Page 121 of Letters to Molly (Maysen Jar 2)

And in that moment, as I opened my eyes and the boy outside swung his bat too hard, missing the ball, I knew I didn’t need to forgive Molly.

I had already, years ago.

I didn’t want her to suffer or feel guilty for her actions. I wanted her life to be full of joy. Of laughter. I wasn’t harboring this load of resentment.

Molly shouldn’t be begging for my forgiveness. It was the other way around.

I needed hers.

This was all on me.

Be the man she needs or walk away.

Poppy, bless her soul, was so right. There’d be no more walking away. It was time to fix the mistakes I’d made all those years ago.

And I knew how to start.

I abandoned the window, walking straight down the hallway for my office. I sat in the chair, rifling through a drawer until I found a half-used legal pad. Then I got out a pen.

The first two words of my letter brought a smile to my face and hope to my heart.

Darling Molly

_

Darling Molly,

* * *

I would be honored if you’d join me for dinner this Saturday night.

* * *

Yours,

Finn

Eighteen

Molly

“You guys are going to make yourselves sick.” I rolled my eyes at Jimmy and Randall.

Poppy stood by my side with her arms crossed over her chest. “I am not cleaning up puke. I love you both, but there are lines I will not cross.”

“I’m not going to puke,” Jimmy mumbled. The words were barely audible since his mouth was bulging with food.

Randall just shot us both a glare as he chewed. His mouth was so full, he couldn’t even close his lips all the way.

“Seriously, you are grown men. Seniors. Have some self-respect.” I handed Randall a napkin so he could wipe up the drool on his chin.

The pair didn’t listen to a thing we said. They hadn’t for the last twenty minutes. They just kept shoveling.

The counter was littered with partially empty jars. Chili. Cornbread. Cinnamon rolls. Macaroni and cheese. Apple pie. Chocolate mousse. Banana bread. Why? Because they were having an eating contest.

“If you stop this right now, I’ll name an item on the menu after both of you,” Poppy said. She’d been trying to bribe them since before this disaster had even begun. First, she’d offered to give them an extra dessert—on the house. Then she’d offered two desserts. Normally, sugar incentives were all it took to get these two in line.

But today, they were on a mission to one-up the other. I wasn’t sure exactly what had sparked this particular battle, but I’d overheard some grumblings and the name Nan more than once. Nan was probably a new resident at The Rainbow who’d snagged Jimmy’s and Randall’s attention, and this contest was some manly show to determine who would get to pursue Nan’s affections.