Page 94 of Second Chances

“What do you mean that you messed up? With Henry? I can’t believe that, not when you guys were so happy yesterday.”

“We had a…disagreement… last night, after the wedding.” Amy’s hand ran soothing circles over her back, and she took a deep breath.

“Oh, Charlotte,” Trixie sniffed. “This explains Henry’s demeanor. Let me guess—it was about Melanie, right? I swear, as long as I live and breathe, I will never understand how my decent, sweet brother got involved with such a selfish woman. From the day he came home with her, she’s left a bad taste in my mouth.”

“Yes, it was about Melanie, but also Diadema.” Charlotte summarized her argument with Henry, wincing because she regretted it more with each passing minute. “He left my house, so upset. I don’t think he will ever forgive me…and I can’t really blame him.”

“Oh, Lottie, no. My brother looks like death warmed over, he’s so despondent.”

“Of course he is, because I should’ve kept my thoughts to myself,” she wailed. “I should never have said anything⁠—”

“Bull,” Trixie interrupted. “It shows so much about your own character, that you defended the mother of his children, when you could have just piled on, and he knows that. Henry cares about you so much, Lottie…we all do.”

“I don’t want him to have to choose between me and his past.” And that was what scared her the most, Charlotte admitted to herself. That she could not win when stacked up against memories or emotions that had built a legacy in his mind.

“What past? Two women who rejected him? He’s already chosen you. You’re the one he wants. And that’s what he’s told both of those women.”

“He has?”

“Yes! And as far as DD goes, Nora told me she spoke with you before you left the dance last night and that she apologized?”

“She did,” Charlotte confirmed. “And I believe her. I can understand the trauma she must be reliving.”

“See? I had my suspicions you’re a better person than me, and here you are proving it. Of course, I still have my doubts about her, but that’s from a lifetime of knowing her. And I’m still bitter about how she treated my little brother, but I am willing to give her grace if you are. She’s been better today, or at the very least, she refused both a Bloody Mary and a mimosa. Pretty sure all the alcohol only made everything worse for her.”

“Yeah, that’s what she said.” Charlotte sniffled, spirits lifted once again, thanks to the love and support from the friend on the phone and the friend sitting beside her.

“You know, the party is still in full swing over here. Josh and Effie haven’t opened their gifts yet, and Daniel just came out of the kitchen with some delicious-looking snacks. If you’re feeling better.”

“I am, actually.” She was feeling better. She was also feeling anxious and terrified. “I just got dressed, so Amy and I will be over soon.”

“Sounds perfect. I know a certain someone will be thrilled to see you.”

Ending her call, she looked at Amy. “Ready to go to a wedding brunch?”

“With you on my arm, smokin’ hot? Let’s go! Oh, wait, let me get the stereo.”

Charlotte grabbed her keys from the hook beside her front door and, with a giddy laugh, she opened it, surprise making her fall back inside.

Vanilla and jasmine hit Henry the moment Charlotte opened her door, every fantasy he’d ever had, but more than that, her wit, tender heart, and creative mind made her a beautiful reality. She wore the dress from their first date, the one that made her eyes shine like melted chocolate, exposing smooth shoulders blushing pink, and he wanted to crawl across the threshold and beg her forgiveness—forgiveness he wasn’t sure he deserved.

“Henry…” With what could only be his heart in his eyes, Charlotte’s knees threatened to buckle beneath her. Uneasiness overtook her resolve to make things better with him, because what if he had decided against a future for them, despite his appearance at her house?

Not sure where or how to begin, he relaxed slightly as she smiled, but not completely, because there was no sign of the dimples he loved so much. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered, but he crushed her to him before she could finish. Trembling fingers twisted into her hair, and bobby pins fell at her feet. His mouth ravaged hers, and they drank from each other, swallowing their mutual heartache.

Breaking away, she held him at arm’s length to ensure he understood her sorrow, her regret for causing him pain. “I never meant to hurt you. I shouldn’t⁠—”

“You never hurt me, Charlotte…I’m the only one who should be sorry. I’m the one who is sorry. I should never have left you. I have no excuses—” his voice broke from need, from relief, from love.

Tears slanting down her cheeks, relief flooded her core. “No, please, I shouldn’t have said anything. I was jealous and petty.”

“Never.” His thumbs whisked her tears away, and he hated to have been the one to cause them. “You were right, about everything. I just didn’t want to face my part in why Melanie left.”

“You didn’t deserve any of the pain I caused you⁠—”

“You? Cause me pain?” Shaking his head, he was at a loss as to how she believed she had been the one to cause him any pain. “Never. All you have done, from the moment I met you, is support me. You bring beauty and joy into my world, and last night, when it felt like my world was falling apart, only thinking of you helped me hold it together.” They were standing just inside the doorway to the house, and the front door closed softly behind him.

“I was on my way to you. I was on my way to the brunch to tell you…” Taking a deep breath, gathering every ounce of courage she had in the world, she paused for a moment, and then watched uncertainty cloud his summer-sky eyes, something she never wanted to see again, so she rushed on, “I love you, Henry.” Smiling into his stunned face, she repeated, “I love you. I was coming to tell you that from the very first time I saw you, some part of you has been calling to me.” Kissing his fingertips, she wanted to assure him. “It’s okay if you’re not there yet, if you need time. I’ll give you time, space, whatever. I’ll wait for you, Henry Livingston.” Finally, she could be the first woman, the only woman, to prove to this man that he was worth taking a chance on. That he was worth the first declaration of love.