Page 146 of Your Second Chance
Our family and friends followed closely behind us, their laughter and cheers filling the air. Ollie’s dad clapped him firmly on the back. His mum didn’t hesitate, pulling me into an all-encompassing hug.
Scarlette dashed ahead, her curls bouncing as she called out, “I’m getting the best seat.”
She darted toward the main house, her excitement infectious as everyone slowly trailed behind her. I stood still for a moment, watching them all—this patchwork of people we loved, bound together by this union.
I tugged gently on Ollie’s hand, stopping him in his tracks just as the first rumble of thunder echoed in the distance. The sky cracked, and fat raindrops began to fall. Luna and Aunt Mae squealed, laughing as they bolted for the house, their dresses swishing as they ran.
Ollie instinctively pulled me toward the house, but I shook my head, stopping him with a smile tugging at my lips.
“Dance with me, Mr. Stone.”
The rain was falling steadily, droplets catching in my hair and running down my cheeks.
He smiled and he held out his hand. “It would be my pleasure, Mrs. Stone.”
We stayed there, in the middle of the gravel driveway, ignoring the rain pouring down. He slid his hand around my waist, pulling me close, while his other hand held mine gently. We swayed together, as though the rain was part of our music.
“Tell me something serious,” he murmured, his lips brushing against my ear.
I leaned into him as I let the words escape. “I didn’t know this feeling was possible,” I whispered. “For a long time, I thought I was going to die—either by withering away or... doing it myself.” My throat tightened as I paused, my emotions catching up to me. “Now, there’s so much light here. With you.”
He stopped moving for a moment, his hand tightening on my waist as he pulled me closer. He pressed his lips to my temple, a quiet reassurance that I wasn’t alone anymore.
“I’ll spend every day making sure you never feel the dark again.”
We stayed there, letting the rain soak us to the bone as we held each other, the world around us blurring into nothing but this moment.
Thunder rolled in the distance, and instead of worry, it sent a burst of laughter through us both. I looked up at Ollie, his hair plastered to his forehead, his clothes drenched, and his face lit with pure joy. His laughter was contagious, filling the air between us as the rain continued to pour.
Without a word, he kissed me, spinning me around like we were the only two people in the world. My laughter mixed with his.
“Come on.” He grinned as he set me back on my feet. “Let’s get you warmed up.”
I paused, looking into his assured eyes, the rain dripping between us, unable to break the connection we shared. Without another word, we took off running toward the house, hand in hand, soaking wet, but utterly happy.
As we reached the door, Luna stood there, holding an oversized plaid blanket with an exaggerated look of disapproval. “Thought you’d be cold,” she said, smirking as she wrapped it around us.
Ollie, never missing an opportunity, grabbed her in a bear hug, drenching her instantly.
“Oliver Stone,” she shrieked, laughing as she tried to wriggle free. “I hope you know this is war.”
Still laughing, she disappeared toward the kitchen, muttering something about revenge, and Ollie released me,giving me a quick kiss on the forehead before heading into the dining room.
I lingered, leaning against the doorframe as I watched everyone gather around the table. Plates were being passed, laughter rang through the air, and the room was filled with celebration. Ollie took his place at the head of the table.
I stood there, wrapping the blanket tightly around my waist, letting the scene before me sink into my very soul. This was my family.
My home.
My light.
Darkness was inevitable, a constant part of life, slipping in without warning and threatening to consume everything. As I stood there, watching the people I loved, it became clear—light doesn’t erase the dark; it shines through it. This love, this laughter—it was my proof. My anchor.
I knew I couldn’t stop the hard days from coming, and couldn’t guarantee that shadows wouldn’t fall over us again. What I could do was hold onto this moment with everything I had. Because even when the world goes dim, this is the kind of light that lingers.
Ollie’s eyes met mine from across the room, and for a moment, everything else faded. The laughter, the clinking of dishes, the hum of conversation—it all melted away, leaving the two of us in a slow-motion moment that belonged to no one else. A small, knowing smile curved his lips as he held out a chair beside him.
A flash of lightning illuminated the window behind them, followed by a soft rumble of thunder that seemed to echo in my chest.
I paused and smiled, my heart aching but full, as I whispered, “Hi, Mami.”
She was here. In the light, in the love, in this moment I would never forget.
I knew right then that this wasn’t a celebration of two people in love. It was my second chance—at love, at family, at finding the light I never thought I deserved.
“You coming, love?”
I stepped forward, leaving the darkness behind, walking toward everything I’d ever needed.
