Chapter Twenty-Three

“Thank you for stopping by. I hope you enjoy our products.” Bridget waved as another customer left her tent. A quick glance told her she was just about out of everything. She should have been more excited, but she couldn’t muster up the sensation. Instead, she felt hollow inside. Pasting a smile on her face, she turned to Gran. “Today has gone great! We’re almost sold out.” Maybe it was the witch costumes they all wore, and the tent décor, that had caught everyone’s eye. Most at least popped in to check out the wares and over half of those had left with purchases in hand.

“Yes, it has been a banner day,” Gran agreed. “Why don’t I see real happiness in you, then?”

Bridget’s false smile slipped from her face. “I am happy. Three Sisters has jumped fifteen percent in sales over the past two months. Things are looking great.”

“But?”

“No. No buts. I’m happy. I am,” she insisted, yet the sting of tears clogged her throat. Ugh, she hated everything. The level of loss and devastation tearing her up inside hadn’t hit this hard since her parents’ death. How had she allowed Jack in so deeply in such a short amount of time? And people called her a witch? Jack was the one playing tricks on her heart, not the other way around.

Gran kept her stare steady on her and said nothing.

“I—I’m sad, too.” Tears traced down her cheeks. “I don’t understand how this happened. How did I fall so fast for Jack? It doesn’t make sense. I don’t let people in.”

Gran wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “That’s why it hurts so much. You let your guard down and he messed up.”

She snorted. “He lied to me. And he’s destroying Fallbank.”

“He was afraid, too. He’s been used by others, so he tried to be himself and not let his family name take over anyone else’s perception. Both of you saw each other for who you really are. That’s how it happened, honey.”

“But I don’t… I don’t know how to deal with this.”

“Give yourself time. That’s the thing that will help. Why don’t you take a walk? Go find Becca or walk around the festival a little bit. I’ll take care of things here and I’m sure by the time you’re back, we’ll be sold out.”

“I don’t need to do that. I’m fine.” She wiped at her face.

“You aren’t, and you need to get some air. Take a few minutes.”

Gran’s voice brooked no room for argument and Bridget gave up any fight. “All right. I’ll go for a short walk.” She sucked in a deep breath and turned to head out. She wandered out through the different lanes and looked at the offerings until she heard Becca calling her.

“Hey, what’s up?” Bridget walked over to where her cousin stood with a grin.

“I was at the timber sport competition. It’s pretty good this year. Come check it out with me.” She linked her arm through hers and took a step.

“Right now? Are they at expert level? The rookies are too young and slow. You know I don’t head over until things get real. I’ll watch these kids when they get enough experience to make it up the ladder in a few years.”

Becca tugged at her. “There’s one you need to see. Trust me, it won’t be boring.”

A small spark of interest kindled inside her chest and she decided to follow it. After all, nothing had much held her attention in the past two weeks so anything that might take her mind off Jack was welcome. “Okay, you win. Let’s go.”

They made their way through the crowds, smiling at children dressed up in their costumes and patrons milling through the lanes. The cool air felt amazing in the sunlight—the weather couldn’t have been any better. She paused for a brief moment and enjoyed the bright warmth paired with the crisp breeze. She peeked over at Becca and curled her lips into a small smile. “This is nice. Thanks for being here with me.”

“We’re family. It’s what we do. I know it doesn’t seem like it, but things will work out. And no matter what, I’m always on your side.” She scrunched her face up. “Now let’s go watch a bunch of guys flaunt themselves and beat their chests like the alpha males they pretend to be.”

Bridget laughed and nodded. “Sounds like your dream come true.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me of what I’m about to put myself through.” Becca joined her laughter as they walked into the arena tent where things were set for the underhand chop. Ten logs sat horizontally on low platforms to keep them stable and in place. Axes rested next to each one. They found a spot a few rows back to watch the event. Bridget settled into her chair as the rookie contestants filed in. She widened her eyes as her lungs arrested and froze. “Jack,” she whispered. Then whirled to her cousin with accusation in her expression. “You knew he was here. This is the one you were talking about.”

“What?” Becca blinked in perfect innocence. “I had no idea. I meant that one.” She gestured vaguely in a random direction nowhere near the contestants.

“Uh-huh.” She tried to be mad, but her gaze strayed back to Jack. He put his goggles in place and stepped up onto the log. “Oh my God. He’s going to kill himself.”

“No, he won’t. At worst he’ll maim himself and amputate his own foot. There’s medical help here so total loss of life is doubtful. They can’t have the bad press.”

Bridget slapped at her cousin’s arm, but ended up grabbing onto it as the refs blew the horn. She held her breath as the wood began flying. They all chopped like madmen, Jack’s movements hard yet precise. He held control over the ax as chunks of log fell to the floor. The less than two minutes it took him to hack through the log until it fell in two pieces lasted an eternity to her. Once he dropped the ax, she allowed her body to loosen. “He didn’t die.”

Becca chuckled. “I told you he wouldn’t.”

“Why is he here? What is he thinking?”

Becca nudged her elbow into her side. “He’s here for you. Duh.”

“But why? His family is still going to buy out Timber Logging Company and outsource the jobs. I don’t understand.”

“Try talking to him, then. Maybe things changed. Maybe they didn’t. Either way, is it worth it to you to find out?”

She swallowed and averted her eyes. She didn’t know. Could she give him the chance to explain? To have a shot at ripping her heart out all over again? Bridget didn’t know the answer and didn’t think she would have enough time to figure it out.

The last event was staged and ready to go. Each competitor stood next to a fourteen-inch-thick log of white pine, ax at the ready. The single block chop seemed the simplest of the events, but it still took control and power to get through the wood in less than a minute. The horn blared and axes slammed into the waiting blocks. The rookies chopped over and over and over, each bite of the blade throwing chunks of wood until they made their way to the other side and the top flew to the ground. As Jack let the ax drop, he exhaled and leaned over on his knees. Almost as if he felt Bridget’s stare, he turned his head and locked eyes with her.

She froze, captivated by those dark irises that held so much longing she could see it from where she was sitting. His face was scruffy with a half grown-in beard and his hair was in complete disarray. Sweat beaded on his forehead and made his shirt cling to his chest in a way that had Bridget’s mouth watering. Despite everything, he was still the sexiest man she’d ever seen. And the way he watched her brought to mind how intense and focused he could be, especially in the bedroom. A shiver traced its way down her back and landed low in her belly. She was in such trouble.

Becca glanced between the two of them. “Yeah, I think you two need to talk.” She lowered her voice. “Or get a room. Good grief.”

Bridget snapped out of her reverie and shot to her feet. “I think I need some air. And we should get back to the tent. Gran must be wondering where we are.”

Becca grabbed her arm. “Gran is fine. I just sent her a text to check in. We sold out. You are staying here. Talk. To. Him.”

She grumbled at her cousin. “You’re awfully pushy, you know?”

“Maybe, but I’m right.”

Bridget rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah. I just…I don’t know what to do.”

“Easy.” Becca smiled. “Listen first, then you’ll know what to say. Your heart will tell you.”

 

* * * *

Jack was going to die. He sprawled in a folding chair while a handful of other contestants milling around the tent. His breathing evened out and the adrenaline was now a faint buzz in his blood instead of the lightning it’d been during the events. However, since these events hadn’t killed him, seeing Bridget might just be the nail in his coffin. The way she’d looked at him back in the tent had eviscerated him. Shock and desire and sadness. And maybe still love? If it took him the rest of his life—and who knew how long or short it might be—he would never stop loving her or wanting her. He would never stop trying to win her again.

Subtly, of course. Like participating in competitions designed to end him or buying things from her store without asking her out. He wouldn’t hound her like some dude in a rom-com. Those guys always weirded him out. “If I just stalk you enough, I’ll wear you down until you say yes.” That wasn’t the guy he wanted to be. A grand gesture like making a fool of himself sawing wood and trying to save the town’s economy was fair because it didn’t personally involve her. He just hoped to catch her attention and see if she’d talk to him. Or was that just as stalkery as those other creeps in the movies?

He shook his head and scrubbed a wet towel over his face and hair. His events were done, thank God. Now to wait and see what happened. Would she seek him out? Would she stay until the announcement about TLC at the results ceremony?

The flap to the tent opened a fraction. “Can I come in?”

He spun around to find Bridget peeking through and glancing around. Her gaze landed on him and her cheeks turned pink.

“Sure.” He rubbed a hand through his hair. “That is, I mean, if you were asking me.”

She stepped through and walked a few feet toward him. “I was. Asking you.”

Could this get any more awkward? He flashed a tentative smile at her. “It’s good to see you. You look amazing. I love the costume.” She looked hot as all get out, but he kept that to himself. No need to make her uncomfortable.

“Thanks. You were…right about the town and how they view me. I decided it was time to stop trying to hide and embrace the witch rep I have. Good witches exist, too.” She shrugged and clasped her hands in front of her. “Anyway, I wanted to say you did well out there. I didn’t see all of the events, but what I did was great.”

Had she just said he was right? She was claiming being a witch now? Holy hell, how’d he get that lucky? “Thanks, Bridget. That means a lot. I think I’ll retire from competing after this year, though.” He barked out a laugh. “This almost killed me. I had no idea how intense the competition was. Thank God for my time logging or I’d have made a total idiot out of myself instead of just half of one.”

She giggled and rocked on her feet. “I thought you looked good.”

Then he was out of words. What else could he say? Just start apologizing? Try to explain his plan? The awkwardness was palpable between them and he didn’t know what to do.

“I guess I should go. Congratulations again. I hope you did well.” She smiled and turned to go.

“Bridget, please wait.” He grasped her hand. They both paused and looked down to where their fingers touched. Hers curled around his ever so slightly. That small gesture opened the floodgates for him.

“I’m damn sorry, Bridget. I know I can’t make up for what I did, but I promise I am here to fix things. For the town and TLC. My family isn’t going to buy it.”

“It doesn’t matter. Someone will and the results will be the same. Whether it’s now or down the line, things will end up the same. We have to face that in Fallbank and find another way. That might mean we move elsewhere or die trying, but we’ll figure it out. Your family shouldn’t be punished for doing business the way you always have.”

“That’s very forgiving of you, but it doesn’t change that Thompson Industries won’t be the new owner. Someone else bought it out before they did.”

She swallowed and her skin grew paler. “Oh. Well, like I said, it would happen one way or another.”

“Cornelius and I bought Timber Logging Company.”

She blinked twice. Then once more. “You and Cornelius did? I don’t understand.”

“We’re business partners now. I divested my holdings in my family business, so I’m out. I took my own money and talked to Cornelius because I needed a partner who knows this industry inside and out. We made an offer and Paul accepted it. TLC isn’t going anywhere. The jobs are staying in Fallbank for the foreseeable future. And they’ll stay that way whenever we retire.” He sucked in a breath. “I’m moving here, too. For good.”

Silence stretched between them. Her eyes were wide and vulnerable. Her lips twitched but no words came out. What was she thinking? Was this where she told him to avoid her at all costs when their paths crossed?

“You’re staying? In Fallbank?”

He nodded, afraid to speak in case he spooked her.

Bridget’s eyes shimmered for a moment, then she looked away and closed her eyes for a long moment. Clearing her throat, she said, “I, um, I don’t know what to say.” Her hand fell away from his as she gripped her fingers together until her knuckles turned white. “What about that other girl? The one in the tabloid?”

Anxiety nipped at him. “Leah’s a friend. Yes, we dated, but figured out fast we were better as friends. I spent the entire lunch talking about you and how I messed up.”

Three lines appeared between her brows as she chewed on her lip. “What about your family? They must be livid.”

A new voice interjected. “They aren’t, actually.”

Jack jumped at the sound of his mother’s voice. “Mom?” He glanced over Bridget’s shoulder. His parents were standing just inside the tent, watching the two of them. “Dad? What are you two doing here?”

His mother smiled and joined them. “We’re here for the competition, of course. You did wonderfully, dear.” She pressed a kiss to his cheek. “We’re so proud of you.”

“How did you even know about this?”

His father answered, “Your sister. She thought it might be good for us to see you in action.” He coughed and pressed his lips into a thin line for a moment. “Allison was right. You do belong here.”

His mom smiled and squeezed Jack’s arm. “While we’re sad to have you leave the family business, we understand and support your desire to venture out on your own. As long as you love your life, we’re happy for you.” She turned to Bridget. “I’m sorry our first meeting wasn’t under better circumstances, and I hope to remedy that.”

Bridget fidgeted with her skirt and pasted her polite customer smile across her face. “That’s okay, it was a stressful time for everyone.” She glanced between him and his parents. “I should go. Let you all have time together. I’ll see you around, Jack.”

She rushed to the door, but Jack caught up to her. “Please, wait.” He stretched his hand to brush hers but didn’t grab hold. He wanted the choice to be hers. Slowly, she turned.

He swallowed and laid it all on the line. “I don’t know what to say, except I love you. I’m here for you. Because of you. I won’t push or force you into anything but know that if you ever find yourself wanting me again, I’ll be waiting. For as long as you need.”

“Jack,” she whispered and her eyes filled with tears again. “You can’t know that. What if in three months you can’t stand it here and want to go back to Seattle? To your real life?”

He shook his head and this time he did cup her hands in his. “That wasn’t my real life. I was lost and didn’t know what I wanted. Then I came here. Working with my hands, seeing the fruits of my labors, loving you. That is my real life. I found my purpose and my path when I set foot in Fallbank. This is my home. Not Seattle. It never was. I always felt fake and out of place. I never pretended with you, Bridget. You saw the real me from the first time we met. I love you and I always will.”

She opened her mouth right as a guy shoved his head through the tent flaps. He shouted, “Awards time! All contestants to the stage!”

Bridget stepped back and blew out a breath. “I guess you need to go.”

“Yeah.” Damn inconvenient time for the awards, but he had an announcement to make to the town. “Will I see you after?”

Her lips curled up at the corners. “Maybe.”

 

* * * *

It wasn’t fair. Jack couldn’t go around fixing things and saying he loved her and expect her to still be able to be mad at him. And how rude for the awards ceremony to start before she had the chance to say anything. Bridget plopped back into her chair where Becca and now Gran waited.

“Well?” Becca shot an expectant look her way.

Bridget’s stomach danced with excitement and nerves. Her heart and her head were once again at odds with each other. Her heart screamed to take this second chance. He had changed his entire life, maybe not entirely for her, but at least in part for her. Jack had walked away from his family business, ensured the legacy of TLC, secured Fallbank’s continued existence and planned to stay.

A brush of guilt swept over her as she hadn’t considered doing the same for him. It had never occurred to her to leave everything behind and start over in Seattle. To be flexible and give a little to make their lives work together. Did that mean she didn’t truly love him? Or he loved her more?

Before she could respond to her cousin, he walked onto the stage and grinned at the audience. Bridget’s heart stuttered. Yes, she loved him. More than anyone else she’d ever met. And while she could have changed her world to be with him, she loved this Jack most. The laid-back bearded lumberjack who stole her breath and her heart every time he looked at her. This was the man who’d coaxed her from her shell and showed her a life worth experiencing.

She leaned over to Becca and squeezed her arm. “Yeah, I think we’re going to be okay.”

“You two better be. I liked having my cousin so happy these past couple of months. But if he messes up again, he’s going to answer to me.”

Gran poked her head around at the two of them. “Stop that, Rebecca. Anyone can see that Jack is over the moon for our Bridget. I’m glad you two patched things up.”

Bridget opened her mouth to tell her they hadn’t reached an understanding yet, but the announcer began speaking.

“Welcome, everyone! We’re here to give the results of today’s rookie competition and then we’ll get started with the main portion of today’s show, the expert-level events! First though, we have a word from our generous sponsor with some exciting news.”

Jack and Cornelius both walked over to the microphone. Jack glanced at Cornelius and gestured, but he shook his head and waved Jack forward. “Thank you all for attending today. Some of you might know me from around town and some of you may recognize me from celebrity news. While I’ve never considered myself to be famous, my family is well known in the business realm which means from time to time, people are interested in me.”

He stared out at the crowd and when his eyes met Bridget’s, they stayed there. “I’m Jonathan Ewan Thompson III. Call me Jack. I came to Fallbank two short months ago and you all welcomed me like family. Recently, there were rumors floating around about a hostile takeover of Timber Logging Company. That jobs might be outsourced, and the local economy was going to take a substantial hit. I’m damn happy to say those rumors are dead. Cornelius Hawthorne has agreed to be my business partner. Together we’re the new owners and operators of Timber Logging Company.”

Cheers and applause broke out from the crowd and even Bridget couldn’t help grinning and clapping. The relief that the beloved town that had taken her in as a child would endure soothed her frayed nerves. Plus, the promise of Three Sisters Apothecary’s survival for another generation also helped her breathe easier. She would only have herself to blame if things fell apart, and that was a task she was more than up to.

Jack spoke again. “We are sad to see Paul Carson retire but will carry on the legacy he began. And we’ll keep the entire business and all jobs here in Fallbank.”

More whistles and yells of happiness came from the audience.

“I can’t thank you enough for taking me into your fold and making me one of your own. As our first order of business, we wanted to be the top sponsor for today’s festival and plan to do so for many more years to come. So thank you again, enjoy the rest of the festival and make sure you stop by all the vendor booths. They could use your patronage. Happy Halloween!”

The announcer came back over and handed out first, second and third places in the rookie category, none of which Jack won. He did, however, place fifth out of ten and Bridget was proud of him. He hadn’t trained at all and was brand new to logging. She was thrilled he hadn’t killed or maimed himself, in all honesty.

As the rookies filed off stage, she walked over to the platform.

Jack jumped off when he spotted her.

“Want to take a walk?” she asked.

He lifted one side of his mouth up. “Yeah, that’d be great.”

They sauntered side by side through the lanes of tents and checked out the wares. It felt reminiscent of their first time at a festival together. “Do you think Candle would be jealous if I came home with another cat?”

Jack threw his head back and laughed. “Yeah, she might be miffed.”

She caught his eyes and said, “What if I brought you home instead?”

His smile slipped as he turned serious. “I hurt you, Bridget, and I’m sorrier than I can say. I swear to make it up to you. Take your time. You don’t have to make any rash decisions.”

“I’m not,” she interrupted. “I was scared and hurt. It’s hard for me to trust and let anyone in.” She reached out and wove her fingers through his. “I understand now it’s the same for you, too. People use you for your money and family name. I let you go too easily at the first sign of conflict. I didn’t fight for us, but I know what we have together is real. That we can depend on each other.”

“I promise to have faith in you and not hide things. I never meant to hurt you and I was trying to find a solution before telling you. If problems come up, I’ll talk to you and we can find a solution together. I won’t make the same mistake again.”

Bridget’s heart bounded in her chest and for once her head agreed. “I love you, Jack.”

He grinned wide and swung her up into his arms. “I love you, too. My sweet honeybee.”

Winding her arms around his neck, she lifted her face up to press her lips to his.