Chapter Fifteen: Shadows and Light

The golden leaves started to fall quicker now, carpeting Dalton in a quiet rustle. As Ellie adjusted to life more permanently in Jack's world, her heart settled—but her past came knocking.

A letter arrived from New York. Her former editor had seen her short essay on Dalton's history in a national magazine and was offering a full-time editorial role.

"Big job," Jack said, reading the letter over her shoulder. "Big city."

"It's tempting," Ellie admitted. "But it's not just about the job."

She left the letter on the counter for days. Meanwhile, Jack kept himself busy in the garage. Ruthie's new romance with Mr. Lane bloomed, and the diner buzzed with town gossip.

One afternoon, Ellie walked into the shop and found Jack staring at the old locket he'd given her.

"You think you'll go?" he asked, voice low.

Ellie took a breath. "I think... I've already found what I was searching for."

"But what if this small life isn't enough?"

She stepped closer. "It's not about small or big, Jack. It's about truth. And you... this place... you're my truth."

They embraced, and for the first time in weeks, Jack's shoulders softened.

That night, Ellie wrote back: Thank you, but I've started a different story. One that begins and ends in Dalton.

Outside, the first snowflake of the season drifted down—a whisper of winter, a promise of what would come next.