Page 7 of Second Chance Serenity

“And here you are, married with a sweet baby girl.”

“And another on the way,” she whispers.

My mood instantly perks up. “Really? That’s amazing!”

She laughs and presses her finger to her lips. “Shh. We’re keeping the news tight-lipped for now.” She’s beaming, though. Positively glowing with joy, and it eases my own sour mood.

Lilly is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met, and knowing she and Alex are so happy, even after everything they went through, honestly gives me hope that maybe one day—someday—Reyna will forgive me for what I did.

“Order up!” Alex calls out.

Lilly turns and retrieves the Styrofoam to-go container, then offers it to me as I set a twenty on the counter. “Give her time, okay?”

“Thanks.” I take the container and leave, my mind still on Reyna. The trouble is, I’ve given her time. I’ve been home for nearly five years. How much longer will it take? Will she ever forgive me? Or am I merely holding onto a ghost?

“How’s this?” I ask then glance back at Mrs. McGinley.

She cocks her head to the side, studying the photograph she asked me to hang on the back wall of the library. “Perfect. Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome.” I climb down the ladder and smile at the aged woman. She was practically a second grandmother to me growing up, and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her. “What else do you need?”

“Well. If you don’t mind, I could use—” She trails off when the bell above the door rings. My breath catches as Reyna walks in wearing a bright yellow sundress, her red hair twisted in a braid that cascades down over her shoulder.

So much beauty.

Her emerald gaze finds mine and hardens.

“You better close your mouth, boy,” Mrs. McGinley whispers. “Reyna! Thank you so much for stopping by.”

The moment she says it, I know that this was not happenstance. Mrs. McGinley has a habit of playing matchmaker. She and Edna Montgomery—a friend of hers who passed away last year—take great joy in helping others find love.

Surely she doesn’t think this one meeting will change things, does she?

“Thank you for calling me. You said you have the box?”

“I do. But it is quite heavy.” She turns to me. “Michael, can you be a dear and take Reyna to the back room? There’s a large tub of books there that I am donating to the school’s library.”

“Sure thing.”

“I’m sure Michael has other things to do,” Reyna replies coolly. “I can find the box.”

“It’s quite heavy, honey,” Mrs. McGinley assures her.

“I can take them out a few at a time.” And she would, too. I know that without a doubt. Reyna would spend all day taking each book out individually just to avoid having to let me help with anything.

“I don’t mind. I’m on my way out, anyway. I can get it into your car.”

Reyna forces a smile at Mrs. McGinley. “Thanks again.”

“Anytime, honey. Michael, it’s the one with the blue lid.”

“On it.” I wait for Reyna to walk past me just so I can smell her floral perfume. I’m weak for her. And the fact that I would be willing to fall to my knees and beg her in front of God and everyone for a second chance grates against my pride.

But I don’t miss the chance to inhale her scent as she walks past me and into the back room. “It’s right there,” Reyna says as she points to the tub. “But I really don’t need your help.”

“You never do.” I lift the tub, surprised that it is actually quite heavy. But when I catch Reyna’s gaze on my arms as I turn to face her, my mood is instantly lifted.

So she’s not immune to me. Not completely anyway.

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