Page 80 of The Image of You

Sarah’s lips thinned, a deep scowl now marring her face. Strangely, it made her look the most human I’d ever seen. “We’ll be discussing this when you’re calmer.”

I shook my head. “No thanks. We’ve already decided on a small, intimate ceremony in a place of our own choosing. We don’t require any discussions.”

“I won’t allow it.”

Before I could say anything, Ally spoke. “You have no say in it. I’m an adult and it’s my decision. I’m marrying Adam. I love him, and he loves me.”

I pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head, smiling at her declaration.

“He’ll be the ruin of you.”

“No, he showed me what life is about. He loves me for me. He makes me happy.” She placed a hand on her mother’s rigid arm. “Can’t you be pleased for me? Adam’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Give him a chance, please.” She squeezed her mother’s arm beseechingly. “Please…Mom.”

For one brief second, I thought she had succeeded. There was a small flash of something in Sarah’s eyes at the word Mom, but they quickly became cold again.

“You’ve been nothing but a disappointment. You do this, and I wash my hands of you.”

Ally sagged into me at the harshness of her mother’s words, her hand dropping in defeat.

“You coldhearted bitch,” I seethed. “How could you say that to her? You’ll turn your back on your own daughter because she wants to be happy?” I shook my head. “Of course you would. You turned your back on her when you chose that prick of a husband over her. I shouldn’t be surprised. You don’t deserve her.”

With those words, I lifted Ally into my arms, cradling her next to my chest. “We’re staying here for a while, and then I’m taking her home. Unless you want that scene, I suggest you step aside.” I indicated the small groups, still hovering around, now watching us with interest. “I’m sure your counterparts would love a good show to talk about at your lunch.”

With a glare, Sarah turned on her heel and stormed away. Ignoring everything and everyone around us, I walked over to Elena’s grave and sat down on the stone bench that was close, holding Ally.

We needed some time with Elena—alone.

* * *

“I tried to save her.”

“I know, Nightingale.”

“I talked to her at lunch, and she was fine. When I got there for dinner, I knocked, but she didn’t answer. I used my key and found her on the kitchen floor. I called the ambulance and started CPR. She wouldn’t wake up. I tried,” she repeated, her voice plaintive. “But she stopped breathing, and she was gone.”

I drew back, concerned, looking down at her. I had seen her strong and capable. Happy and laughing. Weary and tired. I had also seen the effect her mother and Ronald had on her, destroying anything positive and making her feel less than she was, but right now, she sounded so lost and vulnerable—almost broken.

“I’m sorry you found her like that, but I’m sure she knew you were there with her.”

“I hope so.” She exhaled a shaky breath. “I miss her already.”

I looked over at the fresh grave, blinking away the moisture that gathered in my eyes. “So do I.”

She tilted up her head. “She loved you, Adam.”

“I loved her.” I traced a finger down her cheek. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here for either of you.”

“You’re here now.”

“Too late to say goodbye.”

“Elena hated goodbyes. She always said ‘Until next time.’”

I lifted my hand and blew a kiss in the direction of the sky. “Until next time, you minx.” A tear slid down my cheek. Another followed in its path.

Ally cupped my cheek. “Let it out,” she whispered.

I pulled her to me, burying my face into her neck as the emotion crested. I mourned for Elena and for the future she would never see. I had wanted her to see us married. To hold our first child in her arms and know, beyond any doubt, her girl was safe and cared for and would be for the rest of her life. I had wanted to hear more of her stories and tease her so she’d laugh. Share another hundred different scotches with her. Let her take my money and give it to whatever charity she wanted. Send her flowers every week for another twenty years.