Page 137 of Your Second Chance
I turned to Nova as we trailed behind, her shoulders tense, her hands fidgeting at her sides. “You ready, love?” I asked softly, catching her hand in mine.
She shook her head, her voice trembling. “No. I’m terrified you’re going to hate this, see it as baggage, and leave.”
Her words stopped me in my tracks, and I turned her toward me, cupping her face gently. “I know people you love have left, whether by choice or by nature. I’m not them. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”
Her eyes filled with unshed tears, and she nodded slowly before wrapping her arms around my neck, holding me tightly.
“Marry me,” she murmured, the words so quiet I almost didn’t catch them.
I froze for a moment, her words hanging in the air between us, but I managed a small chuckle, shaking my head.
“Don’t ask me to marry you in front of your ex’s house.” I brushed my thumb along her cheek.
She laughed, the sound light and soft, resting her forehead against my chest. “You ask me again,” she murmured.
I tilted her chin up so her eyes met mine, my gaze locking onto hers. “I’ll ask you, love,” I said firmly, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. “Been waiting almost five years to ask again.”
She gave me a soft smile and nodded, her eyes glistening as she tightened her fingers on my jacket.
“Come on,” I whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Let’s survive this dinner first.”
I walked up to the door and stood next to Scarlette, grabbing her hand. “You’ve been standing here for a minute, what’s taking?—”
The door opened, and immediately, the man who answered crouched down. “Hey, Scarlette. You made it. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas.” She tugged on my hand. “This is my Ollie.”
Austin stood, his blonde hair catching the light from the open doorway. The first thing I noticed was his eyes—bright blue, the exact same shade as Scarlette’s.
As he straightened to his full height, I sized him up instinctively. He was a little shorter than me, leaner, but there was a sharpness to him.
This was the man who had hurt Nova.
A bitter taste rose in my mouth, my hand instinctively tightening around Scarlette’s. Every part of me wanted to grab her and Nova, to turn around and walk right out of there, to take them somewhere safe and far from him. And to think Nova didn’t think I was possessive over her.
She’s mine,my mind screamed, the words clawing their way to the surface.Scarlette is mine. Nova is mine. You cannot have them.
I swallowed it all down, forcing myself to stay rooted in place. This wasn’t about me. This wasn’t even about Austin. This was about Scarlette, about what was best for her.
This was better, I told myself. Scarlette deserved to know where she came from, to have all the pieces of her puzzle.
It was okay. It had to be.
I held out my hand, a peace offering.
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Oliver—or as my girls call me, Ollie.”
I had to addmy girlsbecause they were mine, and I needed him to know.
Austin nodded and shook my hand. “Austin.” Austin turned to the woman next to him, his expression neutral, but his tone holding a note of pride. “This is Charlie, my wife.”
“Hi. Come in. Let’s get you settled.”
Austin’s wife had long, golden blonde hair. She looked cheerful and... normal. Their house was massive, so both of them must’ve done something right financially.
Nova stepped inside first, and my attention was drawn to her. I loved her straightened hair. She flicked her gaze to me, scanning me as though she were trying to read my mood. I nodded and followed her in.
Charlie grabbed Nova’s coat from her and they exchanged words. I couldn’t catch what they said from where I was standing, just I saw Nova’s hands up in the air and heard some awkward laughter.
