God, it hurt to see her. She looked so much like Bec, just older. A walking reminder of everything I’d lost—and everything I’d taken from her. It was a fucking miracle I didn’t spiral right on the spot.
She handed me a box filled with Bec and Wren’s things. “Graham, I’ve been setting these aside for you.”
“I haven’t been able to—” My voice caught in my throat. “I can’t.”
“I know, dear.” She placed a hand on my shoulder. “But it’s time. Rebecca would want you to move on. She loved you more than anyone. You deserve to find happiness again.”
“I don’t deserve happiness after?—”
“You do.” Her voice was steady. Gentle. She moved to the garage and I followed. “What would she say if she found out you left these beautiful machines to collect dust?”She pointed to my ‘67 Shelby and my old Harley behind a pile of boxes.
A short huff of air escaped me. “She’d probably say I was being a stubborn jackass.”
Holly smiled faintly. “She’d be right. Take them. I think there's someone back in Port Grey you’d like to impress.”
I blinked. “What? How?—”
“You have the same light in your eyes that you had with Rebecca.”
“Well, I fucked that up so… no… I don’t have anyone.”
“If she’s worth anything, she’ll understand. Talk to her. Does she know?”
“Yes.”
“Then she’ll understand.”
“No. I did something really shitty. I left her when she needed me the most.”
“Graham. Go home. Talk to her. Make it right.”
I looked away. I didn’t want her seeing the truth in my face. She didn’t need to know how fucked up my life was. Not after what I took from her.
“Graham. Look at me.”
I did. Big mistake. It was like staring into the eyes of the only other person alive who knew exactly what that day had cost.
“I told you years ago that even though you blame yourself… I don’t,” she said. “And I meant it. But I also don’t want to see you here again unless it’s for something worth celebrating—like your wedding, a birthday, or the day you make detective. You’ve got more life to live than this place will ever give you.”
My throat felt tight. I stayed quiet.
“You know what really breaks my heart?” Her voice softened and she squeezed my shoulder. “Thinking about all the people who need you out there, and here you are… hiding. Rebecca wouldn’t want that. She’s not here.”
Holly placed her hand on my chest and patted it a couple times. “She’s right there and has been since the day she met you. And right beside her is room for new memories and a new love.”
All I could do was nod. I didn’t trust myself to speak. Holly had lost just as much as I had, if not more, yet she still pushed me forward. That was where Bec got it.
I carried the box out to the truck and stuck it in the bed.
Silas leaned against my truck like he owned it.
“Get off,” I grumbled.
“Has it been decided, then?” he said, floating beside me like an eager child.
“Yes. I’ve got to get you back, remember? God, I’ve got to get you back.” I rubbed my brow. “This is just?—”
“Necessary? Part of the process?”
