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“An-dee!”
Andy’s eyes fall upon me, the ocean blue orbs spreading warmth all over me as I’m finally home, where I belong. The deep breath I take is expelled slowly, relishing in this moment and never wanting his loving gaze ever to go away.
Bentley reaches out for me, demanding I take him out. I lean down, unbuckle his strap as he wiggles out, and runs straight into Andy’s arms.
I watch the two of them hug, admiring how Andy’s face lights up in Bentley’s presence. Unable to hide my smile, Andy tickles Bentley, who begins to giggle, showing his four teeth.
“What are you doing here?” Andy asks, standing up but taking Bentley in his arms.
“I came to give you something.” I move closer to him while reaching into my bag to remove my journal.
Upon pulling it out, Andy’s eyes wander to my bare hand. The ring that sat on my finger, symbolizing my commitment to another man is no longer there.
I extend my journal out to him, though staring at it with thought.
“This is your journal,” Andy murmurs, his eyes still fixated on me.
With a nod, I move it closer to him. “I want you to read it, please.”
“You want me to read your journal?”
“It’s not so much a journal, but a story I needed to tell.”
Andy cautiously takes it from me, almost as if I handed him a fragile vase he’s scared to break.
“Jessa, you don’t have to give this to me.”
I shake my head. “I need to, Andy. I’m doing this for me, not just you.”
And with those words said, I try to pry Bentley out of Andy’s arms. It’s harder than I thought, but I tell him we’re going to look at the planes.
“You’re going?”
“Yes.” I smile, kissing Bentley’s cheek to smell Andy all over him. The scent is intoxicating, but I need the strength to walk away right now. Not forever, but for as long as Andy needs. “I’m staying at Dad’s flat here in the city.”
“For the night?” he asks.
“No, indefinitely. Until I sort out what I can afford and where.”
Andy touches the base of his neck to cross his arms while trying to process what I just said.
“I… I don’t understand?”
“You’re smart. I’m sure you can figure it out.” I place Bentley in his stroller, handing him a cookie to keep him quiet. “Oh, and I got a job. It’s not much, just some freelance work. But, still, it’s something.”
Andy continues to gaze at me, his head flinching back slightly.
“You did all this? Moved out and got a job?”
I nod, then I move close to him and place my lips on his cheek for a quick kiss.
“You know where to find me,” I whisper in his ear, inhaling the smell of his skin as if my life depends on it. “Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be waiting.”
Gently pulling away, he raises his hand to caress my cheek, releasing a sigh.
No more words are said, but they didn’t need to be.
I trust my heart just as much as I trust his, and second chances count for everything.
