Page 27 of When Forever Comes

“Which explains why God has given you a dreamy billionaire,” she says, bumping my shoulder with hers.

“There’s something else,” I say, my gut rolling at what I have to say next.

“What?”

“Do you remember the fire at the admin building back when I was in high school?”

Dana removes the cardigan and puts it back on the hanger, then locks her eyes on mine. “Yeah?”

“West thought he was responsible.” Tears blur my vision.

“How?”

I tell her the rest of the story. By the time I’m finished, her eyes are misty.

“That’s why he left?” She wipes at her eyes.

I nod. “Apparently, Dad wrote his family a letter stating if he and his parents left, he’d be free of any charges.”

Dana launches herself at me and hugs me firmer than she’s ever hugged me before.

“Dad has some things to answer for when we get home,” she says as she pulls away.

“He does.” My chest aches at the thought of going home, of leaving West.

I look through my new wardrobe to try to distract myself.

“So, what do you think of this?” I ask, holding up a powder blue sundress.

Dana’s sad smile turns happy. “Perfect.” She sorts through the shoes and pulls out white sandals. “And these?”

“Love.”

After hugging my sister good night, I head to bed. The mattress holds me just right. It’s the perfect amount of soft and firm. West’s room still smells of him. I sleep more peacefully than I have in ten years.

When I wake up, Dana curls my hair and I put on some tinted lip gloss, mascara, and a hint of blush.

At seven a.m. sharp, the bell dings.

“Coming!” Dana shouts before scrambling to the foyer and greeting West.

I follow behind, butterflies erupting in my midsection.

“Good morning,” West greets Dana. When he sees me, he snaps his mouth closed. A muscle pulses in his jaw as he takes me in.

“Hi,” I say, trying to break through the wave of nerves threatening to ruin this moment.

“You look stunning,” West mutters, closing the distance between us in three long strides. The navy-blue suit, white button-down shirt, and no tie is slightly dressed down from the black suit he wore yesterday.

He takes my hands and twirls me. I can feel his eyes roam over me and don’t hate the way it makes my insides turn gooey.

“Well, you two lovebirds have fun!” Dana says, grabbing her beach bag from the table and stepping into the elevator.

“Aren’t we the ones leaving?” I ask West.

“Yes—” he begins.

Dana cuts him off. “But the helicopter pad is just above you.” She squeals. “Can you believe it?” The door begins closing, so Dana adds, “Have fun!” before it shuts.

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