Page 19 of Fight for You

“This could be our second chance. A chance for us to start over. To forget about our past and work on building a future together.”

Leo and I are many things, but even he has doubts and insecurities even if he didn’t want to talk about them in the open. He hasn’t ever rushed me into anything, and that makes me love him even more.

“Well, I’ve been seeing someone too. From work. A doctor.” Candace says, not being able to stop smiling. “I know, I know. Shouldn’t date someone who I work with, but you should see him. He looks like he just stepped out of a freaking movie. Plaid and all, baby!”

Her sense of humor always keeps me on my toes. Her analogies are top notch. Honestly, I didn’t know what I’d do without her in my life. Candace is quirky and relentless, but never has she turned her back on me. And believe me she has plenty of opportunities.

“Go get your man. I know you love me, but… go snatch up your boo!”

I laugh and stand up. “Okay. Okay.”

Things are going to be different now. This is a brand-new Brylee.

13

Leo

As I park the car, the sun flickers and the gentle breeze carries the scent of blooming jasmine. Brylee comes into view, her hair shimmering in the sunlight like a halo. My heart skips a beat at the sight of her. She looks up and smiles, a radiant beam that warms my soul, making me forget all about the worries and stresses of the day.

I quickly get out of the car, my steps eager as I close the distance between us. “What are you doing here?”

Brylee tucks a loose strand of hair behind her hair. “Oh, just thought I’d take a stroll and maybe see if you were around.”

“Well, you’re in luck then. Wanna come inside?”

“I could use a drink,” she says, following me.

I grab two cold beers from the fridge. She has been coming over more lately. Maybe that’s a good sign. I hand Brylee a cold bottle and pop open mine, taking a long sip as I study her features. She takes a sip, a contented sigh escaping her lips and we sink into the couch.

“I’ve been thinking… about everything that’s been happening lately…I know I have these… issues, you know? Trust issues, abandonment issues… I was stuck in that cycle.”

I reach out and take her hand in mine, offering her a reassuring squeeze. “It’s okay to feel overwhelmed.”

Tears shimmer in her eyes as she looks at me. “I’ve been seeing a therapist. Trying to work through all of this… trying to find some peace within myself.”

We discussed not rushing into anything, especially with her mentioning she wants to figure some things out first. “Have they been helping?”

“She has helped me work through all these tangled emotions that have been haunting me for so long.”

I listen as she opens up about her struggles, her words painting a vivid picture of the battles she has fought within herself. The vulnerability in her eyes tugs at my heart, urging me to offer her comfort and support in any way I can. I reach out and gently brush a stray stand of hair away from her face, my touch light and comforting.

“I admire your strength and resilience. You’ve been through so much, and yet here you are, facing the demons head-on.”

She gives me a small, grateful smile, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “It hasn’t been easy, but being here with you… it feels different. It feels right.”

“I’ll be here for you every step of the way.”

Brylee’s eyes search mine. “How can you be so sure? I’ve pushed people away before… I’ve sabotaged good things because I was scared.”

I squeeze her hand, the warmth of our connection grounding me. “Because I know the depths of my own heart. I see the light within you, Brylee, even when you find it hard to believe in yourself.”

Tears glisten in her eyes. “You make it sound so simple.”

“It’s not simple,” I reassure her, “but it is worth it. Love is not always easy, but when you find someone who sees all of you—the light and the shadows—and chooses to stay, that’s where true happiness lies.”

Brylee leans closer, her head resting on my shoulder as she lets out a sigh. “I want to believe in us… I want to believe that we can navigate through the storms together.”

“We will,” I promise, wrapping my arm around her. “We’ll weather every storm that comes our way.”

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