Charlie Grace blinked, taken aback by her father’s words. Always the traditionalist, he had previously been quick to insist that she should forgive, attributing Gibbs’ transgression to “men being men” and emphasizing the sanctity of marriage above all else. Countless times she’d met with resistance and outdated ideologies. After his accident, his attitude became worse. He grew extremely critical of everything she did, every decision.
Now, seeing him stand firmly by her side valuing her decision, she felt a warmth spread within her. That, coupled with his support at the town hall meeting, caused tears to well—not of sorrow, but of gratitude for his newfound respect.
Once again, they shared a gaze. He smiled at her and the walls between father and daughter, built by years of discord, seemed to crumble in that singular, profound moment. She didn’t understand his sudden attitude change, but she relished his respect and support.
Gibbs took the check from her hand. He glanced between her and her father, stunned at the new development.
Gibbs was Jewel’s father—that would never change. Charlie Grace had committed long ago to do whatever it took to preserve that relationship for her daughter. That didn’t mean she had to let Gibbs step all over her.
“Well, I guess I should go.” Gibbs, still looking confused, turned for the door.
“Gibbs?” she said.
He turned to face her, his expression immediately hopeful. “Yeah?”
“Here, take Lizzy’s check out to her.”
“Oh, yeah. Okay.” He plucked the check from her hand. Their eyes met briefly. Charlie Grace forced herself not to look away.
Finally, he turned for the door a second time.
Charlie Grace rested her hand on her father’s shoulder and watched through the open door as Gibbs lifted Jewel into his arms and gave her a kiss. There was a brief verbal exchange, and then he put her back on the ground and walked toward Lizzy, who now stood by his truck, waiting.
34
Charlie Grace’s fingers hovered over the glass panes of the Jackson Hole Airport as she watched the private jet land gracefully, then taxi in from the runway. Within minutes the jet came to a stop and orange-vested airport attendants wheeled a ramp to the plane’s door. The door opened and passengers began appearing on the tiny metal landing, including Nick’s unmistakable silhouette.
Dressed in a white button-down shirt, sleeves pushed up, and a leather jacket draped nonchalantly over one shoulder, Nick exuded a raw confidence that still managed to catch her off-guard.
As he crossed the tarmac on his way to the gate, their eyes met across the distance, a magnetic pull drawing her towards the arrival gate. His lips lifted in a small smile, and he raised a hand in a subtle wave as he watched her through the window.
She waved back and quickly crossed the shiny concrete floor flanked by walls made of timber and weathered steel. She stood at the gate with impatience, waiting for him to appear.
“Hey,” he murmured as they met, drawing her into an embrace that spoke of longing. “I missed you.” The depth in his eyes told her he meant every word.
She leaned into him, breathing in his familiar earthy scent. “I missed you, too. How was the trip?”
“Productive. But I’m glad to be back.” He took her hand in his. “We had turbulence on the flight, which limited cabin service. I haven’t eaten. Are you hungry?” He pointed to the food kiosks.
“Starving, but let’s head to Jedediah’s. It’s a grab-n-go restaurant but has seating. I can grab some sourdough starter to take home. Don’t tell Aunt Mo, but I ruined her starter by forgetting to feed it.”
He laughed. “Won’t she know?”
“Oh, yes,” she assured. “But she won’t say anything.”
The gentle hum of the airport, the muted conversations, all faded away as she focused on Nick by her side as they made their way to the restaurant which was located at the far end of the small terminal and was surprisingly packed for this time of day. They headed for an empty table in the back, next to the counter.
Charlie Grace listened intently as Nick recounted his trip, sharing the highlights of being back in Los Angeles and the downsides. “I’d forgotten how snarled the traffic gets on the freeways,” he told her. “I came to appreciate small-town living a little more with the sound of every blasting horn.”
“Well, there are downsides to small towns as well.” She reminded him about the town hall meeting.
“Look, I’m so sorry I didn’t respond to your texts promptly. I was completely wrapped up with a business associate. When I did finally break free, my phone battery was running low, and I forgot to pack my charger.” He grinned. “Yes, I’m one of those guys who never carries an extra. I would have called, but it was late, and I didn’t want to wake you.”
“No problem,” she told him. “You got back to me when you could. Sorry about the charger. Admittedly, I’ve done the same.”
“I had to climb in the car and go buy one. Anyway, by the next morning, you’d already messaged telling me the pushback on the production was resolved.” He laughed. “Looks like there was drama while I was gone.”
She grinned and plucked a menu from its holder on the table. “High drama. But, like I told you, everything ended well.”
