Chapter 10
Chapter 10
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The next day. Natalie pulled on some athletic gear and tied her speakers tight. She planned to grab an axe from Dora’s place and head up the mountain. Just as she got to her grandpa’s resting place and was about to tidy up, she heard her name being called
“Hey, Nat! You’re up with the sun to visit your grandpa? I heard you came back last night and brought treats for everyone- what a sweet thing to do!” a man said excitedly.
Natalie glanced up to see Austin, lugging a basket brimming with fresh veggies he’d grown. She grinned and waved. “Austin, you’re an early bird too! Looks like you’ve got a bountiful harvest”
“These greens grow like crazy, and we can’t eat them all. Nicole thought I could sell the extras at the market,” he said. Spotting the axe in Natalie’s grip, he quickly offered, “Why don’t you take live? I’ll help you clean up.”
“I’ve got this. Austin! You should get back to your chores, Natalie said firmly.
“It’s not safe for you to be chopping away. Let me do it; you can just kick back over there,” he insisted, taking the axe from her. He knelt down to start clearing the weeds, chatting with Natalie as he worked.”
“I heard from my dad yesterday that James is rolling back today. You two haven’t crossed paths in ages, right? You might bump into him,” Austin said, sounding excited.
James Wilson was the trailblazer from their village to hit the college scene, even nabbing a spot at the prestigious Jorlen University.
“Is James really coming back? It’s been ages. After he left for school, everything was different. And when Grandpa got sick, we had to bail on the village for his treatment, Natalie said, getting all nostalgic.
“Yeah, it’s been three years since we lost your grandpa. And look at you now–you’re hitched!” Austin said, trying to brighten the mood.
“Right, so how’s James doing?” she asked, eager for some good villes.
“Killing it! He started up his own business after graduation, and it’s surprisingly booming. I heard he’s here to hash out some tourism plans with the village chief, Austin replied, full of pep.
“That’s awesome! If the village gets a boost, it’ll help us all. Jame has always been a go–getter, Natalie added, feeling a swell of pride
“Totally! You two were the shining stars from our village. If not for your grandpa’s illness, you’d maybe even ended up at Jorlen University like James. Folks used to think you two would make a dynamite couple,” Austin mused.
“Not a chance! James is like an older bro to me, just like you. You guys took such good care of me and Grandpa. Now that I’m married, I just hope he finds his own happiness,” Natalie said sincerely.
Natalie had always seen James as the brother she never had. He had a habit of keeping the yummiest snacks from his pocket just for her. In her heart, he was as dear to her as her own grandfather, a true member of her family.
Austin got it. With Natalie married, he figured she and James were never in the stars, so he let it slide. After tidying up the weeds, he handed the axe back to her. “All done, Nat! Here’s your trusty axe.
“Thanks a ton, Austin! I owe you one. I’ll clean this up and return it to Dora,” she said, full of gratitude.
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“No sweat! And make sure to swing by my place for a meal sometime,” he said with a grin.
“For sure! Thanks, Austin!” After Austin took off, Natalie headed or the creek with the axe. She found some dry grass to wipe it down and shook off the water. As she turned, she spotted someone walking her way–the very person she’d been gabbing
about.
James, in a sharp black trench coat and standing tall, was almost unrecognizable after all this time. He’d grown into quite the handsome dude.
As he approached, Natalie beamed, James! You’re back! I just heard from Austin you were coming today. Didn’t expect to see you so quick!”
“Yep, touched down this morning and thought I’d take a walk, Jabes said, casual as can be. He’d heard the buzz about Natalie’s return to the village. After dropping his bags, he was on the hunt for her, but when he struck out, he started back. On his way, he ran into Austin, who filled him in that Natalie had gone to the creek, so he hotfooted it over.
“Austin said you started your own company to spice up tourism in the village. Still the impressive guy! Natalie said, genuinely proud.
Just a small gig for now. A buddy in the city wants to sink some cash into tourism, so I’m gonna chat with the village chief,” James explained.
Whether it’s big or small, you’re crushing it! Starting a biz must be a grind, Natalie said, thinking about Shawn. She often woke up in the night to find Shawn still grinding away in his office.
Yeah, it’s rough at first. Heard you got hitched. Word is, your hubby’s quite the catch,” James said, fishing for details.
“Yep, I tied the knot three years back, right after Grandpa passed My hubby’s an entrepreneur, just like you,” she replied.
“Is he good to you?” James asked, his voice laced with concer
“James, Shawn treats me like a queen. I’m stoked now, and I hope you find someone special too, someone to share your journey with,” Natalie said earnestly, meeting his gaze.
“Look at you, all grown up and settled. Seeing you happy cases me. I heard you didn’t have a wedding bash, so I’ll hook you up with a gift next time,” James said lightly, though a twinge tugged at his heart.
Looking into Natalie’s clear eyes, he knew the little girl who used to trail after him, calling out “James, was gone. Right then, he decided he’d always be her James, ready to cheer on her happiness above all.
Hearing him say that put Natalie at ease. Her heart had been Shawn’s since day one. No matter what went down with Shawn, James would always be a friend to her. As someone who’d grown up with him, she genuinely hoped he’d find his match and be happy.
They kept walking and chatting until they hit Natalie’s place. “James, I’m home, Want to join me for lunch later?” she invited “Thanks, but I gotta powwow with Clifford first,” he replied.
Not wanting to push, Natalie respected he had biz to handle. After all, she’d be around for a few more days and could invite him for dinner tomorrow. “Alright then. Swing by for dinner tomorrow!”
“Deal. I’ll be there. Now, get inside,” he said, his smile back in place.
Stoked for his promise to drop by, Natalie turned and went inside.
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Chapter 10
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After watching her go in, Jamies slowly made his way to Clifford’s place. Once he turned away, his smile faded. Letting go wasn’t a cakewalk. If only he’d graduated sooner. If only he couldve been there when Natalie’s grandpa fell ill, would he be the one walking down the aisle with Natalie now? But there were no “if onlys.” Natalie was married now, and as long as she was happy, that was all that mattered. His own happiness was a backseat rider now.
19:18 Wed, Jan 29
