Helen paused. Her expression softened. “Yes, that’s true.”
She squeezed my arm. “Enjoy your evening. You deserve it.”
I swallowed past the sudden tightness in my throat. “Thank you.”
Braxton shifted slightly closer to me, not touching, just near enough that I felt supported.
Dad nodded once, then looked at Braxton. “Take care of her.”
Braxton didn't hesitate. “I will.”
When they walked away, Braxton exhaled slowly. “That felt like an inspection.”
I laughed. “You passed.”
We walked a few more steps, and I realized my hands were cold again. Braxton noticed without me saying anything.
He offered his scarf. “Here.”
I hesitated. “You will be cold.”
“I will survive,” he said.
I took it and wrapped it around my neck. It smelled faintly like winter air and something clean, and it made me feel oddly safe. “Thank you.”
He shrugged. “I like solving problems.”
“I’m not a problem,” I said, then winced because it sounded more defensive than I meant.
Braxton stopped walking. He turned slightly toward me. “Jane,” he said quietly, “I didn't mean you are a problem. I meant I like making things easier for you.”
I couldn’t fault him for that. “Okay. I like that.”
He smiled. “Good.”
The town grew quieter as the event wound down and we made our way back to the inn. Once again, Braxton got the door for me and we stood in the lobby, reluctant to let the evening end.
“I am glad we did this,” he said.
“So am I,” I replied.
He looked at me, expression open. “I want you to know I am not here for the novelty of the inn or the chaos of a wedding week. I am here because… you matter to me.”
My breath caught. I forced myself to hold his gaze, not to look away when my emotions rose too quickly.
“I’m not very good at believing people mean what they say,” I admitted.
He nodded. “I know.”
“And I’m not good at trusting my own judgment,” I added.
Braxton’s voice softened. “We can work on that together.”
I felt tears prick at my eyes, annoying and inconvenient, but I blinked them back. “I would like that.”
He stood close, not touching, giving me space to choose. I appreciated that more than I could explain.
I took a breath and let myself say what had been sitting in my chest all night. “I had fun.”
