Life's Second Chance

By Sarah Goodman

What would you do if Life gave you a second chance with your one true love?
Ethan Parker found his true love at a young age, and having made it through both high school and college together, he was sure their love was indestructible. Ethan was ready to spend the rest of his life with Leah Ashton, the only woman he would ever love, until she confessed to being unfaithful and left him for her Spring Fling, Charles.

Shattered and broken, Ethan never fully recovered. Drifting through the last ten years, a mere shadow of his former self, he eventually returned home to Florida to be closer to his sister, Elizabeth. Hoping to find a shred of happiness, Ethan struggles to let go of his one regret—not fighting for true love.

Leah’s life with Charles never made it to happily ever after, and instead became her worst nightmare. After enduring a decade of physical and emotional abuse, Leah had lost hope of ever finding happiness. Thanks to her stubborn brother, Luke, a visit home at Thanksgiving forced Leah to share her secret with her family, finally ending the years of shame. Finally free to make her own decisions, Leah is determined to be happy, even if she is alone.

A chance encounter at a car dealership reunites Leah with Ethan, and suddenly life has hope again. Life has given Ethan and Leah a Second Chance, but will they be brave enough to take the chance? Can their love overcome the years of hurt to finally give them their Happily Ever After?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sarah Goodman
• Release date: Mar 26, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310718359

Sarah Goodman

Sarah Goodman is a former newspaper writer who lives with her husband and three children in a town of 280 people and several thousand cows. Despite growing up on a farm, she remains leery of all barnyard fowl. When she's not writing, Sarah enjoys going for runs with her dogs and drinking not-too-sweet-tea. Eventide is her first novel.

Book preview

To my mother and father.

For always being there and pushing me to the limits.

For giving me so many choices and chances in life.

Showing me that life is what you make it, and what doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger.

Thank you for molding me into an independent, strong, and a loving woman

I love you both.

Dedication

Prologue: Ethan-College Graduation

Chapter 1: Leah- Thanksgiving Present Day

Chapter 2: Ethan- Pushing the Elephant Aside

Chapter 3: Leah-Hard Saying Goodbye

Chapter 4: Ethan-One Unexpected Customer

Chapter 5: Leah-Ex-boyfriend, Baby and Job…OH MY

Chapter 6: Leah- Holidays with Hope

Chapter 7: Leah- Date Night

Chapter 8: Ethan-Too Many Things Happened in a Decade

Chapter 9: Leah- Key to His Heart

Chapter 10: Leah- Pushing the Limits

Chapter 11: Ethan- Tiny Dancer

Chapter 12: Leah- A New Friend

Chapter 13: Ethan- Twenty Questions

Chapter 14: Leah- A Night to Remember

Chapter 15: Ethan- Sliding into Home

Chapter 16: Leah- Goodbye Past

Chapter 17: Leah- Red Angel

Chapter 18: Ethan- Moving On

Chapter 19: Leah- Cabin Fever

Chapter 20: Leah- Bring It On

Chapter 21: Leah- Covering Old Wounds

Chapter 22: Ethan- Evidence Found

Chapter 23: Leah- Peanut’s Performance

Chapter 24: Ethan- I’m Her Superman

Chapter 25: Ethan- Ending This Once and For All

Chapter 26: Leah- White Knight Saves Me

Chapter 27: Ethan-What I See is What I Get

Chapter 28: Ethan- Tiny Dancer

Chapter 29: Leah-No Waiting for This Girl

Chapter 30: Ethan- Granting Wishes

Chapter 31: Leah- I DO

Chapter 32: Leah- Past, Present and Tomorrow

Epilogue: Leah-The Ties That Bond

Acknowledgements

Playlist

About the Author

~ Over Ten Years Ago ~

My baby sister graduated from college three days ago. I’ve barely got my head wrapped around the fact Elizabeth is even old enough to be finished with college, and now she’s telling me she wants to go to law school. Sheesh! But good for her. I went to trade school and learned all I could about cars. I love working with my hands. Nothing gives me greater joy than restoring old cars, or making new cars better. At the age of sixteen, my father bought me my pride and joy—a 1988 Ford Bronco. I spent weekends and nights giving my baby a powerful engine, new interior, and a custom paint job. My sister thinks my hobby and passion for cars is ludicrous, but I happen to think studying law is boring, so there. Younger than my by only eighteen months, Elizabeth is my best friend, and I am so proud of her and her accomplishments. Unfortunately, I can’t stay at Elizabeth’s party for long because I have to head across town to my girlfriend’s graduation ceremony.

The love of my life is graduating college, as well. Leah Ashton and I have been together since her senior year in high school; I was in my first year at trade school. We met at her homecoming game, which was against my alma mater. I’d given Elizabeth, also a senior, a ride. When we were back at my truck after the game, the most beautiful girl I had ever seen was standing in front of a Toyota Corolla, its hood up, in the space next to me. My mom and sister’s bright green eyes can’t hold a candle to Leah’s light green eyes, perfectly accented by her rich caramel colored hair. It’s been over four years since I stumbled upon this beauty and lost my heart to her the moment she asked for help. The image of her small frame leaning against her car, biting her lip as she asked, Excuse me, but you wouldn’t happen to know anything about cars, would you? is branded on my soul.

I pulled myself up straight and casually indicated I may know a thing or two about cars, as I prepared to be her knight in shining armor. Unfortunately for Leah—but lucky for me—she would not be leaving the parking lot in that car. Not only was her battery dead, but the head gasket was blown as well. I called Russell, our tow truck driver, and sent Elizabeth home in my truck so she wouldn’t miss her curfew. I waited with Leah until Russell came. I helped Russell load the car on the flatbed then we took Leah home. I wrote down my name and number on a fast food receipt and told her to call me. She called me the next day to ask about her car. I asked her out. We’ve been together ever since.

Pulling into my parent’s driveway, I grab Elizabeth’s gift and walk in. My best friend, Ryder, and I moved into a shit-hole apartment two years ago. Our lease is up in a month and tonight I’m asking Leah to move in with me. I’ve been saving up for months to get us a better place to live. Then, hopefully, this time next year she will say yes to a marriage proposal.

With N’sync blaring through the stereo, I might as well have walked into a girl’s locker room. There are girls everywhere, laughing, screeching to the music, and dancing. Kate, Elizabeth’s best friend, is in the middle of a group of girls rubbing her butt against Ella, Kate’s other best friend. I just shake my head, knowing I will never understand girls. I step to the patio and find Elizabeth sitting on her boyfriend Grant’s lap. They’ll leave in the fall for law school. I can see them married with a half dozen rugrats running around them. She is truly in love with him.

Ahem, I clear my throat to get their attention, and hopefully, unlock their lips.

Ethan, you made it! She squeals as she runs to give me a hug. Elizabeth is only five feet and some inches, but she still nearly knocks me over.

Of course I made it, I wouldn’t miss your party, Squirt!

She punches me in the shoulder. Shut up, Ethan, and stop calling me squirt. For Christ sake’s, I’m twenty-one.

Damn girl. I say as I rub my shoulder. Watch out for that swing of hers Grant, she’s a killer,

Unlike you, Ethan, I just call her the right names. Right, sweetheart? He says, pulling her back into his lap.

Yeah, I’m not touching that word with a ten foot pole, that pet name is all yours, bro. Grant just laughs. Here you go, Miss College Graduate, this is for you. I say as I hand Elizabeth her gift and pull a patio chair closer to her.

You got me a gift? Ethan, this is so sweet of you. Her mouth drops open as she opens the gift. Ethan, this is beautiful, thank you. She opens the leather bound planner. I figured with all those classes and study groups, you would need some assistance to remember dates and times.

She hops off of Grants lap and bends over to give me a hug. Thank you, and I love it.

She climbs back into Grant’s lap and shows him her gift. Where’s Leah? she asks.

I’m assuming she’s getting ready for her ceremony. She told me she had things to do with family.

Elizabeth just gives me an odd look. Oh, I just thought she would come by. I haven’t seen her in a while. You two all right?

Never better. She’s just busy finishing school and trying to find a job. I think things will slow down soon. I’m going to ask her to move in with me.

Elizabeth’s mouth hits the floor with a gasp. Ethan, you can’t ask her to move into that dump you call an apartment! Animals at the shelter live in better quality than you.

I let out a chuckle. I’ve sacrificed living there so I could save. My lease is up in a month, and I am looking into renting a condo. I want to give her the best, she deserves the best.

That’s awesome, Ethan. I promised this girl here I would give her everything, as soon as we are done with school. Right, sweetheart? If I could, I would give you the sun and the stars. Grant says, his eyes trained on my sister the whole time. Got to admit, if I batted for that team, Grant would be my man. He is amazing, and I couldn’t be prouder, or happier, for my sister. She truly found her prince charming. I stand and walk back into the house; as much as I love those two, I seriously do not need to watch their make-out sessions. Mom is making some dip and Dad is washing some dishes when I enter the kitchen.

Hey guys, what’s up? Walking to Mom, I give her a kiss on the cheek and slap my dad’s back.

Good, Son, and how are you?

Good, I came to drop off Elizabeth’s gift then I’m headed over to Leah’s house to drive her to her ceremony.

Ethan are you two all right? I haven’t seen Leah in months. I miss her. My mother softly says to me.

Mom, things are good, Leah has been so busy with dance, school, work, and finding a job that she has just been preoccupied. I am sure this summer you will see plenty of her. I reply, scooping a chip through her dip and popping it in my mouth.

My parents and I chat about nonsense for a bit, then seeing the time, I walk back into the living room, where Elizabeth has joined her friends dancing to more boy band music. I shake Grant’s hand telling him I will see him soon, and hug Elizabeth goodbye.

I’m so anxious to see my girl and for the next phase in our relationship. I can’t wait to give her the gift I have for her. I only hope she will cherish it and be on board with me, and my plans for us. Pulling into her driveway, I see her car next to a silver Lexus. Curious about the car I’ve never seen before, I notice it’s not from a local county. Wanting to wait until we’re alone to give it to her, I leave the gift in my glove compartment. I climb out of my Bronco and see Leah walking to me. She’s biting her upper lip, and I instantly know something is up; she doesn’t look like a thrilled college graduate. I hope nothing has happened to her brother who is deployed.

Hi, Angel I say as I walk to her. She briskly closes the distance, but not for the reason I expect.

E, can we sit in your truck for a minute, I need to talk to you. She grabs my hand and we walk back to the truck. Once we are in, she turns to me, her upper lip turning beat red from the force of her teeth.

Spill, you are freaking me out.

I don’t want to hurt you with what I am about to say.

I grab her chin, forcing her to release her grip on her lip. Damn, Leah, what the hell? By the markings on your lip it’s pretty serious, so please, hurry up and tell me before I lose it.

I…I cheated on you.

My world screeches to a standstill. The words crush my lungs and I can barely breathe. My temples are pulsating while my hands grip the steering wheel. I can’t even look at her. My body moves in slow motion. I open the door and get out of the truck. Walking to the back, I sit on the bumper and run my hands through my hair. The passenger door shuts and I hear her soft ballerina steps walking to me.

Will you hear me out? I never planned on this happening, it just happened and I don’t know what to do.

I look at her and my heart cracks wide open. I love this woman more than anything, but in a way, I can see why she cheated. She’s probably scared of where our lives are going. I’ve been her only boyfriend, her first love—the man that took her virginity. I just want to forget the words she just said to me. Can I? I can accept this, if it means we can move on. I look at her, as the tears well in her eyes.

Leah, I don’t want to know anymore. I can deal with you cheating. It was just a one-time thing, right? A quick fuck to get out of your system? I look at her eyes filling with more tears and her body tenses.

Like I said, I don’t want to hurt you, but I think it’s best if we broke up. I’m moving away.

I jump from the bumper. Furious and so damn confused. When did this happen, how long, who is he, and where the fuck are you moving to? When the hell did you decide this?

Things in our relationship were going stale, you were always working…

I cut her off. I was working my fucking ass off for us, Leah! Goddamn, I was working for us, for our future, for a place we could call our own. I was doing it all for us!

I met him during spring break. I had a great time with him. It made me realize we weren’t having fun anymore. It happened then. He’s completing his residency in medical school down in Miami. I’m moving down there to be with him.

Her words sliced and diced my heart. I can’t believe, out of all the days, she is saying this to me, today. The day I wanted to tell her I want forever with her and possibly marriage and babies with her. I want everything with her, and she just crushed my dreams with the words that she is leaving me for some douche. A douche that will apparently make more money than I ever will in my lifetime and can give her all her heart’s desires.

Why? If this has been going on for three fucking months, why now? Why not last week, or damn it, when you returned from the beach? You’ve been lying to me this whole damn time. You want to throw away four years because you had a good time during one spring break?

Our relationship was falling apart. We weren’t meant to last forever. This was bound to happen. I was going to tell you after tonight, but Charles surprised me by coming to the ceremony.

He’s fucking here?

Ethan, please I don’t want this to get ugly.

Leah, you made it fucking ugly. I never once saw our relationship heading in this direction. Is it because he’s a fucking doctor and I’m a mechanic, is this what this is about? Because I never saw you as a materialistic bitch.

I’m sorry. So sorry it came to this. I’ll always love you because you were my first love.

You’re shitting me right? You can’t possibly be in love with that prick in there! I spew as I point to her house.

It fucking kills me to hear the words coming out of her mouth and to see her sob. This can’t be happening. Running my hands through my hair, I pace her driveway. Glancing at her as I walk close to her, I hear her mumble the words that completely break me.

I don’t want to hurt you, she says softly, as the tears run down her face. Can we please part on good terms?

"Leah, you just fucking crushed my heart, and you want to end this on happy terms? I never took you as the one to think of only yourself. Here’s your separate on good terms. I walk to the driver’s side of the truck, Leah following behind me. I hop in and reach for the door. Before I slam the door, I seethe out, Fuck you, Leah. Fuck the damn doctor, and the damn chariot that will whisk you away to your happily ever after." Slamming the door and putting the truck in reverse I squeal out of the driveway and speed home to my shit-hole apartment. The same shit-hole I’ll be renewing the damn lease on, since I have nowhere to go.

I curse at myself as I drive home. I can’t believe I talked to the love of my life like that. To know I will never touch her, kiss those lips, breathe her in, or even say the words ‘I love you’ to her again. I pull over at a gas station, and lay my forehead against the steering wheel and cry. Crying that I never saw the fucking signs. All this damn time, she’s been screwing around behind my back. All this time, she was slowly letting me go. Opening the glove compartment, I pull out her gift and hold it in my hands. Running my fingers through the white ribbon, I clutch it to my chest and cry. Cry because I will never have what I thought we both were after. Where did I go wrong?

Looking over at the clock on the bedside table I see that it’s six o’clock in the morning. I won’t be sleeping anymore so I slowly slide out of bed and walk into our bathroom. Slipping into my yoga pants, sports bra, and sweatshirt, I gear up to go running. Maybe a long run will burn off this nervous energy. Today, I’m seeing my family. Family I haven’t seen in months. Not by choice. My husband, Charles, can’t stand them. I don’t know why. Over the years we have withdrawn ourselves from my family little by little. I grew up in a close-knit family. Family is everything to me, yet for some reason, Charles verbally beats it into me that he is my only family.

Throwing my hair up in a ponytail, I quickly brush my teeth and leave the bedroom. I quietly shut the door, hoping not to wake up Charles. I grab my keys and phone and I head out the front door and run to the beach. I miss my hometown, but for over a decade, South Beach has been my home. Charles has done well over the years and bought us a beautiful home on the coast. The ocean is my sanctuary—the waves crashing onto the shore, the salty wind in my face, and breathing in the fresh air—it soothes my jittery nerves. I sit and stretch out my ankle after lacing it a little tighter. It irritates me that my foot will never be the way it was; in fact, there are a lot of things that bother me. I’m stuck in hell, and I have no clue how to crawl myself out. My marriage is a joke, and my husband has turned into Satan. I hate him. I hate him with every fiber of my being. How does a person turn so evil? How does a strong person like me suddenly become weak and just takes what comes to me? I never saw my future like this. Charles promised me the world; he promised to make my dreams come true. Instead, he took my dreams and crushed them with his bare hands…literally. As for promising me the world, well, now he just wants me to hide from the world. I can’t even look at myself anymore. He made me hideous, and I allowed it because I still had the one thing I’d clung to for all these years. The one thing that gave me hope for myself, but it was taken from me eight months ago.

Adjusting my ear buds, I crank up the music on my phone, and I go. I jog along the water’s edge letting my feet slap the wet sand and the cool water penetrate through my pants. Listening to Eminem and Rhianna rap about The Monster, I let my mind drift off to the life I wish I had. The life I will never have because I am trapped. I’m trapped like a wild animal, clawing myself out of the cage I call my skin. I can only wish someone will hear my cries. Cries for a better life. My monsters are sucking the life out of me. They haunt my dreams and daily living. I thought popping the tiny pills would make it all better. That the pain flowing into every vein of my aching body would go away. That the pain would just STOP! I’m so tired of hurting, physically and emotionally. And I am so damn tired of being weak. All the what if’s that go through my mind, day in and day out. Where was my crystal ball on that defining day? The day I made the worst mistake of my life. The day my heart stopped loving, and my pride took over the front seat of my life. There is a small part of my heart that still beats for hope and the minuscule amount of faith I have in myself. Hope that I am still capable of love. I never stopped loving him, and that small part thrums in my chest and gets me through the horrid days, and keeps the demons from entering my heart.

I barely make it to my halfway mark at the pier that jets out into the ocean. My ankle is screaming,