Page 138 of Every Chance After

“Lovely! I can’t wait to get to know him,” she says, spritzing my hair with water. “I hope you’re completely yourself with him… and him with you.”

“Being yourself is the key to true happiness… and true love.”

“That’s been my problem, I think. Your father, Tilly’s, they never really knew me. I hid behind my ravishing smile and beautiful hair,” she laughs. “Not anymore. If I ever date again, it’ll beall me, on my terms, open and honest. Course, that’ll scare most of ‘em away.”

Tilly wanders into the kitchen, rubbing her tired eyes. “Oh, no, haircuts?”

“Yep, you’re next,” Mom says. “We have to look our best for dinner tonight. Everyone used to be crazy over those Tripps. I get it. He’ssohandsome.”

“Mom!” Tilly and I groan together, which makes us giggle. Having an ally with Mom might be nice.

CHAPTERFORTY-THREE

Grady

I nearly repeatthe mistake I made with our first dinner date—inviting the whole family over as camouflage. I don’t, but I considered it. It’s easier to avoid conflict when hosting a crowd. The noise alone might drive out my anxieties. I don’t like that Leonie’s here, don’t trust her, and know that, chances are, Marina will be hurt in the end.

But my misgivings aren’t shared. It’s all smiles and warmth when they pour into my house. Marina leads, giving me a quick hug. Then, her mom does the same, thanking me for having them over. And Tilly, not to be left out, latches onto my waist before yelling, “Dogs!” and rushing to play with them.

They’ve brought wine and dessert—a chocolate dream cake from Saddletree Farm and Café, which they promise was worth the half-hour drive.

“Especially with the top down in that cute truck of hers—a truck with a name. Beauty is a beaut,” Leonie adds, taking everything to the kitchen.

I seize the opportunity for a quiet moment with Marina and tug her close. “Everything okay? Has she asked for money? Are you letting them stay at your place?”

“Relax, Grady. I think it’ll be alright.”

“Really?”

“She’s different. Better.”

“What about you? How areyouwith them here?”

She smiles. “Well, it was shocking, but I felt good after we talked. Don’t worry. I wasn’tnice.”

“Good. You shouldn’t be.”

She leans up and gives me a short kiss. “We’ve come to an understanding. She apologized and wants a second chance.”

“Yeah, but for how long?”

Marina shrugs. “I don’t know. Does it matter?”

I nod, glancing at Tilly rolling around the floor with the dogs. Maybe it doesn’t. Marina knows to take her joys when she can get them. That’s a lesson I need to learn, too. To not always think in what-ifs, worries, and obligations. It’s enough to be here and now with the woman I love and basking in the hope of second chances.

“It takes as long as it takes, right?” she smirks. “Let’s show her what family really means, huh?”

My hardened heart liquifies and swirls around her. “I love you so much. Anything you say becomes my new mission.”

She laughs. “Oh, with great power comes great responsibility. I’ll have to be careful not to take advantage.”

“No, please. Take advantage,” I grin.

The evening passes pleasantly. Leonie and Tilly regale us with stories about their travels and experiences over wine, soda, and make-your-own pizzas off the grill. They’re charming, outgoing, and funny, just like Marina. And easy to like.

Marina could be right that things are different. I hope she is.

Still, when Marina and Tilly go inside to get everyone’s dessert, I lean forward, locking eyes with Leonie across the table. “I love your daughter. Her happiness is my own. I’ll protect her fiercely. I won’t let her be manipulated or mistreated—she’s just gone through that, and it won’t happen again. Stay and behave, and you’ll earn my respect, even love. Don’t, and your second chance will be your last with her. Understood?”

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