Rising from the bed, she insists, “Miracles happen sometimes. And you should wash your hair because your miracle might flee from the stink.”

“Arrgh! You and Daniel are perfect for each other,” I groan in feigned annoyance.

She blushes at my comment, a soft smile spreading across her face. “It’s why we’re married, darling. Now, wash your hair,” she repeats before leaving.

They are both overreacting; my hair doesn’t stink that much, I protest, taking a deep breath of my own hair. “Gross, that’s bad!” I gag, the scent overwhelming me.

But before I head to the shower, Julia’s words linger in my mind, sparking an idea:

When all hope is lost, one can only pray for a miracle.

A miracle is all I need.

Chapter twenty-six

Elliot

You’ve ignored her for too long, El. She leaves town in an hour, so you either come make amends or forget about any connection you had to her or to me.

With love, Julia

I stare at this message for over ten minutes, my heart racing with indecision. Olivia gave me three days to come back, and when I finally made up my mind, it feels like it’s already too late. What could I possibly say that would redeem myself in her eyes? A week has passed, and she probably hates me.

As I struggle to decide my next move, the door of my restaurant creaks open. “We’re not open yet, come—” The words catch in my throat as I look up to see Daniel standing there.

I haven’t seen him since the day of our fight, and I haven’t had a chance to apologize for anything. My palms suddenly feel sweaty as I take careful steps toward him, unsure if he’s here to hit me again for the pain I’ve caused his sister.

“You have time to talk? And I could really use a cup of coffee,” he says, the atmosphere thick with tension.

“Yeah, I’ll get you something,” I reply, turning on the coffee maker.

He comes to my side, tapping his fist against the counter rhythmically, the awkwardness palpable. “Umm, I just realized that I might have overreacted last time,” he admits, his tone unexpected.

“No, Daniel, you had every right to be mad. I was the one in the wrong,” I say, my voice laced with regret.

He nods in agreement. “Yeah, I felt the same way until I had to watch my sister suffer for days.” He glances away, his expression softening.

Knowing that Olivia was hurting feels like a dagger to my already wounded heart. “I’m sorry for everything. I didn’t mean for this to happen. I wish I could take it all back and that Ollie and I never happened. But we did.” I bow my head, shame washing over me.

“I didn’t come here for an apology, El. I came here to know one thing. Do you love my sister?” His eyes search mine, demanding honesty, and I know I owe him that much.

“I do, Daniel. I love her more than I’ve ever loved anyone. I have no idea when or how those feelings started, but I’d willingly give my life for her.”

“Good,” he says, his tone firm. “Because she loves you too, and you’re going to follow me now and repeat those same words to her.”

I stutter in confusion. “I don’t understand. Julia said she was leaving today. I think I’m too late.”

“Leaving?” Daniel looks puzzled for a moment before realization dawns on him. “I think my wife might have been working a little trickery on you. But if you don’t tell Ollie how you feel now, that fake scenario might just become a reality.”

I race after him, shutting down the restaurant and hopping into his car as he drives off at full speed. My heart beats in afrantic rhythm, and when he pulls up in front of the house, I barely wait for the car to come to a stop before leaping out.

“Olivia!” I yell, bursting through the door and scanning the room until I spot her and Julia standing in the kitchen. She looks surprised, but I ignore the time we’ve spent apart as I rush into her arms, enveloping her in a desperate hug.

“I’m so sorry, babe. I’m sorry,” I mumble, but she slowly peels my arms away, searching my face for answers.

“Olivia, I’m sorry for letting you go and for taking so long to come back. I’m sorry it took me this long to realize that you’re my detour down unfamiliar paths, and I should never have been scared in the first place,” I say, a smile breaking through her confusion.

“Hold on, that’s a quote from my blog. How do you know that?” she asks, her brows furrowing.