Page 71 of Between the Stars

I stare at Josie. Her face is white as a ghost. Her eyes drop to my stomach, and then back to my face. She shakes her head, as if to say, don’t, quietly, and I want so bad to stop this. To step toward her and let her help me out of this, but I don’t know how to make my feet move.

I stare through a small slit in the doors at the guests arriving. Seated in the pews, the girl Griff told me is just a friend. I wonder if she’ll object. Would I thank her for saving me?

My heart races and I stare at my phone in my palm, wishing he’ll call me so I’ll have the guts to do something. Should I call him and beg him to honor his words? I’ll never get far from him or do I leave this up to fate?

I don’t though. I wait to see if he’s going to do something about what I sent him last night.

Just before we’re pushed out the door to start the wedding, Josie whispers, “If he doesn’t show, I’m going to say something. But you and I both know Jace isn’t going to let you marry anyone but him.”

I nod, knowing it’s the only way. And maybe I need to stand up for myself, but don’t hate me.

My dad reaches for my hand. “You look beautiful, Abbi.”

No, I’m broken. There’s no beauty in this.

CHAPTER29

Do you object?

ABBI

Please show.

My heart isin my throat and I can’t for the life of me put one foot in front of the other, but I do. I walk down the aisle holding onto my dad’s hand. I stare at the guests, each face forgettable, and though they think the tears are from a bride-to-be happy and content with her decision, they have no idea the way my heart is ripping apart.

My dad smiles, my mom cries. Josie looks worried, her eyes darting to the church doors behind me, to Griff, and then me, ready to object herself. She knows I can’t make myself do it.

Griff portrays the charming man he is in front of others but leans in. “Are you crying because he didn’t show?” Griff asks, a smile on his face and tenderness he’s forced into his expression.

I close my eyes, my stomach rolling but my voice doesn’t surface. I want to say something. I almost do because happiness does not look like this and I’m not giving him forever.

The pastor begins the ceremony and I feel my pulse in my throat and temples. It thumps wildly, waiting for my words to be set free.

I can’t marry you.

I don’t love you.

I don’t recall any of his speech about marriage and the sacred vows we’re about to repeat. What I do remember is the sound of an Impala idling outside. My heart skips a beat and then my eyes dart to Josie.

She’s grinning. “It’s about time,” she whispers, her eyes on the doors.

Griff looks to me, and then the doors as they open and everyone turns to look. The man who said I’d never get far from him steps inside.

Standing at the entrance of the church doors, Jace tucks his free hand into the pocket of his black suit, waiting.

“What the fuck is he doing here?” Griff grumbles.

When bloodshot-red meets tear-filled blue, I know it’s written in the stars. He’s here. For me. And he’s not leaving unless I’m going with him.

Stepping forward, he sighs, his eyes are locked on mine, swimming with our memories. “I object.”

CHAPTER30

Choose me

JACE

I fucking object.

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