Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 84370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
I have so many memories in this small town, and most of them revolve around Ellison. I fell hard and fast for her all those years ago, and for the first time in seventeen years, I'm about to face the only woman I've ever loved. It’s been years since I’ve laid eyes on her, and I have no doubt she’s still beautiful. We were just kids back then, but the love I had for her ran deep. It still does. Now that I'm home to stay, I can't stay cooped up in my mom's or brother's houses.
This isn't a visit. This is the next phase of my life. Yet another stepping stone I didn't bet on, but it's here, and I'm ready to face it anyway.
My family needs me. That means I have to put my broken heart on the back burner and let it simmer. I’m a Marine. I can handle the pressure of living in the same town as her. And even if I can’t, I’m going to have to fake it until I make it.
I slow the truck at Mom’s driveway, and just as I always do, I look up ahead at Magnolia Estates, hoping for a glimpse of her. Sure, I stay hidden when I’m here to avoid seeing her happy with someone else, but my eyes have a mind of their own, and they’re always looking, always searching.
Today, just like every other day I’ve been back here, I don’t see her. However, this time, I know that’s going to change. It will be impossible not to see her living in this town. I’m not ready. I tell myself that my heart is hardened. That I’m prepared to see her happy and with someone else, but that’s just it, she’s not with someone else.
She’s single.
My girl, she hasn’t moved on, and my hardened heart doesn’t know how to handle that.
What the fuck is wrong with the men in this town? Do they not understand how amazing she is? I might not have spoken a word to her in seventeen years, or even laid eyes on her, but I know with absolute certainty she’s still the same incredible, beautiful woman she was back then.
I shake out of my thoughts and park my truck in the driveway. Grabbing my phone, I don’t bother with my keys or my things. I can deal with them later. Right now, I need to see my mom. I need to wrap my arms around her and see for myself that she’s okay. I know she’s going up against a battle, and I plan to be there for her every step of the way.
Stretching out my back, I bend left and right, twisting and turning before making my way to the front door. My boots clunk against the steps, and when I reach the door, I don’t bother knocking. My mom would scold me for that, so I turn the knob and step into the house. Instantly, the smell of vanilla greets me. Mom loves to bake, and the house always smells like vanilla. I close my eyes, letting the scent and the memories that come with it wash over me.
“Ma!” I call out. I can hear sounds and the low hum of voices from the kitchen. She’s not expecting me today, but I was able to get everything packed up a day early. I didn’t tell her because I was hoping to surprise her. The voices are quiet as I round the corner to the kitchen.
Mom stands, a blinding smile on her face as she rushes toward me, wrapping me in a hug. My arms envelop her petite frame, and I close my eyes. She’s here. She’s okay, and she’s going to beat this. When she pulls back, she’s smiling as she lightly slaps at my chest.
“Copeland James, what are you doing here? I wasn’t expecting you until tomorrow.”
“I got everything packed and taken care of a day early. I wanted to surprise you.”
“Well, you certainly did that.” She smiles up at me. She takes another step back, and that’s when it happens.
My breath hitches.
The world around me stills.
Ellison.
Her blue eyes are wide with surprise, and the afternoon sunlight shines through the window, hitting her long, dark hair, making it shine. I used to spend hours running my fingers through the silky strands. My hands twitch at my sides, yearning to feel her tresses with my fingertips once more.
She’s not supposed to be here. Not in this house. Not in this kitchen where we spent so much time together back then. It’s where I first kissed her. The memory slams into me like a punch to the gut.
It was Christmastime, and we were helping my mom bake cookies for the town's holiday bake sale. We’d just started dating, and I hadn’t done more than hold hands, but that day, it changed everything. I’d wanted her for so long, danced around the idea of us, but held off because I was three years older than her. That day, my resolve broke. She was standing in my mother’s kitchen, flour all over her hands and smeared on her cheek. She was smiling, her blue eyes were sparkling, and I just knew that was my moment. I didn’t care that my mom was in the same room, pretending not to notice. All I could see was Ellison.