Shopping for furniture proved to be harder than I’d ever imagined. The bed was easy. The moment I saw the photo online of the four-poster bed made to look like it’d been carved straight from a tree, I knew that was the one I wanted to share with Eden. I hadn’t picked it out for her, but for us. However, that was about the only piece of furniture I’d been able to choose.

I had everything else narrowed down to a few choices, although I needed help making the final decisions. I had the website pulled up on my computer when Eden came into my office. I expected her to drop something off, maybe give me a short explanation about it, and then leave. So when she sat in the chair across from me, I was a little taken aback.

“Are we okay, Dane? The last two days have been strained and I don’t know how to handle it. And if I’m being honest, it’s kind of affecting my job. I have to talk myself into knocking on your door, and if there’s something I need to tell you, I get nervous. I just want to make sure we’re okay.”

“Define ‘okay.’ Because it seems like we’ve been many different things to each other, and I don’t know which one is right. But if you’re asking if I’m mad, then the answer is no. I’m not angry or upset with you. I’m only trying to get through this part of my life so I can move on.”

Her gaze dropped to my desk, where she stared at seemingly nothing, lost in thought. “Okay. That makes sense. I just haven’t known how to act around you, and I’m unfamiliar with that.”

“That’s easy…act like yourself.”

“Easier said than done. I had kind of gotten used to your joking moods—and your texts. But it’s been a while since I’ve had either of those things. I know something changed on Monday between us. I guess I’m worried it’s permanent.”

My heart pounded at her words—although, it felt lighter, as if it became easier to beat. “I wasn’t sure if you were even getting my texts. You never responded to them. And when you told me how hard it is for you to be my friend, to be there for me while I’m going through this life change, I guess I assumed you didn’t care to hear from me.”

“Dane,” she whispered and almost slouched in her seat. “I never meant that I don’t want to be your friend. I know I said you couldn’t come to me with personal things, but really, that was only so I didn’t have to listen to you talk about how sad you are over the Gabi situation. That’s selfish of me—I know. But I couldn’t chance getting my hopes up that you were letting her go, only to have my heart obliterated when you changed your mind and decided to be with her again. I didn’t mean to let you down or make you feel isolated. Please, believe me when I tell you that.”

“I believe you. And I get it. It was careless of me to come to you about that. I guess I never thought there was anything I couldn’t go to you with. But you asked me to do this on my own, so that’s what I’ve decided to do. I haven’t ignored you over the last two days because I’m angry. Yes, I was upset and hurt, but that’s not why I’ve stayed to myself. I’m simply trying to give you what you asked for, while also learning how to do things on my own. You were right when you said I was jumping from one relationship to the next, and that I needed time for me. So that’s what I’m doing.”

She seemed sad, sorrow dimming her eyes, but then again, I wasn’t exactly sure what I expected. “I’m really glad to hear that. You deserve some peace after everything that’s happened lately. And honestly, you haven’t had your own identity since you were a teenager. I think it’s good for you to find that. Learn who you are.”

“I already know who I am. I’m the same person I’ve always been. The only difference is now I’m single and don’t have to worry about taking care of someone else. But regardless if I’m with someone or not, I’ll still be the person who wants to care for others. That’s who I am at the core. Who I always will be. Making others happy is what makes me happy.”

“So what kinds of things are you doing with your time?”

I smirked, about to tease her for asking a personal question, but I didn’t want this conversation to end. I didn’t want to send her off to her office after days of not having any time with her. So instead of throwing her rules back in her face, I turned my computer screen to face her. “I’m redecorating. Turns out, I know nothing about style. Help me pick out a couch. These are the ones I narrowed it down to.”

Her eyes lit up as she leaned closer to see the images. “I like the beige one. It’s mature looking. It’s the epitome of what I picture for a family room. But the black one is more manly. It all depends if you’re looking to have a bachelor vibe to the room. One says family man while the other hints to a sophisticated single guy.” She was fishing, I could tell. But I wouldn’t give in.

I turned the monitor again and added the couch to the list for the store to put on my order. Then I pulled up the next set of options, moving the monitor for her to see them. “What about end tables? And do I need a coffee table?”

“That all depends on the entertainment center. You want them to match.”

I switched the screen to the options for wall units and let her choose one.

“I like the mahogany one. You could display trinkets and things behind the glass doors, and it still has a lot of room for a big TV. But if you go with the black couch, that would probably clash. So I’d say the more industrial looking one would go better with the black. It would fit with the single man vibe.”

Refusing to look her in the eye, knowing I’d give away more than I cared to, I returned to the end tables and gave her a moment to look at the options.

“It’s kind of hard to pick when I don’t know which couch you’re getting.”

I snickered and raised an eyebrow. “You did fine picking out a wall unit without knowing. Who knows, maybe I’ll end up changing my mind about all of it depending on which end tables I like the best. I like how you’re pairing the furniture. It’s easier to see it all in my head.”

“Okay…” She adjusted in her seat to get closer to the computer again. “The solid mahogany matches the entertainment center, and like the beige couch, it’s mature and seems fitting for a family room.”

I waited for her to give me other opinions, and when she didn’t, I saw through her. “And which one would go with the black couch?”

“Oh, the single man feel…yeah. Well…” Her eyes softened as she focused on the screen in front of her. The disappointment rolled off her in waves. “Out of these, I’d have to say the one that’s stained black with the glass tops, and the matching coffee table. But honestly, if you can find one that matches the TV stand, that would be best.”

“Yeah, I didn’t see any on this site. I’ll probably have to look around for one of those. But you’re right—it should match the entire room. See? Look how much you’re helping me. I’ve never decorated a room before. Without your eye, this could’ve been a disaster. Now…” I switched to another screen. “What do you think of these kitchen tables?”

“Are you redoing your whole place?”

I shrugged. “Gabi had picked out all the furniture, so yeah, I need everything.”

With a nod, she turned her attention to the options of kitchen tables I’d shown her. “These larger ones are too big for one person. Those are more for families. You’d need one of these smaller ones.”

“I was thinking the same thing. I mean, it’s only me, but what if I have people over?”

She eyed me with curiosity and smirked. “What kind of company would you have over? Have you made new friends in the last few days?”

“You never know. I could have a woman over for dinner…or breakfast.” I was pretty sure I’d gone too far with that statement. She quickly glanced away and seemed to have grown uncomfortable. I wanted to say something to ease her mind, but she didn’t let me.

“Then go with this one. It comes with a removable center so it can either seat four or six.” Without looking at me again, she stood from her seat and stepped away from the desk. “If that’s all, I have to get to work. I was just making sure we were okay…and it seems like we are.”

“Whatever happened to that house you found?” I called out, halting her escape.

“I wasn’t able to get it.” She didn’t offer any other explanation before disappearing into her office, closing the door behind her. It seemed she wasn’t ready to keep it open, or the blinds for that matter. But I couldn’t obsess over it. I’d led her to believe I was taking time to be single, and possibly meet someone. I could’ve corrected her, but after ignoring her for a few days, she finally admitted she’d missed my attention. I only needed to get through the weekend, get everything in place, and I knew it would all be okay.

She needed to miss me as much as I’d missed her.

And then she’d be willing to see how much she wanted to be with me.

It wasn’t a game I’d set out to play, but one that had fallen into my lap. If it worked, I had to play along. I needed her to know for certain that she wanted the same things I did, because I couldn’t chance getting her back, only for her to run away again.

I sent the list of furniture I decided to purchase to the salesman and paid for it over the phone. Delivery was scheduled for the next day, which meant I’d have to miss work. Normally, I would’ve cared and planned to have it all delivered on Saturday, but I didn’t want to wait that long to get moved into the house.

The San Diego Mom buyback went smoothly, which helped ease my mind about taking the next day off. However, for the rest of the day, Eden was quiet and kept to herself. Had I not been so busy, I might’ve gone to her to make sure she was all right, but every time I finished one thing, another was brought to my attention. When she didn’t come to my office at a quarter till five like she always did to ask if I needed anything before she went home, I closed down my computer and went to her.

“I’m getting ready to leave…are you still working?”

She shook her head, keeping her back to me, but other than that, she didn’t say anything.

“Okay. So are you about ready to get out of here.”

This time, she nodded, but again, said nothing.

“Are you okay, Eden?” I stepped farther into her office and only stopped when she held up her hand.

“I’m okay.” Tears filled her voice, and it worried me.

I moved to the side of her desk and took a look at her, concerned by the fact she’d been crying. “What happened?”

“It’s fine, Dane. Nothing to worry about. It’s personal, and nothing I can’t deal with.” She tried to smile, although it was weak and lifeless. “I’ll be okay. I just need to go home and get some sleep. I’ll be back to normal tomorrow.”

“Speaking of tomorrow…I won’t be here. I have…uh, I have some business to take care of and it should take all day. So I’ll need you to fill in for me in case someone needs something right away.”

She wiped her face and grabbed her purse off the back of her chair. “Yup. Sounds good.”

I didn’t want to leave her like this, but I wasn’t sure what else to do. She’d erected her walls again, reverting to not speaking of personal matters to me. “Okay. Well, I have to get going. I have a lot to do at home before tomorrow. Are you sure you don’t want to talk about it?”

“I’m sure. Go, Dane. You don’t need to wait around for me. You’re a busy man.”

I nodded but stood back to wait for her. We walked out of the building together, neither saying a word. And when she headed toward her car, I went to mine. It didn’t sit well with me, but I was resigned to the fact there wasn’t much I could do if she wouldn’t let me. But still, it festered for the rest of the evening, which made packing and cleaning take that much longer.

Which also meant I didn’t get much sleep.

My alarm went off bright and early the next morning. Moving day was here and encouraged me to get out of bed. Like every morning, I went out to the balcony and leaned over the banister to take in the sight of the pier. This would be the last time I’d get to see the spot where I’d fallen in love with Eden. It was a little bittersweet, yet also slightly painful and worrisome.

I was giving it up for a chance of having a new beginning with her, but with the way things had been between us, and how I’d left her yesterday after work, I began to question if I’d made the right decision. Yes, my choice to move on and look toward the future with Eden was right. But it was how I’d gone about it that made me apprehensive. Nothing had gone right between us all week. The fight, the avoidance, inadvertently leading her to believe I was embarking on a new life without her.

It was all too much.

But today was the day I’d get everything in place so I could set the record straight.

Since I didn’t have much more than personal effects to move, I’d rented a small truck and was able to get everything moved in one trip. While I waited for the furniture to be delivered, I headed to the condo to do one final sweep, making sure I’d gotten everything out, and cleaned up what little mess I’d made this morning.

Once the furniture was brought to the house and set up, everything else was easy. Unpacking helped the time move quickly, and I found myself impatient for the day to be over. I finally had everything put away and cleaned up just in time to grab a beer from my newly stocked fridge and head out to the dock. As soon as I sat down with my legs dangling over the edge, ready to take my first swig of the cold beer, my phone vibrated in my pocket. My heart clenched when I saw it was a text from Eden.

Will you be back in the office tomorrow?

I was a little stunned that she’d reached out to me, considering she hadn’t done that since before everything went to hell in a hand basket. But I didn’t waste any time responding.

Yeah. Why? Do you need something?

It took her a few minutes to reply. But once she did, I began to worry.

I don’t think I’ll be able to make it in. Just wanted to make sure you were gonna be there.

I immediately began to blow her phone up with questions, wondering if she was okay, if she was sick, if there was anything she needed. But she never answered. By my third beer, I’d gone beyond obsessing over her, and had even tried to call her, which proved to be unsuccessful. Rather than leave her a message, I chose to go back to texts. If she wouldn’t answer, then I’d just have to type everything out, knowing she’d at least read it.

Live with me.

Marry me.

Grow old with me.

Have babies with me.

Share your life with me.

Of course, she never responded to any of it. I didn’t expect her to. But at least she’d know how I felt. I didn’t want her to go on any longer under the misconception that I had given up. I wished I could’ve told her face to face, but she didn’t give me that option. So I did what I had to in order for the record to be set straight.

Once again, I couldn’t sleep. It was comforting knowing I was on a new bed, in a new house, my fresh start, but not knowing Eden’s frame of mind made me uneasy. I’d tossed and turned all night before dragging myself out of bed when my alarm sounded. Knowing I wouldn’t get to see her face at least once until Monday made it difficult to find any motivation to start my day, but I had a company to run. I couldn’t spend my life consumed by Eden, no matter how much of a priority she was.

Janette came to my office just before five, needing to go over a few things. Apparently, the story of my arrest had disappeared, the public had moved on to more important news. And people were no longer concerned with my ability to do business. She asked how things were with Gabi, and then offered a comforting smile when I explained how we’d ended it.

“Have you talked at all to Eden?” I asked before she got up to leave.

She froze for a moment, and that was enough of a reaction to answer my question. She must’ve known she couldn’t lie, because she settled into the chair. “I saw her in the hall yesterday and spoke to her for a few minutes, but she was busy so I let her go. I finally gave in and went to her office before she left.”

“And…?”

“I started off by telling her my story. I could tell she was a little taken aback by my forwardness, but she sat there and listened. Once I got to the part about having to give my baby up for adoption, and not knowing if it was a boy or girl, she seemed to understand where I was going with it. But don’t worry, I didn’t tell her I’d asked you. All I said was that you’d mentioned she was adopted, and I was able to figure out the rest.”

“And how did she take it? How was she?” My questions were rushed and frantic. “She sent me a text last night saying she wouldn’t be in today. Was she upset when you left her?”

“She didn’t seem to be. We had dinner last night to talk about everything, and she seemed accepting of it all. She told me all about her childhood, her brother, how she found me. Then we talked about Trevor and Landon. I got a little choked up when she referred to them as her brothers. But when we left the restaurant, she didn’t seem upset. Maybe a little overwhelmed. She probably just needed to take a day to absorb everything. I wouldn’t think too much about it or let it bother you.”

I ran my hands over my face and took a moment to calm down. “Things have just been so weird between us. She’s been so distant, and I don’t know how to handle it. I don’t want to lose her. I love her, and I need her to know that without me pointing out everything I’ve done for her.”

“What all have you done?”

“I bought a house.”

“For her?” Janette’s eyes widened and she moved to the edge of her seat.

“Not really. Kind of. I mean, it was for me. I needed out of that condo, put it all behind me. But yes, when I went looking at houses, and then found the one I bought, I had her in mind. I wanted a place we could call our own. Something we could raise a family in.”

“And she doesn’t know?”

I shook my head, but decided to explain. “She wanted me to take some time to figure out who I am and do things for myself. That’s what I have been doing, but also with her in mind. If I tell her these things, she’ll think I did them all for her. She won’t believe that I’ve done what she’s asked of me. I was hoping I could just wait for her to come to me, but I don’t think that’s going to happen. Ever since last Friday, she’s been pulling away from me.”

“And you’ve let her know you’re still interested in her?” The way she asked led me to question if she knew more than she was letting on, but I ignored it, hoping I’d be able to learn the truth through this conversation instead of pressing her for information.

“I might’ve said some things that could’ve maybe given her the idea that I’d given up. But I tried to reach out to her last night to let her know I hadn’t. After she texted me about not being in today, I tried calling her. I sent her more texts, making it very obvious what I wanted.”

“Just give her time, Dane. As much as you’ve had on your plate this last month, so has she. Think about it…she’s had to watch you play the role of someone else’s hero. Whether she understands or not doesn’t matter. No woman wants to sit by and watch her man strap on a cape and fly off to save another woman—especially another woman with a lifetime of history with the man she loves.”

“Did she tell you this?”

“She didn’t have to. I’m a woman. I know how we operate.” She winked at me and stood with a smile. “Everything will work out, Dane. You were right when you said she has abandonment issues, and those fears don’t go away overnight. Trust her, and in turn, she’ll trust you.”

Her words rolled through my head on repeat long after Janette left my office. She hadn’t told me anything I didn’t already know, but just hearing someone else say them changed everything. She was right…I couldn’t expect Eden to trust me if I didn’t show her the same respect. I started to feel more secure in the prospect of eventually having Eden by my side.

Until I checked my email.

Preparing to shut down my computer for the weekend, I happened to see I had an email from the HR department. As soon as I opened it, my stomach flipped. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t breathe. I’d never felt the weight of defeat like this before. It was completely debilitating.

Displayed on the screen in front of me was notice of resignation for Eden Clare.

Effective immediately.