Page 131 of Only Be Mine

What do I tell Seth?

The question looped, useless and loud.

I turned onto the main road, past the jogging path that sat empty and slick with mud. No runners today. Just me, and Mrs. Whitely collecting her mail beneath the overhang of her porch. She waved. I waved back, automatically, and adjusted my steps to avoid the worst of the puddles.

This was my wedding week.

Mine.

I wasn’t marrying just anyone - I was marrying Cate. Catherine Larkin. The woman who somehow made every room feel warmer just by standing in it. The woman who knew me better than anyone else in the world.

And Seth, my best friend, my brother in every way that mattered, deserved the truth.

I crossed the street as a car barreled past, spraying dirty water up my calves. I swore under my breath, shaking my feet uselessly once I reached the sidewalk. The rain came down harder, drumming against my shoulders, my neck, my thoughts.

I glanced back at the house just as the garage door began to lift.

Cate stepped out with an umbrella, her head turning as she scanned the street.

I didn’t stop.

I wasn’t angry, I just wanted things to be perfect, and…

I shook my head.

By the time I looked back again, she was gone.

I cut through the park, my shoes sinking into wet grass. The playground sat deserted, swings creaking faintly in the wind. I slowed there, letting my thoughts drift somewhere safer.

Kids.

Someday. Not yet, but someday.

Cate had admitted once, quietly, like it was a secret she didn’t quite trust, that she wanted a family. Two kids, maybe three. Not big. Just… full.

The image hit me out of nowhere: her in the kitchen, belly round, complaining about pickles while eating ice cream straight from the carton. I laughed aloud, the sound strange and lonely in the empty park.

I pulled my phone from my pocket, thumb hovering over her name. Calling would turn into talking. Talking would turn into everything.

So I typed instead.

Me: I love you Cate. See you soon <3

I hit send and shoved the phone away, heart pounding harder than it should have.

Okay. I’ll go back. I’ll call Seth. I’ll do the right thing.

I turned around.

That’s when I noticed the bushes.

They shook a few yards away, leaves trembling against the rain. Something pale flashed between the branches. White fur, maybe, and a sharp yelp cut through the sound of the storm.

A dog.

“Hey,” I muttered, already moving toward it. “Easy, buddy.”

I crouched and pushed the branches aside.