Page 73 of Reclaimed Roots

The idea of facing my family and mulling over our financial struggles was less than appealing. But as I looked at Natalie, at the grim resolve on her face, I suddenly felt more hopeful. Deep down, I'd always believed my girl could fix anything she put her brilliant mind to.

"Alright," I said, surprising myself with how steady my voice sounded. "We'll talk to them. Together."

"Together," she echoed, reaching out to squeeze my arm. "We should get back on the road. We've got a lot to discuss."

We climbed back into the truck, and I started the engine, stealing one last glance at Natalie as she settled into her seat. She caught my eye, her smile softening into something more intimate, more vulnerable.

"What?" she asked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

How did I tell her that having her here, fighting for my family's legacy, meant everything to me? I'd always secretly worried that she resented the orchard, saw it as a millstone that would always tie me to Sable Point. Seeing her so determined to save it meant more than I felt capable of expressing. I cleared my throat. "I just—I'm glad you're here, Nat. That we're doing this together."

Her eyes sparkled. She was looking at me like she used to. Like she loved me. She reached out and took my hand again. I had to force myself to focus on the road ahead.

"Me too, Jas," she said. "I know we have a lot to figure out, but I think... I think maybe this is our second chance."

A second chance. With Natalie. God, how many times had I dreamed about this? I tightened my grip on her hand. "Yeah, I'd like that."

Chapter Thirty

NATALIE

Jasper's handwas warm and steady in mine as we approached the front door of his parents' home. My heart pounded in a frantic rhythm that threatened to drown out all other sounds.

"You okay?" Jasper asked, his thumb tracing circles on my skin.

I nodded, unable to speak.What if they hate me now? What if I ruined everything?

Before I had the chance to torture myself further, the door swung open. Emma stood there, her eyes widening as they landed on our joined hands.

"Natalie," she gasped, and for a second, I was frozen, unable to read her expression.

Then she pulled me into a rib-cracking hug. "Oh, sweetheart, we've been so worried."

I melted into her arms, fighting back a sob of relief. When shefinally released me, I saw Jay standing behind her, his weathered face grave and concerned.

"Come in, both of you," he said, waving us inside.

The warmth of the Everton home wrapped around me the instant I crossed the threshold. Family photos lined the walls, joyful moments frozen in time. My gaze caught on one of Jasper and me at our high school graduation, smiling and carefree. In that instant, I wanted to step back into that world, where my only worries were homework and squeezing out as many precious seconds with Jasper as I could.

Stop it. It's grown-up time now. No more running away.

I gave myself a shake, and we made our way to the living room, where Chase and Elliot were already seated. Chase's eyes darted between Jasper and me, his expression wary. Elliot offered a small smile, but his shoulders were set and tense.

I perched on the edge of the couch, grateful for Jasper's solid presence beside me. The air in the room felt heavy and fraught. Emma settled into her armchair, her fingers twisting the hem of her cardigan. Jay stood behind her, one hand resting on her shoulder.

Jasper cleared his throat. It sounded startlingly loud in the silent room. "Thanks for coming together like this," he began. "As you know, we've discovered some... issues with the orchard's finances."

Five pairs of eyes turned to me, their gazes a mix of curiosity, concern, and—in Chase's case—a hint of accusation. My cheeks burned, and I resisted the impulse to squirm under their scrutiny.

"Natalie's been working on figuring out whathappened," Jasper continued, placing a reassuring hand on my knee. "And she has some thoughts on how we can move forward."

This was it. Don't mess this up.

"The discrepancies started about six months ago. It looked like Dad's illness affected his work more than we realized. He?—"

"So, it's your father's fault?" Chase interrupted.

Jasper stiffened beside me, but before he could respond, Jay spoke up. "Let her finish, Son."

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