Page 72 of The Off-limits Grump Next Door

Had I let that love slip away?

***

Three days after receiving Kendra’s letter, I stepped off the plane in Anchorage, Alaska. The crisp air filled my lungs, starkly different from the cold in Asheville. I tugged at the scarf around my neck to make it tighter.

Tom, Kendra’s brother, waited for me at the arrivals gate, his expression serious.

“Antonio,” he said, extending a firm hand.

I shook it, feeling a hint of trepidation. “Tom, thanks for agreeing to have me.”

We walked to his car in silence, the tension between us palpable. Once we were on the road, Tom spoke up.

“Listen, Antonio, I know what happened between you and Kendra. She told me everything.”

I nodded, expecting this. “I’m not here to hurt her, Tom. I swear.”

Tom’s eyes narrowed. “You’d better not be. Kendra’s been through a lot already, and I won’t let anyone mess with her again.”

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “I’m here to apologize and make things right.”

He turned his gaze to the road ahead. “You’d better mean it.”

I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude toward Tom. "I understand, Tom. And I appreciate your protection of Kendra."

The rest of the drive passed in silence, my thoughts consumed by the upcoming meeting with Kendra.

As we turned onto Tom's street, my heart skipped a beat. I was about to face the woman I loved, and my future hung in the balance.

As Tom turned off the ignition, I saw Kendra come out after the kids, a bright smile on her face. I'd missed that smile… but it faltered as soon as I stepped out of the car and her eyes landed on me.

She looked between her brother and me.

“Antonio?”

Epilogue

Six Months Later

Kendra

I stepped out of the house, inhaling the crisp morning air. The Michaelson estate was buzzing with excitement as wedding preparations unfolded around me. My brother, Tom, and his family had just arrived for the big day.

“Kendra!” Tom called out, his arms wide open.

I grinned and ran into his embrace, hugging him tightly. “Tom! It’s so great to see you! How was your flight?”

“Smooth, thanks to your fiancé making sure we were in first class.”

I blushed at the mention of Antonio. He was always so thoughtful, and I couldn’t believe how lucky I was.

Lucinda waddled out of the car, her pregnant belly on full display. “Kendra, darling!” she squealed, her excitement mirroring mine.

I hugged her, cooing over her baby bump. “You’re glowing, Lucinda! How are you feeling?”

“Ready to pop,” she laughed.

“Do you know what you're expecting yet?”