Page 95 of Only You

“You’re being stubborn. Her words, not mine.” She smiled. “You’ve let guilt consume you for so many years that you’re on autopilot. All she wants is for you to be at peace. You have a big heart, Alex Harbor, and you have so much love to give. She’s happy you’ve returned because this is where you belong. And she’s so excited about Athena Harbor. But she needs you to forgive her and let her go.”

“I don’t understand. What am I supposed to forgive her for?”

“Dying.” She squeezed my arm. “She’s telling you that she’s okay, and all she wants is for you to be happy. When you let the guilt go, she can go to where she’s supposed to be.”

Tears filled my eyes as one escaped down my cheek.

“It’s okay, Alex. I know it’s hard because you’ve suffered for so many years. You have to let go of the past to live your future. She loves you so much and only wants to see you smile.”

“Everyone okay down here?” Asher walked over and hooked his arm around his wife.

“I think so.” Everly smiled.

“Yeah. I think I am for the first time in a long time. Thank you, Everly.”

“Don’t mention it. I’m just the messenger.” She grinned.

“One question, though,” I said.

“Okay.”

“What about my mother? Is she here?”

“No. She’s where she’s supposed to be and happy.”

“Good.” I stared out at the water.

Ispent the last week working and thinking about everything Everly said. I missed Hannah so much, and not being with her or talking to her slowly killed me. I had never felt for anyone the way I did for her. I knew what I needed to do for both Athena and me.

Getting up from my desk, I walked across the street to the flower shop. When I stepped inside, I saw Mary behind the counter. Bringing my finger to my lips, I motioned for her not to alert Hannah I was here. Walking over to the cooler, I grabbed three dozen roses—one dozen red, pink, and white. I took them up to the counter and had Mary beautifully wrap them as I paid.

“Can you call her out here?” I asked.

“Of course, Alex.” She smiled.

She went into the back, and a few moments later, Hannah walked out, stopped, and stared at me.

“Hello, Hannah.” I smiled. “These are for you.” I held out the bouquet.

“What are you doing here, Alex? Seriously? You bought flowers from my shop to give me?”

“You’re the only florist in Harbor Falls. Where else am I supposed to get them from?” I smirked. “I’m extending an olive branch here. Will you please have dinner with me tonight?”

“No. I won’t.” She shook her head.

“Hannah.” I took a few steps closer, grabbed her hand, and closed her fist around the bouquet. “Please. We need to talk. Actually, I need to talk to you.”

“About what?” she asked.

“Everything. Please. I know you hate me, but I need this. I need to talk to you.”

“I don’t hate you, Alex.” Her shoulders slumped. “But I don’t think anything you have to say will change things.”

“Maybe not. But can you at least give me a chance? Please, Hannah.”

“Fine. I’ll have dinner with you.”

“Thank you. Can you come over around six o’clock? Lucy is spending the night at her friend’s house for a birthday party.”