Page 116 of Your Second Chance
I gave her a tired smile and pulled her into a quick hug. “Thanks for watching her, Mae. You’ve been a lifesaver these past few weeks.”
She patted my back gently. “It’s been a joy getting to know her better. You’re doing great, sweetheart.” She hesitated, then added more softly, “And how’s everything going with Ollie?”
I shrugged, trying not to let the ache of missing him creep into my voice. “It’s been about eight weeks since he applied for his visa. We’re hoping to have him home before the holidays. He’s anxious to get here.”
“I can imagine,” she said, glancing around at the maze of moving boxes cluttering the living room. “On the bright side, at least the house will be unpacked by the time he arrives.”
I smiled faintly, looking at the home we were building piece by piece. “True.”
My eyes wandered over our new space. It was a newer build with the charm of an older home—tall windows with black mullions, a wraparound porch perfect for summer evenings, and clean, yet cozy finishes inside. The hardwood floors looked reclaimed, even though they were brand new, and the high ceilings gave every room a bright, airy feel.
The backyard stretched far and wide, connecting the main house to the guest house at the edge of the property, where Luna lived. Unlike in London, where we shared a tiny garden between us, the distance here felt substantial. It wasn’t a quick step out the door—it was a proper walk across a sprawling lawn, and in the biting Chicago cold, that sucked. We told each other it was the first time we’d actually lived apart, even if we were much closer than most.
I already missed the convenience of yelling through an open window or popping over for tea without bundling up first. Luna was covering a third of the cost, I’d fronted another with what was left of Austin’s money, and Ollie had insisted on paying the final share. It was a compromise he’d only agreed to because Luna and I refused to let him buy the whole thing.
“Mama, I’m ready.” Scarlette’s little voice broke through my thoughts as she appeared at the top of the stairs, her sparkly red dress twirling as she spun in excitement.
“You look beautiful, sweetheart.” I smiled up at her.
“Her hair is the best part.”
“Luna.” I stared at Luna’s white fur coat. “What are you wearing?”
“This ole thing?” She laughed and gave me a spin.
It was too much for a holiday performance at an elementary school, but Luna’s spark had come back since I’d moved back here with her. She was herself again. It wasn’t back fully, but she was working things out with Dirks. It was nice, but at the same time, I felt bad for keeping her in a place that was making her miserable.
We all kissed Aunt Mae goodbye and headed outside to the car.
“I hate that you drive on the other side,” Scarlette grumbled, and Luna and I laughed as we buckled her into her car seat.
“It takes getting used to.”
“Can we call my Ollie?”
“Of course, baby.” I pulled out my phone and plugged it into the car.
I hit the dial button, and the Bluetooth speakerphone crackled to life. Ollie answered on the first ring, his deep voice filling the car.
“Hello, loves,” he said warmly, the sound of his voice instantly soothing the tightness in my chest.
“Hi, Ollie,” Scarlette squealed, her excitement radiating from the back seat.
“Hi, Scar,” he said, his voice softening. “How’s your big day going so far?”
“She’s off to charm her new classmates,” I chimed in, glancing at Scarlette in the rearview mirror.
“And we’re late,” Luna added with a dramatic sigh, earning a laugh from Ollie.
“Never change, Luna.” I could hear the grin in his voice.
“I wish you were here,” Scarlette said quietly.
“Me too, sweet girl. I’ll be there soon, I promise. And when I am, we’ll have so much to catch up on.”
Scarlette kicked her feet against the seat lightly, a small pout forming. “You’d like my dress. It’s sparkly.”
“I bet you look absolutely beautiful. You’ll have to have Mum take lots of photos so I can see you, okay?”
