“I understand but you will be mine solely, right?” Her eyes searched my face as if she knew my heart would never belong to her.
I shrugged. “No promises, Ryleigh.” Even as I said the words, the look on her face told me she’d never give up trying to make me hers, unconditionally. I commended her resolve, knowing she’d have a tough time ahead of her. “But you’ll always have my honesty.”
Maybe some would see me as a bastard and others would understand my pain, but I had to leave that door open for Skye. Although I wouldn’t pursue her, that possibility she could be mine would always remain. Until I took my last breath, I’d never stop hoping.
“Thank you,” Ryleigh replied, and I wasn’t sure if it were for the marriage proposal or the honesty I promised.
Scrubbing both hands down my face, I inhaled a deep breath. “I’ll be home in three days, I need to tell Dad and Skye before you tell anyone, understood?”
She nodded then asked, “you don’t think Skye will be happy, do you?”
Right now, I wished Griffin was here. He’d probably have some smart-ass comment that would just get him a smirk or the middle finger. If I said what sat on the tip of my tongue, I’d be handing her the key to my crucifixion which I could handle. What I couldn’t cope with was Skye being nailed to the cross. “I don’t see why she wouldn’t be.” Nonchalance lined my response. “I’m sure she’ll be excited to plan my wedding.”
If only she was the bride...
22. Quit Playing Games With My Heart – Backstreet Boys
Skye – 18 years; Shay30 years
“Congratulations, Angel.” Dad hugged me then kissed my cheek as he stepped back. “I still can’t believe just how quickly you grew. Your mom’s looking down on you with pride today.” He kissed my brow.
I looked skyward. “I did it, Mom.” I blew her a kiss. Excitement drilling through me, my gaze drifted over the sea of graduation caps flipping through the air, followed by loud cheering. I threw my head back and laughed. School was over and I was officially an adult, ready to make my way into the big bad world of the unknown. “Yay. I’m so outta here.”
Dad chuckled. “You want to party with me or your friends?”
“Can we go for dinner tonight then I can have lunch with my friends?”
“Sure. I’ll make the arrangements. See you tonight.” He kissed my brow and went over to talk to the principal.
“We did it!” Laika shrieked in my ear, spinning me around.
“Hey, Princeton girl.”
“Princeton girl?” she tested the name, “hmm, I like it.” She laughed. Because she’d gotten into Princeton University, Laika was moving to New Jersey to live with an aunt she adored as opposed to her boring church-loving grandparents. It also meant she’d be closer to her stepdad. Something, I think she hadn’t gotten over yet. “What about you, finally made that decision?” she asked.
“Nope.” I shrugged as Samantha and Nyla swarmed us in a group hug.
