Page 25 of Practically Perfect Together

"She chose her career," Jules confirms. "And then five years later, she came back. Evie hired her because she's qualified, but also because..."

"Because what?"

"Because some things deserve a second chance," Jules says softly. "Even if they're messy and complicated and don't fit into anyone's careful plans."

The words hit me with unexpected force. I think about Lauren's carefully maintained professionalism around Liam, the hurt that flashed in her eyes when he mentioned leaving things unfinished. Is that what I'm doing? Running away from something that matters because it doesn't fit my plans?

"Savannah? You still there?"

"Yeah," I whisper. "I'm thinking."

"About the fancy new job? Or about a certain activities coordinator whose dog keeps waiting by the door for you to come back?"

I close my eyes, the decision crystallizing with sudden clarity. "Tell Bear I miss him too."

After hanging up, I take a deep breath and make one more call.

"Margaret Wells."

"Margaret, it's Savannah." My voice sounds different to my own ears. It’s calmer, more certain. "I need to talk to you about the Denver position."

"Is there an issue with the contracts?" Her tone is brisk, businesslike.

I look out at the Denver skyline, at all the gleaming buildings filled with people pursuing careers that look impressive on paper. Then I think about a mountain lodge where time moves differently, where family dinners matter more than quarterly reports, where a certain activities coordinator and his dog showed me what really matters.

"Yes," I say, my decision crystallizing with sudden clarity. "There is."

ChapterTen

Jameson

"Higher, Uncle Jay, higher!" Mia squeals, gripping the blue parachute as I lift it skyward, sending dozens of colored balls bouncing into the air.

The children shriek with delight, scrambling to catch them before they hit the ground. It's our most popular activity for the summer day camp. It’s simple, chaotic, and guaranteed to tire them out before their parents return.

Two weeks have passed since Savannah left. Two weeks of throwing myself into work, of avoiding my family's concerned glances, of pretending I don't check my phone whenever it buzzes. Two weeks of telling myself I'm fine Just fine.

"Uncle Jay, you're not paying attention!" Mia protests as a ball rolls past me.

"Sorry, kiddo." I force a smile, shaking off thoughts I can't afford to dwell on. Not during the Elk Ridge Summer Adventure Camp's finale day.

"One more time," I call out, drawing the children's attention back to the parachute. "Everyone grab a handle, and on three, we'll send these balls to the moon!"

As I count down, Bear suddenly lifts his head from where he's been lounging in the shade. His ears perk up, his entire body going alert. Before I can react, he's bolting across the field, a golden streak heading toward the main lodge.

"Bear!" I call after him, but he doesn't even hesitate.

"I've got this," Declan says, appearing at my side. "Jules texted me to take over. Said you may need some backup."

"But the kids?—"

"Will survive without you for five minutes," he finishes, taking the parachute handle from my hand. There's curiosity in his expression, but no hint that he knows what's going on. "Go. I'll handle the chaos here."

Curiosity piqued, I jog after Bear, squinting against the afternoon sun. At first, I don't see what captured his attention. Then a flash of movement near the lodge entrance makes me stop dead in my tracks.

Bear dancing in excited circles around a familiar figure.

Savannah.

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