Page 64 of Never To Forever

He steps forward, carefully placing the baby in Haven’s arms. Haven looks down at her daughter with an expression of pure love and wonder.

Marie approaches the bed, leaning down to kiss Haven’s forehead.

“She’s beautiful, Haven,” she says softly, her voice trembling.

Haven’s gaze shifts to me.

“Garrett,” she says, her voice tired but warm. “Come meet your niece.”

I step forward hesitantly, my throat tightening as I look at the tiny, perfect face peeking out from the blanket. She’s so small, so fragile, and yet, she’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. I’m overwhelmed with love for this little girl, so much so that my thoughts shift right to Marie and our baby.

If I feel this way at my niece’s birth, what will I feel when my child is born?

Haven smiles up at me.

“Her name is Leila,” she says. “Leila Tallow.”

I swallow hard as I reach out to gently brush a finger against Leila’s tiny hand. Tears well up in my eyes and my heart twists in my chest as I think of Mom and how much she would love this. I hear Marie let out a small sob, but I can’t look away from Leila. She curls her fingers around mine, and I’m officially a goner.

* * *

When visiting hours are over, Marie and I leave the hospital together. We both hate to leave Haven, Christian, and Leila, but we know they all need their rest. Peter brought Oliver over earlier to meet his new sister, but took him back home already to get him fed and ready for bed. The hospital parking lot is quiet as Marie and I walk to my car. The glow of the streetlights reflects off her face, making her look soft and contemplative… but she also looks exhausted.

“Why don’t I give you a ride home?” I say. “We can get your car tomorrow when we come back to visit.”

She appears hesitant, but then sighs and nods. “Okay, that actually sounds good.”

I lead her to my truck, unlock the door and hold it open for her. Once she’s settled, I slide into the driver’s seat, glancing at her out of the corner of my eye. I try to steady the nervous energy bubbling up inside me. Tonight has been overwhelming, in more ways than one, but I’m not ready to let this night end—not until I tell her everything.

“There’s something I want to show you before I take you home,” I say.

She tilts her head, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “What is it?”

“You’ll see,” I reply, starting the truck and pulling out of the parking lot.

The drive to the bookstore doesn’t take long, but the tension in the car feels thick enough to cut with a knife. When we arrive, I park out front and get out, walking around to open her door.

She steps out slowly, her gaze darting to the dimly lit building. “Garrett…. Why are we here?”

“Don’t be mad, but I asked Ally for a favor,” I tell her, pulling a key out of my pocket. “She got me this so I could see what exactly we’d be working with.”

My hands are steady as I unlock the door, and I gesture for her to step inside. The faint smell of mustiness and dust greets us and our footsteps on the worn floor.

Marie looks around, her expression a mixture of confusion and nostalgia. “I don’t understand…”

Taking a deep breath, I steady myself. This is it.

“I’ve been working on a plan,” I begin, my voice low but steady as I turn to face her. “To fix this place up for you.”

Her head snaps toward me, her eyes wide. “What?”

I step closer. “I know how much this place means to you. I know how much your mom means to you, and I know how much you’ve wanted to reopen this place as your own.”

She covers her mouth with her hand, and I can see tears forming in her eyes.

“Why would you do this?” she whispers.

I take another step forward, reaching out to gently take her hands in mine. “Because I’ve been an idiot, Marie. For so long, I let fear hold me back. I made a promise to my mom, and I thought honoring it meant shutting out my own happiness and resisting what I feel for you, but I was wrong.”

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