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"I finally told him what I've been wanting to say for years. That I'm not the same person I was when we first met. That I've grown and changed, and I'm not going to let him or anyone else control my life anymore."
Charlotte could almost feel Roxanne's smile through the phone. "That's my sister," she said, pride evident in her tone. "How did he take it?"
"He was taken aback, to say the least," Charlotte chuckled softly, sipping her tea. "He tried to argue, to regain control of the conversation, but I didn't let him. And then, he just... left. He got up and walked out of the restaurant. I think, for the first time, he realized he couldn't sway me anymore."
Roxanne let out a low whistle. "Wow. That's huge. I'm so proud of you.
"You've come so far," Roxanne continued, her voice filled with admiration. "You're finding your own strength, and that's something to be celebrated."
Charlotte's heart swelled with gratitude for her sister's support. She gazed out at the rain-soaked landscape of Chesham Cove, a place that had become a sanctuary for her, a place of healing and self-discovery. An idea suddenly sparked in her mind.
"Rox," Charlotte began, her voice bright with excitement, "why don't you come out here to England? See Chesham Cove for yourself. It's beautiful, serene, and it's been such a healing place for me. I think you'd love it."
There was a pause on the line, and Charlotte could almost hear Roxanne's mind whirring at the proposition. "Really? I mean, I'd love to. It sounds like just the break I need. But I wouldn’t be able to until later in the year, with work."
"Well," Charlotte added, her smile evident in her voice. "I was also thinking of inviting Amelia out for the summer when she's on break from school. It would be wonderful to have both of you here whenever you can. We could explore the countryside, spend time at the beach, just enjoy each other's company."
Roxanne's response was immediate and enthusiastic. "That sounds amazing. Amelia would adore that, and so would I."
Charlotte felt a warmth spread through her at the thought of reuniting with her daughter and sister in this place that had become so dear to her. "I'll start making arrangements," she said, already picturing the sun-drenched days and cool, breezy evenings they would spend together.
"It's a plan then," Roxanne replied, her voice tinged with happiness. "I'll look into flights and get back to you with some dates once I know my work travel dates. This is going to be wonderful, Charlotte."
As they ended their call, Charlotte felt a sense of contentment settle over her. The idea of sharing Chesham Cove with Roxanne and Amelia filled her with joy. She was eager to show them the beauty of the place that had helped her find peace and strength, to create new memories together, memories that would be cherished for years to come.
Gazing out at the softening rain, Charlotte felt hopeful. In the midst of life's storms, she had found a haven, and soon, she would share it with the people she loved most. The future was bright, and she was ready to embrace whatever it held.
And she hoped that the future would hold something for her and Simon, together—the last piece of the puzzle. The last thing she needed to set right in her heart and mind. She had a painting to finish, and a visit to make.
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
The doorbell echoed through the Old Crown Inn a couple hours later, pulling Charlotte from her reverie as she stood before her easel. She wiped her paintbrush on a rag and headed downstairs. Upon opening the door, she was greeted by the solemn expression of the—rain-soaked—postman. He handed her a thick, cream-colored envelope with a sense of finality.
"Thank you," she murmured, her fingers brushing across the familiar scrawl of Daniel's handwriting.
As she closed the door behind her, Charlotte studied the envelope, the weight of its contents sinking into her hands. With a deep breath, she tore it open and unfolded the papers – the final decree that would end their marriage. Her heart pounded in her chest as she scanned the document, searching for and finding Daniel's signature at the bottom.
It was done. Relief washed over her like a wave crashing onto Chesham Cove's rocky shores, but apprehension soon followed, rippling beneath the surface. This was the beginning of an entirely new chapter in her life, one that she had yet to fully comprehend. And while the thought was thrilling, it left her feeling vulnerable and exposed, like the ocean stripped bare at low tide.
As the magnitude of this moment settled in, Charlotte knew there was only one person with whom she wanted to share this news: Simon. Genuine and kind-hearted, he had been her rock throughout this tumultuous journey, his presence a source of solace amid the turmoil. He had never replied to her text that morning, and she had only assumed he was out on the water.
She had to go find him.
Charlotte glanced out of the window, catching a glimpse of Simon's fishing boats bobbing in the harbor. It was time to be honest with him about the progress in their respective divorces. After all, they were in this together, navigating the murky waters hand in hand. Charlotte tucked the signed divorce papers under her arm and grabbed her coat from the rack by the front door. The crisp, wet English air nipped at her cheeks as she stepped outside, her breath visible in the fading afternoon light.
She made her way down the cobblestone streets of Chesham Cove, the quaint charm of the town enveloping her like a warm embrace. As she walked, she pictured Simon's rugged, outdoorsy features, his handsome face lined with the wisdom of a man who knew the sea as intimately as he knew himself. It was this innate understanding that had drawn them together, two souls seeking solace and self-discovery amid the powerful forces of nature.
The afternoon sun tried to break through the clouds and dapple onto the cobblestone streets of Chesham Cove as Charlotte rounded the corner, her heart pounding with anticipation. Her breath hitched when she spotted Simon leaving the harbor, his dark canvas overcoat billowing behind him like a shadowy specter as he jogged up a pier.
"Charlotte?" Simon's voice cut through the tension, drawing her attention as she saw that he’d spotted her approaching, his rugged features softening. His eyes held a mixture of warmth and curiosity, making her feel both exposed and comforted at the same time.
"Simon," she breathed, her pulse quickening as the distance between them closed. The scent of salt and sea clung to him when he embraced her, reminding her of the way he had anchored her during this tumultuous chapter of her life. "I was just coming to find you."
"Is everything all right?" Simon asked, his brow furrowed with concern.
"Everything is... well, it's getting better," Charlotte admitted, her eyes locking with Simon's. She could see the unspoken question in his gaze, the desire to know what had transpired between her and Daniel. And she knew, without a doubt, that she wanted to share it with him. “I’m sorry I didn’t call last night, I—"
"Let me buy you a cup of tea, and we can talk," Simon suggested, gesturing toward a nearby cafe. The aroma of freshly baked scones and brewing tea beckoned them.
