Page 102 of The Embers That Remain

“My name is Jimmy,” Grandpa corrected.

“That’s right, my man,” Jace replied, draping an arm across Grandpa’s shoulders like they’d known each other for years.

Lane circled the island, setting out the pizzas before pulling the salad kit from the bag. I slipped in beside him, reaching for plates and forks like we’d been doing this together forever. Jace and Grandpa claimed barstools at the counter, ready to supervise rather than help.

“Looks like you two have this routine down,” Grandpa observed.

My cheeks warmed.

“He brought food. That makes him my favorite,” Grandpa announced.

Jace slapped his chest as if he were mortally wounded.

“My dude, where is your loyalty?!” Jace said in mock outrage.

“You don’t know how to play with toy tractors. He does,” Grandpa replied.

My gaze slid to Lane. Of course. He’d played with the miniature farm with Grandpa. The sting behind my eyes caught me off guard.

“See?” Lane said. “Finally, somebody appreciates me.”

“I appreciate you.” The words were out before I could catch them.

The kitchen went dead quiet, like someone had unplugged the whole room.

Jace made a gagging noise. Grandpa looked far too amused. Lane’s eyes found mine, and for one suspended heartbeat, the rest of the kitchen faded away. His smile softened.

“I appreciate you too,” he said quietly.

My stomach promptly forgot how to behave.

“Okay,” Jace announced, clapping his hands together. “That’s enough. If this keeps up, we’re gonna have to leave the room!”

Grandpa nodded with exaggerated seriousness. “He has a point.”

Laughter bounced around the kitchen as plates made their way across the counter and Lane served pizza. Soon the room filled with overlapping conversations, playful jabs, and the inevitable debate over who deserved the last slice of meat lovers. For the first time in what felt like forever, no one was waiting for the next hard thing. I wanted to breathe the moment in and keep it. Lane reached for the salad tongs, his shoulder brushing mine. Neither of us moved away. Another smile slipped free. Maybe Jace was right. Maybe I should save some of that for when nobody else was around. Judging by the look Lane gave me, though, he didn’t seem to mind one bit. And I wasn’t sure I could’ve stopped smiling even if I’d tried.

Fifty-Two

Cali

An hour later, Grandpa had headed to bed, claiming he needed his beauty sleep. Jace slumped down in an overstuffed chair, completely absorbed in a handheld game console that looked like it belonged in a museum exhibit.

“Isn’t that thing older than you?” Lane asked.

Jace didn’t even glance up. “First of all, rude. Second, this is a classic.”

“I think that came out when I was a kid,” Lane said.

“Must be an antique then,” Jace quipped.

Ignoring the two of them, I collapsed into the middle of the couch while Lane took one of the ends. The movie menu glowed on the television as we debated what to watch. We agreed on an adventure movie with a side of romance to keep everyone happy. Despite the easy banter we’d shared all evening, I still felt oddly self-conscious about the change in our relationship. Everything between us had shifted—better, softer—and it was still new enough that I noticed every little thing.

Lane must have noticed my fidgeting. Without a word, he reached down and snagged my feet, lifting them into his lap. I grinned and sank deeper into the cushions, resting my head against a pile of pillows.

“Comfortable?” he asked, his green eyes glinting with amusement.

“Very.” His hand gently held my feet, his thumb tracing slow circles along the arch. Relief melted through me. I’d been on my feet all day, and the pressure he applied was exactly right.