Best Kind of Love: Second Chance at Love

By Rebecca Talley

A successful project manager stuck in the past, an attorney seeking to understand his failed relationships, and the high school reunion that changes everything.

Brynn Sawyer is a successful project manager in Houston. When her best friend from high school convinces Brynn to attend their ten-year reunion, Brynn hopes she'll have the chance to reconnect with Troy Richards, the guy who stole her heart back in middle school.

Craig Dawson, an attorney in San Diego, is in a relationship that's going nowhere and wonders why he can't seem to commit. When he sees Brynn at their reunion, he thinks he might finally understand why. The only problem—she's still infatuated with Troy what's-his-name.

Will Brynn find the love she seeks with Troy, or will she realize the best kind of love has always been right in front of her?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rebecca Talley
• Release date: Aug 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223241171

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Brynn Sawyer’s nerves twitched as the small airplane neared Seaspray. She clenched her fists and pushed out a loud breath. Why did I decide to do this?

Are you okay, dear? the lady with white hair in the seat next to her asked. Her voice sounded as if she needed to clear her throat.

With warmed cheeks, Brynn nodded. It was silly that she was so apprehensive about this trip back to her hometown.

Have you been to Seaspray before?

Yes. Brynn didn’t say more. She wanted to be left alone, so she could gather her thoughts and rein in her feelings before the plane landed. 

Do you live here?

No.

Here on vacation?

Brynn mentally rolled her eyes. This woman seemed sweet and it was kind of her to try to have a conversation, but Brynn wasn’t prepared for the weekend and talking wouldn’t help. No. Guilt began to gnaw at her, so she said, I grew up in Seaspray. Brynn laid her head back. Maybe now she’ll stop asking me questions.

The woman coughed a few times and smoothed her short hair. Oh, where do you live now?

I guess she’s going to keep talking to me. I shouldn’t be rude. I live in Houston. I moved there right after college.

Are you coming to see your parents?

I wish.  No. They don’t live here anymore.

Business trip?

Brynn adjusted her weight in her seat. A reunion, actually. She swallowed. High school.

Ah. The woman studied Brynn. Not looking forward to it?

Is that written on my face?

I’ve become good at reading people in my old age. She smiled, exposing crooked front teeth.

Brynn drew in a deep breath. High school wasn’t that awesome, but my best friend—that I haven’t seen in years—talked me into coming. Now ...

You wish you were headed back to Houston?

Yes. A surge of relief swelled inside Brynn. Maybe talking to this lady would help her put her anxiety in its place.

After a few minutes, the lady said, I went to my fiftieth reunion some years ago. A bunch of senior citizens showed up. I don’t know what they did with my classmates, but that room was full of old people, not the kids I knew in high school. She laughed then coughed a few times. I guess we all change.

Brynn nodded, reminding herself that she wasn’t the same nerdy girl who tripped all over her words anymore. Right?

My Frank was such a handsome man. All the girls liked him. The woman rested her head back against the seat. He was our senior class president and played football. He had the highest grades in the school. I didn’t think he’d ever want to take me on a date. I was shy and liked to spend my time at the library. Frank was popular and outgoing. I admired him from afar because I felt like I didn’t quite measure up. She patted Brynn’s hand. Probably makes no sense to a beautiful young woman like you.

Actually, it makes a lot of sense. Brynn found herself fascinated by the woman’s story. What happened with Frank?

After high school, he started working on our farm doing odd jobs. He built fences and milked the cows. He and Daddy became good friends. I’d see him every day and dream about him every night. Then he went off to college.

And?

He came home from school one weekend. A smile slowly spread across her face as if the memories were playing out right in front of her. Came right over to our house and stood on the porch. He had a hat in his hands and he liked to have ruined it while he stood there twisting it over and over again.

What did he say? Brynn was a sucker for a great romance.

He looked at me with his deep blue eyes—the color of the sky right before the sun sets—and  said, ‘Myrna, I want to marry you.’

Just like that?

Just like that. Her eyes filled with tears. He said he’d loved me since the day we’d sat by each other in English class. He just didn’t have the courage to ask me on a date because he said I intimidated him. He thought I was too beautiful. She laughed. "Imagine that. He thought I was too beautiful."

Where is he now?

Oh, he passed last year. Her expression saddened. I miss him something fierce.

I’m sorry.

Don’t be. He was the love of my life. We were blessed with a long and happy marriage and three lovely daughters. My oldest, Barbara, moved to Seaspray a few years ago. I visit her and her sisters regularly. Helps to pass the time.

Brynn imagined this woman’s full life filled with warm memories of the man she loved. She hoped to have that someday.

What about you? Have you met your true love?

Me? Brynn waved her hand. I don’t know.

Maybe someone you’ll see this weekend?

Maybe. She took a quick breath. I don’t want to get my hopes up, but ... I’d sure like to see a guy named Troy again. It’s been ten years since we graduated. I don’t even know where’s he’s been or if he’s married or if he’d even remember me.

Tell me about him.

Brynn couldn’t stop her mouth from curling. He played basketball. I used to go to the games just to watch him.

"Did you ever talk to him?’

No. Well, not really. Not in high school. He had his group of friends, and I had mine. I was in theater. Our worlds didn’t cross much. But that didn’t stop me from wishing.

The woman gave her a look that prompted her to go on.

I so wanted to go to prom with him. I even imagined it all in my head.

Did you go with him?

No. Brynn shook her head. He went with his girlfriend. A cheerleader, of course. Part of his group.

The lady patted Brynn’s hand, conveying her empathy. After a few moments, she asked, Did you go to your prom?

Yeah. With my best friend, Craig.

And?

"It was awesome. Craig and I always had so much fun together. He made me laugh all the time. It wasn’t romantic or