by Tessa Teevan
Glancing around, I was proud of my handiwork. The tree house had been transformed. I’d set luminaries all along the floor, which created a soft glow that danced along the walls around us. The room was cleared out except for the couch on the wall and the small table next to it, where my phone and its docking system were. Quiet music played around us while we swayed to the music. I wanted to keep her there forever, never letting her go, but our time that night was limited and I needed to get the show on the road.
Ava gasped when I took the box from my pocket. Her hands covered her mouth, and I quickly crossed the room and pulled her to the couch before sitting us both down. Her eyes were darting back and forth between mine, and with the way she nibbled on her bottom lip, I could tell she’d gotten the wrong impression. And with the flush that painted her cheeks, I could also tell she wasn’t sure how to react.
I chuckled and pressed a light kiss on her lips. “It’s not what you think. This isn’t me proposing. As much as I can’t wait to put my ring on your finger and call you my wife, we aren’t there yet. We have so much to figure out, but I have faith that, as long as we do it together, we will get through anything. Because I love you, Ava, and no matter how much distance separates us, that will never, ever change. My love for you hasn’t wavered for a single second since the first moment your lips met mine, and it never will.”
“Tucker, I already know that. You don’t have to convince me otherwise. I trust you explicitly. Without question. I love you, more than life itself, and if I’m honest, if that was a ring, I would have said yes. When you do finally ask, my answer will be yes. I’m so grateful for this second chance with you. I promise you won’t regret letting me back in.”
“I know I won’t. I will love you until my dying day, Ava.”
“That’s morbid,” she teased.
I wrapped an arm around her waist and drew her toward me. After pressing a light kiss just behind her ear, I whispered, “No, baby. It’s romantic.”
She giggled. The sentiment wasn’t any less true.
That’s the funny—and scary—thing about love and second chances. You can’t have either without taking a risk. You put yourself out there with the possibility to be crushed all over again. But it didn’t matter. Because, at the end of the day, with a love this pure, the rest would work itself out.
Ava taught me that. Never again would I take her for granted. Because, even if we only had one last day together, it would still be worth losing everything as long as I’d had her for as long as life would allow. The risk was worth it. She was worth it.
“Open it,” I said, placing the box in her hand.
Her gaze darted from the box to me then back to it. With dainty fingers, she opened the lid, and she gasped once again at the contents inside. “Tucker,” she breathed. “I…I don’t know what to say.”
I smiled and withdrew my mother’s favorite necklace. It had been my father’s wedding gift to her. A small solitaire sapphire that he’d claimed was the exact color of her eyes—coincidently also the color of Ava’s. Mom had worn it every day of her life. It was a miracle I still had it. The only time she ever took it off was when they were going out into the water. Though I’d much rather have my mother back, I was grateful I at least had the necklace.
“Turn around,” I requested, and when she did, I placed it around her neck along with a sweet kiss on the curve of her skin.
Her shoulders shook with a small shiver. When she faced me again, gently touching the stone, her eyes sparkled with fresh, unshed tears. “It’s so beautiful.”
“You are the first and only woman I’ve ever loved. This is my promise to you. A reminder that our lives are short, so we have to make the most of them. That’s what I want to do with you. I don’t know exactly what our futures hold, but I do know one thing.”
“What?” she asked, her eyes searching mine.
“It doesn’t matter as long as we’re together.”
Her hand covered the one I was cupping her cheek with. “Then you don’t have to worry, because together is what we will always be.”
When Ava pulled away from me, her watery, tearful smile had transformed into a devilish grin that gave her a vixen-like appearance. She sucked her lower lip between her teeth then let it pop out. Her chin lifted in the direction of the couch and her bright eyes burned with desire.
“Don’t you think it’s about time we christen that thing?”
MY LAST MORNING IN CINCINNATI arrived all too soon. When I’d gotten there, it had been late August, with scorching heat. By now, it was early November and we’d been promised a dusting of snow. I was secretly hoping for blizzard so I wouldn’t have to leave.
Tucker woke me with sweet kisses trailing down the curve of my spine. We made love languidly, soaking up every bit of each other we could before we were parted again. I felt like we’d been back together for years when, in reality, it had only been a few months.
Tears were streaming down my face when Tucker came back from the bathroom. He gathered me into his arms and kissed me tenderly.
“Hey, don’t be sad. You’re coming back in two weeks,” he reminded me.
It would be my first Thanksgiving at home since I’d moved to California, and I was ecstatic to be able to spend holidays with my family again. With Tucker again.
I sniffled. “I know. I’m just going to miss you.”
“I’ll miss you, too,” he admitted. He used his thumb to lift my chin. His blue eyes were shining. “But we’ll talk every day. You’ll be back for the holidays, and before you know it, I’ll be joining you in L.A.”
I gasped. “What?”
He nodded. “Tanner wants to run the business. It’s time I let him. I gave up years of being with you. I won’t do it again. I promise you, Ava. This time, it’s forever.”
My eyes swam with tears. I knew we were solid. I knew that this time was so different. It didn’t make the idea of leaving any easier though. So, instead of crying like I wanted to, I climbed on top of Tucker and showed him just how much his words meant to me.
The words replayed in my mind repeatedly after I’d made it to the airport. With each step that took me closer to the terminal and my departing plane, my feet—and my heart—grew heavier. What was I doing? Could I really repeat history and walk away when we’d found each other again? Ugh. I needed to stop thinking so much. It was driving me crazy, all the wondering and worrying, when, in the long run, we’d be fine.
Tucker was right. This time, we’d make it. Regardless of how many miles were between us, we were both older and wiser and our love was stronger than ever. We’d be perfectly fine until he could get things settled and come to California.
But, as soon as the thought crossed my mind, I realized that it wasn’t what I wanted.
“Ava? You coming?” Leo asked when I was no longer walking beside him. He and Layla had surprised me at the ticket counter. Apparently, he’d been right and she loved the town so much so that they’d spent the few days after the wrap party exploring. Then they’d been able to get first-class tickets on my flight.
But I couldn’t leave this place. I couldn’t leave my home. “No.”
And, at that moment, I made my decision without even hesitating. A decision I should’ve made years ago. A decision, I prayed, Tucker would accept.
Because, this time, Ava Banks wasn’t walking away from the only man she’d ever loved. The only man she would ever love. Nope, not a chance. Instead, she was running towards him, not just with open arms, but with sprinting legs, aching lungs, and a pounding heart. Because, if she had to chase him, she would, and she’d tackle his ass and hold him down until he admitted that he loved her, too.
That’s exactly what I was going to do.
Leo and Layla exchanged a knowing smile then beamed in my direction, both offering hugs before their bodyguard ushered them to the jet bridge.
The overcom speaker crackled. “Final boarding call for flight 2854 to Los Angeles…”
I peered down at
my ticket then quietly ripped it up. All the assurances we’d given each other, all the promises we’d made—they didn’t matter. I’d already spent so much time away from Tucker that I refused to do it again. Sure, I’d have to go back and forth between here and California or whichever filming location I had to be at, but it would be worth it.
It wasn’t just that Cincinnati was my home; Tucker was that for me. I couldn’t walk away this time.
“Wait! I’m coming!”
I froze at the sound of his voice. I glanced up just in time to see Tucker racing towards the airline employee who had already shut the door to the jet bridge. By the time he reached the counter, she was already dealing with another flyer. Tucker obviously didn’t care. He pushed the man aside and planted his hands on the counter.
“I have to be on that flight!” he shouted.
The employee barely contained her rolling eyes. “I’m sorry, sir. We already did the final boarding call. You’ll have to visit customer service to change your flight.”
Tucker argued, begged, and pleaded until he realized that it was no use. His shoulders slumped and his head hung low. He crossed the room and stared out the window, watching intently, not moving, even long after the plane had departed. I could only see his side profile. His jaw was tight, and he kept flexing his hands, balling them into fists and then releasing them only to continue doing it over and over again. Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to go to him.
“Tucker?” I reached out to touch his shoulder.
He whipped around, his eyes flashing with delight when they spotted me. His lips, tight in a line, curled up into the brightest smile, showcasing his dimples. “Ava?” he asked, his eyes searching mine. “What are you doing here?”
I smiled. “I could ask you the same thing.”
“I once told you I wouldn’t chase you. I wouldn’t follow you. And it was the biggest mistake of my life. So this me, Ava, chasing you. This is me following you. Because I love you, I love you so goddamn much. I’ve already wasted so much time away from you. I’m not doing it anymore.”
“Wow,” I whispered “I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll have me. Say that Tawni won’t mind another roommate and you won’t mind sharing your twin-sized bed. I promise. I’ll be the perfect cuddle buddy,” he said with a grin.
When I only stared at him, his smile faltered.
“Ava? Why aren’t you saying anything?”
“It’s just… Tucker, I don’t want you to move to L.A.,” I responded.
He dropped my hands and took a step back. “Oh. Uh. Wow.”
“No! No, that’s not what I meant.” I closed the distance between us and wrapped my arms around his neck. I stared up into the eyes of the man I loved. “In case you haven’t noticed, I didn’t get on that plane.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t want you to move to L.A. because I don’t want to be in L.A. anymore. I want to be here, with my family, with you. I walked away from you five years ago, and it was my biggest mistake. One I refuse to make again.”
“You sure about this?” he asked. His eyes searched mine as if he were waiting for me to change my mind. He was crazy.
“I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life. I love you, Tucker, and I can work from anywhere. That’s the beauty of airplanes—they’ll take me anywhere I need to go. At the end of the day, none of this matters if you’re not by my side. We began our lives together, and that’s how I want to spend the rest of mine. Together, with you. And, if we’re lucky, we’ll go out The Notebook–style—minus the whole Alzheimer’s thing.”
It was true. It’d been a lonely, miserable existence without him in my life. He wasn’t just my best friend, the love of my life. He was the balm on my soul, the other half of my heart, and he was the sunshine that kept my heart warm and happy. He was everything to me.
It’s true that Hollywood was my dream.
But Tucker?
Tucker was my real-life fairytale and we were going to live happily ever after.
Or Dad would chop his nuts off.
The End
“ARE YOU READY FOR THIS?” I asked.
Tucker messing with his tie. It looked like he was trying to loosen a noose around his neck—which, for a guy who lived in jeans and tees, it probably was. To me, however, he was sexy as could be in a three-piece pinstripe suit with a light-blue vest that brought out the color of his eyes. His dark hair was a bit longer than usual but just as unruly. My favorite stubble had grown into a full-blown beard throughout the winter. Tucker with smooth skin, showcasing his dimples, made me melt. Tucker with stubble had those loins quivering again. Tucker with a beard and the memory of exactly how it felt against my lady parts when he was “eating dessert” made me ache with a ferociousness only he could conquer.
And conquer he did. Quite often.
Women on the red carpet had no idea what they were about to be hit with. They thought Leo Lockwood was the star? They’d eat their hearts out for Tucker Manning, especially once they found out the truth.
I was about to knock on the window, signaling for the driver to open the door, but I paused and sneaked a peek back at my handsome man. My hand came to my necklace—his mother’s—and I toyed with it. “Your parents would be so proud of the man you’ve become. I only wish they were here to see this.”
He smiled, a soft, wistful one that didn’t quite meet his eyes. “I’d like to think they are. Somewhere. Somehow. They’re sharing this moment with me, even if I can’t see them.”
It was a lovely sentiment, and with that, I took his hand and led him into his first foray of the Hollywood-red-carpet whirlwind.
Lightbulbs flashed, fans called out to me, and a microphone was shoved in my face more than once. They were asking who the mystery man at my side was. I offered a coy smile and shook my head in cryptic fashion. They’d know soon enough.
My face hurt from smiling so much by the time we reached Maria Michaels, one of the most popular industry journalists and the face of a new prime-time Hollywood access show. Maria was insanely successful amongst people in the business because, unlike most paparazzi, she only aired verified stories.
She grinned when she saw me and waved us over. Tucker’s arm encircled my waist, and I held tightly to him. Maria was speaking into the camera, announcing my presence to whoever was watching at home. She introduced me with a rundown of my credits and a small bio before giving a brief synopsis of the movie. I answered the questions she asked, and by the time the interview was done, I was more than ready to get inside and watch the premiere. There was just one last thing to do.
I glanced up at Tucker and raised an eyebrow, silently offering one last out in case he’d changed his mind. His answering smile told me he was ready for this. And Maria helped us out.
“Now, tell us, Ava. Who is this handsome man you’re here with?”
I beamed and clutched his bicep, nodding up at him so he could answer the question. He cleared his throat then gave Maria a devilish smile. I had no idea why he’d been nervous. He had been made for this.
“Hi, Maria. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Ava’s boyfriend, Tucker Manning.” He hesitated dramatically before leaning closer to her. “But you probably know me as T.A. Bankman.”
Maria’s eyes rounded with surprise before she composed herself. Even still, the giddy grin on her face was amusing. “Wait… You’ve always kept your identity a secret. That is—until now. Why the change of heart?”
He shrugged as if it made all the sense in the world.
“Did you two meet on set? Is this a new romance?” Maria asked, practically gushing.
“Recent? Not even close.” He winked down at me before returning his attention to her. “You see, Maria, I’ve been in love with Ava Banks all of my life. She was the inspiration for the book. She’s the heart of it. She’s my heart.”
Every single woman swooned. And I could probably guarantee there were wet panties galore.
Maria, obviously thrilled to have an exclusive interview with the author, spent the next few minutes asking Tucker all sorts of questions—something I’d prepared him for. He, of course, was a natural and answered them all in good stride.
“Now that you’ve revealed yourself, what’s next for you, Tucker? Is there another hot, heart-wrenching novel on the horizon that will also become a film? Are we looking at Hollywood’s hottest new duo?”
Maria tilted the microphone back to Tucker, who smiled down at me and squeezed my hip. A slow smile spread across his lips.
“What’s next?” He kept his eyes on me. He used his free hand to take mine, where he brought my fingers to his lips and gave them a small kiss. His thumb then rubbed my ring finger.
You know those cartoons where something crazy happens and the character’s jaw hits the floor? Picture that. That was me.
“Did you just propose in front of the entire world?” I asked.
He completely ignored my question. “What do you say, Little Bird? Ready to truly combine Tucker Ava Banks Manning and become one?”
God, he was adorable. I had always been the girl who thought over-the-top proposals were ridiculous. Every time I saw some dude proposing on a Jumbotron at a baseball game, I groaned and felt sympathy for the poor woman he was embarrassing. I should’ve felt that way now. I didn’t. In fact, I felt the opposite. Tucker had been so private with everything, and now, he was putting it all out there for the world to see.
And I wanted the world to see he was mine.
I made a show of taking a long breath, knowing Tucker, Maria, and everyone else within twenty feet was waiting for my answer with bated breath. Red carpets were usually prone to the hustle and bustle where you often had to shout just to hear the person next to you. Right then, you could’ve heard a pin drop. Everyone wanted to know how I was going to respond.
“I do suppose that’s a mouthful,” I admitted.
Tucker grinned. “You know what else is—”
I pressed a finger to his lips, silencing him. The world didn’t need to know what he was packing. That was mine and mine alone.
