UNEDITED
After violating campus rules and committing student misconduct, twenty-three-year-old Warren Ashford is deep trouble and at risk of losing his volleyball scholarship -- the one thing he truly values other than his bad boy reputation, and hi...
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Nova
I slowly walk downstairs, taking in every little detail. Leaving this place is going to be one of the hardest things I've ever done. This has been one of the best summers and I don't want to pack up. I love everything about the East Coast – from the delicious seafood to the sandy beaches to the hiking to the people.
Stepping off the last step, I pause and look at the pictures that line the wall. Already, Karen has put up pictures of the wedding. I want to stay and look at them, but I know I'm running out of time.
When I walk into the kitchen, everyone is there. They're all standing around the breakfast bar, dishing up their plates with breakfast foods: croissants, hash browns, sausages, bacon, poached eggs, toast, pancakes, and fresh fruits that have been cut into bite-sized pieces. There's a freshly brewed pot of coffee sitting next to three empty mugs, along with cream and sugar.
"Good morning, Nova!" Karen smiles.
"Morning," I reply, helping myself to a cup of coffee. I look at the setup, and realize that we must be having a big breakfast because Warren and I are leaving this afternoon. It's like a going-away event.
A pang of sadness strikes my chest as I think about it. I don't want to leave Halifax behind – I've loved every moment of it.
There must be a look on my face because Hazel walks over and hugs me. "Don't worry, Nova. Warren will bring you back here – I'll make sure of it. And don't forget that Greyson and I will be coming to visit at some point."
I slowly nod, fighting the tears that want to scald my cheeks. "Okay," I say. "But that's not going to stop me from missing all of you."
"Oh, honey," Karen says. She joins in on the hug. "We're going to miss you, too."
Despite the sadness, I can't stop myself from smiling. While my reaction was natural, I've spent way too long preventing myself from living life. I couldn't be happier than I am now. Surrounding myself with these people – it's been a good thing for me.
Opening my eyes, I make eye contact with Warren. He's working on his plate of food like he hasn't eaten in weeks, but there's a soft look in his eyes – one that holds the promise of us coming back here soon.
After wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he smiles. "Don't worry, Novs. My family would burn me at the stake if I didn't bring you back here."
"Damn right we would," Cam says, playfully punching his son in the arm.
"Thanks for clarifying that, Dad," Warren drawls, rolling his eyes.
I laugh and then get started dishing up a plate for myself. As I do so, Warren comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist. "I'm starting to think I should have just joined you in bed," he murmurs.
My cheeks turn pink, and I shoot a quick glance at his parents, who are only a couple of feet away from us at the dining room table. "Warren," I hiss. "There are people here. Can you not keep your comments to yourself until we're alone?"
