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As I promised, here's another chapter of The Songs of You and Me. If you missed a previous chapter, go back to your inbox and search for the chapters you missed.

If you're new to my newsletter, here's a little recap. Every week, I've been sending out one chapter of my book The Songs of You and Me. If you would like to read it from the beginning, it's available on Amazon and free in kindle unlimited.

I hope you've been enjoying the read so far. Hit me with a reply and tell me what your thoughts are on Jane and Jackson. Are you rooting for them? Are you feeling all the feels?

I've been enjoying going through the journey with them and reliving their story.

Happy Reading!

JANE

“Emma,” I called out. “Nana and Pops are here.” I heard her slam her bedroom door and bound down the stairs at full speed.

“Nana, Pops!” She rounded the corner and launched herself into Dad’s arms, catching him off guard.

After a tight cuddle, Emma turned to my mom and gave her a hug before bombarding her with a one-way broadcast of her week. Bless my mom, she oohed and aahed at the right time and kept up with her chatter.

My dad stood off to the side, soaking up the fun and happiness of Emma and my mom.

“Are you excited for your sleepover tonight and trip to the zoo tomorrow?” I bumped him with my shoulder. “You know, when I was a kid, you hardly ever had time to do this kind of stuff with me,” I teased.

I loved how he and Mom made time to have a weekly date with her. It saved me in the beginning, and grew into a wonderful tradition that we all clung to.

“Honey.” Dad slung his arms around my shoulders. “When you were a kid, I worked Mondays through Saturdays. It’s different as a granddad. And this kid needs me. She’s missed out on enough already.”

I slumped as his words registered. I hated that Emma had to miss out on so much because David wasn’t here. Dad did great filling in, but it wasn’t the same.

“Hey.“ Dad forced my chin up. “I know you’re still hurting, honey.” His penetrating gaze felt like it was reading my inner thoughts. “I see it in your eyes. Don’t look away from me, Jane.”

He held my face softly in his hands and directed me to look at him. “I know you, sweetheart, and I see your pain. I see it right here.” He rested his finger on my temple. I couldn’t deny it.

“I know you miss him, but the pain I see now is different. You’re lonely.” His words forced my eyelids to close. The sharp truth hurt. “I want you to go out tonight and enjoy yourself. Do you hear me?”

He gave me a gentle shake, forcing me to return his intense stare. All I saw was concern and love. I nodded, because I didn’t trust my voice.

“So none of this.” He wiped away a stray tear.

Emma came running toward me, forcing me to pull myself together.

“Have fun tonight, Em.” I picked up my baby and hugged her, even though she was getting too big for this.

“We will, Mommy.” Emma hugged me back with enough force to console my hurting heart, before hopping out of my arms and running off to my mom.

“Enjoy your night with Sarah,” Mom called out, unaware of my intense conversation with Dad as she left with Emma’s hand tucked securely in hers. She was in grandma heaven.

“I’m serious, Jane.” My dad’s focus was on me again. “It’s been long enough now. What happened almost broke you, but it’s been long enough.”

“Daddy…”

“I know. Normally, I’d leave this type of stuff up to your mom. This is her field of expertise. But promise me to think about what I said, and have some fun tonight, okay?”

“Okay.”

“All right, my work here is done. Love you, Janey.” He gave me another one of his warm hugs, along with a kiss on my forehead.

“Love you, too, Dad,” I choked out, my voice almost back to normal.

And with that he left, and I found myself alone as I closed the door behind him.

I had a couple of hours before I had to meet up with Sarah for a girls’ night out. Plenty of time for a quick run before getting ready. I scooped up my long brown hair into a ponytail, threw my running gear on, and headed out. It had been far too long, and my muscles needed a good workout.

I headed out on the dirt road next to our street and found an even pace. I soon lost myself in the pounding of my feet against the gravel and the beat of the music blasting from my headphones. I loved the burning in my legs and the acceleration of my heartbeat. After about a mile, my body stopped protesting. My legs became lighter, pushing me harder.

Without knowing it, my subconscious brought me here. I stopped, taking a deep breath, feeling that acquainted pull to David. I pushed the gate open and walked the familiar path. As I found the right headstone, I sank into the soft grass, telling myself that a few minutes wouldn’t make me late. I needed the comfort I felt being with him.

JACKSON

After the long week I’d had, I needed to blow off some steam. If I were still in Boston, I would have hit the gym for an hour of weight training or some laps in the pool. Sadly, we didn’t have a gym in Bellebrook. Old school would have to cut it.

As I ran past the familiar streets of my old town, I noticed the little changes over the last decade. The older houses had been updated. A new lick of paint here and there. Overall, the feel of the place had stayed the same.

Bellebrook was the type of town where everyone knew everyone. As a kid, it used to bug me. Now I found it comforting, familiar. I guess I always was a small town kind of guy. Who knew?

I tried to focus on the scenery instead of my jumbling thoughts. I’d done nothing but think. Thinking about all I lost kept me awake at night. Now I found myself thinking of Jane. I kept seeing her everywhere I went. Remembering the memories we’d made as kids.

I came to a stop as I saw the object of my obsession running in the distance. I should have turned and run the other way, but the draw to her pushed my feet forward.

As I got close enough to see her better, I stopped in my tracks. Jane was kneeling, silent tears poured down her face. Her pain hit me like a punch in the gut.

I felt torn as I stood there. I wanted to comfort her, be there for her. But I felt like an intruder, spying on her. I returned to the road the same way I came, hoping she didn’t spot me.

But I felt like a heartless idiot. How could I leave her like that? I should wait for her, make sure she was okay.

Jane got up and ran away a few minutes later, passing me by without a second glance. I took off after her. It didn’t take long to catch up to her. My hand reached out and touched hers. She was so focused, she didn’t even notice me there until my hand met hers.

The shriek that escaped her slim frame threw me off guard.

“Wow, who knew such a tiny woman could produce such a sharp howl?” I spun Jane to face me. I guess she hadn’t heard me approach with her headphones on.

“Oh my gosh, you scared the living daylights out of me. What are you doing here?” Her voice came out shaky as she ripped off her headphones.

“Just out for a run, and noticed you. Clearly, you didn’t see me.”

“No kidding. You do know that grabbing unsuspecting women in the streets is not looked upon kindly in Bellebrook, right?” She attempted a smile, but the sadness was still there, written on her face.

“I’m sorry I scared you. I saw you earlier. Thought I’d catch up with you.” No point lying to her. We’d always been upfront with each other. Except about my feelings. I’d kept those to myself.

“Earlier?” Her eyes misted over, and she caught her lip between her teeth. The action momentarily distracted me. Those lips used to taunt me as a teenager. I swallowed and focused on why I was here, instead of fantasizing about how badly I wanted to take that job over from her.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t want to intrude. I couldn’t just leave you alone.”

“You always had a knack for knowing when I needed a friend.” Her voice cracked.

Yeah, she always thought I was there as a friend. How I wished so many times I would have crossed that line and made us more than friends.

“Are you okay?” Her pain was killing me.

“I’m fine.” Jane squirmed. She teased her lip again, and I reached for her.

When my hand grasped hers, she let out a startled gasp and gazed at me with a questioning look. One that took me back to those days so long ago when we were kids. All those times she looked up at me like that. Trying to figure me out. My other hand reached out and tucked a stray hair behind her ear. Her cheeks pinked at the simple touch. How could this woman have such a grasp on me? How could I be longing for her, when she was obviously still grieving her dead husband? Why did we always have our timing this screwed up?

“Thanks for being here for me.” She leaned in closer. Before I could second guess myself, I leaned in the last of the distance and wrapped my arms around her.

“I’m here now. I’m not going anywhere.” Holding her like this reminded me of all that was ripped away from me. I guess we were both hurting, but in Jane’s case, she’d lost out in a different way than I did. I might not understand her loss, but I knew all about pain.

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