Page 11 of Keeping Happily Ever After

Katie set them up with the bikes, promising them it was “just like riding a bike” and it was. Only better. Because these bikes and their oversized tires had extra grip and made it easy and fun to ride on the snow and ice.

He’d been pleased and impressed that Bella had been just as keen to give the bikes a try.

Thankfully, the cold snap of a week ago was gone, and for February, it wasn’t too cold. They were bundled up appropriately in layers they had to take off as they got their heart rates up, pushing each other to go faster and farther, laughing the entire time. The fresh air and exercise had done Jeremy good, too. It didn’t take long before his mind felt clearer; he was wide awake and not only could he completely enjoy himself with Bella, but he could also sort out a few thoughts about his sister.

The night before, after his dad unloaded his concerns and fears about Charlotte on to him, any chance Jeremy had of getting a bit of sleep between emergency calls was all but lost. He’d tossed and turned for hours, trying to figure out what was going on with his big sister and why she wouldn’t say anything to him. They were close.

Charlotte was a strong woman. It just didn’t make sense. There was no way his big sister would ever allow herself to be in an abusive relationship of any kind.

It didn’t make any sense.

His mom and dad had to have it wrong.

By the time he’d finally given up on trying to get any rest and pulled himself out of the bunk he used to crash in at the station, it was too late to call Charlotte, especially with the time change on the East Coast. Instead, he sent a text that she would get first thing in the morning.

Sis. What’s up? Everything good out there with you?

He sent the message and clicked off his phone, not expecting a reply until morning. The simple act of reaching out and sending the text had given him some peace. Besides, Charlotte was fine. He knew it.

Sometimes he thought maybe his mom and dad were just looking for something to worry about. Maybe they needed a new hobby now that they were retired. It was entirely likely that they just had too much time on their hands.

In the morning before meeting up with Bella, he checked his phone and there was no new message from his sister. But there was a notification that Charlotte had seen the message. She was probably just busy. He wouldn’t worry about it. Not yet.

And he hadn’t. At least not for a few hours while he was riding bikes around town with Bella. She’d turned out to be the perfect distraction.

He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had so much fun.

Except he could. Anytime he’d spent with her had been fun. When they’d gone together to get a Christmas tree for her to share with her grandfather, and then when they’d visited Ever After Ranch and the Christmas festivities they’d had, including the sleigh ride. That had also been an amazing day.

Pretty much all of his days with Bella were fantastic. And there was no way Jeremy could ever see that changing. Except, now that she’d be busy working, those fantastic times might get a little further apart.

For a bit.

Not forever, he told himself.

He hadn’t been surprised when Bella told him the news. He’d known she was going to get the part. Well, maybe not that specific part. But Jeremy had known something would come up. A record deal, a movie part—something. Bella was way too talented for it tonothappen. And hehadbeen genuinely thrilled for her. Of course he was; her dreams were coming true. What kind of asshole would he be if he wasn’t excited for her?

A selfish asshole who wanted to keep her close.

A sliver of doubt tried to work its way into his consciousness and just as quickly, Jeremy forced it away. He couldn’t let his thoughts go there. He glanced behind him on the bike to see Bella, her hair streaming out from under her knit cap, a huge smile on her face as she pedaled behind him. She was looking over at the river and didn’t notice him watching her.

She looked happier than he’d ever seen her.

And why wouldn’t she? It was all coming together for her.

She deserved it all.

Even if it meant that it might be a little bit hard on him. But it wasn’t about him. It was all about Bella.

When they’d had enough of riding around town, they ventured a little farther out to the trails in the trees. The snow in the woods was a little deeper, and the trails definitely provided more challenging terrain, but by then they were both up to the challenge. They pushed themselves through the winter wonderland until finally they were exhausted and couldn’t take any more.

They dropped their bikes off at the Hub and stopped quickly at the grocery store to grab the makings for a charcuterie board, along with a bottle of wine, before heading back to his small apartment as the sun started to set.

He’d contemplated taking Bella out to Birchwood for a proper celebration, where no doubt owner Brody Morris would make them something amazing and delish for the occasion. But Jeremy was feeling selfish and he wanted a little bit of alone time with her.

Jeremy looked up from the cutting board where he’d been slicing meats and cheeses when Bella walked into the living room.

He put the knife down and let out a low whistle of appreciation.

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