Page 15 of The Only Road Back

BETH

I stretch, my body deliciously sore, and shift to find Jack still asleep beside me. His arm drapes over my waist, his hand resting on my hip as if afraid I’ll vanish if he lets go.

I trace my fingers across his bare chest. His breathing is steady, deep.

Sleep has softened his expression, making him look almost vulnerable. My heart swells with something warm and terrifyingly real.

He stirs and tightens his grip, buries his face in my hair.

“Mmm,” he murmurs, his voice husky with sleep. “Morning, sweetheart.”

I hum and nestle closer. “Morning.”

His fingers drift along my spine. “Sleep okay?”

I nod against him and press a kiss to his shoulder. “Best I have in ages.”

He rolls onto his side, green eyes heavy-lidded but intent. Something deeper swims in their depths as he brushes hair from my face.

“Good.”

I bite my lip. I need him to know something, but the words feel overwhelming.

“I love you,” I whisper.

Jack goes still. His gaze locks with mine, unreadable for a heartbeat that stretches into eternity. My pulse quickens as fear creeps in. Maybe I said it too soon. Maybe—

“I love you, too.” His voice is low and rough with emotion.

A wave of relief washes over me, only to be replaced by something stronger.

Joy.

He cups my face, his thumb gentle against my cheek. “You sure about staying? Really sure?”

The question carries weight, like he’s asking about more than just today, more than just this week.

I nod. “Yeah. I am.”

A slow smile spreads across his lips. “Good. Because I wasn’t planning on letting you go.”

I laugh and swat his chest. “Oh, so I had no choice?”

He smirks and rolls me onto my back. His weight settles over me.

“Nope,” he says, then kisses me deeply. “You’re mine, Beth. Forever.”

I sigh into his kiss and wrap my arms around his neck.

“Forever.”

***

After breakfast, we head into town.

I didn’t properly explore Riverdale during my previous visit. I was too caught up in my own chaos, too focused on escaping my past to appreciate what stood right in front of me.

Today feels different. Like I’m seeing it through new eyes.

Jack holds my hand as we stroll down Main Street. The small-town charm hits me all at once—flower boxes line the sidewalks, storefronts carry that lived-in, historical character that speaks of generations. People greet Jack by name, their smiles genuine and warm.

Then the whispers begin.

I catch fragments as we pass.

“Jack Connor finally settling down?”

“One of the Connor boys off the market? Never thought I’d see the day.”

“She’s the runaway bride, right?”

That one stings. I square my shoulders and keep moving. Let them talk. I know the truth.

Jack squeezes my hand. “Ignore them.”

“I’m trying.”

We stop at the bakery, and the aroma of fresh bread and cinnamon envelops us as we enter. An older woman with silver hair beams at Jack.

“Well, look who it is,” she says, wiping flour-dusted hands on her apron. “And you must be Beth.”

I blink. “How do you—?”

She chuckles. “Honey, this is a small town. Word travels faster than lightning.”

Jack grins. “Beth, this is Mrs. Abernathy. She makes the best cinnamon rolls in three counties.”

Mrs. Abernathy waves dismissively.

“Don’t go flattering me, Jack Connor. But since you brought such a lovely lady in, I suppose I can spare a couple on the house.”

She hands me a warm cinnamon roll. Frosting melts from the heat. I take a bite and nearly moan.

“Oh my God. This is incredible.”

Jack laughs. “Told you.”

We thank Mrs. Abernathy and continue down the street to the diner.

Carol, the owner, greets us with a knowing smile.

“Well, if it isn’t the town’s new favorite couple.”

Jack groans. “Carol—”

She winks at me.

“I like you already, sweetheart.” She slides a plate of fries toward me. “On the house.”

I laugh. “Is this standard? Free food just for being with Jack?”

Carol grins. “Oh, honey, this town has been waiting for one of these Connor boys to settle down. You’re practically a miracle worker.”

Jack rolls his eyes, but I catch the hint of a smile on his lips.

I pop a fry into my mouth. Something settles deep inside me.

Belonging.

This town, these people, they’re embracing me without question. Makes me feel like I don’t have to prove myself or earn my place.

By the time we return to the garage, the sun dips behind the hills and bathes everything in golden light.

I lean against the truck and watch Jack talk with Henry. Their easy laughter speaks volumes about their bond, about the roots Jack has here, about the life he’s built.

Henry notices me and grins.

“Growing fond of our little town yet?”

I smile. “Yeah. I think I am.”

Jack walks over and slides his arm around my waist.

“Told you you’d fit right in.”

I look up at him, my heart full to bursting. “Yeah. You did.”