And before I can stop myself, I let out a sob and then clutch my hand over my eyes as I cry.
“Shhhh,” he says as he kneels in front of me and presses his hand to my cheek.
I slink down to the floor with him, and I wrap my hands around his waist, sinking into his chest and his comforting embrace.
“I thought . . .” I say through tears. “I thought you . . . you weren’t coming.”
He strokes my hair and holds me tightly. “I would never miss this, Lia.”
“But . . . we haven’t . . . talked.” I pull away to look him in the eyes. He swipes at my tears with his thumbs.
“I thought we needed a second to gather ourselves.” He strokes my cheek. “I didn’t handle things right with you, and I thought that if I gave us a second, I could express what I’ve been feeling rather than blaming you for my problems.”
“I don’t want to talk about it,” I say. “I just want to hold you.”
He cups the back of my head as I go in for another hug, clinging to him desperately.
“I can’t lose you, Breaker.”
“You’re not losing me, Lia. Never. I would never let that fucking happen.”
“Promise?” I ask, insecurity so heavy in my voice that I can taste it.
“I promise you,” he says with sincerity.
I sniff and say, “I ran into Birdy at the coffeehouse, and she said she was meeting up with you. I thought . . . I thought you ditched me for her.”
“Never,” he says softly while stroking my hair. “I had to give her some binoculars to practice with for our hike tomorrow.”
“Really?” I ask as I lift to look him in the eyes.
“Yes, really. This is an important day, Lia, of course, I would be here for it.”
“Thank you,” I say softly as another wave of tears hits me.
He stands from the floor and grabs a box of tissues, only to sit back down with me. This time, he leans against my chair and pulls me to his side.
I wipe at my nose, and we just sit there in silence.
He’s here. With me.
The thought rocks me, and once again, I tear up.
“What’s going on in that head of yours?” he asks.
“Just grateful you’re here. More grateful than you probably know.”
“No matter what happens between us, Lia, I will always be there for you. Always. Okay?” I nod, and he presses a kiss to the top of my head before saying, “As much as I just want to sit here with you, I have to get back out there. The Beave is already pissed at me because I showed up late, and I don’t want to make her madder.”
“Don’t leave,” I say in a panic. “Help me into these dresses.”
“Uh, don’t you want an attendant to do that?”
I shake my head. “I’m so freaking raw right now, Breaker. I can barely breathe. I need you in here, with me, by my side. Please stay . . .”
ChapterTen
BREAKER
