Page 61 of SEAL of Valor

“It’s not the same.” I shake my head. “He would have been there for me if I had just told him. But he was already dealing with so much, and somehow, leaving just felt like it would be easier on him. I was wrong.”

“Sugar, that is in the past. You can move forward from this.”

“I’ve tried.” I wipe my eyes. “I’ve apologized to him, but every single time I attempt to take a step in the right direction, something goes wrong. Last week, we were having lunch, and I was about to start talking to him when Max called.”

“Max?”

“He’s a guy I’ve been on a couple dates with, and I was just trying to let him down easy, so I said we’d grab food when I got back, and⁠—”

“Weston heard.”

“Weston heard,” I repeat. “All of it. He hasn’t talked to me since. He hates me, and I honestly cannot say I blame him.”

“Hates you?” My mom shakes her head. “Sugar, Weston could never hate you. That boy loves you more than life itself. Why do you think he came back here?”

“Because it’s home.”

“Come on, Reese. He lost his sister, and his mother abandoned him. Do you really think this was still home for him? He came back here for you. Even if he doesn’t quite realize it himself, I’ve always known why.”

“I just want to fix things so we can put it behind us.”

“Behind you?” she asks.

I smirk through my tears, unable to hide my amusement that she can see right through me. “Fine, for a moment there, during that storm, I wondered if maybe there could be something.”

“Then you need to be honest with him.”

“Honesty only works if he gives me the chance to finish what I’m trying to say, and I can find the words without putting my foot into my mouth.”

“Then don’t give him the chance to walk away. But before you take that step, you need to make sure this is what you want. Please don’t break that boy’s heart again. I can’t take seeing him go through it a second time.”

After a sleepless night where I tried to decide just how I’m going to get Weston to listen to everything I have to say and actually participate in said conversation, I make my way down the hall and toward the stairs in search of the coffee I smell.

When I reach the top of the stairs, though, I hear voices.

For a moment, hope surges through me. Is this another early morning meeting with Weston? Will I get the chance to talk to him? Before I can stop myself, I turn toward the mirror hanging at the top of the stairs and run my fingers through my hair.

Then, once I’m at least partially presentable, I make my way down the steps. Halfway down, I realize it’s not Weston but a familiar female voice.

“Ash?” I ask, completely shocked to see my best friend sitting on the couch with my mother. She gets to her feet and beams at me.

“Girl, it is so good to see you!” She rushes over and pulls me in for a hug.

“You, too! What are you doing here?”

“You needed girl time, and I needed to get away. Long story, but Jeremiah is not the guy for me.” She laughs. “Your mom was just telling me that she thinks the best therapy is a horseback ride, and she said I might talk you into one?”

I laugh. “We can definitely make that happen. I need coffee first.”

“Of course! Sorry, been a long morning already.” She laughs and takes a seat while I head into the kitchen. My mom comes in after me.

“You doing okay?”

“I am, thanks, Mom.” I pull her in for a hug. “What time did Ash get here?”

“About ten minutes ago. She was standing outside, looking lost, when I came out of the barn. So sweet.”

“She is the best.” I finish filling my coffee, then head back into the living room to take a seat.