Page 74 of Between the Stars

“Took him long enough” is Josie’s reply.

I haven’t said a word since we left the church. Am I in shock? I think I am.

“She’s pregnant,” Josie says, tipping her head back to me.

She gave away my secret, yet still, no words form.

“Holy shit,” Lillian gasps and looks back at me.

“It’s not Griff’s,” I whisper, still trying to catch my breath. “Take me to Radnor Park. I need to think.”

“Like I know where the fuck that is.” Josie throws her hands up.

“Turn left.” I stare at my cell phone in my hand and the constant ring. Jace has called fifteen times since I left the church. I send him a text with a ping to the park and a message that says: We need to talk.

He doesn’t reply.

“Now what?” Josie asks, pulling into the park.

I reach for the door handle. “Let me out. I need to find Jace.”

“Where is he?” Lillian’s head whips around, searching the parking lot.

“I don’t know, but if he’s serious, he’ll meet me here.” I step out in my wedding gown and stand at the passenger side of the car. “Go back to the hotel. I’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure?” Lillian searches my eyes. “What if he doesn’t show up?”

“He just stopped my wedding. He’ll show.”

I know I’m putting a lot of trust in him at the moment, but I don’t know what else to do.

* * *

As I siton a park bench, I hear the rumble, but I don’t look back. I know Jace is standing behind me by the steady rhythmic pump of my heart, but still, I don’t look back.

He brushes his shoulder against mine, but words don’t follow.

I look back at the car. “Nice car.”

He turns and searches my eyes. Lifting his hand, he tucks strands of hair behind my ear. “I bought it.”

“Why?”

His jaw works back and forth and he swallows. He lifts my chin with his fingertips, our explosive chemistry surging through me. We’re locked in a stare, mine terrified, his tormented. “Because it reminds me of a girl.”

Tears roll quietly down heated cheeks. “Why’d you wait until my wedding day to say something?”

“I don’t know. Working up the guts I suppose,” he admits. “I thought you’d be happier with him.”

“So why’d you come then?”

“I got your message. And I had to see for myself if it were true.” His jaw flexes, emotions he holds hostage hidden deep behind a furrowed brow. “If I saw at you up there and you looked happy, I would have walked away. But I saw relief when I stepped in, and couldn’t stop myself.”

Tears roll down my cheeks mixing with the rain. I turn toward him and he cradles my face. I think he’s going to kiss me, but he doesn’t. “And now?”

“You still terrify me,” he admits. “I’m always going to wonder if I’m good enough for little Abigale Lockett, but not having you is unacceptable. I can’t do it. I don’t want to anymore.”

“Maybe I’m not good enough for you.” The wind displaces my hair. “Ever thought about that?”

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