It’ssodifferent from what I had gotten Sunny.
If I was going to marry anyone, it was going to be her.Of course it would be her.The day after I knew I was in love with her, I researched every nontraditional ring I could. I scoured stores all day, going to every jeweler I knew once I picked the type of stone that would be perfect.
And I bought the ring.
A beautiful stone of moss agate, elongated into a hexagon and haloed by diamonds on a thin golden band. Custom made by me. Simple, but beautifuljustlike her.
I’d never been one to believe in the power of stones, but I know she is. So I researched all the ones I felt were fitting for us until I finally landed on this one—healing and growth that occurs when you’re with a loving partner. That’s exactly what she’s given me, and I can only hope that’s what I’ve given her too, even if it's short lived.
It still sits in my closet to this day. I won’t return it, becauseit’s a reminder of my greatest accomplishment and biggest failure.
Shelby walks through the apartment with her head held high and a big smile across her delicate face. She’s proud, and feels like she won. Maybe she did.
My perfectly detailed plan has failed.I have failed.That’s a tough fucking feat to swallow.
By the way her hands are exploring me, I know what Shelby will want by the end of the night, and I just won’t be able to bring myself to do it. If I can’t now, will I ever be able to?
I experienced more damn pleasure in the handful of times me and Sunny fooled around than in the two years me and Shelby fucked. It was just… sex. It was just my body fucking reacting, not connecting. After what she did, I know it’d always remain that way.
But with Sunny, we hadn’t even had sex, but anytime we found ourselves together, I felt more connected to her, to myself, than I ever did before.
Things needed to be set straight, my affairs all in order before I ever crossed that line with Sunny. Because once I did, there would absolutely be no way I could go back. Now we will never get the option.
Swallowing hard, I blink away the thoughts as Shelby places her hand on my thigh, pulling me back into reality, laughing at something Anthony says.
“Well, Tyler and I have stayed in contact this whole time, I mean how could we not? And finally, we just decided to hang out one day and it took off from there. Here I am once again!” Shelby smiles at me.
That’s a fucking lie.
There wasn’t a week that went by without a text from her. No doubt her parents trying to push her where they need her. Every single one went unanswered until two weeks ago when I finally told Mitchell I’d follow through with his plan.
To say our parents were excited is a fucking understatement. No actual legal contracts were necessary anymore except for the marriage license. Something so much more malleable if need be. Because how could his son in law promote any other governor but his father-in-law?
I watched as Mitchell and Matthew threw the contract I drew up in the fire. Putting an end to the out I formulated for months. They brought out their finest bourbon and clinked glasses with me as I watched every shred of hope I had left burn to embers.
Matthew was never going to accept the contract. He just said he’d consider it to play with me and buy time until I finally caved.
It’d all be so, so perfect because how could it not, right?
Because I love you, Sunny. It will never be anyone else.
CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
SUNNY
“Here.”Sam places a glass of wine in front of the cutting board I’m still standing in front of. “We’re all going to fucking need a drink tonight.”
“You had no clue?” I ask, but I already know the answer.
She shakes her head. “I had no idea. And to be frank, I’m fucking pissed.” She sips her wine.
“I just don’t get why he wouldn’t tell anyone? How could he not say anything about this to any of us? I mean I know I’d be the last person he would – ow fuck!” I yell as I feel the knife slice through my hand.
“Sunny!” Sam yells as the blood starts pooling all over the cutting board and mushrooms.
Stupid fucking mushrooms.
Sam runs to the sink, turning it on so I can clean my wound. The blood is spilling fast, coating my wrist and forearm.
