She nodded and shot me a wry grin. "Just our luck, huh?"

"Yeah, well, at least we're in this together now."

I opened the door and the rush of passing cars drowned out her response. I paused, one foot on the gravel shoulder, and looked back at her. "What was that?"

"I said, be careful out there," she called, her voice barely audible over the traffic.

I nodded, giving her a reassuring smile before shutting the door. The last of the summer heat beat down on me as I headed for the back of the truck and pulled out the spare tire.

As I worked, I caught glimpses of Natalie through the side mirror. She was leaning against the passenger door now, arms crossed, watching me with an intensity that made my skin tingle.Focus on the damn tire, Everton.

I tightened the last lug nut before I stood and faced her. "I told my family last night." I wiped my hands on my jeans, leaving greasy streaks behind. "About the orchard, I mean."

Surprise flashed across Natalie's face. She took a few steps closer, her eyes darting to the passing cars before settling back on me. "You did? How...how did they take it?"

"About as well as you'd expect. Dad's in denial, Mom's worried, Chase is an asshole..." I trailed off, shaking my head. "Let's just say it wasn't a fun family dinner."

Natalie gnawed her bottom lip with her teeth. It was a habit she'd had since we were kids, one that always surfacedwhen she was deep in thought. "I've been thinking," she said, her voice cautious. "I might have some ideas on how we can turn things around."

"Yeah?"

She nodded. "But we need to sit down with everyone. Your parents, your siblings—it's going to take a team effort to make this work."

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