Page 46 of Love Always, Nova Black

“I do see the bigger picture.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“I’m positive, Aunt Patricia. I see myself happy and just living my life.”

“And you think your life is better off without him?”

“Yes, I do.”

Shaking her head, she placed her hand on my cheek. “Fine, if you’re no longer willing to fight for your marriage, I’m not going to push you.”

I hated her choice of words, but if it meant she was going to be done with it, I was willing to accept whatever she had to offer.

“Thank you. I appreciate that.”

“Mmhmm. Just remember, once he’s gone, there might not be any going back.”

“Trust me, I’m not trying to go back. I only want to push forward at this point. Jayson and I are over.”

She stared at me for a moment.

I guess she was trying to let everything sink in.

Shrugging, I turned towards the kitchen. “You want something to drink?”

“Yeah, a glass of wine would be nice. It’s been a long day.”

“A long day? It’s only two o’clock.”

“That’s not important,” she said while playfully waving me off. “Just pour my wine.”

We both laughed.

If only for that moment, I was happy that we were in a peaceful space.

While guzzling down two glasses of wine, we talked about something other than my marriage, which was nice. I even got to hear about her new boyfriend.

Deep down, I knew my aunt was a good person. Yeah, she was stuck in her ways about a lot of things, but she was always there when I needed her. And for that, I would remain grateful.

20

Don

“I still can’t believe you chose to get your own place instead of living in the guesthouse. It would have been so much more convenient,” my mother complained while helping me unpack the last few boxes that were left in my kitchen.

Two months had passed since I’d told Nova about my decision to return, and I was finally back home. It was crazy how much I’d managed to get accomplished in such a short amount of time. But that was the luxury of having so many people supporting me. I’d only been back a week, and I could already feel the love.

Tapping back into the conversation with my mother, I said, “For who? You?”

She jerked her head back. “Don’t act like that. You know good and well that having me on the same property would have been good for you and Dakota…perfect access.”

“Mmhmm, a little too much access.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“You know exactly what it means,” I replied with a chuckle before shaking my head. “Let’s just keep it all the way real…you’re nosey as hell. The last thing I want is to be over here minding my business, and here you come knocking on the door.”

Rolling her eyes, she waved me off. But she knew I wasn’t lying, which is why she quickly changed the subject. “Speaking of Nova—”