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“Nova said to me that she would rather love and be loved for one year, knowing it would end, then to have never experienced love at all. I think you need to hear that and absorb what she said. Love isn’t always going to be a bright sunny day or the perfect run through the woods. Being with someone is knowing there will be bad days and choosing to love them, regardless. Your parent’s love for you is why they made those sacrifices. Don’t take that away from them. We all do things for those that we love. Not because we have to, but because we love them and want what’s best for them.”

Letting out a heavy sigh, I say, “You’re right. I’m trying to do what’s right for her by first accepting the things I did wrong. Owning my mistakes. I’ve already apologized to her, but it will never be enough. There aren’t enough words to explain how sorry I am.” My head drops as I fear I will never be able to earn her back.

Silas wraps his arm around my shoulder as he says, “I’m sure she heard you. Why don’t you try showing her how sorry you are with your actions? Your road might have hills and curves, but if you keep walking down the path, you will get to your destination.”

I nod my head once. “Thank you,” I whisper.

He claps his hand on my shoulder a few times before releasing me. “You’re welcome,” he says before he walks down the path, looking up into the trees lining the path.

The sun beams through the canopy, lighting my face and warming it with its caress. I close my eyes and bask in its touch.

It’s time to show her that I’m sorry and I will never hurt her again.

Chapter 20

Warrick

My eyes peel open as the sun warms my face through the window by my bed. The silence of my room rings through my ears as I roll over and remember my empty bed as the loneliness creeps back in. I shake my head to dislodge those thoughts before they consume me.

Flipping the blankets back, I shift till my feet hit the ground. The bed might be empty today and the next few weeks, but hopefully for not much longer. My head rocks side to side, cracking my neck as I stand up and pad toward my bathroom.My hair is sticking up at all angles when I look at myself in the mirror. Using a dash of water, I smooth it down into a semblance of style. I’m not worried about my appearance today so much as I’m worried about this project being perfect. The confidence I’ve been feeling that this project will be flawless is dwindling the more time that passes.What if she hates it? I mean, I don’t think she will, but will it be exactly what she would have done if it was hers to do?

Pushing the toothbrush around my mouth, I consider a few different ways to ensure this turns out exactly how she wants it.What if I sneak into her house and look through her laptop? No, we won’t be breaking and entering.

“You could always ask Hazel to help, you know, her friends?”Wraith suggests.

“That’s a great idea! Why didn’t I think of that?”I say eagerly.

“Because you’ve been too busy ignoring me and I’m tired of waiting. So I pushed through to keep you out of jail.”

“I’m not ignoring you, I just have a lot going on. You know that.”

“What I know is that you have one more chance to win Aspen over or I will take over and make it happen.”

“Humph. Like you would have a better chance with her than I have.”

“One of us cheated. One of us rubbed the other women in her face. And the other one of us is a handsome, furry beast that she can cuddle with.”

“You don’t have to remind me of my mistakes. I’m well aware.”

“Are you though?"

“Yes, I’m clearly trying to right the wrongs.”

“As long as you aren’t just doing this so you can have a mate. She’s made it clear that she wants someone to want her for her. Can you be that person?”

“I’m going to do everything in my power to show both of you that I’m here to be that person for her and our future.”

Wraithgoes back into our shared consciousness, leaving me with a pit in my stomach. CanI be that person for her?Shaking my head, I run my toothbrush under the water and rinse it off. Placing it back in its holder, I dry my mouth with the hand towel.

My cell phone dings on the bed side table with an incoming text message. Walking over to it, I see that Gail has sent me a text message.Odd, I didn’t even know she knew how to do that. Isn’t she too old for texting?

Warrick, Hazel is coming by with some coffees this morning. Can you stop by to pick up these documents that need to be signed? Love, Gail

Shaking my head, a small smile plays across my lips.

Yeah I can be there in ten.

Good. We’ll be waiting, dear. Love, Gail