Page 29 of Home for Justice
“Whenever you’re ready to bring it back,” he said, glancing over his shoulder, “just let me know. I’ll come back over and get it set up.”
His voice was casual, but the words made her pause.Come back over.As though he planned to be here. As though this wasn’t just a one-time favor. Her heart gave a slight, unexpected flutter.
They crossed into her dad’s bathroom next, and Tyler nodded in approval at the shower chair already set up inside. Justice followed his gaze and suddenly remembered the mats on the floor. She bent down, scooped them up, and tucked them into the cabinet under the sink, relieved that the solution had come quickly.
“Okay,” she said, brushing her hands together, “I think that’s everything up here. Let’s take a look downstairs.”
Back on the main floor, they shifted the coffee table to one side of the living room, creating a clear path. Then, together, they nudged the kitchen table closer to the wall, making small changes to open up the space.
By the time they were done, the house felt more open and accessible. She walked him to the door, her heart full. “I can’t thank you enough,” she said softly. “I probably could’ve handled most of it, but that bed… I don’t think I would’ve gotten it done without you.”
“It was my pleasure,” he said, and the way he looked at her made the words land somewhere deep.
She opened the door and stepped out onto the porch. The air was cool, tinged with the earthy scent of pine and distant woodsmoke. The sky had deepened into dusk, and across the field, she could see his house lit up against the gathering dark.
He stood close enough that she could see the faint stubble along his jaw and the way his eyes softened when they looked at her. His gaze dropped to her mouth. Her breath caught.
She wanted to rise onto her toes, place her hand against his chest, and press her lips to his. She wanted it with a longing that surprised her. But maybe he didn’t want that. Perhaps he was just being kind. A good man. A helpful neighbor.Don’t ruin this,her mind whispered.Don’t make it awkward.
But then… he opened his arms.
Her smile bloomed with relief and affection as she stepped into his embrace. His arms wrapped around her without hesitation, strong and sure, and she rested her cheek over his heartbeat. Her hands flattened against his back, and she closed her eyes, soaking in the warmth, the quiet, the way she felt grounded in his presence.
When he pressed a kiss to the top of her head, her smile stretched wide. If all they ever shared were these moments of comfort, connection, and quiet affection, it would be enough. Although…
They stepped back in unison, saying good night at the same time, laughter in their eyes.
She stood at the edge of the porch, watching as he walked across the meadow, the soft glow of his porch light waiting for him. Only when he disappeared inside did she finally turn and head back in, heart lighter than it had been in a long, long while.
14
Tyler had just stepped through the front door, the familiar creak of the old hinges greeting him like a welcome home, when his phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out and glanced at the screen. Cory’s name lit up the display.
A grin tugged at his lips as he accepted the call. “Hey, man.”
“Just checking in,” Cory said, his voice casual but sincere. “Wanted to see how you’re doing.”
Tyler glanced around the dim front room, the evening light cutting across the wooden floor in long, golden rays. “Not bad. I miss Gramps, of course. But I started going through the house today, figuring out what needs work and putting together a list of priorities.”
After a brief pause, Cory asked, “You thinking about fixing it up to sell?”
Tyler exhaled slowly, letting his gaze drift toward the staircase that led to the second floor, where so many memories clung like wallpaper to the walls. “Not really. I don’t have any solid plans yet, but for now? I’d like to stay. This house holds many fond memories. Modernizing it a bit feels like honoring him… and making it mine. If I ever do decide to sell, the upgrades will only help.”
“Sounds good,” Cory replied, his tone warm. “You’re staying busy, at least?”
“Yeah. Just got in from helping my neighbor move some furniture. Her dad’s coming home from the hospital, and she needs a hand.”
There was a small pause, then, “Justice McClay, right?”
Tyler blinked, caught off guard. “Yeah. How’d you know?”
“Jack McClay is a member of the American Legion. I’d heard about his heart attack and wasn’t sure when he’d be discharged.”
Tyler nodded to himself, remembering Justice mentioning that her father had wanted to attend the funeral.
“Anyway,” Cory continued, “I wondered if you’d like to get out of the house for a bit tomorrow. Meet up at the bar, have lunch, maybe chat with a few of my friends and coworkers.”
Tyler smiled. It sounded like just the kind of nudge he needed. “That actually sounds really good.”
