Page 27 of Fight for You

“Tucker,” I reply, unable to tear my gaze away from the approaching vehicle. “He's back.”

Leo stiffens at the mention of my ex-husband's name, an uneasy silence settling between us. As the truck comes to a halt in front of the house, he reluctantly releases me from his embrace, stepping back to give me space.

“Brylee!” Tucker calls out as he climbs out of his truck, flashing me a charming smile that once held the power to weaken my knees. He looks every bit the man I had fallen in love with years ago - sandy hair tousled by the wind, and piercing blue eyes.

“Hi, Tucker,” I say hesitantly, trying to keep my voice steady. Glancing at Leo, I see the discomfort etched across his handsome face, a stark contrast to his usual easygoing demeanor.

“I need to talk to you.” Tucker walks towards the porch, his confident swagger unchanged.

“Maybe this isn't the best time,” Leo interjects, stepping forward to place himself protectively between Tucker and I.

“Leo, it's okay,” I assure him, resting a hand on his arm. I must face my past eventually, and delaying the inevitable will only make things more complicated. “Tucker and I need to talk.”

“Are you sure?” Leo asks, his voice wavering with concern as he searches my eyes for any hint of doubt. Tucker caused me so much pain.

“I'm sure,” I reply, mustering all the courage I can. With a nod, Leo reluctantly steps back, his brown eyes never leaving Tucker's face.

“Alright,” he says, clenching his fists at his sides. “I'll give you two some space.” With that, he turns and walks away, leaving me to confront my past and the uncertain future that lay ahead.

As the door closes behind Leo, a wave of anxiety washes over me, unsure of what Tucker's return means. And though I can't predict what will come next, Lawson Ridge will ever be the same again.

We stand on the porch, the fading sun casting long shadows across the yard. The silence between us is heavy with unspoken words, and I clench my fists, trying desperately to ward off the storm of emotions brewing.

“Look, Brylee,” Tucker says, his voice soft but insistent, like a gentle rain threatening a downpour. “I messed up, and I can't change the past. But I've changed, and I want to make things right.”

I stare at the wooden planks beneath my feet, unwilling to meet his piercing blue gaze. The phantom pain of our tumultuous marriage coming back - the lies, the betrayal, and the shattered trust that left my heart in tatters.

“Can you really change, though?” I ask. “Or are you saying what I want to hear?”

“Hey, I mean it,” Tucker insists, stepping closer. “I've spent the last few months reflecting on my mistakes, and I promise you, I'm not the same man who gave up on us.”

My chest tightens as I fight back tears. My mind wanders to Leo - strong, dependable Leo who has been there for her when I needed him most. He had shown me what true love and happiness can be, and now everything is at risk because of Tucker's return.

“Even if you have changed, it doesn't erase the hurt you caused me,” I say, finally looking him in the eye. “And now that I've rebuilt my life, there isn’t room for you in it.”

“Please, Brylee,” Tucker implores, “give me another chance. I don't deserve it, but I swear I'll do everything I can to make you happy.”

“Leo makes me happy,” I admit with a sigh, the words tasting like bitter truth on my tongue. “I don't want to hurt him, and I don't want to go back to you.”

“Is that really what you want? To be with him?” Tucker asks, his voice cracking with emotion as he searches my face for any sign of hope.

I hesitate, torn between the love I found with Leo and the bittersweet memories of my time with Tucker.

“Yes.”

“Are you happy? Truly happy?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Please let me show you I can be the man you deserve. I’ll do anything.”

My throat tightens as I consider his words.

“I’m sorry. You shouldn’t have shattered our marriage. Now, go back to the city and leave me be. It’s over between us, Tucker. Move on.”

As he walks away, leaving me standing in the fading light, my heart races with uncertainty. What once seemed so simple has become infinitely more complicated.

I stare at the street long after Tucker disappeared.

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