“I’ll take your word for it.” Kelsey worked hard to sound as if she couldn’t have cared less. But she cared so much it hurt.
“No, you have to find out for yourself.”
His gaze held hers for what seemed like forever. “Find out what?”
“How it feels to share your secrets and your dreams and a piece of yourself with one special person.”
Let me share them with you.Kelsey’s heart lodged in her throat.
“He’s out there waiting for you.”
Yeah, right. The only man who remotely interested her was still pining over his late wife. Something which only confirmed everything she believed. Love was one-sided. And no way would she allow herself to end up hurt because he would rather live with Sara’s memory for the rest of his life.
* * *
Will wanted to get to his parents’ house ASAP. He cranked up the speed of his wipers to keep his windshield clear of the falling snow and focused on the road. At least the snow wasn’t sticking. Dad sounded so excited on the phone. Will couldn’t wait to see Mom’s progress with the walker for himself.
Part of him felt guilty for leaving Kelsey on her own. But the other part was relieved to get out of the house. Away from anything and everything related to Faith’s upcoming wedding. Away from her.
Kelsey.
This morning he’d only said what needed to be said. She hadn’t wanted to hear his words, but he owed her the truth. Love was a wonderful thing, and she deserved to know what she was missing. He’d spoken up for her own good. But it turns out, it hadn't been for his own good. Will found that out the hard way.
Kelsey’s special someone was out there. Will knew in his heart, and he’d never been so envious of a total stranger. A lucky guy was waiting for her. Thinking about it, abouthim,felt weird and wrong and a whole lot of other things.
But what was he supposed to do about his feelings? His…jealousy?
That was the million-dollar question, and he needed a final answer.
A memory of Sara sprang to mind. His sweet Sara on their wedding day. And another when she brought Midas home with her for summer break. Then another memory surfaced. Only this time, it was Kelsey, the first time he’d seen her in her office. And when she’d picked up Midas for the first time and cuddled him. And yet another of Kelsey kissing him yesterday outside in the snow. Jumbled memories of Sara and Kelsey assaulted him until he could barely see straight, let alone drive.
Will turned into his parents’ driveway and stopped.
Sweat beaded on his forehead. He tugged on his shirt collar. The only sounds were the engine and the wiper blades.Swish-swish. Swish-swish. Back and forth like the thoughts running through his head. He brushed his hand through his hair.
His memories of Sara remained. All present and accounted for. Kelsey hadn’t eclipsed them, but she had carved her own place in the memories in his mind. Now, he was even more confused than before.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
This shouldn’t be happening.
Standing in Faith’s room in front of the movie star’s mirror, Kelsey blinked, but nothing changed. She hadn’t been dreaming. She had really…
“Whatever it is,” Christina said on the opposite end of the phone line, “it can’t be that bad.”
“It’s worse than bad.” Kelsey gripped the phone. “I—I’m wearing Faith’s wedding gown.”
Once the words were out, they didn’t sound so bad. For about a second. Another look at her reflection and Kelsey bit her lip. Hard.
A loud thud sounded in her ear, and she cringed.
Christina shrieked. “Have you lost your mind?”
“That’s one explanation.” Kelsey turned to see how the profile of the dress looked. The skirt puddled elegantly at her feet. It would look lovely bustled in the back. On Faith, not her. Kelseywaslosing her mind. “This must be an ethical violation of the code of conduct for wedding consultants. Not that I’ve ever heard of such a thing. But I’m sure one exists—”
“Stop. Right this minute.” Christina sounded so harried. Must be her pregnancy and all those hormones. Kelsey never should have called her. “Why are you wearing a wedding dress?”
Kelsey wasn’t quite sure herself. Blaming it on aliens or ghosts wouldn’t cut it. Not with Christina. Kelsey took a deep breath.
