Chapter 7
He opened the door.
And forgot how to breathe.
Laurel stood in the hallway.
Her hair was loose.
Her eyes were nervous.
She wore the same little silver necklace he had given her for her twenty-ninth birthday.
“Laurel?”
“Can I come in?”
He stepped aside immediately.
She entered the apartment and looked around.
No expensive art.
No enormous chandeliers.
No marble staircase.
Just books, old photographs, a comfortable sofa, and a small kitchen overlooking the harbor.
“You don't live at the estate anymore?”
“No.”
“Since when?”
“Thursday.”
Laurel looked at him.
“You left?”
“I should have left a long time ago.”
She walked toward the window.
For a while, neither spoke.
Then Laurel turned.
“The wedding was canceled.”
Lucas's heart pounded.
“I'm sorry.”
“Matt deserved someone who could love him without looking backward.”
Lucas nodded.
“He sounds like a good man.”
“He is.”
She studied his face.
“I don't want to hurt him any more than I already have.”
“Neither do I.”
“And I don't want you thinking this means everything is fixed.”
“I don't.”
Laurel took a trembling breath.
“I loved you for five years, Lucas.”
His eyes filled.
“Even when I hated you, I loved you.”
He looked down.
“But I don't know you anymore.”
Lucas nodded.
“Then get to know me.”
She swallowed.
“It's not that simple.”
“I know.”
“We can't get those years back.”
“No.”
“I can't pretend you didn't believe your mother.”
“I wouldn't ask you to.”
Laurel wiped away a tear.
“And I'm afraid.”
Lucas stepped closer but didn't touch her.
“So am I.”
She laughed weakly.
“You? Lucas Prescott?”
“Especially me.”
He took a breath.
“Because five years ago, I lost you without knowing there was anything I could do. This time, I know exactly what I could lose.”
Laurel looked at him.
“What do you want from me?”
“Nothing you aren't ready to give.”
“And if I need time?”
“I'll give you time.”
“What if it takes years?”
“Then we'll see where life takes us.”
Her voice broke.
“What if I never feel the same again?”
Lucas's expression softened.
“Then I'll still be grateful you came here today.”
For the first time, Laurel believed him.
She stepped forward.
Slowly.
Carefully.
Then she rested her forehead against his chest.
Lucas froze.
He didn't dare move.
Finally, Laurel whispered, “You can hold me.”
His arms closed around her.
And for the first time in five years, neither of them was waiting for someone who would never arrive.