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“There’s no point in running a family business if you can’t look after your own. I’m sure everyone here will feel the same.”

Later that night Anna read over her email again.

From: Anna McIntosh

To: Hayley Pearson

Date: October 24th 22:45pm

Subject: My stupid fears

Dear Hayley,

I hope you got to Chamonix and are enjoying the stunning scenery over there. How is the campervan holding up with all those miles you’re putting in?

I wish that I was with you right now. I miss you so much. You are the most amazing woman I have ever met. I still can’t believe how lucky I have been to know you.

I want you to know that I understand why you left. I’m so sorry for the things I said. I let my stupid fears get in the way of my heart. I’ve been a fool.

But I’m listening to my heart now, and my heart wants you, Hayley. I love you so much. I am happy wherever we go, as long as I’m with you. I can’t believe I got all crazy about the future so soon. You didn’t deserve that and I understand why you ran for the hills.

You told me that you wanted all that stuff too and I believe you now. I’m sorry that I kept acting like you were twenty-two and still just wanting to party all the time. Again, my stupid fears. I’m so sorry!

I don’t have all the answers or know exactly what us being together is going to look like, but I want you to know that my answer is one hundred percent yes – I want us to be a couple. I’m so sorry it took me so long to get here.

I hope that’s still what you want too but I would understand if things have changed for you. Could we arrange a time to call or FaceTime soon? I would love to hear your voice and talk. I’d also love to hear more about your trip and your thoughts on the places you are visiting.

Take care of yourself out there.

All my love,

Anna xxx

Hopefully it was enough to start to repair some of the damage she’d done and get them thinking about what might be next for them. Because all Anna wanted now was to dive headlong into a relationship with Hayley and be open to all that came with that. Anna prayed that this was the beginning of something truly wonderful.

An anxious wait to hear back followed. The days were nothing but an obstacle in getting to that moment when an email from Hayley landed in her inbox. Not hearing from her was excruciating. She’d put her heart on the line.

The email arrived just before Anna was going to bed on Wednesday night. Adrenaline coursed through her as she tapped on Hayley’s email with bated breath.

From: Hayley Pearson

To: Anna McIntosh

Date: October 27th 22:05pm

Subject: Re: My stupid fears

Hi Anna,

I’m in London. I’m staying at a hotel just off Covent Garden. I’ve been doing some sightseeing and exploring the south of England. I’ve sold the van. It held up admirably.

I’ve decided to cut my trip short. I’m going back to the US in a couple of days. Going back home feels like the best thing for me right now. The trip has been great, but it didn’t make me as happy as I thought it might. I’ll stay with my parents for a little while and focus on my design business.

I didn’t run for the hills because you were talking about the future so soon. I left because you made it clear that you didn’t think we would make it as a couple without even giving us a chance. That hurt. I’m not sure you know what you want. Maybe it’s for the best I go back home and regroup.

I’m sorry that’s not the answer you wanted to hear. I’m not in a great place right now. Maybe we can talk once I get home? I can tell you more about the trip then.

Love,