Page 124 of Your Second Chance
“What if it’s too much?” I choked out. “What if you think I’m too much? That Scarlette’s too much?”
“Nova.” His voice was firmer this time, cutting through the rising tide of doubt.
“No, Ollie.” The words spilled out before I could stop them. “I’ve seen people leave. I’ve watched them walk away when things got hard. When I needed them. And I don’t—Ican’t—lose you too. You’re the one thing keeping me together right now. If you decide this is too messy, if you decide we’re not worth it?—”
“Stop.” His voice was soft but commanding. “Listen to me, love. Look at me.”
I nodded. “I see you.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” he said firmly. “Not because of this. Not because of anything. You and Scarlette are my world, Nova. I chose this. I chose you. And I’ll keep choosing you every day, no matter how messy it gets.”
His words hit me like a wave, breaking through the storm of panic. My shoulders shook as I sobbed, the fear loosening its grip, but still lingering in the shadows.
“But what if—” I started, and he cut me off again, his voice softer this time.
“There are no what-ifs, love. I’m here. I’m not leaving. And I’ll remind you of that as many times as you need to hear it.”
I let out a shaky breath, my tears blurring the screen as I whispered, “I’m scared, Ollie.”
“I know you are, and that’s okay. You’re not alone in this. You’ve got me, and you’ve got this.”
I nodded, even though the fear still lingered in the back of my mind. His words were starting to sink in, filling the cracks where my doubts had taken root.
“I’ll talk to him tomorrow,” I said finally.
“I’ll be right here.”.
I wiped at my cheeks, my breathing still unsteady as I glanced at the clock. It was early in the morning for him, and the exhaustion on Ollie’s face was clear, even through the screen.
“You need to get some rest,” I murmured.
His lips twitched in a small smile. “You’re the one crying your eyes out, love, but you’re worried about me?”
I managed a weak laugh, shaking my head. “I’ll call you after coffee tomorrow, okay? I promise.”
“I’ll hold you to that,” he murmured, his voice soft but full of warmth. “Good night, love.”
“Good night,” I whispered.
“And Nova?”
“Yeah?”
“I’ll always be here. It’s you and Scarlette I love.”
I nodded and ended the call, staring at the blank screen for a moment before setting my phone down.
Luna rubbed my hand gently. “See? That wasn’t so bad. It could’ve been worse. He could’ve run.” She paused until I met her gaze. “But he didn’t. He stayed.”
“He stayed.”
“Let’s have a sleepover,” Luna murmured.
I let out a tired laugh, shaking my head. “No freaky stuff.” I attempted a stern look.
“No promises.” She winked as she grabbed the blanket and threw it over both of us.
My family might not look the way I had once imagined, but that was okay. It was messy, unconventional, and full of surprises, but it wasmine. And as I sat there, wrapped in Luna’s blanket with her by my side and Ollie’s words still echoing in my mind, I realized something important: I could face this.
