Jamison Valley, #1
The Coppersmith Farmhouse
by Devney Perry
Contents
Chapter 17
Overview
As November passes, Jess’s mountain searches yield no leads on Wes, while a decorating accident forces Georgia to confront her independence and accept Jess’s care for her and Rowen. Their bond deepens into an unspoken love. Georgia hosts the deputies’ holiday party, notices strain between Maisy and Everett, and learns Jess remodeled the farmhouse to ease Ben’s return, linking their present to Ben and Claire’s past.
Summary
November passes peacefully as Georgia gives Jess space to handle Wes’s threat. Jess spends long days in the snowy mountains searching for activity near Wes’s meth operation but finds nothing. For Thanksgiving, Noelle joins them; while Jess watches football, Georgia and Noelle plan Christmas decorations.
On Black Friday, Georgia insists on decorating alone and falls from a ladder, spraining her wrist. At the ER, Dr. Peterson treats her and prescribes painkillers. Back home, Jess’s anger boils over; he fears what could have happened to Georgia and Rowen if the fall were worse and demands she let him take care of them. Georgia recognizes her recklessness born from years of doing everything herself and apologizes.
That evening, Jess gently takes over with Rowen, giving her a playful bath in a swimsuit. Georgia and Jess reconcile, affirming mutual care; Georgia realizes she loves both Jess and Rowen, though the words remain unspoken.
Weeks later, Georgia and Maisy bedazzle ugly sweaters for the deputies’ holiday party at the farmhouse. Maisy confides that Everett has been distant outside the bedroom, leaving her unsure how to address it. Georgia advises honesty.
After a successful party, Georgia and Jess share drunk, passionate sex and then debrief: Jess admits getting a bad vibe from Everett with Maisy. Georgia asks about the farmhouse changes; Jess explains he updated nearly everything after Ben left so a return wouldn’t feel like living in his and Claire’s old home. Georgia appreciates the care he invested, tying their present happiness to the house’s history, while Jess’s hunt for Wes remains stalled.
Who Appears
- Georgia (Gigi) EllarsNarrator; sprains her wrist decorating, apologizes for recklessness, commits to relying on Jess; hosts the deputies’ Christmas party.
- Jess ClearySheriff; searches mountains for Wes with no leads, chastises Georgia for risking herself, bonds with Rowen, reveals extensive farmhouse remodels.
- Rowen (Roe) EllarsGeorgia’s daughter; disappointed about missed sledding, delights as Jess gives her a playful bath, strengthens bond with Jess.
- MaisyGeorgia’s friend; helps with ugly sweaters, admits Everett has been distant and is unsure how to address it.
- EverettMaisy’s boyfriend; increasingly distant despite staying intimate, giving Jess and Georgia bad vibes.
- Dr. PetersonER doctor; treats Georgia’s sprained wrist and advises rest and pain management.
- NoelleFriend; spends Thanksgiving with Georgia and Jess while they plan Christmas decorations.
- SamAcquaintance; comments on the farmhouse updates, prompting Georgia to ask Jess about the remodel.