Page 52 of Second Chance with Seth

“You would?”

“Yeah, but it’s not that easy. I can’t…”

“Can’t?” I say, tipping my head to one side.

“Yes. I can’t forget what happened. It’s not that simple. I know you’re saying it was all about me shutting you out, and I understand that. I honestly hadn’t realized I was doing it, but based on the way I’ve been since you got back, I think I might have been, and I apologize. It never occurred to me that you might be grieving, too, and it should have done. So, I’m sorry.”

“You don’t need to be.”

“Yes, I do… but the thing is, for me, it’s always been about Helen, and if I’m being honest, I’m still struggling with that. I know you say she meant nothing, and I want to believe you, but when I close my eyes, all I can see is the two of you together. That’s what I was trying to say just now. I can’t forget whathappened, or how easily she got under your skin… and I’m so damn scared she’ll do it again.”

I clasp her face between both of my hands. “I won’t let her. Please, Everly… don’t give up on me.”

“I’m not. I’m just explaining why I’m saying ‘maybe’ and not ‘yes’.”

“Because you need me to prove myself?”

“Because I need to learn to trust you… as much as I want you.”

She whispers those last few words, but I hear them loud and clear and I lower my lips to hers, kissing her gently, in the softest of caresses.

“I’m grateful you want me, and I want you, too… so damn much,” I murmur.

“We need to get it right this time,” she breathes, clinging to me. “We’ve got River to think about. It’s not just us anymore.”

“I know.”

I kiss her again and then pull back, releasing her. She looks up at me, her eyes filled with doubt. “What are you doing?”

“Letting you go, like you asked me to.”

“Oh.” She can’t disguise the disappointment in her voice and I lean in again.

“I can come by tomorrow, though, if you like?”

“Well… I… I was wondering if you’d like to come over for dinner tonight?”

I smile at her hesitation… like she thinks there’s any doubt I’m ever gonna say anything other than ‘yes’ to such a perfect invitation.

“I’d love to come to dinner.”

“You would?”

She’s surprised?

“What time?” I ask, cutting to the chase.

“Can you make it by six?” she asks.

“Of course I can, but the coffee shop doesn’t close until seven, does it? I mean, I don’t mind waiting, but…”

She puts her hand on my chest again, and I stop talking. It’s an automatic reaction, which I can’t help… and I don’t really want to.

“I changed it to six when River was born,” she says, answering my unasked question. “If you could come over then, you’d be here in time for her bath, and you could help me put her to bed, if you like?”

I’m frozen to the spot, unable to think, or move, or breathe, and I just stare at her, until she says my name, and I nod my head.

“I—I’d love that. Thank you.”

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