Page 189 of Ice Mechanic

“I know way more about cars than I do about love.” She ducks her head sheepishly. “And as a mechanic, I warn people constantly about ignoring check engine lights or weird sounds. Still, most peopleonlybring their vehicle to me after it completely breaks down. They ignore every warning sign because maintenance is expensive. It’s a lot of work. Sometimes, it feels like a waste. But in every case, a car that’s maintained well will outrun a car that’s not.”

I nod. At least this is a level of auto repair I can understand. What I don’t understand is what that has to do with us.

“You, Chance,” April’s green eyes sparkle at me as if she can read my thoughts, “you take great care of the car.”

Warmth rushes through me. I look at her, see the collision of sweetness and strength. Of beauty and intelligence. Of innocence and tenacity. And I know she’s going to be the mother of my children.

“April…”

“I can’t do it, Chance. I can’t break up with you.” Her voice is quiet but firm, like the strongest glass. “I support your dreams and I want you to live without regrets so…” She inhales deeply. “No matter how long it takes or how far you go, I’ll be here. I’ll wait for you.”

My heart slams against my ribs.

The love I feel for April Elizabeth Brooks is bone-deep, encoded in my DNA and one hundred percent immoveable.

“Alright then.” April sets the fidget spinner down and leans back like a great weight’s been lifted off her.

“Alright then,” I agree.

She peers at me. “Is that all you have to say?”

“Can anyone top that speech?”

A blush spreads over her face. She quickly changes the subject. “By the way, what are you doing here?”

“Here as in…?”

“In Lucky Falls. What happened to the press conference? Why didn’t you announce you were back in the league today?”

“Because I’m not back in the league.”

“What do you mean?”

“I made a choice.”

She looks at me uneasily. “What choice?”

“I chose you.”

CHAPTER

FIFTY-FIVE

APRIL

He’s wrong.

Those three words topped my entire speech.

I chose you.

I can’t believe he just said that.

My first thought is that Chance is joking, but no. He’s way too serious and looks too intense.

My next thought is that I made a huge mistake.

Chance is about to throw his dreams, his goals, and his progress away because I had a moment of immaturity. Had I not broken down on the phone that night, had I not been so selfish, he wouldn’t be talking like this.

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