Page 43 of Battle of the Exes

The envelope atop the pile shifts slightly, stirred by the air conditioning. Summer in New York has arrived with a hot and sticky vengeance.

She lingers in the doorway.

“Something on your mind?” I ask.

“Just wondering if my tarot reading came true.”

I think back to her prediction before I left for Silver Pine.It’s the love card, it’s heading your way.

I keep my face flat. “Nope, sorry.”

Mimi plants her hands on her hips and tilts her head, unconvinced. “Hmm.” Then she disappears down the hall.

I glance at the envelope, my pulse picking up when I see the postmark. I open the letter.

Dear Ivy,

I’m in love with a woman who makes me forget how to breathe. She’s sharp-witted, fiercely independent, and has built walls so high, even a seasoned climber wouldn’t stand a chance.

I let her down once. Really let her down. And now she’s gone again.

But I’ve seen the way she looks at me when she thinks I’m not watching. I’ve heard her voice soften when she forgets to guard it. She loves me too, even if she’s not ready to admit it—not to me, not even to herself.

I don’t want to give up. But maybe I should finally accept reality.

So tell me, what do you say to someone who doesn’t believe in second chances but just might be your only shot at forever?

Sincerely,

Seeking a Second Chance in Silver Pine

My eyes sting. My heart skips a beat.

I stare out the window at the blinding New York sun, then turn back to my computer and start writing.

Chapter Forty-Two

Beau

Iwatch a colorful hummingbird flutter to the feeder. The wind chime tinkles softly. I’m on the back patio of Mae’s café. Rusty’s parked under the table, licking frosting off a stolen napkin. My coffee’s half gone as I flick the paper to the advice column. I spear a forkful of omelet, freezing midway to my mouth when I read the opening line.

Dear Seeking,

Sometimes, a second chance isn’t about fixing what went wrong. It’s about having the courage to stay and fight for love even when fear says to run. The hard truth is that love doesn’t wait for the perfect moment; it waits for the brave.

Sounds like she pushed you away. If she’s smart, she’ll realize second chances aren’t just given, they’re earned.

And if you love her the way it seems you do, then you already know she loves you, too.

Ivy

I read it three more times. Enough to memorize the shape of her voice, the notes of hope between the lines.

Rusty lifts his head just before I hear footsteps crunch gravel on the side path. My arms prick with goosebumps. Then I see her.

Ivy.

Faded jeans, tank top, hair loose to her shoulders. She looks terrified and determined all at once. The most beautiful woman I’ve ever known.

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