Spring [Completed]

Prologue

┌─────── ∘∘∘❁∘∘∘ ───────┐

PAST HER

└─────── ∘∘∘❁∘∘∘ ───────┘

Ser•en•dip•i•ty
noun

1. the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.

∘∘∘❁∘∘∘

I've been parked outside of the restaurant for thirty minutes, sitting in the car like a coward, as he sits inside without a care in the world. I watch him through the glass as he chats with his new friends, throwing his head back in laughter at something funny they've said.

He's finally done it. He's moved on, and he's happy without me.

Cara gurgles in her carseat, and I glance back her and smile, wiping the slobber from the corners of her tiny mouth. My eyes begin to water as I realize that I can't do this.

I can't come back and blow up his life. Not when everything is going so perfectly for him now. It wouldn't be right. I feel foolish driving all the way up here, thinking that everything could work out the way I wanted them to. This is the real world, and I'm a mom now. I can't live life wishing and hoping anymore. I need to move on for my daughter's sake.

Wiping my eyes, I back out of the parking spot. I can do this by myself.

I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear as I glance at my Ethan one last time. This is goodbye. For real this time...

I shift the car in drive, stealing one last glance at him before turning back ahead of me. I shriek, slamming on my breaks, barely missing the tall light skinned man as he crosses the street.

He glances at me with wide eyes, fear clearly written all over his face as he glances at the car then back up at me, placing a hand over his chest. I cover my mouth in shock.

I roll down my window, dishing out apologies like condoms at a counselor's office. "Oh my gosh, I am so sorry."

The man approaches my window and his light eyes smile as he laughs, resting his hands on the window frame. "Hey, hey. It's okay," he says reassuringly. "I'm okay. Granted, you almost gave me a heart attack, but physically, I'm okay." He motions to his unharmed body, but I'm already breaking down into hysterics.

"I can't believe I-I almost hit you. I'm so s-sorry."

"Hey, come on. Don't cry." He says, and I still when he hesitantly reaches into my car and wipes his thumb across my cheek. It lingers at my chin before he smiles, satisfied. "There," he whispers. "No more tears..."

"I'm sorry," I mumble again, and he grins.

"Stop apologizing—"

Cara gurgles in the backseat, and the man glances at her, before glancing back at me.

"Cute kid."

I smile. "Thanks, but I can only take half the credit."

He nods, running a hand through his auburn curls before meeting my gaze. "Her father sure is a lucky man."

"Actually." I glance back at the restaurant and frown. "He's not really in our lives anymore."

"Oh?" He looks surprised as he rests his hand on the window frame once more. He glances at the ground. "Well, I'm sorry—"

"Don't be," I say, placing my hand atop his.

He smirks, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Look who's telling who not to apologize now."

I chuckle, glancing away from him before meeting his hazel eyes once more.

"So, you gonna tell me your name or do I have to almost run you over with my car to get some answers?"

My eyes widen in surprise. "Well, I don't want to get hit by a car, so I guess I'll bite."

The man laughs. "Hey, I said almost."

I smile, joining him in his laughter. "I'm Imani."

"Well, Imani." The man extends his hand towards me and I take it, grinning. "I'm Josh, and it was truly a pleasure to almost get run over by you."