“You’ve got to give it a shot,” he says. “And even if it doesn’t work out, you've gotta be there for that kid.”
I nod once, sucking my lip before turning around to face him with a small smirk. “When the hell did you get so fucking smart?” I ask, and he smiles.
“I learned from the best…from a dad who stuck it out even when it was hard,” he says.
I know he’s right. No matter what happens, I have to give that baby the same attention and effort I gave Ben and Madison.
I don’t want to give up on Charlotte either. I want her. I want us. And I need to pull my head out of my ass and do something about it.
“Where is she?” I ask.
“With Holly,” he says, and I follow him out of the office.
We find Holly standing next to one of the firepits, but Charlotte is nowhere in sight.
“Where’s Charlie?” Ben asks.
“She’s leaving,” Holly answers.
“Why is she leaving?” I ask.
“Because she’s tired of chasing after you,” Holly says. “Being here is too hard on her. So she wants to handle the rest of the wedding virtually. Did you two fix everything?”
“Not everything,” I say, running off.
“Where are you going?” Holly calls out.
“To get her back,” I say.
If I’m not too late.
Chapter 41
Charlotte
I thoughtI could do this.
I thought I could be here and help Holly and Ben with their wedding. I mean, for the most part, everything is done. Holly even found a new dress; one she absolutely loves. It’s champagne-colored, boho, and whimsical. It’s very Holly.
But I didn’t think it would be this hard being here and seeing everything. Everything just brings back memories of sneaking around, stolen glances, and taking chances.
Memories of him.
And right now, I can’t stomach any more of it. Maybe it’s morning sickness or intense anxiety, but I can’t handle being here anymore, so I’m leaving. It wasn’t my plan. It’s the last thing I want to do. But Gavin won’t speak to me, so there’s not much point in trying anymore. It’s time to move on.
I gather all my things and toss them into the back of my car. But just as I am about to open the front door, I hear footsteps crunching through the gravel and snow.
“Charlotte! Where are you going?” Gavin asks as he jogs up to me.
“Where does it look like I’m going, Gavin? I’m leaving. I’m going home,” I answer.
“Why are you going home?” he asks, and I just stare at him.
“Oh, I don’t know. Because I have only been trying to get you to talk to me for weeks. I’ve blown up your phone so many times you could probably tell the cops I’m stalking you and they’d believe you. I came all the way up here to apologize to you, and you wouldn’t even open your damn door!” I snap. Gavin’s jaw unhinges a little. “Yes. I just said a bad word, and it’s your fault. So if you’ll excuse me–”
But Gavin doesn’t move. He just shoves his hands in his pockets with a smug little smirk on his obnoxiously delicious lips.
“I understand that you’re angry,” he says.
