Page 268 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

I glance toward the clock.

Almost five.

Caleb wouldn't stop by without calling first. Liam never knocks. He simply walks in and announces that civilization is collapsing because someone bought decaffeinated coffee.

For a moment I assume it's one of the neighbors.

Then I open the door.

Annette is standing on the porch. Neither of us speaks. For several seconds I simply stare at her, convinced I've imagined the entire thing.

Those same loose strands of hair have escaped her ponytail, and her eyes are unmistakably red. She’s been crying.

My heart sinks. "Annette..."

She gives me a small, uncertain smile. "I listened."

Everything inside me stills. "The voicemail."

She repeats: "I listened to every word…many times, Jamie, many times."

***

For one impossible moment, neither of us seems to know what happens next.

I take a step onto the porch.

"I wasn't trying to pressure you."

"I know."

"I just couldn't let you believe…"

She closes the distance between us before I can finish.

Not quickly.

Not dramatically.

Simply one careful step at a time until she's standing close enough that I can see the tears gathering in her eyes again.

"You should have told me."

"I know."

"You should have told me months ago."

"I know."

She shakes her head, smiling through tears.

"I spent weeks convincing myself I was protecting you."

"I know."

"And all that time..." Her voice catches. "...I was breaking both our hearts. I am so very sorry I left like I did. So very sorry."

The words hit harder than I expect. I reach for her hand. She lets me. Her fingers curl around mine as though they've been waiting to do exactly that.