Free Grounded for Love: A Reunion Romance Novella by Rebecca Talley Page B

have to live with the consequences of my actions.” Even if those actions left her with a gaping hole in her heart.
    “But you saw him at the airport.”
    “A coincidence.”
    “Or something bigger in the universe is working.”
    “I don’t think so.” Serena shook her head. There was nothing magical or fateful about it,as her mom seemed to be insinuating. “Besides, we had our chance. I blew it. End of story.”
    “But—”
    Serena stood. “We need to get over to the hospital to see Daddy.” With that, Serena made her way back to her room. She didn’t want to discuss, or even think about, Graham. The past was the past and everything was better left there.
     

 
    Graham spent time hanging out with his family and playing babies with his niece in the living room. He didn’t mind pretending to feed the dolls and doing whatever Sarah asked, including bringing her cookies left over from the reception. He was sure she had to be the cutest little girl anywhere, which justified him spoiling her as much as possible.
    “I don’t know what I’m going to do with her,” Annie said.
    “Why?”
    “You ruin her every time you see her.”
    He gazed at his niece with her long eyelashes that framed her big, blue eyes. “How can you resist anything this girl wants?”
    “You are such a pushover. Someday, when you have your own kids, you’ll understand.”
    Graham’s phone rang. He knew exactly who it was. Dana. “Excuse me, I need to take this.”
    He walked out of the living room and answered the phone in the dining room. “Hey.”
    “Hi. How is Colorado?”
    “It’s great.” He gazed out the window and watched a couple of neighbor kids pulling each other on a sled.
    “I haven’t heard from you…”
    “I’m sorry. I’ve been busy with the family.” That was pretty much true—though if he were completely honest, Dana wasn’t the woman on his mind.
    “You’ll be back day after tomorrow?”
    “Yeah.”
    “That seems so far away.” She sounded wistful.
    Did it? What was he doing? Dana was a great woman, but something was missing. It always had been, but it was easier to keep dating her than to confront the issues of their relationship. Besides, how could he explain that something was missing when he couldn’t really put it into words?
    “Graham?”
    “I’m still here.” He wasn’t sure what to say to her.
    “I miss you.”
    He should tell her he missed her. He did. But he also didn’t.
    “Graham, are you still there?”
    “Yeah.”
    “What’s going on? You seem so distant.”
    “I do?” He knew he did, but he wasn’t anxious to talk to her about it.
    “Actually, you’ve been kind of weird for a few weeks and especially since you left for Colorado.”
    “I don’t think that’s true.”
    “Yeah, it is,” she said in a tight voice.
    “I’m sorry.” What else could he say?
    “Maybe we need to rethink this whole thing. I mean, I’m leaving for New York next week. Maybe we should take a break. See how things are after I get back.”
    “Are you breaking up with me?” he asked, feeling more relieved than anything.
    “I guess I am. I don’t think we’re moving in the right direction and I don’t think your heart is in it.”
    He wanted to tell her she was wrong, but he couldn’t. He liked Dana. They had fun together, but she wasn’t… well, she wasn’t someone he could really see dating long-term. “Maybe you’re right.”
    “I guess there’s not much left to say.” Her voice was thick with emotion, making Graham regret dragging out their relationship. He never intended to hurt her.
    He nodded, trying to come up with something. “Good luck in New York.”
    “Thanks.”
    Dana ended the call without even saying goodbye. Graham hadn’t expected to break up with her while he was in Grand Junction. He walked into the kitchen, feeling a weight lifted, and looking for something to drink. His mom was mixing batter at the island.
    “What are you making?” he