Page 83 of Second Chance with Seth

“All kinds of things.”

She sighs. “Are you coming back?”

I stand, moving alongside her and grab her hand, pulling her to her feet and out through the swing door. Once there, I hold her in my arms, and even though she’s a little stiff and reluctant, I don’t let go.

“Of course I’m coming back. I know I don’t deserve a single thing from you, but please try to have some faith in me.”

“How long will you be gone for?” she asks, which isn’t really the answer I’d hoped for.

“I don’t know. As long as it takes, I guess.” That probably wasn’t the answer she’d hoped for, either, and she shakes her head at me, proving the point.

“That’s not very helpful, Seth… especially as you haven’t told me why you’re going.”

“I know, but that’s only because I haven’t decided exactly what I’m gonna do yet. All I know for sure is that things have to change.”

“Between us?” she says, pulling back, although I don’t let her go.

“No.”

I bend my head, kissing her, demanding entrance with my tongue. She refuses to grant it and I place my hand behind her head, tipping it slightly, moving closer and flexing my hips against hers. She gasps and I take advantage, sweeping my tongue inside her mouth. I feel the moment she relents, her body relaxing, her tongue flickering against mine. She sighs into my mouth, and I groan back in response before I release her, leaning back enough to look into her eyes.

“Nothing’s ever gonna change between us, Everly. I love you too much to let that happen.” I walk her backwards to where River’s sleeping in her crib, and hold her closer while we gaze at our daughter. “We made a beautiful baby.”

“Yes, we did.”

“I know you’ve said you forgive me for everything I did before, and I hope you still mean that.”

“I do. I just don’t understand why you have to leave,” she says, clinging to me.

“I’d rather I didn’t, but I do.”

“And you really can’t tell me when you’ll be back?”

“As soon as I can. I won’t stay away one second longer than I have to.”

She holds me close, squeezing me tight, and then releases me. “If you’re going, then go.”

“Don’t be like that.”

“I’m not. I’m just saying don’t drag it out. It’s gonna be hard enough without you. The last thing I need is a long, drawn-out goodbye.”

“Okay.” I can see her reasoning, and as much as I’d like to hang around until River wakes up, I have to respect Everly’s wishes. “I’ll call you when I get to Concord.” She nods her head, and I notice the tears have returned to her eyes. “Don’t cry,” I whisper, reaching out to caress her cheek, and although she shakes her head, I don’t think she’s saying ‘no’.

It seems best to leave before I make this any harder for either of us. I bend and kiss River on her forehead, making her wriggle, although she doesn’t wake up, and then I kiss Everly, hard on the lips, just long enough to make her sigh, before I exit through the swing door.

Owen is behind the counter and I wander over to him and lean across.

“Can I ask a favor?”

“Sure,” he says, looking around for Everly.

“I’ve gotta leave town for a while. Can you…?”

“You’re leaving?” he says, interrupting my request.

“Yes.”

He frowns at me. “Is everything okay?”

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