Page 85 of Because You Loved Me

They were all desperately in need of some new, happier memories.

“It’s going to be great, Mom. I promise. Let me get you a mimosa before I organize the hairstylist, okay? You just relax. Ryan said his mom will be here soon and you two can get ready together.”

Noa snuck out into the hallway before she got caught up in any more of her mother’s stress.

“Don’t tell me you’re allergic to weddings that aren’t your own, too.”

Noa looked up to see Grandma Rose smiling at her.

“Give me a hug, Noa. I’ve missed you.”

Noa didn’t have to be asked twice. She embraced her grandma and inhaled her sweet, baby powder scent. “I’ve missed you, too, Grandma. So much.”

“I’m glad you’re back.” Grandma Rose stepped back. “And I’m really happy to hear that you’re not marrying Ryan. Nothing against him, of course.”

“Of course.” Noa winked. “Talking to you helped more than you’ll ever know, Grandma. Thank you.” Again, in what was becoming a habit, her fingers moved to the rose around her neck.

Grandma Rose followed the movement and smiled. “Does this mean that there’s a new young man in your life now?”

“Oh, well…” The question took her off guard. “I…” The emotion she’d been doing her best to hold at bay for the last twenty-four hours flooded through her all at once. Noa worked hard to keep her grandma from noticing that her question had affected her. She turned away and swallowed hard. When she turned back, Grandma Rose was watching her with a knowing smile.

“I see.”

“What?”

“It’s the stuck-in-your-throat kind of love. I had a feeling it might be.” Grandma Rose patted her arm. Noa only stared at her grandma.

“And I’m not talking about your fiancé, my dear.”

“It’s crazy, though.” Noa didn’t bother to deny it, because her grandma was right. Maybe it was crazy or too soon, or maybe it wasn’t based on anything real or lasting, but it didn’t matter, because that’s exactly what it was.A stuck-in-my-throat kind of love.The mere thought of not seeing Asher again made it hard to swallow. It made it hard to breathe. “I thought it might be,” she admitted. “But now I’m not so sure. It didn’t…he didn’t…well, it’s complicated.”

“It always is, sweetheart.”

“I really need to focus on everything today.” Noa tried to redirect the conversation. “Maybe tomorrow, I can?—”

“There’s no maybe about it.” Grandma Rose winked at her. “I may be a little old lady, but there are a few things I know for sure. And one of them is that when that kind of love hits you, the biggest mistake you can make is to turn away from it.” Her expression grew serious for the first time. “I understand that today is important to the family.”

Noa nodded.

“But don’t make the mistake of letting too much time go by, Noa. Whatever you do in life, do it with no regrets.”

No regrets.

Noa nodded again.

“Promise an old lady.” Grandma Rose’s smile was back.

“I promise, Grandma.” She laughed and kissed her on the cheek. “No regrets.”

* * *

Everything felt so much clearer in the light of day.

After an emotional night of reading and rereading his father’s letter, and for the first time in his life, allowing himself to get really honest about what it was he wanted, Asher woke up and knew exactly what he wanted.

Or more specifically,whohe wanted.

Noa.

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