Page 83 of Your Second Chance
Did I like the fact that he made me a nursery? Yes. Did it terrify me? Also yes.
“It’s... beautiful.” My voice was soft as I took in every detail again. My fingers grazed the scarlet blanket on the crib, my favorite part of the room. “The blanket is my favorite.”
It wasn’t the color or the softness—it was the memory of Ollie and me together, standing side by side at the market, laughing about which one to pick. That moment felt so far from the chaos I usually carried with me.
I turned to him, and my mind screamed at me to run—to escape before this became too real, before it became too much. I forced myself to do the opposite.
Instead of running away, I ran toward him. I slid my arms around his neck, pulling him close, burying myself in the warmth and safety he exuded.
He wrapped his arms around my waist, holding me tightly. It was harder now with my growing stomach between us, but I clung to him like he was the only thing keeping me grounded.
“I can’t see you like that again. I was so far away. I can’t drop you off at your house again, knowing you could spiral, but not being close enough to do anything. I can help. Please.” He pulled back, his gaze blazing with determination. “Please, I’m begging you, Nova. Move in with me.”
The raw vulnerability in his voice hit me hard, and I stumbled over my words. “C-Can I talk to Luna?”
She walked into the room as Ollie stepped backward, giving us space.
“Wait,” I called after him.
He stopped, glancing over his shoulder, his brow lifting slightly in question.
“I won’t move in without paying rent.” I crossed my arms. “And I fully expect privileges to the bathtub.”
He smirked. “I wouldn’t expect any less. You’re millionaires now.”
Luna and I chuckled as he slipped out the door, shutting it quietly behind him. The sound of footsteps echoed down the hall and then on the stairs, growing fainter until it was clear they were all downstairs.
I plopped into the oversized rocking chair, letting out a soft sigh. It was plush and warm, like Ollie—comforting in a way I hadn’t expected.
“We’re, like, not going to say no, right?” Luna leaned against the crib. “I’ll have my own space, Nove.”
“Can I do this?” I asked, my voice quieter, more uncertain than I intended.
“Fuck yeah,” she said without hesitation. “We’re living golden now.”
“You could take some of the money and move into your own place, too.”
“And leave my baby?” She gasped dramatically, striding over and placing both hands on my stomach like she was swearing anoath. “I would never. What kind of baby daddy would I be if I just let you walk away?” Her expression turned more serious, and she gave me a small smile. “That money is for the baby. I can’t take it away.” Her eyes dipped down before flicking to mine. “If I’m being honest, it would be nice to have my own space. To come and go when I please. To have guests over...”
I nodded slowly, knowing she was right. She’d uprooted her entire life to come with me, to support me, to be here for me and the baby. She deserved this as much as I did.
If I could convince myself this was for Luna—her independence, her own space—then somehow, it felt easier to say yes. It made it all feel less overwhelming in my head. Something about doing this for her took some of the weight off my shoulders.
“Okay,” I murmured, more to myself than her. “We’ll do this.”
Luna grinned, her excitement contagious as she leaned over and hugged me tightly, her hands brushing over my bump like it was her own personal good luck charm. “You might actually like this.”
We headed downstairs, where everyone was standing around the kitchen.
Will cracked open a beer and handed it to Luna with a grin when we approached. “Cheers.”
“Thanks for helping set everything up.” I turned to Will.
“Eh, you know me,” he replied, waving it off. “Always up for a bit of manual labor.”
Leaving him and Luna to their banter, I crossed the room to Ollie’s mum, pulling her into a warm hug. “Thank you so much. For everything.”
Her smile was genuine, her arms wrapping tightly around me. “You’re family now, love. Anything you need.”
