She let out a little sigh, her hand curling into my shirt like she was anchoring herself to me.

Out in the water, Imogene was paddling into the surf, her silhouette cutting through the soft haze of morning light. The waves weren’t anything like California — smaller, gentler — but that didn’t stop her. She moved with the same grace and fire she always did.

As I watched her, I was reminded of those early mornings in San Diego when I’d sit outside of The Daily Grind and watch Imogene’s every movement. Back then, I despised her, was convinced she was as guilty as Liam was in betraying me.

How wrong I’d been.

I couldn’t help but marvel at how different my life was a mere two years ago. It had been a burning wreckage, every thought, every plan revolving around revenge. I’d been more than willing to sacrifice myself to make sure justice was served. That my justice was served. I didn’t care if I had a future. In fact, I didn’t want a future.

Now, everything was different. I didn’t live for revenge anymore. I lived for the woman carving through those waves and the tiny life sleeping peacefully in my arms.

Emma stirred, her little face scrunching up before relaxing again. My heart squeezed, this overwhelming combination of love and disbelief hitting me all at once. I’d never imagined I could have this — a family, a home, a reason to look forward to the future.

The rustling sound nearby broke through my reverie. Instantly, every muscle in my body tensed, my senses on high alert. Old habits died hard, I guess. Even in a place like this, where everything was supposed to be safe, I was still on edge. For years, I’d lived with the fear that everything could be ripped from me.

I still held onto that fear, especially now that I had so much to live for.

With Emma cradled protectively against my chest, I stood and cautiously moved toward the sound, my steps slow and deliberate. Rounding the corner of the house, I spotted the culprit. A scrawny dog rummaging through an overturned garbage can. His matted coat was speckled with tan spots and his ribs protruded sharply under his skin. Despite that, his eyes were bright and curious.

The sight nearly stole my breath. This dog bore such a striking resemblance to Ollie when I first found him scavenging for food outside my gym back in Atlanta.

“Hey, buddy,” I murmured, crouching low with my hand outstretched toward the dog. He froze for a moment, his wary eyes flickering between me and my hand. After a few moments of tense stillness, he took a hesitant step forward, sniffing the air.

He nudged my hand with his cold nose before leaning into me, his tail giving a timid wag. I ran my fingers over his bony frame, noting how malnourished he was. But despite his emaciated appearance, he was friendly, making me think he had an owner at some point.

“You like that. Don’t you?” I mused quietly, scratching behind his ears. “Ollie did, too. It was his favorite spot to be pet.”

A soft laugh caused me to look up. Imogene walked up from the beach, her wetsuit glistening and her cheeks flushed from the cool water. She held her surfboard under one arm, her smile bright as the morning sun.

“Looks like you’ve made a friend,” she said, setting her board against the porch railing.

I couldn’t stop the small grin tugging at my mouth. “He found me.”

Imogene knelt beside me, her hand brushing mine as she ran her fingers through the dog’s dingy fur. “He looks like—”

“Ollie,” I finished.

“When I first saw him, I thought I was imagining it.” Her lips quirked up in a sad smile, her eyes shining with nostalgia. “Where did he come from?”

“No idea.”

“Maybe it’s a sign.”

“A sign?” A raised an eyebrow.

She shrugged. “From Ollie. That it’s time for us to help another dog like you helped Ollie.” Her gaze met mine. “We said we’d get another dog when one found us. It looks like one finally has.”

I hesitated, glancing back at the dog, who was now sprawled on his back, his tail thumping against the ground as he begged for belly rubs. The memory of Ollie doing the same thing flitted through my mind. For a second, the ache of losing him returned. But then Emma let out a soft coo, and the dog wagged his tail harder, like he’d already decided he was part of the family.

“Looks like you’re staying,” I said, giving him one last scratch before standing. “Welcome to the family, buddy.”

Imogene rose with me, leaning into my side as she took Emma from my arms and showered her with kisses. “What should we call him?”

I glanced at the dog as he sat at my feet, his head cocked like he was waiting for an answer. “Chance,” I said after a moment. “He looks like a second-chance kind of guy.”
Imogene smiled, her eyes lighting up. “Chance it is.”

As we headed back toward the house, I paused on the porch and gazed out at the ocean one last time.

There was once a time when I thought I wouldn’t survive. When the only thing I could see in my future was darkness.

Now, my future was full of light — an incredible wife, a beautiful daughter, and a family I never dreamed I could have.

For the first time in his life, I felt truly at peace.

I wasn’t just existing anymore. I was living. I was happy.

In my mind, that was the ultimate form of revenge.