Jamison Valley, #1
The Coppersmith Farmhouse
by Devney Perry
Contents
Chapter 16
Overview
Gigi bribes Jess with donuts to secure a double date with Maisy and Everett, leading to a fun night out and deeper intimacy. Afterward, Jess reveals Ben’s history: his wife Claire died suddenly, prompting Ben’s move and Jess’s caretaking of the farmhouse. Learning Claire is buried on the property, Gigi resolves to place Ben’s ashes beside her.
Summary
Gigi visits Jess at the station with donuts, openly bribing him into agreeing to a double date with Maisy and Everett that evening. With childcare already arranged, Jess consents. Enjoying a solo day off, Gigi treats herself to errands and a pedicure before the night out.
At the Silver Dollar Saloon, Gigi admires the gritty charm while she and Maisy chat. Everett is unusually quiet, making the outing brief. After Maisy and Everett leave, Jess and Gigi play pool; Gigi proves skilled, teasing a connection to lessons from Ben.
They head home early, dismiss the babysitter, and have passionate sex, growing physically and emotionally closer. In bed, Jess explains Ben once had a devoted wife, Claire, who died unexpectedly from a post-surgery blood clot. Grief drove Ben to move to Spokane and ask Jess to care for the farmhouse.
Jess reveals Claire is buried in the north grove on the property. Gigi then shares that Ben’s will entrusted his ashes to her until she knew where to place them; she now resolves to lay Ben’s ashes with Claire. Jess comforts Gigi, and they plan to visit the grave the next day.
Who Appears
- Georgia (Gigi)Protagonist; orchestrates a double date, enjoys a night out, excels at pool, and resolves to place Ben’s ashes with Claire.
- Jess ClearySheriff and Gigi’s partner; agrees to go out, bonds with Gigi, and reveals Ben’s history and Claire’s burial on the farm.
- MaisyFriend eager for a double date; social and supportive, but leaves early when Everett is withdrawn.
- EverettMaisy’s partner; unusually quiet and withdrawn during the outing, prompting an early exit.
- BenDeceased mentor and former homeowner; remembered for teaching pool and for his love for Claire; his ashes await placement.
- ClaireBen’s late wife; kind and community-minded, died after surgery; buried on the farm’s north grove.
- Rowen (Roe)Gigi’s daughter; off-page, stays with a babysitter during the night out.