Page 54 of The Comeback Road
“Jace! Open up!” Magnolia’s voice cut through the fog of sleep. I pushed myself off the couch in a daze and opened the door, surprised to see her standing there. For a brief second, panic set in that something had happened until I saw her hands on her hips, a teasing smile on her face.
“Hey, Magnolia. What’s up? Is everything okay?” I stepped aside to let her in.
She walked into the living room, her eyes widening as she took in the sight of all the stacked wine bottles, baskets, twine, and random basket things I had purchased online. “Uh, Jace?” she questioned, not taking her eyes off the mess. At least it was an organized mess.
“Uh…” I scratched the back of my neck.
“What is this?” she asked, looking at me with wide eyes.
“I couldn’t find a way to get Lexie the wine she liked. I tried at the grocery store, but I struck out. The manager said theywouldn’t sell enough, so they wouldn’t stock it. Then, I couldn’t find a wine-of-the-month club that was delivered out here, especially in the winter months…so this is what I came up with.”
“You’re literally making her a wine-of-the-month club basket. Lexie has no idea, does she?”
“Err…no. She doesn’t, and I’d like to keep it that way so she accepts the wine,” I said sheepishly.
“Why would you do this and not take credit for it?” she asked. I scoffed, offended at her question.
“I just want to see her smile, man. It takes my breath away every time,” I muttered, unable to help myself.
Magnolia tilted her chin at me in an assessing gaze. “You fooled me once, Jace. Don’t do it again. But I believe you, and I’m quite relieved that I don’t have to stage an intervention for you. Can I ask you something?”
“Sure,” I said. I knew what she was going to ask before the words came tumbling out of her mouth.
“Why did you choose Jess?” Magnolia’s tone shifted to something serious.
I sighed, the weight of the past settling on my shoulders. “Looking back, it was a moment of panic. Lexie has this incredible ability to destroy me, in the best ways. But with that, she also has the ability to destroy me in the worst ways. I was scared, and instead of being a man about it, I did the dumbest thing someone could do—I took an out, like a coward.A coward.” Magnolia’s expression softened as she listened. “When she was gone, I’d never felt so empty,bereft. I’d never felt that way before.”
She stood there silently again, and my anxiety at desperately wanting her approval swirled in my gut before Magnolia finally put me out of my misery and spoke. “You’re not the only one who felt that way, Jace. She needs you.”
“Not nearly as much as I need her.” I glanced away as I gathered my thoughts. “I’ll love her forever from afar, if that’s what she needs, what she wants. But I have to try. I have to try.”
Magnolia nodded, understanding settling over her features. “You have to show her that, Jace. You have to pick her firstevery time. Don’t let fear hold you back. Lexie needs to know she can count on you.”
“I’m trying,” I replied, feeling the weight of my own uncertainty. “But I also don’t want to overwhelm her. She’s just starting to find her way back. That’s why I want to do what I can without her knowing.”
“I think it’s time you start doing it in the light and not the shadows.” She turned to make her way back to the door, letting me know that the conversation was over. “Oh, and Jace? Don’t forget exactly what she’s capable of, and what I’d do for her. Capisce?”
“Capisce.” I crossed my heart.
Okay, Lexie, into the light it is.
Chapter Fifty-Five
Lexie
Winter quickly rolled into spring, the air turning to water and the world outside starting to burst with life, old and new. The Bar-kery and its construction were well on their way to almost being complete, and buzzed with constant activity day by day. We were at the point where we were trying new recipes, and since I had figured out the software weeks ago, I was currently elbow-deep in baking—Magnolia had talked me into it.
I found myself huffing around flour, sugar, salt, and measuring cups, but there was something calming in the flurry of it all. Seeing it all come together to create a fresh, sweet-scented pastry that I got to eat at the end was always a plus as well.
As I stood behind what would eventually be the counter, my hands dusted with flour, I rolled out the dough for what we were trying as a daily special—peach tarts, a fitting tribute to Miss Peaches, our self-appointed mascot, who was currently snoring in the corner, unbothered by life. There had been discussions of using the puppies for our advertising and mascots, however, they were too chaotic and spoiled to sit still for even one picture.I continued to work, catching—no, stealing—glances at Jace through the large bay window, his warm smile always a steady force that I couldn’t help but look at. I couldn’t help but seek out his presence every chance I got. His smile was something to absolutely write home about. It radiated a comfort that made my heart flutter rapidly.
Jace was always there, either helping with deliveries or just stopping by to check in. He still slept on the sofa, and he still cooked me dinner every night. His presence wreaked havoc on my once-again beating heart.
“Starlight,” Jace murmured reverently as he made his way through the poly sheeting that would eventually be where the front door hung. I looked up, meeting his gaze. His irises seemed to bleed into his pupils as he looked at me. I was a mess, covered in flour and dough that I was pretty sure I saw hanging from the hair, falling from my messy bun in front of my face. An unmistakable spark sent a flutter through my chest. “Need any help?”
“Unless you can magically make this dough roll itself, I think I’m okay, but I appreciate the offer,” I shot back at him, a teasing tone lacing my voice.
“Magical dough, huh? Sounds like my kind of gig,” Jace said as he reached to brush some flour out of my hair. “Adorable.” His touch lingered just a moment too long before he slid behind me and rolled up the sleeves of his flannel. “So damn adorable,” he whispered. I felt his breath and words on the back of my neck. A shiver ran down my spine at his nearness, my heart racing as I tried to focus on the dough and not my trembling body.
