Page 32 of One Sweet Day is Never Enough

Seth took another deep breath. “I know we started out with our lives heading in the same direction when I was out there, but things are different now, and we both have to admit that. You knew I was always going to come back here and run this farm someday—it just happened sooner than we thought it would. And honestly, Stacey, I’m not the same person I was just a few months ago. This place, these responsibilities—they’ve already changed me.” It was the truth.

“But that’s why I want to move there, Seth, so I can be a part of that change. I’m willing to do that for you.”

“But I don’t want you to anymore,” he sputtered. He lowered his voice. “I’m not willing, okay? You have your own life to live, your own choices to make. You shouldn’t come here if you’re only doing it to follow me—and that’s what this would be. This place—it just doesn’t fit you, Stace. I can’t picture us living here, trying to make a life together. I just can’t picture you here.”

“Don’t say that, Seth,” she whimpered. “I love you.”

“You’re not listening to me, babe. Please, just hear me. This has been eating away at me for a long time now.” Seth paused. “It’s over between us. It’s just not meant to be. I’m sorry.” He looked at the wall. It was hard to meet her gaze after all he’d just said. He wished he could put his arms around her and make her feel better, though—at least a little.

Stacey sniffled, wiping away the tears that streamed down her cheeks.

He looked at her again. “Take care of yourself. Okay?”

Stacey stared at him through the phone—her eyes red, her cheeks dripping. “Please, Seth, don’t do this. I never meant to break up…”

He set his jaw and shook his head. “I’m sorry, Stacey. It’s for the best. Goodbye.”

Her eyes begged. “No.”

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” With a blank stare, he ran his finger over the red dot on the screen, ending the call.

He set the phone down and closed his eyes, gripping his head in one hand. He sat there for a few minutes, not moving, then finally, lay his head back on the pillows.

She’d be all right once she calmed down, right? Something like this was hard for anyone to take. She just needed time. There were plenty of guys there who’d jump at the chance to take her out, once she was ready.

He rested his head on the pillow, a mess of emotions. This was the end of a big chapter in his life. As rocky as things had been between them at times—and wow, she’d put him through the wringer more than once—they’d been together a long time, and he’d hurt her tonight. He’d never intended to hurt her. Yet, it had to be done. Still, he felt sorry about it.

Even so, it was liberating to get this off his chest, and already, he felt more optimistic about the future. He could finally start moving ahead with his life.

He checked the clock again. 9:45. The harvest was starting tomorrow. It would be an early morning.

He turned out the light. For the first time in a long time, he might actually get a decent night’s rest.

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