Page 66 of Hometown Heart

Outside, the storm had intensified, snow pelting the windows with increasing force. The wind moaned around the corner of the building—a hollow, lonely sound.

I busied myself behind the counter, gathering mugs and the now-cold pot of hot chocolate. They were mundane tasks that could occupy me while my mind tangled with the implications of what had just happened.

"I should freshen this," I said, gesturing to the pot.

Jack leaned against the counter, watching me. "Silas. I don't want to pretend that didn't happen."

"I don't either." My words, direct and honest, surprised me.

"The question is, where do we go from here?"

Where should we go? Forward into uncertainty? Backward into safety? The doors of possibility were opening before me, and for once, I wasn't immediately looking for the exit.

"I don't know," I admitted. "This is... new territory for me. Nico and I never got as far as seriously talking about our relationship."

"It's different for me, too. Every discussion was always removed from emotion with Edward. He planned our relationship like he was using a project management chart." Jack looked at the fort where Cody slept. "And there's more than just us to consider."

I nodded. "Yes, of course."

"He likes you," Jack continued softly. "More than that—he trusts you. That's not something he gives easily, especially after the divorce."

"I don't want to complicate things for him."

"Is that what you're worried about? That you and me together would hurt Cody?"

I considered the question, searching for honesty. "Partly. And partly... I'm worried about myself. What happens if I let myself want this, and then it falls apart."

Jack was quiet for a moment, weighing my words. "I can't promise it won't. Nobody can. But I can promise I won't walk away easily." He paused, his eyes holding mine. "I've spent too long circling what matters, Si. I don't want to do that anymore."

The nickname again—so natural on his lips, as if he'd been saying it for years. I found myself reaching across the counter, bridging the gap between us. Jack's fingers met mine, warm and solid.

"I'm not good at this," I confessed. "Letting people in. Believing they'll stay."

"I know." His thumb traced a gentle pattern across my knuckles. "But maybe it's time to try something new."

Before I could respond, a soft voice interrupted from behind us.

"Dad? Silas?" Cody stood at the entrance to the fort, blanket draped around his shoulders like a cape, hair mussed from sleep. "Is it still snowing?"

Jack pulled his hand back casually, turning to his son. "Sure is, bud. How was your nap?"

Cody rubbed his eyes, shuffling toward us. "Good. I had this weird dream about dragons." He climbed onto a stool at the counter, blanket still clutched around him. "Can I have more hot chocolate?"

"Coming right up," I said, grateful for the distraction. I moved to reheat the pot, aware of Jack's eyes following me.

"Did you guys finish the chapter?" Cody asked, glancing between us.

Jack and I exchanged a look, a current of understanding passing between us.

"Not quite. We thought we'd let you rest."

Cody nodded sagely. "That's okay. We have plenty of time." He gestured toward the windows, where snow continued to fall in thick curtains. "We're not going anywhere."

I returned with fresh hot chocolate. Jack stood nearby, his presence solid and reassuring.

Outside, the storm raged on, but inside Tidal Grounds, we'd found an unexpected shelter—not only from the weather but also from the isolation I'd convinced myself was safer than connection.

The path ahead remained uncertain, but we had our moment for now—a strange, beautiful pause created by the blizzard. I was in no hurry for it to end.

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