What would you do if you lost the love of your life?

What would you do when you finally had to let them go?

And what would you do if you were given a second chance at love?

For Laine Abernathy and Sean Pike, losing their lovers in tragic accidents was devastating. But over a year later, Laine has realized that holding on to the past is futile. Sean’s not ready yet to say goodbye. Deep inside, he knows he should. Unfortunately, the mind is willing but the heart isn’t.

Through grief and sadness, the two form a bond that develops into much more over the course of a month long stay at Ocean Isle Beach.

Then a night of passion sends Sean running. Thinking he’d pushed too hard, Laine returns to his life, disappointed and down. He’d shared something with Sean he never thought to have again.

Three months later, Laine receives a text. “Meet me at Ocean Isle. Need to say goodbye.”

Is his chance for happiness gone before it even begins? Or will two broken hearts finally be mended? There’s only one way to find out...

Excerpt:

The next morning dawned cold with a light breeze coming from the Atlantic. The sun was bright, keeping it warmer than it should be. Laine dressed appropriately in a lightweight sweater though. He knew how unpredictable the weather out this way could be in the fall.

After a small breakfast of coffee and toast on the deck, Laine retrieved his keys and Derek’s dog tags. Each cottage had its own small pier, but Laine’s destination was the long communal pier between the second and third cottage. It was three times longer than the others. Perfect for what he needed to do.

Reaching the end of the pier, he leaned against the rail on his forearms. Derek’s dog tags were clutched tightly in his right hand. He stared out at the green/blue water, hearing a passing gull cry out before he spoke.

“Guess you know why I’m here,” he began. “These past thirteen months have been the hardest of my life. That first month especially. There had been a few times I thought joining you easier than dealing with you gone. Staying drunk also seemed better. But I couldn’t do it. Momma Joplin would have beaten my ass too.” He smiled sadly, nose burning with unshed tears. “And, well, I couldn’t dishonor your memory, Derek. You showed everyone your strength. But you let me see the real you. Flaws, insecurities, and all. I couldn’t take the easy way out after you gave me everything.” A small sob broke free as the tears started to fall. “I’ll always love you, Dare and a part of me will always miss you. But…I can’t keep holding on to what’s gone. I…I…” He was crying openly now, too blinded by tears and grief to notice anything. “I have to let you go. Have to move on like I know you would want me to.” He raised the dog tags to his lips, giving Derek one last kiss. “I’ll never forget you.” Then, before he lost his nerve, he drew his arm back and flung the last piece of his lover into the ocean. “G…good…bye.”

Turning quickly on his heel, he strode away before he tossed himself over the rail to get back the only part of Derek he kept. But before he could make it to the steps, the realization of what he’d just done hit him. He dropped to his knees with a broken sob, the weight of his loss finally breaking free as he screamed to the heavens.