As they stepped inside, Charles took in the house with a slow nod of approval. “Now this is a home. Sturdy. Classic. Comfortable.”
“You have a lovely home, dear,” Linda added, her voice sweet and sincere.
“Thank you, ma’am.”
“Linda,” she corrected gently. “We don’t do ‘ma’am’ around here.”
Jaxon smiled. “Well then, Linda, you and Charles are welcome to look around. I’m sure Sara wouldn’t mind giving you the tour while I finish up.”
Sara rolled her eyes with a grin. “Can I show them the view?”
“The best part of the house,” he said with a wink. “Have at it.”
“Mom, Dad, Jaq—follow me.”
While they explored the upstairs, Jaxon transferred dish after dish from the oven and stovetop to the dining table, the spread slowly becoming a small feast. He stepped back, admired the work, and called them in.
As everyone took their seats, Linda reached for a cloth napkin and smiled wide. “Jaxon, your home is absolutely beautiful.”
“Took some work to get her back to this point,” he said, his voice proud. “But she’s worth it.”
“Sara told us the story,” Charles said, then paused. “She also told us about your bedroom.”
Jaxon nearly choked on his drink. “Oh no. Here we go.”
Sara shot him a death stare. “Don’t you dare.”
Charles laughed. “She said it’s her favorite spot. Something about how the sun hits the windows just right—”
“She’s exaggerating,” Sara cut in, cheeks flushing.
“Please, tell them the story,” Jaxon teased, already grinning.
Sara sighed, surrendering. ““Back when we were in town, Jaxon had to take a trip to Denver for work. Claire wanted to go and Jaxon got her a ticket. She was so excited that when she packed her suitcase, she also packed the keys to the beach house. Only to find them when they landed. Jaxon told me where the spare key was and let us stay here. Luckily, I had the car keys with me.”
“She said it was like a five-star Airbnb,” Charles said, laughing.
“Aunt Sara, you stayed here before?” Jaqueline piped up.
“Yes, baby. And Jaxon was nice enough to let us. Even though we kinda invited ourselves.”
“Wow. That was nice.”
Dinner continued with more laughter and easy conversation. The room buzzed with a warmth Jaxon hadn’t felt in a long time. He looked around, hisheart full. This. This is what he’d always dreamed of—a table full of stories, laughter, and love.
As plates emptied, Charles leaned back in his chair. “Jaxon, that’s twice now you’ve treated me to one hell of a meal. Next time, I’m returning the favor.”
“I’m always ready for good food, sir.”
Sara chimed in. “Why don’t you take Mom and Dad out back to see the sound while I clean up?”
Jaxon nodded. “I’d be happy to.”
He led them through the kitchen and out the back door. With one flick of a switch, the soft glow of outdoor lighting illuminated the path to the deck and dining area. Linda gasped.
“Jaxon… my God. This view.”
“Wait until we get to the dock,” he said.
