Beckett glances between me and the other cabs, then back at the boys.
“You head back to the ship with the boys,” he says. “I’ll find the registrar’s office and grab the paperwork.”
I know what he’s doing—trying to keep me from wandering through a strange town alone.
“They might not give it to you,” I say, shaking my head. “My name’s on the license, not yours.”
He frowns, knowing I’m right but clearly not happy about it. “I’ll be fine. One stop. Easy peasy,” I say with maybe a little more confidence than I feel.
But then I glance at my watch.Shoot!
We’re running later than I thought. “If you could grab my stuff and the boys’ tuxes from the room… I can meet you at the winery instead?”
He hesitates, still holding my hand. His eyes search mine, checking to be sure I’m really okay with this.
“I’ll be fine,seriously,” I reiterate.
After only a slight hesitation, he nods. “Okay. But call me when you’re heading towards the winery.”
“I will.”
He leans in and kisses me—and his lips linger just a little longer than they should.
“I’ll see you soon,” I whisper.
“You’d better.”
“The limo will be there at one o’clock,” I confirm. “Ride with my mom and Luna. And—don’t forget the tuxes. Yours and theirs.”
“Got it.”
“And my dress. And my bag.”
He smiles. “On it.”
“And Luna’s dress—remind her it’s in the closet.”
“She won’t forget her dress. We’ve got this.”
I turn to the boys, drop a kiss on each of their heads, and press my forehead to Blakey’s for just a second longer. “Love you.”
“Love you, Mom,” he whispers.
And with a last wave, I climb into one of the other idling taxis.
The driver gives me a grin and thumbs-up before speeding off in the direction of the registrar’s office, giving me a few minutes to rehearse everything I need to do in my head.
Get the paperwork.
Get to the winery. Check on the flowers. Try to reach the photographer again.
But when I reach for my bag to get my phone…
I freeze.
It’s not here.
LOST AND ALONE
