“My sister is watching.” I swallowed hard.
“Good. She should stop pitying you and realize you belong on a pedestal. Untouchable. Untamable. And everything I ever dreamed of.” I knew it was a part of the act, but it was like his words pressed pause. I absorbed what he was saying and realized how much I had been told how sorry everyone felt for me. How everyone thought I was the broken one who lost the love of my life. Isaac ran his thumb along my jaw until it touched my chin. “Do you want me to stop?”
“No,” I breathed. “Please just kiss me.”
He unleashed a smile when I said that before sinking his lips into mine. It was only our second kiss, but damn, it felt achingly familiar. It was the kind of kiss that fell over my entire body,making my toes tingle. I loved the way he held my face in his hands. I loved the way he tasted. I loved how butterflies erupted in my stomach, making me feel like I was floating away on their wings.
He pulled back, then kissed me once more—just a soft peck on my lips, then again on my forehead.
“We shouldn’t get carried away before dinner is even served,” I whispered.
He chewed on his lip and nodded with a shy smile. “You’re right. This could get very out of hand.”
I nodded, unable to stop smiling. I broke eye contact and took his hand to lead him to the head table, and introduced him to my parents.
eleven
NOW
“AT THIS TIME, LADIESand gentlemen, I’d like to invite all the married couples to the dance floor,” the DJ announces.
I stay put, wiping the buttercream frosting off Henry’s chin while Suzy taste-tests each decadent dessert.
“Come on! Let’s go! Did you hear him, Anna?” Serene asks, with Beau holding her waist.
“Oh, I’m not one for dancing,” I answer, waving a hand and turning back to Suzy. “How’s the red velvet?”
“Not as good as the lemon,” she says with complete assurance.
“You sure? Let me try.” I open my mouth for a bite, and Jenn says, “When have you evernot been one for dancing?!”
I laugh, licking cream cheese frosting off my lips. “I don’t even know where John is right now.”
She points over my shoulder. “He’s right there. Come on,Auntie Anna,get your dancing shoes on.”
I swallow hard as John approaches. I don’t want to dance with him. Not when we’re discussing meetings with our lawyer to dissolve this mistake once and for all.
“Dance with me, Anna,” John says, holding a hand out to me with a somber expression. “One last time.”
“Yeah, Mommy, dance!” Henry squeals.
I smile at my son fondly, but as I do, something in my chest twists. He’s the victim in all of this, and so is his sister. I don’t, even for a moment, regret having either of my children. They are precious gifts that have taught me more about life than anyone. But I also know they will hurt when we tell them Mommy and Daddy aren’t going to be married anymore.
John leads me to the floor and takes me in his arms—strong, safe, familiar. There is so much about him I wonder if I’ll miss. But I don’t wonder if I’ll miss him enough to regret the split.
“This has been a beautiful wedding,” he says.
I nod as I look out at the room. It’s breathtaking. The flowers. The silk. The music. The wine. The dancing. The gown. The promises.
“Marie and Danny are probably so proud.”
“They are,” I agree, trying to meet his eyes. But he keeps his gaze fixed past my shoulder. Every movement or touch today may seem intimate to onlookers but I know he hasn’t looked me in the eye since he asked for a divorce last night.
We’re done with small moments of intimacy. We’re done with private moments of understanding. We’re done trying. We’re done pretending.
“If you’ve been married for one day or less, please make your way off the dance floor,” the DJ announces and the guests roar in applause as Serene and Beau leave the dance.
We stay put.
