Page 136 of Your Second Chance
I shrugged, still grinning. “I love it both ways, Nova. Curly, straight, messy—it’s all you. And it’s all beautiful.”
“You’re right. Fuck him.”
I didn’t hesitate. My lips captured hers in a kiss that left no room for doubt. “Let me show you how possessive I feel over you...Mommy.”
She laughed, her body melting into mine even as I kissed her again and again, each one slower, deeper, full of everything I felt for her. I’d keep doing it until sleep finally pulled us under, tangled in each other and the warmth of everything we shared.
47
ollie
After a morning filled with laughter, wrapping paper strewn across the living room, and watching Scarlette chatter excitedly on the phone with Granny and Pops, I found myself feeling something I hadn’t expected: peace. Living here, away from everything I’d ever known, wouldn’t be as hard or scary as I briefly thought it would be.
“Are you doing okay?” Nova’s voice broke through my thoughts as she snuggled closer to me on the sofa. Her eyes searched mine, soft and full of concern.
“More than okay.” I pressed a kiss to her lips. “One of the coaches from the team sent me a text this morning. Wished me a happy holiday and welcomed me to the team.”
Her face lit up. “That’s amazing.”
“Did Iris text you?”
Nova’s brow furrowed slightly, her smile dimming just a little. “She’s been busy with the game in a couple days, but I texted her. That’s all that counts.”
I nodded, though I still didn’t—and probably never would—fully understand their relationship. Nova idolized Iris, looked up to her in ways I couldn’t quite grasp. Where Nova was all warmth and empathy, Iris was cold and clinical, driven by sharpedges and an unwavering focus that sometimes felt more alien than admirable. Yet Iris was always there for Nova, especially when we needed her the most.
“Are you ready to leave?”
I chuckled and whispered so no one else could hear us, especially Scarlette, who hadn’t stopped talking to me about her dad.
“Am I ready to meet your ex-husband and his wife?” I narrowed my eyes at her, and she grabbed my forearm.
“You’ll do great.”
“Mum, Ollie, can we get dressed so I can show Dad my new toys?”
Hearing the wordDadcome out of Scarlette’s mouth hit me like a punch to the gut. It was hard—really hard. No matter how much I prepared myself for it, the sound of that title, one I’d never claimed for myself, being given to someone else, left a hollow ache in my chest.
Nova’s fingers squeezed mine and her soft smile told me she understood exactly what I was feeling without me having to say a thing.
I cleared my throat, shifting uncomfortably as I looked back toward Scarlette, who was already spinning in circles with excitement over her new toys.
The hollow ache twisted again, but I forced a smile. “Of course, sweetheart,” I said, my voice as steady as I could manage. “Let’s make sure we pick out your favorite ones to take.”
Nova’s hand lingered on my back as I stood, her silent support steadying me as I prepared for what was sure to be an emotional day.
“Are you really bringing alcohol to an alcoholic’s house?” I asked, my tone sharp as Luna held up the bottle with a gleeful grin.
“Well, we’ll know for sure if he’s sober or not,” she retorted, clearly reveling in her mischief. “Dirks said it was okay.”
Dirks had to stop by his house first before he was to meet us here. It was a bit odd seeing the guy who stole Luna’s heart away and one of the whole reasons we moved out here. It was nice having my best mate and my girl’s best mate as a couple, so it was another thing to get used to.
“That’s the worst idea ever,” Nova huffed.
Scarlette had already bolted out of the car, standing at the door and ringing the bell excitedly.
“I’ll ask him if it’s okay.”
Nova exhaled slowly. “Thanks. I... don’t want to make things harder than they need to be.”
