Chapter 3 3

After I left Joseph, I returned to my father's house in Florida with my daughter, Vanessa. The familiar surroundings and loving support of my family were just what I needed to start healing from the trauma I endured. In some months with the encouragement of my loved ones, I decided to start a business from home.

I had always been passionate about baking, and now I had the opportunity to turn that passion into a career. So I started a Bakery with the help of my mom and I spent my days whipping up delicious treats and selling them online, slowly but surely building a loyal customer base. Months later as my business grew, so did my confidence.

I reconnected with old friends and made new ones, including a few fellow entrepreneurs who shared my interests. One of them was a woman named Elisa, who owned a nearby café and was looking for a reliable supplier of fresh-baked goods. I saw an opportunity and seized it, and soon my products were being featured in Elisa's café.

After two years my business was flourishing, and I was doing very well. I loved waking up early every morning to bake, and I found joy in seeing my customers enjoy my creations.

Elisa's café had become a regular client, and I would often deliver her goods personally, chatting with Elisa and the other regulars.

One day, as I was delivering a fresh batch of pastries, Elisa mentioned that she was looking for someone to cater a wedding reception at the café. My heart skipped a beat - this could be the opportunity I needed to take my business to the next level. I eagerly accepted the challenge and threw myself into planning the perfect menu. As the wedding day approached, I worked alongside Elisa and the rest of the café staff to bring the reception together. I enjoyed the chaos and camaraderie of the kitchen, and I realized I had found a new sense of purpose.

The wedding reception was a huge success, and my food received rave reviews. As I was packing up my things after the wedding reception, I noticed a man lingering by the dessert table. He caught my eye and smiled, and I felt a flutter in my chest. We struck up a conversation, and I learned that his name was Nic, a friend of the groom's. We talked for a while, and I found myself feeling drawn to his kind and gentle nature. But as I was leaving, my phone rang. It was Joseph, calling to apologize again for his past behavior. I was taken aback - I thought I was done with him for good. It had been years since I heard from him, he never called or sent child support. But as I listened to his words, my mind was elsewhere. I thought about Nic and the way he had made me feel.

Over the next few days, Joseph called frequently, begging for forgiveness and a second chance. But I was torn. A part of me still loved him but another part of me knew that I deserved better. And then there was Nic, who had awakened feelings in me that I thought were long dead. I knew I had to make a decision. I couldn't keep living in limbo, torn between my past and future. I took a deep breath and made my choice - I would move on, once and for all. I blocked Joseph's number and turned my attention to Nic, who had been patiently waiting for me to be ready. I started talking to Nic regularly, and I found myself feeling happier than I had in years. We would meet for coffee, go for walks, and just enjoy each other's company. I couldn't believe how much I had missed out on by staying in a toxic relationship for so long. As we spent more time together, I realized that I was falling for Nic. He was kind, gentle, and genuinely cared for me and my daughter. I could be myself around him, without fear of judgment or criticism. One day, Nic asked me to meet him at the park. When I arrived, I saw that he had set up a picnic blanket and was holding a bouquet. He told me how much he cared for me, and how he wanted to be a part of my life. My heart melted, and I knew that I felt the same way. I was grateful for the journey that had brought me to this point, and I knew that I would never let go of this newfound happiness.

As I got to know Nic better, I discovered that he was a few years older than me, with a kind face and a warm smile. He had been married before, but his divorce had left him wiser and more compassionate. His job as a truck driver took him on long journeys across the country, but he always made time for me and my daughter. Despite his tough exterior, Nic was a good man with a heart of gold. He accepted my daughter, Emily, as his own, and she adored him. He would play with her for hours, telling her stories and making her laugh. I saw the way he looked at her, with deep affection and kindness, and my heart melted. As time went on Nic asked to meet my family, I was nervous, but he reassured me that he was ready.

We visited my parents' house, he met my mom and brother. Nic charmed them with his warm smile and easygoing nature. My mom was impressed by his kindness and sense of humor. As we sat down for dinner, Nic told stories of his travels and adventures on the road. My family listened with wide eyes, and I could see the approval on their faces. They saw how happy I was with Nic, and they welcomed him into our family. After dinner, Nic helped with the dishes, and then we sat down for dessert. My mom had made his favorite, apple pie, and he was in heaven. As we sat around the table, laughing and chatting, I knew that I had found my soulmate in Nic. He was the missing piece I had been searching for, and I was grateful to have him by my side. After Nic left, my mom sat with me and told me that even though she approved of Nic, I Should still take time to get to know him well. She said 'Don't rush into anything, I don't want you getting hurt again'. I nodded, knowing she was right. With my past experiences and already being a mother of one, I needed to be extra careful. I had been hurt before, and I couldn't afford to make the same mistakes again. Nic had proposed marriage after just a few months of dating, and while I cared for him deeply, I still wanted to make sure I knew him inside and out before making such a big commitment. I wanted to see if our love could withstand the test of time and challenges. I decided to ask Nic if I could meet his family, to get to know him better and see where he came from. He agreed, and we started making plans for a trip to Arizona, where he grew up. I was excited to meet his loved ones and see the place he called home.

As we traveled across the country, Nic told me stories about his childhood, his parents, and his siblings. I listened intently, learning more about the man I was falling in love with. When we finally arrived in Arizona, Nic's family welcomed me with open arms. His mom, a warm and loving woman, hugged me tightly and said, 'We've heard so much about you. We're glad you're here.' Over the next few days, I spent time with Nic's family, learning about their traditions, values, and quirks. I saw the way Nic interacted with his loved ones, and it only deepened my affection for him. I knew I was making the right decision in taking things slow and getting to know him better.

As I spent more time with Nic's family, I saw the love and support they had for each other. They welcomed me into their home and their hearts, and I felt a sense of belonging I had never experienced before. Nic's dad, a kind and wise man, took me aside and told me stories about Nic's childhood. Nic's siblings, two younger sisters, were full of energy and laughter. They teased Nic mercilessly, but it was clear they adored him. But there was something about Emily, one of Nic's sisters I couldn't put a finger on. It seemed there was something she wanted to tell me but Nic would always approach us whenever she was alone with me, I didn't take it seriously.

As the days passed, I realized that I had found a true partner in Nic and I knew I could trust him. I still had doubts and fears, but being with Nic and his family helped to ease them. One evening, as we sat around the dinner table, Nic's mom turned to me and said, 'We're so glad you're here. You've brought light and love back into Nic's life, and we're grateful.' I felt a lump form in my throat as I looked at Nic, and I knew that I was ready to take the next step.

As we spent more time in Arizona, Nic took me on a tour of his favorite places. We hiked through the beautiful red rocks of Sedona, explored the vibrant streets of Tucson, and watched the sunset over the Grand Canyon. I fell in love with the natural beauty of the state, and Nic's passion for it was infectious. But I didn't just want to see the sights - I also wanted to connect with his friends. I wanted to hear their stories and relationships with him and know who he was outside of our bubble.

Nic introduced me to his close friends, and I was struck by their warmth and loyalty. As I talked to people outside of Nic's family, I heard both negative and positive things. Some people mentioned his stubbornness and tendency to put others first, while others raved about his kindness and generosity. I listened to it all and got a well-rounded picture of the man I was falling for. One of Nic's closest friends, Rachel, took me aside and said, 'Nic is one of the best people I know. He's been through tough times, but he's always come out stronger. He deserves someone who loves and appreciates him for who he is.' I smiled, feeling grateful for her endorsement. Another friend, a guy named Philip, told me about Nic's sense of humor and his ability to make anyone feel at ease. 'Nic is the glue that holds our friend group together,' he said. 'He's the one who always knows how to make us laugh, even on our worst days. As I heard all about these stories, I felt my connection to Nic deepening.

I saw him as a complex and multifaceted person with his strengths and weaknesses. And I fell more in love with him. As I continued to talk to Nic's friends and acquaintances, I noticed a theme. They all mentioned his kindness, his empathy, and his willingness to help others. They told stories of times when Nic had gone out of his way to support them, listen to them, and make them feel seen and heard. But I also heard about his struggles, the pains he had experienced in his past, the losses he had faced, and the doubts he had overcome. I saw the strength in his eyes, the resilience in his smile. And I knew, at that moment, that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. As our time in Arizona came to an end, I felt a pang of sadness. I had grown to love the desert landscapes, the vibrant culture, and the warm people. But most of all, I would miss Nic's friends and family, who had welcomed me. We spent our last day in Arizona saying goodbye to the people who had become so dear to me. We hugged Nic's mom and dad, promising to stay in touch. As we drove away from Nic's childhood home, I felt a sense of nostalgia wash over me. I knew that I would never forget this experience, this journey of discovery and growth.

The flight back to Florida was bittersweet, I was excited to return home, settle back into my routine, and share my stories with my loved ones. But I was also sad to leave Nic's world behind, to leave the people and places that had captured my heart. As we soared through the skies, Nic took my hand in his. 'I'm glad you got to experience my world,' he said, his eyes shining with love. 'But now, I get to experience yours.' I smiled, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation, and knew that our journey was far from over. We still had so much to explore and so much to discover. And I couldn't wait to see what the future held for us.