Page 23 of Crossroads of Love

“Well, Henry, you got him to come home finally,” I speak into the wind. “I wish you would have gotten that before you died.”

I really didn’t expect to feel this much hurt, anger, and sadness after seeing Gavin again. I thought I’d processed and moved past it all.

As the day goes on, more people arrive, filling the farm with life and laughter. The food is incredible, and Tatum, Jayla, and I move through the crowd, making sure everything runs smoothly. It’s exactly the kind of night Henry would’ve loved.

Later, as the sun sets and the air cools, we gather around the bonfire. The people closest to the Wells family—Mike, Aaron’s old friends, and some cousins—sit near the fire with guitars, strumming old country songs Henry had loved. I sit on a log, watching the flames flicker, the music wrapping around us all perfectly.

It’s like something out of a movie, and Henry is definitely smiling down on us for this one.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Gavin sitting on the other side of the fire, looking more relaxed than I’ve seen him all day. He has a beer in his hand and is leaning back, laughing at something Mike said. He looks… happy. Like the Gavin I used to know.

“Did you know that Gavin works with a youth shelter in the city?” Tessa, Gavin’s cousin, asks me quietly as she plops down next to me. “I didn’t know either. Color me shook.”

“Where did you hear that from?”

“Social media. Julia showed me.” She rolls her eyes. “You know, she’s still convinced he’s got a thing for her after all these years.”

My stomach clenches at the thought.

Julia and Gavin dated briefly during their senior year. She claims he’s “the one who got away” and constantly contacts heron social media. Aaron told me that Gavin blocked her because she wouldn’t stop sending him nudes.

“Good for him.”

“Maybe he’s not as bad as we all make him out to be.” She shrugs. “I’m not condoning his disappearing act, but…he’s a millionaire. He's doing a lot of good with the money he’s made.”

“It’s probably all for show or as a tax write-off.”

“I remember a time when you thought he hung the moon.”

“Kind of hard to see it that way when he couldn’t even call me or Henry when Aaron died. He wasn’t…dammit, I know I keep saying that, but…it’s unfathomable to me.”

“I get it.” She nods as she gives me an awkward side hug. “Your feelings are valid. But…give a little grace.”

Grace. Sure.I’ve given so much grace in my life, and I am sick of people telling me to give more. I don’t have any more to give.

I sigh and stand, deciding I need another drink. I head inside, grabbing a cold beer from the fridge. A warmth surrounds me, like someone is there with me, holding me, watching me, protecting me. I smile as I close my eyes and take in that feeling.

I haven’t felt that in a long time.

I used to feel it any time my eyes were closed and Gavin walked into the room.

As I turn around, I nearly jump out of my skin.

Gavin stands there, leaning against the counter, watching me.

“You always did have a knack for sneaking up on people,” I mutter, trying to steady my nerves.

“Just wanted to see if you were still as jumpy as ever.”

I roll my eyes, taking a sip of my beer. “Still the same Gavin, huh?”

“How’s life been treating you, Lena?”

“Perfectly,” I reply sarcastically.

“Stupid question, I guess. I’m sorry about Aaron. I know that had to be rough. I…should have been here.”

“I was sorry to hear about you and Sarah,” I state.

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