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“I’m afraid so, Darlin’. He married her on a whim and quickly realized his mistake. They’ve been divorced for about six months and separated for over a year.”

Chance gives me an expectant look and I nod my head, letting him know I’m satisfied with that answer.

“Thanks, man,” Chance says into the phone.

“Yeah, you got it, brother. Talk to you later.”

He hangs up and turns back to me, wrapping both his arms around my waist. “If you need more proof, we can go to my house and I’ll show you the divorce papers.”

“No,” I whisper, shaking my head. “I believe you.”

He smiles. “Good. Now, can we get back to the other part?”

“Uh… which part would that be?”

His grin grows and he walks us back until I hit the wall. “The part about how you fell in love with me.”

As I stare up at him, I’m not sure what to say. I know he’s not married but it’s taking my heart a little bit longer to catch up and the fear that’s plagued me for so long is back – not as strong but still there. He didn’t betray me, but it still feels like a betrayal. My heart is still tender and terrified of letting him back in.

“I’m not sure what else there is to say.”

“Knowing I’m not married doesn’t change anything for you, does it?” he asks, studying my face. I blow out a breath.

“Yes… and no. I know none of this is your fault, but it still hurt like hell and I’m not as eager to jump into something as I was Friday night.”

He smiles again. “But you were ready to give us a shot?”

“Yes,” I whisper. “I was.”

He nods. “I’ll admit I have no idea why you’re so scared, Carly, but I’m hoping you’ll take a leap with me.”

“I don’t know.”

“Well, I do, Princess. You remember when I told you about spending time with Logan and his grandparents?”

I nod. “Yes.”

“That’s only part of the story. Logan’s grandparents were two of the most incredible people I’ve ever met in my life and their love… it was the kind of love books and songs are written about. Being with them made me feel like I had a real family until I went back home to my mom and whatever asshole was smacking her around that week. As I got older, I wanted to find what they had and the day I met you, I did. I’ve been searching for you my entire life and I don’t think I can walk away.”

A smile tugs at my lips. “I should have known.”

“Should have known what?” he asks, cocking his head to the side.

“That you wouldn’t really leave me alone like you promised in your note.”

“I meant it when I wrote it but now, I don’t know how to make myself walk away from you… it would be like losing half of my soul.”

When I glance back up at him again, his gaze is on my lips and he leans in, like he can’t hold back anymore. Truthfully, neither can I. Reaching up on my toes, I press my lips to his in a gentle kiss and he sighs, his hand sliding to the back of my head as the other presses against the small of my back. It’s more intimate than any other kiss we’ve ever shared and I swear, I can feel the relief pulsing through him. I had hoped that he was hurting just as much as I was and now I know for sure. Although, it doesn’t bring me as much comfort as I thought it would. He pulls away and brushes his nose across the tip of mine with a smile on his face.

“God, I missed you.”

I nod. “I missed you, too.”

“I have a proposition for you,” he says, pulling away a fraction so he can meet my eyes. “How about we take this slow? You don’t have to commit to anything, but you do have to stop fighting me. Sound like a deal?”

Sucking in a breath, I meet his eyes. “I think I can handle that.”