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“Ryan schooled me afterward. But at the time, I was in the big brother role. No one stood in between Hailey and her mother but me. I didn’t want her screwing with my niece or nephew.”
My heart squeezed when he said that. I could just see Jake with his niece or nephew. He’d make the best uncle because he was so sweet and caring. So much more than he gave himself credit for.
He stopped pacing and stood in front of me. “You’re in my life now. I didn’t want her bothering you or coming between us.”
It felt good that he’d considered me that night. That he thought he was protecting me, however misguided that was.
He grimaced and looked away. “I’m not proud of myself, but I paid her off.”
I sucked in a breath. “You didn’t.”
“I wanted her gone.”
“I hate that you gave her anything.” Each time she showed up, she took something from Jake, and I understood that he was stronger when she stayed gone.
“It’s just money. Besides, I already have my dream car. It might not be in my garage, but I’ve touched it and brought it back to life.”
Confused, I asked, “What are you talking about?”
Jake stood, texting someone on his phone.
When he was finished, he held out his hand to me. I stood and took it, letting him lead me to the edge of the porch. I heard the rumble of the engine before the gold paint came into view. I covered my mouth with my hand. “What did you do?”
He grinned. “I told you I’d restore it for you.”
“How did you do it in a week?”
“I had a lot of help. People willing to bring me parts. Maisy was amazing in tracking down everything. We hired a new mechanic, and Ryan helped too.”
Ryan parked it, got out of the car, and asked, “What do you think?”
I jogged down the steps, circling it. “It’s amazing. It looks better than when my grandfather drove it.”
Jake followed me. “All new leather, tires, interior, and other things you don’t see. But it runs like a dream now.”
“And this is your dream car?”
“It was,” he said succinctly, stuffing his hands into his pockets.
I sensed Ryan leaving but focused on what was happening between Jake and me to thank him.
As I stared at the car, memories of my grandparents flitted through my mind. Each time my grandmother smiled when she retold the story of meeting my grandfather. Then I looked at Jake; he was happy the car had been restored. He appreciated it more than I ever could. For me, it was just a memory. “I feel like you should have it.”
Jake put his hands on my shoulders, slowly turning me to face him. “It’s yours. It’s your legacy. Use it for the weddings.”
The tears threatened to spill again.
“We’ll build you a garage when you’re ready, and it will have a home. But I’m hoping I can drive it whenever I want. If you’ll have me.” When I remained quiet, Jake dipped his knees to catch my gaze. “Lily, I’m so sorry for how I acted. I shut you out, and that’s not okay.”
I wanted to say I forgave him, that everything would be fine, but there was something holding me back.
He cupped my cheek. “I love you.”
Those three simple words hit me in the chest. It was what I was waiting for. “I love you too.”
“I realized it before the party, but it wasn’t the time or place to tell you. Then your mom stopped me, and I started to doubt everything. But I’m not doing that anymore. This last week, I realized I don’t want to live without you. I need you. You make everything better. You lift me up and remind me to believe in myself. You make me believe anything’s possible.”
“Because it is.” Tingles erupted over my skin.
