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“I went out for a drive, just needed to think. Think about what to do, where to go. You know I left this place because it’s too small for me here, Mom. You loved it, but I didn’t.”

She sighed as she sat down next to me, her hand patting my leg.

“Your father loved it, and I loved him. But I did fall in love with the town. It’s beautiful and cozy. And it’s small. Here, everyone helps each other out. What did you have in your city? People looking down on you because of some bullshit thing with your ex?”

I closed my eyes, knowing she was right. Sure, gossip ran amok in this city, and it sucked if it was about you, but there wasn’t a person here who wouldn’t help their neighbor. It was sweet, endearing even. And I could recall a time or two before I left where plenty of men helped me by showing me ropes of working on cars or fixing things around the house.

They stepped up when my father passed and I couldn’t thank them enough.

My mom did what she could, but she was a widow raising a teenage son; it wasn’t pretty.

“Look, I know your life is in a whirlwind right now and no one blames you.” I gave my mother a look, wondering just how many people knew about my business already. But she didn’t even look the least chagrined at it. “But why not give yourself the time through the holidays to heal, huh? See what the new year brings? Maybe you’ll find this place isn’t so bad. Or maybe you’ll find that Florida isn’t the place you should be going back to and there’s another place you want to try?

“After all, you’re only twenty-eight, Jackson. There’s still plenty of life in you. You just need to find the path for you to take again.”

“I know you’re right, Mom. Doesn’t make things easier.”

“It’s not going to. Look baby, that woman hurt you, and that was a good few months back, but the pain doesn’t go away. I’m not saying your new life is going to have a woman in it. I’m just saying that maybe you’ll find something to make you stick. Besides me of course.”

I glanced over at her, my lips lifting slightly.

If there was anything my mother was good at, it was making me smile, even when I didn’t feel like it.

“Fine, I’ll give it through the holidays to see what’s popping up and what happens. But I’m going to shower before dinner.” I stood up then paused before turning to look back at her. “I drove down Maple Lane on my way home.”

“Yes?”

“Do you know Jacqueline?”

“The librarian? Everyone in town knows her. She’s a sweet thing, but awfully lonely.”

“She’s still the librarian huh? Still single too?”

“Yup. Though tons of us older ladies have tried to push her out on dates. Why do you ask?”

“I saw her. Might have been coming a little too fast down the road. I think I scared her. But she’s been at that job for ages. I remember her there when I was in high school.”

“She loves it. Said it was her dream and she never wants to stop.” My mom stood up and walked over to me, poking me in the chest. “You better be nice to her, and to everyone, young man. I’m not too old to slap you around.”

My mother was a tough one, and her voice often scared me when I got in trouble. But did she ever hit me? Nope. Did I think she would? Not even close. But that didn’t mean that I didn’t disrespect her, especially when she got that tone.

My mom cared about these people and this town; I wouldn’t dare hurt her by hurting one of them. No matter how much they pissed me off or got in my way.

Chapter 3

Jacqueline

If there was anything I loved about this town of ours, it was always how they held festivals. There wasn’t a holiday when we didn’t go over the top. And the Fall Fest has always been one of my highlights. Even though it was only for a few days a week, I always made a point of going at least one Sunday.

I’d go more if I wasn’t working Monday through Saturday. Sunday was my only day off, and today, I wanted to see the sights of the festival.

Maybe have a hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows and peppermint sprinkles. And if I heard right, Pistachio Sweets Shop was having a food truck there. Their Dubai chocolate was amazing. I had to force myself not to go there simply because it would get me into trouble. However, it was a comfort spot for me, and I still found myself going there far more than I should.

I wrapped my sweater tighter around me and grabbed my purse, hating that I actually had to drive there. After my scare earlier this week, I realized I needed to be a little more careful. And that included driving.

Fifteen minutes later, I drove down the dirt lot, finding a parking spot closer to the entrance. But before I could pull in, a truck swiped right on in, nearly mowing me down. I frowned, knowing that truck even more, because it was the one from the other day.

I rolled my window down, about ready to scream at the person when the door opened and out walked Jackson. I rolled my eyes, not surprised by his behavior, given the fact that ten plus years ago when he was a teenager, he gave me nothing but headaches.