Page 36 of Coming Home

He claimed his bike and swung a leg over it, settling into the seat. “Where are we headed?”

“Since you’ve been gone, the county has built several new bike trails. I thought we would check those out.”

“Lead the way,” he told her, as she got back on her bike and peddled down the long driveway.

Jackson followed and soon they reached the trails Ainsley had mentioned. For two hours they explored them. He enjoyed the view ahead of him even more than the scenery around him.

They finally made their way back to Boo’s. Ainsley parked her bike in front of the porch, while Jackson returned his to the detached garage. They went inside, and she excused herself, heading to the restroom. He did the same, and they rendezvoused in the kitchen. He took glasses from the cupboard and filled them with water. They both drank greedily after their long ride.

“We need to make a picnic lunch. I would have done so earlier, but I didn’t want our sandwiches to get soggy. We have a ton of stuff to choose from.”

“Oh, I forgot. Be right back,” Ainsley said.

When she returned, he saw the large Ziplock bag full of cookies in her hand and she said, “I baked these fresh this morning while I was working on a wedding cake design for a couple who just announced their engagement. They are chocolate chip with macadamia nuts.”

“That was thoughtful of you.”

She smiled at him. “I wanted to do this for you. After all, you say you’re not much for sweets, so it could possibly mean more for me.”

He laughed. “Not if Dylan sniffs this out.”

“There are two dozen in here. I fully intended to leave some for Dylan and Willow.”

“Let’s make some sandwiches.”

He began pulling items from the refrigerator, and they tag-teamed on creating two sandwiches full of meats, cheeses, and veggies. Jackson also packed grapes and chips to add to the sandwiches and cookies and claimed bottled waters from the refrigerator.

“This is plenty,” she told him. “More than enough.”

“You can eat your fill, and I’ll finish whatever’s left. I’ve already been for a run this morning, as well as our bike ride. I’ll be ready to eat.”

He retrieved a blanket he had gotten from the linen closet that morning and then placed the food and drink into his backpack. Slinging it over one shoulder, he grabbed the blanket and with his free hand, took Ainsley’s hand, threading his fingers through hers.

“Where are we going?” she asked. “I know we’re close to the beach because I can smell the ocean from here.”

As he led her out the door, he explained, “There’s a path to the beach over here. It’s a little steep, so you’ll need to watch your step. I can’t tell you how many times Willow and I used it to go down to the water and play. It’s an area far away from the tourists and was like having our own private area growing up. There’s even a small cave close by. We’ll go there first and leave our things inside it.”

They descended the stairs his grandfather had built and finally reach the sand. He stood a moment, taking in the view as the water rolled into shore.

“This is breathtaking,” Ainsley said. “You are so lucky to have this right outside your door.”

“It was great growing up here. Boo’s house was large, and she always welcomed our friends. Starting in middle school, I had a group of buddies who would come and camp down here. Willow and I also took solace from being near the water. She’s painted this view before.”

“You should hang a few of her paintings in Clancy’s office. I mean, your office,” she amended.

“That’s a great idea. It was pretty bare bones when I went to visit him the other day. Clancy wasn’t much on frills. I may want to replace a few pieces of his furniture. Art on the walls would be a nice touch.”

“Rylie could help you with that. My cousin has a great eye for how to arrange things and what looks good where.”

“I may call upon her for something else, as well,” he revealed. “But I would like you to see it first.”

He led her toward the protective shelter of the cave, where they left the blanket and backpack full of food. They moved to the beach and strolled leisurely as he began telling her about Clancy’s second offer.

“I knew I wouldn’t be able to stay with Willow and Dylan forever. Yes, Boo’s house is large, but they need their privacy. Besides, I figure they’ll be starting a family sooner rather than later. So I decided to find a place to live. I had thought about the apartment above Sid’s diner, where Dylan had lived, but when I met with Clancy the other day, he pitched the idea of me buying his house.”

He carefully watched for her reaction.

“Really?” she said enthusiasm filling her voice. “That would be incredible. Clancy’s house is located close to the square, so you would easily be able to walk to and from work each day. It’s also one of the largest and nicest homes in the Cove. I’ve never been inside before, but I’ve driven by it many times. Those old maples in his front yard are breathtaking in the fall.”

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