The New Community Day
Chapter 17 - The New Community Day
Two years after Ethan entered Miller's Diner, the town held another Community Charity Day.
The old photograph was enlarged and displayed near the entrance.
Beside it hung a new sign.
RACHEL'S HOUSE COMMUNITY FUND.
Free meals.
Legal assistance.
Emergency grants.
School supplies.
Counseling referrals.
Motorcycle rides organized by Jax's club.
Helen controlled everything with terrifying efficiency.
Rachel managed outreach.
Sarah handled finances.
Caleb volunteered without touching the accounts.
That was Helen's rule.
Lily, now eighteen, coordinated student volunteers.
Ethan ran around wearing a shirt three sizes too large.
Jax stood near the photograph.
Rachel joined him.
"You look terrible."
"In the old picture?"
"Yes."
"I was twenty-two."
"Exactly."
Jax smiled.
"You liked me."
"I had poor judgment."
"Clearly. You married Martin."
Rachel elbowed him.
Then she grew quiet.
"Do you regret it?"
"What?"
"That I disappeared."
Jax looked at Lily.
At Ethan.
At the crowded park.
"Every day."
Rachel lowered her eyes.
"But I don't regret finding you again."
She looked at him.
Jax reached into his pocket.
Rachel immediately stepped back.
"Don't."
He laughed.
"It's not a ring."
"Good."
He handed her a key.
"What's this?"
"House."
Rachel stared.
"You bought a house?"
"I bought half a house."
"What?"
"The other half is in your name."
Rachel's eyes widened.
"Jax."
"No pressure."
"That's an enormous amount of pressure."
"Fine."
He took the key back.
Rachel grabbed it.
"I didn't say no."
Jax smiled.
Across the park, Lily watched them.
She turned to Helen.
"They are exhausting."
Helen nodded.
"You come from them."
May you like
Lily sighed.
"That explains a lot."
