Chapter 15
A Misplaced Letter
The next week, Hannah arrived at the boardwalk with a new sketch, eager to show Ethan. But as she approached, she noticed a crumpled piece of paper lying near the bench. Curious, she picked it up—and froze.
It was a letter, addressed to Ethan, written in a neat, unfamiliar hand.
“Ethan, I can’t stop thinking about you. I wish you felt the same…”
Hannah’s heart sank. Her fingers trembled slightly as she stared at the words. Who could have written this? Did Ethan…?
Before she could spiral further, Ethan appeared, sketchbook under his arm. “Hannah! There you are.”
She held up the letter. “What’s this?”
Ethan’s eyes widened. “Oh… that. I was going to explain. It’s—uh—a fan letter, actually. From a student I helped last semester. Nothing else. I didn’t want to mention it because I didn’t want to worry you.”
Hannah blinked, relief mixing with lingering unease. “A fan letter?”
“Yes,” he said, stepping closer. “I mean, look at it—how could anyone take it seriously? But I wanted you to know, first. You’re the one I care about, Hannah. Always.”
Hannah felt the tension leave her chest, replaced by a warm, fluttering sensation. “You could have just told me,” she murmured, a small smile tugging at her lips.
“I know,” Ethan admitted, brushing a damp strand of hair from her face. “But I didn’t want to ruin our boardwalk peace. I wanted to handle it quietly.”
Hannah laughed softly, shaking her head. “You and your quiet handling. It’s part of your charm, I suppose.”
He grinned, holding her hand. “Part of my charm, huh? Then let me charm you properly.”
They walked along the boardwalk together, the letter forgotten, replaced by playful teasing and soft glances. The brief scare had reminded Hannah how much she trusted him, how strong their slow-burning connection had become.
And as the sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the water gold, Hannah realized that love—slow, steady, and patient—was worth every flutter, every worry, and every heartbeat spent waiting for moments like this.