The only thing that matters is Tessa.
Everything else will work itself out.
“What if you found someone who wanted what you could offer? Who understood?” Her simple words have been running through my mind since she spoke them. Was she asking for herself? Because she understands?
Her eyes widen, pupils dilating, but she remains where she is. “Zane, your family knows what I did to you.”
“They know that you left because you felt like you had no choice. They know that you were trying to save me. I may not agree with it, but I see it, too.” I rest both hands on the bathroom sink on either side of her. She looks up at me. “You deserve all of this and so much more, Tessa.” I whisper the words now, my gaze dropping to lips I long to taste.
But I won’t take that next step.
It has to be her.
“I shouldn’t have left.” A tear slips down her cheek. “I wish that I had never gone over there. Then maybe—” She closes her eyes. “Maybe I wouldn’t have lost you.”
Reaching up, I cup her cheek, letting my thumb caress soft skin I’ve spent nearly two decades dreaming about. “Tessa.”
She opens her eyes.
“I’m right here.”
Her gaze drops to my lips, and it takes everything to keep myself rooted here with distance between us. Please, I want to beg. Please drop those walls and let me in.
Those gorgeous brown eyes widen, and she looks up at me. The moment between us becomes so heavy that I can hardly breathe. It’s as though everything that’s been building since I found her on my boat comes crashing into us like waves against a shoreline.
So close.
She’s so close.
A heavy knock obliterates the moment, and Tessa looks away from me.
“Hey! Dinner is ready!” Anastasia calls out.
A laugh bubbles out of Tessa, and she covers her face with both hands as she rests her forehead against my chest. I lean down and press a kiss to the top of her head. “Anastasia has a talent for ruining moments, doesn’t she?”
Tessa’s laughter dies as I pull away. “Maybe it’s for the better.” She wipes her eyes and takes a deep breath.
“No,” I reply without hesitation. “We’re not done here, Tessa. Not by a long shot.”
They told me I’d be afraid standing here at the end of the aisle, but it’s not fear that has my heart pounding or my palms sweating. It’s anticipation because, any moment now, Tessa will be walking through those doors and heading straight to me.
The deed in my pocket is my gift to her. Land we can build a home on. A future. It’ll be a while before I can afford to actually do anything with it, but it’s a beginning.
Maybe once we get back from our honeymoon, we can get started.
My mom smiles at me from where she’s sitting in the front row. Anastasia is in the back, likely getting ready with Tessa since she’s the Maid of Honor. Beside me, Weston stands strong. My brother in everything but blood.
The double doors open, and my heart leaps into my chest. But instead of Tessa dressed in white, it’s Anastasia who’s coming toward me.
Her expression is enough to kill the joy in my heart as I rush down the aisle toward her. “What is it?”
“I’m sorry, Zane. I’m so sorry.”
“For what? What’s wrong?”
Her eyes fill with tears. “She’s gone. Tessa is missing.”
The coffee in front of me is not at all strong enough to combat the night of tossing and turning. I never thought I’d admit it, but I’m honestly missing my sister’s couch. Because having Tessa only a few yards away, behind a single door, was nearly too much to handle.
