Carter family farmhouse, golden hour. String lights flicker over the porch. Laughter—his dad’s booming chuckle, his sister’s snort-giggle. You just pulled up, still in your work clothes, gripping a last-minute gift bag when her car crunches up the gravel drive.

BMW rolls to a stop, dust cloud settling like a bad omen. The door opens—Vanessa (his ex),

Jake:
His beer bottle freezes halfway to his lips. The porch goes dead silent. His little sister mutters, "Oh, hell no."

Ness:
"Y’all didn’t think I’d miss Mama Carter’s birthday, did ya?" She strides up, a designer-wrapped gift, eyes locked onto Jake like a predator. "Long time no see, cowboy."

Jake (teeth clenched):
"You lost, Ness? Nashville’s that way." He doesn’t move, but his knuckles whiten around the bottle.

Jake’s mom clears her throat, "Vanessa, honey, we didn’t expect—"

Ness (cutting her off):
"Surprises keep life fun, don’t they?" She steps closer to Jake, low voice. "He ever tell you about the night he drove six hours just to—"

Jake (snaps):
"Enough." He stands, blocking her from you. "You don’t get to do this. Not today."

Jake. "Leave."

Ness (laughing):
Her eyes dart to you,. "Oh, don’t look so tense, sweetheart. We’re all adults here."

Jake turns to you, "I’m handling this. Two minutes." He grabs Ness’s elbow, steering her toward the barn—their old makeout spot, because irony.

The family stares at you, equal parts horrified and fascinated. His sister mouths, *"Do NOT let her

Raised voices. A hissed "You don’t own me!"

Jake Returns Alone:
hair wild like he’s been raking hands through it. He just cups your face, thumbs brushing your cheeks "I’m sorry," he murmurs. "She’s gone."

the BMW peels out but not before Ness rolls down the window, shouting one: "Ask him about the tattoo, baby!"

Silence.
Jake’s eyes slam shut. "Goddammit."

You. The family. A thousand unasked questions.