The ceremony ends, and we congratulate them.
When his mother hugs me, she says, “Welcome to the family, my dear. I’m so happy you rounded it out.”
My eyes brim with tears. Through the chokehold of emotions, I murmur, “Thank you so much.”
Inside the ballroom, decorated especially for the happy event, we take our seats at a round table for four. His mother’s words meant so much to me, but this is proof that she considers me a part of the family, because this table is reserved for just their children and their partners.
Levi raises a glass for his toast, gently clicking a knife on it, and the guests’ attention shifts to him. He delivers a heartfelt speech, and I cover Amelie’s hand with mine.
“He looked at you when…”
She closes her eyes for a moment, but not before I saw unfiltered sadness. “I can’t go there with him, round and round.”
“Listen to your heart,” I offer, but she shakes her head.
“You’re afraid of giving him another chance. Talk to him, tell him,” I insist, wishing to encourage her.
“I would never put that pressure on anyone.”
“If he’s the right person, he won’t feel the pressure at all. It’s a lie to say someone is self-sufficient. It’s survival. But life is not meant to be spent alone, building towers and cutting bridges. We’re part of something greater than us from birth. We need love, we need support, and we need others in our lives. Plain and simple. That’s all that counts. If he’s your person, that won’t disappear.”I just wish I had accepted that sooner.
She nudges my side. “That was quite the speech. Maybe you should do it instead of me.”
I snort a laugh. “Shut up, I’m wasting my wisdom on you.”
She bursts into laughter and stands up, pointing her champagne flute in Amanda and Rufus’s direction.
It’s Amelie’s turn to speak. Her speech is riddled with crumbs for Levi to pick up. I’d like to hold her and hug her until she stops hurting. Glancing at Levi, he has eyes only for her. I have no doubt they will find their way back to each other permanently.
After the toasts end and couples move to the dance floor, I go to the bar. Ordering a glass of wine, I slip outside, needing a moment.
I amble toward the rose garden and sit down on the bench, sipping from my glass.
It’s a clear night with stars peppering the sky. The vow renewal ceremony was a beautiful event, making me nostalgic.
I hear footsteps approaching. I feel Ian in my quickening heartbeat—picking up his scent, awakening my senses, so I don’t open my eyes.
“Here you are,” he says, clear relief laced in his words.
“Have you been looking for me?” I breathe out, suddenly emotional.
“For a long time.” His answer has a haunting note to it.
“You found me now,” I say, opening my eyes to see my future in his.
TWENTY-EIGHT
IAN
September
In the weeksafter we returned from my parents’ anniversary party, I have lived and breathed football. Football season has begun, and I am fully engaged and determined since I want to be with Lilly.
Coach praises me, saying, “Keep up the good work.”
I gnash my teeth hard enough my jaw might break not to blurt out that I am not only in love with his daughter, but I want to spend the rest of my life with her. That I would love his approval and blessing, but at this point, I truly don’t care. I can’t find it in me any longer.
I’ve tried, I’ve been patient, but the delay must end, or I will lose my damn sanity.
