“I’ll be fast.Then how about I order us some room service while you shower?”
My stomach tightened at the thought of food, but I managed to keep from physically retching.“You don’t think Chris and Cynthia will want to go to breakfast with us?”
“I have a feeling Chris will be slow going this morning.And one look at a waffle will send Cynthia into a rant about his horrible gift-giving skills.”We both laughed softly before he continued.“Besides.It’s going to be a long day.I’d rather—”
I nodded, not needing him to finish.He wanted to enjoy the silence for a little while longer before he had to be the life of the party.I didn’t blame him.It exhausted him when he was hyped about it.But now with everything, having to pretend when he probably wanted to retreat into himself, it was going to be a long day.
“Room service sounds great.”
Thirty minutes later, I threw up twice, brushed my teeth three times, showered, and finally felt well enough to exit the bathroom without having to run back to the toilet.
Wyatt sat on the edge of the bed when I stepped out, a towel wrapped around my body, hair piled into a messy knot.His eyes glanced up immediately, concern flickering across his face.
“Color’s better.Less zombie chic.”
“I was going for undead Victorian orphan, but I’ll take less green.”
He huffed a quiet laugh, then stood, giving me space while still hovering.“I got you some peppermint tea.Thought that might help settle your stomach.”
My eyes snapped to him, my entire body softening as his gaze connected with mine.He always did the right thing.I didn’t even think he tried.It was just in his nature to be good.He could hate me—as he should—and he’d still take care of me.
I took the mug from his hands, the warmth seeping into my palms.“Thank you,” I said, though I thought and felt so much more gratitude than those two little words could ever convey.
“Of course,” he replied, as if there had never been a moment in time when he wouldn’t.He hovered a second longer, then backed away, giving me space.
I took a careful sip.The peppermint was mild, soothing, and exactly what I needed.
“You don’t have to,” I said, almost too softly.I was afraid he didn’t hear me, but it was Wyatt.He was always in tune with me.
His eyebrows drew together before arching toward his forehead.“Don’t have to what?”
“Take care of me.Not anymore.”I lost that privilege the minute I ended us.
Something unreadable flashed across his face before a smile curved his lips.“Habit, I guess.”
I stared down into the mug so I wouldn’t see the way he looked at me, as if I was still his and he was the luckiest guy in the world.
I leaned on the dresser, towel cinched tight around me, the tea still warming my hands.The weight of it all pressed heavily against my chest, and for a moment, it almost felt normal.Almost like we were just getting ready for another friend's wedding.
And that was the problem.
Pretending with Wyatt was the easiest thing in the world because I wasn’t pretending.Wyatt was my safe place, my happy, warm cocoon that brought me peppermint tea when my tummy hurt, who held my hair back when I puked, who would go along with anything I wanted because all he cared about was making me happy.
When this wedding was over, and I finally told him the truth, our lives were going to change.I had no idea how that would look, but I knew Wyatt would be there for me and our baby every single step of the way.Not because he was obligated, but because he loved me.
I knew he did.He wanted me back.He told me as much.
And I loved him too.I was sick and tired of pretending I didn’t.Of thinking life without him was the best thing for me.Hell, Cynthia and Chris were engaged, and half the time I wondered if they even liked each other.Maybe Wyatt was right.Maybe a ring and a wedding meant nothing in the grand scheme of things.
Our love had already experienced all the tribulations of marriage.So what if I didn’t get the party and the dress so I could proudly stand in front of my family and friends?The dress, the ceremony, none of that proved Wyatt and I loved each other any more than we already did.
It was just an excuse to spend money and party.
I pushed off the dresser and placed my tea on the table.
“Is it too hot?”Wyatt asked.
“It’s not what I want,” I said.
