Page 18 of The Only Road Back

JACK

I find Beth on the porch, bare feet tucked beneath her as she stares at the darkening sky. She hasn’t mentioned the baby shower since yesterday, but I can tell it’s eating at her.

“Hey,” I say and settle beside her on the step.

Cicadas hum in the distance, and we sit and enjoy it.

“You still thinking about going?”

Beth exhales and readjusts her legs. “Yeah.”

I nod, my gaze fixed on the horizon. “Okay.”

She turns to me, brow furrowed. “You won’t try to talk me out of it?”

“No. If this is what you need, I’ll be there.”

Her lips part in surprise. “Really?”

I reach over and tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “Beth, I don’t care where we go, as long as I’m with you. If you need to walk into that place and show them they didn’t break you, I’ll be right beside you.”

Her throat bobs. “Jack…”

I touch her cheekbone with a finger. “I mean it, sweetheart. Whatever you need, I’m here.”

She breathes out. “Thank you.”

“Anytime.”

***

The next morning, I leave her curled up in bed. My thoughts stay with her as I head to work, how she clung to me last night, afraid to let go.

At the garage, I’m running on little sleep and even less patience. I go through the motions mechanically, my focus elsewhere.

A heavy sigh pulls me back to reality. Henry stands across from me, arms crossed with that knowing look he gets before saying something I don’t want to hear.

He tilts his head. “Why does this bother you so much?”

“It’s a load of bullshit.” I toss my wrench onto the workbench with a clatter. “Her mother is throwing a party for the woman who screwed her fiancé. Now, Beth has to sit there and pretend it doesn’t cut her to the bone?”

“Does she have to go?”

I run my hand down my face. “No. But she wants to.”

Henry raises an eyebrow. “Does she, though?”

I hesitate. “I think she does. For closure.”

He nods slowly and rubs his jaw. “Then that’s what she needs.”

I shoot him a look. “You really think going to this damn thing is a good idea?”

He shrugs. “Sometimes, you have to face your demons to put them to rest.”

“I just don’t want her to get hurt again.”

He leans against the workbench, his voice softening. “I get it, Jack. You love her. You want to protect her. But this isn’t something you can fight for her. She needs to do this herself.”

I let out a slow breath. “Yeah. I know.”

He claps my shoulder. “So, what’s the plan? You going with her?”

I don’t hesitate. “Of course.”

He grins. “Good. Because if you weren’t, I was going to have to kick your ass.”

I shake my head and smirk despite myself. “Appreciate the concern.”

He chuckles, then sobers. “Just be there for her, Jack. That’s all you can do.”

I nod and grip the edge of the workbench. “Yeah. And that’s all I want to do.”

***

The day of the baby shower arrives too quickly.

Beth stands before the mirror in a soft blue dress that perfectly hugs her curves. She looks stunning, but her expression is tight, and her hands tremble as she fiddles with her bracelet.

I step behind her and rest my hands on her shoulders. “You okay?”

She meets my gaze in the reflection. “I don’t know.”

I squeeze gently. “You don’t have to do this, Beth.”

She exhales slowly. “I know. But I think I need to.”

I press a kiss to her nape. “Then let’s go show them what they lost.”

She laughs softly and shakes her head. “You make it sound like we’re going into battle.”

I smirk. “Aren’t we?”

She turns and loops her arms around my neck. “As long as you’re in my corner, I think I’ll be okay.”

I brush my lips against hers. “You will be. Now, let’s get out of here.”