Page 6 of Close to Heaven

That brought a smile to Avery’s face. “You’re right. I have missed those things.”

“Plus, your boss said he’d gladly take you back if your situation changes.”

Avery couldn’t think beyond right now. She wouldn’t know the extent of her dad’s decline until she was back in Townsend and saw him every day. She didn’t know enough about dementia and the progression of the disease to know where she’d be next week, next month, or next year.

“Thanks for helping me see the positive side of all this and for helping me get the job.”

Dakota shook her head. “Uh-uh. You did that all by yourself.”

“Are you sure you didn’t convince Jax to hire me?” Avery teased.

“Nobody convinces Jax to do anything he doesn’t want to do. He’s his own man.”

He’s a man, all right, Avery thought. She recalled her reaction when she’d walked into his office for the interview and seen him for the first time in three years.

First, he was bigger than she’d remembered—broad-shouldered, with muscular arms and work-toughened hands. It was much easier to envision him sitting on a horse, chopping wood, or building something than sitting behind a desk.

He hadn’t dressed like a typical office worker, either. He’d worn a blue flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a white thermal underneath, blue jeans, and work boots. He looked like he could have been going on a hike instead of running a business.

However, when he’d spoken, it was clear he was both an outdoorsman and a businessman. He conducted himself with professionalism and courtesy, but he’d also been guarded, like he hadn’t wanted to reveal too much of himself. Knowing what he and his siblings had gone through, she understood why. She also understood that as the oldest sibling, he’d taken on a lot of responsibility at a fairly young age, not only in managing the resort but taking care of his family too.

She’d been wowed by his good looks, but his work ethic and dedication to his family added to his appeal. When she’d driven away from the resort, she’d reminded herself that she was with Trevor, and she shouldn’t have been thinking of Jax as anything other than her new boss. Not to mention, he was her best friend’s brother, and she’d never do anything to jeopardize her relationship with Dakota.

Avery glanced at her watch. “I should probably get going now.”

“I’ll help you carry your stuff to the car,” Dakota offered.

Avery wasn’t taking anything big, since the cabin she was renting was fully furnished. However, she did have several bags of clothes, books, and toiletries. She’d also packed a few framed photos of her and Trevor, her and her dad, and her and Dakota.

Once the car was packed, she turned to her friend and gave her a big hug. “I’m going to miss you,” she said, fighting back tears.

Dakota hugged her back just as tightly. “You’ll only be thirty-four miles away, remember? Now I’ll have another reason to visit besides seeing my brothers.”

“You’re not just saying that to make me feel better, are you? You’ll really come and visit?”

Dakota pulled back and met her eyes. “I promise. You’re my best friend, and I’m not just going to feed you to the lions!”

“I thought you said he was a pussycat.”

Dakota laughed.

“I hope I made the right decision,” Avery said. She’d experienced waves of doubt on and off since she’d taken the job, and now she was hit with another one.

She was usually an upbeat person, but there were so many things she was worried about. In addition to caring for her dad, she’d have to prove herself to Jax. His reluctance to hire her had been obvious, and she didn’t expect to get a free pass simply because she was Dakota’s friend. Plus, she knew how much the Sawyers loved Mary, and she’d be a hard act to follow.

She was also concerned about the future of her relationship with Trevor, who’d reacted poorly to her leaving. He couldn’t understand why she felt compelled to move back to Townsend, a “podunk town,” as he’d called it.

“Move your dad here instead,” he’d said. “There are tons of places he could live, including plenty of senior-citizen homes.”

“He doesn’t want to move to the city. Townsend is his home, and it’s his last connection to my mom,” she explained for the umpteenth time.

“Your mom died five years ago,” he argued, as if she needed the reminder.

“Yes, but part of her is still in their home. In my home.”

“This is your home now,” he insisted.

“I’m tired of arguing. Please try to understand that this is something I have to do.”