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I couldn’t live like this again. Not after I’d seen how easy and enjoyable my life could be with Sean in it. My old life wouldn’t do anymore.
Besides, Henry didn’t need me to be all of those people. He simply needed me to be happy Chloe.
I’d made a mistake after Sean asked me to move in with him. I had chosen Henry out of guilt, even though my heart wanted Sean. I would not let guilt drive me anymore. I was done. My heart would do all the talking from here on because I was ready to choose to have Sean in my life.
What a fool I’d been by trying to separate my two lives.
“I have something to show you,” I said, my voice trembling as I reached for my phone for a photo of me and Sean. It was one of the few we’d taken during our recent stolen dates.
I showed Henry more pictures, feeling embarrassed as I did so because so much had happened without him knowing. My time biking with Lucas and Sean, and my visit to Erin’s shop. Why hadn’t I shared these tidbits with Henry?
I had never pushed Sean to meet Henry, but Sean had voluntarily done it anyway. He’d gotten to know Henry little by little while I tried my best to keep them away. I had been breaking apart whatever little bond they were building. Looking back, I now felt regret.
We stopped at a picture of Lucas and me flying his drone. Sean had taken the picture, and I was giving Lucas a look of pure happiness.
Henry chuckled and took the phone in his hand for a closer look. “Is that really you?”
I nodded. “And that’s Sean’s son. And this,” I said, scrolling to a picture of Erin, “is Sean’s half-sister.” I took a deep breath. “I’ve met Sean’s family, Henry. They like me. I want you to meet them too. Will you?”
“I want to,” he said firmly.
I walked over to his desk, where I picked up the familiar envelope that Henry had received recently in the mail.
My chest heaved as I took a deep breath. I understood. He was going to Boston, away from me. In my opinion, this was happening too soon. He was asking for too much, too fast. But when was the right time for him to move on, anyway? If not in his twenties, would I feel any better when he was in his thirties? Or his forties?
No, Henry was right.
Staying away from Henry was a risk I’d have to take. A possibility I’d have to face if I truly wanted Sean.
“I know Mom passed away, and we couldn’t stop that,” I said, realizing what I needed to do. “But there’s still a way for you to make the rest of your childhood dreams come true,” I said, putting the envelope back in his hands. “I’m glad you’re going to accept the admission. I’m glad you’re going to grad school, and if research is what your heart wants, I’m happy beyond words that you’re following it.”
I bent down and hugged him tight, and he hugged me back as tears rolled down my eyes. We were losing our hold on each other, and my familiar emotions were not too far in the recesses of my mind—the hurt, the pain, the guilt. But this time, I was determined to fight them.
My dear, dear brother. I loved him too much, and I was going to miss him so much when he went away.
I pressed a kiss to his head and stood up. His eyes looked misty, too, but he gave me his trademark cheery smile. I walked over to his bedroom door.
I turned around with a last look at Henry.
“The Nichols siblings don’t always stick together, Chloe. Because that would mean giving up on our dreams.”
I smiled back at him. “And we never give up.”
61
CHLOE
In the next hour, I talked to Tess from my room, filling her in on what had happened, before I took a quick shower. I needed to meet Sean, but first, I had to do something else. Something just for me.
I went to my closet and found one of my nicer dresses. Slipping it on and paying attention to my hair and styling it, I stepped out of my room.
When I’d told Henry where I was going, he’d refused to accompany me, telling me he had other ideas. I was disappointed, but I didn’t let it change my plans.
Henry stayed in his room, and I knew he could take care of himself for the rest of the evening. He didn’t need me anymore.
Before I could step out, there was a knock on the door, and I opened it to find Greg.
“Hello,” Greg said, holding out balloons that saidCongrats!