Page 30 of Always Mine

I cock a brow, wondering how she knows that, but my question is answered quickly when I spot Wyatt’s parents right beside her. Where the heck did they come from? How did I not notice them before? They’re both smiling at me and I’m taken off guard when Jacey pulls me into a hug.

This is the total opposite of how Ember reacted the other day, but I’m really glad not all the Claytons hate me. I don’t know if I could handle it.

“It’s been so long,” she says, her hands coming to cup my cheeks when she pulls away. “It’s good to have you home.”

It’s funny how six simple words can turn a grown man into a babbling emotional mess. I’ve heard those words so many times over the last week but they mean so much more coming from her.

“Thank you,” I whisper, because talking at full volume right now is impossible with the emotion clogging my throat. “I’ve missed you.” So much. My mom doesn’t have any siblings so Jacey was the aunt I never had. She raised me and Wyatt equally, and I’m sure he feels the same about my mom. Our entire lives have been so interconnected, it’s basically like we each had two sets of parents.

“How’s your arm?” She frowns, eyes dipping to the sling. “Iris said you start physical therapy soon?”

I nod, clearing my throat, grateful for an easy topic. “Next week.”

“That’s good. Did they say how long?” Lee, Wyatt’s dad, asks.

“Four to six months, give or take. It’s a long process, but I should be done just in time to head back to California for spring training.”

“Ma, I’m going to head to the dart game with Miles. Is that okay?” Lily interjects, stopping whatever Jacey was about to say next.

“You can. Check-in in an hour.”

“Will do. Thanks, Ma.” She grabs Miles’ arm, tugging him to the line of booths. “Let’s go.”

I watch them go, thinking back to a time when Wyatt and I used to do the same thing. Man, times have changed.

“Don’t worry, they’re just friends,” Ma tells me, mistaking my lingering look for brotherly concern.

“Oh, good.” I nod, not correcting her assessment. I’d rather them think that anyway. It’s better than the truth.

Our parents start talking, giving me time to look around. It’s all pretty much the same as I remember, but the booths hold slightly different items now. There’s handmade jewelry, house decor, games, tons of random things, and then I finally spot the food in the far back. My stomach growls, reminding me that I haven’t eaten since breakfast and it’s past lunchtime now. I wonder if Billy has his food truck out here today.

Turning to Ma, I’m about to tell her I’ll be back, but all thoughts escape me when I realize we have two more people than we did moments before, and not just any two people.

Wyatt and Ember.

My brain short-circuits and my ability to breathe vanishes as I stare at the love of my life. I saw him days ago at Red’s, but right now, in the light of day, it feels completely different. A yearning like I’ve never known takes over and I’m almost positive that if it wasn’t for the grip Ma has on my arm, I’d have already swarmed him with a hug.

He’s not looking at me, though, too busy tinkering with his phone. Damn, I want his attention more than I want my next breath.

“Wyatt.” His name is past my lips before I realize it, and I instantly regret my inability to hold myself back.

He freezes, and I watch his Adam’s apple bob but that’s the only reaction I get. He doesn’t even glance up, just mutters a quick,what?while holding onto that phone like it’s the answer to world peace.

I don’t know what to say. I don’t even know why I called his name. Desperation makes people do crazy things and I’m one-hundred-percent about to check myself into the insane asylum.

Ma’s hand tightens on my arm and I look down at her for guidance because I’m at a loss for what to do right now. After seeing Wyatt the other night, I know I have a lot of repairing to do. This moment is so crucial to rebuilding the gap between us, yet I’m fucking it up ten seconds in.

Ma gives me an encouraging smile, but it doesn’t stop the flood of hornets from stabbing my stomach. I feel a cold sweat break across my body and I practically plead with my mind for her to help me.

“Wyatt?” This time it’s Jacey who speaks and I turn to watch their exchange.

He glances at her, stuffing his phone away, and I finally get to see his face on full display. Damn, he’s way more handsome than I remember. The boyish features he once had are more defined now. His jaw is sharper and his face more sculpted.

“Yes, ma’am.” His voice is the same, maybe a little deeper, but still has that slight raspy tenor that used to make my knees weak. Hell, it still does.

“Will you run to the truck and grab the last crate of jams from the back? I forgot about them and need to get over to our booth.”

He nods, glancing around. “Where’d you park?”

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