‘It was the worst night of my life,’ I confess in a hushed whisper. ‘Not what happened, but you leaving me.’
‘I know, baby. I’m so sorry.’ Archie’s thumb brushes away the solitary tear that streaks down my cheek.
‘I didn’t think you’d ever come back to me. I didn’t know if I’d ever see you again.’ I swallow the surge of emotion rising in my throat. ‘I don’t know if I’ll ever get over it. I’ve lost so much in my life already, I couldn’t bear to lose anyone else.’
‘I promise, I’ll never go anywhere again, if you’ll have me,’ Archie says, his earnest eyes searching mine, reaching right into my soul and squeezing my very core.
‘Doctor Sexton, take your seat please,’ the dean demands from the front.
My lips chew my lower lip. ‘I have to go.’
But my feet lock to the floor, hands fixed on Lily-May’s cherub-like cheeks.
‘Doctor Sexton.’ The dean’s tone is decidedly less patient this time.
‘Victoria, if you’ll have me, I’ll never go anywhere again.’ Bright blue eyes search mine.
I can’t answer him. Because if I do, I’m letting him back in and leaving myself wide open to be hurt all over again. I need a commitment. I need to know he’s serious. That he’s not going to run at the first sign of trouble because he’s taken it upon himself to decide what’s right for me.
It’s a battle to drag my body away from him and back to my seat. Like trying to tear the sun from the sky. Every inch of me wants to cling to him like Lily-May, but I’m an adult woman and it’s my graduation.
I’m only present physically as the remaining few members of my class collect their scrolls. Thoughts whirl around my head like a tornado.
How can I trust him not to run out on me again when I need him the most?
How can I build my life around someone who leaves at the first sign of trouble?
How can I give him another chance when he’s so unwilling to pay himself the same respect?
And what the hell is he doing with Lily-May?
Shit! He’s the ‘relation!’
He did that for her. For me. For us.
A hot swell of emotion surges within, along with a million questions.
Finally, the last person accepts their scroll and we’re ushered outside to the high-walled gardens for the official photos. Chloe steps into line on my right, leaving Jayden and Ryan leading the kids by their hands.
People stare as we pass, flanked by enough bodyguards to set up our own security firm. My classmates gawp in awe at the spectacle my family brings. Their presence here overshadows everything else.
That’s why we need to leave as soon as possible.
And so I can get Archie alone to ask him what he’s doing here and what it really means, and whether he’s planning on staying.
‘I knew he’d come back!’ Sasha drapes an arm over my shoulder, jade eyes boring into mine. ‘I thought you’d be happier.’
‘I am happy. I’m simply in shock.’ My hand clasps my chest, fingering the slash neckline of my dress.
‘You need to set some ground rules if you’re taking him back,’ Chloe hisses in my ear. ‘He put you through hell and back. Make sure he knows you won’t tolerate that again. Be strong.’
She’s right. It’s so tempting to run back into Archie’s arms, but how can I trust him not to hurt me again? Not to decide what’s best for me without even consulting me?
Waiting staff pass around flutes filled with fizzing champagne. I don’t need any. My stomach is bubbling enough as it is. Bubbling with hope, excitement, and trepidation.
I feel Archie’s presence. He gravitates around me, never letting me out of his sight. When he was first assigned to me, it used to irritate the life out of me. Now, I love being the focus of his attention. It’s all I’ve ever wanted.
Archie weaves closer with Lily-May at his side and Andie and Roger at his back. My stomach soars with a trillion butterflies.
