Page 55 of Just Another Chance

“How is he going to find Randy?” Addie asks.

“Tanner is former military,” I explain. “He has connections with a lot of people. People who have access to things we don’t. If anyone can find Randy fast, it’s him.”

“Oh, God, I hope so.”

I reach out and take Addie’s hands in mine. “We’re going to find him, sweetheart.”

Addie forces a nod, but I can tell she’s struggling. I want to help get her mind off what’s going on right now as best as I can, and we still have so much to talk about. I want to clear the air.

“Addie? I need you to know that no matter what’s happened between us, it’s never changed my feelings. I’ve loved you through all the ups and downs and after you took off, my heart broke.”

“I’m so sorry, Tanner. I know now that I should’ve found you and talked to you. Not just run off the way I did.”

I shake my head. “I understand why you did what you did. After putting myself in your position, it amazes me that you were so incredibly strong. Christ, Addie, the world was against us and all we wanted to do was be together. I apologize for my father’s actions and how he drove us apart.”

“And I’m sorry Kayla was part of it, too. We talked earlier and…” Addie frowns. “She told me Thomas came to her and asked her to talk to me and put doubts in my head about you. About our relationship.”

“Christ,” I hiss. “Just when I think it couldn’t get any worse.”

“He paid off Kayla’s credit card debt for making me believe you wanted to break up with me and go with someone else. And I was naive enough to believe her.”

“No,” I say and squeeze her hands. “What happened was not your fault. We let other people influence us, but never again.”

“I forgave her,” she says softly. “She’s my sister and she was so sorry. I couldn’t turn her away. It would’ve hurt too much. We’ve grown really close since I moved back home.”

“I get it. Earlier today I went to the cemetery and visited my parents’ grave. I forgave my dad, too. For everything.”

“You did? Oh, Tanner, I know how hard that must’ve been for you.”

“Excruciatingly so, but I’m not going to lie. It feels like a weight’s been lifted off my shoulders. Off my heart actually.”

“I’m so glad,” she says fervently.

I look deeply into her eyes, knowing my next words will make or break everything. “I need you to know exactly how I feel, sweetheart. I loved you two years ago with every ounce of my being and now…” I take a deep breath, praying she’s on the same page as me. “Now I love you more than I even thought possible. You are my everything, Addie. My past, present and future. Without you, I have nothing; I want nothing.”

Tears fill her eyes again.

“Please, don’t cry,” I whisper and reach up to swipe my thumb across her cheek. “I promise you; we’re going to get Owen back and then I’m never leaving your side again. We’re going to be a little family and I’m going to take care of you both and love you like you’ve never been loved before. I’m going to fucking worship you, sweetheart. That is, if you’ll have me.”

Tears stream down her face and I pull her into my arms, holding her tightly against my chest.Right where she belongs.

“Nothing would make me happier,” she whispers.

“Oh, thank God. If you would’ve turned me down-”

“Never,” she assures me. “You’re my everything, Tanner Morgan Beckett.” Her arms tighten around me. “That’s his name, too. Owen Morgan– after you.”

“And if it’s okay with you, he’s going to have my last name, too.”

“It’s absolutely fine with me.”

I press a kiss to her temple. “I want you to have it, too.”

Addie pulls back and looks up at me, slightly confused. “What?”

“This isn’t how I planned to do this,” I admit. Reaching for the ring in my pocket, I pull it out and hold it between my fingers. “I bought this for you two years ago. The night everything happened, I had planned to propose.”

Her mouth drops open.

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