Chapter28
“Holy crap,” Jace said as they pulled into the driveway at Sarah and Charlie’s. “This is your mother’s house?”
“Yep. Charlie got a big payout from the state for wrongful imprisonment and told her to pick her dream house.”
“Wow, I wish the state owed me that kind of money.”
Cindy laughed. “You knew him, right?”
“I did. Everyone knew him and his story and how hard his stepdaughter was working to get him out. We all looked up to him. He was a bit of a father figure to us younger guys.”
“He’s a good man. My mom is so happy with him. It’s lovely to see.”
“I’m glad he’s found a nice life for himself after everything that happened.”
“I’m glad you have, too,” she said, smiling.
He’d had just enough time to tell her about his job offer and to share a giddy moment of excitement with her before the boys had interrupted them. As much as he was loving every minute with the boys, he was looking forward to being alone with her later so they could talk about it more. He wanted to talk to her about everything.
“Looks like everyone else is already here,” Cindy said as she took in all the cars.
Jace parked off to the side so he wouldn’t block anyone in. “Remember your manners, boys,” he said as they got out of the truck to follow Cindy inside.
Cindy had prepared him for a big crowd, and that was what they walked into as they took the stairs up to the main living area of the gorgeous house. It might be the nicest house he’d ever been in. No, it was. For sure.
She introduced him to her mother, Sarah, who hugged him. “I’m so delighted to meet you, Jace. Cindy has told me so much about you.”
“And you’re still delighted to meet me?” Jace asked, making her laugh.
She rested her hand on his arm as if they were old friends. “We don’t hold the past against people in this house, especially not when we see them making a real effort to turn things around.”
“Thank you, ma’am. That means a lot to me. These are my sons, Jackson and Kyle. Say hello to Mrs. Grandchamp, boys.” He realized that was the first time he’d ever introduced them as his sons to anyone.
As they said hello to Sarah, they partially hid behind him. He hadn’t seen their shy side before and found it endearing.
“I think you know my husband, Charlie.”
“I do.” Jace shook hands with Charlie Grandchamp, who looked like a totally different person from the hardened man Jace had known inside. “Good to see you again.”
“You as well. The view is much better from here.”
“You must have the best view on the entire island.”
“It’s not bad,” Charlie said with his trademark gruffness. “How’ve you been making out since your release?”
“Pretty well, all things considered. Coming here was a good move.”
“It was for me, too. I’m glad it’s working out for you.” He glanced at Cindy, who was talking to her sisters. “We love her very much.”
“I think I might, too.”
“Is that right?”
“Yeah. She’s like this place of calmness in the storm.” He glanced at the other man. “That’s weird, right?”
“No, it’s sweet, and I get what you mean. Her mother is the same for me. I’m sure you’ve heard about Cindy’s father and his bullshit.”
“I have.”