I Was The Spare Seat The Spare Gift And The Spare Bride novel Chapter 09

“Then how exactly did you treat me? What was my love to you-a consolation prize? A poor man’s version of her? Just a reason to stay near my sister?”

Liam’s complexion turned a shade whiter. “I thought I wouldn’t fall for you-but I didn’t know-”

I cut him off. “You said you thought you wouldn’t love me.”

“But you never once asked if I liked being treated that way.”

“You never thought about whether the girl you always put second-whether she hurt.”

He opened his mouth-nothing came out.

“Go home, Liam.”

“I mean it. I want to start something real-be someone’s first choice for once.”

Liam stood there a long time-so long that even Miles looked up at him. Finally, he turned and walked away. This time, his back was a little more hunched-no longer as straight as before.

After he left, the yard stayed quiet for a while. Owen was sitting on the front steps-sunlight warm on him. I walked out and sat down beside him. “You heard all that?”

flee.”

He nodded. Didn’t pry.

“I used to love someone-for a very long time.”

“But with him, I was always second. Naomi got first pick of everything, and I got whatever was left.”

Owen listened quietly.

“Then I ran-came here to make pottery. Isn’t that pathetic? I’m dumb and scared-can’t compete, so I

He was quiet for a moment. Then he spoke-low, but steady. “Not pathetic.”

I looked up. He wasn’t looking at me-his gaze was on the old locust tree in the yard, his face calm.

“People who can leave-they’re the ones who’ve gathered enough courage.”

“Most people don’t even have the courage to run.”

He turned to me. Sunlight gleamed in his eyes. “Ella. Hearing all that-I had just one thought.”

“What?”

He smiled. “I wish I’d known you earlier.”

I blinked. “How early?”

He laughed a little. “Early enough to be there the first time you let her take your cake.”

“Early enough to stand next to you when they laughed at you in those hand-me-downs-when you felt like you didn’t measure up.”

He paused. “I want you to know-you don’t have to become anyone else. You as you are-that’s already more than enough.”

My nose stung.

“You know, Miles doesn’t talk much-but every time he comes here, he’s so happy. At home, he looks at the clay pieces he made over and over-keeps them by his pillow when he sleeps.”

He looked at me. “Anyone Miles loves that much-she must be gentle and worthy.”

I opened my mouth-nothing came out. Tears were already pooling.

Owen stood up from the steps and turned to face me. “Ella. I like you.”

“The way you focus when you throw clay. The way your eyes crinkle when you smile. The way you crouch down to Miles’ level when you hand him clay.”

His voice tightened-like he was nervous too. “I want to be with you. I want you to be the only one.”

I lifted my eyes to his, and the tears finally slipped free. “But I’m not good-I’m not anyone special.”

He wiped them away gently. “Love doesn’t ask you to be extraordinary. It just asks you to be you.”