Chapter 6 - Reckoning and Redemption
Two months passed.
The sting of the court defeat had pushed Chase out of Portland entirely, his unpaid warrants in Washington catching up with him three weeks later when he was arrested during a routine traffic stop in Tacoma. His threat was officially gone, sealed behind legal bars and permanent court orders.
Spring arrived in Portland, painting the city in vibrant shades of green, cherry blossoms, and crisp blue skies.
On a warm Saturday morning, Jackson drove his sedan up the winding, tree-lined road of Riverview Cemetery.
He walked quietly across the lush green lawn, holding a bouquet of fresh white lilies—Evelyn’s favorite flowers. He stopped in front of a clean, white marble headstone engraved with her name: Evelyn Reed — Beloved Wife, Radiant Soul.
Jackson knelt down on the damp grass, setting the lilies gently against the stone.
The silence of the cemetery was peaceful, broken only by the soft rustle of wind through the giant Douglas firs above.
"Hey, Evie," Jackson whispered, his voice steady, filled with a deep, serene peace. "It’s been a while."
He reached up, touching his left hand, where his wedding band sat.
"I wanted to come talk to you," Jackson continued, looking at her name carved in the stone. "For two years, I kept myself locked in the dark because I was afraid that moving forward meant letting go of you. But I was wrong. You taught me how to love, Evie. You gave me the heart I have today."
He smiled through a quiet tear, feeling a warm breeze brush against his cheek like a gentle touch.
"I met someone," Jackson said softly. "Her name is Julia. She’s strong, fierce, and selfless. And she has a little girl named Maddie... who taught me how to sway instead of march."
Jackson slowly slid his silver wedding band off his finger. He held it in his palm for a long moment, feeling its weight, before placing it gently into a small velvet pouch and setting it inside his jacket pocket—not discarding the past, but honoring it by placing it close to his heart as he stepped into the light.
"Thank you for everything, Evie," Jackson whispered, standing up. "Goodbye."
An hour later, Jackson arrived at the Maple Street Community Center.
The sun was shining brightly over the brick building. On the front lawn, a massive community spring festival was in full swing. Children were running through sprinklers, volunteers were serving grilled food, and music was playing from outdoor speakers.
Julia stood near the registration table, wearing a bright floral sun dress, her dark hair flowing over her shoulders, laughing as she handed out activity badges to a group of toddlers.
When she saw Jackson walking across the grass, her face lit up with a brilliant, breathtaking smile that made his heart skip a beat.
Maddie, wearing a brand-new bright pink sundress and yellow sneakers, spotted him first.
"Jackson!" Maddie shrieked, dropping her bubble wand and sprinting across the grass as fast as her small legs could carry her.
Jackson dropped to his knees on the lawn, throwing his arms open wide. Maddie slammed into his chest, giggling wildly as he scooped her up into his arms, spinning her around in the sunshine.
"Did you bring your dancing shoes?" Maddie asked, holding his cheeks with her small, sticky hands. "Because Alma said there’s going to be music in the gym again!"
"I brought my best shoes," Jackson laughed, kissing her forehead. "And I've been practicing my swaying."
He set Maddie down as Julia walked over, her eyes warm, scanning his face. She noticed his left hand immediately—the silver ring was gone, replaced by the soft, whole presence of a man who was fully, completely here.
Julia reached out, taking his hand, her fingers intertwining with his.
"Are you okay?" Julia asked softly.
May you like
"I'm better than okay, Julia," Jackson said, looking deep into her eyes, leaning down to press a soft, lingering kiss against her lips.
The crowd around them cheered softly, Alma waving enthusiastically from the food tent, while Maddie clapped her hands, giggling in utter delight.
