Mila Wilson is quiet, anxious and a little bit of a mess. Panic attacks have ruled her life for as long as she can remember - but starting college is her chance to take control. Love? Not something she believes she's built for.
Then she meets Jace E...
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"Helen, thank you again for having me," Jace says warmly, wrapping my mom in a hug the next morning.
She hugs him back with genuine affection, her eyes glistening with quiet emotion. "Know that you're always welcome here," she tells him, and I can feel how much she truly adores him.
"Love you, Mom. I'll be back after New Year's," I say, hugging her tightly.
"Have a good time, you two," she calls after us, waving as we walk out into the chilly morning air and make our way to Jace's car.
Ava and Ryan had already left earlier to catch a flight to California and spend the holidays with Ryan's family, so we'd said our goodbyes at dawn.
As I slide into the passenger seat of Jace's Audi Q5, a wave of anxiety rolls over me like a cold gust of wind. Today's the day I meet Jace's father.
"Where does your dad live?" I ask as Jace starts the engine and pulls out of the driveway.
"Bellingham," he answers casually, resting his hand on my leg with a comforting squeeze.
I nod, trying to appear calm, but inside I'm buzzing. "What's his name, first of all?"
"William," he replies, but then amends it with a small smile, „Will." I let the name settle in my mind. I can't help the flood of curiosity that rises in me. What's he like? What kind of father is he? Maybe—hopefully—he's willing to share more about Jace. If Jace doesn't open up, maybe his dad will. I try to control the nervous energy twisting inside me, but my leg begins to bounce slightly. I manage to keep it subtle, yet Jace still notices.
"You nervous?" he asks without looking away from the road.
"More excited than nervous," I say truthfully, offering a smile. "You know I'm always happy to learn more about you."
"Right," Jace smirks, eyes flicking to mine. "You're so fucking nosy."
"Nosy?" I laugh, crossing my arms in mock offense. "I'd say it's totally normal to want to know everything about the person you like."
"What—you like me?" Jace teases exaggerated.
I let out another laugh and give his arm a playful smack. "Stop it."
The drive continues in comfortable silence for a while, the passing scenery giving my nerves something to focus on. Washington is endlessly beautiful—forests, lakes, soft rolling hills, and snow-dusted trees that look like they belong in a postcard. I'll always be grateful to have grown up in a place like this.
Soon, we arrive in the charming city of Bellingham. It's smaller than Seattle but carries the same Pacific Northwest soul—artsy, green, quiet.
"Ready?" Jace asks as he opens his door.
I nod. "Ready."
I'm glad I chose another dress today. There's something calming about fidgeting with the hem. I run my fingers along the fabric while we walk up to a small but beautiful house with an immaculate green front yard. Clearly, someone here loves to garden. Jace knocks on the door, and my heart starts racing. A few seconds later, it swings open.
