Page 8 of The Hang Up (Lilac Harbor #3)

EIGHT

Holden

My heart skips when my phone buzzes on the workbench. I’ve been staring at the screen, waiting, hoping, praying, and now, there it is. Her name lights up the screen, and my stomach clenches tight.

Truce.

One word, yet it feels like she’s handed me the world on a silver platter. I grip the phone tight, rereading the single word like it might vanish if I blink too long.

It’s a start. It’s something.

“Thank God,” I breathe, my voice rough in the silence of the workshop. My fingers shake a little as I text back, wanting desperately to get this right.

Thank you.

That’s all I send, simple and honest. Anything more might scare her off, and I can’t risk losing even the tiniest sliver of progress.

I place the phone carefully back onto the bench and pace the shop, my heart racing.

I run my hand over a table I’ve been working on for Auden and Wade.

It’s nearly finished, the dark wood gleaming under the lights.

This workshop is my sanctuary, but tonight, even the familiar scent and steady rhythm of my work can’t settle the restless energy inside me.

Lena texted me.

The past six months of rejection and heartbreak suddenly feel worth it. Every cold stare, every sharp word, every sleepless night, I’d endure them all over again for this one chance.

I grab a broom, sweeping the floor, needing something to occupy my hands while my mind races. Thoughts of Lena flood my mind, and suddenly, it’s not enough to wait and see what comes next. I need a plan, a way to show her I’m serious this time.

A truce means peace, but peace alone isn’t enough. I want her heart, her forgiveness. I want her love again, forever this time.

I glance at the clock, realizing it’s getting late. There’s no way I’ll sleep, though. Not now. Not tonight.

I sit at the bench and pick up another piece of paper. Writing her letters has become second nature, and tonight feels like the perfect time to keep that promise going. This letter needs to be different, though. It needs to reflect our truce.

Lena,

Thank you for giving me even this small chance. I won’t take it for granted.

When I saw your text tonight, it felt like breathing again for the first time in years. I promise I’ll respect whatever boundaries you set. I want you to know that no matter what happens next, I’m here. I’ll wait as long as you need.

Forever yours,

Holden

My chest tightens as I fold the letter, sliding it carefully into an envelope and setting it aside. Tomorrow, I’ll give it to her. Tomorrow, I’ll show her that a truce is only the beginning.

* * *

The next morning, I’m up before the sun. Coffee brews in the kitchen, filling my house with its warm aroma. I shower, shave, and change into fresh clothes, trying to look my best. Lena deserves that. She deserves my effort and my commitment to proving I’m here to stay.

I drive into town, the letter burning a hole in my pocket. When I pull up to Clay & Cupcakes, my nerves spike. Lena’s already inside, her silhouette moving gracefully behind the counter. Even from here, she takes my breath away.

I grab the letter and take a deep breath, stepping inside.

She looks up, eyes widening slightly as she sees me. “Holden.”

“Morning,” I say, my voice rough. I clear my throat and step closer. “I just wanted to say thank you in person. For the text. For the truce.”

Her expression softens a little. “You’re welcome.”

“I wrote you another letter.” I hold it out, heart hammering.

She hesitates before taking it. Her fingers brush mine, and a jolt of electricity shoots through my veins.

“Thanks,” she whispers, tucking the envelope away.

I glance around the shop, feeling awkward. “Need any help with anything?”

She studies me, clearly debating, before finally nodding. “You can help set up the tables outside, if you don’t mind.”

My heart lifts. “Of course.”

We work quietly, setting up tables and chairs in comfortable silence. I watch her discreetly as she moves, graceful and deliberate. Every now and then, our eyes meet, and a spark flickers between us.

As we finish, she pauses, glancing over at me. “Why did you really come back, Holden?”

I freeze, caught off guard by the question. “Because I was wrong. Because I needed you. Because this is home, and home doesn’t exist without you.”

She bites her lip, eyes shining. “I want to believe you.”

“You can,” I whisper fiercely, stepping closer. “I’m never leaving again, Lena. Not without you by my side. I promise.”

She lets out a shaky breath, her gaze searching mine. “We’ll see.”

“I’ll prove it,” I swear softly. “However long it takes."

Her eyes soften a fraction, and hope flares bright in my chest. This truce is fragile, but it’s real. It’s progress.

And for now, it’s enough.