Page 111 of Big Dill

“Watch yourself,” he warns, and that warm voice that sends shivers straight through me.

We finally find the car, and he unlocks the doors. I slide into the passenger seat while he adjusts the driver’s seat and rearview mirror. The car is still warm, so we head straight to the hospital doors. As we wait, his phone pings and he checks the screen.

“Just Ma checking in.”

I smile. “I owe her a big thank you for helping Jaxon out like this.”

“Family,” he says simply.

And that’s when it hits me, how badly I want to be folded into that word. That bubble. Deep down, I know they’d accept me, want me to stay… But I have a life outside this small town.

He texts back and forth with his mother while I check my own phone. A few new yoga sign-ups. Nothing from back home. I haven’t messaged Lauren in so long she’s probably disowned me. Then again, phones work both ways. I have people, and a place I belong, outside of this town, right?

If that’s the case, why does the thought of returning to the mainland leave me with a hollow ache?

“There he is,” I say as the nurse wheels Jaxon toward the doors. Devon stands beside him, crutches in hand.

I hurry forward just as the doors open. Jaxon pushes himself up, securing the braces beneath his arms, a smile firmly in place and my chest aches as he tries to hide the effort behind it.

“We’re right outside,” I tell him, working to keep my voice steady.

He thanks the nurse and we walk out to find Brody standing beside an open passenger door. He waves his hand for Jaxon to get in. “More room up front.”

He helps Jaxon in, hands me the crutches, then tosses the keys to Devon. In the back seat, Brody and I are quiet as we all settle. I glance at Brody, a silent check-in, and his hand finds mine, one quick squeeze before Devon pulls away.

If I stayed in Newfoundland, what would that mean for Brody and me? We can’t hide this forever and it doesn’t seem to be burning out any time soon—at least not for me. Besides I have a business to build, and what kind of success can I expect to achieve in a small town. If I’m going to do this I want it to be big.

Why is that, Jami? So your parents can finally be proud of you?

Ugh.

Devon turns on the radio, and I watch the scenery blur past as we head to his place. We pass a pub, and Jaxon finally breaks the silence.

“While you’re in town, Jami, you should get screeched in.”

“Oh, no way. I am not kissing a cod.”

Laughter fills the car as Devon signals and turns down a side street. A few blocks later, he pulls into a short driveway. I take in the small bungalow.

I’m out of the car in seconds, holding out Jaxon’s crutches. I’m about to walk him to the door when he stops and yawns. “Go. Have fun. Get screeched in. I’m going to nap.”

“No. I’m staying with you.”

“To watch me nap?”

“You might need something.”

“Yeah. A quiet house to sleep in.” He glances at Brody. “Go. Brody will take care of you.”

My gaze snaps to Brody. I swear, if I could wipe—or kiss—that smirk off his face, I’d do it.

“Hey…” Devon begins, “…if you’re going to be one of us, you have to get screeched in.”

I plant a hand on my hip. “Who said I’m going to be one of you?”

He grins like he knows something I don’t. “Pretty sure you already are.”

“No, I’m not,” I argue, mostly because I really, really do not want to kiss a damn fish.