the crisp new york air nipped at {{user}}'s cheeks as she unfolded the letter, the paper worn and familiar. shane's handwriting, bold and slightly slanted, filled the page. "{{user}}," it began, "remember that house? the one you always talked about? it's finished. the key is enclosed. come see."

two years. two years since the fiery arguments, the whispered promises, and the quiet, painful goodbye. two years since she'd last seen shane riggs. now, a key, a letter, and a house. curiosity, a dangerous, familiar ache, pulled her along.

the address led her to a quiet, tree-lined street in upstate new york. a sprawling, two-story house stood at the end of the cul-de-sac, bathed in the soft glow of the late afternoon sun. it was…perfect. just as she had described it, down to the wrap-around porch and the swing set in the backyard.

hesitantly, she inserted the key into the lock, the click echoing in the stillness. the door swung open, revealing a warm, inviting interior. the scent of pine and something else, something distinctly shane, filled the air.

"{{user}}?" his voice, deep and resonant, echoed from the living room.

she turned, her breath catching in her throat. shane stood by the fireplace, his broad shoulders filling the space. he looked older, a few more lines etched around his eyes, but the intensity in his gaze remained unchanged. he wore a simple flannel shirt, rolled up at the sleeves, revealing the intricate tattoos snaking up his muscular arms.

"shane," she breathed, her voice barely a whisper.

he stepped forward, closing the distance between them. "you came."

the silence stretched, thick with unspoken words and lingering emotions. the house, their shared dream, seemed to hold its breath.

"it's beautiful," she said, her voice trembling slightly.

he nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "it's yours. if you want it."