I thought about writing more…butanything else would feel like bullshit or it would be an attempt to minimize the horribleness of what I was doing to this sweet, kind soul.
This is the right thing, Dani.
It was…but it was a shitty way to do it.
When I pulled the door slightly ajar, I realized there was no way in hell I could sneak out through there. The sound of voices both nearby and farther off told me I would be seen in an instant. And I knew why…the staff was busy preparing the meal at the back of the barn and prepping the dining area—and guests were delivering gifts here before going to the tent. And, of course, the entire wedding party was here until the ceremony would begin.
Turning around, I decided to try the window. As I pulled up on it, it didn’t budge—but I only had to turn a latch to unlock it. Once open, I pushed on the screen so that it fell to the ground—and then I made my way through the opening,awkwardly maneuvering my way out. My foot caught on the window and I tumbled to the ground, landing on the screen and a rock that jabbed at my arm.
Just then, I heard a knock on the door.
Fuck.
I wasn’t about to put the screen back but instead glanced around quickly as I stood, rubbing my arm where I’d been jabbed, feeling a bit of blood where the skin had broken. My arm was also wet from landing in the snow, but I’d get over it. I was instantly grateful that my dressing room had been on the side opposite the parking area and the tent. Instead, I was close to the woods. There were no more windows past the one I’d crawled out of, unless I chose to head toward the parking lot and tent—and there was no way in hell I’d do that. Without further thought, I rushed toward the woods where I’d have the cover of trees.
And I didn’t look back.
Why the hell hadn’t I worn my jacket? It was cold enough to put goosebumps on my arms, but I wasn’t about to go back to get it, because I’d be caught. Instead, I started running—and I wound up running through the snow in the woods near the road that led to the venue.
There were still cars heading to the wedding…and I whispered a silentsorryto them all, hoping they’d at least enjoy the beautiful view and a sumptuous meal that I’d already decided would be completely on my dime.
I’d pay Braden back every penny.
Finally, I made it to the main road and again hid behind the trees. Wearing black and blue, I thought I’d be hard to spot by people driving past. But where was I going?
My cabin.
At first, I wondered how I would get in—but then I slippedmy hand in the front pocket of my jeans. Yep, there was the key.
Fifteen minutes later, I opened the door and entered. Oh, God. I’d already forgotten. After I’d left, I’d sent Braden a message that the coast was clear. We’d agreed that he’d move all his things to my cabin where we’d spend the first night of our honeymoon together before heading to DIA to fly to Puerto Vallarta. But because we hadn’t wanted him to see me today until I walked down the aisle, he wasn’t checking out of his cabin and dropping off his things until I’d given him the signal.
But what now? I still wasn’t ready to deal with anyone. It was only a matter of time before people found me here.
There was only one person I wanted to talk to and that person was the only one who could help me.
Roxy.
Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I couldn’t miss that I already had a notification from a text message she’d sent.Holy shit, D. I read your note. You sure you want to do this?
No more lying.
Yes. I have to.
As soon as I sent the message, my phone signaled that she was typing back.I can only hold off telling everybody for a few more minutes. What do you want me to do?
Oh…I knew.
I called her. “I’m sorry, Rox—but I need your help.”
“Name it.” Oh, God. She reallywasmy best friend—and she knew me better than I knew myself.
Soon, she had Dean driving her to my cabin…and she gave me the keys to her car. I asked, “Are you sure?”
“If you are, D. Just…return it in one piece.”
As I hugged her, I winced. “Oh, fuck.”
“What?” she asked, now holding me by the shoulders.
