“It may have started out as that, sure. But obligation isn’t what I see on Logan’s face when he’s around you.”
Too curious not to, Natalie asked, “And what is it you think you see?”
“A man who’d do anything for the woman he loves.” Her sister didn’t so much as hesitate. “But the most important question…one onlyyoucan answer…is what do you feel when you look athim?”
So many things.
And that was the crux of the problem.
But before she could attempt an answer that would make sense to her well-meaning sister, Tessa spoke up again.
“Hey, listen. I hate to cut this short, but I have some patient charts I need to finish up before bed. But I’m going to leave you with one final, parting thought to mull over.”
Like she didn’t have enough to sort through.
“What’s that, oh wise one?”
“You’re thirty-two, gorgeous, successful…and still in the prime of your life. Now I know you loved Hunter with all your heart, and that man worshiped the ground you walked on. But the sad truth of it is, he’s gone, Nat. He’s gone, but you aren’t. And you and I both know Hunt wouldn’t want you to spend every night holed up in that house with nothing but your memories to keep you company.”
She’s right, doll. I never could stand to see you sad.
No? Well maybe you should have thought about that before you went off and got yourself killed.
Didn’t plan on leaving you, darlin’. That choice wasn’t mine to make. But you still have choices, Nat. All kinds of choices. And I think you know what it is—whoit is—you want.
I wantedyou.
And you had me. For as long as you were meant to. But my time with you is over. It’s someone else’s turn to love you now. All you have to do is let them.
What if I don’t know how?
“What if you don’t know how to do what? Tessa’s voice broke through.
Shit. She hadn’t meant to say the words aloud. Of course, the fact that she’d been engaged in an imaginary argument with her dead husband probably didn’t bode well for her state of mind either, so…yeah.
There was that.
“Nothing. Never mind. You have work to do, and we’re just going in circles, anyway. Plus I just turned onto my road, so…”
“Okay. Just promise you’ll think about what I said, okay? And you can call me any time for any reason. You know that, right?”
“I promise I’ll mull over all your brilliance. And yes, I do know that.” She was incredibly blessed to have such a loving, caring sister to turn to. “Same goes for you, too, you know? You can call me whenever you want.”
“I know. But how ’bout you give me a call tomorrow? Or at least shoot me a text, if you don’t feel like talking on the phone. Just so I know you’re doing okay.”
“Will do.” Natalie was only a few houses away from hers, now. “And Tess?”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you.”
“Always, Sis. I love you.”
“Love you back.” Tapping the screen on her dash, Natalie ended the call and blew out a breath.
Tessa had given her a lot to think about, and while none of it was easy to face, she was starting to realize her sister—and imaginary Hunter—was right. It was time.
And the longer she waited, the harder it was going to be.