Page 50 of Redeeming Melodies

"I know it's not what you're used to," Jake started, but I cut him off.

"It's perfect." And it was. More perfect than he could know. "Right, buddy?"

Tommy nodded enthusiastically, already arranging his few possessions on the desk.

"Well, these walls have seen plenty of posters over the years. Put up whatever you want, buddy. Just maybe let your dad help with the tape?" Jake offered

Tommy's answering grin could have powered the whole town. He dove back into unpacking, chattering about poster placement and desk arrangements and a million other details that suddenly seemed vitally important to an eight-year-old's happiness.

I found myself hanging back, watching Jake watch my son. There was something about the way he interacted with Tommy - gentle but not condescending, attentive but not hovering. Like he genuinely cared about making this transition easier for a kid he barely knew.

"Stop overthinking it," Jake said quietly, coming to stand beside me. His shoulder brushed mine, sending sparks down my arm. "This is good. For both of you."

"Yeah?" I meant it to sound casual, but vulnerability crept in anyway.

"Yeah." His voice carried absolute certainty. "Sometimes the best things in life are the ones we don't see coming."

We looked at each other for a moment and I couldn’t understand what’s going on in my head when I look at Jake.

"Dad!" Tommy's voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Can we get lunch at Sarah's? Sheriff Jake says they have the best grilled cheese ever."

"Jake's right about that," I found myself saying, catching Jake's smile out of the corner of my eye. "But maybe we should finish unpacking first?"

"Already done!" Tommy gestured proudly at his organized chaos. "See? Everything's perfect."

Perfect. Yeah, that was one word for it.

"Ever tried The Grove's pancakes?"Jake asked as we piled back into my car. His suggestion caught me off guard - I'd assumed we'd head to Sarah's again.

"There's another diner?" Tommy perked up in the backseat. "Is it as good as Sarah's?"

Jake twisted around to face him, and fuck if that simple movement didn't make my heart stutter. "Even better, buddy. They make pancakes bigger than your head. Just don’t tell Sarah I said that.”

Tommy's eyes went wide. "No way."

"Would I lie to you?" The warmth in Jake's voice wrapped around us like a blanket. "Plus, they've got this secret blueberry recipe that'll change your life."

"Dad?" Tommy caught my eye in the rearview mirror. "Can we try it?"

Like I could say no to either of them. "Lead the way, Sheriff."

The Grove sat tucked between a bookstore and what looked like an ancient hardware shop, its neon sign buzzing cheerfully in the morning light. Nothing fancy - just worn brick and clean windows - but something about it felt instantly welcoming.

A bell chimed overhead as we walked in, and the smell hit me first: butter, coffee, and something sweet that made my mouthwater. The breakfast crowd was in full swing, regulars claiming their usual spots with the confidence of long habit.

"Jake Thompson!" A woman's voice rang out from behind the counter. "And company! Well, isn't this a surprise."

The owner - had to be the owner, with that air of authority - bustled over. Her nametag read 'Margaret', but Jake greeted her with a casual "Morning, Mags."

"Your usual booth's open," she said, already grabbing menus. Then she spotted Tommy and her whole face softened. "And who's this handsome young man?"

Tommy, usually so shy around new people, straightened up. "I'm Tommy. Sheriff Jake says you make magic pancakes."

"Magic pancakes?" Mags raised an eyebrow at Jake. "Is that what he's telling people now?"

"Just stating facts," Jake said, grinning. "Remember how many I could put away in high school?"

"Lord, don't remind me. Nearly ate me out of business." She guided us to a corner booth, sunlight streaming through spotless windows. "Coffee for you boys? And what about you, sweetheart? Hot chocolate?"

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