“Hayden,” she retorts, mimicking my tone.
“Nice try. What’s going on?”
“I told you. It’s nothing.” She opens and shuts her mouth several times. “Did you know Archer Ward was in town?”
Of course. I should have known this had something to do with our old neighbor. I never knew Archer that well. But I certainly knowofArcher Ward. Any self-respecting hockey fan does.
“I don’t exactly stay informed of his movements.”
She nods, seeming to process this. Then she clearsher throat, returning her focus to me. “So what are you going to do about Rowan?”
I exhale a deep breath. “I don’t know. She hasn’t responded to my texts and didn’t leave any forwarding address.”
I glance at her letter once more. At the last few lines.
I hope to thank you in person one day.
A slow smile crosses my face as an idea pops into my head.
“But I think I might know another way.”
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
ROWAN
“I’m notsure I can do this,” I say as Emily walks into her living room, wearing a knee-length navy blue dress in a similar style to the red one I’m wearing. Halter top. Fitted through the waist before flaring out and falling to the knees.
I chose red because I thought it an appropriate color to wear to a fundraiser supporting an organ donation charity.
Now I’m second-guessing everything.
Including my decision to attend in the first place, considering Hayden will also be there and will be hoping to meet the recipient of his wife’s heart.
“Yes, you can.” Emily turns me away from the mirror and forces me to face her. “And you should. Isn’t this the entire purpose of your year of yes? To say yes to things that scare you?”
I swallow hard. “But after today, there’s no going back. He’ll know the truth.”
“Is that what you’re scared of? Him learning the truth?” She tilts her head, studying me. “Or are you scared of seeing him again because it will remind you that you’re actually in love with him?”
I shrug. “Both.”
“Then you need to do this. Remember what you said when you got the phone call from The Organ Network? How you didn’t think Hayden ever wanted to learn who received his wife’s organs, so the fact he does is a big step for him.” She squeezes my biceps. “He deserves to know the truth. Deserves closure. So do you.”
Closure.
The word feels sharp and soft at the same time.
“Okay,” I say, blowing out a breath.
“Year of yes,” she reminds me.
“Year of yes,” I echo.
The ballroom in the downtown Chicago hotel glitters like a diamond. Crystal chandeliers spill warm light over white-linen tables. A string quartet plays something soft from the stage. The air smells faintly of roses and expensive perfume.
A new wave of nerves washes over me, and I wipe my sweaty palms on my dress.
“Thanks for being here, Em,” I whisper as we makeour way through the room, already keeping an eye out for a familiar face.
