It was the day after Christmas. Eve and Josh said goodbye to Kristin and Wilhelm. Their flight back home was scheduled in few hours. 

As they sat in their rental car, Josh gave Eve a serious look.

„You’re sure you wanna do this, before we leave?“ 

She was obviously very tensed, but nodded.

„You think he still lives at the same address?“ 

„I don’t know. We will find out.“

Josh set the navigation and started the engine. They waved Kristin, as they left the property. 

One hour later they reached their destination. Josh parked the car at the street. Eve was terribly nervous and took a deep breath.

„You really wanna do this alone?“ 

„Yes. Don’t worry.“ 

„Okay. Good luck, honey.“

Eve forced a short smile and kissed Josh’s lips before she left the car. 

The house in front of her was old but well-kept. She went to the front door and sighed relieved, as she read the name on the bell. 

„He still lives here.“ She thought. 

Then she rang the bell. Her heart beaten hard against her chest. One minute later a woman with short grey hair in her late fifties opened the door. She looked surprised, obviously not knowing who Eve was.

„Good morning, Mrs. Meyer. I’m sorry for showing up without prior notice.“ Eve apologized with shaky voice. 

„What can I do for you?“ Mrs. Meyer asked friendly. 

„I would like to see your husband.“

„May I ask why?“

„My name is Eve. I’m Tom Miller’s wife.“ 

Mrs. Meyer immediately turned pale. She stared at Eve with her eyes open wide. Eve smiled calmly and gave her some time to process.

„Please come in.“ Mrs. Meyer said, as she sorted her mind. 

Eve entered the house and put her boots off, before following Mrs. Meyer into the living room. The old house was very quiet. 

„Please sit.“ Mrs. Meyer offered, pointing at the sofa. 

„Thank you.“

„Can I bring you something to drink?“ 

Eve shook her head.

„No. I’m good.“

Mrs. Meyer sat down in the armchair opposite of the sofa.

„Mrs. Miller…“ She started talking. 

„It’s Chasez.“ Eve interrupted her. „I got married again.“ 

Mrs. Meyer cracked a smile.

„I see.“ 

There was a short break, before she continued talking.

„I understand, why you refused my husband’s wish to meet him after the accident. But I’m surprised you kept our address.“ 

Eve’s eyes filled with tears.

„I wasn’t able facing him earlier. It just hurt too much.“ She explained. 

„I’m not blaming you, dear. But now it’s too late.“ Mrs. Meyer replied.

„What do you mean?“

„My husband passed away last year. He had cancer.“ 

Eve stared at her in deep shock. Tears were dropping on her cheeks. This was the last thing she expected to learn about the man, who caused their tragical car crash.

„I’m so sorry…“ She whispered. 

Mrs. Meyer stood up and sat down next to Eve. Then she grabbed her hands.

„My husband never forgave himself. After the accident he wasn’t the same anymore.“

Eve bursted out crying badly. Mrs. Meyer pulled her into her arms. 

„I feel the same way. This guilt in my heart never went away.“ she sobbed. 

Mrs. Meyer released her, looking deep into her eyes. 

„It was a terrible accident. But you must allow yourself closing that chapter.“

„That’s why I came here. I wanted to forgive both of us. But now your husband is gone.“

„You can still forgive both of you.“

„How?“ Eve wanted to know. 

Mrs. Meyer smiled.

„Let’s make a walk.“

Eve was standing in front of Mr. Meyer’s grave. There were fresh flowers next to his tombstone. 

„What now?“ Eve asked Mrs. Meyer, who was standing right next to her. 

„Just say, what you have to say and he’ll listen.“ 

Eve needed a moment to prepare herself. Then she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. 

„I wished I didn’t miss the chance to meet you in person. I wished I tried much earlier making things easier for both of us. I was just seeing my own pain for so many years. I didn’t think about how you were dealing with life after this giant tragedy. Please forgive me for being that blind. Unfortunately I can’t turn back time. But your lovely wife said, it’s not too late for making peace. That’s why I want you to know, that I forgive us for what happened in that terrible night. We suffered enough. I hope you rest in peace, Mr. Meyer. I really do.“ 

Josh was sitting next to Eve in the plane on their way back home to L.A. She was staring out of the window, being lost in thoughts. Carefully he grabbed her left hand and kissed her fingers. Her rings were sparkling in the sunlight. He was happy she was wearing them again. 

Eve turned her head and smiled at her husband. 

„I’m proud of you.“ He said, smiling back at her. 

„You’re sweet saying that.“ She replied. 

„I know this was a big step.“

Eve nodded. 

„I’m still processing that he died last year. It makes me very sad, that his life ended so early.“

„I know. But please don’t blame yourself for not talking to him earlier. You did nothing wrong, honey. And you didn’t owe him anything.“ 

She nodded again.

„Hey, ummm… can we talk about New Year’s Eve?“ Josh changed the subject. 

„You mean our anniversary?“

„Yes. I was thinking about spending the night in Santa Barbara at the same hotel. Just the three of us.“

„You mean the four of us.“ Eve said happily. 

Josh smiled all over his face.

„I’m still not over it. I can’t believe you’re pregnant again. This is too good to be true.“

Eve caressed her belly, smiling back. Josh placed one hand above hers. 

„I love you, cupcake. No one ever made me so happy like you do.“ 

„Same here, Mr. Chasez. I love you and I love what we have.“ 

They kissed each other gently.

„So? Is it a boy or a girl?“ Josh asked. 

„You know it’s too early for that question.“

„But with Jake you’ve been sure it was a boy from the beginning and your feeling was right.“ 

Eve smiled again. 

„You really wanna know what is going on in my mind?“ 

„Of course.“

„It’s a girl. She looks like you. And her name is Lisa.“ 

Josh looked deep into her eyes and placed another gentle kiss on her lips. 

„I love what is going on in your mind.“

It was New Year's Eve.

„Mr. And Mrs. Chasez! It’s a big pleasure to welcome you again in the Ritz Carlton.“ The concierge said politely. „We already checked you in. I’m wishing you a wonderful stay. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at any time, if you should need something.“

„Thank you.“ Both said at once.

„Are we in the same suite?“ Eve asked on her way to the elevator.

„Yes, my love.“ Josh replied, having Jake on his arm. 

„So, what’s the plan for tonight?“

„There’s some time left before we have dinner in the restaurant. You can have a treatment or a massage, if you like?“ 

„Sounds perfect.“ 

„I’ll make a walk with Jake before feeding him. Some fresh air should make him tired, so he can sleep in his room when we eat.“ 

They arrived at the upper floor and entered the Ritz Carlton Suite. 

„It feels nice being back here.“ Eve said happily. 

She checked the master bedroom and smiled smugly, seeing a bowl with fresh strawberries and whipped cream on the bedside table.

„I hope we’re not too tired tonight.“ She said, as Josh entered the room. 

„I see us naked in that bed right after the fireworks.“ He replied and kissed her neck playfully. 

„I can’t wait.“ She giggled. 

„Holy crap… baby… you should have warned me…“ Josh stammered.

Eve just left their bedroom and entered the living area, where Josh was waiting for her. She was wearing an light pink floor length off-shoulder dress with a stunning cutout on her back. Her silver high heels were matching the color of her small clutch. Her long hair was put together into a sleek elegant bun. Her make up was delicate, but sexy. 

Josh was wearing a dark grey suit with a white business shirt and a slim black tie, matching the color of his belt and his leather shoes. His face was fresh shaved, as he knew she liked it that way.  

He stood up from the sofa, still staring at his wife. 

„You look breathtaking, my love. You make me speechless.“ 

Eve smiled all over her face, coming closer. 

„You look very handsome, as well, Mr. Chasez. And I’m happy you like my new dress.“ 

„May I kiss you?“ He asked, pulling her close to his chest. 

She placed a gentle kiss on his lips, leaving some lipstick marks on it. Gently she rubbed them away with her thumb.

„Is Jake asleep in his room?“ She wanted to know.

„Yes. I have the monitor with me. I’ll be here in a minute, if he wakes up.“ 

Eve nodded and took his hand. Both left the suite and went to the elevator. When they arrived in the lobby, the concierge hurried into their direction. 

„Excuse me for the little inconvenience. But I need to ask you using the back entrance to the restaurant tonight, as we’re having a little problem at the main entrance.“ He explained. 

„No big deal.“ Josh said, still holding Eve’s hand. „We will go through the garden.“

„Perfect. I hope you enjoy your dinner.“