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From that moment on, he was always there walking me to class, making me laugh when I was having a bad day, and showing up at my house like he was one of the girls. He became my safe place—the one person who didn’t just tolerate my silly quirks but actually liked them.

He never made me wonder or left me guessing about our unlikely friendship. I never had to wonder if he hoped for more. He’d made it clear from the start who held his heart, and it wasn’t me. He was head over heels for our history teacher, Mr. Henson. He’d lie on the floor in my room, going on about something he’d said in class or the clothes he’d worn that day. He knew there was no chance that Mr. Henson would feel the same about him, but that didn’t dampen his crush. If anything, it made him even more appealing.

I didn’t know what it was like to have feelings like that for someone.

And then, Holt came into the picture.

He and Rooks had been friends for years. I never really paid him much attention until the start of my freshman year. It was late—well after midnight, and I’d gone downstairs for a drink of water. He was sitting at the counter eating a bowl of cereal.I decided to join him, and we spent the better part of the night talking alone in the dark. It started more as a friendship, but the spark that ignited between us was undeniable.

I told Marcus about my feelings for Holt, and while he had his reservations, he was supportive. He was never jealous or resentful, not even when I started to spend more time with Holt than I did him. He was a true friend, and he remained my friend even when I was sent away.

He wrote letters, emailed, and called as often as he could. I did the same. When I discovered that I was pregnant, the calls kept coming. He stood by me the entire time, never judging or giving unsolicited advice. But he listened, and he cared. He always wanted the best for me.

I knew that hadn’t changed when he asked, “So, have you been seeing anyone?”

“No, not really.”

“Tallie,” he said, giving me that look. “We talked about this.”

“I know, but I’m just not ready.”

“It’s been five years.”

“I know. I know.” I let out a sigh. Ford was two when I finally gathered the courage to go against my father and reach out to Holt. That’s when I discovered he had been killed in the line of duty. I’d lost him. Our chance for reconnecting was gone. I was so devastated that I shut down and could barely function for months. “I’ve just had so much going on, and to be honest, I haven’t really met anyone I’d want to go out with anyway.”

“I might be able to help out with that.”

The words had barely left his mouth when Ford came rushing in with his new bowl cradled in his hands. “Look, Mom! I did it!”

“Oh, honey.” I smiled through the lump in my throat as I got up and knelt beside him. “It’s perfect, sweetheart.”

“I put a cat face on one side and a dog face on the other. That way, we can use it for whichever pet we get.”

“Smart thinking there, dude.” Marcus chuckled as he stood and said, “I best get going.”

“You just got here.”

“It’s not like I won’t be back.” He gave me a wink. “We’re neighbors now, remember?”

“Neighbors.” I smiled. “I like the sound of that.”

“Me too.” I followed him over to the door, and as he walked out, he told me, “I’ll be seeing you soon.”

“I’ll look forward to it.”

“Remember what I said.”

“I will.”

I watched as he walked out to his car and got inside. He gave me a quick wave and drove off, and I couldn’t help but smile. I had my son, my pottery shop, and my best friend. For the first time in a very long time, I felt like everything was falling into place.

Sadly, the good wasn’t going to last.

In fact, everything was about to go to hell in a handbasket.

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