I was sitting in my living room in Los Angeles watching tv about how hot it is going to be today and I decide I'm going to put my bikini on and head out on the patio and sunbathe.

All that extra running and swimming has paid off. My body looks great in this white bikini.

My roommate Maddie went home for a month to spend time with her family but I decided to stay here and soak up the sun it's not like I have anywhere to go for Christmas.

I feel like sometimes it took me too long to figure out what I wanted to do with my life but I love interior design.

I lay back in the lounger and put on my sunglasses when my phone rings.

📱Hello?

📱Hey, Willow, it's Ben I hate to call you but dad had a heart attack and mom needs you to come home and help with the shop.

📱Is he ok?

📱I think so but he needs to rest and mom needs you to help out, please.

📱Ok, it's a good thing I work for myself. I'll be there as soon as I can.

📱Be safe sis. See you soon.

I get off the lounger and stand up and the guy in the next apartment whistles at me. I smile at him and walk inside. A little attention is nice.

I head to my room and start packing when I realize I picked the wrong clothes. I need winter items that I really don't have after all this time away from home.

It's probably been five years now. I'm sure things have changed and working in the shop at Christmas is crazy and all the tourists that come through.

I grab my makeup bag and underclothes and nightclothes otherwise I'm going to need to go shopping.

I text Maddie and told her what was going on that the apartment would be empty. As I walk out the door the guy standing in the doorway smiles.

"Where are you going, Willow?" He asked.

"Sorry, Shane I'll be gone a while. Headed back home my dad had a heart attack." I said.

"Wow sorry to hear that. Take care. He said and squeezed my arm.

As I walk to the elevator I take a deep breath. Shane is hot and we have fooled around a few times but that's just not what I want anymore.

I catch a cab to the airport. Never thought I would be making a trip back to Vermont but here I go.

I board the plane and get a window seat and try my best to sleep but the guy beside me is snoring.

I try to tune him out and it isn't long until we are landing. I decide to rent a car so I have a way around.

I am not the shy lanky girl with zits that I used to be. I am confident and my hair is long and I have filled out in all of the right places. I laugh to myself as I walk up to the counter.

I rented a tesla coupe and went out to find the silver color car. I like to ride in style what can I say I'm only fifteen minutes from home and it feels weird even saying that.

I drive by the store downtown and automatically my head turns when I see the Pickford's family tree lot and Jace comes to mind.

Wow, I haven't seen him in a long time. He probably won't even recognize me now. I hope I can avoid the only guy I have ever loved or thought I did as a young girl.

I pull in the driveway and see a few vehicles which I don't recognize of course. A red Ford truck and a black Toyota too along with my mom's jeep cherokee.

I get out and leave my bags behind and run up to the door in my leggings and sweatshirt. I have got to get some winter clothes.

I knock on the door and I see my brother Ben. "Sis you made it!" He said pulling me inside.

"Hey, Ben!" I said hugging him. As I step back I see my mom and she has huge tears in her eyes. "Mom!" I grab her and squeeze her.

"Oh, Willow I'm so glad you are home. I hate you had to come home like this but it's so good to see you." She said kissing my cheek.

"Dad can't wait to see you, sis. He's in the bedroom with Jace." Ben said.

I stopped in my tracks and had to take a deep breath. I didn't want him to see my reaction.

I followed my mom into the bedroom where dad was laying in the bed and Jace was sitting in a chair near the bed looking as good as always.

His brown hair was shorter than I remember and actually styled but his icy blue eyes were still the same. I couldn't make eye contact with him.

"Henry look who is here." Mom said pulling me up to the bed.

"Willow! There is my princess." Dad said.

"Hi, dad! I'm glad you're ok." I said crawling on the bed beside him. I have always been a daddy's girl and I don't care who knows it.

"How has California been?" He asks.

"Warm and I love it there," I said glancing over at Jace and he hasn't taken his eyes off of me.

"How's is business?" Dad asks.

"It's good I've been busy. People are so picky in California." I laugh.

"I'm sure you are great at your job Princess. I'd like to see some of your work sometime." He smiled and kissed my head.

"Sure thing! But first, I really need to buy some winter clothes. That's something that I don't have." I laugh.

"Sis Abbot has a clothing store downtown and I'm sure he could hook you up," Ben said.

"Oh that's great I'll have to go see him tomorrow," I said.

"Honey you didn't say hi to Jace." Mom said.

I look over at him and he's smiling at me. "Hi, Willow it's good to see you again." He said.

"Hi, Jace." I smile and cuddle back into my dad.