“I know it’s a lot,” Sara says. “But Claire knew you’d show up if you knew. She trusted you.”
He nods slowly. Then something hits him. “Wait… if I’m on her birth certificate, what’s her full name?”
Sara smiles, eyes glistening. “Jaqueline Summer Stone.”
His breath catches.
“Summer?” he whispers.
“She said you gave her the summer of her life. That’s what she wanted Jaq to carry with her. A piece of the love that changed everything.”
His eyes fill again. But this time, the tears feel different. Still heavy. Still heart-wrenching. But there’s something else behind them now—something lighter. A flicker of purpose. Of joy.
Eventually, Jaq looks up and tugs at Sara’s arm. “I’m hungry.”
Sara chuckles. “Alright, alright. We’ll go get lunch.”
“You’re staying with your parents?”
“Yeah, they’re at the beach house packing. They’ve decided to sell.”
Jaxon walks them to the porch, still unsure if he’s dreaming. As Sara opens the car door, he stops her.
“Hey. Bring them all back here tonight. Dinner. Six-thirty?”
Sara beams. “We were hoping you’d ask.”
As the car pulls away, Jaxon watches the taillights disappear. But this time… he doesn’t feel hollow. He doesn’t feel abandoned.
He just stands there.
Smiling.
Because in the ashes of everything he thought he lost—there was a spark waiting to light again.
And her name was Jaqueline Summer Stone.
62
More than Memories
Jaxonspenttheafternooncooking and thinking—something he always did when his thoughts wouldn’t settle. Chopping, seasoning, stirring—it was the only therapy that ever worked. By the time he finally paused, his fridge was practically empty and every counter was covered in dishes. He looked around, let out a low whistle, and laughed.
“I think I made enough food to feed a damn army.”
With a grin, he rolled up his sleeves and started cleaning, humming to himself as the house filled with the warm, savory smell of roasted vegetables, seared steak, and garlic butter bread.
At 6:15, Jaxon began setting the dining room table for five. Just as he placed the last fork, he heard the crunch of gravel outside. He walked to the front door, heart beating a little faster than it should’ve.
Through the glass, he saw the familiar older man from Lotus Prime stepping out of the car, followed by a warm, smiling woman, Sara, and Jaqueline. He opened the door, extending his hand.
Before he could say a word, the man pulled him into a hug. “Son, you’re practically family. No need for a handshake. You can call me Charles.”
Jaxon chuckled, awkward but touched. “Thank you, sir. I wasn’t sure how this introduction would go.”
Charles clapped him on the shoulder. “We weren’t either, at first. But the more we learned, the more we realized... none of this is on you. You can’t blame a man for not showing up to something he didn’t know existed.”
Jaxon nodded, humbled. “Well... I’m here now. Y’all come on in.”
