Page 90 of Best Laid Plans

"He's gone," she whispered again and again.

I hated that she had to feel this way for me to be able to hold her, but I wasn't complaining. I was going to use every advantage I could create or use to make her trust me again, to make her admit she loved me enough to forgive me, forgive the past, and build a present and future with me.

I held her for a long while. Finally, she extricated herself from me. She went to the restroom for a while, and when she came back, she drove a hard bargain regarding rent and service charges for Larue Homes to share office space with Savannah Lace.

It wasn't forgiveness, but it was a start. I knew I'd have another battle on my hands when I had to tell her she had to project manage Sentinel Heights. It was my chance to spend time with her—and her with me. We were going to learn about one another anew, and that journey of discovery was going to require proximity, which I knew she wouldn't allow unless work demanded it.

Chapter 34

Nova

Iusually woke early, so that I could go for a run before I went to work.

As always, I laced up my running shoes, put my housekey in the small pocket of my running shorts, and stepped out onto Jones Street. Unlike other runners, I didn't wear headphones and listen to music. I wanted to feel the city and hear its sounds.

The historic brick townhouses and towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss made for a beautiful start to my day. This run was my sanctuary, a chance to clear my mind and find some peace before the world woke up.

Today, it was different.

Today, Anson joined me.

How the hell did he even know I ran in the morning? Stalker much!

I glanced over at him as we jogged side by side.

Part of me screamed that I couldn't trust him, not after everything that had happened. Yet, another part of me was undeniably happy to have him with me, and that there was hope that I would not be alone for the rest of my life, that I'd have him, the proverbial white picket fence, and….

Stop being stupid, Nova! Get a grip, girl, 'cause Anson Larue ain't reliable.

We made our way through the charming streets of downtown Savannah, past quaint cafés just beginning to stir, and the occasional early riser walking their dog. The cobblestone pathways were familiar underfoot, each step a mix of muscle memory and the comfort of routine.

Anson didn't say a thing, he just kept pace with me, his breathing steady, his presence both comforting and unnerving. I focused on the sound of my feet hitting the pavement, the sound of our synchronized steps filling the quiet morning.

As we approached the river, the air grew cooler, carrying the scent of water and the faint aroma of blooming flowers. The path alongside the Savannah River was one of my favorite parts of the run. The water glistened under the morning light, and the sound of gentle waves lapping against the shore had a soothing effect. The majestic cargo ships in the distance moved silently.

We ran past Forsyth Park, where the iconic fountain sparkled in the early sunlight.

We reached the end of the riverside path, pausing to catch our breath. The sun was higher now, casting a warm glow over the water. I looked out at the river, the horizon blurring with possibilities.

I remembered our walks in Sentinel, the laughter, and the effortless conversations that once came so naturally. Could we ever return to that?

As if he could read my thoughts, Anson spoke, his voice soft yet earnest. "I know I have a lot to make up for."

I glanced at him, catching the sincerity in his eyes. But I didn't respond.

"I know that it's going to take a lot to fix things," he continued. "I understand that, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes."

I turned to face him, searching his eyes for any hint of deceit. All I saw was determination and a glimmer of hope.

"I have nothing to give you," I said honestly.

He smiled. "One step at a time, Sugar."

When we got home, he brushed his lips against my cheek at my doorstep. "Thanks for letting me join you."

Like I had a choice, buddy!

"I say you should have sex with him," Katya suggested.

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