“Yes.”
“Then stop being an idiot,” he says simply. “Own it. Fix it. Make a plan.”
I sit with that for a second. Let it settle.
A plan.
I’ve lived my whole life inside strategy. Playbooks. Execution. Control.
Time to apply that to something that actually matters.
“Okay,” I say finally. “Let’s come up with one.”
Jace exhales, like he’s been holding his breath too. “Damn right. First step?”
“Stop hiding on a mountain.”
“Good. And maybe take a shower. You sound like you smell like regret and pine needles.”
“Thanks,” I mutter.
“Anytime,” he says. “Now get your ass home. We’ve got work to do.”
I end the call, hand still tight around the phone, Tuck pawing at my knee like he’s ready to move on.
So am I.
I don’t know if Josie will forgive me.
But I do know I’m done being a coward.
CHAPTER FORTY
Josie
The Timberline Innsmells like brown sugar and butter and warmth. It always does. Comfort, maybe. Or memory.
I push through the back door, arms full of cinnamon rolls I promised to bring for the breakfast rush tomorrow morning. It’s late enough that the sun has started to vanish behind the clouds, the kitchen half lit in that dreamy way that makes everything feel softer than it really is.
I’m halfway to the fridge when I hear it.
A cutesy, quiet laugh.
Then a second voice, lower, more careful.
“Nova,” Dee says, and it’s her tone that makes me freeze.
I set the tray down gently. I know I should make some noise, let them know I’m here. But something stops me.
I peek around the corner.
They don’t see me.
Nova’s leaning against the counter, flour dusting her shoulder, and Dee’s standing so close their knees almost touch. The moment hangs, still and full, and then…
Dee cups Nova’s cheek, leans in, and kisses her.
It’s gentle. Sweet. Like something they’ve done a dozen times now, comfortable and unhurried. When they pull apart,Nova’s smiling like the sun cracked right through her. Dee says something I can’t hear, and they laugh, forehead to forehead like the world doesn’t exist beyond this moment.
