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Her mom shook her head. “You haven’t given any man a second glance since Tim tricked and cheated you. This Jace miraculously broke through all your barriers in three days.” She held up three fingers to emphasize it. “From the way you talk about him, you love him. You should’ve stayed, gotten to know him better, given him a chance.”
She swallowed. “I have responsibilities to State Farm to sort out Bryan’s mess.”
Her mom actually rolled her eyes. “You’ve done plenty for State Farm. You could’ve figured that out on the phone.”
“I didn’t want to just up and ditch you two.”
“Oh, honey.” Her mom gave her a patient smile. “We’re fine. Of course we adore every minute we see you, but this is about your life. We would never selfishly demand you stay here for us.”
Ayla’s heart beat faster. Her parents would understand if she left. But the debt, and Grandma, and … She could really be with Jace? Could she and Jace be “really real”?
“He said he’d figure out how to make it work for us,” she told them.
“And what are you doing to make it work?” Her dad raised an eyebrow.
“Sheesh,” she said. “You two are pushy. You want me to up and leave you?”
“No,” her mom admitted. “But we want you to be happy, and it sounds like Jace makes you happy.”
“Very.” She quivered just thinking about his soulful brown eyes, the way they could tease, how it had felt to hold and kiss him, him teaching her to ski, being so great when she’d snipped at him or when other people had made fun of her crashing on the lift, how he protected and watched out for her in so many ways, big and small, how he’d almost gotten himself killed fighting to rescue her. “But I have to pay off my debts and pay for Grandma.”
“You’ve done enough for your grandma,” her dad said sharply. “Everyone else can pitch in, and your mom and I have been saving up. We can help out more. We’ll figure that out.”
“How much debt do you have left?” her mom asked.
“About twenty grand in credit card debts, then the first and second mortgages on the condo.” Ayla pushed out a heavy breath.
Her mom looked at her condo. “How much equity do you have in your condo?”
Ayla’s brows rose. She’d thought of selling the condo, but she wouldn’t qualify for another loan with how Tim ruined her credit. Even with both mortgages, her minimum payments were less than what rent would be. “At least a hundred and fifty grand, maybe more, depending on how much it sells for.”
“Do we have to spell it out?” her dad asked.
Ayla laughed and shook her head. She could sell her condo and be out of debt—and maybe even have a cushion if the sale went well. They loved her enough to tell her to leave them and go for Jace. Of course they did. They were her parents.
“I’m going to pray, take a nap, and then try to figure some things out.”
“Okay. We’ll be praying too. Love you.”
“Love you.” She climbed out. Her dad helped her with her suitcase and they both walked her to her door. She hugged them both tightly, already knowing she’d miss them if she truly moved to Colorado.
Move to Colorado? Jace!
Walking inside, she looked around her condo. It was hers; it was home, and she was proud of herself for keeping it clean and paying for it. The scraggly fake tree in the corner didn't scream Christmas like Summit Valley did. She’d lived here with Tim for three years and had been a mess after his death. Now that she let herself admit it, she didn’t really like the memories here. Her home felt as barren as the landscape outside.
She unpacked her suitcase and texted Taryn that she needed a long run and a big chat in the morning. Taryn said to plan on four-thirty a.m., but unfortunately she was still at work and had a dinner and movie date she’d committed to tonight, so she couldn’t chat now. That was fine. Ayla needed to rest anyway. Everything else could wait.
She took a shower and lay down. It was late afternoon; she couldn’t fall asleep.
Pulling out her phone, she texted Jace.
Got home safe. I miss the mountains and skiing and my ski instructor already. Talk soon?
She bit at her lip as she waited.
I miss you more. I’m brainstorming. Somehow, some way, I’ll see you soon. We’ll work on your skiing technique, or my running technique, and … some other techniques.
Her heart fluttered. She wasn’t sure if that meant he’d come here or he’d arrange for her to go there, but she was excited and happy. She’d told him she couldn’t stay, but he seemed to realize she’d come back and he seemed willing to come see her here. That was good.
