Page 133 of The Clover Chapel (Jamison Valley 2)
“If they don’t, they’re dead,” Draven said, sending chills down my spine. “Their president knows they crossed a line by going after Emmeline. I think he’s running scared. And they’d be stupid to push back when we’re shifting focus to our more legit businesses.”
“Dad and I’ve been talking about expanding the garage. Bringing in more money to offset the lost protection routes,” Dash said.
Nick nodded. “That’s smart. You guys have a good reputation. If you capitalized on the custom route, you could make some good money.”
“You two feel like moving to Clifton Forge to run the garage?” Draven asked.
“What?” Nick asked. His eyes were wide, much like mine.
“I’m retiring,” Draven said.
“What about you, Dash?”
He shrugged. “You’d be better at it. Besides, I like working as a mechanic. I don’t feel like dealing with the hassle of running the place. If I was the manager, I wouldn’t get to work on as many cars.”
Nick took my hand. “I appreciate the offer. But I’m not coming back. We’re good here. Happy. Emmy’s got a great job. We’ve got our friends. It’s not for me.”
“Figured it was a long shot, but I had to ask,?
?? Draven said and stood. “We’ll get out of your hair.”
Draven shook Nick’s hand before coming to me and leaning down to kiss my cheek. “You’re good for him, Emmeline. He’s happy. Thank you for that.”
“We’re good for each other.”
“I’m truly sorry about all this. I never meant for that to happen,” he said.
“Apology accepted. It’s just nice to know it’s over. And it’s a relief to know who has been breaking into my house.”
His eyebrows knitted together. Did he not know about my break-ins? He shook off his confusion quickly and leaned in for a brief hug. “I hope we can put this behind us.”
“We don’t know each other well, Draven, but you should know I’m not skilled at holding a grudge.”
“I appreciate that.”
Nick and his father had a long road ahead of them to heal their past wounds but today they had taken that first step. And though a part of me was still angry at Draven for putting my life in danger, I was willing to let it go. His apology was sincere and the real persons at fault were Jinx and Wrecker.
With forgiveness in my heart, I stood by Nick’s side and waved good-bye to Draven and Dash.
And the four coffee mugs I had sent with them.
“Is this place real?” I whispered.
My eyes were glued to the beautiful scenery in front of me. Crystal Lake. Aptly named because the water was crystal clear.
Nick had just led me down the path from our campsite so I could see the lake before it got dark. He was standing at my back with his arms wrapped around my chest while his chin rested on my head.
“It doesn’t seem real, that water in the middle of the forest could be that clean,” I said.
At my feet, I could see every stone beneath the water’s surface. Further into the lake, tiny fish were swimming amongst the green, swaying grasses.
“I love it up here,” Nick sighed. We had only been here for ten minutes but I felt the same. “I haven’t gotten to travel much, but of all the places I’ve been, it’s my second favorite.”
“What’s your first?”
His arms hugged me tighter. “The Clover Chapel.”
Pure, golden happiness swelled in my heart.
