I feel him nod, so I begin. “My name’s not really Dehlia.”
He pulls back just enough to look me in the eyes, confused. “What?”
I burst out laughing and nod. “I swear. Back in kindergarten, we went on a field trip to a nature park, and we visited a greenhouse full of flowers. One flower caught my eye, something I’d never seen before. It had the most beautiful pink shades and it was stunning. The teacher told me it was calledDahlia, with an A, but I was too little to understand how it was really spelled. I kept saying it with an E instead of an A. Everyone in class laughed at how I said it. Back then, I didn’t know they were laughing at me and not with me. I just thought I’d made everyone happy, and that made me happy too. So from that moment, I decided I’d call myself Nova Elizabeth Dehlia to everyone, even though Dehlia doesn’t exist on any official document.”
I’ve never told anyone this story before. I don’t even know why I felt the urge to share it now, but it’s like some unseen force whispered that this was the right moment.
Vincent stares into my eyes, lips parted, looking puzzled.
Maybe I shouldn’t have told him. Maybe now he’ll think I’m crazy. Maybe the magic just ended with him too.
But before I can open my mouth to apologize, his expression softens and he presses a kiss to the tip of my nose.
“I secretly playJust Dancewhen I’m alone to learn all the choreographies so I can be good enough whenever you want to play. Just so I can keep up with you. My favorite routine isCall Me Maybe,” he whispers in my ear.
I instantly burst out laughing, and he follows right after, the two of us laughing until our stomach hurt. I clutch him tighter, hiding my face in his shirt, while he peppers my head with kisses before softly singingTotal Eclipse of the Heartto lull me to sleep.
I love you, Vincent Cooper.
CHAPTER FORTY
Nova Marshall
PRESENT (2023)
"All I have is this guitar, these
chords and the truth."
Jon Bon Jovi
This is the first time in twelve years I’ve found myself knocking on the Cooper house door.
It feels strange because I’ve always been the girl who slipped in through the back door, or climbed through Vincent’s window, never someone who knocked politely like a stranger.
I haven’t set foot in this neighborhood since I was eighteen. After Vincent left, I had no reason to come back.
Tonight, I’m wearing one of the dresses his aunt gave me for my seventeenth birthday—soft fabric that clings just enough to remind me I’m not a child anymore. In my hands, a tray of puff pastry rolls with zucchini and shrimp—not my thing, but Vincent’s parents adore them. And tucked in my bag, hidden like a secret, is a pack of Snickers from a 7-Eleven and a small gift box I’m not sure I’ll be brave enough to give him.
Steven was supposed to come with me, but he declined, telling me something about cake deliveries.
For a fleeting second, I almost turn, tempted to look at my old house down the street. But then the Cooper door swings open, and Daniel is there, flour on his face, apron tied tight, eyes bright with recognition.
“Nova!”
He pulls me into his arms, and I melt into the warmth of the hug. It’s been so long since I felt something like this—safe, paternal, unconditional.
“I’m happy to see you again.”
“Me too,” I smile, and my fingers curl into the fabric of his apron. “Thanks for inviting me.”
“Thank you for coming. Come on in. Chris, Evelyn and I are in the kitchen.”
I nod and step inside. Once upon a time, this house was as much mine as theirs. Now, the air feels different—like I’m trespassing on a past that’s not quite mine anymore.
Maybe it’s because I know Vincent’s parents are aware of everything that happened between us years ago, or maybe it’s because I’m afraid that deep down they blame me for most of it—for him leaving right after graduation. I know Vincent would have moved to Seattle either way, but maybe, if it hadn’t all blown up, he would’ve come back home for the holidays instead of staying there.
“Are you hungry? We’re making all your favorite dishes. Vincent woke up at eight to make you a strawberry cheesecake.”
