Page 20 of Home for Justice
“It’s more than okay,” he said. “It’s perfect.”
Their arms loosened slowly, and when she finally stepped back, he felt her absence like a chill. Wanting to tether her to the moment, he gestured toward the pie dish on the counter.
“Is that some of your apple pie?”
She smirked, hands settling on her hips in a playful stance. “Well, technically, now it’s your apple pie. And yes… that’s your grandma Cecile’s recipe.”
A soft ache tugged at his chest at the mention of his grandmother, but it was laced with gratitude now. “I thought I recognized it when you served it earlier. I’d love a slice,” he said. “But only if you stay and have one with me.”
Her eyes lit up, joy blooming in them like a sunrise. “I’d be honored.”
Tyler reached for the small plates, setting them down just as she cut into the pie. The scent of cinnamon, baked apples, and buttery crust filled the air, blending with something else he couldn’t name… something new and quietly hopeful.
He led her to the small kitchen table, pulling out a chair before sitting at the corner angle across from her. From there, both had a perfect view of the sliding glass door and the long stretch of mountains beyond. The peaks were dusted in twilight shadows, a silhouette against the fading sky. It was quiet except for the soft clinking of forks on plates.
But somehow, it wasn’t silence. It was the beginning of something that didn’t need words. Just feelings.
As they pushed their now scraped-clean plates away from them, he smiled. “I always loved my grandma’s apple pie. I can’t tell you how good it feels to know she passed it on to someone who baked it for me.”
She grinned in return. “I’m equally glad to be able to bring that memory back for you.” Her smile eased into a heavy sigh. “I know I’ve said it before, but I truly am sorry about your grandfather.”
Tyler’s chest tightened, and he exhaled slowly, nodding thoughtfully. “Gramps lived a long and good life. I’ll miss him like hell, and even though I regret not being around much during my Army years, I always tried to spend whatever time I could spare with him.”
Justice leaned forward, her delicate fingers gently touching his arm. The warmth of her touch seeped through the fabric of his shirt, comforting and reassuring. Her eyes, sincere and soft, held his steadily. “Tyler, I can promise you one thing—Charlie was incredibly proud of you. And he wasn’t lonely. He had friends, neighbors, and many people who genuinely cared about him. He never would have wanted you to do anything other than what you were already doing.”
A lump formed in Tyler’s throat, and he swallowed deeply, nodding once again. “Thank you for saying that. It means more to me than I can put into words.”
Justice slowly leaned back in her chair, her eyes drifting away from his and wandering curiously around the cozy room. He watched her silently, wondering what memories she had gathered in the old family home. Her gaze eventually returned, meeting his with gentle curiosity.
“Do you know what you’re going to do yet?” Immediately realizing the sensitivity of her question, she grimaced and quickly shook her head. “Oh gosh, I’m sorry. That was way too soon. You’ve barely had a moment to catch your breath, and now you’re dealing with everything surrounding Charlie’s passing.”
Tyler smiled softly, appreciating her empathy. “No, don’t apologize. It’s a fair question. And honestly, I don’t have a clear plan yet.” He let his gaze wander over the familiar walls, noting the subtle signs of age ingrained in each corner. “Gramps updated the kitchen for Grandma, but unfortunately, she died not too long afterward.”
He shrugged and continued. “But otherwise, the house needs some attention. It’s solid, though, sturdy and well-built. Gramps always kept up with repairs, and whenever I visited, we tackled little projects together.”
Justice gave a thoughtful nod, remaining quiet but attentive. Tyler hesitated, debating internally whether to bring up the uncomfortable topic of the condominium developer, but then decided honesty was the best path forward.
“Gramp’s attorney visited me yesterday. He informed me that the Will hadn’t changed in years, so I’m still the sole heir. The house and land come to me.” He chuckled as he inclined his head out the back. “And the goats and chickens. I assume I have you to thank for making sure they were fed and watered?”
“It was no hardship.”
He nodded, and she drew her lips inward, pressing them together briefly before releasing a quiet sigh. Her expression softened with empathy and concern. “I’m not surprised to hear Charlie left everything to you. I should warn you, though. You’ll likely receive a visit from a developer eager to build condos here. If you decide to sell, I’m sure he’ll make it worth your while.”
He studied her face closely, trying to discern whether she hoped to sway his decision one way or the other. When she remained quiet, offering him space for his own thoughts, he nodded slowly. “The attorney mentioned that possibility. And that you and your dad have also been approached?”
Justice’s face twisted briefly, as though recalling something distasteful. “Oh yes, we’ve had our encounter with him. Honestly, he’s fortunate he didn’t end up with buckshot in his backside.”
Tyler’s surprised laugh was genuine and unrestrained. “I’m guessing your dad wasn’t exactly thrilled?”
Her eyebrows rose, a mischievous gleam entering her eyes. “Actually, the threat of buckshot came directly from me.”
His laughter deepened, echoing warmly through the room, and Justice’s smile widened, her posture relaxing noticeably. As their shared laughter quieted, she drew in a steady breath, letting it out slowly and deliberately.
“Tyler, I’d love to urge you not to sell to the developer, but that’s not my decision to make. You have your life, your dreams, your path to follow.”
“Your honesty means a lot, Justice,” Tyler replied, holding her gaze meaningfully. “And your discretion. I appreciate that more than you know.”
She snorted, a slight grin appearing. “As much as I’d love for everything to stay the same, I know life doesn’t stand still. However, to be completely honest, my father and I won’t sell. Neither will any others on this road. Behind us is land owned bya… um… company that’ll keep it the same as it is now. Charlie owned the largest piece of land fronting the road and wasn’t interested in selling. I’m sure the attorney mentioned that.”
