Tell me what you need and I'll do it." Victoria laughed bitterly. "What I need is for you to have said this seven years ago, before I built a whole life without you. Before I learned how to be alone. Before I convinced myself that this feeling would eventually fade."
"Did it?" "Fade?" She met his eyes. "No. Not even a little."
"Then we have a chance." "Do we?" "Because I don't see how this works. I live in San Francisco, you're in Denver. I run a company that demands 80 hours a week.
You have a daughter who needs stability. Where exactly do we fit in each other's lives? Lucas didn't have an answer. Because she was right. Logically, rationally, this was impossible.
But love had never been logical. "I don't know." he admitted. "But I know I can't let you leave without trying. Even if it's messy, even if it's hard, even if we fail, I have to try."
Victoria was quiet for a long moment. Then, "You're asking me to risk everything. My carefully built life, my defenses, my sanity, for something that might not even work." "Yes." "That's insane."
"Probably." She shook her head, but she was smiling through her tears. "You're an idiot, Lucas Hayes." "I know. And I'm an even bigger idiot because I'm actually considering this."
Lucas's heart jumped. "You are?" "I shouldn't." "Every logical part of my brain is screaming at me to walk away, to protect myself, to not make the same mistake twice." "But?"
Victoria stepped closer. "But I'm so tired of being logical, of being safe, of being alone." "Victoria, I'm not promising anything. I can't. This is too big, too complicated.
But I'm willing to try if you are." "Yes." The word came out immediately. "Yes?" "Absolutely.
Yes." "Even knowing it might not work?" "Even knowing." She reached up and touched his face. Her hand was cold against his skin.
"Then kiss me." she whispered. "Like you mean it this time." Lucas did. And unlike the desperate stolen kiss in the kitchen, this one was a promise.
They pulled apart when they heard the front door open. Richard's voice carried across the porch. "Lucas? You out here?" Victoria stepped back quickly, wiping her eyes.
Lucas steadied himself against the railing. "Yeah, Dad. Just getting air. Richard appeared in the doorway taking in the scene with a knowing look. Your mother wants to talk to both of you inside.
There was no judgment in his voice, just a quiet understanding that made Lucas's chest tight. They followed him in. Margaret was sitting up on the couch looking better than she had in days. Eleanor sat beside her. Mia was upstairs, her laughter drifting down from the loft where she was playing.
Sit down, Margaret said, not unkindly but firmly. Lucas and Victoria sat on opposite sides of the coffee table because old habits died hard. We know, Margaret said simply, about you two, about what you gave up. Victoria's face went pale. Mrs. Hayes, about how you ended things because of us, Margaret continued.
About how you've both been miserable for 7 years. About how you still love each other. Lucas felt his father's hand on his shoulder, a steadying presence. And we need you to understand something, Margaret said. Her voice was gentle but absolute.
What you did, sacrificing your relationship for our sake, was the most selfless, misguided, heartbreaking thing I've ever heard. Mom, hush. I'm not finished. She coughed, took a sip of tea. Richard and I were going through a rough patch, that's true.
And Eleanor helped us find our way back to each other, also true. But you two breaking up didn't protect us from anything. It just meant you both suffered for no reason. Eleanor nodded. I didn't even meet Richard in any romantic capacity until 2 years after you ended things.
We were just friends for a long time before it became something more. Victoria's voice was barely a whisper. We didn't know that. Of course you didn't, because you were kids trying to do the right thing without having all the information. Margaret leaned forward.
But you're not kids anymore. And you have all the information now. So, the question is, what are you going to do about it? Lucas looked at Victoria. She looked back.
We're going to try, he said. Try what? Richard asked. Us again. Lucas kept his eyes on Victoria.
Whatever that looks like, however it works, we're going to try. Margaret smiled. Good. It's about damn time. Eleanor's expression was more complicated.
Relief mixed with something that looked like worry. Victoria, honey, are you sure? No, Victoria admitted. I'm terrified, but I'm doing it anyway. What about the logistics?
Your life is in San Francisco. Lucas is here. How does that We'll figure it out, Victoria said more firmly this time. People make long distance work all the time. And Mia?
Eleanor pressed. Have you thought about how this affects her? Lucas stiffened. She's my priority, always. But that doesn't mean I can't I'm not questioning your priorities.
I'm asking if you've thought it through. What happens when this gets serious? When Victoria wants to be part of Mia's life. Are you ready for that? Mom, Victoria said sharply.
Stop. I'm not trying to discourage you. I'm trying to make sure you're both going into this with your eyes open. Relationships are hard enough without adding distance and a child and 7 years of baggage into the mix. We know it's hard, Lucas said, but it's worth it.
She's worth it. Victoria's eyes glistened. Margaret reached over and took Eleanor's hand. Let them figure it out, Eleanor. They're adults.
They don't need our permission or our approval. I know. I just Eleanor looked at her daughter. I don't want to see you hurt again. I'm already hurt, Victoria said quietly.
I've been hurt for 7 years. At least this way, there's a chance for something better. Eleanor nodded slowly. All right. All right.
I'll trust you. The tension in the room eased slightly. Richard squeezed Lucas's shoulder once, then let go. So, what's the plan? he asked.