Page 172 of Time To Learn

A gust of wind blows against my back, and I shiver at the way it almost seems like it’s nudging me closer to the church. The ball of tension that’s been like a heavy stone in my tummy all day suddenly vanishes, and a strange calm settles in my heart.

“There she is,” Trish murmurs softly, and I frown at the wobbly smile gracing herlips.

“What?”

“My old friend is back. See? I told you she wasn’t dead, and I was right.”

A laugh bubbles up my throat and I shake my head ather.

“Nutter.”

“Maybe so, but that’s not important rightnow.”

Trish removes her hands from my shoulders, linking her arm back through mine. I smile at her, grateful to have her by my side, especially today, and she winks atme.

“Off we go,” she tuts at me, pulling me along, but a shadow out of the corner of my eye makes me hesitate and I turn my head towards the trees far away. But the shadow’s not there anymore, and I shake my head at my own silliness.

“Yes,” I beam back at Trish, “off wego.”

“That’s mygirl.”

On a low laugh, I walk closer to the open doors. There’s a lightness in my steps that wasn’t there mere moments ago, and all of a sudden, I feel the strong urge to run. The adrenaline races through my blood, urging me to move, to go faster, but at the same time, I want to savour these last few minutes I have with my best friend, before I lay eyes on my future husband.

“Trish?” I whisper as we come closer to the doors.

“Yes?”

“I never believed I’d find such happiness. How did I get so lucky?”

“Oh, babe, don’t make me cry,” she sniffles.

I stare straight ahead, afraid she’ll set me off and I’ll cry all over the place if I look ather.

I feel her gentle nudge as she bumps shoulders withme.

“Honestly, I don’t think that luck has anything to do with it,” she answers on a shaky breath. “I think that taking a chance on love is an act of courage, Laura. Setting aside all your past hurts, and allowing another man to grab hold of your heart, means that you’re a brave woman.” I feel her light shrug as I listen closely to her words. “Maybe the fates did push Kristian into your path, but they didn’t choose him—youdid.”

I stop abruptly, my heart hammering against my ribcage and I stare intently ather.

“Yes,” she nods. “You could’ve walked away from him, Laura, but you didn’t. And even though I know you don’t believe me when I tell you that you’re the strongest person I know, please—please—try to do it this time. Try to see yourself through myeyes.”

I blink as the enormity of her words sinks into my heart.

“Crap, now I’m crying.” I dab at the tears on my cheek.

“Well, you asked,” she answers breezily, “and you’ll always get the truth fromme.”

I sigh and chance a quick glance at her. The love and happiness in her eyes shining back at me make the tears dry on my cheeks, and Inod.

“Right. I promise I’ll try to believe you,” I whisper and lean over to give her a quick kiss on her cheek.

“Good. Now can we go inside and put the poor bloke out of his misery?”

I grin as I nod and take the first step inside the church.

When my eyes adjust to the dim light, I smile at the guests, but when Kristian comes into my line of sight, Ailith by his side, everyone but them disappear.

The need to run returns, and I pick up the pace. The dove-grey suit he’s wearing makes him look so formal—beyond handsome—but it’s his eyes and the proud smile he shoots my way that hold me captive.