Lincoln’s jaw tightened. He seemed pissed on my behalf, and I was appreciative.
The tears I’d been holding back for a while welled up. “I thought I’d get the chance to do something that mattered, like I’ve dreamed about. But maybe he’s right. I’m not good enough. Maybe I’m not cut out for this—forrealjournalism.”
Lincoln didn’t speak right away. He reached over, took my hand, and laced our fingers together. “You are more than good enough, Ava. You’re brilliant and relentless. Youcare, you’re passionate, and that’s a rarity nowadays.”
I blinked back tears. “You really think so?”
“Remember that story you did for the school paper in the eighth grade? The one exposing the drama teacher giving the lead roles to students whose parents were granting her favors and donations?”
I burst out laughing. “I can’t believe you remember that. I got suspicious after watching a few plays with leads that wereterrible, and launched an investigation.”
“You were like a tiny detective with a notepad and a vengeance. You kept going until you uncovered the truth.” He grinned. “What was the title…?Casting Shadows: The Truth Behind the Curtain. That scathing editorial led to re-auditions,fair casting, a pissed-off drama teacher, and an awkward PTA meeting. You became the drama kids’ hero that year. Your parents even framed the article.”
She laughed. “Yeah, and Ethan was so proud.”
He gave me a nudge with his shoulder. “I was too.”
Warmth spread through me. He even remembered the title of the article after so many years.
“It was good investigative work and amazing writing,” he said.
“I was such a menace when I joined the school paper,” I joked.
“You were ajournalist,” Lincoln said. “Even then. You saw something wrong, you dug into it, and you made people care. That’s who you are. You were born to do it, Ava. Don’t let some guys make you think you’re not good enough.”
“Thatguyis an award-winning journalist turned editor," I pointed out.
“Hey, who are you going to listen to? Him or me? You know I’m always right about stuff. You’re damn good, Montgomery.”
I laughed. “That cocky streak of yours has remained intact, I see.”
He smirked.
“But I am going to listen to you. I’m damn good.”
“And you’re not going to give up?”
“Never.”
“That’s my girl.”
His girl.The words sent a jolt of electricity through me. I gazed at him—probably with the same stars in my eyes as I had when I was a teenager. Then I reached over, cupped his cheek, and pulled him in for a kiss.
“What was that for?” he asked when I pulled away.
“Thank you,” I whispered. His faith in me was all the encouragement I needed.
He smiled and lifted his hand to brush his thumb across my cheek. I swore I fell more in love with him. Which was crazy, right…? Maybe it was time to make up my mind once and for all about that. I felt like I was ready for a real relationship after my disaster of an engagement.
I told myself I didn’t want another relationship because I was traumatized. But seeing the other couples, seeing how the men respected, protected, and doted on their wives…I wanted it. Lincoln was a perfect partner. Maybe if I let go of my fear, things would be different this time. Or maybe it was still too soon to let my guard down completely…
“Ava.”
I reined in my runaway thoughts.
He took a deep breath as if bracing himself for something. “I have doubts too, you know.”
My eyebrows snapped together. “About your job?”
