Page 34 of Ice Melts

He nudged her with his shoulder. “It really was. I wish we could do that every day.”

“Me too. Nothing seems as hard. We got this.” She held up her hand for a fist bump.

“We totally do.”

Eventually they went back inside, showered up and had another amazing, cozy, romantic evening alone together. The airlines notified them that flights were open in the morning. The magical escape was ending. But Sarah felt inspired and empowered. And she knew what she wanted to do.

She couldn’t tell Travis because he would appreciate some of it and not welcome the rest. But it was important and she really thought she could fix things.

They woke the next morning, both a little pensive, but both also tender and hopeful. Before climbing in their shared ride to the airport, he held her close. “I will never forget this week. I’ll call you when I land.”

“Thank you for everything Travis. Call me in a couple days. How about that?”

Hurt flashed through his eyes but he nodded. “Fair. But I’ll be twitching and thinking about you and wanting to call until then.”

“Aren’t you supposed to pretend to be hard to get or something?”

“I’m way past that. I’m yours if you want me. I thought I did enough convincing…” He opened the door. “If not, I’m happy to work on that some more.” He winked and looked so enticing she had to laugh.

“More than anything, I’d like to see what kind of convincing you got for me.” She stood on her toes and pressed her lips to his. “But I have to do this. And I’m ready for some closure so I can be free for more of you.”

He nodded, a hint of worry still in his expression but there was nothing she could do about that right now.

When they stepped off the porch and into the car, she was already thinking ahead, already planning the next few days and the articles she would write.

He could sense that and was busy on his phone for the ride to the airport. They separated after security.

Sarah was full of energy and drive. Things were going to be so much better from here on out. As long as Jess was willing.

And that was the one thing she had no control over, and the one thing she was banking her whole relationship with Travis around. Crossing her fingers was not enough. Prayers, hope and good thoughts filled her as she prepared for the next couple days.

Before even Jess, Sarah had to face Tatum.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Sarah had been dreading this conversation for days, no, years, since high school really, but more so since Travis had shown back up in her life.

She’d managed to put it off while she and Travis were snowed in at the lake house, curled up by the fire, wrapped in thick blankets, talking about everything and nothing. It had been a perfect weekend, untouched by the outside world. No phones, no distractions—just them, lost in the warmth of the cabin and the easy comfort of being together again.

But now? Reality had set back in.

And reality meant facing Tatum.

They met at their favorite coffee shop, a cozy, book-filled place on the corner of downtown. It smelled like vanilla and cinnamon, and the soft hum of chatter filled the space. Sarah had chosen this spot for a reason. Everyone was in a good mood surrounded by good smells and books.

Tatum arrived with her usual flair—hair swept up into a messy bun, oversized sweater draped off one shoulder, and an oat milk latte already in hand. She spotted Sarah immediately and slid into the chair across from her.

“Alright,” Tatum said, setting her drink down. “You’re being weird. What’s up?”

Sarah bit her lip, twisting her fingers together. She should have known she couldn’t ease into this.

Tatum’s eyes narrowed. “Oh no. You’ve got that guilty face. What did you do?”

Sarah took a deep breath, her stomach tightening. “It’s about Travis.”

That got her attention. Tatum leaned forward, interest sparking in her eyes. “Okay…? Go on.”

Sarah hesitated, then just ripped off the Band-Aid. “What would you say if I told you that I, um… might have feelings for him?”

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