Page 158 of Chasing Olivia (Trace + Olivia 2)

Tears leaked out of my eyes as I began to read.

Olivia,

If you’re reading this then that means I’m dead. Sorry about that. Some things cannot be helped. I held out for as long as I could. I fought hard, I promise you that. I’m sorry I wasn’t strong enough to stay longer, but my time has come to an end and I must say goodbye. I love you very much. I know you know that, but I felt the need to say it again. I couldn’t have picked a better woman to steal my grandson’s heart. You bring out a side to him that’s been missing since his dad died. You make him smile and laugh. You’ve shined a light into all his darkest places and driven away his demons. I can’t thank you enough for that. You don’t know what he was like after his dad died…I feared he lost his way. I worked hard to bring him back, but you didn’t have to work at it. You’re his soul mate, Olivia. Soul mates are hard to find, but I managed to find mine in Ellie. Hold him close, and never ever let go. Live your life, Olivia. Don’t dwell on the bad things. Move past them, together. That was one of the most important things I learned while married to Ellie…together, we could solve any problem and conquer any hurdle. I want the best for you and Trace. I know you’re both bound for great things. I’m proud of Trace for following his dream and choosing not to take over the company. He should be admired for making the less easy choice. If he ever doubts his decision, remind him of this. As for you, my sweet Olivia, write that book. Don’t let life get in the way of your dreams. Our dreams can take us anywhere as long as we let them. So, spread those wings and fly baby girl.

All my love, forever,

Gramps.

A few weeks later…

“What do you think?” Trace took a step back with his hands on his hips, assessing the new sign on the garage.

WENTWORTH WHEELS

“It’s…interesting,” I eyed the name now emblazoned on what was once Pete’s Garage.

“You don’t like it,” he frowned, his brows furrowing together.

“No, I do.” Actually, I thought it was ridiculous, but I didn’t want to hurt his feelings so I kept my mouth shut. Two weeks ago, Pete had handed the business over to Trace. It had been shut down since then as Trace prepped to open the garage under its new management. Pete had left him all of the equipment since he didn’t need it, but the place had been in need of a serious makeover. Now, it sparkled with a renewed life.

The last few weeks had been hard, since we were still mourning the loss of Gramps, but Trace was better since he’d been putting so much time and energy into opening the garage as his own. It was a welcome distraction for him.

“Don’t lie.”

“I’m not lying,” I laughed. “I wasn’t expecting that though,” I shrugged, pointing at the sign.

“I thought it was catchy,” he crossed his arms over his chest. “Better than Trace’s Garage, at least.”

“Yeah, this is better than that,” I admitted. “I’m really proud of you,” my voice brightened as I smiled at him. I knew it had been hard for Trace to admit that taking over the family business wasn’t for him. He wanted to please his family, but he would’ve been miserable leading his family’s company. Instead, his mom had stepped up to the plate and filled Gramps’ shoes. She had worked for the company after she married Trace’s dad and after he’d died she’d continued to put in hours.

“Thanks,” he slung his arm around my shoulders and pulled me in for a kiss.

After looking at the sign for another minute, we made our way into the apartment.

Trace stopped in the kitchen, leaning a hip against the counter. “I noticed you canceled your job interviews.”

“Yeah,” I bit my lip, remembering the words Gramps had written in his letter. As for you, my sweet Olivia, write that book. Don’t let life get in the way of your dreams. Our dreams can take us anywhere as long as we let them. So, spread those wings and fly baby girl.

After reading Gramps letter, I knew taking a job teaching wasn’t what I really wanted to do. Writing a book would be hard, and I might not ever do it, but I wouldn’t know until I tried. So, for the time being I’d continue to work at Marcy’s store and write in my spare time. Who knew where i

t would go, but at least I’d be happy, and happiness was the key to everything.

“So…does this mean you’re going to write that book?” He paused waiting for me to respond. When I didn’t say anything, he grabbed an apple and bit into it. He arched a brow as he eyed me from across the counter.

There was no point in not telling him my plan. I knew he would support my decision. Besides, this is what he’d wanted me to do all along. I strode forward and grabbed my laptop. I plopped on the couch and opened the lid of the computer. “Yeah, I am and I’m going to start right now,” my voice shook nervously with fear. Admitting this was a big step for me.

“And what story are you going to write?” His eyes sparkled and his lips threatened to turn up in his signature cocky grin.

“Ours.”

e p i l o g u e

A year later…

I stared out the window of our new home, smiling at the white picket fence and the idyllic setting. The new house was close to the garage, but we wanted to get an actual house so Ace would have room to run around a yard. Plus, with the baby due any day now, he kind of needed his own bedroom. The apartment would not have been a great place to bring a baby home to.

I turned, picking up the picture on the side table. It was of Trace and me, kissing Gramps’ cheeks at the wedding. I couldn’t believe he’d already been gone more than a year. His loss still felt fresh but we were moving on and we were happy. We had everything we could ever ask for and more.

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