Page 45 of Redeeming Melodies

"Wish she could see that she was right." The words came out raw. "Wish she could know that I finally became someone she'd be proud of."

"Hey." Liam's hand landed on my shoulder, steady and sure. "She knows, Jake. Maybe not with her mind anymore, but somewhere inside? She knows."

The kindness in his voice nearly undid me. Here was someone I'd hurt, someone I'd tormented, offering comfort about my mom. The same mom who'd forced me to apologize to him all those years ago.

"Thanks, Liam."

"That's what friends are for." He squeezed my shoulder. "And we are friends now. Your mom would love that plot twist."

A laugh escaped me, wobbly but real. "Yeah, she would."

"Sheriff!" Mrs. Henderson's voice cut through the moment. "Those Miller boys are getting a bit rowdy by the punch bowl."

"Duty calls." I straightened, pulling my professional mask back on.

I broke up the Miller boys' scuffle with practiced ease, sent them in opposite directions with stern warnings. But my attention kept drifting to the ranch entrance, to the gravel road leading into town. Professional interest, I told myself. Just making sure everyone arrived safely.

The lie felt weak even in my own head.

Music started up - Liam testing the sound system. Couples gravitated toward the makeshift dance floor, and the fairy lights seemed to brighten against the darkening sky. It was the kind of perfect small-town moment I'd sworn to protect.

So why did it feel incomplete?

A car engine rumbled in the distance - not the one I was waiting for (not waiting for, definitely not waiting for), just Sarah's husband arriving late. The disappointment in my chest had nothing to do with that.

"Busy being sheriff even at a party?" Caleb appeared beside me, offering a fresh beer.

"Force of habit." I accepted the bottle, grateful for the distraction. "Place looks great, by the way."

"Thanks. Though you seem more interested in watching the driveway than the decorations." Caleb's knowing smile made me want to find somewhere else to be. "Expecting someone?"

"Just doing my job." The lie felt weak even to my ears. "Making sure everyone arrives safely."

"Right…” Caleb smirked at him like he knew something.

"I need food." I grumbled and turned toward the barn, ignoring Caleb's chuckle behind me.

The barn had been transformed, fairy lights creating warm pools of light between the rafters. Sarah's famous casseroles lined one table, while Nina's sliders filled another.

Something small and fast collided with my legs, nearly sending me stumbling. I looked down to find a kid sprawled at my feet, all gangly limbs and messed-up ginger hair.

"Whoa there, buddy." I reached down to help him up. "You okay?"

The boy raised his head, and familiar green eyes met mine. Something clicked in my chest, recognition hitting before I could place why.

"Sorry, sir!" He scrambled to his feet, brushing dust from his jeans. "I was racing my new friend to the food table and-"

"No harm done." Those eyes were really something - bright and earnest, reminding me of someone I couldn't quite place. "Though maybe save the racing for outside?"

He grinned, missing his front tooth. "Dad says the same thing."

The pieces started falling into place. Before I could respond, a familiar voice called out.

"Tommy! What did I say about running inside?"

Elliot appeared in the barn doorway, and suddenly those green eyes made perfect sense. The same eyes, the same hint of mischief. Like father, like son.

"Sorry, Dad!" Tommy bounced on his toes.

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