“Grant, wait!” Emerging from the shadows, Eliza hurried toward him, extending her hand as if reaching for him.
But as he turned, unable to hide his anguish at hearing her voice, Eliza froze, dropping her arms at her sides.
“Thank you,” she whispered, staring at the ground.
Grant stood motionless, wanting to look away, but unable to take his eyes off of her. The glittering, rose gold cocktail dress highlighted the subtle blush of her cheeks and made her dark, bewitching eyes stand out even more in contrast.
Then his gaze fell on the beaded bracelet adorning her wrist, and his thoughts instantly flew to Ben. His own pain pushed aside any previous desire to rush to her side, gathering her up in his arms, shielding her from his mother’s spiteful attack.
“There’s something I need to say.” Grant struggled to keep his voice steady.
Glancing up, relief flickered across Eliza’s features. “I’m so glad. I’ve been dying to talk. I’ve kept calling but…” She shook her head, biting her lip. “Never mind. I’m sorry. You talk first.”
“I…” Grant hesitated, finding the words harder to say than he’d thought. He lifted his chin, determined to get through this without caving. “I… want to take Ben back to San Francisco with me when school is out. I’ll bring him back for the wedding, but I’d like to keep him for the summer. I’ve already looked up a summer art program I think he’ll love.”
Stricken, Eliza took a step back. “Grant, I—”
“It’s my turn, Eliza. Please don’t make me fight for it.”
His throat burning, Grant forced himself to meet her gaze. The utter devastation in her eyes made him shiver.
And for a moment, Grant wondered if he was doing the right thing.
Chapter 25
The lamppost flickered, followed by a crackle, then darkness.
Although every other lamp burned warm and bright, competing with the vibrant shop windows to light Main Street, everything around Eliza appeared inky black, mirroring her mood. Standing alone on the sidewalk, she fought the urge to slink back into the shadows and disappear from sight.
She couldn’t go back inside and face everyone. Not when Grant’s words compressed around her chest, squeezing all the air from her lungs like a rolling pin flattening dough. Take Ben? He wanted to take Ben away from her? This couldn’t be happening.
Hot tears spilled down her cheeks, ruining her carefully applied mascara. How could she let Grant leave with her son? Ben was her entire world. For over seven years, it had been the two of them together. She’d be lost without him.
Sobs ripped through her body, forcing Eliza to double over, clutching her chest.
A door hinge creaked.
“Eliza? Are you ready to give the toasts?” Cassie’s question preceded a loud gasp.
Rushing to her side, Cassie threw her arms around her shoulders, propping up Eliza’s crumpled body as she continued to sob. “What happened?” Panic seeped from Cassie’s voice as she held her, smoothing back her hair.
“Grant wants to take Ben. He’s going to take him away, Cass.” Her words muffled as she covered her face with her hands.
“Shh… it’s going to be okay. Just breathe.” Cassie rubbed Eliza’s back, murmuring soft reassurances. “Let’s get you home, okay?”
“What about the party?” Eliza hiccupped.
“I’ll text Luke. He’ll tell everyone you weren’t feeling well and I took you home.”
“No one will believe that.”
“Maybe not. But it’s the best I’ve got right now.” Cassie slid her arm around Eliza’s waist. “Come on. We’ll take my car.”
“No, you stay.” Eliza swiped at her tears, smearing the mascara tracks across her face. “I’ll call Mom to pick me up. She and Dad took Ben home an hour ago to put him to bed.”
“Don’t be silly. I’m here. I’ll take you.” Ignoring Eliza’s protests, Cassie half carried her toward her car parked in front of Sadie’s Sweet Shop. Drawing her eyebrows together, Cassie gave her a pointed stare as she opened the passenger door. “Sit down and don’t make me buckle you in myself.”
A small smile broke through Eliza’s tears. “I think my bossiness is rubbing off on you.”
