Page 39 of Bleeding Hearts

When she sees me, her shoulders sag like she thinks I’m about to scold her. “Sorry. I didn’t mean for this to get so out of hand.”

With a wave of my left hand, I dismiss that thought. “Please. We all need to let it out, and this is great. I might have to add it to my list of shit to do for my clients. Have you burned his things yet?”

“We did that a couple of days ago. Nolan helped.” Bending, Cora reaches for the scissors and then shifts her attention to the dress suspended on a rope I presume was hung by her andher friend. It’s looped over a long branch that hangs over the drive. Pretty impressive. They’ve covered something tall behind it with a blue tarp and laid another orange one on the concrete. Probably to keep Nolan from losing his mind, considering they’ve made one big mess.

“To replace my bachelorette party, we thought this would be therapeutic.” She stares at the dress and then, out of nowhere, burst into tears and falls onto her ass. “Why is this so fucking hard?”

“Everything worth molding us into a better version of ourselves has to hurt.” I know what I sound like, and when Cora glares at me, I can’t help but snicker. “I know, crazy, right? But think about it. When we look back on the toughest trials we’ve faced, later we realize how much we’ve grown. I know you’re tired of hearing this, but in a few years, you’ll look back on this whole shitshow and realize this was a turning point in your life. One that provided you with the freedom for personal growth that led you to become a better version of yourself.”

Cora doesn’t look convinced.

“Plus, can I be honest with you?” I wait for her to nod. “I always thought you were too good for him. There was just something off about him. He never seemed as into you as you were him.”

“Amen!” Rylee shouts, and then shrugs. “What? It’s true. I believe I said the same thing not long after you got engaged. Asked you if you were sure. I dropped it when you said you were, because if you were happy, I was happy for you, even if I wasn’t a fan of fuck face.”

Pulling up to the house in his truck, Nolan emerges, looking concerned. “Do I even want to know?”

“I’ll clean it up.” Cora falls onto her back, gazing up at the sky. “You know what I think? I think you and my brother should use the room Troy booked for us this weekend. The hotel calledearlier this week to confirm the reservation. Seems he forgot to cancel and now it’s too late to do so. Rylee and I considered partying in it hard and putting everything on his tab, forcing him to foot the bill. But you two should use it instead. The girls are with Susanne this weekend. Nolan doesn’t have to work because he already had it scheduled off. We can get smashed at Rylee’s before she gives me a ride to the airport. It’s too nice of a suite to let go to waste. Are you free, Beth?”

My eyes drift to the man who’s occupied my thoughts ever since he left my home last weekend; his absence awakening sensations long dormant. “Yep. The boys have plans. Alicia left for DC to pack up her life and move here. There’s one thing I’d need to do, but after I take care of that, I was planning to just enjoy the quiet.”

“Perfect. I’ll send the information to Nolan.” From her position on the ground, Cora glances in my direction. “Thanks for being honest. You’re right. I’m not ready to hear it yet, but one day after my heart stops bleeding, I’ll think back to this, and your words will sink in. You should charge me for a session.”

“You’re going to be fine, Cora. You’re a strong woman. I’m glad you’re taking this trip. I’m optimistic about it. A change of scenery can provide fresh insight.” The sight of a car pulling into my driveway has me wrapping this up. “I need to go. That’s my ride. Once I get back, I’ll call you, Nolan. We can talk about this idea your sister has.”

Nolan walks up to me and offers me his arm. “Is that an Uber?”

Holding onto him, he helps me walk across the street. “Yep. I need to talk to Dillon. Jodi called me an hour ago. Said he looked a little lost.”

“I could’ve driven you.” He opens the backdoor so I can climb in. “I was just at the gym.”

“It’s fine. I’m not sure how long I’ll be and didn’t want to bother you.” With a flick of my wrist, I throw my cane inside and lift my eyes to meet his gaze. “I’ll call you when I get back.”

He nods, grabs my face, and leans down to kiss me. “FYI, you could never bother me by calling. Next time you need a ride, call me first. Understand?”

“We’ll see.” I pat his cheek and slide into the car.

The door closes behind me, and Nolan takes a step back. He’s not happy with my answer, and I know I’ll catch some flak for it later. But he’ll come to learn that I do things my way. Refusing to rely on anyone to take care of me or my needs.

The sooner he learns that, the better.

Chapter 20

Bethany

We walk into the nicestsuiteI’ve ever seen, and my heart beats a little faster. “Is this Troy guy rich?”

“His family is rich.” Nolan rolls my bag down the hall to where I assume the bedroom is. “He’s not.”

Stepping further inside, I mosey over to the open French doors using my cane—I hate this damn thing—and onto the screened-in porch. I’ve lived in Savannah for several years and have never ventured up to Palmetto Bluff.

The view is breathtaking.

This isn’t a hotel suite. It’s a private cottage that looks out over the river with a lush green lawn and palm trees. The perfect escape from the world.

Tension from the last few months dissolves with each deep breath.

Nolan’s strong arms encircle me, his body heat a welcome comfort pressing against my back, his presence a silent surprise.

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