Chapter 37 #2
I nod. “I knew the moment I saw them together I was already too late. I knew Heath wouldn’t let her go without a fight.
But most of all, I knew he was the worthier man.
The one who deserved her in the end. Even with that thought grating me, I still tried to pursue Skylar.
But she had already given up on us. She had already moved on.
I was just the person standing in the way of her happiness. ”
My eyes sting at the memory of the day Skylar walked out of my life for good, never once glancing back as she held her head high and left me sitting alone at the hotel restaurant.
That was the beginning of my descent, months of sorrow and despair until Arianna came into my life. It was a small reprieve from all I had lost, but even that was short lived.
“Not a day goes by that I don’t wish I had done things differently, that I don’t regret the choices I made.
When I found out Lucia was pregnant, I thought it was my second chance—a chance to get things right this time.
I had failed as a husband, but I wasn’t going to fail as a father.
I wasn’t even sure if Lucia and I would make it as a couple, but I was willing to try, for the sake of our baby. And I did try.
“In those first few weeks after Ari was born, I put my family first. I wanted to be a hands-on dad to Ari, never missing a single milestone or experience. But then I discovered Lucia’s betrayal, and then I found out Ari wasn’t mine. After that, everything went from bad to worse.”
“I’m sorry you had to go through that.”
“It’s the least I deserved. Funny thing is, I began to believe I was destined for a life of
punishment for what I’d done, that I’d never find happiness again in this lifetime. I had given up hope… that was, until I met you.”
“I wish you had just told me all of this from the start, Kaden. Honesty and respect are the only things I ask of anyone, regardless of their history or background. I’m not excusing what you did in the past, but if you had been upfront, if you told me that you were committed to doing the work to ensure it never happened again, I would have accepted it. I would have believed you.”
“I know that now, and I deeply regret not being honest with you from the beginning. If you do decide to give me another chance, I promise I will never hide anything from you again.”
“As much as I’m still hurt and angry that you hid such a vital piece of yourself… I’m willing to give our friendship another chance.”
My eyes widen. “Really?”
“Yes, Kaden. Really.”
“Thank you, Hope. You don’t know how much that means to me. I won’t let you down ever again. I swear to you.”
“But… make no mistake, Kaden—this is the only chance I’m giving you. If you ever lie to me or keep anything from me, it’s over, for good this time.”
“I promise you, Hope, I will—”
She raises a hand, stopping me mid-sentence, and my words die on my lips.
“I’m not finished. I’m willing to give our friendship another chance, but that’s all it can ever be—just a friendship.
This also doesn’t mean I’ve fully forgiven you; that will take time.
I’ll be honest and say that I did start to feel something more, but now, I don’t know if I could ever completely trust that you wouldn’t lie or cheat again.
I just can’t endure another heartbreak like that.
I’m not sure I’d be strong enough next time. I hope you understand.”
The hope of ever becoming more shatters in an instant. Disappointment drops heavy in my stomach, sharp and undeniable. But I understand her need to protect her heart. If I were in her place, after meeting someone like me, I’d be riddled with doubt too.
A friendship is better than nothing, more than I could ask for. And I would take whatever she’s willing to give, even the smallest fraction of it, if it means I still get to remain in her life.
“I understand. I came here prepared to hear you say that you never want to see me again, so… I’d say a friendship is more than I deserve.”
She nods, and then, a small genuine smile spreads across her face. “I’m glad we’ve had this talk.”
“Me too, Hope. Me too.”
My eyes wander to the island once more, settling on the lone cabinet door stretched out across the counter. I gesture towards it. “Were you in the middle of renovating the kitchen?”
She glances over her shoulder, following my line of sight. “Yeah, I was. I’m just trying to choose the right paint for it, but I can’t decide between sage green and a neutral.”
“What’s the overall feel you’re going for in the rest of the house?”
“I’m leaning towards a contemporary, organic feel—lots of plants, warm timber, stone countertops, soft natural colours.
Maybe even a linen couch… if I ever get around to purchasing one.
” She gives a small shrug. “I’ve been tackling it bit by bit, but honestly, I just want to finish it so I can finally tend to my gardens. ”
“Why don’t I help with the interior? That way you’ll have more time to focus on the outdoor.”
“Oh, no, Kaden. That’s too much. You already have your own projects to work on. I’ll be fine, I promise.”
“I know you will, but I want to help. It’s no bother at all. I’ve actually got some free time over the next two weeks, and I’d much rather keep my hands busy than just sit in front of the TV.”
She bites the corner of her lip as she thinks over my offer. The gesture is small, yet somehow draws all my attention towards her mouth.
“Seriously, Hope. From what I can see, there’s nothing here too big for me to handle. It’s mostly cosmetic finishes and a few replacements, right? I could probably knock it out in a day or two.”
And it will give us more time to spend together—as friends of course. Just as friends.
She releases a long, defeated sigh. “Okay, fine. But I’m not letting you do all the work. I know you, and how sneaky you can be, so don’t even try.”
I chuckle. “I’ll do my best, but can’t promise anything.”
She grins widely, shaking her head. “I mostly need your help with replacing the built-in cupboards, and the laundry door and shelves that have wood rot. Other than that, I can handle all the painting and install the new light fixtures that have been sitting in my garage for six months.”
I nod. “Too easy. When should we start?”
“Well, I’m planning to tackle the kitchen cabinets tonight and tomorrow. So, how about next weekend? You can start with the built-in wardrobes in the master and guest rooms. They’ve been a pain in my arse ever since I moved back in.”
A sharp pang of disappointment hits at the thought of not seeing her for another week, but knowing we’ve only just begun talking again, I don’t want to overstep or rush things.
“Sounds good to me. I’ll be here bright and early.”
“Just wait until I have my coffee first. I can’t start my day without it.”
I chuckle. “Duly noted.”
We wrap up our conversation, and she walks me to my car. Just before I pull away from her driveway, she surprises me by promising to try harder next time to reply to my texts and answer my calls.
I leave her house feeling much lighter than when I first arrived.
Knowing she’s given me another chance, when I thought I’d ruined everything between us—stirs a quiet, unexpected joy inside me.
Even if all she wants is friendship, even if it means setting aside my true feelings for a chance to still be in her life, I’ll do it.
Because if the alternative is nothing at all, I’ll gladly choose friendship, any day.