Page 144 of Sing For Me

“Because I blamedmyself. And I was so fucking angry at the universe I needed to blame someone else, too.” I let out a bitter noise. “I was an asshole to people who loved me. I said terrible things. I shut my dad out when all he’s ever done is love me.” My voice catches and I have to take a minute before I can go on. “I talked to them this week. My dad and my uncles. I had a lot of apologies to make.”

Her fingers squeeze mine. “I’m glad you felt like you could do that. How did they react?”

My throat is tight again. “Way better than I deserved.”

“Your family loves you, Will,” she murmurs. “I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen a family that loves each other the way you guys do.”

It’s quiet for a moment while we watch the waves. She hasn’t released my hand yet, which is a good sign, but I’m not sure how to get from clearing the air to begging her to please take my pathetic ass back.

“That’s what the band thing was about?” she asks eventually. “With your brother? You panicked about them trying for a career in music.” I nod. “And playing guitar, the night at the campfire, everyone was so shocked. You stopped playing after Skye died?”

“Playing guitar was my whole life. It was the only thing I’d ever seriously considered as a career. But I had a few hobbies, too. I’d always been into just about anything to do with art—painting and drawing and shit. So when Skye died and I couldn’t stand to pick up my instrument, tattooing seemed like the next best option. Because I sure as shit didn’t want anything to do with music. You might have noticed I don’t even have it on in the car.”

“I got like that, after the fire,” she says. “I couldn’t play. I didn’t even want tohearit.”

“Yeah, but it only took you a few months to get over it. I’ve been dragging this shit around with me for years.”

“And now?”

I’m pretty sure I hear a note of hopefulness in her voice. It gives me the courage to turn and face her and the minute I do, I’m struck all over again by how beautiful she is. The dying sun glints off her red hair, making it even brighter than usual. She’s wearing it in a messy bun high on top of her head, dozens of little wispy curls escaping to dance around her face in the wind off the ocean.

Ihaveto touch her. I reach out and cup the side of her face, letting out a long, relieved breath when she leans into the contact. It strikes me, for the first time, that she looks thinner than she had the last time I saw her. Her face is pale, almost gaunt, and there are dark purple smudges beneath her eyes.

I did that,I think, my stomach turning. I hurt this beautiful girl.

“I’m so sorry,” I whisper. “I’m sorry I was such an ass. I’m sorry I didn’t just talk to you. I’m sorry—” my voice breaks with emotion. “I’m sorry I walked away.”

“You really hurt me, Will.”

“I know. I don’t ever want to do that again.”

The bright green eyes I love so much search my face. “Does that mean—”

“I don’t deserve another chance with you, Eva. I know that. But if you’re willing to give me one anyways, I promise to do everything in my power to make you happy.” I shake my head, knowing it’s not enough. “I love you so much and I just want—”

Her eyes go wide. “You love me?” she gasps, and I stare at her, bemused.

“Of course I love you.”

“But you never…you never said—”

“I was a fucking idiot,” I say bluntly. “I was a coward. But I’m done being scared, Eva. The only thing that can scare me now is losing you.”

“You haven’t lost me,” she whispers, and emotion explodes in my chest.

“I haven’t?”

She shakes her head, and I can see the beginning of a smile playing around her lips. “I’ve been right here, Will. Just waiting for you to figure out your shit.”

I bark out a laugh, so relieved and happy I can hardly believe the words coming out of her mouth.

“I did. I am,” I amend, because I know it’s not something that can be done in a day or a week. But I’m committed to getting there, to being a better man for her. I would do anything for her.

I bring my other hand to her face, cupping her cheeks. “I love you, Eva.”

Her smile breaks free and just like the first time, all those weeks ago in my shop, it feels like looking into the sun. Then she’s pressing her lips against mine and I swear to God I’m the luckiest man on earth. I get to pull this woman into my arms, get to kiss her, hold her, tell her over and over again that I love her. She gave me a second chance, and I swear to everything that matters to me on this earth I’m not going to screw it up.

Then she pulls back, ignoring my protesting groan, and it’s her turn to cup my face in her hands. “I love you, too, Will Ransome.”