Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 125

CHAPTER 78-1

Nyoke before Sunrise on the anniversary of Uncle Will’s death. For several moments I simply lay in bed staring at the ceiling.

The date had been sitting in the back of my mind for weeks. Waiting and approaching. Growing closer with every passing day.

Beside me, Jace slept peacefully. One arm rested across my waist while the early morning light filtered softly through the curtains.

Normally I enjoyed mornings like this. Quiet mornings. Comfortable mornings but today felt different. Today carried weight.

I carefully slipped out of bed without waking him and headed toward the bathroom.

The shower helped clear my head, but it didn’t erase the ache sitting inside my chest.

After drying off, I brushed my teeth, pulled on jeans and a simple black shirt, then headed

downstairs.

Diesel followed me into the kitchen and the dog immediately sensed something was off. Animals always seemed to know.

I poured coffee and stood quietly at the window overlooking the garage.

Two years.

Two years since the phone call. Two years since the hospital. Two years since losing the one person who had always believed in me.

The grief wasn’t as sharp as it once had been. Time had softened some of the edges. But it never

truly disappeared.

A few minutes later, strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind and I leaned back

automatically and Jace kissed the side of my head.

“You disappeared.” He said.

“I didn’t mean to wake you.” I said.

“You didn’t.” He said as his chin rested lightly on my shoulder.

For several seconds neither of us spoke but then he asked quietly.

“How are you doing?” He asked as I stared out the window.

19

13

IRN

|||

O

CHAPTER 78 1

“Honestly?” I asked.

“Always.” He said and I took a breath.

“I miss him.” I said as his arms tightened slightly.

“I know.” He said.

And somehow those two words helped because he understood. Not completely. Nobody could. But enough.

Enough to stand beside me. Enough to share the weight.

By midmorning I had made a decision. Lawson Customs would close early. Nobody argued. Not Mia and not Ben and definitely not the customers. Everyone understood immediately.

In fact, Ben practically shoved me toward the door.

“Go.” Ben said.

“Excuse me?” I asked and he pointed toward the parking lot.

“You never take time off.” He said.

“That’s not true.” I said.

“Paige.” He said and I sighed.

“Fine.” I said as Mia looked up from her desk.

“He’s right.” Mia said.

“You’re both annoying.” I said.

“Thank you.” Mia replied and Jace laughed.

An hour later we were riding toward the cemetery.

The summer afternoon was warm, and the roads were quiet. Neither of us spoke much during the ride and some days didn’t require conversation. Some days simply required company.

The cemetery sat on the edge of town surrounded by old trees and rolling green hills. Peaceful,

quiet and beautiful.

We parked near the entrance and walked together along the winding path and I carried a small bouquet of white flowers.

Uncle Will had always hated anything overly fancy. He would have rolled his eyes at elaborate

arrangements. Simple felt right.

19

IRN

O <

23

CHAPTER 78 1

When his headstone finally came into view, my chest tightened. Not painfully but just enough to

remind me that grief never really vanished. It simply learned how to live beside you and Jace squeezed my hand.

“I’ll give you some space.” He said and I looked at him.

“You don’t have to.” I said but his expression softened.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify